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William N. Bebout, p. 357
WILLIAM N. BEBOUT, a worthy representative of the prosperous native-born agriculturists of Washington county, first saw the light of day in Amwell township February 19, 1820. The family are of Holland-Dutch descent.
Ebenezer Bebout, grandfather of William N. was for a short time a resident of Washington county, and died in New Jersey. Beden Bebout, father of our subject, was born April 5,1773, in Sussex County, N.J., and came to Washington county. Penn., in 1788, accompanied by his brothers Moses, Peter, Ebenezer, and Lewis; Moses and Beden were tailors by trade, the others masons. Bedon was married September 25, 1794, to Margaret daughter of William Nemons, and thirteen children were born to them, of whom the following is a brief record: Letitia, born August 25 1795, married J. Fitzwilliams, and died at the age of ninety-five years; Abigail, born January 9, 1797 married J. Huston; Naomi, born October l6, 1798 married J. McDonald; Elizabeth, born September 28,1800...
Joseph Bell, p. 910
JOSEPH BELL traces his ancestry to one George Bell, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who was there married and reared a large family. In the latter part of the last century, George Bell, and a neighbor, Mr. McDonald, came with their families to Allegheny county, Penn. They had previously intended to locate on the present site of Pittsburgh, but being dissatisfied with the country in that vicinity came down the Monongahela river until they arrived at the first large branch, Chartiers creek, which they followed to Mansfield. The two families then separated, the McDonalds moving west and the Bells ascending the Chartiers. The latter pioneers finally located on a large tract in the vicinity of Canonsburg, this county, where George Bell passed his life in forming the foundation of a home for his descendants. He was one of the first members of the Seceder Church in Washington county...
Mrs. Mary D. Blayney, p. 914
MRS. MARY D. BLAYNEY. The earliest representatives of the Blayney family in the United States, of whom there is any record, were Charles Blayney and his parents, who came from Ireland to America when Charles was seven years of age. Soon after landing they settled in what is now Ohio county, W. Va., and here the parents carried on farming during the remainder of their lives, and here Charles also passed the rest of his days. He acquired his education at the subscription schools of the period. He married Ann Potter, who bore him children as follows: William, Vincent M. and Josiah. The mother of these dying, Mr. Blayney for his second wife married Nancy Faris, and the children born to this union were John, Elizabeth (wife of William Reed), Susanna (wife of John Valentine), Charles, Martha (wife of Rev. George McDonald), James, David, Adam, Rev. Henry and Rev. J. McCluskey. The father of this family died June 11, 1860, the mother November 10, 1880...
J. S. Blayney, p. 923
J. S. BLAYNEY. Among the prominent families of Washington county, the name of Blayney is identified as representing men of sterling worth, who lived lives of practical benefit to the community in which they resided.
The earliest representatives of this family in the United States, of whom there is any record, were Charles Blayney and his parents who emigrated from Ireland to this country, when Charles was seven years old. They settled in Ohio county, W. Va., where Charles passed the rest of his life. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received his education at the subscription schools of the period. In early manhood he married Ann Potter, by which union were born children as follows: William, Vincent M. and Josiah. This wife dying in the spring of 1816, soon after the birth of her youngest son, Mr. Blayney, for his second helpmeet, married Nancy Paris, of Ohio county, W. Va., and the children of this union were John, Elizabeth (wife of William Reed), Susanna (wife of John Valentine), Charles, Martha (wife of Rev. George McDonald), James, David, Adam, Rev. Henry and Rev. J. McCluskey, all now living far apart; some near the Atlantic ocean, others on the golden shores of the Pacific. The father died June 11, 1860, the mother November 10, 1880....
Joseph Clarke, p. 176
JOSEPH CLARKE SR. was born in 1738 in Chester County, Penna, and spent his early life there engaged in farming. About 1780 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Lynn, and soon after the young couple located on Government land three miles southwest of the present site of Washington, Penna,...
Joseph Clarke, whose portrait is here presented, was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Clarke, and was born near Washington, Penna, July 23, 1787. His education was limited to the old time subscription schools during a few months in winter. Yet by diligent application he became a fair English scholar. On April 14, 1814, he was united in marriage with Catherine, daughter of Daniel Andrews of the same locality, and their children were: Adaline (Mrs. James McDonald); Mary (Mrs. Elisha Ely)...
Xenophon Cooke, p. 857
XENOPHON COOKE is a representative farmer, and is a descendant of an old time-honored family of Smith township. He is a great-grandson of James Cooke. James (the great-grandfather) was a native of Lancaster county, Penn., where, in 1752, he was united in marriage with a native of the same county, who bore him the following children: James, born August 11, 1758; Dorcas, born October 12, 1764; John, born December 29, 1766; David, born August 16, 1769; and Margaret, born February 28, 1773. Little is known of this family, save that the father followed agricultural pursuits in Lancaster county, Penn., and the three sons moved to Washington county soon after the Revolutionary war. James Cooks was reared to manhood in his native county, and served as a commissioned officer in the Revolution, and about 1785 came to Washington county. He purchased a tract of 649 acres in Smith township, situated about three and one-half miles south of Burgettstown, where he erected a rude cabin, and began to cultivate the virgin soil. On April 17,1788, he was married to Hetty Galbraith, of Lancaster County, Penn., where Mary A. was born May 20, 1793. In 1795 the mother died, and Mary A., the only child then living, was taken to Lancaster county, Penn., by her mother's relatives, and was married to a Mr. Carpenter, of Lancaster, where her descendants still reside. On May 10, 1797, Mr. Cooke made choice of a second wife, in the person of Martha McCombs, of Washington county, and to this union were born the following children: David, born March 28, 1798; Julia A. (wife of James McDonald, a farmer of Washington county), born December 17, 1799; ... Xenophon Cooke was born November 29, 1835, on the farm in Smith township where he is yet residing....
