People

The following, regarding William Acheson, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

William Acheson bought lands now owned by Joseph Cowden.  He had three children, who all emigrated. He sold a part of the farm to one Stephenson, who sold it to Cowden.  A part was sold to Benjamin Fisher.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

The following, regarding John Armstrong, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

In 1781, when Washington County was laid out, John Armstrong lived on Miller's Run, where now the county line crosses the creek.  He also had a mill in operation.  Nothing has been learned of his history; the place, however, has been occupied as a millsite all these years.  The present mill was built by Samuel Morgan, and was for several years owned by A. Greer.  It is now owned by William Crane. 

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

  The following, regarding William Berry and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

William Berry, a son of John Berry, who lived on the Washington lands in Mount Pleasant township, bought the mill property and a farm at and near what is now Venice, where he lived until 1834, when he moved to and lived one year on the Slater [see John, William and Thomas Slater (Sons of James Slater)]farm, and in 1836 went to North Strabane township and purchased a tract of land of Craig Ritchie, now owned by his son Matthew Berry.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following includes information regarding Thomas Dunlap and his family.  It was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

Stephen Richards was one who took up lands under a Virginia certificate.  It was surveyed to him as "Montgomery," and contained three hundred and forty-three acres, adjoining Thomas Faucett (whose land was in Allegheny County), Robert Hill, and Alexander Fowler.  Hugh H. Breckenridge, as trustee, sold one hundred and ninety-one acres of the tract to Daniel Smith on the 22nd of August, 1791.  He sold the same property to Thomas Dunlap on the 26th of September, 1805.  Dunlap emigrated from County Down, Ireland, with three sons, Thomas, James, and Alexander, and two daughters.  James was the only one of the family who married.  He settled on the homestead and had three children, John, Elizabeth, and Nancy.  Elizabeth became the wife of Joseph Work and settled in Texas.  Nancy married John B. Weaver and settled in North Strabane.  John, the only son, settled on the homestead, where he still resides.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding William Berry and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     William Berry, a son of John Berry, who lived on the Washington lands in Mount Pleasant township, bought the mill property and a farm at and near what is now Venice, where he lived until 1834, when he moved to and lived one year on the Slater [see John, William and Thomas Slater (Sons of James Slater)] farm, and in 1836 went to North Strabane township and purchased a tract of land of Craig Ritchie, now owned by his son Matthew Berry.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding Cornelius Borland, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     Cornelius Borland came from Allegheny County in 1846, and bought the Rev. Dr. Riddle farm.  His ancestors were early settlers in that section.  He married Rebecca, daughter of Benjamin Kelso.  His sons, M. H., A. C., and J. K. Borland, now own the farm.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

  The following, regarding Thomas Bracken and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     Thomas Bracken came to this territory about 1778, and took up a tract of land, for which he received a Virginia certificate in 1780.  It was not surveyed until April 15, 1788, and was then named "The Three Shares," containing three hundred and forty acres, and was at that time adjoining lands of Samuel Parks and Robert Ralston.  The patent for the tract was not obtained till March 30, 1802.  On the 25th of November, 1783, he sold to William Hutton, who then lived on the place, one hundred acres adjoining Samuel Parks.  Hutton sold the tract August 17th the next year to James Gaston, and he to William Cook.  A deed was not given for the land till May 5, 1808.  Thomas Bracken died between 1802 and 1806, leaving children, ---Thomas, Henry, John, Reed, Sally, Agnes (the wife of Rev. John Matthews), Hannah (Mrs. Joseph Thompson), Jane (Mrs. Richard Miller), and Mary Bracken.  On the 25th of April, 1806, Reed and Sally Bracken sold to William Craighead one hundred and eighty acres of the estate, and on the 4th of October, 1816, the heirs sold to Henry Bracken one hundred and thirty-four acres, and to Richard Miller (husband of Jane Bracken) one hundred and thirty-four acres.  Thomas became a Presbyterian minister, sold his land to Benjamin and Moses Coe, Erasmus Allison, and Thomas Kerr, and removed to Mercer County.  John lived on the home place, and died there.  Henry finally removed to the South, where he followed the profession of a teacher.  Reed was educated at Canonsburg, and entered the ministry of the Presbyterian Church.  Part of the property went from the Brackens to John Murray, and from him to James Craighead, and passed to Wesley Greer, by whom it was sold to the Pennsylvania Reform School, which now occupies the property.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

