History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 123

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 123

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Mr. Sampson was first united in marriage with Mar- garet Williams, after whose death he married Fanny Moore, who also died, and on Nov. 11, 1862, he married Letitia S. Manown. They became the parents of the following children: Anna Kuhn, deceased, married Dr. William Boyde, deceased; Sarah Manown; Letitia, mar- ried Edward Brubaker, and died, leaving one son, Henry, who was reared by her mother, Mrs. Sampson, and he is a graduate of Bliss College of Washington, D. C., and is engaged as an electrical engineer at Donora, Pa .; Adam Coon, deceased, married Annetta Yohe, by whom he had two children, Lois and Adam Coon; and Harriet L., who is the wife of Attorney W. K. Vance, has two children, Willison K. and Adam Sampson.

Letitia S. (Manown) Sampson, widow of our subject, was born May 16, 1832, on her father's farm just across the Monongahela River, and is a daughter of James and Cassandra (Devore) Manown. James Manown was born in County Down, Ireland, and in 1798 came to America with his parents, Richard and Abigail (Smith) Manown, who settled near Round Hill, then Westmoreland County, and now known as Allegheny County, and was one of five children born to his parents: Peggy, who is the wife of Robin Bailie; John; William; James, father of Mrs. Sampson; and Richard. James Manown married Cas- sandra (Devore) Elliott, a daughter of David Devore, who was the first to obtain a license to run a ferry be- tween Monongahela City and the bridge on the other side of the river. He married the widow of George Elliott, who was drowned while trying to save their son Burnsides. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott also had a daughter, namely, Patience, the deceased wife of Benjamin Davis, who is also deceased. Her union with James Manown resulted in the birth of the following children: Frank- lin, deceased; Eliza, deceased, married A. Vankirk, also deceased; Nancy Ann, deceased, was the wife of John Thirkield, deceased; Cassandra, deceased wife of Alfred Thirkield, also deceased; Dr. James H. Manown, of West Virginia; Harriet P., widow of James Moore; Sarah, deceased; Letitia, widow of Adam Coon Samp- son, our subject; and three who died in childhood.

Mrs. Sampson was reared on her father's farm and

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obtained her educational training at the township schools and a private school at Monongahela City, after which she graduated from the Washington Seminary with the class of 1852. She was united in marriage with Mr. Sampson in 1862 and since his death has continued to reside in the family residence which was erected by him in 1863, and which is located on the corner of Main and Fifth streets. Mrs. Sampson is held in high esteem by a large circle of friends, among whom she has spent the greater part of her life. She is a member of the Presby- terian Church and was for a number of years president of the Missionary Society.

ROBERT S. FLANEGIN, general merchant and post- master at Woodrow, Washington County, Pa., and also agent for the Wabash Railroad at this point, was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Sept. 30, 1873, and is a son of Robert and Esther Flanegin and is the youngest of their family of children, as fol- lows: Emma J., who married W. S. Noah, resides in Mt. Pleasant Township; Agnes E., who is now deceased, was the wife of William Philips; and E. Harriet, who is the wife of J. H. Gorman, of Canonsburg.

Robert S. Flanegin attended the public schools of Mt. Pleasant Township and continued and completed his education at the academies at Hickory and Buffalo. When 18 years of age he became a farmer and continued an agricultural life for several years, after which he went to Woodrow and there entered the employ of C. M. Marquis as a clerk for a time and then went back to the farm, but when J. S. Buchanan bought the store from Mr. Marquis, he installed Mr. Flanegin as manager. Mr. Buchanan subsequently went out of business and Mr. Flanegin secured the location and opened up a store of his own. Where others had practically failed he suc- ceeded and is now starting on his fourth year with the brightest of prospects. He has a reputation for busi- ness honesty as well as capacity and a liberal patronage is accorded him from the adjacent country. In 1905 he was appointed postmaster and the business of the office has grown to be so important that on Oct. 1, 1909, a money order system was installed. He is also the accommodating ticket agent for the Wabash Railroad and in every way is a popular citizen of this community.

Mr. Flanegin was married in October, 1896, to Miss Georgia A. Holmes, a daughter of John and Mary Holmes, of Hopewell Township. They are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Hickory. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a stockholder in the Hickory and Woodrow Telephone Company.

S. GILLMORE DICKSON, who conducts a fire insur- ance business at Canonsburg, being one of the leading men in this line in the borough, was born in Washing- ton County, Pa., in the old tollgate house two miles east

of this place, near Morganza Station, Feb. 29, 1864. His parents were William and Margaret J. (Ferguson) Dickson.

