History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 150

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

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Mr. McKeag married Miss Cecelia Wilson, of Clays- ville. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which Mr. McKeag also attends. He is a Re- publican in his political views.

JOHN F. HESS, retired farmer and capitalist, whose beautiful home is located at No. 1116 Jefferson avenue, Washington, is a representative of two of the old and substantial families of Washington County, families that have been connected in many ways with the development of this section. Mr. Hess was born in Somerset Town- ship, Washington County, Pa., November 9, 1852, and is a son of Ephriam and Mary (Wilson) Hess.

Ephraim Hess was born also in Somerset Township and was a son of John Hess, who was one of the earliest settlers of Washington County. Ephriam Hess, like his father, was a large farmer and stock raiser. He mar- ried Mary Wilson, who was born also in Washington County and was a daughter of the old pioneer settler, John Wilson. To Ephraim and Mary Hess were born the following children: Margaret, John F., Mary A., Vir- ginia, Elizabeth, Blanche C. and Grant E. Of this fam- ily, Margaret is deceased. Elizabeth is the wife of J. Martin McNary. Grant E. is a well known attorney at Washington.

John F. Hess was reared on the home farm and con- tinued farming and stock raising until the growth of the city of Washington encroached on his land, when he found it more valuable to make it into a subdivision and sell for business purposes.

In 1907, Mr. Hess was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Kidd, who is a daughter of David Buchanan, one of the old settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Hess are mem- bers of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Wash- ington and he belongs to the official board. He is iden- tified with the Republican party and formerly took an

active part in township affairs, at times serving in local offices.

J. FRANK WILSON, a successful farmer and stock raiser of South Franklin Township, Washington County, Pa., belongs to an old agricultural family of this section, both his father and grandfather having owned lands which they cultivated and their flocks of sheep covered their wide pastures. J. Frank Wilson was born on his present farm on August 18, 1856, and is a son of James and Isabel (Fulton) Wilson, a grandson of Robert Wil- son and a great-grandson of James Wilson, who was the founder of the family in America.

Great-grandfather James Wilson was born in Scotland and he came to Pennsylvania when great tracts of public land could still be secured from the government. He ob- tained land in what is now South Franklin Township and a part of this has descended from father to son through the succeeding generations. His son, Robert Wilson, became farmer, land owner and representative citizen and his son, James Wilson, was born in the same place as his father, and he also was farmer and sheep grower and made a specialty of raising horses. James Wilson was a Republican in his political views and as he was a man of judgment and reliability was frequent- ly elected to township offices. His death occurred in 1901 after a long and useful life. He married Isabel Fulton, who was born in Fayette County. Of their chil- dren two survive: Mary E., residing near Pittsburg, is the widow of A. G. Lacock, a former resident of South Franklin Township; and J. Frank, who resides on the old homestead.

J. Frank Wilson obtained a common school and aca- demic education in the schools of South Franklin Town- ship which prepared him for almost any vocation in life. From choice he has always been a farmer and stock raiser and formerly was a heavy wool grower. He has frequently been elected to public office in South Frank- lin Township by the Republican party in his section and has performed the duties of the same with circumspec- tion and efficiency.

Mr. Wilson was married in July, 1888, to Miss Jennie Sutton, who was born in Fayette County, Pa., and is a daughter of Lemuel Sutton, a resident of Amwell Town- ship, Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have two children: Isabel and Earl. They are members of Liberty Methodist Episcopal Church of Amwell Town- ship, of which Mr. Wilson is a trustee and leading mem- ber, having been one of the building committee that planned and carried out the erection of the present at- tractive edifice. He has also been an active supporter of the Sunday school and for a long time served as su- perintendent.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

JOHN E. MILLER, superintendent of the plant of the Duncan & Miller Glass Company, at Washington, and interested also in other business enterprises, was born in 1840, in Germany, and was brought to America when five years old.

Mr. Miller was reared and educated at Pittsburg and began to work in the glass factory of Patrick Mullvany, when he was nine years old, remaining there for three years. In July, 1861, Mr. Miller enlisted at Steuben- ville, Ohio, in the regimental band of the 4th Ohio Vol. Inf., and served for eighteen months in the Civil War. He then returned to Pittsburg and with the exception of one year, lived in that city until 1893, being engaged in glass manufacturing with the firm of George Dun- can's Sons & Company. In 1900, after the death of James E. Duncan, the firm became the Duncan & Miller Glass Company. Mr. Miller is a director in the Wash- ington Trust Company and is financially interested in other prospering concerns.