  The following, regarding Joseph Brown, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     Joseph Brown took out a warrant for a tract of land March 1, 1785, and warrant for another tract April 15, 1786.  The first was surveyed as "Bon Ton," containing two hundred and two acres, adjoining land of Sarah Wait [see John Waits], Joseph Brown, and John Daniel, or Donnell.  This tract was patented Nov. 24, 1791, after it came into possession of William Kerr, who bought it Sept. 11, 1789.  The second tract was surveyed as "Bellgrade," and contained three hundred and sixty-seven acres; this tract was adjoining lands of John Daniel, or Donnell, Matthew Ritchie, and David Reed, and was on the banks of Miller's Run.  This also was sold to William Kerr at the same time as the other, and patented Nov. 25, 1791.  He sold two hundred acres to William Cook, who lived there many years, and left three daughters and two sons, who are all dead except Mrs. Thomas McConnell.  The farm is now owned by James White, of North Strabane township, and is occupied by his son Samuel.  William also sold to James Jewell, his son-in-law, nearly the whole of the remainder, who lived there many years, and went to Ohio, where the family of Mrs. Jewell then resided.  Mr. Jewell sold the property to different parties.  Joseph Burnside pruchased forty acres,where his son George now lives.  About 1845, Nathan Tannehill purchased one hundred and thirty acres, where his son James now resides.  Joseph Lindsey purchased a portion of the farm before the sale to Jewell, now owned by James Moore.  Thomas Weaver bought of James Jewell eighty-six acres in 1848.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding James Bunyan, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     James Bunyan was from New York City, and had formerly been a sea captain.  In 1795 John Morgan, a son of Col. George Morgan, married his only daughter Margaret, and as the Morgans removed to Morganza Mr. Bunyan was induced to come also to this section.  He purchased two hundred acres of land belonging to Samuel Long and James Philips in the township of Cecil, on Chartiers Creek, opposite Morganza.  John  Morgan settled here; their son, Thomas Gibbs Morgan, became a leading lawyer in the State of Louisiana, and judge of the courts of that State.  Another son, James, is now living in Pittsburgh.  A colored man, Elias Prall, who came out with the family as a slave, is now living at Canonsburg at the age of eighty-five years.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

The following, regarding Joseph Cowden and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

  Joseph Cowden, a son of John Cowden, of Mount Pleasant, came to this township in 1848, and purchased the Oram farm, on which he now resides.  He married Mary, the youngest daughter of Alexander May.  Mrs. Ewing, of Allegheny County, who was killed by the Indians in one of their raids, was his grandmother.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882).

   The following, regarding William Craighead and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     William Craighead, son of George Craighead of North Strabane township, came to Cecil in 1806, and on the 25th of April in that year purchased one hundred and eighty acres of Reed and Sally Bracken, heirs of Thomas Bracken, a part of the tract called "The Three Shares."  His son George settled in Peters township.  James and  John, also sons, live on a farm adjoining Canonsburg.  The homestead of William is now owned by William R. Craighead, son of George and grandson of William.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882).
 

