History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 129

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 129

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WILLIAM M. THOMPSON, the well-known gardener and successful fruit grower of N. Franklin Township, Washington County, who has resided on his present place which contains more than 73 acres of enriched land since 1903, was born in Ohio County, W. Va., Mar. 2, 1863. His parents were Armor and Nancy (Linton) Thompson.

The paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland and when he came to America he settled in Greene County, Pa., and there Armor Thompson was born,, who subse- quently moved to Ohio County, W. Va., where he married Nancy Linton, whose grandfather, David Linton, was born in Scotland, but lived many years in West Virginia. Armor Thompson died when his son, William M., was 15 years old and was survived by his widow until the son had about reached his 24th year.

In all essentials, William M. Thompson is a self-made man. He obtained his education in the common schools of Elm Grove, W. Va., and as far as his strength per- mitted, assisted his father on the home farm. He was only 16 when he took entire charge and continued to manage the property for his mother until her death, in 1891. He then left his native state and came to Wash- ington County, Pa., locating in North Franklin Town- ship and here followed gardening and fruit growing and with such success that he became well known in the industries mentioned. In 1903 he secured his present land which is favorably situated within a short distance of Washington and just off the National Road. It is an interesting place to visit and in blossoming and har- vest time is a very delightful one. He has set out 2,500 fruit trees, devoting ten acres to the same, and has al- most every variety that will do well in this climate. These include 300 apple, 600 peach, 300 pear, 100 plum, with quince and cherry trees, all being of choicest se-

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lection and attended to with experienced knowledge, for Mr. Thompson has long made a close study of this sub- ject. He also raises luscious berries of all kinds, also currants, in fact everything in the line of desirable fruit that he can market, either retail or wholesale, at Wash- ington. He devotes about 40 acres to general gardening and his fresh vegetables are the first that are offered from the local markets. He expects, henceforth, to de- vote his individual efforts exclusively to fruit growing, his present plans being to double his acreage in fruit in the coming year.

Mr. Thompson was married (first) to Miss Annie Rinkes, who was a native of West Virginia. He was married (second) to Miss Lulu Henderson, a daughter of James Henderson, of Dallas, W. Va., and they have had three children: Irvin R., Margaret Irene and Will- iam C., the last named being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Third Presbyterian Church at Washington. In politics he is a Republican, and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to the lodge at Claysville.

J. R. FORREST, one of Washington's best known and esteemed citizens, who has reflected no little credit upon this city through his literary work, may almost be claimed as a native as he was but one year old when his parents moved here from Pittsburg, where he was born in 1847. His father, George Forrest, became a substantial business man at Washington, conducting a tailoring business for many years.

J. R. Forrest was educated in the Washington schools and at Washington College, leaving its halls when but 17 years of age, to answer his country's call for volun- teers. He enlisted in Co. H, 87th Pa. Vol. Inf., in which he served until the close of the war, almost a year later. During this period he was never absent from duty a single day from sickness, although he was once slightly wounded. Upon his return from the army, he took up the study of law in the office of Ruth & Hamilton, and was admitted to the bar in 1867 and for many years engaged in the practice of his profession at Washington. In the meanwhile, he had developed talent as a writer and recently has devoted the larger part of his time to literary pursuits. He has contributed to current pub- lications and has also published a number of books, both of poetry and prose, and has other works ready for the publisher. Many readers have enjoyed his poems: "The Monongahely Boy," "The Unreturning Brave," "Gath- ering Home" and "The Sinner's Prayer," and four of his works of fiction have had a wide sale: "The Student Cavaliers," "A Tangled Web," "A Brother's Sacri- fice " and "Retribution." For some 20 years Mr. For- rest was a justice of the peace at Washington and doubt- less many of the incidents in his writings have a founda-

tion in the facts of his experience. He is interested to a large degree in realty at Washington and is num- bered with the substantial citizens of this place.

Mr. Forrest was married to Miss Belle Boyle, of Greensburg, Ind., and they have three children: Daniel B., residing at Kenton, Ohio, where he is engaged in the tobacco business; Earl Robert, a graduate of Washing- ton-Jefferson College, who is taking a post graduate course in Forestry at the University of Michigan; and Alma, who is a student at Washington Seminary. Mr. Forrest is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to Templeton Post No. 120, G. A. R.

JOHN T. STARR, who has been proprietor of the Hotel Starr at West Brownsville, Pa., since May 1, 1909, has been a lifelong resident of West Brownsville, where he was born June 18, 1863, a son of Alfred S. and Mary E. (McDonald) Starr, who are also residents of West Brownsville, the former of whom spent his active career engaged in ship carpentering.