In 1867, Mr. Miller was married to Miss Elizabeth D. Bair, of Steubenville, Ohio, and they have the follow- ing children: Clarence M., Loretta D., Zuliema E., L. B., and J. E., Jr.

JOHN N. ANDREW, one of South Franklin Town- ship's prosperous agriculturists and highly respected citizens, devotes his large estate of 170 acres to general farming and stock raising. He was born in Morris Township, Greene County, Pa., January 31, 1842, and is a son of Jesse and Electa (Day) Andrew.

The father of Mr. Andrew was born and died in Wash- ington County, but the larger part of his life was spent in Greene County. He married Electa Day and of their family of children two survive, namely: Milton, who resides in Lucas County, Iowa, and John N., of South Franklin Township. Another brother, Harvey, grew to maturity and was living in Washington County at the time of his death.

John N. Andrew attended the schools of Greene County and from youth has been accustomed to farm life. When he went into business for himself he entered largely into the stock industry and paid much attention to the raising of sheep and after coming to his present farm in South Franklin Township, a quarter of a century ago, continued in the same line and has prospered exceed- ingly.

On May 22, 1864, Mr. Andrew was married to Miss Permelia E. Patterson, a daughter of Wilson Patterson, formerly a prominent and influential citizen of South Franklin Township. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew had one son but he did not survive infancy. In politics Mr. Andrew may be termed an Independent Democrat, being a man who is capable of doing his own thinking and of coming to conclusions concerning public questions that are cred-

itable to his judgment. For many years he has been an elder in the Bethel Presbyterian Church of South Franklin Township, an office held by his father in Greene County. Mr. Andrew is one of South Franklin Township's representative men.

EDWARD L. FOSTER, one of Washington's repre- sentative business men and a prominent factor in Demo- cratic politics in the county, has had charge of the real estate department of the Union Trust Company of Wash- ington, since its organization. He is a native of Wash- ington, born in 1861 and is a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Washington County.

Frederick Foster, grandfather of Edward L., born in Germany, came to Pennsylvania and was one of the early business men of Washington, opening the first butcher shop in the village. His son, John Foster, was born at Washington, in 1834, and he was in the meat business here during his entire active life.

Edward L. Foster attended the public schools and then learned the printing trade in the office of the Washing- ton Review and Examiner, a paper then edited by the late Andrew Hopkins, and also was associated with the Washington Democrat. He continued to work as a print- er for twenty-two years, a part of the time in job offices. In 1902 he took charge of the real estate business for the Union Trust Company. He has been a more or less active politician for a number of years, and has served frequently as a member of the Democratic County Com- mittee. For ten years he was a member of the Wash- ington school board and has acted as assistant burgess of the borough. There are few citizens of Washington better known.

In 1884, Mr. Foster was married to Miss Emma Houston, who was born and reared at Washington, a daughter of Isaac Houston, a leading contractor. They have three children: Sarah C., Nellie and Helen M. Mr. Foster and family are members of the First United Presbyterian Church. His fraternal connection is with the Heptasophs.

COLIN L. BAKER, station agent at Baker's Station on the Waynesburg & Washington Railroad, in Wash- ington County, Pa., has filled this rather responsible office for the last quarter of a century and is well and favorably known to the traveling public as well as to the old citizens of this section. He was born in Amwell- Township, Washington County, Pa., July 11, 1855, and is a son of Nathan and Maria (Horn) Baker.

Nathan Baker was born also in Amwell Township, a son of Enoch Baker, who was an early settler near Lone Pine in Amwell Township. Both father and grandfather of Mr. Baker engaged successfully in farming and stock raising and did a large amount of sheep growing, the

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

wool industry being a very profitable one for many years. In 1871, the late Nathan Baker settled at what is now Baker's Station and the place was named in his honor, the station building being placed on his farm on the completion of the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad. He continued to live here until his death in 1903. Four of his children survive, namely : John W. and David E., both residing at Washington; Robert C., residing in Warren County, Ohio; and Colin L. of Baker's Station.

