History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 133

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 133

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Harry B. Hayden was reared and obtained his educa- tional training at Pittsburg, where when a young man,

he ran a confectionery store, which he disposed of during the Flint Glass Strike. He then went to Indiana, where he and his brother Thomas M., rented a farm, which they operated successfully for several years, and where our subject celebrated his 21st birthday. In October, 1903, Mr. Hayden came to Monongahela City, Pa., and on May 1, 1907, opened his present business on Second street. Fraternally he belongs to the B. P. O. E., the F. O. E., the Loyal Order of Moose, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Turners, all of Monongahela City. His religious connection is with the Roman Catholic Church.

In August, 1901, Mr. Hayden was united in marriage with Catherine E. Grill of Pittsburg, and they have three children: Catherine, Naomi, and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Hayden reside at No. 714 Coal street.

JOHN McCLAIN, a well known broom manufacturer of Washington, Pa., who was for many years identified with the farming interests of Franklin Township, was born August 21, 1842, on his father's farm in Franklin Township, a son of Simeon and Jane (Carter) McClain.

Simeon McClain, who was born in Franklin Township, Washington County, about 1816, was the youngest son of John McClain, who was one of the earliest settlers of the county. Simeon McClain followed farming and stock raising during the greater part of his life, and was one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of the com- munity in which he lived. He was united in marriage with Jane Carter, a native of Amwell Township, and a daughter of Isaac and Nancy Carter, and their union resulted in the following issue: John McClain, the sub- ject of this sketch; Elizabeth Ann, the deceased wife of H. K. Bell; William N., who resides on Franklin street, Washington; Sarah Ellen, his twin sister, who died October 16, 1907, was the wife of S. S. Bell; W. Ross, of Virginia; and Mary Margaret, who is the wife of Homer C. Andrew, of Van Buren, Pa.

John McClain was reared in Franklin -Township, where for many years he engaged in farming. About 1869 he came to Washington, and for a period of twenty years operated the Washington Woolen Mills, to which on January 1, 1871, he added a broom factory, which he carried on in connection with the mills. He subse- quently disposed of the woolen mills, and on account of his health, spent a part of his time on the farm each year, but he continued the manufacturing of brooms, which he still is engaged in. Mr. McClain is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and fraternally is a Knight Templar Mason.

· On December 25, 1875, Mr. McClain was united in marriage with Anna M. Gordon, a daughter of James Gordon of Washington County, and they have two sons: James B., who is chief engineer of the Sea Board Air-

739

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

line R. R., is located at Columbia, S. C .; and Otis, who is a mechanical draughtsman, is located at Franklinton, N. C., where he is overseeing the building of the concrete abutments on the Sea Board Airline Railroad.

HUGH HANNA, M. D., a prominent citizen of Donegal Township, who has been engaged in agricultural pursuits near Claysville since he retired from the active practice of medicine, was born in Cecil Township, Wash- ington Co., Pa. His parents were Hugh and Dorothea (Whitely) Hanna.

The father of Dr. Hanna was born in North Ireland and the mother in Washington County. The paternal grandparents of Dr. Hanna came to the northern part of Washington County when their son was small and he was reared there and subsequently married Dorothea Whitely, but died early, Dr. Hanna being only four years old when his father's death occurred.

After the death of her husband, the mother of Dr. Hanna, with other members of the family, removed to Nottingham Township, Washington County, and there he was reared and was mainly educated in the J. C. Mes- senger Academy, in Somerset Township. For about ten years he taught school, in both Washington and Alle- gheny Counties, and during a part of this time he de- voted all his spare moments to reading medical works in preparation for practice. Dr. C. W. Townsend, then of Peters Township, was his preceptor and director, and under him the young man was thoroughly prepared and subsequently was graduated from Jefferson Medical Col- lege, Philadelphia, in 1870. He immediately settled at Noblestown, Allegheny County, but shortly afterward, was called to Canonsburg, an old preceptor, Dr. Weaver, being prostrated with an illness that subsequently re- sulted in his death, this being the cause of Dr. Hanna's locating in that borough. He continued in practice there for nine years and then removed to Chartiers Town- ship, where he was practically retired from practice and engaged in farming and raising fine stock for a number of years, and during this time became interested also in the sheep industry. From there he then moved to Donegal Township, in 1903 settling on his present valua- ble farm of 100 acres. In Chartiers Township he served for six consecutive years as school director but has accepted no public office since locating in Donegal Town- ship. In his political views he is a Democrat. His ability both as a medical man and as a careful agri- culturist is acknowledged and aside from business con- siderations he is held in very high regard for his personal qualities.

