Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 13

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 884

USA > Pennsylvania > Indiana County > Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II > Part 13

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Mr. Camp married d Elizabeth Notley, daughter of John F. and Amanda (Jones) Notley, of Montgomery township. Her father, who was a farmer and lumberman, came to Indiana county about 1836, and Mr. Camp's grandfather sold the Notley family their first farm here, a tract of one hundred acres. Mr. Notley was reluctant about buying, saying, "No, we can't live there; nothing cleared." So Mr. Camp clinched the sale by clearing ten acres. The property is now owned by Francis

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

fifteen years old, and Arthur Brown when Smith White, of Delaware county, N. Y .; two years old. The three who survive are: Martha, who married Jonathan Doty, of Ash- Howard Delmont, who lives at home and as- land, Ohio; John, who went to California sists his father on the farm; John Notley, a and later to South America, where he died ; student of the Philadelphia Medical School, and Margaret, who married Samuel Barnett, of Temple College, at Philadelphia; and of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. James Jones, at home.

HUGH ALEX McISAAC, farmer, dairy- man and stock raiser of North Mahoning township, Indiana county, was born Sept. 24, 1859, in that township, son of Robert and Mary (McCune) McIsaac.

Hugh McIsaac, the grandfather of Hugh A. McIsaac, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and there married Jane McKisock. They came to the United States in 1827, and after a six weeks' voyage on a sailing vessel landed at Philadelphia, remaining in that locality for several years thereafter. Subsequently they moved to Westmoreland county, Pa., and lived on the Chestnut Ridge until 1843, when they came to North Mahoning township and located about one and a half miles south- west of Marchand. Here they secured about two hundred acres of wild land, on which there had been made a small clearing, and a log cabin and stable had been erected. On this farm they spent the remainder of their lives, Hugh MeIsaac dying Aug. 28, 1865, and his wife April 6, 1853. They were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. Their chil- dren were: Matilda, who married Joseph Murphy, of Ligonier, Pa .; Jane, who became the wife of Robert Pollock, formerly of In- diana county ; Robert; and two children who died in youth.

In 1843 Robert McIsaac came with his par- ents to North Mahoning township, and with them settled down to the hard work inciden- tal to the struggles of a family to gain a foot- hold in a strange and uncultivated section. Reared to the life of an agriculturist, he con- tinued to follow that vocation throughout his life, and died in 1898 on the old home place, where he had spent his entire mature life. His wife, Mary (McCune), died Dec. 29, 1893, preceding him five years. Mr. Mc- Isaac was an active church worker. He was called upon to write for a number of news- papers, but never entered public life, his am- bitions being satisfied by his farm and his home. He and his wife were the parents of the following children : (1) Matilda, born July 24, 1857, is unmarried and living on the old home place. (2) Hugh Alex is mentioned below. (3) Robert James, born January 12, 1862, attended Geneva College, graduating with honors in 1889, following which he took a theological course in the Reformed Presby- terian Seminary at Allegheny, Pa. He was superintendent of missions at Knox Academy, Selma, Ala., principal of Knox Academy, and is now located at Beaver Falls, Pa., where he holds a professorship in Geneva College. He married Hannah Howland, and has two sons, Milton, attending Geneva College, and Archibald, a public school student. (4) John Brown, born March 19, 1867, a graduate of Geneva College, is now pastor of the United Presbyterian Church at Leechburg, Pa. He married Matilda Belle Murphy, and has three children, Howard, George and Helen.

Robert McIsaac, sou of Hugh, and father of Hugh A. McIsaac, was born March 29, 1823, in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was four years of age when he was brought to this country by his parents. He had only a limited educa- tion, but was observant, made the most of his Hugh Alex McIsaac received an academic education, following which he taught school for two terms in North Mahoning township, one term in East Mahoning township and one term in Jefferson county, Pa. He was mar- ried Aug. 6, 1890, to Mary T. Stewart, of Rayburn township, Armstrong county, Pa., daughter of John D. and Elizabeth (Harris) Stewart, the former of County Donegal, Ire- land, son of James Stewart, of Scotland, and grandson of David Stewart. The last named went to Ireland as a young man, and there married Elizabeth Scott, by whom he had seven sons and two daughters. He was a opportunities, and became a well informed man. At the age of twenty-seven years he was married to Mary McCune, who was born in Derry township, Westmoreland county, Pa., daughter of Alex and Martha (McIntire) McCune, natives of Ireland, and pioneer farming people of Westmoreland county. Mr. McCune died in 1870, and his wife the year following. Their children were: Sarah, who married James Kinley and (second) Harrison Gourley, and lived in Armstrong county ; Mary, Mrs. McIsaac ; Eliza, who married Wil- liam McClelland, a merchant of Kittanning, Pa .; James, who farmed the homestead in strong Presbyterian, and took his sons regu- Westmoreland county; Nancy, who married larly to services, the whole party riding horse-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

