History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 117

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1474

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Washington > History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century > Part 117

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Dr. Throckmorton has been a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was a delegate to the recent general conference held at Baltimore, Md. In association with his wife, he erected the little church at Nineveh, which they attended and supported for 30 years. It now has a mebership of 150 individuals. He was married (second) to Miss Lydia Smith, of Urbana, Ohio, July 6, 1909, and their pleasant home is at No. 159 West College street, Canonsburg.

W. G. SHILLITO, who has long been prominently identified with Republican politics in Washington Coun- ty and served most acceptably as a county commissioner from 1897 until 1903, owns a valuable farm of 100 acres, which is situated in Smith Township. He was born at Bavington, Smith Township, Washington Coun- ty, Pa., Jan. 26, 1850, and is a son of Samuel B. and Margaret (Galbraith) Shillito.

Samuel B. Shillito, also a native of Wahington Coun- ty, was born in Hanover Township, Sept. 15, 1826, and died Dec. 16, 1858. For some years he engaged in busi- ness as a general merchant and also followed farming in Smith Township. He married Margaret Galbraith, daughter of William Galbraith, and they had two children: Jane Isabella, who is the wife of J. S. Easton; and W. G. The widow survived many years, her death occurring Sept. 15, 1906, at the age of 83 years and both she and husband rest in Fairview Cemetery, the remains of the latter having been removed from its first place of burial which was the United Presbyterian Cemetery. Samuel B. Shillito and wife were both mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder at the time of death.

W. G. Shillito secured his education in the public schools of Smith Township, after which he engaged in farming and continued in agricultural pursuits until 1897. In that year he was elected county commissioner, the family remaining on the farm during his term of office. His farm is probably one of the best improved and most valuable in the township, both coal and oil deposits having been found in paying quantities.

Mr. Shillito was married Mar. 21, 1872, to Miss Re- becca H. Provines, a daughter of James and Mary Pro- vines, and to this marriage have been born the following children: Margaret Belle, who died Jan. 14, 1894; James P., who married Carrie Parks, a daughter of M. R. and Rowena Parks, and they have one daughter, Rowena; and Samuel Reed, who has been engaged in the oil business for the firm of Kelly Bros. & Cooper since 1903. Samuel Reed Shillito married Cassie Scott, a daughter of A. J. Scott. Mr. Shillito and family are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He is a stockholder and a member of the board of directors of the Burgettstown National Bank. Fraternally he is an Elk. Mr. Shillito has been and still is one of the county's representative men.

WILLIAM E. ROSS, owner of a tract of 90 acres in Washington and Allegheny Counties, is one of the leading farmers of Robeson Township. He was born Aug. 30, 1855, in Peters Township, Washington County, Pa., a son of James and Sarah (Mouck) Ross, who were well known farmers of that township. They reared a family of six children: John, William, Mary, deceased ; Adeline, deceased; Lewis and George. The paternal grandfather of our subject was John Ross, and the maternal grandfather was John Mouck.

William E. Ross was reared in Peters Township, where he attended the district schools several months each winter until about 17 years of age, and since that time has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, having pur- chased his present farm in March, 1896, from the Kraeer heirs. There are 30 acres of the farm in Robeson Township, and the remaining 60 acres are located in Allegheny County. Mr. Ross has remodeled the former dwelling into a fine modern residence, and has also erected a fine new bank barn.

In October, 1885, Mr. Ross married Anna F. Woods, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah J. (McCully) Woods, and a granddaughter of Thomas McCully and Rev. Will- iam Woods, the latter of whom was a Presbyterian minister. Joseph Woods was first married to Abigail Hanna, which union resulted in the birth of the follow- ing children: Martha J., who is the wife of William Donaldson; Martin; Elizabeth, who married Robert Ferree; and Sarah Harriet, who is the wife of J. W. Stewart. After the death of the mother of these chil- dren, Mr. Woods married Sarah McCully and to them were born: William Frankun and Anna F., the wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have one daughter, Sarah L., who graduated from the Robeson Township High School in May, 1908. She is now taking a course in music. Mr. Ross is a Republican in politics, and the family attend the First Presbyterian Church of Mc- Donald.

