USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > History of Washington County : from its first settlement to the present time, first under Virginia as Yohogania, Ohio, or Augusta County until 1781, and subsequently under Pennsylvania > Part 28
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North Buffalo U. P. church was organized about 1780. Rev. Matthew Henderson was pastor from 1781 until October 2, 1795 ; Rev. Robert Laing from 1796 until 1805; Rev. David French from July 2, 1811, until June 14, 1853; Rev. W. M. C. Gibson from November 29, 1855, until November 12, 1861; Rev. R. C. Welch from May 14, 1867, to December 22, 1868, with a membership of one hundred and seventeen.
South Buffalo U. P. church was organized in 1810. Rev. David French was pastor from July 2, 1811, until November 22, 1852; Rev. James G. Carson from November 13, 1856, until April 30, 1867, with a membership of eighty-one.
MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
This township, by a decree of the court, was erected 12th May, 1806.
Its original boundaries were Cecil township on the northeast, Chartiers on the southeast, Canton and Hopewell on the south, Cross Creek on the west, and Smith on the northwest : greatest length 9 miles, breadth 52 miles.
Its boundaries are Smith and Robinson townships on the north ; Cecil and Chartiers on the east; Chartiers, Canton, and Hopewell on the south; and Smith, Cross Creek, and Hopewell on the west. It is centrally distant from Washington, northwest, 10 miles. In 1860 its population was 1348, of which 20 were colored. It is drained north by Racoon Creek, south and east by Chartiers' Creek and branches of that stream, and west by the middle fork of Cross Creek.
It has four stores, ten schools, employing three male and seven female teachers, the former receiving $32.26 and the latter $30.57 monthly, with 366 scholars, 175 males and 191 females, the cost of tuition being $1.04 per month ; amount levied for school purposes, $1620.63 ; State appropriation, $129.48.
Hickory is its chief town, and, from its position in the township, roads to all parts radiate from it. It contains 52 dwellings-fair grounds, beautifully located-a population of 280, and the neces- sary number of stores and mechanical branches.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Adjoining the town is Mount Pleasant U. P. church, a hand- some brick building. It was organized about 1809. Its pulpit has been filled by Rev. W. C. Brownlee, D. D., from May 3, 1809, to September 1, 1812 ; Rev. Alexander Donan from July 6, 1819, to April 20, 1852; Rev. Joseph R. Thompson from April 28, 1853, to December 16, 1861; Rev. W. A. McConnel from July 4, 1865, to the present time, with a membership of 160.
This congregation is occupying the third house of worship; the present was erected in 1868, at a cost of $12,000, built of brick, 60 by 80 feet, handsomely frescoed, and finished in modern style. The Sabbath school has one hundred scholars under competent teachers, with an excellent library.
One mile west of Hickory is Mount Prospect Presbyterian church, which was organized in the year 1826. This congregation has had two church edifices, the first of frame, built immediately upon its organization, the second of brick, built two years since.
The ministers who have officiated as pastors since its organiza- tion were: 1, Rev. David Hervey ; 2, Rev. John Moore; 3, Rev. David R. Campbell; 4, Rev. W. B. Keeling ; 5, Rev. J. C. Cald- well; 6, Rev. R. T. Price, the present faithful incumbent. There is a Sabbath school connected with the church.
CARROLL TOWNSHIP
Was formed on September . 30, 1834, from Nottingham and Fal- lowfield. It was originally named by the viewers Knox township, but the court changed it to Carroll.
Its boundaries are the Monongahela River and Union township. on the north, the Monongahela River on the east, Fallowfield and Monongahela River on the south, and Nottingham and Fallowfield on the west. It is centrally distant from Washington nineteen miles. In 1860 its population was 1907, of which 74 were colored .. It has five stores, one confectionery, nine schools, with two male and. seven female teachers, their pay being $35 per month, with 486 scholars, 267 males and 219 females, cost of tuition per month being 79 cents; amount levied for school tax purposes, $1480.92; State. appropriation, $132.60 ; greatest length eight miles, breadth three miles.
Its towns are Monongahela City (formerly Parkinson's Ferry, but: subsequently called Williamsport); Columbia, population 200, on the. Monongahela River. Monongahela City being a borough, its his -- tory will be given after the villages.
September 12, 1814. Charles DeHass laid out the town of Co -. lumbia this day, on the farm of Mr. Hoover, four miles above. Wil -. liamsport. The proprietor, to induce people to purchase lots,, says, it is in contemplation to form a new county, and from its being so. very central in the contemplated county, he has laid off the town. with large lots, and wide streets and alleys, with public grounds for a church, academy, burying-ground, public buildings, &c. Colum- 1€
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
bia is in a deep bend of the river, twenty-one miles distant from Washington.