On November 1, 1876, Dr. Hanna was married to Miss Elizabeth Wallace, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Arnold) Wallace, her parents being old Washington County peo-

ple of Scotch extraction. Dr. and Mrs. Hanna have had three children: Howard T. E., who resides in Done- gal Township; Leota M., who is deceased; and Birdie B., the latter of whom graduated from Jefferson Academy at Canonsburg, in 1904, and is an accom- plished young lady. Mrs. Hanna is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Claysville, Pa.

THOMAS MONTGOMERY HALL, a worthy repre- sentative of one of the oldest pioneer families of Wash- ington County, was born in Somerset Township, Wash- ington Co., Pa., February 13, in 1828, and now lives retired in his pleasant home at No. 227 Jefferson ave- nue, Washington. He is a son of Thomas and also a grandson of Thomas Hall.

The first Thomas Hall came from County Tyrone, Ire- land, and settled in Somerset Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 1788, at that time purchasing the land which is now owned by his great-grandson, Samuel B. Weir. Thomas Hall married Sarah Keyes, also of County Tyrone, and to them were born the following children: Jane, wife of Henry Vance; Mary, wife of Adam Weir; James, who married Mary Pierce; and Thomas, whose marriage to Catherine Rainey, connected the Halls with another early pioneer family of consequence.

Thomas Hall (2) was born in Somerset Township, Washington County, in August, 1792, grew to manhood there and married a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Broomfield) Rainey. To Thomas and Catherine Hall were born the following children: James, who survived. to the age of eighty-six years; Sarah, who is deceased; Austin W. and John, both of whom are deceased; Eliza- beth, who married Mark Richey; Thomas M .; Catherine, who married Robert Lutton; Adam Weir, who married Mary Munnell; and Mary Jane, who married Frederick Whiteley. Of the above family, Thomas M. Hall is the only survivor.

In early youth, Mr. Hall came to Washington and learned the saddlery and harness-making trade. For a number of years he was in the hotel business, conducting the old Fulton House, becoming one of the best known men of the place. He was married in 1857 to Margaret Kiser, who was born at Shippensburg, Cumberland Co., Pa., and they reared five children, namely: Kate, who is the wife of John B. Gibson, of St. Louis, Mo .; Jane S., who resides at home; Mary Elizabeth, who is the wife of Henry W. Williams, of Pittsburg; Harry M., who is a resident of Washington; and Helen M., who resides at home. Many members of the Hall family have been prominently identified with the United Presbyterian Church and have also been liberal to other religious denominations. Thomas Hall (2) donated the ground on which the old United Presbyterian Church was built on Pigeon Creek. Thomas M. Hall is a Methodist, hav-

240

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

ing been identified with that church for about sixty years.

SAMUEL H. COOK, now living retired after a long and useful life, during his most active years devoting himself to agricultural pursuits, located at McDonald among the earliest settlers in the village. He was born in Cecil Township, Washington County, Pa., Apr. 17, 1832, and is a son of John and Ursula (Herriott) Cook, the latter of whom came from a distinguished family. She was a daughter of George Herriott, of the well- known family of Scotland, who claim descent from David 1st of Scotland, (1124-53) who by marriage became the earl of Huntingdon. King David was a great monarch and for his wise administration and purity of his life was deemed a saint by his people. He was succeeded by his grandson, Malcolm IV, (1154-65). Herriott is spelled both Herriott and Herriot. herriott was assigned a leading part in Sir Walter Scott's novel, "Sir Nigel." Mr. Cook has a very interesting article on his family descent copied from an ancient book (Guillim's Display of Heraldry).

John Cook followed farming in Cecil Township through- out his life. He was married (first) to a Miss Coulter and six children were born to that union, namely : Jane, Robert, Moses, Marjorie, Mary and John. John Cook was married (second) to Ursula Herriott, and they had the following children : George H., Elizabeth, Archibald, Samuel H. and Hester. His third marriage was with Nancy Grier and a son was born to that union, Nathan G. In politics, John Cook was a Democrat. He was a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church.

Samuel H. Cook attended school until he was 12 years old and then became self supporting, working on the home farm for his father until his majority and con- tinuing farm labor until he was 37 years of age. He then came to McDonalu and has resided here ever since and is one of the representative citizens. He has taken- a great deal of interest in the remarkable growth of the place and owns property.