Colin L. Baker accepted his present office some twenty- five years ago and in addition to attending to his duties as agent, he has overlooked the operation of his farm of 196 acres, on which general farming and stock raising are carried on. He is identified with the Republican party but has not given a large amount of attention to politics, caring little for political office, but has con- sented to serve as a school director.

Mr. Baker married Miss Roberta Horn, a daughter of Henry W. Horn, of Amity, Pa., and they have four chil- dren: Bernard R., Ruby R., Cherry F. and Nellie M. Mr. Baker and family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Amity, of which he is a trustee.

JAMES BOYLE, secretary and treasurer of the Union Trust Company of Washington, Pa., has been identified with this institution since its organization in 1902, and for thirty-five years prior to that had been connected with banking affairs. He was born in 1848, in Union- town, Fayette County, Pa.

When Mr. Boyle was yet young, his parents moved to Belle Vernon but he returned to Uniontown to attend school. His first entrance into business was as an em- ploye of the George A. Berry & Company manufacturing company, a large glass firm of Pittsburg, where he re- mained for two years. He then became an employe of the Citizens' National Bank, beginning in a humble ca- pacity and through ability and fidelity advancing step by step, and retained that connection for thirty-five years. In 1902, when the Union Trust Company of Washing- ton was organized, Mr. Boyle was secured as assistant secretary and treasurer and he fulfilled those duties until 1904, when he succeeded Joseph C. Baird as secretary and treasurer. Mr. Boyle has the confidence and esteem of the body of his fellow citizens. He takes an interest in public matters to the full extent of earnest citizenship and is ever ready to lend his influence in support of law- ful government. He is a member of the First Presby. terian Church at Washington.

A. L. LINDLEY, a well known and prominent citizen of South Franklin Township, Washington County, Pa., is a member of the old New Jersey Lindley family, which doubtless might be traced many years farther back than

1788, when Levi Lindley, accompanied by two of his brothers came to Washington County. A. L. Lindley was born April 7, 1865, on the farm in South Franklin Township, on which he lives, and is a son of Harvey and Harriet (Blachly) Lindley.

The great-grandfather, Levi Lindley, settled in what is now Morris Township, when the country was a wild, unpeopled region. He built one of the first log cabins and was one of the first to assume the responsibilities of life in these then uncivilized parts. The village of Lindley's Mills stands on his first land and perpetuates his name. Levi Lindley, with his brothers, Demas and Cephas, were active in all the early development of this section, building a fort for protection from the Indians, erecting a grist mill and establishing churches of the Presbyterian faith. To the present day the family dis- plays many of the characteristics of its pioneer ancestors and among the leading men of the different communities where they have settled, they are usually foremost.

Harvey Lindley, father of A. L. Lindley, was born in Franklin Township, Washington County, a son of Benjamin and a grandson of Levi Lindley. He grew to manhood sturdy in frame and well able to do the hard work that tilling the soil and harvesting the crops then required, little aid being then given by the use of machinery. In early manhood, in 1847, he married Harriet N. Blachly, a daughter of Dr. Henry Blach- ly, of Morris Township, and they had the following children born to them in the course of a long and happy life together: Henry B., born in 1849, married Sarah M. Van Kirk, and died Oct. 25, 1880, in his 32nd year; Anna E., born in 1853, married Samuel Cozard, of Franklin Township, and they now reside in Los Angeles, Cal .; Oscar F., born in 1855, married Jennie Craft and moved to Barber County, Kas., but later moved to Walla Walla, Washington, where he died Feb. 22, 1904; Howard A., born in 1863, married Adeline Clark, of Buffalo Township, and they live on the farm adjoining our subject; Abraham Lincoln, the youngest of the family, who, with Anna E. and Howard A. are the only survivors. The mother of the above family died July 22, 1891, in her 64th year. The death of Harvey Lindley occurred Aug. 17, 1894, in his 69th year. The larger portion of his life was passed in agricultural pursuits, but for a short time he conducted a livery business at Washington. In his early views on public questions, he was a Whig, but after the formation of the Republican party identified himself with it, but at no time was he a seeker for office. When his district sought responsible men for guardians of the school in- terests he was chosen and as a matter of duty con- sented to serve, this being at the time prior to the division of Franklin Township into two sections. Both he and wife were members of the Bethel Presbyterian

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Church and for 40 years he was an elder of the church.