John T. Starr grew to manhood at West Brownsville, Pa., and for many years worked in the coal mines of this vicinity. He also spent about about three years as a fireman on the Pennsylvania Railroad and for about seven years ran a boarding house at Brownsville, where since May 1, 1909, he has been the owner and manager of the Hotel Starr.

Mr. Starr married Annie Yoders and they have one daughter, Mary J. Starr. Mr. Starr is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. and the Knights of Pythias, and is a man who stands high in the esteem of his fellow men.

JOHN C. MURPHY, sheriff of Washington County,

. Pa., is one of the county's best known men, for many years prior to accepting public office, being an educator and highly considered in that capacity. He was born in Washington County, Pa., June 9, 1857, one of a fam- ily of six children born to Franklin B. and Lacy (Wal- ler) Murphy. Franklin B. Murphy was a farmer and a well-known citizen. He died in 1905. On the maternal side, Sheriff Murphy is connected with the old pioneer family of Peas.

John C. Murphy was reared and educated in Washing- ton County and throughout life has been loyal to her best interests. For 26 years he taught school here, di- viding his time between four districts, and from under his instruction have gone out many young men and women who have reflected credit upon his thoroughness. He is a man of excellent judgment and wise discrimi- nation as well as of personal courage and his four years of service as deputy sheriff gave the experience he needed when he was first elected to the sheriff's

JOHN C. MURPHY

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office in 1907, the duties of which he assumed in January, 1908.

On Sept. 10, 1887, Mr. Murphy was married to Miss Mary A. Williams, a daughter of Casper Williams, and they had a family of five children, four of whom are living, namely : J. Russell, Harry W., Edna J. and Ernest M. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally he is an Elk and an Odd Fellow.

WILLIAM JAMES HOWARTH, deceased, who, for half a century was identified with the business interests of Washington, Pa., established and operated the Howarth Granite and Marble Works, which is the lead- ing concern of its kind in Washington County, Pa. Mr. Howarth was born in 1831, in Philadelphia, and died in March, 1907, in Washington, where he first established himself in business with his brother Joseph, their marble works being located upon the present site of the Union Trust Company. He subsequently established the Ho- warth Marble and Granite Works, which he successfully operated until the time of his death, since which time the business has been managed by his widow. He was a man of unimpeachable integrity.

In 1886, Mr. Howarth was united in marriage with Annie M. Parker, who was born near Van Buren, but spent her early girlhood days in Amity, Washington County, and has been a resident of Washington, Pa., since about 17 years of age. She was educated in the schools of this city, after which she taught here about ten years. She is a daughter of Capt. Silas and Eliza (Andrew) Parker, the former, a native of Washington County, who re- cruited Co. D, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf. for the Civil War, and although 50 years of age, went into service as cap- tain of the company. After nine months of service in the army he contracted an illness, from which he sub- sequently died after his return home. Mr. and Mrs. Parker were the parents of four children, of whom but two are living: Mrs. Howarth and W. S. Parker, the latter of whom is practicing law at Washington, Pa.

Mr. Howarth was connected with the Methodist Prot- estant Church, of which he was for 18 years secretary of the Sabbath school. Mrs. Howarth is a member of the same church, and is a prominent worker in the church societies and the auxiliary of the Y. M. C. A.

DeWITT C. PARKINSON, postmaster and a lifelong resident of Monongahela City, was born July 7, 1864, in a log house on Gregg street, this city, and is a son of John and Mary Catherine (Weaver) Parkinson.

John Parkinson was born and reared in Lancashire, England, and when about 20 years old came to America and located at Monongahela City, Pa., where for some time he ran a soap factory, and later became foreman in the Union Paper Mills. He died here at the age of

47 years. He married Mary Catherine Weaver, who was born in Monongahela City in the log house which until recently stood upon our subject's present place. She was a daughter of John Weaver, who was one of the pioneer settlers of this locality, and her death occurred May 15, 1904, at the age of 74 years. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson: Richard, de- ceased; Eliza, widow of William Rose; Clara, deceased; Mary Anna; John, deceased; Dewitt C., subject of this sketch; and Daniel.

De Witt C. Parkinson was reared in Monongahela City, and attended the public schools, later entering the Union Paper Mills, where he worked for about eight years, after which he worked in the coal mines of Washington County for five years. He was then for ten years pri- vate night watchman in the business section of Monon- gahela City, and in 1904 was appointed postmaster, as- suming the responsibilities of that office on June 5, 1904, in the old location.