 The following, regarding John Donnell, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     John Donnell came from Winchester, Va., in the year 1776, and settled in the territory that afterwards became a part of Cecil township.  He located a tract of land under a Virginia certificate.  This certificate recites that "John Daniel is entitled to 400 acres of land in the county of Yohogania, situate on the waters of Shirtee, to include his settlement made in the year 1776, also a right in pre-emption to two hundred acres adjoining thereto."  Another tract also was granted him on a Virginia certificate April 20, 1780.  The first tract was surveyed to him Aug. 3, 1785, and was named "The Forest," containing four hundred and eighteen acres, adjoining land of Thomas Bracken, Henry Donald, Matthew Ritchie, and the widow Moore.  The other tract was surveyed to Presley Neville and Matthew Ritchie on the 26th of January, 1788, and named "Hope," and contained four hundred and eight acres.  John Donnell was the son of Henry Donnell, who also came from Winchester, Va., and settled near John Canon.  He came into possession of a portion of this land, and on the 19th of May, 1790, sold to his son John seventy-one acres of land adjoining that of John.  Henry Donnell had three sons, ----John, Joshua, and Charles.  The last two came into possession of land adjoining their brothers.  The land owned by Joshua is now owned by Andrew H. Giffin.  The land owned by Charles is now in possession of the heirs of John Curry.  Joshua and Charles, after a few years, sold their farm and went West.  John Donald [Donnell?] married Rebecca Evans, of Ten-Mile, in Amwell township.  They settled on the land he took up, and had seven daughters and one son.  The daughters married and settled in Mercer County, Pa.  He married as a second wife Janet Lyle, of Peters Creek, in Peters township, by whom he had four daughters and three sons.  The only one living of these children is Charles, a son, who lives on the old homestead.  Henry, another of the sons, married Anna, the daughter of David Hay, of Chartiers township.  They settled on the homestead also, where he died Nov. 9, 1881, in his eightieth year, leaving a widow and three children, of whom John H. Donnell and a sister live at the homestead.  Mrs. Henry Donnell also lives there still, having resided there over fifty years.  Of the eight hundred acres purchased by John Donnell, the present owners are Andrew H. Giffin, W. W. Gladden, John Conner, David Beaboat, John M. Smith, and John H. Donnell.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding William Elliot and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     William Elliot came from Canton township to this section, and purchased a part of the tract of land taken up by Robert Ralston.  On this farm he settled, and the farm was left to his son, J. S. Elliot, who was born on the place, and was at one time county commissioner.  His son, J. S. Elliot, and his widow, now reside on the property.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding John Fife, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     There were many families of the name of Fife, who settled early in what is now Allegheny County.  John Fife came to this township, and on the 22d of February, 1799, purchased four hundred acres of land of Patrick Jordan, adjoining land of Reuben Waits [see John Waits].  He had seven sons, William Andrew, Robert, John, James, Thomas, and Nathaniel.  The latter went West.  William, Robert, Thomas, and James, all settled on the homestead.  William and Thomas are still living there; the others are dead.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding William Gladden, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     William Gladden came from the East, and purchased lands in Cecil township, now owned by his son Richard. He married Mary, the daughter of Benjamin Kelso, of Allegheny County.  She is still living on the homestead.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

  The following, regarding Benjamin Hickman and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     The family of Hickman  were early settlers in Allegheny County when it was yet a part of Washington County, but it was not until 1832 that any of them came to this county.  At that time Benjamin Hickman inherited a farm from his father which was in the limits of Cecil township, and on which his son John now resides.  Moses Hickman, also a son of Benjamin, bought the old Logan farm in 1865, and still resides there.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

  The following, regarding Robert and Thomas Hill and their respective families, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     Robert and Thomas Hill came from Adams County, Pa., before 1781, and settled in Cecil township.  Robert purchased two hundred acres of land now owned by Arthur Hooper.  He lived to be over ninety years of age, and left three sons and six daughters, ---William, Amos, James, Ann, Sally, Betsey, Polly, Temperance, and Jane.  William and Amos settled on the homestead.  James went West.  But two of the family never married, ---the oldest daughter and the youngest son.  Thomas Hill purchased at sheriff's sale one hundred and fifty acres of what was known as the Rowley Patent.  He married a daughter of William Hanna, who lived at that time in Allegheny County.  In 1812 he built a log cabin on the site of the present residence of his son William.  He died in 1824, and left two sons and four daughters.  William was born in 1794, and now lives on the homestead.  Thomas, the other son, was a carpenter and moved to Pittsburgh, where he still resides.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