back. James Stewart married Rebecca Dook, McCune died in infancy Dec. 18, 1902; Mary and in 1827 they came to America on the Elizabeth was born Jan. 29, 1905. Mrs. Mc- Isaac is a woman of character and refine- ment, and prior to her marriage was for some years engaged in teaching school in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. sailing vessel "Lazy Manchester," landing at Philadelphia after a voyage of thirteen weeks. They started from that city on the old turnpike, intending to go to Pittsburg, but when they had reached the old Geiger Hotel they were advised not to go further, be- cause of the scarcity of work. In 1830, how- ever, they came as far as Caldwell furnace, in Armstrong county. James and Rebecca Stewart had children as follows: George went to New Orleans, La., and married a planter's daughter, and later went to Kings- ton, Ga., where both died; David, who mar- ried Peggy Oliver and (second) Mary Ann Sirens, was a farmer in Armstrong county ; Fannie Ann married Matthew Steele, a flour merchant of Pittsburg; James, a farmer, married Isabella Dill, of Rural Valley, Pa., and had eleven children; John D. was the father of Mrs. McIsaac.

John D. Stewart was married in 1852 to Elizabeth Harris, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Powers) Harris, natives of County Derry, Ireland, and pioneers of Armstrong county, and owners of land near Kittanning, where both died. They were parents of four children: Joseph, who died when about fif- teen years of age; a daughter that died in infancy; Elizabeth, Mrs. Stewart, and Wil- liam, deceased, a farmer, who married Re- becca Powers and had three children.

Mr. Stewart received a public school edu- cation, and worked at home until he was twenty-five years of age, at which time he secured a position on the Pennsylvania canal, receiving fourteen dollars per month. Later he purchased a farm in Rayburn township, Armstrong county, and two and a half years later was there married. He continued to be engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life, and died in the spring of 1904, his wife having passed away seven years previously. Both were faithful mem- bers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Mr. and Mrs. MeIsaac have had children as follows : John Stewart, born May 3, 1893, attended the home schools and Indiana nor- mal school, where he was graduated in 1911, taught school for one term in North Mahon- ing township, and a school at Plumville, and is now attending Geneva College at Beaver Falls, Pa .; Robert Hugh, born April 6, 1897. has been educated in the home schools; Alex

In 1905 Mr. MeIsaac built his present fine residence, a ten-room home, two and a half stories in height, and his commodious 54 by 54 foot barn, with silo attached, which ac- commodates twenty head of cattle and six horses. He keeps ordinarily from nine to eighteen thoroughbred Jerseys, with about twelve milch cows, and finds a ready market for his cream in Punxsutawney. His hogs are of the Chester White breed, and a fine flock of Plymouth Rock and Wyandotte chick- ens gives evidence of his skill as a poultry- man. About 100 of his 170 acres are under the plow, and "Morven Farm," as it is known, is one of the most valuable of its size in North Mahoning township. Among his busi- ness associates Mr. MeIsaac is known as a man who can be thoroughly and implicitly relied upon; as a citizen he assists all movements tending toward good government, while his wide circle of friends will willingly testify to the fact that, having succeeded himself, he is ever ready to lend a helping hand to others who are trying to succeed.

GEORGE HUNTER, M. D., one of the leading medical practitioners of Blairsville, Indiana county, is accounted one of the most public-spirited citizens of that borough. His uncle, Dr. William Hunter, was for years one of the foremost physicians in this section of the country, and he has maintaned the high reputation of the name in the medical pro- fession by his own skillful and conscientious services to a wide circle of patients.

Dr. Hunter is a native of the State of Indiana, born Sept. 27, 1863, at Idaville, where his parents had settled some time pre- viously. His grandfather, James D. Hunter, was a native of Londonderry, Ireland, where he grew to manhood, and there married Nan- cy Dougherty. In 1838 the family came to America, locating at Greensburg, Pa., where Mr. Hunter made a permanent home, there spending the remainder of his life. He died there in 1851; his wife survived him until 1881.

