History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 131

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 131

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The farm owned by Mr. Thompson is a very old settled one, being taken up under the old Doddridge patent, which bears the date of 1785. This patent included what is now property belonging to the Thompsons, the Mur- docks, the Carls, the McConnells and the Manchesters, and is recorded at Richmond, Va., as at that time both Pennsylvania and Virginia claimed this territory. On the Thompson farm at one time was a block-house which was erected for a refuge from the Indians. In one corner of the farm is an abandoned cemetery which is the site of what was once known as Old Chapel, an edifice erected by the early Methodists, probably in 1790, and it was used as a place of worship until 1866, when it was no longer suitable for that purpose and is now used as a sheep-house. In the old cemetery, now overgrown with briers and underbrush, one may find tombstones in memory of those who passed away in 1790, 1793, 1804, 1812 and later.

The above farm was the property of the father of its present owner and came to the latter by will. Mr. Thomp- son has two brothers and one sister, namely: John L., who is a farmer and resides at West Middletown; J. F., who resides in Washington, Pa., and Dorcas A., who re- sides in West Middletown.

William W. Thompson attended the common schools and then turned his attention to farming and stock raising and since the death of his father has resided on

. his present place. This land was covered with valuable timber and from this alone Mr. Thompson realized $3,000. He is an excellent manager and shrewd business man, has progressive ideas, keeps thoroughly posted and is numbered with the substantial and representative men of Independence Township.

In 1892 Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Alice M. Vance, a daughter of Robert B. and Mary R. (McCleary) Vance, of Independence Township. The widowed mother. of Mrs. Thompson lives at Independence. They have three children: Bertha and Alice, who are students in the Independence high school ,and Howard.

WILLIAM C. LEET, M. D., who has been a promi- nent member of the medical profession of Washington, Pa., since 1865, was born in 1838 about three miles north of Washington, and is a son of William V. and Elizabeth (Fullerton) Leet, and a grandson of Isaac Leet, who

was born Mar. 13, 1753, in New Jersey, and was one of the earliest settlers of Washington County.

William V. Leet, who was a farmer and one of the early surveyors of Washington County, was born Mar. 18, 1787, in Washington County, and his wife, who in maiden life was Elizabeth Fullerton, was born July 26, 1800, also in Washington County. They were the parents of six children: Nancy M. and Elizabeth, both of whom are deceased; Isaac C., who is a civil engineer and a resident of Kansas; Daniel W., who is an attorney of Milwaukee, Wis .; William C., and Sarah Jane, a resident of Washington, Pa.

Dr. Leet was educated in the academy at Buffalo, Pa., and the Washington High School, after which he began reading medicine in Washington, and in 1865 entered upon the practice of his profession at Washington, being associated with his preceptor during the first three years. Since 1868 he has been alone and has made many personal and professional friends, and has always en- joyed an extensive and lucrative practice, but for the past four years has been gradually withdrawing from practice.

Dr. Leet has been a member of the Presbyterian church for many years and is fraternally affiliated with the Masonic order. He was joined in marriage Jan. 20, 1891, with Annie L. Howe, who died Apr. 30, 1904. Apart from his medical attainments Dr. Leet is ingenious, having patented several useful inventions, and made a number of very fine violins. He has almost completed a small book of beautiful poems, not yet published.

J. J. OSBURN, general farmer in Smith Township, where he is operating his valuable farm and meeting with much success, is a native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, and was born in Robinson Township, Dec. 15, 1834. His parents were James and Martha (Me- Kennet) Osburn.

The father of Mr. Osburn was born in Ireland and he was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Westmoreland County, where he was reared. He mar- ried Martha McKennet and they moved to Robinson Township, Washington County, where he died when his eldest son, J. J., was eight years old. He was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. There were two other sons: G. W. and R. C., the latter of whom is deceased. The parents were buried in Miller's Run Cemetery.

J. J. Osburn obtained his education in the schools of Robinson Township and when quite young began to perform farm duties and has devoted the larger part 01 his life to agricultural pursuits. Following his mar- riage he resided for some years on a farm of 138 acres in Robinson Township, in which he has a one-third in-

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

terest, and then purchased a farm of 110 acres near Dinsmore, and while still owning that, bought the one on which he now resides, subsequently disposing of the other, and is now cultivating 100 acres in Smith Town- ship.