There are the remains of an old Presbyterian church on the farm of William Crawford, now owned by John Wilson, Esq. It was built about 1785, and additions were made to it until it had sixteen cor- ners; the Rev. Mr. Ralston occupied the pulpit. The burying ground is used by the old citizens. The remains of this church are three miles from Monongahela City, and close to the township line which separates Carrol and Fallowfield.
The Horseshoe Baptist Church is two miles from Monongahela City, erected in 1790. The first church was built of logs, but the present one is brick. Rev. Mr. Hargrave is the present pastor.
This township contains two grist-mills, one paper mill, and five collieries.
Ginger Hill Lutheran Church was erected in 1847; built of brick ; of modern style; Rev. Mr. Waters, Rev. Mr. Emory, Rev. Mr. Mel- hom, Rev. A. Wylie, Rev. Mr. Ryder were the pastors.
There is an United Brethren Church near the tollgate, in which the different denominations occasionally preach, with no settled pastor.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
This township was organized March 31, 1836, from Peters and Nottingham townships. On September 1, 1846, the boundary lines between Union and Peters were confirmed by the court, and another change and confirmation took place at the November term 1862.
Its boundaries are Allegheny County on the north, Allegheny Coun- ty and the Monongahela River on the east, Carroll township on the south, and Peters and Nottingham on the west. It is centrally distant from Washington 14 miles. In 1860 its population was 1452, of which 10 are colored. Greatest length 6 miles, breadth 3 miles. It has nine stores, seven schools, employing four male and three female teachers, at $40 per month, with 435 scholars, 229 males 196 females; the cost of tuition being 75 cents per month ; taxes levied for school purposes $1776.11 ; State appropriation $141.96.
Its towns are Limetown and Finleyville.
Finleyville is on the road from Washington to Pittsburg, 12 miles northeast of Washington. It was laid out by a sea-captain who purchased the land and named the place Rogue Alley, after the name of his ship. He sold it to James Finley and Mr. Mellinger, about 1790, from which time it bears the name of Finleyville. It has a population of about eighty, and also an Odd Fellows' hall.
Limetown is on the left bank of the Monongahela River. The town is chiefly composed of miners, there being many large and extensive collieries in the immediate vicinity of the place. The town may be said to extend about four miles, the houses being built upon lots, on the narrow strip of land between the Monongahela River and the abrupt hills, under which lie immense strata of bituminous coal.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
There are about 650 inhabitants. Several extensive stores are doing a successful business.
In connection with the original history of this township, we may state that John Wright, father of Enoch Wright, Esq., N. Powers, and another man started with produce to New Orleans, and below Wheeling were attacked by the Indians in ambuscade ; after wound- ing several Indians, Wright and Pomeroy were captured, Powers being wounded was killed, but Wright was burned at the stake after being taken to Sandusky.
Near Findleyville is a Seceder church which was organized about 1832 ; the last minister was Rev. Thomas Callohan.
The Presbyterian church of Mingo was organized in the year 1786. It is two miles south of Findleyville on a branch of Mingo Creek. From the records of the Redstone Presbytery, I find that Mingo Creek, Horseshoebottom, and Pike Run churches applied to Presby- tery for a minister on August, 15, 1786. Rev. Samuel Ralston, D.D., was its first regular pastor. He was ordained and installed Nov- vember 30, 1796, and took charge of this congregation and the one at Monongahela City, formerly Parkinson's Ferry, although he after- wards resigned its charge in 1836. He officiated in Mingo Creek for forty years. His successors were Rev. Mr. Shotwell, Rev. James M. Smith, Rev. John R. Dunlap, Rev. Mr. Rockwell, Rev. Mr. Greenough, and Rev. J. J. Beacom. At present they have no set- tled pastor.
In 1828 a Sabbath-school was organized. In 1864 it had thirteen teachers and eighty-four scholars, with a library of three hundred and eighty-two volumes.
In February, 1794, the Mingo Creek Society was organized; it consisted of Col. Hamilton's battalion, and was governed by a presi- dent and council. The electors were those subject to military duty of eighteen years of age and upwards, who elected their respective captains in certain districts, and these captains elected the council, who by the constitution were required to be not less than twenty-five years of age. One councilman was chosen for each district. It met monthly at Mingo Creek meeting-house on the first Friday of each month.
This society had power to hear and determine all matters in vari- ance and dispute between parties, encourage teachers of schools, introduce the Bible and other religious books into schools, encourage the industrious and men of merit. No money could be expended unless by vote of the society.
