USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Washington > History of the Presbytery of Washington : including a brief account of the planting of the Presbyterian church in Western Pennsylvania and parts adjacent, with sketches of pioneer ministers and ruling elders ; also sketches of later ministers and ruling elders > Part 21
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JAMES HUGHES .- This is another honored name. He was a child of this church, and a son of one of its first elders. He was a very capable business man, and as such was widely known. He served a long time as' Justice of the Peace, and in that capa- city he retained the confidence and esteem generally of those who had business with him. He was a man of peace, and his first and chief endeavor was to bring about a peaceable settle- ment of all differences which came before him; and in his en- deavors he generally succeeded. He was a man of most excel- lent Christian spirit, and most exemplary in all his deportment. His own spiritual interests, and the interests of his Redeemer's kingdom were paramount with him, and so, as a man and a Christian, he was one of the most influential in his community. He was ordained an elder in 1844, and died in 1872.
JAMES LEE was another man of extended influence. He was perhaps more widely known than other elders in this church either before or since his day.
He was a capable man, and quite influential, although not so eminent for his spirituality as some of his associates, yet he de- servedly bears the name of a very good man. He is remembered as a very liberal and a very useful man. He was born in Cross Creek Township, on the farm now occupied by Mr. W. Craig Lee, in 1794, was installed an elder in February, 1851, and died June 12, 1867.
JAMES RANKIN was a man of very decided character. He had strong convictions, and he tried to carry them out. His judg- ment was good, and his perseverance and energy remarkable. His whole life through he was a very active man, and one who won and retained, in a very good degree, the respect and confi- dence of his community. As a Christian he was very humble, but very sincere. The cause of Christ and His Church was very dear to him, and those who knew him best knew him as a warm-hearted Christian man.
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As an elder he was both influential and useful. As a friend he was faithful and devoted, and in every relation he was true. He was ordained an elder in March, 1859; married Martha Ste- venson. He removed to Burgettstown in 1883, and died in 1887.
ANDREW DONALDSON is another name well remembered in the church and community. His carlier church life was spent in other congregations. He came to this church a mature Chris- tian man, past the middle of his life. He was a very modest and unassuming man, retiring in his disposition, but firm and carnest, and sincere in his religious convictions. He was a man of good spirit and faithful as an elder. He has left a name worthy of the high esteem in which it is held. He was born July 10, 1802 ; married Ellen Wilson February 1, 1840; ordained an elder January 25, 1867 ; died July 12, 1880.
WHEELING FIRST.
ANDREW WOODS was one of the first bench of elders. He came from Botetourt County, Va., and was a brother of Colonel Archie Woods, also of Wheeling. Andrew married the widow of Major McCulloch, who made the famous horseback leap at Wheeling Creek in escaping from Indian pursuers. Mr. Woods' eldest daughter, Jane, was married to Rev. Dr. James Hoge, of Columbus, O. Rev. Moses A. Hoge, D.D., of Zanesville, O., is a grandson. Rev. Dr. Hall, of Mobile, Ala., married a grand- daughter, two of whose sons are ministers of the Southern Pres- byterian Church. Rev. Henry Woods, D.D., of Washington, Pa , and Rev. Francis M. Woods, of Martinsburg, W. Va., are grandsons.
REDICK MCKEE, a son of John and Sarah (Redick) McKee, was born at Mckeesport, Pa., December 7, 1800; was received into the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh in 1817, and the year following removed to Wheeling, where he resided for thirty years as a dealer in merchandise. He was active in the organization of the First Presbyterian Church, and was made an elder in 1826. Mr. McKee subsequently resided at San Fran- cisco, and Washington, D. C., filling various responsible posi- tions in both civil and ecclesiastical affairs. He died September
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13, 1886, in his eighty-sixth year. (Vide " Presbyterian Ency- clopedia," page 500).
JOHN LAUGHLIN, was ordained and installed as an elder in this church April 11, 1832, and died in 1856. He is said to have been a plain man ; but a thorough Christian, ever exemplifying the principles of the gospel in his daily life.
ZACHARIAH JACOB was ordained and installed October 10, 1835. JACOB SENSENEY, January 7, 1843.
JOHN ROBERTSON, February 20, 1850.