WILLIAM L. GILMORE

633

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

WILLIAM LARMER GILMORE, the owner of a seventy-five-acre farm of well cultivated land, situated in Union Township, Washington County, Pa., about three miles east of Finleyville, is a well known and highly respected citizen of this section. He was born on his father's farm in Allegheny County, Pa., January 17, 1857, and is a son of Benjamin and Mary Ann (Lyttle) Gilmore.

Benjamin Gilmore was born in Allegheny County, Pa., and lived within four miles of his birthplace all his entire life of fifty-two years. He was left fatherless in boyhood and was bound out to a stranger, but grew into a reliable, honorable and industrious man. He acquired a farm in Allegheny County, but was able to provide only sparingly for his family, it being an unusually large one. He married Mary Ann Lyttle, a daughter of Abram Lyttle, a well-known resident of Allegheny County. She lived to the age of sixty-three years. There were fourteen children born to this marriage, namely: Rachel, who died young; Fannie, deceased, who was the wife of W. K. Hobson; Malissa Jane, who married Robert Bickerton; Minerva, who is the widow of Samuel Adams; William Larmer; Sarah, who is the wife of Samuel Lane; Amanda, who is the wife of John Adams; Anna, who married Dr. C. T. Biddle; Benjamin, who died when aged twenty-one years; Martha A., who mar- ried H. H. Heath; George B .; John and Jonathan, both of whom died young; and Margaret, who is the wife of Archibald Lawson.

William Larmer Gilmore was afforded no educational opportunities in his youth and he has gained his edu- cation entirely through his own efforts. From early boyhood he labored on the home farm and remained there until his own marriage. His main business has always been farming, but since purchasing his present property from J. P. Beatty, he has also engaged in dairying and during the winter seasons follows butcher- ing. The old stone dwelling on his farm is one of the landmarks of the township and was probably built in 1833. While his early training on the farm was severe, it later proved to be of value to him when he went into business for himself and he is numbered with the care- ful and successful agriculturists of the township.

On August 17, 1879, Mr. Gilmore was married to Miss Sarah J. Coulter, a daughter of William and Forbes (Stockdale) Coulter. She was born at Monon- gahela City, Pa., where her parents were well known. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore: George G., who married Katherine Findley, from Suterville, Pa .; Carrie, who is a graduate of the Normal School at California, is a school teacher; Mary A .; twin babes that died at birth; Sarah, who died young; and Benjamin H., who is a student in the High School at Monongahela City. Mr. Gilmore is a Republi-

can and he has served one term as road supervisor. He is identified with the lodge of Odd Fellows at Shire Oaks. The family belongs to the M. E. Church.

ALEXANDER GASTON, who is one of Washington's most respected citizens is a retired farmer and capitalist and lives in his comfortable residence, which is situated at No. 706 North Main street. Mr. Gaston was born in Ireland, in 1835, and was only five months old when his parents brought him to America. They were James and Jane (Luke) Gaston.

The parents of Mr. Gaston settled near Canonsburg and there the father followed farming and lived a quiet agricultural life until his death. His children bore the following names: James, who lives in Missouri; Rachel, who is the wife of John McCoy, of Kansas; Maria J., who is the wife of J. P. Weaver, of Canonsburg; John W. and Alexander, both of whom reside at Washington; and Rosa, who is deceased.

Alexander Gaston was reared an the home farm and went to school in the neighborhood and later became a farmer and stock raiser on his own responsibility. He devoted many years to these industries and met with more than the usual amount of success. In 1906 he came to Washington, retiring then from active labor, but he still retains a farm of eighty acres in Mt. Pleasant Town- ship. He was a leading citizen of his township and ac- ceptably filled many of the township offices.

On September 23, 1857, Mr. Gaston was married to Miss Mary A. Wilson, whose father was born in Ireland and was six years old when his parents brought him to America. His name was John Wilson and he married Margaret Wilson and they were well known residents of Mt. Pleasant Township. They had three children: Mrs. Gaston; Elizabeth, who is now deceased; and Martha J., who is the widow of Thomas Strouthers and lives at Canonsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Gaston have been members of the Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church for fifty- two years and he served twenty-six years as an elder.

He is the only member of the Session now living who belonged to that body at the time he was elected and there are not more than two church members yet sur- viving of all the earnest little body of church workers of a half century ago, who, with Mr. and Mrs. Gaston united their efforts to make that organization a religious center. Mr. Gaston has been clerk of the Session for twenty-two years. As he looks around for his old co- laborers, it seems to him as if there has appeared an entirely new congregation. This may be true, but his efforts for the church are not forgotten, and the church history tells the tale to the younger congregation of how much it is indebted to the faith and earnest efforts of the older one for the spiritual opportunities now enjoyed.