Abraham Lincoln Lindley was reared in his native township and attended the country schools. From youth he has been interested in farm work and has such a thorough and practical understanding of all its branches that it is not very remarkable that he should be among the foremost agriculturists and stock raisers of this section. He owns 153 acres of valuable land. He pays particular attention to the breeding of draft horses, mainly Percherons and to growing the grade of sheep best for wool production.

Mr. Lindley was married on Jan. 26, 1893, to Miss Mary Isabel Post, a daughter of the late Stephen Post, of South Franklin Township, and they have three chil- dren: Stephen Harvey, Sarah N. and Harry S., all of whom were given excellent school advantages. In poli- tics, Mr. Lindley is a Republican, but, like his father, he is one from principle and not with any selfish de- sire for political office. With his family he belongs to the Bethel Presbyterian Church at Van Buren, in which he served as a trustee for some years. He is a member of the Prosperity Cemetery Association, an or- ganization in which his late father was also interested, having been one of the charter members.

JOSEPH K. McNUTT, cashier of the First National Bank of Houston, Pa., in which capacity he has been identified with this institution since 1901, was born in Chartiers Township, Washington County, Pa., and is a son of William A. and Nancy ( Weaver) McNutt, and a great-grandson of Rev. John McMillan, D. D., a distin- guished divine of the Presbyterian Church.

The MeNutt family has been identified with the affairs of Washington County for many years, the grandparents settling in Chartiers Township when the late William McNutt was a boy. He followed an agricultural life and his death occurred in 1883, when his age was sixty-three years. His widow survived until 1894, dying at the age of seventy-five years. Her parents, John and Nancy Weaver, were old settlers in Washington County. To William A. McNutt and wife were born the following children: Mary, who died in infancy; John, who was killed at the battle of Gettysburg, during the Civil War, being a member of Co. G, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf., having enlisted when but sixteen years of age, and his ashes rest in Grave No. 28, in the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. Elizabeth, who is the wife of Samuel White, of Cecil Township; William; Rachel A., who died in 1908, was the wife of John A. Berry; Mary Ellen, who is the wife of Allison Manson, of Canonsburg; Joseph K .; George D., who is cashier of the First National Bank of Canons- burg, married Rebecca Fife; and Catherine J., who is the wife of J. W. Munnell, who is assistant cashier of the First National Bank at Canonsburg.

Joseph K. McNutt obtained his education in the schools of Chartiers Township and remained on the home farm until he was nineteen years of age when he turned his attention to milling and for the nine succeeding years was in the business at Patterson's grist mill, and after- ward, for one years engaged in milling at Canonsburg. He then entered the dry goods store of J. C. Morgan at Canonsburg, where he continued for thirteen years, terminating that connection in order to accept the posi- tion of cashier of the First National Bank at Houston. This bank was organized July 1, 1901, and commenced business September 26, 1901, in the same building on Pike street where it has remained located. The capital stock of the institution is $25,000. It has been success- ful from the start and the only change made in the per- sonnel of the management, has been caused by death. The first officers were: W. B. Houston, president; John Mor- rison, vice-president; and Joseph K. McNutt, cashier. The present vice-president is J. A. Berry. The first board of directors was made up of the following capitalists: William B. Houston, T. T. Hitchman, John Morrison, George D. MeNutt, L. M. Morgan and John A. Berry. The present board is made up as follows: W. B. Hous- ton, J. A. Berry, George MeNutt, L. M. Morgan, J. A. McKnight, W. W. Donaldson and J. K. McNutt.

Mr. MeNutt was married in 1886 to Miss Clara Virginia Buxton, a daughter of Jacob and Ellen Buxton, of Fow- lers, W. Va., and the following children were born to this union: Nora M., William J., Walter D., Virginia Ellen and Francis J. Mrs. McNutt died September 23, 1905. She was a lady of most attractive personality and beautiful character. Mr. McNutt is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Repub- lican and for the past four years has been treasurer of the city and also a member of the school board. He has been a resident of Houston since January 22, 1902.