Thomas Hunter, son of James D. Hunter. was born in Greensburg, and there grew to manhood. He learned the trade of painter, which he followed both in his native town

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

and in Philadelphia. Moving West to the native of Blairsville, daughter of J. P. and State of Indiana, he located at Idaville, where Violet Lintner. Mrs. Hunter is also a mem- ber of the United Presbyterian Church and much interested in church work. he followed his trade until his death, which occurred Aug. 28, 1872, while he was still in the prime of his life; he was buried there. Mr. Hunter was a member of the United REV. JOHN W. FYOCK, pastor of the Church of the Brethren in Green township, Indiana county, and also engaged in farming there, is a well-known resident of that sec- tion, doing good work in his ministerial capac- ity and highly esteemed as a man of honor- able character and the good qualities which make for useful citizenship. He was born in Green township Jan. 22, 1861, son of David and Catherine (Wise) Fyock, grand- son of John Fyock and great-grandson of David Fyock. David Fyock and his son John moved into this region at an early day, from Somerset county, Pa. They are buried in the cemetery at Taylorsville, in Green township. John Fyock bought land in that township, which he farmed until his death; he and his father were blacksmiths as well as farmers, and followed that trade in con- nection with agricultural work. Presbyterian Church and a Republican in politics. His first wife, Elizabeth (Dimmit), died May 11, 1854, and is buried at Idaville. She was the mother of three children: Wil- liam J., who resides in Idaville, Ind .; Levina, who married Jonathan Ireland; and a child that died in infancy. Thomas Hunter mar- ried for his second wife Lavina Dimmit, sis- ter of his first wife, and she died Sept. 4, 1872, and is buried in Idaville. She was a member of the U. P. Church. The following children were born to this union: Joseph, who resides in the State of Indiana; Frank, who is a farmer at Andover, Ashtabula Co., Ohio; George; Anna; John Wesley, who died young; Elizabeth, who married Benjamin Sherif, of Blairsville, Pa .; Amanda, who mar- ried David Forest; and Ida M., who died Sept. 22, 1872, in infancy.

George Hunter was only in his ninth year when he lost both his father and mother by death. He and his sister Elizabeth were taken to Blairsville by their uncle, Dr. Wil- liam Hunter, and at Blairsville the young orphan began his education, first attending the public school. He also studied in the Blairsville academy, and eventually took up the study of medicine under the preceptor- ship of his uncle, Dr. Hunter. Later he en- tered Hahnemann Medical College, at Phila- delphia, where he graduated in 1886, with the degree of M. D. Returning to Blairsville he practiced his chosen calling for a while with his uncle, and then opened an office of his own, on North Walnut street, where he has been located ever since. · His devotion to his work, and the confidence his experience and skill have created, has increased his pat- ronage until his practice is very extensive. Though his professional work occupies the greater part of his time, and he also has farming interests, he has taken opportunity to serve his fellow citizens in a public capac- ity, having been a member of the street com-

On April 2, 1885, Mr. Fyock was married mittee and being at present a member of the to Elvira Minser, a native of Lawrence borough council. In political connection he is a Republican. He is an influential mem- ber of the United Presbyterian Church of Blairsville, of which he is elder.

On Nov. 18, 1896, Dr. Hunter was married in Blairsville to May Eleanor Lintner, a

David Fyock, father of Rev. John W. Fyock, was born in Somerset county, and came with his father to Green township when quite young. He passed the rest of his life there, farming until his death, which occurred in 1893. He married Catherine Wise, daugh- ter of Solomon Wise, an early settler in this part of Indiana county, who followed farm- ing in Green township. Mrs. Fyock died in 1865. She was the mother of five children, the eldest being Tillie M., wife of Edward Donahey, a resident of Grant township, this county; Benjamin lives in Johnstown, Pa .; John W. is mentioned below; Catherine and Moses are deceased.

John W. Fyock obtained his early educa- tion in the common schools of Green town- ship. He began farming in boyhood, and fol- lowed it for several years before he entered upon his regular preparation for the min- istry, in 1892. His first pastorate was the Manor congregation in Green township, and he is now pastor of the Church of the Breth- ren in that township, where his work has been very successful.

county, Pa., daughter of Mark and Elizabeth (Stanley) Minser, who came to Indiana county and lived in Green township for thirty years. Mr. Minser is deceased, and Mrs. Minser, now (1912) eighty-four years old, makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Fyock.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lyke; and a daughter who died in infancy. Fyock: Earl, the eldest, was accidentally Mr. Stiver and both his wives were members of the Evangelical Association. killed when seven years old, having been run over by a wagon; Bessie E. is the wife of Bert Fyock, a resident of Grant township; Ray L. is engaged in teaching public school in Green township; Mark G., Anna Mary and Ira J. are at home.