Mr. Cook was married (first) in 1857 to Miss Re- becca Donaldson, and they had one daughter, Rebecca, who died when aged 3 months. In June, 1862, Mr. Cook was married (second) to Miss Mary Ann Gilfillan, who died leaving three children, namely: Nancy Grier, who is the wife of Prof. J. M. Shaffer, of Westminster Col- lege, has one daughter, Mary Johns Shaffer; Dora, who died when aged 19 years; and Mary Etta, who married Joseph McClay and has two sons, Samuel Cook and David McClay. The mother of these daughters died in December, 1885. Mr. Cook was married (third) to Miss Amanda C. Smith, a daughter of Robert J. and Sarah A. (Crawford) Smith. Mrs. Cook's parents are de- ceased, but she has the fonowing brother and sisters:

Mary, who married James Dunseath, is now dead and left two sons and one daughter, one of the sons dying after his mother; Margaret, who married Daniel Thomas; Lena, who married William J. Potter; Sadie E., who married E. J. MeKnight, and Robert S. A family re- union of the hundred of Mrs. Cook was held in Allegheny County, near Bakerstown, recently and there were 450 guests present who were relatives.

WILLIAM J. GOWERN, one of Canonsburg's repre- sentative citizens, and probably the largest individual real estate owner in the city, is engaged in a real estate business on an extensive scale and also handles fire in- surance risks. , He was born in the city of New York, December 5, 1853, and is a son of Robert F. and Alice (Robinson) Gowern.

The parents of Mr. Gowern were both in New York and the mother still survives, having reached her eighty- third year. The father died at Canonsburg, Pa., July 12, 1898, at the age of sixty-eight years and eight months. By trade, the late Robert F. Gowern was a blacksmith and carriage-maker. In 1875 he entered into the manufacture of carriages at Canonsburg, under the firm name of Gowern & Sons, his partners being William J. and Robert Frederick. The latter died May 24, 1895. The sons purchased the father's interest in the business and also his large real estate interests in 1887, after which the firm name was Gowern Bros., which continued until the death of Robert Frederick, as noted above, and was continued by the surviving partner until November 14, 1898, without change. At that time the plant, with a number of other buildings, was destroyed by fire. - It was located on the southwest corner of West Pike and Jefferson avenue, a section swept by the flames.

William J. Gowern was three years old when his parents moved from New York to Harrodsburg, Ky., and there he attended school until the age of thirteen, when he accompanied the family to Paterson, N. J., where he received several months of schooling. He then went to work in a cotton mill as bobbin boy and was so capable and industrious that by the time he was fifteen years of age, he occupied the position of assistant to the superintendent of the carding room. From Paterson he went to Pittsburg, Pa., and there entered the employ of John S. Schaffer, with whom he served an apprentice- ship of two years in the carriage painting trade. A

change in the proprietorship of the works caused him to . leave there, after which he came to Washington, Pa., and for two years was in the employ of S. B. & C. Hays. From the age of nineteen to twenty-one, he worked for this firm as a jonrneyman painter. At this time he ac- companied his father and brother to Canonsburg and here they went into the carriage-making business and were very prosperous until their plant was lost by fire. In

SAMUEL H. COOK

743

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

addition to their manufacturing, the firm dealt largely in real estate and as each member possessed foresight and business judgment, their investments usually proved prof- itable ones. In November, 1903, the firm of Morgan & Gowern was organized, the senior member being John C. Morgan, and this partnership was continued until 1906, when Mr. Morgan was elected county treasurer of Washington County, and since that date, Mr. Gowern has conducted the business alone. A large number of the properties he handles are his own and his mother's, but he deals also in first class realty for others, on a large scale. The Gowern business blocks are among the finest structures at Canonsburg.

On July 10, 1901, Mr. Gowern was married to Miss Margaret I. Conboy, a daughter of John Conboy, of Pittsburg, and they have three children: Elizabeth, Eileen and Margaret. With his family, Mr. Gowern be- longs to the Catholic Church. In politics he is an active Republican. He is serving as a notary public. As a citizen, his efforts at all times are directed to the better- ment of the community.