Mr. Parkinson was married to Theresa Behanna, a daughter of David and Mary Behanna, of Monongahela City. They have five children: Mary C. is the wife of Porter Baldwin; Clara; Dewitt C., Jr .; Edward and James R. While working as night watchman, Mr. Parkinson tore down the old log house on his place, and erected his present commodious residence. He is a Re- publican in politics and has served as constable and assessor for ten years.

EWING S. MeWREATH, a leading citizen of Mc- Donald, who has been identified with many of the bor- ough's most important interests, being secretary and treasurer of the McDonald Water Company, the Mc- Donald Electric Light Company and the McDonald Sav- ings and Trust Company, was born June 3, 1858, in Donegal Township, Washington County, Pa., and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (DeFrance) McWreath. Joseph MeWreath, who is a millwright by trade, is now residing in Cross Creek Township, his wife having died in 1903 and was buried in the Independent Cemetery. Ewing S. MeWreath was the eldest of their children, the others being: Sylvia, deceased, who was the wife of Owen M. Lotten, also deceased; and Grant.

Ewing S. McWreath first attended the common schools of Donegal Township, later entered Hopedale College, at Hopedale, Ohio, and subsequently attended the North- western State Normal School, from which he was grad- uated. He then commenced teaching in the common schools, and after nine years thus spent became a teacher in the academies, so continuing for six years, the last three years being in the Ingleside Academy at Mc- Donald. At the expiration of this period, he became identified with the water company, with which he has since been connected. Mr. MeWreath is a member of

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Garfield Lodge of Masons at MeDonald, and of the Chapter and Commandery at Pittsburg. He is a Demo- crat. With his family attends the First United Presby- terian Church at McDonald.

On Oct. 23, 1884, Mr. McWreath was married to Alice Rea, daughter of John C. and Mary (Lyle) Rea. Mr. and Mrs. Rea had nine children : Lyle, William, Jefferson, Leander, Joseph, Sarah, Mary, Alice and Eliza. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McWreath: J. Rea; Mary, a graduate of the Indiana Normal School; and Guy A., a student at the McDonald High School. J. Rea McWreath is a gun-pointer on the United States battleship Minnesota, which under Capt. John Hubbard won the championship for markmanship in 1907.

WILLIAM G. POTTER, conducting a real estate, fire insurance and loan business, with offices at No. 401 and 402 Brown Building, Washington, Pa., has also other important business interests and is a leading citizen here. He was born in West Finley Township, Wash- ington County, Pa., in 1869, a son of William and Mar- garet (Hutchison) Potter, and is a grandson of John Potter, a native of New Jersey, who came to Washing- ton County about 1810.

The venerable father of Mr. Potter, William Potter, has lived a retired life in Washington, Pa., for some years. He was born in 1830 and was brought to Wash- ington County in his infancy. His mother having died, he was reared in the family of Thomas Supler, who, lived in Donegal Township. His industrial activities were those of a farmer and carpenter. A man of advanced thought on moral questions, he was one of the early abo- litionists of the county, at a time when abolition was a very unpopular doctrine. He married Margaret Hutehi- son, who was born and reared in East Finley Township, Washington County. She was a daughter of Thomas Hutchison, a native of Washington County, whose father had come from Scotland and was one of the very early settlers in Washington County and the progenitor of a family which has taken a prominent part in its affairs.

William G. Potter attended the public schools of the county and completed his education in the State Normal School at Edinburg, Erie County, after which he taught school for about ten years. He then went into the con- tracting and building business at Washington, in which he continued interested for five years, and this led grad- ually to the development of his real estate business. He now deals to a large extent in realty and has aided largely in attracting capital to this section for invest- ment. He is interested also in the Washington Drug Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer, and fills the same offices with Zinn's Iron Mining Company, of Vesuvius, Va.

In 1897, Mr. Potter was married to Miss Sabina E.

Ashbrook, of Morris Township, Washington County, who was born in September, 1833, a daughter of Absalom Ashbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are members of the Second United Presbyterian Church of Washington, in which he is chairman of the church finance committee.

Mr. Potter was reared in the principles of good citi- zenship and on all occasions he is a hearty worker for the public welfare. He is a Prohibitionist in his political views and is very active in advancing the interests of the Prohibition party, at times even consenting to become a candidate on its local ticket.

