Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 66

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 66

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On May 2, 1867, Mr. Stear was married to Sarah McHenry, daughter of James and Ann (Neal) McHenry, who were among the early settlers of West Mahoning township, where both died. They had six children, of whom the living are: Benjamin, a resident of West Mahoning township; Elizabeth, who married Martin Wright, of Jefferson county ; and Mar- garet, who married Austin Welchonce, of West Mahoning township. Mr. Stear's first wife died Sept. 29, 1901, the mother of three children : Clark, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-two years; Annie, who mar- ried John Lamison, of Templeton, Pa., and has six children, Frank, Dollie, Max, Chloe, Arthur and Gladys; and Monroe, of Punxsu- tawney, Pa., who married Pearl Howard and has three children, Violet, Jonelle and Florin. On Oct. 5, 1906, Mr. Stear was married (sec- ond) to Ella Neal, daughter of George Neal, of Indiana county, and one child has been born to this union, a daughter, Zoe.

Mr. Stear has devoted the greater part of his time and attention to his store and hotel since 1873. During the last ten years he has acted in the capacity of postmaster at North Point, and he has also served as justice of the peace for two terms and as auditor and school director. His first vote was cast for George B. McClellan, and he has ever since supported Democratic policies and candidates. Mr. Stear has wisely invested his money in Indiana county farming land, and is the owner of a valuable tract of 240 acres. He has numerous friends in his section, is popu- lar with the members of I. O. O. F. lodge at Smicksburg, and with his family attends the Lutheran Church.

ADAM CAMPBELL (deceased), who dur- dents of East Mahoning township, was born in Westmoreland county, Pa., July 6, 1827.

John C. Stear, son of Frederick Stear, had ing his life was one of the substantial resi- to walk three miles through the woods to at- tend the old log schoolhouse, and his edu- cation was somewhat limited. At the age of George Campbell, the founder of the fam- ily in America, was born in Ireland in 1788. and came to this country in young manhood, locating in Westmoreland county, Pa., where he followed farming until he died, in 1865. at the age of seventy-seven years, firm in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a consistent member. He married Sarah fourteen years he began to learn the black- smith's trade, and in 1863 opened a shop of his own at North Point, opposite the site of his present store. He continued to con- duet this shop for four years, and then went . to Hamilton, Jefferson county, but in 1873 returned to North Point, where he erected his present store and dwelling, and he has Carnahan, who was born in 1800, and died continued in the mercantile business to the Dec. 5, 1859, aged fifty-nine years. They are

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

buried in the cemetery at Saltsburg. The taining the high standard raised by his father children of this couple were: Samuel, born both as an agriculturist and a citizen. Nov. 26, 1818; Sarah, born March 8, 1821, who married John Ellwood, of Saltsburg ; Rob- ert, born May 15, 1825, who died at Pittsburg ; Adam, born July 6, 1827; Rebecca, born Jan. 5, 1830; a daughter who died in infancy un. named, born Jan. 23, 1832; Mary J., born Jan. 3, 1833; and another unnamed infant who was born April 9, 1835.

Adam Campbell was educated in the local schools and worked at home until he entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company as a construction hand on the work of building the bridge across the Kiskiminetas river. Later he went to East Mahoning town- ship and settled on the McGarey farm, which he operated for a period, going from there to the oil regions, where he remained for a time. Returning to Indiana county he resumed his farming in Montgomery township, and became interested in the lumber business, continuing the latter until 1877, when he sold and located on the old Beatty farm of 118 acres. On it he built a house that was later destroyed by fire, and in 1888 he erected the present hand- some residence, and made other improvements which added to the value of the property. He followed farming until his death, which oc- curred April 16, 1912, when he was eighty- five years of age. His remains were laid to rest in Marion Center cemetery. He was a strong Democrat and served on the election board, as overseer of the poor and as super- visor. The Presbyterian Church had in him a faithful member and dignified elder.

Adam Campbell married Rebecca Beatty, who was born in East Mahoning township, daughter of. James Beatty, and died Dec. 29, 1900. She, too, lies in the Marion Center cemetery. She was a member of the Presby- terian Church. The children of this couple were: Sadie A., born Oct. 16, 1867, who mar- ried George E. Riethmiller, of East Mahon- ing township : and Robert Stewart, born April 14. 1869, in East Mahoning township.

ROBERT STEWART CAMPBELL was educated in the schools of his neighborhood, and grew up on the farm. He is now operating about 118 acres, devoted to general farming, and stock and poultry raising. Politically he is a Democrat, but he has not cared for public office. The Presbyterian Church holds his membership. he being connected with the con- gregation at Marion Center. A good farmer and excellent business man, he is fully sus- public schools. For six years Miss MeKillip.