On July 5, 1866, Mr. Osburn was married to Miss Elizabeth McAdam, who died Feb. 17, 1909, and was laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery. She was a woman of exemplary life and beautiful character. Eight children mourn the loss of a devoted mother, namely: Cora R., who married J. V. Sutherland; Eva E., who married John B. Blockhard; Nora B., who resides with her father; Ida, who died young; Ida (2), who lives at home; Oscar L., who married Chess Ackleson; Alvin C., who married Alma Blanchard; Noland C., who lives in California, and Ralph E., who lives at home. Mr. Osburn and family are members of the First Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown. In his political views, Mr. Osburn is a Republican and in both Robinson and Smith Townships has been an active party worker and has been recognized as a useful citizen. During three terms he was president of the Election Board in Robinson Town- ship and has served on the school board, and during his term as road commissioner the public highways in his district were carefully looked after.

C. E. PENN, who is engaged in the merchant tailoring business at Washington, Pa., and is also manager of the Sanitary Cleaning and Dyeing Works at No. 133 South Main Street, has been identified with the business inter- ests of Washington since 1901 and formerly was a mem- ber of the highly successful firm of Penn & Brownlee, of this city. He was born near Ninevah, in Greene County, . Coal Hill, Pittsburg, and subsequently brought his fam- Pa., in 1875, and is a son of Hamilton Penn, who is a well known resident of Dunn's Station, Washington County.

C. E. Penn was reared in Washington County and from the country schools entered Washington and Jeffer- son College as a student and after leaving there went to Pittsburg, where for five years he was in the tailoring and ready-made clothing business. In 1901 Mr. Penn came to Washington and for three years conducted a merchant tailoring establishment by himself, but in 1904 he admitted E. E. Bottenfield as a partner, under the firm style of Penn & Bottenfield. Later he pur- chased Mr. Bottenfield's interest, about the same time adding to his stock and making his leading line men's furnishings. In 1907 James P. Brownlee became a part- ner and the firm style became Penn & Brownlee. On Feb. 1, 1910, Mr. Penn severed his connection with this firm and embarked in the merchant tailoring business for himself. Mr. Penn is a progressive and energetic busi- ness man and has other interests. He was one of the

organizers of the Sanitary Cleaning and Dyeing Works at Washington, in which he is financially concerned.

In 1903 Mr. Penn was married to Miss Josephine Cun- ningham, of Pittsburg, and they have two children : Elwood and George. Mr. Penn is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and an Eagle, and socially is connected with the Bassett Club.

JOHN ANTON, a member of the well-known firm of George Anton & Brother, of Monongahela City, Pa., manufacturers of miners' lamps, which is the largest and most widely known concern of its kind in the United States, was born June 10, 1845, at Alsace Lorraine, Ger- many, a son of John and Barbara (Hoggelstine) Anton, both of whom were natives of Alsace Lorraine, Germany. The father of our subject was for many years a miner, but spent his later years engaged in the manufacture of pickhandles at Monongahela City, Pa., where he and his wife both died.

John Anton, our subject, was the eldest of a family of nine children, namely, John; Mary, who married M. Bronson; George, senior member of the George Anton & Brother Manufacturing Company; Fred, deceased; Christopher L .; Joseph B., who resides in New York; Peter, now deceased, was engaged in the practice of medicine at Chicago, Ill .; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Samuel Wilton, and Jessie, who married Capt. Armstrong. John Anton was but a child when he came to America with his parents, who after a voyage of three months landed in New York City, where they remained a short time, then came to Pittsburg on the canal by the way- of Harrisburg. The father worked for some time at ily to Monongahela City, where John Anton, Jr., was reared and spent eighteen years working in the mines. In about 1873 this John Anton and his brother, George, engaged in the manufacture of miners' lamps, opening a small shop on the corner of Second and Main Streets, where they employed a few men to assist them. They later moved to larger quarters on Park Avenue, where the business still continued to increase, and they finally moved to their present location on Seventh street, where they employ about thirty men and manufacture an aver- age of 250 dozen lamps per day. Their plant is the largest of its kind in the United States, and they ship their goods to all parts of the world where miners' lamps are used. Mr. Anton is overseer of the plant, his brother George having been retired from business activi- ties for the past few years, although still retaining his interest in the business. Mr. Anton is the owner of a business block at Monongahela City, and besides his residence property on Third Street, also owns considera- ble other real estate.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

On Nov. 30, 1872, Mr. Anton was united in marriage with Margaret Wisebacker, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and of their union were born four children: George, who is one of the superintendents of the plant, married Let- tie Polly in October, 1907; Mary; John, who is engaged as one of the superintendents of the plant, and Anna. Mr. Anton is a Democrat in politics, and his religious connection is with the Catholic Church.