J. GAMBLE BAKER, ALEXANDER BONE, and JAMES PAULL Jan- uary, 1857.
In a sermon preached by Dr. Fisher in memory of JUDGE JAMES PAULL, he thus speaks of several of these brethren : "I remember him (Judge Paull) as the sixth of the ruling elders who have actively served this church during my pastorate, and who have now gone to join the General Assembly and Church of the first born. The first was John Robertson, who went to heaven soon after I came to this City. He was a good man. The next was that sweet-spirited, upright man, Jacob Senseney. The next was Zachariah Jacob, a man of sterner mould, but one who lived and labored for Christ and who died in the faith. The fourth was J. Gamble Baker; he, too, was a man of God. In the other world he has a higher place. This world was not worthy of him. The fifth was Joseph A. Metcalf. The term of his official service was not long, but it was sufficient greatly to endear him to many for his kindness and peaceable disposition. And now James Paull is with these brethren; and Dr. Weed, and Mr. Wylie, and that godly company who from this church have ascended to glory."
Mr. Paull, whose remote ancestors were among the early set- tlers in Western Pennsylvania, was a son of George and Elizabeth Paull, and was born near St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1818. He graduated at Washington College, Pa., 1835, and having studied law, located in Wheeling, Va. At the time of his death he was Judge of the Supreme Court of West Virginia. He died at Wheeling, May 11, 1875, and was buried at the Stone Church, Forks of Wheeling. Mr. Paull was first married to Jane A., daughter of Judge Fry. His second wife was Eliza J., daughter
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of Samuel Ott. Two sons are elders -- Alfred, in the First Church of Wheeling, and James, in the Church of Wellsburg.
ALEXANDER BONE was born on the Clyde, near Glasgow, Scot- land, and came to this country when he was a young man. He won the esteem and confidence of the business community and was one of the most accurate accountants in the City. He was a great Bible student and mighty in prayer. He will be long remembered by those who knew and loved him here. He died May 6, 1884.
WILLIAM RIHELDAFFER was a very modest and unassuming man, but had great spirituality and unction in prayer. He died June 8, 1883.
WEST UNION.
ALEXANDER GUNN. Ordained September 23, 1831; died May 8, 1848, in his Soth year.
DAVID STEWART. Ordained September 23, 1831 ; died Feb- ruary 2, 1852.
THOMAS STEELE, SR., Ordained September 23, IS31; died October 2, 1838.
JOHN MCCRACKEN. Ordained July, 1839; died January 28, 1882.
DAVID G. FLEMING. Ordained September 1, 1854; died July 12, 1882.
THOMAS STEELE, JR., Ordained March 28, 1867; died March 26, 1886.
BETHLEHEM.
JOHN POTTER was mainly instrumental in bringing about the organization of Bethlehem Church, and was its first elder. He was born December 15, 1803, in Allegheny county, Pa. At the age of twenty-one was ordained an elder in Mingo Church by its pastor, Rev. Dr. Ralston. Was married by the same to Eliza, daughter of James Hair, elder in the Church of Williamsport, and the father of Revs. Messrs. S. M. and Gilbert Hair. Mr. Potter settled in Beaver county, Pa., in 1830. It was a neigh- borhood where wickedness had greatly abounded, and the organization of the church was productive of the most blessed results. Mr. Potter was a very zealous Christian, and for some
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twenty-five years was in the employ of the American Tract Society, first as a colporteur and then as a general agent.
For the last eight years of his life he was employed as a City missionary in Philadelphia, under the auspices of Rev. Dr. Breed's church. The memory of his devoted and useful life is preserved in a small volume written by Dr. Breed and published by the Presbyterian Board, the title of which is, "John Potter, the Model Christian Worker."
He was taken to his rest August 28, 1878, very suddenly, at Darlington, Pa., in his 75th year, and was buried at Pine Creek, Pa. Four of his sons, James H., John N., Gilbert M. and Henry N. entered the ministry of the Presbyterian Church.
JONATHAN CROSS was one of the first bench of elders, ordained September 2, 1832. Became widely known as a colporteur of the American Tract Society. Subsequently entered the ministy. (Vide Presbyterial Record. )
WILLIAM RAMBO was one of the first bench of elders and for many years a pillar in the Bethlehem Church. Was a cheerful, happy Christian.
He removed to Iowa, and died there December 13, 1871. Not long before this he wrote: "Now I go the way of all flesh, lean- ing on the arm of the Beloved. I think I love the Lord Jesus. I love the Church, and the worship of God. I love the saints of the Lord. I love to talk about the doctrines of redemption. I love to commune with Jesus in secret. I love to commune with him in his public ordinances. I love to tell sinners about Jesus and the love of the Father in sending His Son into this . world to save sinners."