The Cowden Family, p. 371
...
ROBERT COWDEN was born November 10, 1835, on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, which is yet his home, and received a district-school education. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Miller) Allison, natives of Beaver county, Penn., who settled in Mt. Pleasant township about 1855. To Mr. and Mrs. Cowden children were born as follows: Elizabeth (wife of John Peacock, of Houstonville), John (deceased in his fifteenth year), Emma (wife of Robert Smith, of Mt. Pleasant township), Margaret, Jennie A., Robert and Joseph. The four last named living at home. The mother of this family died in February, 1877, and on September 15, 1880, Mr. Cowden married Margaret McDonald, a native of Beaver county, Penn., to whom one child, McDonald Cowden, was born. Mrs. Cowden is a daughter of John and Margaret (Barclay) McDonald. Mrs. McDonald resided in Washington county, prior to her marriage, after which they settled in Beaver county, Penn., the birthplace of Mr. McDonald. Both parents died in that county, the mother passing away in 1887. Robert Cowden inherited the old homestead of 260 acres, to which he has added about as much by purchase, all being in a good state of cultivation. He devotes considerable attention to stock, raising a high grade of Black-top Merino sheep. In politics he votes the Republican ticket, and in church relations he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Venice.
Jacob M. and Robert S. Donaldson, p. 803
DONALDSON, JACOB M. and ROBERT S. Among the leading families of Washington county, none are more worthy of prominent mention in the pages of this Biographical Record than that of the gentlemen whose names open this sketch.
Jacob Donaldson, their grandfather, was born in 1763, in Ireland, and came to America in early manhood, locating in Washington county, Penn. He married a Miss McKinney, and first settled on a farm in Hopewell township, thence moving to the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, which is ... JACOB M. DONALDSON was born June 5, 1829, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and was reared and educated on the farm adjoining his present home. In 1862 he ...
ROBERT S. DONALDSON was born June 16, 1831, on the home place in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where he was...
After the death of his first wife, Mr. Donaldson was married June 25, 1873, to Hettie J. Byers, a native of Donegal township, this county, and daughter of Thomas Byers. Her grandfather, Thomas Byers, was born September 7, 1757, in Ireland, and came to this country in early life. On September 18, 1783, he was united in marriage with Margaret Shannon, of Scotch descent, and settled on a farm in Finley township. The children of this couple were as follows: Samuel, born July 10, 1784 (lived in Ohio); John, born July 22, 1786 (a physician of Piqua, Ohio); Sarah, born March 25, 1788 (wife of Dr. Wiley, of Ripley, Ohio); Thomas, who enlisted in the war of 1812; Jane, born April 3, 1792 (wife of David Stewart, of Ohio county, W. Va.); Margaret, born February 7, 1794 (Mrs. John McDonald. of Donegal township); Ann, born June 2...
James H. Ferguson, p. 1120
JAMES H. FERGUSON, a representative farmer of South Strabane township, is a son of Harvey W. Ferguson, whose father was a native of County Down, Ireland. The latter ...
James H. Ferguson was born in Allegheny county, Penn., on the home farm still occupied by his father, and passed his earlier youth at home, attending the common schools. He afterward entered Newell's Institute, Pittsburgh, and remained there two years. On December 24, 1875, he was united in marriage with Ollie Newton, daughter of J. T. McDonald, of Allegheny county, Penn., and five children have been born to them: Frank (deceased ), Alice, Maggie, Travis and Hannah. After his marriage Mr. Ferguson remained in Allegheny county until 1879, when he came to his present farm, consisting of 118 acres of good land,...
William H. Frazier, p. 1374
WILLIAM H. FRAZIER, a worthy representative of one of the oldest and most prominent families in the county, comes of Highland-Scotch descent, his great-grandfather, Andrew Frazier, the first of the family to come to this country, having been born in Inverness, Scotland.
Andrew Frazier married, in his native land, Christina Ross, and in 1772 came with his family to the United States, making his first settlement in Chartiers township, this county, where he remained some years, and then purchased a farm in what is now West Finley township, same county, which piece of land, some four hundred acres in extent, was at that time nearly all unbroken forest. The children born to this worthy old pioneer were David, Alexander, Daniel, Elizabeth (Mrs. William McDonald) and Nancy (Mrs. John Echols). The parents of this family died in West Finley township, at advanced ages, having experienced all the trials and hardships incident to the early times of their coming here. They were members of the old "Three Ridges" Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr Frazier was a Democrat....
William H. Frazier, p. 1374
WILLIAM H. FRAZIER, a worthy representative of one of the oldest and most prominent families in the county, comes of Highland-Scotch descent, his great-grandfather, Andrew Frazier, the first of the family to come to this country, having been born in Inverness, Scotland.
Andrew Frazier married, in his native land, Christina Ross, and in 1772 came with his family to the United States, making his first settlement in Chartiers township, this county, where he remained some years, and then purchased a farm in what is now West Finley township, same county, which piece of land, some four hundred acres in extent, was at that time nearly all unbroken forest. The children born to this worthy old pioneer were David, Alexander, Daniel, Elizabeth (Mrs. William McDonald) and Nancy (Mrs. John Echols). The parents of this family died in West Finley township, at advanced ages, having experienced all the trials and hardships incident to the early times of their coming here. They were members of the old "Three Ridges" Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr Frazier was a Democrat.