L. E. STERRETT, secretary of the Franklin-Washing- ton Gas Company of Washington, was born in Mckean County, and is a son of David and Emma C. (Brooks) Sterrett.

David Sterrett was born in Center County, Pennsyl- vania, and died in 1907 in Washington, Pa., where for twenty years he was engaged in the practice of law, and was recognized as one of the leading and most able lawyers of the county. For many years he was identified with the oil and gas industry of this locality and always took an active interest in politics, being at one time a member of the State Legislature from Mckean County. He was united in marriage with Emma C. Brooks, who was born in Pittsburg, Pa., and is now a resident of Wash- ington. They had a family of five sons and two daughters, as follows: Charles C., who is a Presbyterian minister now in Persia; Arthur, who died while a student in the medical department of the U. of P .; Walter B., who is an instructor in the University School for Boys, at Chi- cago, lil .; Malcomb B., who resides at Evanston, Ill., and is engaged in the practice of law in Chicago; L. E., who resides at Washington, Pa .; Martha, who died in infancy, and Marion, who is a graduate of the North- western University, Ill., after which she spent a year in Europe.

L. E. Sterrett was reared and educated at Washing- ton, Pa. He was engaged as a clerk in a store for sev- eral years and since 1907 has been interested with the Franklin Washington Gas Company, of which he is secre- tary. Mr. Sterrett is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington.

ALEXIS C. LE COMTE, a leading citizen of Wash- ington County, largely interested in oil production and formerly president of the Savings and Trust Company at McDonald, Pa., was born at New Orleans, La., Dec. 3, 1856, and is a son of Anatole and Mary (Favre) Le Comte.

The parents of Mr. Le Comte were born in France, came to America in youth, about 1828, and were mar- ried in New Orleans. They had the following children born to them: Joseph, who is now deceased; Alexis C., of McDonald, Pa .; Jennie, now deceased, who was the wife of John Wasson; Elizabeth, who married Grant Hoffman; Emma, who married Prof. Aubin Paux, for-

merly an instructor in French and now a dry goods mer- chant at Meadville, Pa .; and Edward J. and Arthur A.

Alexis C. Le Comte attended the public schools while his parents lived in New Orleans, later attended the schools at Meadville and Loretto College at Loretto, Pa. From the age of 15 years he worked on a farm for three years, after which he went to the Mckean County oil fields and there embarked in an industry in which he has maintained an interest ever since, and at the present time is operating 42 wells in Ohio and Pennsylvania. He has been identified with business affairs at McDonald and for 16 months served as president of the Savings and Trust Company at that point.

On Dec. 28, 1886, Mr. Le Comte was married to Miss Julia Ducray, who is a daughter of Augustus and Vic- toria (Monin) Ducray, natives of France. Mrs. Le Comte is one of the following family of children: Jessie, who is now deceased; Sarah, who married Joseph Mail- laird; Mary, who married Edward C. Roche; Julia; Augustus L .; and Lilly, who married Benjamin Baird. Mr. and Mrs. Le Comte have one son, Ralph M., who was born Feb. 19, 1888. He is now a student of medicine at the Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. Mr. Le Comte and family belong to the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLARD G. COOK, deceased, who was for many years one of the representative farmers and stock raisers of Canton Township, Washington Co., Pa., was born in Canton Township, in 1839, and died Oct. 28, 1898. He practically spent his entire life on the farm in Canton Township, having located in Washington just two years previous to his death. He was a son of William Henry Cook, who, when 18 years of age came from Rhode Island and settled in Canton Township, Washington County. Willard G. Cook was one of the progressive, public spirited men of the township, and always took an active interest in all affairs which tended toward the advancement of the community in which he lived. He held membership with the Second Presbyterian Church.