634

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

JAMES L. HENDERSON, treasurer and general man- ager of the Home Dressed Beef Company, at Washing- ton, Pa., is identified with other important business enterprises and is a thoroughly representative business citizen. He was born in Chartiers Township, Washing- ton Co., Pa., in 1844, and is a son of Joseph and a grandson of William Henderson.

The Hendersons came from Eastern Pennsylvania to its western borders, in pioneer days. Joseph Henderson, father of James L., was born in Chartiers Township, Washington County, June 3, 1817, and survived until 1901. For years he was prominent in the affairs of his township and was one of its best known and respected citizens.

Almost before he was well grounded in his studies in the public schools, James L. Henderson was called upon to assume a man's duties and responsibilities. In Au- gust, 1861, when he was but five months beyond his 17th birthday, he enrolled as a soldier in the Federal service, first becoming a member of the 1st West Va. Cav., but later was transferred to the 5th U. S. Cav., in which he served until his honorable discharge in September, 1864. He participated in many of the great raids through the Shenandoah Valley and served under Generals Sheridan, Shields and Burnside. After he re- turned to a peaceful life, he took a course in Duff's busi- ness College and subsequently turned his attention to the breeding of fine stock. He was one of the first to introduce Holstein cattle into Washington County, in 1878, and two years earlier had brought in Berkshire swine and also founded the Dorset and Cotswold sheep industry in this section. He continued his stock farm until some few years since, when, with other capitalists, he incorporated the Home Dressed Beef Comapny, the business being wholesale. He is interested also in the United Capitol Paint Company and is also in the coal business in West Virginia.

In 1865, Mr. Henderson was married (first) to Miss Jennie Shaw, who was survived by five children, namely : Joseph B., who resides in Washington County, near Bur- gettstown; Frank S., who is connected with a business house in Pittsburg, but maintains his home at Washing- ton; Sarah R .; and James L., Jr., and Ernest G., both of whom are in the oil business in Illinois. Mr. Henderson was married (second) to Mary A. Daugherty. He is a member of the Session of the 3rd United Presbyterian Church and is superintendent of the Sabbath school. Mr. Henderson is identified with the W. F. Templeton Post, G. A. R.

ALFRED WATSON, the leading and oldest jeweler, also one of the progressive business men of Mononga- hela City, Pa., was born Sept. 20, 1861, in Yorkshire,

England, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Woodhead) Watson, both of whom were members of very old fami- lies who resided in Colton for many generations. They were born and died in Yorkshire, near Leeds, England, He is one of four children born to his parents, namely : Hannah, William, Walter and Alfred, the subject of this sketch.

Alfred Watson was reared and educated in Yorkshire, England. He graduated from the Secroft School, in 1876, and he later was in the employ of the North Eastern Railroad Company. In 1881, he came to America and located at Monongahela City, Pa., where for several years he was an employe of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- pany. In 1898, he engaged in the jewelry business at the corner of Second and Main Streets, where he has since remained and greatly prospered. Mr. Watson owns a business block at No. 164 Main Street, and also other real estate in Monongahela City.

In 1880, Mr. Watson was married in England to Paul- . ine M. H. Harrison, and they have one daughter, Maude H., who is the wife of Frank P. Keller, the leading archi- tect of Monongahela City. In politics, he is a Repub- lican, and fraternally is a member of the B. of L. F. and E., the Royal Arcanum, and a charter member of the B. P. O. E., No. 455, at Monongahela City. Mr. Watson resides at Waverly Cottage, No. 101 Chess Street. He is a vestryman and - treasurer of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Monongahela City.

JOSEPH D. HORNBAKE, justice of the peace, at California, Pa., was born in this borough May 11, 1866, and has always lived in the residence he now occupies, the old family home. His parents were Jacob and Rhoda (Wilgus) Hornbake.