David Frazier grandfather of William H. Frazier, was born in 1779, in Washington county, Penn., and the days of his boyhood and youth were passed on his father's farm in Finley township, a few weeks in the winter season being devoted to attending the primitive subscription schools of the neighborhood. While yet a young man he was married to Jane Ross, of Finley, and then purchased a farm in that township, where he passed the rest of his days, diligently and successfully engaged in general agriculture. He had in early life studied civil engineering, which he followed to some extent in the county. To David and Jane (Ross) Frazier were born seven children as follows: Thomas, Margaret, Andrew B., Jane (Mrs. Daniel McCoy), Christina O. (Mrs. Perry E. Whitham), William and Alfred Ross, all now deceased except Andrew B., who is a Presbyterian minister in Bethany, Ill. The father died in 1839 the mother in 1866. They were members and liberal supporters of the Presbyterian Church at West Alexander. Politically, Mr. Frazier was a Democrat, and held many offices of honor and trust in his township, being a leader in his community. He was elected to the Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania, serving one term with marked ability, and he was a justice of the peace many years, in which capacity he was looked up to as a just man and a peacemaker. His walk through life was quiet, unobtrusive and Christian-like.
Thomas Frazier, the eldest son of David, was born in 1810 in that portion of Finley township now known as West Finley, and his early life was spent in Canonsburg, same county, where he was partly educated. He also attended the West Alexander Academy for a time, and then entered Jefferson College, where he graduated about the year 1831. He was twice married: On the first occasion, in 1839, to Nancy, daughter of William Hall, of West Alexander, by which union there were four children: William H.. David (in New Mexico), Agnes (wife of J. W. Blayney, and residing in Washington, Penn.), and one that died in infancy. The mother of this family dying in 1862, Mr. Frazier married in 1865, for his second wife, Barbara, daughter of John McDonald. After his first marriage Mr. Frazier embarked in mercantile business in West Alexander, where he remained some years, and then moved to New Concord, Ohio, where he continued business in the same line. This he sold out after two years, and then returned to his native township, where he purchased a farm and followed agricultural pursuits, including stock raising, until 1869, in which year he moved to the borough of West Alexander, where he lived a retired life until his death which occurred September 17, 1877. ...His widow still survives him....
Alexander W. Galbraith, p. 1376
JONES FAMILY. William Jones sailed from the port of Baltimore in 1769 (his son William being then six years old), and the vessel was never afterward heard from. The son, William Jones, was born May 3, 1763, at Ellicott's Mills, Md., and died March 14, 1863. He was married April 23, 1789, to Elizabeth McClung, who was born November 24, 1769, and died January. 27, 1829. About 1791 they emigrated from Maryland to Washington county, Penn., near Ginger Hill, six miles from Monongahela, where they settled on a farm on which they passed the remainder of their days, and which farm is still owned by a son, William McKendree Jones. They had twelve children, viz.: (1) John Jones, born in Maryland, May 23, 1790, died July 16, 1875; was twice married, first time to Rachel Frew; second time to Margaret Blaine, who was born October 12, 1805, and died October 29, 1890. By his first marriage he had the following children: William, married to Miss West; James, married to a Miss Cleaver; Elizabeth, married to David Ritchie; Joseph, married to a Miss Watkins; David, married to Miss Phillips; Samuel V. Cook (deceased), married to Miss Gregg; Mary, married to Manuel Stoody. By his second marriage Mr. Jones had two children: Rachel and Jennie. (2) Elijah Jones, born in Maryland, November 20, 1791, died June 15, 1855; was married to Mary Warren, and their children were William, married to a Miss Frye; Eliza Jane, married to John M. Bedall; Margaret, married to John S. Carson; James, married to a Miss Van Voorhis; Wesley, married in the West; Isaac, married to a Miss McIlvaine; Noah, married to a Miss Frye. (3) Mary Jones, born November 1, 1793, died August 15, 1856, married March 8, 1819, to Joseph Alexander, who was born April 1, 1795. (4) Ruth Jones, born September 4, 1795, died January 22, 1892. (5) Delilah Jones, born February 14, 1797, died July 22, 1882 married to James Mills, who was born in 1801 died May 23, 1878, and their children were William (deceased); Andrew Bascom, died May 14, 1888, married to Deering; Mary married to a Mr. Dalby; Rebecca, married to Rev. Dr. Watkins; James, married; Charles S.; Wilbur Fisk, married. (6) Jesse Jones born December 24, 1798, died February 11, 1888 married Eleanor Frew, and their children were Alexander (deceased); Jackson (married to Miss Black); Elizabeth, married to Rev. Mr. Snyder; Charles, married; Carrie B., married; Nancy, married to a Mr. Rankins (now deceased); Jesse, died June 21, 1888; Ellen, married to Mr. McDonald, now deceased; others have been lost sight of in the West. (7) Sam...
John Gordon, p. 1335
JOHN GORDON. Among the well-known pioneer families of Donegal township, the name of Gordon is one of the most prominent. Their ancestry is traced to one Alexander Gordon, grandfather of the present generation, who was born in Scotland, and immigrated to America soon after the war of the Revolution. Landing at Philadelphia, he proceeded to Washington county, locating in the southwest part of Donegal township, half a mile southeast of West Alexander. He then began to clear away the almost unbroken forest, and was soon thereafter married to Catherine McDonald, whose parents were also pioneer settlers. The young couple began their humble home, which was cheered by the following children: William, Margaret, Barbara, Jane, John, Ethel, Hugh and Nancy, all of whom lived to an adult age, but are now deceased. The father and mother lived to a good old age, and always resided on the farm after coming here....
John N. McDonald, p. 124
JOHN N. McDONALD. Among the energetic early settlers of Washington county the McDonald family, of whom this sketch treats, was very prominently identified.