  The following, regarding A. J. Hopper, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     A. J. Hopper is a son of Samuel Hopper, who settled in Allegheny County in 1812.  In 1847 he came into Cecil and purchased the property on which he now lives of the heirs of Joseph Hill, a son of Robert, who was a resident in the township from about 1791.  In 1880 he purchased the McDowell Parks estate.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882).
 

   The following, regarding James Little and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     James Little came from the north of Ireland, and took out a warrant in 1785 for a tract of land on a part of which his son Joseph and a grandson now reside.  He had three sons and one daughter, ---John, Nicholas, Joseph, and Isabella.  John lived and died on the homestead.  Nicholas was a bachelor.  Isabella was unmarried.  Joseph settled on the homestead, where he still lives.  He is now seventy-five years of age, and can remember hearing his father relate that when he first came to the county they were in the habit of working on the farm in the daylight, and at night going to the block-house at McDonald's.  James Little married a Miss Robb.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

   The following, regarding Alexander May and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

      Alexander May came from Lancaster, and purchased a tract of four hundred acres of land.  He had five sons---Arthur, John, Alexander, Samuel, and David---and two daughters, Margaret and Mary.  Arthur and Alexander were physicians, and practiced in Lancaster and Chester Counties, Pa.  Arthur died in 1810.  John married a Miss Ross, and settled in this township.  Alexander, his son, married a daughter of John Berry [see William Berry], settled on the homestead, and died in Venice.  His son, John B., lives in Canonsburg.  John married the daughter of William Berry, Esq., and settled on land now owned by Mankadick and John Hays.  Samuel was a teacher, and settled in Chanango, Pa., and died there.  David settled on the homestead and died there, leaving two sons---Alexander and David---and a daughter, Jane.  Alexander went to Virginia; David settled in Peters township; Jane became the wife of Lewis Grier, and settled in Smith township.  Margaret, the eldest child of Alexander May, Sr., became the wife of David Reed and settled in the township.  Mary became the wife of Joseph Cowden, and settled in Cecil.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882).
 

The following, regarding Alexander and Matthew McConnell and their respective families, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

Alexander and Matthew McConnell, brothers, came from Cumberland, Maryland, and located in this township, and in 1785 patented a tract of land containing three hundred and twenty acres, now occupied by D. L. and J. P. McConnell, grandsons of Matthew.  Alexander was a soldier in the Whiskey Insurrection.  He bought part of a farm, on which his grandsons Alexander and D. T. McConnell now reside.  Alexander, Sr., had three sons, ---Alexander, David, and Matthew.  Alexander bought part of the Morganza tract, and lived there till he died.  The farm is now owned by John and Alexander McConnell, his sons.  The former lives on the farm, the latter at McConnell's mills in Chartiers township.  David settled on the home farm in Cecil, and his sons now own the farm.  Matthew also settled on a farm adjoining, and his sons reside there.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882).

   The following, regarding Neil McCloy and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     Neil McCloy was a native of Ireland, and a physician.  He emigrated from Lancaster with two sons, of whom Alexander became a physician, and practiced in that county.  He came to this country in 1835, purchased, October 19th of that year, eighty acres of John Bracken [see Thomas Bracken], part of the Robert Miller tract, which had been sold to Kerr, and in 1838, purchased one hundred and thirteen acres of land of Ebenezer McClelland, now owned by Nathaniel McKnight and John Hays.  David D. McCloy was the only son of Alexander, by a first wife.  Other children, by a second wife, emigrated West, except Samuel, who settled on the farm, where he lived till well advanced in life, and sold the farm and moved to Canonsburg, where he died.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding Samuel McPherson and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     Samuel McPherson came from Lancaster Co, Pa., in 1849.  He married Rebecca, the daughter of Andrew Giffin, of Cecil, and purchased of one Kennedy a part of the old Logan farm.  He built the grist-mill and a distillery; the latter was running for many years.  He was for many years an elder in the United Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg.  He died in 1877.  His sons, J. H., W. B. and Robert S., are now living in the township.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