In 1872, Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Nannie W. Irwin, who was born and reared in West Bethlehem Township, Washington County, and is a daughter of Robert and Nancy (Weir) Irwin, the former a native of Highland County, Ohio, who came to Washington Coun- ty when young and engaged in farming and stock rais- ing until the time of his death. His wife was born in Washington County and came of one of the pioneer families of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Willard G. Cook were the parents of two daughters: Margaret R., mar- ried Charles E. Smith, who is a teacher in the Wash- ington public schools, and they have one child, Charles Raymond Smith; and Maud E., the widow of John P. Clark, of Waynesburg, has one son, John Willard Clark,

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and resides with her mother in Washintgon. Mrs. Cook and daughters are members of the Second Presbyterian Church.

JOHN SCOTT BARR, formerly county commissioner of Washington County, Pa., has been a prominent resi- dent of Canonsburg since 1888, but prior to that for many years, carried on extensive agricultural operations in Somerset Township, where he owned 300 acres of land. He was born in Somerset Township, Washington County, Pa., Jan. 26, 1827, a son of William and Mary (Boyd) Barr.

The parents of My. Barr were both born in County Antrim, Ireland. The grandfather, John Barr, brought his family to America in 1819 and settled in the upper end of Somerset Township. He was accompanied by his brothers, Robert and Joseph, the latter of whom lived and died near Finleyville, Pa. Robert Barr settled on Marengo Creek and operated what was long known as Barr's mill. John Barr had married Martha Dickey in Ireland and they had a family of four sons and two daughters: William, John Robert, Archie, Margaret and Mary. Through marriage they became connected with other old families. John Barr married Elizabeth Smith and was a farmer in Somerset Township. Robert mar- ried Margaret Jackson and was a farmer and blacksmith in Somerset Township. Archie was accidentally killed when 12 years old. Margaret was the wife of Robert Patterson and died in Indiana County, Pa. Mary mar- ried Andrew Jackson, who was reared on an adjoining farm and she lived and died there.

William Barr was born in 1797 and died Sept. 28, 1838, from dysentery, when aged 41 years. He pur- chased a farm near what was then known as the Seceder Church, near Pigeon Creek, and lived there until his death. He married Mary Boyd and they had eight chil- dren born to them, the eldest being John S. Barr, who was 13 years old when his father died. The others were: Hugh and Eliza, twins, Margaret, William Wilson, Bank- head B., Mary, Jennie, who was the youngest. She mar- ried William Berry, who resided in North Strabane Town- ship, near Clokeyville. Mary married William Garrett, of Washington County, from which they moved to their present home at College Springs, Page County, Iowa. Margaret married James S. Dickey and died in Pitts- burg, her family now residing at Pittsburg. Eliza mar- ried Duncan Williamson, a farmer near Xenia, Ohio, She is now a widow and resides at College Springs, Iowa. Of the sons, Hugh died on his farm in Somerset Town- ship. He married Belle Black. William Wilson, who died several years since in the city of Philadelphia, was a minister of the United Presbyterian Church and for many years was secretary of the Board of Foreign Mis- sions. He married Catherine Barr. Bankhead B. Barr

enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Co. G, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf. He received wounds at the battle of Gettysburg and again at the battle of the Wilderness and died from these injuries, at Alexandria, Va. His body lies interred in the family burying ground at Pigeon Creek and his sufferings in devotion to his country, make it doubly hallowed ground.

John Scott Barr obtained his education in the public schools of Somerset Township, but on account of the early death of his father, had many responsibilities placed early on his shoulders. Under his management the land was cultivated and he took upon himself the education of his brothers and the proper rearing of the family of fatherless children. He not only preserved the original tract of land, but added to it until he owned 300 acres, only a part of which he now retains, having disposed of one farm and of his coal lands to a large degree when, in 1888, he retired to Canonsburg. He still di- rects his agricultural affairs as formerly, but takes no part in them.

Mr. Barr was married (first) in 1852 to Miss Mary Gibson, who died in 1855. Her father was James Gib- son, the family being a well-known one in North Strabane Township. One daughter survives, Mary, who is the wife of Rev. James M. Duncan, of Shannon City, Iowa, who is pastor of the United Presbyterian body at that place, and they have one daughter. Mr. Barr was married (second), Jan. 26, 1865, to Miss Mary Pattison, of In- diana County, Pa., a daughter of Robert and Mary (Stewart) Pattison. Three children were born to this union, but one only survives, Martha Jane, who is the wife of Rev. W. F. Wier, of Ashtabula, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wier have had four children, three -of whom are living: John S. B., William Thomas and Leroy Moffitt. In early life, Mr. Barr was identified with the Whig party, but is now and for years has been a stanch Re- publican. He went out with the militia when Pennsyl- vania was threatened with invasion. In 1872 he was elected a county commissioner and served three years and two months in that office. He has served for some 18 years as a member of the school board and was ap- pointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania as a manager of the Reform school for four years. In 1862 he was elected an elder in the Pigeon Creek United Presbyterian Church and when coming to Canonsburg about 20 years ago was elected an elder in the Chartiers United Presby- terian Church.