Jacob Hornbake was born at Belle Vernon, Fayette County, Pa., but later lived at Coal Center, on Maple Creek, in Washington County. When 15 years of age he learned the cabinetmaking trade with Rev. Samuel Rock- well, and also learned ship carpentering and worked at the latter until 1904, coming to California after his hon- orable period of service in the Civil War. He enlisted with the expectation of going out in a Pennsylvania regi- ment but the Pennsylvania quota was already full, there- fore he became a member of Co. I, 2nd West Va. Inf., later the 5th West Va. Cav., in which his rank was that of sergeant. He was wounded at the second battle of Bull Run. He was married at Brownsville, Pa., but started to housekeeping at California and worked in the ship yard at this point. His wife was a daughter of a somewhat noted man, John Wilgus, who was a very com- petent geographer and typographer and succeeded in lay- ing out what was accepted as the most convenient rail- road route between the eastern states and California.

ALEXANDER GASTON

635

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Three children were born to the above marriage: Joseph D., Mary and Nannie. The latter married Jesse Horn- bake, a miller, residing at Frederickstown.

Joseph D. Hornbake was educated in the excellent schools of his native place and was graduated from the State Normal School in 1885. For several terms after- ward he taught school in Allen Township and then went to work in the ship yard and continued until 1904. He has been interested in politics since attaining manhood and has been a zealous worker with the Republican party. In February, 1899, he was first elected to the office of justice of the peace in which he is serving his third term, giving entire satisfaction in this office to all concerned.

JOHN C. FULTON, a representative business man of Burgettstown, Pa., doing a large grain, flour and feed trade under the name of John C. Fulton & Co., was born at Burgettstown on June 22, 1847. His parents were John J. and Margaret (Canon) Fulton.

John J. Fulton was born near Hickory, his father resid- ing at that time on a farm on the Washington and Bur- gettstown road. John J. became a farmer also and con- tinued to cultivate his own land until within a few years of his death, moving into Burgettstown when he retired. He married Margaret Canon, a daughter of John Canon, and they reared seven children, all of whom survive.

John C. Fulton was educated in the Burgettstown schools and began his business career by dealing in lum- ber, grain and feed. He subsequently closed out his inter- ests and spent two years railroading and then returned to Burgettstown and for several years operated a butcher shop. Mr. Fulton then built two large warehouses and re-entered the grain business and has a number of other important financial interests. He is vice president of the Burgettstown National Bank and a leading stockholder, and is also an oil producer.

On Sept. 17, 1885, Mr. Fulton was married to Miss Emma V. Figley, a daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth Fig- ley, and they have two children: B. B. and Walter N. The elder son married Bertha Karns and they have three children : Thelma N., Helen M. and John D. The young- er son married Katherine V. Cook. Mr. Fulton and fam- ily are members of the First Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

HARRY A. JONES, of the law firm of Birch & Jones, at Washington, Pa., and a practitioner in all the State and Federal Courts, is a representative citizen and a member of one of the old pioneer families of Washing- ton County. He was born June 9, 1873, near Mononga- hela City, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of the late Isaac W. Jones.

The family of which Mr. Jones is a worthy representa- tive was established in Washington County by his great-

grandfather and both his grandfather, Elijah Jones, and his father, Isaac W. Jones, were born in this county, the latter in 1836. For many years he was one of the most extensive dealers in wool in this section, and was a man of sterling character. His death occurred in 1901.

Harry A. Jones was about six years old when his par- ents came to Washington borough and he was graduated from the public schools in 1889, ranking first in his class; following which he became a student in Washington and Jefferson College, where he was equally brilliant and graduated as first honor man in 1895, and two years later received his diploma from the Pittsburg Law School. In 1897 he was admitted to the bar of Allegheny County and became a member of the law firm of MeIlvaine, Murphy & Jones, at Pittsburg, where he remained until 1909, when he entered into practice at Washington, having been ad- mitted to the Washington County bar in 1898. On May 1, 1909, he entered into partnership with T. F. Birch, the firm style becoming Birch & Jones. Mr. Jones is inter- ested in the Washington Ice Company and is one of the board of directors.

In 1906, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Ruth Craw- ford, a daughter of W. F. Crawford, who is in the drug business at Williamsport, Pa., and they have one child, Katherine Crawford. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Washington, in which Mr. Jones has been organist since 1891. He is a Knight Templar Mason.

JAMES D. CAMPSEY, one of Claysville's prominent business and public men, who served three years as bur- gess of the borough and in other offices and for many years has been engaged here in the mercantile line, was born in Donegal Township, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of James and Isabella (Dougherty) Campsey.