  The following, regarding Robert Miller and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

      Robert Miller was a resident of the territory before it became Washington County.  He took up under the offer of Virgnia to settlers several tracts of land for which he received a Virginia certificate in 1780.  One was surveyed Jan. 3, 1787, under the name of "The Cell," and contained three hundred and eighty-nine acres.  It was at that time adjoining lands of Matthew Ritchie, William Hays, George Frazer, Robert Miller, Matthew Johnson.  A warrant was granted to him by the Board of Property dated March 25, 1795, and returned April 1st, the same year.  On the 27th of October, 1793, he sold ninety acres of this tract to Joseph McCombs.  Another tract containing three hundred and eighty acres, called "The Valley," was surveyed Jan. 3, 1786.  This tract was adjoining Joseph Brown, John May [see Alexander May], and Matthew Ritchie.  Patent for it was obtained in May, 1798.  One hundred and one acres of it was sold May 16, 1794, to Nathaniel Caughey, and two hundred and one acres, April 13, 1795, to William Kerr.  On the 28th of April, 1795, Robert Miller authorized Craig Ritchie to make a deed for John Hays and Nicholas Smith of a tract of land containing four hundred acres, adjoining land of William Kerr, John McCombws, Matthew Johnson, William Hays, and others, "in such sort that Joseph Hays is to have one hundred and one acres whereon he now lives, and Nicholas Smith the remainder where said Miller lived."  Prior to the execution of the deed Miller moved to Kentucky.  Joseph McCombs purchased ninety acres of land Oct. 27, 1793, of Robert Miller, and lived there till his death.  He had seven or eight daughters who became widely scattered by their settlement in life.  Joseph Thompson, a native of Ireland, emigrated to the eastern part of Pennsylvania, where he lived several years, and in 1802 came to this township and settled northeast of Canonsburg, where he had purchased forty acres of land.  He had three children, ---Joseph, William, and Elizabeth.  Joseph married Hannah, daughter of Thomas Bracken, and settled on Pigeon Creek.  William settled on the home farm, and lived there till his death.  His son Joseph settled in Canonsburg over fifty years ago, and is still a resident.  Elizabeth became the wife of a Mr. McMillan, and settled on Pigeon Creek near the Newkirks.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882) 

 The following, regarding John Morgan and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