HAMILTON McKILLIP (deceased) was born Dec. 9, 1812, in Red Bank township, Clar- ion Co., Pa., son of Archibald and Mary (Mc- Gee) McKillip, the former of Scotch birth, the latter Irish. They established the family in Clarion county, Pa., where Archibald Me- Killip was a farmer and miller, operating a waterpower mill. There he died March 12, 1862, aged eighty-eight years; his wife passed away in January, 1836. Their children were: James was born Sept. 6, 1802; Hugh was born June 3, 1804 : John, born April 25, 1806, lived at Corsica, Pa .; Polly, born July 9, 1808, also lived at Corsica; William, born Oct. 12. 1810, lived in Clarion county, Pa .; Hamilton was born Dec. 9, 1812; Peggy, born March 24, 1814, lived in Clarion county, Pa .; Jane, born May 25, 1816, lived in Bethlehem, Pa .; and Archibald, born Sept. 25, 1817, lived in Kansas.

Hamilton McKillip was educated in the log schools of his period, and taught school in Clarion county, Pa. He was married in Kit- tanning, Pa., to Elizabeth Moore, a daughter of John and Nancy (Wilson) Moore, of Ire- land, who came to America at an early date, locating in Center county, Pa. Mr. Moore was a Methodist preacher. and lived at different places as stationed. He was born in 1772 and died in 1821, and his wife, born in 1784, died in 1840. Their children were: Mary, who was born Dec. 20, 1805, died in Illinois : Peter was born Oct. 17, 1807; Nancy, born July 3, 1809, died in Illinois; Rebecca, born April 5. 1811, died in Illinois : Thomas was born April 15, 1813 : Robert was born Feb. 27, 1815; John was born Jan. 12. 1817; Elizabeth was born Jan. 24, 1819; Margaret P. was born June 2. 1821.

Children as follows were born to Hamilton and Elizabeth ( Moore ) MeKillip : William W .. horn July 22, 1843, died in September, 1905 : he married Martha Niel, and lived in West Mahoning township. Mary A., born Aug. 23. 1845, died unmarried in 1897. Elizabeth A., born Oct. 12, 1847. married William Simpson and lives in Meeker. Colo. Hamilton Lee. born Dec. 1, 1849, formerly in the milling business with his father, is now operating the old homestead. James Stewart, born July 18, 1851. died Oct. 12. 1854. Martha Anna Jane, born Dec. 28, 1857, is at home on the old farm with her brother Hamilton Lee. These children were all well educated in the

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

was a popular public school teacher, and for a native of Scotland, born June 18, 1777, and twenty years she was matron in the Soldiers' his wife, Tamzon Rebecca, was born Aug. 11, Orphans' Home. Her varied duties have 1780. They died Oct. 2, 1853, and Oct. 11, taken her to Mercer, McCallistersville, Mount 1846, respectively. Joy, Chester Springs, Harford, Uniontown, and other places, nineteen in all, all in Penn- sylvania. She was educated at Dayton and Reedsburg, Pa., and is highly cultured.

After their marriage Hamilton McKillip and his wife lived in Clarion county, Pa., where he engaged in a milling business with his father, until 1858, when he came to North Point, Pa., when it was still known as Sellers- ville. He bought the Enterline mill, which was a grain and carding mill, and operated it until he sold to Jacob Crowe. In addition to his milling interests Mr. MeKillip owned and conducted a fine farm of 125 acres, on which he lived until his demise, March 2, 1878. His widow survived many years, dying Jan. 18, 1898. They were consistent members of the Nov. 3, 1868, to John T. McQuilkin) ; William Stansbery, born Nov. 18, 1850, married Eliza- beth MeCracken June 23, 1881; John Ben- nett, born Sept. 27, 1852, married Rose P. Reed July 4, 1882; Washington Virtue, born Aug. 17, 1854, died Sept. 12, 1870; Lorenzo Dow, born July 11, 1856, married Mary Neff in May, 1893; Irvin Isaac, born Aug. 1, 1858, married Mary Itrice Salsgiver Nov. 11, 1892; Harriet Cordelia, born Jan. 1, 1860, married Samuel F. McCune in December, 1878; Tam- zon Rebecca, born Nov. 22, 1862, married George U. Ohara Dec. 27, 1881; Clara Eme- line, born Nov. 2, 1865, married Harry E. Mc- Quown in February, 1896; Loverna Evaline, born Dec. 13, 1869, died Sept. 20, 1870.