MONONGAHELA CITY.
On July 25th, 1796, Joseph Parkinson laid out on the western banks of the Monongahela River and below the mouth of Pigeon Creek at Parkinson's Ferry, a town which he named Williamsport, but it generally took the name of Parkinson's Ferry, because the
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
post-office was so called. In 1833 the name of the post-office was changed to Williamsport, and on April 1, 1837, it was changed from Williamsport to Monongahela City.
The town was situated on the main road leading from Philadelphia to Washington, being twenty miles distant from this latter place. It is well to be remembered that Mr. Parkinson reserved the Ferry for himself and his heirs, but sold the lots in three equal annual pay- ments, donating, however, one lot for a market-house and another for a meeting-honse. All lots were sixty by two hundred feet with the necessary number of streets (sixty feet wide), and alleys (twenty feet wide).
An addition to the original plan of the town was made by Adam Wickerham, who laid out the lots west of Capt. Harvey's hotel, and named it Georgetown, but when the act of incorporation was procured for Monongahela City, the charter embraced both Williamsport, Georgetown, and some additional outlots.
This place has a world-wide fame as Parkinson's Ferry, as it was the rallying point during the whiskey insurrection, full particulars of which will be found in the Appendix, Chapter IV.
We shall mention the public buildings and works as they were kindly pointed to us by several of the citizens.
HORSESHOEBOTTOM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Rev. Dr. Samuel Ralston, D. D., received a call from this and Mingo Creek congregations in November, 1796, which he accepted and was therefore ordained. In the latter church he labored forty years, and in the former thirty-five years. This Horseshoebottom congregation was originally established three and one-half miles from Parkinson's Ferry, on the ridge road leading from this place to Brownsville on Simon Wilson's farm. It was a log church, had a 'graveyard connected with it, and part of the foundation is still visible. (See p. 240).
Dr. Ralston preached in this church until 1807, when it was removed to (Williamsport) Monongahela City. Mr. Moore, says : Dr. Ralston preached his first sermon in a little school-house near the present church building, preaching two years in the winter time in this school-house, and in the summer time in a tent in a sugar grove below town. Mr. Lamb and his wife were the first two persons who joined the church in Williamsport. The first communion was held in August, 1816, when Dr. Ralston was assisted by Rev. Matthew Brown, D. D. The whole number of communicants at that time were forty-five.
The church is located on Chess Street, a neat, substantial brick ouilding ; its pulpit has been filled by Rev. Dr. Ralston until 1835. His successors have been Rev. George D. Porter, from 1835 to 1838, Rev. J. W. Kerr from 1839 to 1861, Rev. S. G. Dunlap from 1862 to 1867, Rev. J. S. Sutchell from 1867 to the present time, but I learn he has sent in nis resignation.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
The following persons have been ordained ruling elders since the pastorate of Dr. Ralston, viz: James Hair, James McGrew, Jesse Martin, Robert McFarland, Aaron Kerr, Isaac Vanvoorhis, James Gordon, Henry Fulton, Joseph Kiddoo, John Power, James Dickcy, James Curry, E. W. Tower, John Wright, Francis J. Gardner, David Moore, David D. Yohe, Samuel Hindman, three of whom have passed into the spirit land, each upwards of eighty years of age, to receive a crown of righteousness.
There is a Sabbath school connected with the church, which by the last report numbers 17 teachers, 250 scholars, and has a library of about fifteen hundred volumes. Its organization is placed at various dates, but the Rev. Mr. Dunlap thinks it was established in the year 1822.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Rev. John Morgan and Rev. Alfred Bryan as missionaries insti- tuted the Cumberland Presbyterian church on the 31st of Jan. 1833, in this place. A church was erected and ready for occupancy by September 1, 1833. The following ministers were ordained as pas- tors : 1833, Rev. Samuel M. Sparks ; 1834, Rev. Alexander Robinson; 1835, Rev. S. M. Sparks; 1836, Rev. John Carey; 1837, Rev. Saml. E. Hudson ; 1840, Rev. Mr. Dunlap ; 1841, Rev. B. Miller; 1842, Rev. Mr. Brice. The books show a membership of one hundred and four members, but for the last twenty years there has been no regular meetings held, the members having joined other denominations.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Was organized about the year 1812. Two local preachers by the name of Riggs (who were brothers) held the first meeting on the farm of Mrs. Baxter, now owned by Ira Butler. In 1813 the first class-meeting was held in the house which stood at the corner of Race Street and Cherry Alley, which was owned by Wm. Wicker- ham. The first Methodist preaching was held in the log school- house, on the same lot on which the Presbyterian church now stands. In 1833, Rev. Dr. Charles Cook being stationed preacher, applied himself diligently to the work, and the substantial brick edifice on the corner of Race and Chess streets was erected, at a cost of twenty- five hundred dollars, Wm. Imsen having presented the lot. The congregation worshipped in this edifice until 1868, when they erected a new building on Main Street, which cost forty-five thousand dol- lars, a magnificent structure, and does honor to that denomination. Rev. Hiram Miller is the present officiating clergyman. We regret exceedingly our inability to procure the records of a church which in a little more than half a century held their first meeting in a log · school-house, and now boasts of the finest architectural church in Monongahela City.