 James Bunyan was from New York City, and had formerly been a sea captain.  In 1795 John Morgan , a son of Col. George Morgan, married his only daughter Margaret, and as the Morgans removed to Morganza Mr. Bunyan was induced to come also to this section.  He purchased two hundred acres of land belonging to Samuel Long and James Philips in the township of Cecil, on Chartiers Creek, opposite Morganza.  John  Morgan settled here; their son, Thomas Gibbs Morgan, became a leading lawyer in the State of Louisiana, and judge of the courts of that State.  Another son, James, is now living in Pittsburgh.  A colored man, Elias Prall, who came out with the family as a slave, is now living at Canonsburg at the age of eighty-five years.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding Samuel Parks and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     One of the earliest settlers within the territory that is now Cecil township was Samuel Parks, who, in the autumn of 1777, came over the Allegheny Mountains in search of land on which to make a home.  He purchased of Matthew Rodgers for four hundred and fifty pounds a parcel of land in two drafts on Chartiers' waters, containing five hundred and sixty-five acres.  The bill of sale, marked No. 8, is dated Dec. 7, 1777.  After the purchase he returned to his home at Lancaster and prepared to remove his family.  He was to have possession of the land March 2, 1778.  John and James, his sons, were sent on in advance to build a cabin, clear the land, and put in a crop.  Their sister, Isabella, went with them as housekeeper.  After a home was prepared the rest of the family removed to the farm.  The land was afterwards warranted and surveyed.  A portion of it was named "Deer Park," and contained four hundred and six and a half acres.  On the 28th of June, 1782, by virtue of a land-office warrant (No. 1773) and in consideration of eighty pounds there was granted to Samuel Parks a tract of land which was surveyed to him Feb. 2, 1786, as containing one hundred and eighty-six acres and seventy-five perches, adjoining Thomas Bracken; also a pre-emption warrant.  On the 4th of September, 1786, the last tract was granted to John Parks, son of Samuel, and surveyed as "The Experiment," containing one hundred and seventy-five and seven-eighths acres, and deeded by Samuel and Margaret, his wife, Jan. 1, 1787; but in September following the patent was made out to Samuel Parks.  He lived on the "Deer Park" tract till his death in 1794, aged sixty-five years.  His wife survived him till 1808.  Their children were John, James, Mary, Isabella, and  Hugh.
     John Parks, son of Samuel, was born Dec. 18, 1758, in Donegal, Lancaster Co., Pa.  In 1787 he married Sarah, daughter of John McDowell, of Strabane township, and settled on part of the Park farm.  On the 20th of April, 1809, John Park purchased the homestead in Cecil township, and removed to the farm.  Of his children, Rebecca became the wife of James Rankin, and for some years lived in Pittsburgh, and later removed to Washington, where she died.  James Rankin now resides in Denver, Col.  William, a son of John and Sarah Parks, was born July 15, 1797.  In 1831 he purchased three hundred acres of land in Peters township, and on the 29th of October, 1833, married Jane Law and settled on his farm.  He was interested in sheep-raising and wool-growing.  Soon after his marriage he purchased three hundred acres of land in Cecil township, including the tract "Experiment."  He was thirty years a trustee of Jefferson College, and for some years director of the Chartiers Valley Railroad Company.  He died Nov. 6, 1870, aged seventy-three years, and left seven children.  John, the eldest son, resides on the "Experiment" tract in Cecil; Robert and James reside in Peters township, and a daughter, Sarah, became the wife of J. L. Thompson, and resides in Westmoreland County.
     McDowell Parks, a son of John Parks, bought a part of the homestead farm in 1835, and lived there till his death, on the 24th April, 1877, aged sixty-seven years.  He purchased other lands, and became a large land-owner, and wealthy.  He never married, and the large estate was divided among the heirs.  The home place was sold to A. J. Hopper in March, 1880.  James Hickman, a son-in-law, now resides there.
     The greater part of the home farm, "Deer Park," was intended for Hugh, the youngest child.  He was born in 1767, and died when a young man, and before the death of his father.  After the death of the mother in 1808 the farm was deeded to James Park by John Park and Col. John Marshall, executors, and was conveyed by James to John Park.  It was purchased by William Boon, and is now owned by A. and J. Boon.  William Boon was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was at Baltimore with the troops gathered for the defense of that city against the British under Gen. Ross in 1814.
     James Parks, the second son of Samuel, was born in 1760, and came to Cecil township in 1778 to the new home.  He was one of the volunteers who went out with Col Crawford in 1782.  He married Isabella, daughter of George Craighead [see Wiliam Craighead] of Strabane township.  He came into possession of the Park lands, and died Dec. 8, 1811, aged fifty-two years.  His widow survived him twenty-two years, and died April 5, 1833, aged seventy years.  Samuel, a son of James, inherited the farm, and married Sarah, half-sister of David Philips, Esq., of Peters township.  In the fall of 1832 he sold out and removed to Wellsville, Ohio.  Mary Park, born in 1761, the only daughter of Samuel, became the wife of Col James Marshall, of Cross Creek, in 1782.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882).