John McDonald (grandfather of John N.) was born in eastern Pennsylvania, where he received his educational training and grew to manhood. He was married to Martha Noble, of the same county, a daughter of the founder of Noblestown, Penn., and the young couple then came to Washington county, locating, in 1775, in Robinson township, on the farm still occupied by their descendants. The children born to them were James, Andrew, William, Alexander, Edward, John, Margaret (Mrs. Glenn), Martha (Mrs. Allison), Elizabeth (Mrs. Mitchell) and Mary (Mrs. William Nesbit). The father of this family passed the latter part of his life in improving the home farm, and he cleared the meadow on which an Indian trading post was erected. He was a Federalist in politics, and in religious connection was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Candor.
Edward McDonald (father of John N.) was born August 13, 1792, in Robinson township, this county, where he was reared and educated and passed his entire life. On April 27, 1819, he married Margaret Nesbit, of Allegheny county, Penn., and she bore him children as follows: John N., Nesbit, Martha (wife of the late Rev. J. M. Hastings, of West Chester, Penn.), Hannah J., Elizabeth, Emily (married to Jacob H. Miller), James, Edward and Margaret M. Mrs. McDonald died in 1839, and in 1844 Edward McDonald married Margaret B. Snodgrass, of Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. McDonald followed farming and stock raising, and in politics was a prominent worker in the Whig party, serving as a member of the Legislature and as a justice of the peace. In religious faith he was an elder and trustee of the Presbyterian Church at Candor. He died May 30, 1867.
John N. McDonald was born February 10, 1820, on the home farm, in Robinson township, this county, and received a liberal subscription-school education. On October 29, 1862, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth M., daughter of Maj. William Lee, of Cross Creek township, Washington county, and the children born to this marriage were: Edward, Jane Craig, Margaret (deceased), William Lee (deceased) and J. Nesbit. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McDonald settled on the home farm, where the family have since resided, engaging in agricultural pursuits. He was formerly a Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican party became an active worker of that body.
He served in the State Legislature of 1853 and 1858, as a representative of Washington county; was also a delegate to the Union State Convention, in 1856; a representative delegate in the convention of 1868; a senatorial delegate in 1876, and again a representative delegate in the conventions of 1880 and 1884. For many years he had been a member of the board of trustees of Washington and Jefferson College; and of his efficiency as a school director in his district, of the work he did for the Presbyterian Church of McDonald, and his interest in the cause of education and religion generally, all who knew him were aware.
In fact, it would require a volume to record all that he accomplished in these directions. He was formerly a member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church at Candor, but, in 1886, became an elder of the First Presbyterian Church at McDonald, Robinson township. John N. died May 23, 1889, and was buried in the Raccoon cemetery.
Edward McDonald, the eldest in the family of John N. and Elizabeth M. (Lee) McDonald, was born January 11, 1864, on the homestead at McDonald, Penn. In 1884 he graduated at Washington and Jefferson College, and then returning to the farm was taken into partnership with his father in stock raising. In April, 1892, he was elected president of the First National Bank of McDonald.
Andrew McDonald, p. 1476
ANDREW McDONALD, son of John McDonald, was born April 20, 1840. John McDonald was born in 1789, in Virginia, and was a lifelong farmer. In 1803 he moved to Washington county, Penn., and the following year purchased 175 acres of land which is now known as the old homestead. In 1839 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Fish, of this county, who bore him the following children: Andrew, Gabriel, James H., John, Hiram, Mary (Mrs. Jennings), Nancy J., Edith G. and Matilda. Mr. McDonald served as supervisor several years, township clerk for twenty-five years, school director a long time, and in various other township offices. He died in November 1853. Mrs. McDonald is yet living with her children, and enjoys good health.
Andrew McDonald has had charge of the old place since his fourteenth year, having at that early ago begun the seemingly impossible task of supporting and educating the eight younger children, thus early left without a father. Heroically he toiled, and nobly did he succeed in this laudable effort. In September, 1862, he enlisted in the army, as the other children were then old enough to provide their own maintenance. He entered Company E, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, (the Ringgold Battalion), and fought under Sheridan in all the battles of the Shenandoah Valley until the close of the war, when he returned home. On May 17, 1866, he married Isabella Whitfield, a native of this county. Mr. McDonald has been clerk of Nottingham township for the past twenty-seven years, and is now serving his third term as justice of the peace, having filled that office twelve years. He has held every office in the township with the exception of constable. He is an adherent of Democratic principles, and, in religious faith, a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Rev. George McDonald, p. 233
REV. GEORGE McDONALD, the leading character in this sketch, was born February 25, 1825, in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., near West Alexander.
George McDonald, his grandfather, was a native of Scotland, from either Rosshire or Sutherlandshire, and related to Flora McDonald, the heroine of two dynasties and two continents. [Flora McDonald in her youth saved the life of the last of the Stewarts. She afterward emigrated to North Carolina. Her husband and son being made officers of the Highland Regiment raised for the defense of their King, she gave her five sons and son-in-law for the cause, accompanied them to camp, and encouraged them to fight for their King.] George McDonald's ancestors were the Lords of the Isles off the west of Scotland for centuries before these islands became subject to the king of Scotland. Grandfather McDonald was twice married: first to Miss Gordon, and they had one son William. After the death of his first wife, he married Barbara McDonald, the result of which marriage was two sons, John and George. He (grandfather) immigrated to America in the good ship "Janet," in 1773, and located on the Potomac near Mount Vernon. After the close of the war for Independence, he with his family crossed the Alleghanies, and purchased a farm on Chartiers creek, near the present county home. Here his son John was born. There he remained from 1780 to 1792, when he purchased and moved to a farm in East Finley township, south of Claysville, where he passed the remaining years of his life. He was a most devotedly pious man, and active in the building up of the church in his region. A Presbyterian of the regular Scotch type, and among the founders of the Presbyterian Church of West Alexander, he never let worldly affairs interfere with his religious duties. Not only was he punctual in attendance on the means of grace, but watchful for the peace and prosperity of Zion. He was known as the "Scotch singer," and often led the people in the service of song. He died November 25, 1811, and was laid to rest beside his wife, who had preceded him, in the church burial ground at West Alexander.