William Dickson was born in Ireland and in early manhood, about 1856, came to America, made his way to Pittsburg and later joined an uncle who was living at Canonsburg. He soon found work in the mill of James Berry and later was employed on the farm of Israel Haines in North Strabane Township, and also operated the farm of William Martin, now deceased, who was for many years president of the First National Bank. On Oct. 4, 1859, he married Margaret J. Fer- guson, who was born on East College street, Canons- burg, a daughter of Thomas Ferguson, a stone mason, who died in 1864. Both William Dickson and wife sur- vive and they reside at Canonsburg. Eight children were born to them, four sons and four daughters, namely : Thomas F., residing at Bower Hill; Lizzie M., wife of G. A. Crumm, a rural mail carrier, at Canonsburg; S. Gillmore; William Martin, residing at Canonsburg; Cora A., Margaret P. and Ada B., residing at home; and Alvin H., employed at the Fort Pitt Bridge Works.

S. Gillmore Dickson attended the local schools, then engaged in farming, after which he was employed for four years at the Pennsylvania Reform School at Mor- ganza, and in 1895 he came to Canonsburg and em- barked in the fire insurance business. He represents a number of the leading companies and through his care- ful and close attention to all risks and his promptness in settling all losses, he has built up an excellent busi- ness.

In 1898, Mr. Dickson was married to Miss Emma Hess, of Chartiers Township, and they have two children: Agnes J. and Mary E. Mr. Dickson and wife are mem- bers of the Central Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg. In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Dickson prior to her marriage, made her home with her great-uncle, Adam Edgar, of an old Washington County family. He died at Canonsburg in June, 1902, at the age of 82 years.

AARON K. LYLE, superintendent of the Highland Glass Company Factory No. 1, and identified with other business enterprises at Washington, Pa., has been a resi- dent of this city for ten years. He was born in Smith Township, Washington County, Pa., in 1870.

Capt. William K. Lyle, father of Aaron K., was born in Washington County, in 1833, and for a number of years engaged in farming and stock raising in Smith Township. He served with gallantry in the Civil War and was captain of his company. He was active in pub- lic affairs in Washington County and for six years was superintendent of the Children's Home. In 1905 he re- tired to Crafton, Allegheny County, where he now re- sides. He married Jane A. Cooke, who is now deceased,

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

and five of their children still survive, namely : Josephine, who is the wife of C. A. Dally, of Allegheny County ; Harriet, who resides with her father; Wilfred C., a civil engineer employed by the government, at present being on the Tennessee River; Janet, who resides with her father at Crafton; and Aaron K.

Aaron K. Lyle was reared in Washington County and was educated in the public schools and Oakdale Academy, at Oakdale, Allegheny County. His first business en- gagement was with the Washington Carbon Company, where he remained five years and then accepted a po- sition with the Highland Glass Company, starting in as a packer and shipper and rising step by step, until, in 1906 he was made night superintendent. He is recog- nized as a capable, reliable man in a position that re- quires technical knowledge as well as executive ability. During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Lyle served as a member of Co. C, 14th Pa. Vol. Inf.

In 1901, Mr. Lyle was married to Miss Mary Belle Galbraith, who was born in Smith Township and is a daughter of the late William Reed Galbraith, who was a leading merchant at Burgettstown for ten years. Mr. and Mrs. Lyle have one son, Aaron K., Jr. They are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Lyle is a deacon. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, and is identified with both lodge and Encampment.

LEMAN CARSON, one of the large wool growers of Blaine Township, Washington County, who also devotes his land to general farming and stock raising, has over 100 acres and this is the old homestead on which he was born, it then being in Buffalo Township, Mar. 26, 1849. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Wright) Carson.

Both parents of Mr. Carson were born in Washington County and both are now deceased, the father's death occurring on Jan. 15, 1865, and the mother's on Jan. 5, 1886. They are survived by four children: Rachel, who is the widow of Henry C. Noble, resides at Clays- ville, Pa .; Isaac, who lives in Missouri; Samuel W., Buffalo Township, and Leman, of Blaine Township.

Leman Carson was reared on the old place and se- cured his education in the schools of the neighborhood. He is numbered with the successful agriculturists of. the township and does a large amount of business in wool, raising the Merino sheep for this special purpose. He also has several producing oil wells. Mr. Carson is a director in the Farmers' National Bank of Claysville. In politics, he is a Democrat. For a number of years he has been a member of the Presbyterian Church at Clays- ville, in which he is an elder.