FRANKFORT.
RUSSEL MOORE was born in 1795, and was ordained and in- stalled an elder in this church February 5, 1838. He was natur- ally diffident and retiring, and yet he enjoyed the confidence of all who knew him. As an elder he was faithful in the discharge of every duty, always manifesting the deepest interest in the welfare of the Church. He loved the sanctuary; and his place in the house of God, until prevented by the infirmities of ad- vanced years, was seldom vacant. He was the father of Rev. J.
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Paden Moore, of the Presbytery of Fort Wayne. He died July 4, 1880, in the 85th year of his age.
SAMUEL MOORE was ordained and installed an elder in 1845, and died February 1876-thus serving the Church in this office about thirty years.
He was a man of most amiable and lovely spirit, an eminent and devoted Christian, and one in whom all had the most perfect confidence. He had great power in prayer, and his prayers were especially marked by earnestness and simplicity. He seemed to talk with God as a man talketh with his friend; and to plead with him as a child pleadeth with a parent. His end was peace.
JOHN STEVENSON was ordained an elder in this church April 17, 1858, and died July 1, 1878. His natural diffidence kept him from as great activity as many others; but his constant effort was to do his duty. As a man he was upright and conscientious; as a Christian, earnest and sincere, and as an elder judicious and faithful, He died in the full hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
WELLSBURG.
WILLIAM C. KIRKER, M.D., was received in membership with this church by profession of his faith, February 5, 1868.
He was elected and ordained a ruling elder about 1872, and died January 25, 1883. He was a man of deep piety, a con- sistent Christian, and a faithful officer of the Lord's house. He was possessed of large executive ability. Dr. Kirker was the only elder of this church who died while connected with this session.
WAYNESBURG.
OBADIAH VANCLEVE was born in Franklin County, Pa., near McConnellsburg, January 30, 1798; came to Greene County about 1823. Was made an elder in Unity Church in 1837, and when the church of Waynesburg was organized, in 1842, he be- came an elder there, and continued to serve until his death, February 22, 1873. He was faithful in his office as elder, and by his exemplary character, as well as his Christian zeal, did much to promote Christ's kingdom in the community where he lived.
Mr. Vancleve filled with acceptability the office of County
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Treasurer. Rev. W. S. Vancleve, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Gettysburg, Pa., is his youngest son.
COVE.
THOMAS ORR was an original member of session in this church, and was perhaps better known than any elder in the Presbytery at the time he lived. He was prominent in all matters pertaining to the interest of the church, both in temporal and spiritual affairs. As Justice of the Peace and Presiding Justice of the Court, as they were then constituted in Virginia, he occupied a prominent and influential position. It may be said to his honor that on the question of licensing the sale of intoxicating liquors, his opinions were far in advance of public sentiment at that time. He was firm and decided in his opposition to it, and lived to see his position sustained by all the members of the court. He was an only son of John Orr, elder at Three Springs. Was born March 8, 1789, and died April 2, 1852.
JAMES CAMPBELL, the other original elder, was naturally diffi- dent, but always faithful to his vows, both as a professed Christian and as an officer in the church. Died May 24, 1882.
GEORGE. G. and SAMUEL N. ORR were brothers, and sons of Thomas Orr. The date of their election cannot be definitely ascertained, in consequence of the loss of the records of the church ; perhaps it was about 1858. They both died in the same year. George died June 27 and Samuel February 5, 1882. They exercised their office about twenty-four years. Thomas E. Orr, eldest son of Samuel N., is a ruling elder in the Park Avenue Church, Pittsburgh, Pa.
JOHN C. CRAWFORD was elected an elder in 1858, and died November 21, 1885. He was a most influential and useful man, both in the church and his community, one whom all respected and loved, and died universally lamented. His son, William A., succeeds him as a member of the same session, having been elected elder August 21, 1886.
WHEELING, SECOND.
SAMUEL OTT was born at Woodstock, Va., September 4, 1799, where he united with the Presbyterian Church while a young
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man. He came to Wheeling in 1837, and became a member of the First Church, the only Presbyterian organization at that time in the city; and was there ordained as an elder, May 22, 1842. On February 18, 1848, he assisted in the organization of the Second Church, as one of its founders. On the same day he was elected and installed an elder in the newly-organized church. The Second Church is very largely indebted to his Christian character, his prudence and generosity, for her early support and prosperity. He was dismissed by letter on June 11, 1854, to unite with the Third Presbyterian Church, that he might be to it, in its establishment and early history, what he had been to the Second Church. He died at Wheeling, August 2, 1868. A man faithful to his convictions of right; righteous in his life, pious toward God, and devoted to his church. No layman by character, or purse, or Christian activity, has ever done more to extend and sustain the Presbyterian cause in the city of Wheeling.