JACOB M. HARSHMAN, whose excellent farm of 115 acres is situated in Buffalo Township, Washington County, Pa., was born on this place Sept. 21, 1847, and has always lived here. His parents were Jacob and Susan (Bumbarger) Harshman.

The Harshman family is of German descent. The father was a farmer during all his active life and was considered a good citizen of Buffalo Township, his neighbors electing him to the office of road supervisor, a position to which considerable prominence is attached. He died in 1897, his wife having died in the 60's. Of their family of children the following are living: Mary J., who lives in Ohio, is the wife of Jacob Metzner; Rachel, who lives at Wolfstown, Pa., is the widow of B. Jenkins, formerly of Washington County; Melissa, who lives in South Strabane Township, is the wife of Andrew Plymire; Isaac, who lived in West Bethlehem Township at the time of his death; Jacob M., of Buffalo Township; and Adaline, who died when small.

Jacob M. Harshman has followed farming and stock raising ever since his boyhood passed and his well tilled fields, together with his herds of cattle and healthy stock in his meadows and pastures testify to the pleasure he has taken in an agricultural life, for system and thrift is shown on every side. His fine residence was erected in 1897 and his other farm buildings are of pleasing appearance and of substantial construction.

Mr. Harshman was married to Miss Mary E. Buck- ingham, who was born at Washington, Washington County, Pa. Her father, the late Frederick Buckingham, was a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Harshman have had six children: Flora, who is the wife of David Wil- son, of Washington; Laura, who is the wife of Charles Weirick, of Washington; Mary E., who is the wife of Arthur Gromo, of Washington; George D. and John F., both of whom live in Buffalo Township; and Rachel, who is yet at home, with her parents. Mr. Harshman and family are members of the East Buffalo Presby- terian Church. In politics, Mr. Harshman is a Repub- lican. He takes no very active part in public matters but when important movements are on foot. his fellow citizens are pretty sure to seek his advice.

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W. S. OLIVER, who was for many years one of the leading dry goods merchants of Washington, Pa., was born in 1864 in the State of California, a son of G. B. and Sarah (Hewitt) Oliver, and a grandson of John Milton Oliver, who was one of the prominent citizens and large land owners of Washington, Pa.

G. B. Oliver was born in 1829, in Washington County, Pa., where he was reared and in boyhood became a clerk for William Smith. In 1850 he went to California, where he engaged in the mining business until 1864, then returned to Washington, where he was manager of the store for Mr. Smith until 1877, at which time he established himself in the dry goods business at No. 47 North Main street. Here he continued with much success until 1890, when he disposed of the business and lived in retirement until the time of his death, which occurred suddenly, in June, 1903, while visiting his daughter in Elwood, Ind. He was united in marriage with Sarah Hewitt, a native of Schenectady, N. Y., and to them were born four children: George H., deceased; Annie, the wife of V. G. Kittle, of California; William S., the subject of this sketch; and Walter R., who lives in California.

William S. Oliver was practically reared in the dry goods business, entering his father's store when quite young, and about 1890, purchased the store from his father and became one of the leading dry goods mer- chants of Washington, continuing in that business with uninterrupted success until Sept. 1, 1909, when he dis- posed of the store. Mr. Oliver is also concerned as a stockholder in various enterprises of this city and is extensively interested in Washington real estate.

In 1891, Mr. Oliver married Annie Crosier, of Phila- delphia. He is a member of the fraternal order of Elks.

A. J. PROUDFIT, one of Smith Township's sub- stantial farmers and well-known citizens, owns 160 acres of land richly underveined with coal, having one bank opened and other work in prospect. He was born near Burgettstown, Washington County, Pa., Mar. 20, 1831, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit.

John Proudfit was born in York County, Pa., and came to Washington County in early manhood. He married Elizabeth Lyle, whose father, John Lyle, resided at that time near Hickory, and to this marriage ten children were born, six sons and four daughters. For some time following his marriage, John Proudfit resided in Han- over Township, but later sold his property there and re- turned for a while to York County, but subsequently came back to Washington County and settled in Smith Township, where he and wife died, both aged about 72 years, and their burial was in Cross Creek Cemetery. In their religious belief they were Presbyterians.