ADAM T. STIVER, who is engaged in general farming operations in Canoe town- ship, Indiana county, where he is also a mem- ber of the board of supervisors, was born near Mckeesport, Pa., April 22, 1856, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Lutz) Stiver.

Daniel Stiver, father of Adam T. Stiver, was born in Armstrong county, Pa., and was there married to Elizabeth Lutz, a native of Hersburg, Germany. Moving to Indiana county, they settled on a farm of seventy- two acres located in Canoe township, a wild and unimproved tract, on which not a fur- row had been turned. He erected a log cabin, and with characteristic energy began the development of his land, which in course of time was made to yield him abundant har- vests. There he continued to carry on agri- cultural pursuits until his death, which oc- curred when he was seventy-two years of age. In his youth he had not been able to gain many advantages of an educational nature, but close observation in later years, in con- nection with much reading, made him an exceedingly well-informed man, and he was known for his many excellencies of mind and heart. His first wife died at the age of forty- four years, and he was married (second) to Louisa Mickel, of Canoe township, who is still living. Mr. Stiver and his first wife had a family of thirteen children, namely : Adam T .; David, deceased, who married Mrs. Kate Toy, widow of Harvey Toy; Annie, who married Park Loyd, and both are de- ceased; Abraham, who is engaged in farm- ing in North Mahoning township; William, also a farmer in that district, who married Melinda Wining; Belle, who married Samuel Law, of Horatio, Pa .; Margaret, who mar- ried William Smith, of Juneau, Pa .; Daniel, who died young; Emma, deceased, who mar- ried Joe Neal, of Horatio, Pa .; Aaron, farm- ing a part of the homestead in Canoe town- ship, who married Annie Walker; Ella, who married W. C. White, of Canoe township; Lizzie, deceased, who was the wife of George

Adam T. Stiver, son of Daniel Stiver, went to the home schools when he could be spared from the work of the farm, his boyhood hav- ing been one of constant industry and hard, unremitting toil. The scenes and experiences of pioneer life in Indiana county are familiar to him, and when he was in his youth the wild and unimproved condition of this sec- tion gave but little indication of the rapid changes which were to work so wonderful a transformation. He continued to remain on the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age. On July 27, 1882, he was mar- ried to Eva Hefflick, of Canoe township, daughter of John and Eliza (Emerick) Heff- lick, natives of Germany who came to the United States and settled in Canoe town- ship. They spent the remainder of their lives in this section, and their son David and daughter Mary now live on the homestead. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stiver: (1) Walter E., the eldest, born Sept. 21, 1884, was educated in the public schools and the select summer schools, and was graduated from the State normal school, at Indiana, in 1910. For several years before his graduation he was engaged in teaching, and has since continued to follow the pro- fession, having taught the Crawford school, a room at Rossiter, the Henry school, the Canoe school (all in Canoe township), at New Alexandria, in Westmoreland county, the Doty school in Grant township, and in the schools at Richmond, where he is now located. (2) Samuel Lee, the second child, was born July 22, 1886, was educated in the home and select schools, and also took up the vocation of educator, now being engaged in the Widdow- son school. (3) Edna Ruth, the youngest, born Sept. 17, 1900, attended the home schools and is now engaged in pursuing her musical studies, for which she has shown considerable talent.

After his marriage Mr. Stiver purchased seventeen acres of the old homestead, on which he has made numerous improvements, and in addition to which he owns fifteen acres at Locust Lane, Pa. He has carried on gen- eral farming, and has been uniformly suc- cessful in his ventures. The high esteem in which he is held by his fellow citizens has been evidenced by his election to numerous township offices. In 1888 he was chosen a member of the board of supervisors of Canoe township, and several times since. He has

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

also held the offices of overseer of the beth (Coulter) Fulton, and they have one poor, school director, inspector, road master, son, Arthur LeRoy, born April 19, 1894. treasurer of the school board, and collected Mr. Donahey is in the trucking business in the road taxes, and at this time is efficiently the borough of Indiana, in partnership with his brother Samuel. serving in the capacity of supervisor. He has always been a stanch supporter of Demo- cratic principles and candidates. Mr. Stiver has also found time to devote to church work, attending St. Mark's United Evangelical Church, at Juneau, where he has acted as class leader and superintendent of the Sun- day school.