SAMUEL McWILLIAMS, one of the leading citizens of Canonsburg, was born Nov. 30, 1858, in Chartiers Township, Washington Co., Pa., on a farm one mile distant from this city, and is a son of James Milton and Lydia (McCoy) Me Williams.

James Milton McWilliams was born in Washington

MRS. MARY P. BARR

JOHN S. BARR

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

County in 1813 and lived to the age of 81 years. He was a wagonmaker by trade and also owned a small farm. He married Lydia McCoy, who was born near McConnell's Mills, who died in July, 1908, when aged eighty-six years. They were the parents of twelve chil- dren, namely : John W., who was an attorney at law, died in Kansas; William J., who resided at Canonsburg, died in December, 1908; Mary A., who is the widow of John Cook, resides at Canonsburg; George S., who is a resi- dent of Canonsburg; Lydia, who is now deceased, was the wife of John M. Stewart; James M., Addison W., Samuel, Hattie E. and Nettie, all of whom are residents of Canonsburg; and George, and an infant daughter, both died in this city. The parents of the above family were members of the Chartiers United Presbyterian Church.

Samuel Me Williams attended the public schools of District No. 8, Chartiers Township, in boyhood and then continued his studies for several years in Jefferson Acad- emy at Canonsburg. For about eight years following he taught school and became well known in this connection in different sections of the county and during this period for two years had charge of the "E" Division of the Morganza Pennsylvania Reform School. Upon retiring from educational work he entered into the mercantile business at Canonsburg and continued there for ten years. In 1895 he became associated with the Citizens' Bank, Limited, of Canonsburg, in the capacity of assist- ant cashier and when it was merged into the Citizens' Trust of Canonsburg in 1901, became its assistant secre- tary and treasurer, and maintained this connection until Sept. 1, 1909, when he accepted the position of book- keeper in the trust department of the Commonwealth Trust Company of Pittsburg.

On Sept. 11, 1884 Mr. MeWilliams was married to Miss Ella S. Roberts, who was born in Canonsburg. She was a daughter of John T. and Sarah (Kelso) Roberts. Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams had four children, namely : Edith M., who was educated in the local schools, grad- uated from the Canonsburg High School and Jefferson Academy, is a successful teacher in Cecil Township; Charles Ray, who is a bright student in the High School; and William Walter and John M., both of whom are in school. Mrs. Mc Williams died Sept. 15, 1901. She was a most estimable lady, one whose many amiable qualities served to endear her to all who came within her influ- ence.

In politics, Mr. MeWilliams is a Democrat. He has served several terms as a member of the School Board but has given more attention to his business than to pub- lic affairs, as concerns the holding of office. He is a member of the Chartiers United Presbyterian Church. His only fraternal connection is with the Royal Arca- num.

U. B. RAMSEY, member of the Kurtz & Ramsey Mon- ument Company, with business quarters at No. 220 South Main Street, Washington, Pa., was born at Cross Roads, Washington County, Dec. 10, 1865, a son of the late W. C. Ramsey, formerly sheriff of Washington County and a very prominent citizen.

U. B. Ramsey was reared on the home farm and at- tended the country schools. He was largely interested in farming and stockraising in Buffalo Township until March, 1909, when he removed to Washington and one month later entered into partnership with J. H. Kurtz in the monument business, the latter being a practical worker in marble and granite. This new enterprise has capital, energy and practical knowledge back of it and has a promising future.

In December, 1886, Mr. Ramsey was married to Miss Mary A. Mounts, who died December 1, 1908. She was a lady of beautiful Christian character, and amiable per- sonality. Her father was Adam Mounts, an old and honored resident of Washington County. The four sur- viving children are: William Calvin and Adam Mounts, twins, the latter of whom is associated with his father in business; and Elizabeth Grace and Howard Paul. Dur- ing their residence in Buffalo Township, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey were members of the East Buffalo Prebyterian Church and since coming to Washington, Mr. Ramsey has identified himself with the Third Presbyterian Church.

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History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 131

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