Aug. 3, 1887, Mr. Carson was married to Margaret Gillespie, of Blaine Township, and they have one son, William, who resides at home.

J. WILBUR MUNNEL, who is officiating as assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Canonsburg, is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of Washington County, with the leading affairs of which it has been more or less identified ever since, being active in advancing business interests and thus con- tributing to the general prosperity. Mr. Munnell was born near Canonsburg, Washington County, Pa., Apr. 28, 1867, and is a son of James and Sarah (Grandstaff) Munnell.

James Munnell, the father, was born in South Stra- bane Township, Washington County, in 1837, and is a resident of Crafton, in Allegheny County. His father, Samuel Munnell, was also born in South Strabane Town- ship and his mother in Butler County and was a mem- ber of the well-known McQuistan family. James Mun- nell married Sarah Grandstaff, who was born at Mounds- ville, W. Va. She lived into her 70th year, passing away on July 28, 1908. The following children were born to James and Sarah Munnell: Mary, who is the widow of W. K. Galbreath, a former postmaster at Canonsburg; Catherine D., who died in 1882, when aged 17 years; J. Wilbur; J. Franklin, who is engaged in theatrical work; Jean B., who is the wife of George White, of Swissvale, Pa .; Maud H., who resides at Canonsburg; Thomas, who died in infancy; and Zelda, who resides at home.

J. Wilbur Munnell was a mere child when his parents came from the farm to Canonsburg and here he attended the public schools and Jefferson Academy. He was about 18 years of age when he started to work with his father at the carpenter trade, but shortly afterward secured a position in the Canonsburg Bank, Limited, which institution was reorganized in the following year, 1891, and he has been identified with it ever since. From being bookkeeper, Mr. Munnell advanced through his capacity and proved fidelity to be teller, and later to the position of assistant cashier. In all his business dealings he has shown superior qualifications, and his pleasing, courteous manner has been generally appre- ciated by the patrons of the First National. Many of his acquaintances have known him from childhood and his friends have watched his advancement with pleasure.

In 1891, Mr. Munnell was married to Miss Catherine J. MeNutt, a daughter of William and Nancy (Weaver) McNutt, of Washington County, and they have a family of four children: Helen W., Catherine G., James W. and Paul D. Mr. and Mrs. Munnell are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg, of which he is treasurer. Like his father he is identified with the Democratic party and for some years served as borough auditor. He is one of Canonsburg's representative men.

CHARLES M. MARQUIS, a leading citizen, general farmer and stock raiser of Cross Creek Township, Wash-

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ington County, Pa., is one of the substantial men of this section, owning over 200 acres of valuable land. He was born in this township Nov. 3, 1872, and his parents are Simeon and Caroline (Stevenson) Marquis.

Simeon Marquis was born in Cross Creek Township and is a son of William Marquis, who was probably born and spent his life in the same township. Simeon en- gaged in agricultural pursuits and always lived on the homestead near Cross Creek village. He was married (first) to Sarah Mason and they had four children. His second marriage was to Caroline Stevenson.

Charles M. Marquis, with his brother, James M., who now lives in Mt. Pleasant Township, attended the dis- trict schools, after which he was a student in the Cross Creek Academy and later attended Duff's Business Col- lege at Pittsburg, where he was graduated. At the age of 20 years he settled down to farming and con- tinued for six years, when he went into the mercantile business and conducted a store at Woodrow for six years, after which he resumed his agricultural pursuits. His land is well cultivated and he gives much care and time to raising fine stock and has made sheep something of a specialty.

In August, 1898, Mr. Marquis was married to Miss Bessie Jeffrey, a daughter of R. G. Jeffrey, of Cross Creek Township, and they have had the following chil- dren: Belle, Margaret, Robert, Raymond, Mary and Ruth. Two of their little ones have passed away, Belle and Robert. Mr. Marquis and wife are members of Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church, of which he formerly was a trustee. In politics he is a Democrat as was his father before him.

JAMES E. DUNCAN, Jr., secretary of the Duncan & Miller Glass Company, is one of Washington's leading business men, being also president of the Donely Brick Company and vice president of the Capitol Paint, Oil and Varnish Company. He was born at Pittsburg, Pa., and is a son of James E. and Anna (Patterson) Dun- can.