ROBERT R. FORREST, who for the past 20 years has been engaged in the brick-making business in South Strabane Township, Washington County, Pa., stands among the representative business men of Washington and enjoys the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens. Mr. Forrest was born Oct. 12, 1840, in Allegheny City, Allegheny County, Pa., and at an early age came with his parents to Washington, where he attended the com- mon schools until he arrived at the age of 16 years, when he entered the Hayes carriage factory as an ap- prentice, remaining there until the breaking out of the Civil War. He then proceeded to Wheeling, W. Va., where he was employed on government work, chiefly in the construction of ambulances, and he ironed the last 25 of that class of vehicles sent to the seat of war from Wheeling. In 1865 he engaged in the carriage business with J. D. Jackson on E. Wheeling street, and in 1867,

JOSEPH K. MCNUTT

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Mr. Forrest entered into partnership with James House in the carriage-making business in Washington, erect- ing for that purpose the building now occupied by R. B. MeClure & Son on East Wheeling street, operating the business under the firm name of House and Forrest. About one year after establishing the business, Mr. Forrest sold his interest to Mr. House and embarked in the brick-making business in South Strabane Town- ship, which he still carries on, the business now having been in existence some 20 years. The first brick made on his place were used in the construction of the jail, and he has since supplied the brick for many prominent buildings, such as banks, seminaries, churches and many private residences. In 1889 he commenced the erection of his own commodious home, which is located on the corner of Summer avenue and Pitt street, and is one of the finest residences in the northern part of the city, and in November, 1890, moved into it. Mr. For- rest was also for a time engaged in contracting and building in partnership with his brother, Richard R. Forrest. On Apr. 15, 1869, Mr. Forrest was married in Washington, Pa., to Sarah M. Hayes, a daughter of Charles Hayes, and a granddaughter of George Kuntz, both of Washington. Six children were born of their union.

Mr. Forrest and his family are members of the Second Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and although he has frequently been solicited to accept office, has invariably declined.

ANDREW HORN, deceased, formerly one of South Franklin Township's best known and respected citi- zens, was born in Amwell Township, Washington Coun- ty, Pa., Jan. 4, 1823, and was a son of John and Mary (Closser) Horn, who were early settlers there.

Andrew Horn was reared to man's estate in Amwell Township and received such educational training as the schools of his neighborhood afforded at that time. When he entered into business for himself he engaged in farm- ing and stock raising and for a time was a wool grower. In all his undertakings he met with a large measure of success as he was a man of deliberate judgment and business faculty. He was married Apr. 6, 1848, to Sarah A. Swart, a native of Amwell Township, where she was born Aug. 15, 1830. Her parents were Philip and Senah (Walton) Swart, natives of Greene County, Pa. The. father of Mrs. Horn died in 1876, surviving his wife five years, and both had spent the larger part of their lives in Amwell Township. Of the nine children born to Philip Swart and wife but three survive, these being: Mrs. Sarah A. Horn; Keziah, who is the widow of David Buchanan and lives at Washington; and Mary, who is the wife of James Jackson and lives at Amity, Pa. Philip Swart was a strong Republican and of his

family of six sons, he gave four of them to be soldiers in the Civil War. All are now deceased, one being killed in the battle of Spottsylvania.

To Andrew Horn and wife were born four children, namely : Elbridge F., who lives in North Dakota; Flora, who is the wife of C. N. Lindley, of Washington; Anabel, who is now deceased, was the wife of E. H. Clarke, of South Franklin Township; and Clarence M., who is also deceased. The death of Mrs. Clarke on June 15, 1898, was a severe domestic affliction. She left four children, all of whom have always lived on the Horn homestead, namely: Queen H., who is the wife of John Gabby, of Washington; Herbert F .; B. Clarke and Sarah Swart Clarke.

In the death of Andrew Horn, on Feb. 26, 1900, South Franklin Township lost one of her best citizens. He was always interested in securing good government in his section and, although not a politician, occasionally consented to serve in township offices, at one time being a justice of the peace. He was one of the pillars of . Bethel Presbyterian Church at Van Buren and in that body his death was deeply felt. He left his family amply provided for, his widow having a farm of 158 acres of well cultivated land. She resides in the pleas- ant old farm house and has everything very comfortable about her. She is a valued member of Bethel Presby- terian Church at Van Buren and is a useful member of the Home Missionary Society, one of its benevolent agencies. She is held in very high esteem all through this section.

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History of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens 20th century, Part 150

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