John McDonald, son of George, was born in 1788, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., but in early life went with his parents to their new home in East Finley township. In his early manhood he married Margaret Byers, of the same county, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Shannon) Byers, the former of whom was a son of Samuel Byers, who was born in Chester county, Penn., where the connection had resided for generations. Samuel was there married to Jane White, and their children were: William (who settled near Maysville, Ky.), Samuel, James, Thomas Ebenezer (of Mercer county), Andrew, Nancy and Rachel. Samuel Byers, Sr., came west from Chester county in 1777, and located on a farm near Canonsburg. He was a stanch Presbyterian and did good work in planting the church in that region. Thomas, the son, with his wife was most courageous in battling with danger in their new home in East Finley, because of the attacks of Indians. The following are the names of their children: John, a physician; Sarah, wife of Adam Wylie, M. D.; Thomas, a farmer, married to Margaret Hamilton; Jane, wife of David Stewart; Margaret, wife of John McDonald; Anne, wife of Andrew Yates; James, a farmer, married to Mary Stevenson; Nancy, wife of John Brice, a farmer; Rachel, wife of Hugh Wilson, a merchant; Samuel, a farmer, married to Anne Wilson, and William, also a farmer, married to Rebecca McCurdy, and then to Miss Thorn. One son and five sons-in-law were ruling elders in the Presbyterian Church. Thomas Byers was a vigorous farmer and a prominent business man. He was a bright example of Christian piety. In 1813 he was installed an elder in the Presbyterian Church of West Alexander, which office he filled with great acceptance, being called the peacemaker of the Session.
John McDonald after marriage remained four years on the old home farm in East Finley township. At that time he purchased a farm in Donegal township, south of West Alexander, where he passed the remaining years of his life. The following are the names of their children: Thomas (deceased), Barbara (wife of Thomas Frazier, Esq.), Mary S., Eliza J., George, John McC., Thomas, William and Rachel M., all three deceased. Mr. McDonald was always in keeping with the advance of the age, and being a friend of liberal education, gave all his children favorable opportunities for mental culture in the academy at West Alexander. He often filled offices of trust in the community. After the death of his wife in May, 1867, he moved to West Alexander, remaining there till his death, December 11, 1868. But his example in the church shone most conspicuous. He made profession of his faith in early life. In 1828 he was elected an elder, and about the same time Sabbath-school superintendent, both of which offices he filled forty years. Of him his last pastor (Rev. W. H. Lester, Sr., D. D.) writes: "He was a wise counselor and a man in whom the pastor could safely confide; warm-hearted and true in his devotion to the church; a faithful student of the Word of God, and prompt in the discharge of Christian duty, he will long be remembered by the people as a truly devoted and pious man. His Godly life was an ornament to religion. His most special gift was prayer. He loved the Savior and the church; but in prayer he excelled. He would take the congregation in the arms of his faith, and lay them down at the mercy seat for a blessing. His words were so plain and Scriptural; his tones so simple, childlike and tender, it could only have been the Spirit making intercession. Deeply moved himself, he deeply moved others. He was pre-eminently a man of prayer. He gave his only two surviving sons to the ministry."
Of each of the sons the following is a brief record: Each (of the sons) labored on the farm with their father till entering their life work, as opportunity afforded, he being a vigorous farmer. They both were educated in the West Alexander (Penn.) Academy, in the branches belonging to the college course, and each labored with their father on the farm. Rev. George McDonald, after having completed the classical course pursued in college, at West Alexander Academy, engaged for some years in teaching in the public schools, and afterward taught two and a half years in the academy of West Alexander. During this period he commenced the study of theology under Dr. John McCluskey, his pastor, and completed the course of study under Rev. William H. Lester, D. D., Dr. McCluskey's successor. In April, 1857, he was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of Washington. Soon after licensure he received a call to the Presbyterian Church of Beallsville, Ohio, where he continued to labor more than twenty-five years, giving a portion of his time to the churches of Woodsfield and Powhatan, Ohio. In the winter of 1883, he received and accepted a call to the church of Upper Ten Mile, Prosperity, Penn., and continued his labors till May 20, 1890. Since his resignation of the pastorate at Ten Mile he resides at West Alexander, and is interested in evangelistic work, not feeling sufficiently vigorous to assume the full responsibility of the pastoral work. Mr. McDonald was married, May 20, 1858, to Martha S. Blayney, of West Virginia. The following is a brief account of their children: Nannie Maggie is the wife of Elmer Ellsworth Miller, a merchant of Beallsville, Ohio (she graduated from Steubenville Female Seminary in 1879); John M., a physician, was a student of Washington and Jefferson (Penn.) College (afterward he attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and graduated in April, 1885; he is married to Ada C. Baker, of Barnesville, Ohio, and they now reside in Columbus, Ohio; he is a Presbyterian and a Republican); Rev. Charles H. graduated from Washington and Jefferson College in the class of 1886 (the same year he entered Union Theological Seminary (N.Y.), from which he graduated in 1889, was licensed and ordained in 1889, and went under commission of the Board of Home Missions to Alexandria, S. Dak., where he labored two years. Early in 1892 he received and accepted a call to the pastorate of the first Congregational Church of Woodbridge, N. J. He was married November 24, 1892, to Mary M. Bell, only daughter of James R. and Mary C. Bell, of West Alexander); Mary Elizabeth, the youngest, has attended the Washington Female Seminary (she is still at home with her parents, and is giving considerable attention to music). Like the parents the children all take great delight in music, and are blessed with great power of voice. Mr. McDonald being an instructor of music, led the choir of the old home church for several years.