WILLIAM B. QUARRIER was born at Richmond, Va., in 1800, and united with the Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Va. He removed to Wheeling in 1835, and connected himself with the First Church; was elected an elder in this church and ordained January 7, 1843. In the organization of the Second Church of Wheeling, he was a conspicuous and efficient agent. Was one of the fifteen original members, and was elected and installed an elder in its organization, February 18, 1848. He died April 2, 1862; and his memory is still precious in Wheeling, for he was a sincere Christian and a faithful officer of the church; true to all interests committed to his trust; a kind, genial gentleman, and had hosts of friends.
ROBERT CRANGLE was born in county Down, Ireland, June 4, 1816, and united in his youth with the Presbyterian Church at Porta-Ferry. He came to America in 1834, and settled in Pitts- burgh; his residence in Wheeling dates from 1836. He joined the First Church here by letter, and remained in connec- tion with it for several years, when he was received by cer- tificate into membership in the Second Church; and was ordained an elder February 25, 1849. He was soon appointed Superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and held this office for
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thirty-three years. During almost the whole time of his con- nection with this church, he was a leading member of the Board of Trustees. He was always prominent in the affairs of the con- gregation, taking a great interest in its welfare; contributing liberally to its support, and identifying himself with all its inter- ests; he was attentive to his duties in every official position which he occupied in the church, and as a worshiper he was always in his place. He died at his home in Wheeling Feb- ruary 22, 1888.
WILLIAM M. BERRYHILL was ordained an elder October 5, 1851. After rendering valuable services as the leader of the singing in the Sabbath-school and prayer-meeting for twenty years, he was dismissed to Martinsburgh, Ohio, where he died June 10, 1872.
ALEXANDER HADDEN was ordained an elder October 5, 1851. He was born in Tyrone County, Ireland, July 12, 1801 ; and came to America in 1825, his first residence in this country being in Philadelphia, Pa. Came to Wheeling in 1832, and united with the Associate-Reformed Presbyterian Church in 1841. Became by letter a member of the Second Presbyterian Church October 31, 1849. Dismissed to join the Presbyterian Church at Parkersburgh, Va., March 30, 1856; he died in Par- kersburgh. He was a useful man of business, with an unsullied reputation for integrity.
JAMES DALZELL was born in Rochester, N. Y., May 22, 1822. Was a son of Robert M. Dalzell, for many years an elder in the First Church of that city. He came to Wheeling when twenty- one years of age, and resided here until his death. Became a member of the Second Presbyterian Church by profession of his faith in Christ, January 17, 1849, and was ordained an elder June 1, 1856. He died at Wheeling August 15, 1882. He was a man of sterling character, honest and fearless in expressing his opinions ; orthodox, but not bigoted; an intense hater of shams and pretense of all sorts. In his active life he always showed himself worthy of the trusts reposed in him.
A. S. TODD, M.D., was born April 10, 1798. He came to Wheeling in 1819. He was ordained an elder in the Second Church November 24, 1872. He was dismissed March 22, 1882.
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He studied medicine at Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky. Practiced medicine in partnership with his brother Dr. Martin L. Todd, who soon resigned the entire practice to him. He continued in the active and successful practice of his profes- sion so long as his strength permitted. He died May 1, 1883. He was highly respected as a citizen, and widely and favorably known as a physician. One of his sons, Martin Luther, now deceased, entered the ministry of the Presbyterian Church.
WHEELING THIRD,
ANDREW HILL was born in Roxboroshire, Scotland, May 6, ISO5. He came to this country, settled in Wheeling, connected himself with this church, and was elected a ruling elder in July 1850. He served in this office with great acceptance until his death April 3, 1864.
SAMUEL OTT was installed a ruling elder in this church Janu- ary 14, 1854, and served in this capacity the remainder of his life. He died August 2, 1868. (Vide Wheeling Second.)
BURGETTSTOWN.
ROBERT PATTERSON was a son of Josiah Patterson who emigra- ted in 1806, from Path Valley, Cumberland County, and settled near Burgettstown, Washington County, Pa. Robert, who suc- ceeded to the paternal estate, was ordained an elder in Cross Roads Church in August, 1831. He was mainly instrumental in founding the church at Burgettstown, and was one of its first elders and its strong support until his death January 1861, aged seventy-six years.