Presbyterian Church. Mr. McKillip held m'any of the township offices to which he was elected on the Democratic ticket, and he was deeply interested in the progress of his com- munity. A man of more than ordinary abil- ity, he naturally dominated others, and his example was followed by many. A farmer and business man of more acumen than the ordinary, he accumulated a comfortable property, and at the same time gained and re- tained until his death the confidence and re- spect of all with whom he was brought into contact. The MeKillip family is a large one, and all of its members are proud of their connection with Hamilton McKillip. His daughter, Miss Anna J. McKillip, contributes the following in loving homage to the mem- ory of her parents :

"In memory of our departed ones, I want to bring a spray of evergreen. In lowly walks God has His own dear children. Their lives are fragrant with sweet perfume of faithful living and doing in His service. With love and thankfulness their names and memory are cherished; and for those who knew them, their example and influence are as a bene- diction from heaven. We cannot forget their example of self-denial, their unselfishness in the blessed ministration of mercy, and we long for the touch of the vanished hand and the sound of the voice that is still."

JOHN BENNETT GARDNER, a resident of Montgomery township, Indiana county, was born there Sept. 27, 1852, son of Jonathan Walker and Eliza Jane (Bennett) Gardner.

Jonathan Walker Gardner, son of James Webb Gardner, was born March 25, 1819, and died Sept. 30, 1895. He came to Indiana county about 1840, the family moving hither from York county, Pa., and was a farmer and lumberman by occupation. On May 8, 1845, he married Eliza Jane Bennett, who was born March 18, 1824, in Germany, and came to this country in 1837, and lived to the age of eighty- five, dying May 26, 1909; her family were farming people. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan W. Gardner had the following family: James W., born Oct. 22, 1846, died Oct. 26, 1851; Sarah J. and Elizabeth A., twins, were born May 24, 1848, the former dying May 30, 1848, and the latter April 1, 1888 (she was married

John Bennett Gardner obtained his edu- cation in the public schools of the home lo- cality. He has been a farmer all his life, and in his earlier manhood also engaged in lum- bering. His present place, of seventy acres, is located one and a quarter miles from the borough of Glen Campbell. He follows gen- eral farming, and is an industrious and sub- stantial citizen of his district, thoroughly re- spected by all who know him. In political connection he is a Democrat, but he takes no active part in party affairs or public matters of any kind.

On July 4, 1882, Mr. Gardner was united in marriage with Rose P. Reed, daughter of Sam- nel and Amelia (White) Reed, of Burnside, Clearfield Co., Pa., and granddaughter of Dr. White, of Delaware county, New York.

HARRY E. BURNS, a well-known resident and business man of Grant township, Indiana

James Webb Gardner, his grandfather, was county, has been engaged as a general mer-

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

chant at Decker's Point since 1904.

Mr. Burns is a native of East Mahoning township, this county, where he received his education in the common schools. In early boyhood he began farm work, at which he was engaged for a number of years, commencing on his own account on a tract of forty acres in Grant township which he bought from Hon. Horace J. Thompson, of Marion Center. There he carried on farming and stock raising until he became interested in the mercantile business, conducting his first store in Grant township for two years. Then he became es- tablished at Eastrun, in the same township, where he carried on a general business for eight years, in 1904 buying the business and store property of H. J. Thompson, at Deck- er's Point, where he has ever since been lo- cated. He has not only succeeded in holding the old customers, but by careful attention to the wants of his patrons has widened his trade steadily, building up a profitable business by the most commendable methods. He endeav- ors to keep ahead of the wants of his trade, introducing new lines and giving service that proves his progressive disposition and willing- ness to accommodate whenever possible. For two years Mr. Burns acted as postmaster at Decker's Point, until the office was closed on account of the establishment of the rural free delivery service. Mr. Burns has made a suc- cess of his business enterprises by intelligent attention to every detail, and he is recognized as capable and reliable, commanding the re- spect of all who have had dealings with him. Politically he is a Republican, but he has not taken any active part in public affairs.

On April 20, 1893, Mr. Burns married Mary C. Peiffer, who was born in Grant township, daughter of Frederick and Sarah Peiffer, and they have had a family of ten children: Oda Pearle, Nora Viola, Nay Ward, William Ever- ett, Zola Belle, Frederick Carl, J. Telford, Ada Helen, Harvey Earl and Alverta June. Mrs. Burns is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SAMUEL LIGHTCAP (deceased) was for many years a successful and prosperous farmer of East Mahoning township, Indiana county, whither he came with his parents and other members of the family in 1845. He was a native of Cumberland county, Pa., born Oct. 2, 1811, and was a son of Godfrey Lightcap, the founder of the family in America, who was born in Germany and settled in Cumber- land county at an early day. There he mar- ried Jane McElaney, and they had a large