There is a Sabbath school connected with the church, organized
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
January 1, 1820, of which Thomas Collins, Esq., was chosen first superintendent. It has twenty teachers, and a library of three hundred volumes.
WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH.
This denomination has an organization in Monongahela City.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The parish of St. Paul's Episcopal Church was organized by Rev. Bishop Alonzo Potter, at Monongahela City, November, 18, 1863, the following persons being elected vestrymen : William Manown,, John S. Markle, R. T. Robinson, R. M. Gee, Francis Nelson, James P. Shepler, and E. W. Crittenden.
The corner-stone of their beautiful church was laid in 1866. It being a Gothic stone building of fifty by ninety feet, with a tower attached, at a cost of fifteen thousand dollars. December 4, 1863, Rev. H. Mackay took charge as the first rector. He served until March 1870, when Rev. J. B. Linskea was elected.
It has a Sabbath school with eight teachers and eighty scholars. . It was organized in the spring of 1862, by Rev. Mr. Ten Broeck, who preached as a missionary one year before the church was esta- blished.
CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION
Have a church, which was organized as early as 1816, and has received the services of such eminent divines as father McGuire, O'Conner, &c. The Catholic church is named the church of the Transfiguration. It was built in 1865, and is situated in the west end of the city ; its erection cost six thousand dollars. The build- ing was commenced under the Rev. Dennis Kearney. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. John O. G. Scanlon, who was followed by the Rev. William F. Hayes, the present pastor.
There are one hundred and seventeen families connected with the church.
LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This congregation has recently purchased the Methodist Episco- pal church edifice, on the corner of Race and Chess Streets, having paid for the same thirty-seven hundred dollars. It is under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Rider, who, by his zeal in his master's cause, bids fair to add another auxiliary to the propagation of the religion of Christ.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Was organized in 1860. Rev. R. R. Sutton was the first minister ; his successor is Rev. Mr. Hardgrave. The congregation are erect-
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
ing a church thirty-seven by fifty feet. It was incorporated in
1869. There is a Sabbath-school attached.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Was founded in 1833. The ministers who have officiated as regu- lar pastors comprise the following persons : 1833, Rev. Samuel Clingman ; 1835, Thomas Lawrence; 1836, Rev. S. Clingman ; 1838, Rev. Wm. Newman ; 1840, Rev. Fayette Davis ; 1842, Rev. James Coleman ; 1844, Rev. George Coleman ; 1846, Rev. Augus- tus R. Greer ; 1848, Rev. Wm. Morgan ; 1849, Rev. James Cole- man ; 1850, Rev. Nelson Carter; 1853, Rev. Levan Gross ; 1855, Rev. John W. Jones ; 1856, Rev. Shugart T. Jones; 1858, Rev. Levan Gross; 1860, Rev. S. T. Jones; 1861, Rev. Levan Gross ; 1863, Rev. A. Harwell; 1864, Rev. A. Harwell; 1865, Rev. L. Gross ; 1866, Rev. Charles Greene; 1867, Rev. Alfred Newman ; 1868, Rev. L. Gross; 1869, Rev. W. C. West; 1870, Rev. W. H. Thomas.
The congregation rented different houses to worship in, until 1842, when it made arrangements to build a suitable house. In 1849 the basement was finished, in which religious services were held, but the church was finally finished in 1858. The church has a mem- bership of ninety-five, and a Sabbath-school connected, with the usual number of teachers and scholars.
MONONGAHELA CEMETERY.
This beautiful city of the dead attracts universal admiration, not only for its situation, but the manner in which it is laid out. Here the sorrowing son and daughter of sighing humanity can quietly, peacefully, and with Christian resignation, commit the remains of their loved ones, buoyed up by the message of our Saviour, who whispers to each disconsolate heart, "What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter."