The late James E. Duncan was prominently identified with the iron and glass manufacturing interests of Western Pennsylvania. He was a native of Pittsburg and was a son of George Duncan, who was the founder of the business now conducted under the name of the Duncan & Miller Glass Company. James E. Duncan moved his glass manufacturing plant from Pittsburg to Washington and did business under the title of George Duncan's Sons and in 1900 the present style was adopt- ed when the business was incorporated. James E. Dun- can continued his active interest in the business until his death in January, 1900. He married Miss Anna Patterson, who was born at Pittsburg and was a daugh- ter of Andrew Patterson, who was directly concerned

in many important Pittsburg enterprises and owned much real estate. Four children were born to this mar- riage, the three survivors being: James E., Jr .; Andrew P .; and Amelia P., who is the wife of W. H. Baker, who is a son of N. R. Baker, cashier of the Citizens' National Bank at Washington.

James E. Duncan, Jr., attended the public schools of Pittsburg and was also instructed by private tutors, later entering Washington and Jefferson College. In 1896 he entered the glass factory of George Duncan's Sons and when the business was incorporated, following the death of his father, he became secretary, a responsible po- sition ne has filled ever since.

Mr. Duncan is a Thirty-second degree Mason and is present master of Sunset Lodge No. 623, F. & A. M., Washington. He is also a member of the Elks and of the Bassett Club. Mr. Duncan attends the First Methodist Church in this city.

JAMES W. McDOWELL, of J. W. McDowell & Son, a prominent law firm of Washington, Pa., has been a resident of this city since February, 1873. He was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pa., in 1842, and is a son of John and a grandson of James Mc- Dowell.

The grandfather, James McDowell, came to Washing- ton County from Lancaster County, Pa., in 1787, being one of the pioneer settlers here. John McDowell, son of James, was born on the pioneer farm in 1811 and his son, James W., had the same birthplace. John Mc- Dowell was engaged in farming and was also extensive- ly interested in the sheep industry. He was a man of local prominence and sterling character. He died in 1886.

James W. McDowell was reared and educated in his native county, graduating first from Jefferson College at Canonsburg and in 1866 receiving his diploma from Washington and Jefferson College, the year of the col- lege consolidation. He then entered upon the study of law with William Montgomery and in 1869 was admitted to the bar of Washington County; afterward he was ad- mitted to the bar in Allegheny County. After two years of successful practice in Pittsburg, he came to Washing- ton and has since continued here, practicing alone until his son became associated with him, on Sept. 3, 1900. The combination is considered a strong one and the firm appears in much of the important litigation and court business in this section of the county.

Mr. McDowell was married Sept. 23, 1869, to Miss Nancy J. Rea, a daughter of Joseph Rea, of Mt. Pleas- ant Township, and they have two sons; John W., who is the junior partner of the law firm of J. W. McDowell & Son, and Joseph Rea. The latter, who is a graduate of Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg, is agent for

JAMES W. McDOWELL

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

the Adams Express Company at Washington. He mar- ried Miss Eleanor Little and they are members of the First Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity.

John W. McDowell was born in 1875, at Washington, Pa., and in 1896 was graduated from Washington and Jefferson College. He studied law in his father's office and was admitted to the bar Sept. 3, 1900. Both mem- bers of the firm practice in all the courts of the State. In 1908 he was married to Miss Sarah Margaret Junk, a daughter of the late James Junk. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church. John W. McDowell was one of the organizers and is a member of the ex- clusive Bassett Club and he is a Freemason. At different times he has served as secretary and treasurer of the Democratic County Committee.

James W. McDowell is an elder in the First Presby- terian Church. In politics he is a Democrat and has served in the borough Council and as a member of the school board. He is prominent in Masonry and at pres- ent is serving as District Deputy Grand Master of the Southwestern District of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of F. and A. Masons of Pennsylvania. Aside from his profession, Mr. McDowell has large business in- terests.

ROBERT M. DICKSON, senior member of the firm of Dickson & Wallace, leading business men at Midway, dealing in hardware and builders' supplies and main- taining a lumber yard, was born in Washington County, Pa., Feb. 23, 1863, and is a son of William A. and Eliz- abeth (McBurney) Dickson.

The father of Mr. Dickson died in 1895, having spent all his active life as a farmer. His widow survives and resides at Crafton. Their family consisted of the fol- - lowing children: Margaret G., Elizabeth W., Robert M., Anna, W. R., Agnes J., Walter E. and Bertha L., now deceased. Of the above, Anna is the wife of Rev. W. E. E. Barcus, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church; W. R. is a practicing physician at McDonald, Pa., and Walter E., a dentist at Burgettstown, Pa.

Robert M. Dickson attended Ingleside Academy at McDonald, at that time a flourishing school, and then took a commercial course in the Iron City Business Col- lege at Pittsburg, Pa., after which he assisted his father and remained on the home farm until 1895, when he came to Midway and embarked in his present business. He has been a very useful and active citizen, serving on the township school board before the borough was or- ganized and frequently on the Council since. He is identified with the Republican party.