Of him another friend (Rev. W. H. Lester, Sr.) writes: "Mr. McDonald's ministry was marked by faithfulness in labors, and witnessed precious ingatherings. Thoroughly evangelical in spirit, and Biblical in his pulpit ministrations, his aim has been the conversion of souls and the building up of Christians in the faith. He has also been a self-sacrificing and faithful pastor, thus making full proof of his ministry. Seldom was his seat vacant in the church courts. In each of the congregations to which he ministered, he left the testimonials of a truly devoted minister of the Gospel." And yet another friend thus says of him : "Rev. George McDonald inherited (as did also his wife) the sturdy character of their Scotch and Scotch-Irish ancestry, and in early life received careful religious training. At the age of twenty-one he made profession of his faith in Christ. At nineteen years of age he entered on his classical course in West Alexander Academy, and after completing the full course of study, he was for some time actively engaged in the public school department; later was for two years and a half a teacher in the West Alexander Academy. In 1853 he commenced the study of theology under Rev. John McCluskey, D. D., licensed by the Presbytery of Washington in 1857, and was ordained by the Presbytery of St. Clairsville in April, 1860. Soon after licensure he took charge of the congregation of Beallsville, Ohio, of which he was the installed pastor till April, 1883, giving for most of that period a portion of his time to the congregations of Woodsfield and Powhatan as stated supply. In 1883 he was called to the church of Upper Ten Mile, Penn., where he labored more than seven years. He now resides in West Alexander, his native place, with his noble wife, who has always been a source of strength and comfort to him in his work. They were both fine singers, and led the choir of West Alexander Presbyterian Church for a number of years. Their musical talent was valuable to them, especially in the Sabbath-school, where they were always prominent and active, he as superintendent and Bible teacher, and she in charge of the infant department, until the loss of her hearing compelled her in later years to give up the work she so dearly loved. She had peculiar tact for winning and interesting little ones, and was never more at home than when surrounded by her little flock. Her memory will always be green in the hearts of the many she had taught, who will see her no more in this world. Her faithful sowing will cause many, besides her children, to rise up and call her blessed. Mr. McDonald was accustomed to instruct, free, the Sabbath-school and any others who wished, in music, and thus was instrumental in having exceptionally good singing in the school. He was also very successful in training for special exercises, and had much executive ability. Always deliberate, being firm in his convictions and of unalterable purpose, with careful outlook, he seldom failed to accomplish what he undertook.
"His ministry was richly blessed with signals of Divine approval, by several revivals occurring under his pastorate. The influence of his preaching and example was for righteousness, in building up a moral, God-fearing and Sabbath-loving people. Several ministers have gone out from under his pastorate. His labors, particularly in his first field, were arduous and exposing, but were performed cheerfully in honor of Him who he served. The seed thus faithfully sown will bring forth fruit to be gathered by other reapers. He still takes delight in Evangelistic work, and rejoices in any opportunity to do service for the Master. He has been a faithful and unobtrusive minister of Christ, and is regarded universally, by those who know him, with marked esteem and love."
Rev. John McClusky McDonald, after completing his academic studies, entered the Northwestern Seminary of Chicago, Ill. (now the McCormick Theological Seminary), from which he graduated in April, 1866; was licensed April 13, 1865, by the Presbytery of Chicago; was ordained at Beaver Dam by the Presbytery of Winnebago, June 27, 1866. He has been a home missionary; labored at Winneconne (Wis.), Algona (Iowa), Waynesville (Ill.), Carleton, Belvidere, Hubbell and Hopewell Church (Neb.), and Ulysses and other points in Kansas, the last named being his present field of labor. He has been faithful in sowing the seed, and been cheered by the ingathering of precious fruit. Mr. McDonald was married April 25, 1871, to Janet Percy, of Ogdensburg, N. Y., and they have been blessed with six children: George Arthur, Kenneth Percy, Gilmer Byers, Raymond April, Rossmond May, and J. McClusky (the last named being deceased). Mr. McDonald takes a deep interest in public affairs. In politics he is a Republican, and, like Scotch-Irish generally, he could be nothing else but a Presbyterian.
John James and K. Noble McDonald, p. 972
JOHN JAMES C. and K. NOBLE McDONALD, of Robinson township, are among the largest landholders in the northern part of the county. They are grandsons of John McDonald, who was born in Lishavanich, County Fermanagh, Ireland, April 30, 1730. John McDonald emigrated to this country in 1773, and purchased a tract of land called Mt. Pleasant, on Robinson's run, now included in Robinson and Mt. Pleasant townships. In 1775 he settled on the Mt. Pleasant property, and afterward bought other lands adjoining Mt. Pleasant, called Blackberry Plain, Gooseberry Thicket, Highlands and Primrose Hill. He also bought large tracts in Allegheny and Beaver counties, and in West Virginia. All these lands were well located and are now very valuable. On April 28, 1778, he married Martha T. Noble, daughter of Col. Noble, who lived in Allegheny county, near Noblestown. They had six sons - Andrew and William (twins), John, James, Alexander and Edward - and four daughters - Margaret, Martha, Elizabeth and Mary - all now deceased. The eldest son, Andrew, was a graduate of Jefferson College, studied for the ministry, and was pastor of White Oak Flats Presbyterian Church for a number of years. The surviving children of Rev. Andrew McDonald are Andrew (a farmer), Abram (a boatman) and Mrs. Bryne. John, the third son of John McDonald, was a distinguished member of the Pittsburgh bar, and contributed by his wealth and public spirit to the early improvement of the city of Pittsburgh. He was a prominent real estate owner in that city, and built the old "St. Charles Hotel," at first called the "Exchange Hotel," where the "Anderson House" now stands, and he was at one time president of the Bank of Pittsburgh. He married and reared a family, still represented in Pittsburgh. The remaining sons, William (twin of Andrew), James, Alexander and Edward, gave their attention to farming.