Mr. Campsey bears the family name of James, the same borne by his father and grandfather, the latter of whom was born in County Donegal, Ireland. In very early days he emigrated to the United States, and for a time was located east of the mountains of Pennsylvania. In 1801 he settled in what was then a wild region but is now a richly cultivated portion of Washington County, attracted thither possibly because it bore the old home name of Donegal. Perchance he had something to do with the naming of the township. There he lived for many years, overcame pioneer conditions, acquired lands and stock and in the course of nature passed away and was succeeded by his son, James Campsey. The latter's life was an agricultural one but he was also interested in public matters and gave support to both schools and reli- gion. He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church in Donegal Township. In early years a Whig, he later identified himself with the Republican party. His death occurred in 1884.

636

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

James D. Campsey obtained a public school education in Donegal Township and engaged there in agricultural pursuits until he removed to Claysville. He has been one of the most active and useful men of the borough. He has served here in important offices and prior to this was road supervisor in Donegal Township, and has served also as a justice of the peace. He is a stockholder in the Claysville Cemetery Association and was one of the incor- porators, and is a director in the Claysville National Bank. In politics he is a Republican and he served one year through election by that party as street commis- sioner of the borough.

Mr. Campsey was united in marriage with Miss Maggie Moore, a daughter of John and Ann E. (Anderson) Moore, of Donegal Township, and they have one surviving son, Harry O. He is a well known dealer in furniture at Claysville and also is an undertaker. He married Adda Knapp and they have four children: Mrytle, Harry O., James and David G. Mrs. Maggie (Moore) Campsey died in November, 1897. She was a woman of many lovely traits of character and was much beloved. For many years she had been a devoted member of the Pres- byterian Church.

JAMES MILTON McWILLIAMS, a life-long citizen of Canonsburg, Pa., belongs to one of the old pioneer families of Washington County. He was born in this city when it was but a village, August 3, 1854, and is a son of James Milton and Lydia (McCoy) McWilliams.

Both parents of Mr. MeWilliams were born in Char- tiers Township, Washington County and both died at Canonsburg, the father in 1894, in his eighty-first year, and the mother in July, 1907, in her eighty-sixth year. There were twelve children born to these worthy people, both of whom lived at peace with the world through long and blameless lives. They reared a most creditable family and their descendants are scattered all through Washing- ton County. John W., the eldest son, was a soldier in the signal service during the Civil War and died January 21, 1907. He married (first) Emma Clark, daughter of Dr. Clark, of Washington, and (second) Louise Walker, who survives and resides at Cottonwood Falls, Kas. Will- iam MeWilliams, the second son, was a soldier in the Civil War, a member of Co. D, 10th Pa. Res. He never married and died at Canonsburg, December 25, 1908. George and an infant daughter both died in childhood. Mary, who is the widow of John Cook, resides at Canons- burg. George (2) follows the trade of stone contracting, has never married, and lives at Canonsburg. Lydia, who is deceased, was the wife of John Stewart. James Milton was next in order of birth. Addison resides at Canonsburg, where he is engaged in business as a brick and stone mason. He married Addie Cowan. Samuel is identified with the Comonwealth Trust Co. of Pitts-

burg. He married Ella Roberts, who is now deceased. Hattie and Nettie, the youngest members of the family, both reside at Canonsburg. The father owned a small farm near Canonsburg and also worked at his trade of wagonmaker.

James Milton McWilliams attended the schools near his home in his boyhood but in 1873 became an appren- tice to the stone and bricklaying trade and after acquir- ing a complete knowledge of the same started into busi- ness and has continued in the same line until the pres- ent, apparently being as active as years ago. His thor- ough knowledge and his honest methods of applying it long since brought him the confidence and custom of his fellow citizens and he has done a large amount of important work in this city and vicinity. He did a part of the building on his own commodious residence at No. 131 West College street.

On October 2, 1884, Mr. McWilliams was married to Miss Nora Ayers, a daughter of Hiram and Mary Ann Ayers, of Pittsburg, and they have three children: Grace, who is a successful teacher at Meadowlands; John, who is in the employ of the Riter-Conley Manufacturing Co., of Pittsburg; and Frank, who is a student at Canons- burg. Mr. McWilliams was reared in the Democratic party but he is independent in his views and as he never asks any party favors, he votes as his judgment dictates. For many years he has been identified with Chartiers Lodge, No. 297, F. & A. M., of Canonsburg.

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History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 117

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1474

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1474