In 1895, Mr. Dickson was married to Miss Ina M. Andrews, of Burgettstown, Pa., and they have two chil- dren: William A. and Elizabeth R., both of whom re-

side at home. Mr. Dickson's paternal grandparents were William and Margaret (Glen) Dickson, and the ma- ternal, Robert and Eliza (Welch) McBurney, all these names being representative ones in Washington County.

CHARLES SOMERVILLE CRALL, member of the firm of I. Shelby Crall Company, of Monongahela City, Pa., who are extensive growers and shippers of flowers and vegetables, was born Nov. 1, 1861, in Nevada Coun- ty, Cal., and is a son of I. Shelby and Sarah (Somer- ville) Crall.

I. Shelby Crall was born in Fayette County, Pa., where he grew to manhood and learned the iron moulders trade. He then ran a foundry in Allegheny County until 1851, when the plant was destroyed by fire, and the following year, in company with others from Monon- gahela City, he went to California, where he met with much success in the mines. In 1866 he returned to Monongahela City with the intention of retiring from business activities, but the following year established the plant of the I. Shelby Crall & Company. He had always been fond of flowers and plants and had a pri- vate greenhouse at his residence, but the flowers and plants attracted the attention of his friends and neigh- bors, who wanted to buy them, and in a short time he had established such an extensive business, that he was obliged to obtain larger quarters, and purchased a tract of 70 acres, upon which the present plant was estab- lished. This land was at one time an old Indian camp- ing ground, as is shown by the large. Indian mound, and many cooking utensils and other Indian relics have been discovered buried on it. Subsequently 30 acres of the land were disposed of in building lots, and Mr. Crall continued in the business until the time of his death in 1901, at the age of 74 years. He married Sarah Somer- . ville, who was born in Jefferson County, Pa., and died in 1907, at the age of 68 years. Three children were born of their union: Charles Somerville; Maude A., who is the wife of H. M. Griffith, and James Shelby, all of whom are natives of California.

Charles S. Crall was quite young when his parents removed from California to Monongahela City, Pa., where he was reared and attended the public schools. He left school at an early age to assist his father in the greenhouses, and after the death of his father in 1901, formed a partnersip with his brother James, and Harry M. Griffiths, a brother-in-law, and continued in the business under the old firm name of I. Shelby Crall Company. James Crall has charge of the office, Mr. Grif- fiths is in charge of the retail store located at No. 251- 253 Main street, while our subject is overseer of the entire plant, which is located on Fourth street, and consists of 22 greenhouses containing 75,000 square feet of glass and has 1,000 square feet of hot beds. In 1906 Mr.

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Crall established a poultry farm on a tract of 30 acres in Carroll Township, where he has 1,000 laying hens, and finds a ready market for his produce at Mononga- hela City. Mr. Crall is a member of the American Carnation Society, the Pittsburg and Allegheny Gar- deners' and Florists' Club, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor, is past State Councilor of the Jr. O. U. A. M., and is a trustee of the National Orphans' Home at Tiffin, Ohio, which is under the management of the Jr. O. U. A. M. In politics, Mr. Crall is identified with the Democratic party, and has served as a member of the Monongahela City council for the past seven years. He holds membership with the Presbyterian church.

D. S. and J. B. TAYLOR, sons of D. S. and Sarah (Oliver) Taylor, are old residents of Smith Township, where each owns an interest in 365 acres of valuable land. The father, D. S. Taylor, was born two miles northeast of Washington, Pa., and was reared on his father's farm, and was a son of Joseph Taylor and a grandson of Hon. Henry Taylor, who was the first judge in Washington County. D. S. Taylor resided in West- moreland County, Pa., for one year after his marriage but in the spring of 1834 moved back to South Strabane Township, Washington County, and lived there until 1849, when he moved to Adams County, Ohio, for one year, and from there to Smith Township, Washington County, and settled on the farm now owned jointly by his sons, and died there in March, 1888. His burial was in Fairview Cemetery, at Burgettstown. His estate in- cluded 256 acres of land at that time. He was a Demo- crat in politics and at different times had served as school director and road supervisor. He married Sarah Oliver, a daughter of Samuel Oliver. She died in March, 1898. They had the following children: Mary Ann, Jo- seph, Samuel O., Henry G., William P., Jane Olive, D. S., Jr., J. B. and Matthew, three of these Joseph, Samuel O. and Matthew-being deceased.

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History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 123

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