The four daughters, Margaret (wife of Dr. Glenn), Martha (wife of George Allison), Elizabeth (Mrs. John Mitchell) and Mary (wife of Rev. William Nesbit), were more than ordinary women in mental endowment, usefulness and piety. Grandfather John McDonald died, in 1817, on his own farm, "Mt. Pleasant," Washington county, and was buried in Raccoon cemetery. He was a man of wealth as well as moral worth. He gave his aid in first organizing the Raccoon Church at Candor. James Cooke, maternal grandfather of the subjects of this sketch, was an officer in the Revolutionary war, and soon after the close of that struggle came to Cross Creek township, this county, where he purchased a large tract of land and passed the rest of his days. He married Martha McCombs, and descendants are still to be found in Cross Creek township.
James McDonald, better known as "Colonel McDonald," father of the subjects of this sketch, was the fourth son of John McDonald, and was born August 29, 1783. He received his education at a subscription school of the vicinity. His father gave him part of his Washington county lands - which were then a wilderness, and which he improved. On September 25, 1825, he was united in marriage with Juliana Cooke, daughter of James Cooke, who resided near Cross Creek village, this county. They had four children: Martha Malvina, Margaretta Jane (deceased July 24, 1874, aged forty-two years), John James C., and K. Noble. The mother, at the age of eighty-five years, April 29, 1881, passed from earth at the old home, where her surviving children now live. The father passed his entire life on this estate, dying on April 3, 1863, and was buried in the Raccoon cemetery. He was the owner at the time of his death of a large farm of 1,000 acres. In his political affiliations he was originally a Whig, then, on the organization of the party, became a Republican, and was active in the interests of the cause, but no office seeker. At the beginning of the Rebellion of 1861, he was heard to utter these words: "This war will never be ended until every slave is free." He was noted through life for the possession of a strong, independent will, but was always found a ready and kind sympathizer for the afflicted and distressed. He was a regular attendant and liberal supporter of Raccoon Presbyterian Church, in which he was raised, and which his father aided in first organizing.
The two sons, John James C. and K. Noble, live on the home farm with their sister, and carry on farming, giving their attention to raising fine stock, more particularly horses, making roadsters a specialty. They are Presbyterians, and in politics have always been Republican.
The Pollock Family, p. 605
POLLOCK FAMILY, Historical Sketch of. . .
At present she is a member of the Greenside Avenue (United Presbyterian) Congregation, Canonsburg, Penn., Rev. D. R. McDonald, pastor. . .
Ralston Williams, p. 67
RALSTON WILLIAMS.
PEDIGREE OF WILLIAMS FAMILY. "Josiah Williams, our great-great-grandfather, was of Welsh descent. He married Phoebe Rodgers, a descendant of 'John Rodgers the martyr' who was burned at the stake, and left a wife with nine small children and one at the breast. Their children were: Ezekiel Williams, born October 4, 1733; Elizabeth Williams, born June 14, 1736; David Williams, born September 10, 1739; John Williams, born May 21, 1743; Phebe Williams, born September 3, 1746; Ichabod Williams, born January 14, 1749, and Aaron Williams, born May 2, 1753, in Sussex county, N. J. He, the seventh child, came to Pennsylvania a pioneer; he had many trials and difficulties from the Indians. [See History of Western Pennsylvania.] The family were often pursued by the Indians, and fled from their home on Turtle creek, Westmoreland Co., Penn. Had their houses burned. They then moved to Peters creek, Washington Co., Penn., where they spent the remainder of their days.
"Aaron, this seventh child of Josiah Williams, was a millwright by trade, and was a noted hewer; he hewed the timbers for the first fort ever erected at Wheeling. Va., to defend themselves from the Indians. He also was one of the men who took possession of Fort Duquesne, or Fort Pitt, as it was called at the point where Pittsburgh now stands. He erected a mill on Peters creek, Washington Co., Penn., one of the first in that country. He was married June 5, 1780, to Elizabeth Coe, born March 9, 1761, near Elizabeth, New Jersey. She was the youngest of fourteen children, and she was noted for her fervent piety. She was very much concerned in the time of the Revolutionary war. Two of her brothers were in arms and in battle; some of her friends were taken prisoners by the Indians. This devoted sister and mother would go out in the evening and spend the whole night in prayer for the success of our army, and would return to the house in the morning and say with a grateful countenance: 'The Americans will prevail yet.' Of her the exclamation was made: 'The chariot of the American army and the horseman thereof.' She always had a place for secret prayer to which she constantly resorted, and spent much time praying there, even to the close of her life, which ended June 19, 1847, when she was aged eighty-six. Her husband, Aaron, and herself were laid to rest in the little cemetery of the Presbyterian Church of Mingo, Washington Co., Penn. Of the remainder of Josiah Williams' and Phebe Rodgers' children we have no particular history. Ichabod, the sixth child, went down the Ohio river with eight children. The eldest was seventeen. It was about the year 1766 or 1767 they went down the Ohio river.