This company was established in 1863, and immediately after its organization purchased thirty-two acres for the purposes contem- plated by the charter. The improvements are estimated at sixty thousand dollars. Its officers are James Stockdale, Esq., President, William J. Alexander, Esq., Treasurer, and Dr. R. C. King, Sec- retary.
UNION SCHOOL-HOUSE
Is a beautiful, substantial, and plain three-story edifice, built in modern style, to promote the educational interests of the pupils.
Monongahela City has eight schools, employing two male and six female teachers, the former receiving $55 and the latter $40 per month, with four hundred and thirty nine scholars (224 males and 215 females). Cost of tuition per month, ninety-three cents for
.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
each scholar. Amount of tax levied for school purposes, $2903.88, and receiving from the State appropriation, $181.74.
It would be invidious were we to enter into a full account of the iron foundries, glass works, planing-mills, saw-mills, and others of private enterprise, but we believe in doing justice to the banking- house of Alexander & Co., and Union Paper Mills.
BANKING HOUSE
Was established in 1861, by Alexander & Co. The firm has now in process of erection a magnificent banking house on Main Street, with the private residence of W. J. Alexander, Esq., attached. The building is ornamented with a Mansard roof. Every possible pre- caution has been taken to make the banking departments not only fire but burglar proof. The establishment of this house, the gentle- manly and courteous manner, and obliging disposition of those who regulate it, have secured the entire approbation of the whole com- munity.
UNION PAPER-MILLS
Were originally erected by S. D. Culbertson. They are now owned by his son, Albert Culbertson, Esq. They employ thirty hands, and manufacture monthly one hundred and twenty-five tons of paper straw boards, using two steam engines, one forty horse power and one twelve horse power.
A description of the Odd Fellows' Hall we will reserve for Chapter VIII., as it more appropriately belongs there.
ALLEN TOWNSHIP
Was erected on the 14th day of June, 1853.
It is bounded on the north and west by Fallowfield township, on the east and south by the Monongahela River. Its greatest length 4 miles, its breadth 3 miles.
The lines of Allen township were changed by the court, May, 1859, by which the lands of T. C. Huggins, H. S. Chalfant, and Lucinda Chalfant were transferred to East Pike Run township.
Independence, the only village in this township, is opposite Cooks- town. The post-office is named Bellzane.
There are two Methodist Episcopal churches in this township. Howe's Methodist Episcopal Church is one-half mile from Green- field, on the road from Greenfield to Belle Vernon. The land was deeded to the church by Mr. Howe in the year 1818.
The other church is called Mount Tabor M. E. Church. The land was formerly owned by the Quakers, who use the burying ground. It is situate half way between Cookstown and Greenfield. Its pastor is Rev. C. H. Edwards.
Speers' Baptist Church is on the banks of the Monongahela River, at Speers' Ferry. The church was organized in 1795, Its
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
first preacher was Rev. Mr. Speers. His successors were Rev. Mr. Winnet, Rev. Mr. Whitlack.
This township contains four extensive collierics, two stores, and two grist-mills. Baldwin's water-mill, turned by water power, was among the oldest mills in the county, to which persons came for many miles. In 1860 it had a population of 635, of which 14 were colored. At this time it has four schools, employing two male and two female teachers, the former at $37.50, the latter at $36.25, with 185 scholars, 93 males and 92 females, the cost of tuition monthly being 99 cents ; tax levied for school purposes, $587.52 ; amount received from State appropriation, $66.69.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP
Was erected out of.Cross Creek township on the 16th day of June, 1853.
It is bounded north by Hanover, east by Cross Creek and Hanover, south by Independence, and west by West Virginia. Greatest length 72 miles, breadth 4 miles.
Eldersville is the only town in the township in its northern part, containing 40 dwellings and a Methodist Protestant church, with a population of 218. It is 19 miles from Washington.
The township has four stores, six schools, employing three male and three female teachers, at $30 per month, with 303 scholars, 159 males and 144 females, tuition costing per month 77 cents; tax levied for school purposes, $767.33; for building purposes $767.33, and receiving from the State appropriation $90.48.
There is a Methodist Episcopal church near Mr. Gillespie's farm, on the road leading from Eldersville to Wellsburg, and a Presby- terian church near Mr. Weaver's; also, several grist and saw-mills.
The Pittsburg and Steubenville Railroad passes through the north- ern part of this township.
The township in 1860 had a population of 984, of which 8 were colored.
INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP
Was formed May 18, 1853, from Hopewell township.
It is bounded north by Jefferson and Cross Creek, south by Done- gal, east by Cross Creek and Hopewell, and west by West Virginia. Greatest length 7 miles, breadth 4 miles.
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