He was a practical surveyor, and acting Justice of the Peace from 1818 to 1834. Was of exemplary character, and lived an eminently useful life. His liberality in contributing to church objects was proverbial, and at his death he bequeathed to each of the Church Boards two hundred dollars, and a like sum cach, to the Bible, Tract and Colonization Societies. A son, James L. Patterson, who was graduated from Washington College in 1842, is an elder in the Burgettstown Church. A daughter, Mary, became the wife of Rev. J. T. Fredericks.
THOMAS THOMPSON was one of the first bench of elders. He
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had been previously ordained an elder at Cross Roads in 1820. He was installed March 29, 1850, and served until his death June 23, 1850. He was a very devout man, much given to secret prayer and noted for his fluency in public prayer.
WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM was received from Cross Creek Church, where he had confessed Christ in his sixteenth year, and at thirty-three (33) years of age was made Sabbath-school Superin- tendent. He was active in preparing the way for the organization at Burgettstown, and was ordained an elder there March, 1850, and excepting five years of absence from the congre- gation, continued to serve until his death in 1878, aged sev- enty-eight. Mr. Cunningham was a zealous worker in the church and Sabbath-school, finding his chief joy in the house of God, faithful in visiting the sick, and much gifted in prayer.
In his earlier years it was his habit to regularly attend the mid-week prayer-meeting, though it oftentimes required him to lay aside pressing secular engagements and travel three miles at the close of a hard day's labor. The memory of his exemplary zeal still abides in the congregation.
JOHN MOORE was ordained and installed an elder March, 1850. His service was interrupted by some periods of absence, but he was in office when he died June 21, 1872, aged sixty-nine. He was a quiet, unassuming Christian gentleman, always found in the line of duty, exerting a wholesome influence upon those with whom he was associated.
HON. JOHN FARRAR was the oldest son of Samuel and Jane (Simonton) Farrar, and was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pa., January 7, ISIS, and died at his resi- dence near Burgettstown, January 6, 1875. When twenty-three years of age he confessed Christ in the church at Raccoon, where he subsequently served as Sabbath-school Superintendent. Re- moving in 1853, to Rock Island County, Ill., he resumed Sab- bath-school work, and aided in establishing a church at Beulah of which he was ordained an elder.
After returning to Pennsylvania in 1857, he served as elder in the church of Burgettstown, and then in Raccoon Church until his death. In 1866 was elected an Associate Judge of Wash- ington County, in which position his influence was uniformly ex-
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ercised against the licensing of drinking saloons or bar-rooms. In 1874 he was elected to the State Legislature, but did not live to take his seat. In all his adult Christian life of more than the third of a century he was universally esteemed as a gentleman of rare excellence, and a faithful and zealous worker in the Lord's vineyard. Mr. Farrar was married in 1840, to Miss Phebe White. Several children survive, filling places of trust and usefulness. (Vide "History of Washington County," page 929.)
JOHN L. PROUDFIT was a son of John Proudfit, one of the early elders at Cross Roads. He was born in Smith Township, Washington County, Pa., September 3, 1812, and died Septem- ber 22, 1882, aged seventy. He possessed in a high degree en- ergetic and industrious habits and large business capacity, and combined with these unbending integrity, and a Christian con- sistency that commanded the respect of his fellow-men. He was commissioned Justice of the Peace in 1855. He was a member for over thirty years of the Burgettstown Church, during eighteen of which he served as an elder, to which office he had been ordained in 1864. A short time before his death he con- nected himself with the United Presbyterian Church of Burgetts- town, in which communion he died.
Mr. Proudfit was twice married, June 9, 1840, to Miss Eleanor Campbell, and December 24, 1867, to Mrs. Nancy Byers, nee Duncan. Some of his descendants by his former marriage are residents of various places in Western Pennsylvania. (Vide "History of Washington County," page 930.)
NEW CUMBERLAND.
JOHN WYLIE was born in 1805, and died October 15, 1873. He spent his whole life on a part of the original tract of land owned by his father in what is now Hancock County, West Va. His parents emigrated from Scotland, and their children were well instructed in the doctrines and order of the Presbyterian Church. He united with the church of " Three Springs," (of which his father, John Wylie, Sr., was one of the first elders), under the ministry of Rev. Elisha McCurdy, and for a number of years held the office of elder in that church. He was one of
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