JOHN SLATER, manufacturer and wholesale and retail dealer in cigars, with business house at No. 21 North Main street, Washington, is a prominent and useful citizen, and is identified with a number of suc- cessful and important enterprises of this section. He was born at Washington, Washington Co., Pa., in 1858, and is a son of Theodore and Apolonia (Weis) Slater.

Theodore Slater was born in Germany and came to America in 1845, and settled at Washington in 1851. He embarked then in the shoe business which he con- ducted until 1866 and then became interested in the cigar business and extended his interests until he com- manded a large wholesale as well as retail trade. He amassed an ample fortune through his business ability, and was a citizen whose worth was recognized by those with whom he was associated. He died in 1879. He married Miss Apolonia Weis, also a native of Germany. Mrs. Slater survives. They had four children, namely : John, who died in infancy; Mary, who is Mother Su- perior in Mt. DeChantle Convent, near Wheeling, W. Va .; John, who is in the cigar business at Washington, and is our subject; and Annie, who is deceased.

John Slater was reared at Washington and was edu- cated in the public schools and St. Vincent College, at Latrobe, Pa., and immediately after his return home en- tered into business with his father, whom he succeeded, at the latter's death. He is a director in the Citizens' National Bank of Washington, and is financially inter- ested in other concerns. The cigar business is one of importance, the manufacturing plant being situated at Lancaster City. A number of favorite brands are on

the market and Mr. Slater has four traveling men visit- ing the trade.

In 1886, Mr. Slater was married to Miss Regina T. Stillwagen, of Claysville, Pa., and six sons and two daughters have been born to them, namely: John Jo -. seph, who is connected with the manufacturing depart- ment of his father's business, at Lancaster; Charles Francis, who is on the road for the house; Edward Theo- dore, M. Paul, Mary R., Elizabeth A., and Bernard, are students in school at Washington, Pa .; and Francis Xavier is still at home. Mr. Slater and family are mem- bers of the Roman Catholic Church. He is identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Elks.

FRANK J. SCOUVART, one of the enterprising busi- ness men of Independence Township, Washington Co., Pa., who is conducting a successful general store at Avel- la, is a native of Belgium, where he was born in 1876, the only child of Vital and Nellie Scouvart.

Mr. Scouvart received his education in the public schools of his native country, and was eleven years of age when the family came to the United States, settling in McDonald, Washington County, where young Scouvart found employment in the mines. When about sixteen years of age he became clerk at the company store lo- cated at Sturgeon, below McDonald, and continued in that capacity for about twelve years, when he formed a partnership with a Mr. Matthews, and the firm of Mat- thews & Scouvart operated general stores at Cecil and Avella for two years. At the end of this time Mr. Scou- vart purchased Mr. Matthews' interest in the business, closed the store at Cecil, and has since been giving his entire attention to the establishment at Avella, where he carries a complete stock of hardware, mining tools, guns, paints, oils, furniture and shoes. He is a shrewd and capable business man, and his custom of always giving the best goods at a fair price has won for him a large and lucrative trade in his community.

In 1900 Mr. Scouvart was married to Helen Egbert, who is a daughter of Nickolas and Phelomene Egbert, of McDonald, and to this union there have been born two children : Nellie and Frank, J., Jr. Mr. Scouvart is a Republican in politics, and has served as township clerk and inspector of elections. His fraternal connection is with Moose Lodge and the Order of Elks, at Carnegie.

SAMUEL A. POLAN, who is numbered with the rep- resentative business men of Washington, conducts a first class grocery at No. 481 West Chestnut street, and has been a resident of this city for thirteen years. He was born in East Finley Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 1862.

William Polan, father of Samuel A., was born in

744

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

West Virginia and came to Washington County in 1854, where he engaged in farming and stock raising for many years. Since the death of his wife he has resided with a daughter, in Buffalo Township. Although seventy-three years old, Mr. Polan is still active physically and also retains his mental faculties. He married Deborah Mar- tin, who was born and reared in East Finley Township. They had seven children and four of these survive, name- ly: John, James P., and Samuel A., all of whom reside at Washington; and Ida, who is the wife of William Mounts, of Buffalo Township.

Samuel A. Polan grew to manhood in East Finley Township and attended the public schools. He followed farming and stock raising until 1896, when he came to Washington and embarked in the grocery business and has been at his present location for seven years. He carries only first class goods, catering to the best trade, his stock including staple and fancy groceries and salted and smoked meats. He has never taken a very active part in politics and has accepted no office except that of school director and has served as such both in the country and in Washington.