A. J. Proudfit obtained his education in the district

schools and was reared to farm pursuits. After his marriage he settled on his present farm and, as occasion required, put up all the buildings now standing. His land is very valuable and it is estimated that at least 140 acres is underlaid with coal. He pays considerable attention to growing sheep and keeps six cows for dairy purposes, churning butter about three times a week, for which he has a steady demand. He devotes a part of his land to fruit orchards and his apples, peaches and plums all do well. Like his father, he is identified with the Democratic party, but he has never desired to be a poli- tician, desiring only to be a useful citizen.

In January, 1864, Mr. Proudfit was married to Miss Elizabeth Porter, a daughter of Andrew Porter, and they have one daughter, Ida, who resides with her parents. Mr. Proudfit and family are members of the First Pres- byterian Church of Burgettstown.

HERBERT G. VANKEUREN, a substantial business citizen of McDonald, Pa., who has chosen this place as his field of operation in the insurance line, was born July 4, 1860, in Warren County, Pennsylvania, a son of Henry and Helen (Gilson) VanKeuren, his paternal grandparents being Henry and Margaret VanKeuren, and those on the maternal side James and Nancy (Conners) Gilson.

Henry VanKeuren, who was a lumberman by occupa- tion, fought in the Civil War as a private in the 145th Pa. Vol. Inf., and died shortly after the close of the war from the effects of his army experience, being buried in Crawford County. The mother, who still survives, makes her home at Long Beach, Cal. The children born to Henry and Helen VanKeuren were as follows: Mary, deceased, who was the wife of James Thompson; Thomas B .; Herbert G .; Charles H .; and Hattie, who is the wife of George Morhenstecher.

The educational advantages of Herbert G. VanKeuren were limited to attendance in the common schools of Warren County, which he left at the age of 17 years to enter the oil fields, where he remained until February, 1909, when he came to McDonald and engaged in the insurance business, a line which he had engaged himself in as a side issue during the last seven years of his em- ployment in the oil fields. He is well and favorably known in insurance circles, being special agent for the Grand Fraternity of Philadelphia, at McDonald, as well as being connected with the Maccabees, the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Heptasophs. He has been successful in his business ventures, with the result that he is the owner of considerable valuable real estate in McDonald. Politically a Democrat, he has taken a great interest in local affairs, but has not accepted office. His religious connection is with the First United Presbyterian Church.

On Dec. 23, 1878, Mr. VanKeuren was married to

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Mary Harrington, daughter of Thomas and Julia Har- rington, farming people of Warren County. They had eight children, namely: John; Thomas; Jerry, deceased; Mary, Mrs. VanKeuren; Julia, the wife of John Mans- field; Nellie, who was the wife of John Cooney, deceased; Margaret, who married Justin Boyer; and Catherine, who is the wife of Cornelius Kennedy. Mr. and Mrs. VanKeuren have had six children: Josephine, deceased; Henry, who married Lena Campbell, now deceased, has one child, Herbert; and Claud, Blanche, Nellie and Everett.

J. HOWARD CLARKE, whose well improved farm of 164 acres is situated in South Franklin Township, Washington County, Pa., is a representative citizen of this section, where he was born on Nov. 15, 1857. His parents are John G. and Sarah (Herron) Clarke.

The Clarke family is an old and prominent one in this section, having been established in South Franklin Town- ship by the grandfather, Joseph Clarke, who secured land from the Government at an early day. John G. Clarke, father of J. Howard Clarke, is one of the vener- able citizens of South Franklin Township, of which he has been a lifelong resident. For many years he was prominent in public life and is one of the three native born citizens of Washington County who have been elect- ed members of the State Legislature, in which body he served with distinction. He married Sarah Herron, who was born in North Strabane Township, Washington County, and of their children the following survive: Catherine L., who resides at Washington, Pa .; J. Howard, who resides in South Franklin Township; Norman E. and Mary R., both of whom reside at Washington; J. Julius, who is a practicing physician at Pittsburg; Ran- kin J., who resides in South Franklin Township; Albert E., who is a prominent dentist at Pittsburg; and Lulu A., who lives in South Franklin Township. In his po- litical affiliation, Hon. John G. Clarke is a Republican. Since he removed from the farm to Washington, a few years since, he has been an attendant of the Second United Presbyterian Church. He still retains the owner- ship of his great stock farm of 401 acres, situated in South Franklin Township, where he was engaged for many years in farming and stock raising. He raises horses, cattle and sheep, paying especial attention to the latter, keeping from 500 to 600 of the Saxon breed, and is credited with growing the finest wool produced in Washington County. Although he has reached his 80th year, he remains interested in his business enterprises and is still concerned in the public affairs of the coun- try, in which he once was an important factor.

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History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 129

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