"Aaron Williams, the aforesaid seventh child, and his wife Elizabeth (Coe) had two children; they were Phebe Williams, born April 9, 1781, died 1855; Benjamin Williams, born February 3, 1783, died September 2, 1869, aged seventy-seven. Phebe married William McDonald, and lived at Logstown, opposite Economy, Penn., eighteen miles below Pittsburgh. Their children were: (1) Elizabeth (called Betsey); (2) Matilda; (3) Pattie (Martha); (4) John; (5)Aaron William R McDonald; (6) Polly (Mary) married Douds; (7) Alexander; (8) William, married Miss Shane; (9) Peggy (Margaret) married J. C. Richie; (10) one dead. The aforesaid William McDonald, Sr., husband of Phebe Williams, was a great trader in cattle, etc., became involved in debt, and at length became deranged. . .
David McDonnell, p. 480
DAVID McDONNELL. Among the influential farmers of Hanover township, this gentleman deserves prominent mention. He is a son of Barnett McDonnell, whose father was Patrick Morgan McDonnell.
The last mentioned ancestor was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, where he married, and reared two daughters, Martha Jane (Mrs. John Jackson, of Hanover township) and Eleanor (wife of John Davis of Morgan county, Ohio). About 1794 this family came to America, and with his limited savings, Patrick McDonnell purchased a small tract of land near King's creek in Hanover township. When the essential log cabin was erected, he began the work of felling the giant oaks. He served in the war of 1812, and participated in the historical Moravian massacre at Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. The rude cabin was in due time supplanted by one more commodious, which is yet standing. He was a Catholic, but as there were no churches of that denomination in that wild country, his family were not reared in the Catholic faith. He and his wife lived to advanced ages, and are buried in the Florence cemetery. They were the parents of four children, the two youngest having been born in America, viz.: Barnett, of whom further mention is made, and one son who died in early childhood.
Barnett McDonnell was born in 1796, in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., where he attended the subscription schools and worked on his father's farm. In early life he married Nancy Kimble, who was born near Hickory, in this county. She bore him five children, namely: Elizabeth, widow of David Logan; John, a blacksmith, died at Steubenville, Ohio, when about thirty years of age; William, was never married, and died on the old place; George, went to Iowa in 1850, and was a soldier in the Rebellion (he died of typhoid fever in Tennessee); and Martin L., a cabinet maker, drowned in the Ohio river, at Steubenville, Ohio. The mother of these children died and was buried at Florence. For his second wife Barnett McDonnell was married to Ruth Jackson, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Russell) Jackson, of Hanover township. Their children were: Rezin (a farmer of Hanover township), Jackson (deceased), Samuel (a shoemaker, went to California during the gold fever and died there), Alexander (a farmer of Hanover township), David (our subject), Nancy( widow of Caleb Gretzinger, of Hancock county, W. Va.) Hannah (wife of Asa Owings, of Missouri) and James (living in Texas). The father passed his whole life on the home farm where his parents had settled. He died July 3, 1877, and was followed by his widow in 1879. Both are buried in the Florence cemetery. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, his second wife being identified with the Methodist Episcopal Society. In politics he was a Democrat, having held various offices in Hanover township.
David McDonnell was born March 25, 1838, on the old place which he owns. The old house in which he was born (built in 1812) is yet standing. He attended the schools of the day, also assisting with such work as could be done by a boy of his age. In early manhood he went to Steubenville, Ohio, to learn the trade of a shoemaker. After a short time he was transferred to Cadiz, Ohio, to complete his trade. Later he took a trip through the West, visiting the States of Iowa, Indiana and Illinois, but returning, resumed his trade at Cadiz Ohio, and finally located in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn. He married Elizabeth A. Criss, June 25, 1862. She was born December 25, 1840, in Hanover township, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Ryland) Criss. The great-grandfather of Mrs. McDonnell (one John Criss) was born in Germany. Among his children was a son Jacob, who grew to manhood and reared a family of children, among whom was Henry Criss. The latter was born in 1815, and when a young man was married to Mary Ryland, a native of Maryland, who came to Washington county with her parents, Fredus and Elizabeth Ryland, when an infant. Mrs. McDonnell was the third in a family of eleven children born to Henry and Mary Criss.
Mr. and Mrs. McDonnell began wedded life in Hanover township, where he followed his trade. On March 22, 1865, he enlisted at New Brighton, Penn., in Company E, One Hundred and Third P. V. I. His services were needed but a brief time, for as the command was en route to North Carolina, Johnston surrendered, and June 25, 1865, he was honorably discharged, and returned to his native county. He then located on a small tract of land lying one mile northwest of Florence, and there followed his trade, giving some attention to farming. By economy he prospered, and in 1879 moved to the old McDonnell homestead, where he was born and has since resided, devoting his entire attention to agriculture. Since he has taken possession of the old place it has undergone a wonderful change; a handsome new residence, furnished with natural gas for heating and lighting in every room of the house, makes a very convenient and pleasant home. Mr. McDonnell is a leading citizen, respected by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. In politics he is a Democrat, but not a strict partisan, as he has frequently voted for men of different political opinion, when he deemed them most worthy of the position. He has held various offices in the township with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. The children of this family are Henry B., professor of chemistry in the State Agricultural College of Maryland; also a graduate of Pennsylvania State College, and College of Physicians and Surgeons, in Baltimore, Md. He married Miss Julia B. Magruder, of Baltimore. Wesley C. is an expert penman, and a teacher in the public schools, holding a State certificate. He is now studying music at Scio College, Ohio. Milton E. is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State College. Curtis C. is now attending college at College Park, near Washington, D. C. Fred V. is living at home.