In March, 1888, Mr. Polan was married to Miss Jennie McNeal, who was reared also in East Finley Township, and they have had seven children born to them, all re- maining at home except the eldest daughter, Elizabeth, who married Norman Kunselman and resides on Fay- ette street, Washington. The eldest son, Charles, is as- sociated with his father. The others are: Samuel Law- rence, Dora, Marie, Wanetta and Duane. Mr. Polan and family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church. He is identified with the P. O. S. of A., the Maccabees and the Knights and Ladies of Honor.

WILLIAM F. REED, a member of the school board of Hanover Township, has been identified with the oil industry during the larger portion of his business life and now fills the office of lease foreman for the Hanover Oil Company. It is one that requires a large amount of practical knowledge and unerring judgment. Mr. Reed was born in Beaver County, Pa., October 31, 1863, and is a son of Samuel W. and Mary (Martin) Reed.

The parents of Mr. Reed were both born in Penn- sylvania and the father was a farmer throughout life. They were the parents of the following children: Mary Alice, who married Veasy Alexander; William F .; Eliza- beth Adella, Marion S., George E., Jennie, Laura and Clarence. The father now lives retired at Frankfort in Beaver County. The mother died in 1879, and was interred in the Hanover Cemetery.

William F. Reed attended the common schools in the neighborhood of his home, never enjoying any superior advantages. He was about nineteen years of age when he went on the farm with his father with whom he re-

mained for two years and then went to farming on shares in Washington County for two years. He then entered the oil fields and that decided his future business career for he has continued to be identified with this great in- dustry until the present, and through his industry has made it a remunerative business for himself.

In 1885, Mr. Reed was married to Miss Lucy M. Au- miller, a daughter of Elijah and Hannah Aumiller. They were Ohio people but they died in Pennsylvania, leaving two children: Lucy M. and Wade, the latter of whom resides at Newark, Ohio. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reed: Clara, born in 1887; Elmer, born in 1890; Bertha, born in 1893; and Wade, born in 1903. Mr. Reed and family belong to the Pennsyl- vania Church in Florence, to which place he came in 1901, and has a handsome home here. Like his father he is a Democrat but the only public office he has ever consented to accept is the one he now holds. He is a member of Cardville Lodge, No. 407, Odd Fellows, at Florence, Pa.

EMANUEL SHEARER, a retired farmer and highly respected citizen of Washington, Pa., was born January 1, 1843, in Franklin Township, Fayette Co., Pa., where he was reared and engaged in farming and stock raising until 1900. He then disposed of the coal beds under his farm land, and came to Washington County, where he purchased the old Allen farm of 188 acres at Eighty-four, North Strabane Township. Here he was for four years engaged in agricultural pursuits, then sold his land, re- serving the coal beds, and came to Washington, where he has since lived in retirement in his fine residence at No. 510 East Beau street, in the enjoyment of a well earned rest after years of unceasing activity. In August, 1909, Mr. Shearer sold the balance of his property in Fayette County for $15,000, receiving $7,500 for the coal under five acres which he had formerly retained.

In 1865, Mr. Shearer married Elizabeth Cook, who was born and reared in Fayette County, Pa., and of their union were born the following children: Emma E., lives at home; F. O. Shearer, a general merchant residing at Eighty-four; Harry Jacob, deecased; Jessie May, at home; and John Cook Shearer, who is engaged in busi- ness with his brother at Eighty-four. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer are members of the First Christian Church of Washington.

JOHN W. FARRAR, general farmer in Smith Town- ship, Washington Co., Pa., who owns a one-half interest in 178 acres of land, which is located three miles east of Burgettstown, was born in this township, March 2, 1847, and is a son of John and Phoebe (White) Farrar.

John Farrar, father of John W., was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County. He was one

745

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

of the representative men of this section in his day, a prominent Republican and for some years served in the office of associate judge. During the early part of his business life he conducted a store and was a well known merchant. After disposing of his mercantile interests, he purchased a farm of 196 acres, in Smith Township, which is owned jointly by his two sons, John W. and Clark Farrar. He resided on this farm during the re- mainder of his life, his death occurring in 1875, his burial being in the Candor Cemetery. He was a leading member and an elder in the Raccoon Presbyterian Church. He married Phoebe White, who died in 1870. She was a daughter of John White, a well known old resident. To this marriage six children were born: Mary, Samuel Clark, Preston W., John W., William W., and George.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 133

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