THEODORE M. DONAHEY, of Tunnel- ton, Indiana county, general merchant and farmer, has a high reputation in his section for business ability and honor. He is a native of the county, born Feb. 17, 1856, in Young township, son of Samuel C. Donahey and grandson of William and Sarah (Clawson) Donahey, who had a large family, namely : Samuel C., Richard, Benjamin, Joseph, An- drew, Ross, Ellis, William, Mary Ann, Re- becca, Sarah and Jane.

Theodore M. Donahey first attended the common schools in Young township, and later continued his studies at the Eldersridge acad- emy and the Indiana (Pa.) State normal school. He was engaged in teaching school for fourteen years, in Young township, Clarksburg, this county, Armstrong township, Conemaugh township and Jacksonville-all in Indiana county. He then (during the ad- ministration of President Cleveland) moved to Petersburg, Va., and for a period of six years carried on the mercantile business there, in 1898 returning to Young township, Indiana Co., Pa. After devoting himself to farming for a short time he moved to Tunnelton, in Conemaugh township, where he bought the general store of David Duncan, and has since been doing a thriving business at that point as butcher and general merchant. He owns a farm of sixty-two acres near by, which he cultivates, and he raises a large number of fine horses, in which line he has been highly successful. In fact, he has done well in all his undertakings, and is one of the most pros- perous citizens in his section. He is a Demo- crat in politics and a Presbyterian in religion.

Samuel C. Donahey was born Feb. 6, 1822, in Young township, this county, and there followed farming and stock raising all his life, for many years also dealing in live stock, shipping to Philadelphia. He cultivated a farm of nearly two hundred acres, and was a successful and progressive man, though quiet in disposition and thoroughly unas- Mr. Donahey was married in September, suming. He was interested in anything he 1895, to Levina Logan Gould, daughter of Josiah Gould, of Petersburg, Va. They have no children.

believed would contribute to the general good, and was a generous supporter of the Hope- well M. E. Church in Blacklick township. He was a strong believer in the principles of AUSTIN WEAMER CLOWES, a stock- Bank of Plumville, and a farmer of South Mahoning township, was born in Washington township, this county, July 29, 1857. the Democratic party. On March 5, 1846, holder and director of the Second National Mr. Donahey married Lavina Clawson, who was born in Young township, July 15, 1825, and died June 10, 1897. Mr. Donahey sur- vived her, passing away Dec. 24, 1907. They The Clowes family is of Welsh origin. Isaac Clowes, the first of the name of whom there is definite knowledge, married Anna Conner. are buried in the Hopewell M. E. Church cemetery. Children as follows were born to them : (1) William Albert, born Jan. 9, 1847, married Sarah Thompson and (second) Sarah Ann Rosenberger. He resides at Tunnel- ton. (2) Sarah Jane, born Jan. 12, 1849, died Jan. 9, 1911, unmarried. (3) Richard Milton, born July 9, 1852, died Sept. 14, 1870. (4) Theodore M. is mentioned below. (5) Anna Mary, born Oct. 28, 1858, married Robert Montgomery Sheffler, a blacksmith and farmer living at West Lebanon, this county. (6) Samuel Henry, born Nov. 13, 1861, married Anna Belle Morton. (7) John Clark, born Feb. 6, 1867, married Sarah M. Fulton, daughter of Joseph H. and Eliza-

John Clowes, a son of Isaac Clowes, was born in Sussex county, Del., Jan. 15, 1798, and grew to manhood in his native county. In 1820 he came to Indiana county, locating in Washington township on a farm which later became the property of William Sutton. Having learned carding and weaving prior to leaving Delaware, John Clowes followed this line of work in his new home and built a mill to manufacture woolens on his farm. He was a man of affairs for his day, owned and operated 300 acres of land, and made improvements as they were required. His first

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

house was built of round logs, as was his ried Matthew McCreary; Altha May married barn. In 1836 he sold his first farm and Michael Mench; Adda married James Peter- bought another, on which he died in October, man; Jay R. married Mary McCracken, of 1880, aged eighty-two years; he was buried in South Mahoning township, and resides at the cemetery connected with the United Pres- Denver, Colo .; Ferna Edith married Jack Fisher. byterian Church of Washington township. While not connected with any religious de- nomination, he lived according to the Golden Rule and was a most excellent man.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 13

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 884

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 884