family, viz .: Solomon, who settled in Rayne township, Indiana county ; Polly, who died in middle age; Jane, who married John Lough- ery ; Hugh, who made his home in Rayne town- ship; Lucinda, who married Edward Bran- den; Margaret, who died unmarried; Benja- min, who lived on the old homestead in Rayne township; Juliann, who married James Mc- Quilkin, of South Mahoning township; Je- mima, who was the first wife of Edward Bran- den ; and Samuel and Johnson, twins, the lat- ter mentioned elsewhere, in the sketch of his son J. Scott Lightcap. Godfrey Lighteap moved across the Allegheny mountains in 1819, and first settled in Westmoreland coun- ty, later, in 1845, moving to Indiana county, making a permanent home in Rayne town- ship, where he settled down to farming. He became a large land owner, his holdings lying in Rayne and Young townships. He died on his farm May 4, 1863, and is buried in the old Washington Church cemetery in Rayne township, as is also his wife, who died on the farm May 4, 1861. They were members of the Presbyterian Church.

Samuel Lighteap was a boy when his par- ents moved to Westmoreland county, and sub- sequently settled with them in Rayne town- ship, Indiana county, whence he and his twin brother, Johnson, moved to East Mahoning township. There he acquired ownership of a tract of 216 acres known as the Hastings farm, upon which he spent the remainder of his in- dustrious and useful life, engaged in general agriculture and stock raising. He kept abreast of the times in his work, improving his property as prosperity enabled him, and was one of the most highly esteemed residents of the neighborhood to the end of his long life, which closed April 21, 1891, when he was in his eightieth year. He died on the farm and was buried in the Marion Center ceme- tery. Mr. Lightcap was a Democrat, and in religious connection a member of the Presby- terian Church.

On Dec. 17, 1868, Mr. Lighteap married Elizabeth Swan, who was born May 1, 1839, in Washington township, this county, daugh- ter of James and Jane (Fleming) Swan and granddaughter of Thomas Swan, being a mem- ber of an early pioneer family of the county. Mrs. Lightcap is a woman of marked intelli- gence and strength of character, and though she has passed the threescore and ten mark continues to takes an active interest in her home and family, and the welfare of her chil- dren and grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Light- cap had four children: Harriet Jane, who

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

resides on the homestead place with her mother ; Lauranna, who died when eight years old; Mary Eva, who died when ten years old ; and Elizabeth Willetta, who married Robert H. Thompson and has three children, Wendell Parr (born Nov. 5, 1899), Steele Lightcap (bórn June 17, 1902) and Lois Allene (born Dec. 23, 1907). Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Light- cap's son-in-law, formerly of Rayne township, is now engaged in operating the farm for her. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAM McFARLAND and his wife (nee Martha McEwen) were born and married in County Derry, Ireland, and came to Amer- ica about the year 1842. Settling in Phila- delphia, they lived there till 1848, at which time they moved to West Mahoning township, Indiana county, and engaged in farming. In May, 1852, they removed to Canoe township, where Mr. McFarland engaged in farming and lumbering. They raised a family of five chil- dren, three sons and two daughters, one daugh- ter dying in infancy. William McFarland was killed Feb. 12, 1853, by a falling tree, while engaged in making timber. His wife

fantry, was taken prisoner, and died in Salis- bury (N. C.) prison Oct. 16, 1864.

After the close of the war John Herbison engaged in teaching school, in the year 1870 going West, where he engaged in educational work.

Mr. and Mrs. James McFarland, the latter formerly Nancy Herbison, were married Feb. 24, 1876. To their union were born nine children, all of whom are living but one that died in infancy. The survivors are: Joseph, Clifford, Armour, John, Blaine, Myrna, Ynlu and Rawle. All worked on their father's farm during the summer, attending school during the winter.

Joseph McFarland engaged in woods' work, following that exclusively. During the Span- ish-American war he enlisted in Company L, 16th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, serving till the close of the war, after which he went West, locating in the State of Oregon, where he has been engaged in lum- bering ever since. Clifford followed various occupations until nineteen years of age, then taking up school work, attending the acad- emies of Canoe township, Purchase Line, Ma- rion Center, and the Indiana State normal died Dec. 29, 1908. The two surviving sons, school. He received his first certificate to James and Robert, still live on the old home- teach from J. T. Stewart, county superintend- stead. Samuel, the eldest son, enlisted in the 74th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer In- since. fantry, during the Civil war, and served un- til the close. He died July 29, 1876.

ent, and has been regularly employed ever

ABRAM HICKS, who is engaged in gen- eral farming and stock raising in West Ma- honing township, was born in North Mahon- ing township, Indiana Co., Pa., July 15, 1852, son of Abram and Martha (Hoover) Hicks.