 The following regarding the former African American slave, Elias Prall, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

 James Bunyan was from New York City, and had formerly been a sea captain.  In 1795 John Morgan, a son of Col. George Morgan, married his only daughter Margaret, and as the Morgans removed to Morganza Mr. Bunyan was induced to come also to this section.  He purchased two hundred acres of land belonging to Samuel Long and James Philips in the township of Cecil, on Chartiers Creek, opposite Morganza.  John  Morgan settled here; their son, Thomas Gibbs Morgan, became a leading lawyer in the State of Louisiana, and judge of the courts of that State.  Another son, James, is now living in Pittsburgh.  A colored man, Elias Prall, who came out with the family as a slave, is now living at Canonsburg at the age of eighty-five years.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding David and John Reed and their respective families, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     David and John Reed, whose earlier history will be found in Mount Pleasant township, in connection with the Washington lands, came after their dispossession to this township.  David, about the year 1788, purchased three hundred acres of land of Thomas Waller, which had been taken up by him before 1780, for which he received a Virginia certificate January 2d of that year.  It was adjoining lands of Joseph Brown, David McNary, Matthew Acheson, John May [see Alexander May], and Robert Miller.  A warrant of acceptance was issued to David Reed by the board of property March 2, 1790, and patent granted April 21, 1813.  He moved upon this farm when the contest for the Washington lands was decided, and lived there till his death in 1824, at seventy-seven years of age, leaving five sons and one daughter, --- Alexander, David, John, James, Joseph, and Mary.  Alexander, the eldest son, married the daughter of Joshua Anderson, of Chartiers township, and settled in Ohio, where they remained several years, then returned to his father's farm and settled there and lived many years.  He gave the portion that came to his possession to his sons, who sold to George Robb and removed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Alexander, the father, went with them and died there.
     David, the second son of David Reed, located in Mount Pleasant township, and later removed to Allegheny County.  He married Euphemia, daughter of James Paxton.  The property he owned in Mount Pleasant township is now in possession of the Dinsmores.  James Reed, a son of David, is a merchant in Canonsburg.  John Reed, the third son of David, married Jane, a daughter of John May, and settled on Miller's Run, in this township, where he lived and died.  His sons George and Samuel now own the farm.  James Reed, the fourth son, married Jane A. Allison, of Chambersburg, and located in Washington borough.  He was a jeweler and watchmaker, and lived there many years, and finally removed to Pittsburgh and carried on the business there till his death in 1879.  His sons James and George are living in Pittsburgh, and in the same business.  Joseph, the youngest son of David Reed, married Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Alexander, of Miller's Run.  They settled on the homestead, but Mrs. Reed died only about six months afterward.  Mr. Reed married as a second wife Anna, the daughter of the Rev. David McClean, by whom he had four children, ---Margaret, a daughter, became the wife of Robert Henderson (a grandson of the Rev. Matthew Henderson), and settled in Chartiers township; Mary, another daughter, married John Nesbitt, and also settled in Chartiers; David settled at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a physician, and died in 1878.  The youngest son is residing on the homestead and has charge of the farm.  Joseph Reed, after the death of his second wife, married Martha Henderson, who is still living.  Mr. Reed is now in his eighty-seventh year, and has retired from the active duties of life.  His memory of the many incidents related by his father concerning the Washington lands is still fresh, and many of the stories related of that affair are said by him to be without foundation.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding Stephen Richards, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     Stephen Richards was one who took up lands under a Virginia certificate.  It was surveyed to him as "Montgomery," and contained three hundred and forty-three acres, adjoining Thomas Faucett (whose land was in Allegheny County), Robert Hill, and Alexander Fowler.  Hugh H. Breckenridge, as trustee, sold one hundred and ninety-one acres of the tract to Daniel Smith on the 22nd of August, 1791.  He sold the same property to Thomas Dunlap on the 26th of September, 1805.  Dunlap emigrated from County Down, Ireland, with three sons, Thomas, James, and Alexander, and two daughters.  James was the only one of the family who married.  He settled on the homestead and had three children, John, Elizabeth, and Nancy.  Elizabeth became the wife of Joseph Work and settled in Texas.  Nancy married John B. Weaver and settled in North Strabane.  John, the only son, settled on the homestead, where he still resides.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