James Herbison was born in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland, Aug. 28, 1810, and coming to America about the year 1831 set- tled in New York City. On May 19, 1835, he was married to Nancy Beckett, also a na- John Hicks, the paternal grandfather of Abram Hicks, was the first of the family to come to Indiana county, settling in Rayne township, where he spent the rest of his life in farming. tive of Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland, who with her mother, brother and sisters came to America in 1834. A small colony consist- ing of Mr. and Mrs. James Graham, Mrs. Eliz- abeth Beckett and family, Mr. and Mrs. Abram Hicks, son of John Hicks, and father of Abram Hicks, grew up and was educated in Rayne township, and after his first mar- riage removed to North Mahoning township, where he took up a partly cleared tract of land. There he spent the rest of his life in farming, and also became well known as a Re- publican politician and as a consistent mem- ber and active worker in the Lutheran Church. By his first wife. Nancy McKee, of Rayne township, he had the following children : Simmons, deceased, for some years a farmer in North Mahoning township, is survived by his widow, formerly Nancy Shoninger; Nel- son, who was a member of Company B, 74th John Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Sharp and Mr. and Mrs. James Herbison, opened up homes in the vir- gin forests of what was then Canoe township (familiarly known as the Irish settlement), now Banks township, Indiana county. Mr. and Mrs. Herbison raised a family of six chil- dren, four sons and two daughters. Three of the sons enlisted in the Civil war, Samnel in Company H, 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry ; he was killed at Ashby's Gap, Va., in 1863. John served in Company A, 61st Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, and was wounded in the seven days' fight. James, a member of Com- pany C, old 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer In- Regiment P. V. I., during the Civil war,

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

met his death in a railroad accident at Blairs- in infancy. (9) One son died in infancy, un- ville, Pa., in 1903 (he married Jane Drum- named. The children have all been given excellent educational advantages, and have in- herited their parents' intelligence and hon- orable principles. mond, who is also deceased) ; Charles, who served through a part of the Civil war in the same company as his brother Nelson, was later a farmer and miller, and now a resi- dent of New Kensington, Pa. (he married Rebecca McSparen, who is deceased) ; Jemima married Joseph McCreght, and both are de- ceased; Mary Ann and James E. both died in childhood. Abram Hicks was married sec- ond to Martha Hoover, of Philipsburg, Pa., and she died in March, 1906, the mother of the following children: Abram; Martha, de- ceased, who was the wife of John Hoop; Mar- garet, who married Alvin Shields, of Port- land, Oregon; George, a merchant at Mar- chand, Pa., who married Sarah Walker; Wash- ington J., the proprietor of a hotel at Trade City, Pa .; Ulysses Grant, who died at the age of ten years; and Eliza Jane and Nancy, both of whom are deceased. The father of the foregoing children passed away in 1873.

Abram Hicks, son of Abram Hicks, resided at home until his father's death. He was mar- ried Dec. 28, 1876, to Anna E. Barick, of Hamilton, Jefferson county, Pa., daughter of John William and Mary (Crossman) Barick, the former of Maryland and the latter of In- diana county. Mr. Barick came to Indiana county in young manhood, and engaged in the blacksmith business, but in the later years of his life moved to Valier, Jefferson county, where he died of typhoid fever in 1853. His wife passed away in 1905. Mrs. Hicks was their only child. To Mr. and Mrs. Hicks there have been born the following children : (1) J. W .. a farmer and rural free delivery carrier of Perry township, Jefferson Co., Pa., married (first) Lena Postlewait, who died in 1092, leaving four children, Joseph Roy (de- ceased), Abram Ralph, William Ray, and Ruth Mae. He married second Sarah Niel. (2) Mary Adda Verne married David Gross, of Mishawaka, Ind., who has a bottling works. They have six children, Anna E., David A., . Ruth Jane, George Edward, Boyd G., and Mary Irene. (3) Orris Earl, a merchant at Punxsutawney, Pa., married Carrie Wall. (4) Preston B., who is engaged in the lumber and milling and threshing business at Day- ton, Pa., married Dollie Lamison, and has two children, Glen Paul and Cecil Ann. (5) Maude, who married John G. Crawford, of West Mahoning township, has four children, Von Hicks, Helen Rosanna, Walton Gourley and Marion Mabel. (6) Mabel Inez and (7) Ernie Margaret live at home. (8) Miles died Ober; Josiah, who was a merchant at Roches-

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania; her people, past and present, Volume II, Part 66

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