  The following, regarding Matthew Ritchie, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     Matthew Ritchie patented several tracts of land in this township.  A part of one that was patented March 17, 1788, was sold to John Harper, who, on the 4th of April, 1814, sold to Hance McClelland two hundred and fifty-nine acres.  Three years later he died and left to his sons, John and Ebenezer.  The latter sold his portion, one hundred and thirteen acres, Aug. 31, 1838, to Alexander McCloy [see Neil McCloy], and purchased a portion of the Morganza tract.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

   The following, regarding John, William and Thomas Slater (the sons of James Slater), was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     James Slater emigrated from Ireland and settled in Allegheny, where he lived and died.  Three sons, John, William, and Thomas, came to this township and settled.  John lives near Venice.  In 1843, William and Thomas purchased ninety acres of Matthew Harbeson, and lived together ten years, the each bought farms, on which they now reside.  Thomas bought one hundred and eighty-three acres of John Berry [see William Berry] in 1855.  William studied for the ministry, and in 1848, soon after coming to the township, became the pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church near his residence, but in Chartiers township.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

 The following, regarding James and Hugh Sprowls, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     James and Hugh Sprowls were early residents in the township.  The former was assessed on four hundred acres, and the latter on two hundred acres, in 1788.  They lived on or near the county line.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882).
 

  The following, regarding John Waits and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     John Waits came from east of the mountains and located a tract of land on the waters of Chartiers Creek in the spring of 1785.  A cabin was built (under an oak-tree that is still standing), and he cleared off a small patch of ground.  He died soon after, and a warrant was issued to Sarah Waits, his widow, dated April 5, 1786, "in trust for the use of the heirs of John Waits, deceased."  It was surveyed as "The Charge," and contained three hundred and two acres, adjoining land of Widwow Moore William McLaughlin, David McNary, and Samuel Brown.  Patent for it was obtained Sept. 17, 1790.
     Mrs. Sarah Waits was in 1788 assessed on two hundred acres of land.  She died about 1810, and left three sons by a first husband, Joseph, Samuel, and John Blair, whose names are mentioned in the assessment-roll of 1788.  These sons emigrated to Kentucky.  The children of John Waits, her second husband, were Betsey (Mrs. Daniel Welch; they settled on two hundred and forty acres in the township, and afterwards moved to Ohio), Richard, Reuben, Mary, Sarah, and Jacob.  Richard lived on the farm adjoining and died there, leaving a large family, none of whom are in the township.  Mary became the wife of John Philips of Winchester, Va., in 1799.  They settled on the Wait homestead, and on the 31st of March, 1802, he purchased one hundred and sixty-six acres of the tract, and September, 1808, one hundred and thirty-six acres adjoining.  On this land they lived and died, leaving thirteen children.  John, Aaron, and David settled in the township.  James Philips is a son of John.  De Kalb and Wayne Philips own the farm which Aaron settled upon, and David Philips resides on the homestead of his father and grandfather.  His residence is under the shade of the great oak that stood near his grandfather's cabin in 1785, then a small tree.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882). 

  The following, regarding Robert Wilson and his family, was extracted from the book, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Boyd Crumrine, editor):

     Robert Wilson lived on a farm nearly opposite Morganza.  Among his sons were Rev. Thomas Wilson and James and William Wilson.

Crumrine, Boyd (ed.), History of Washington County, Pennsylvania with Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Pioneers and Prominent Men (Philadelphia:  L. H. Everts & Company, 1882).