This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ker17moh Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.washington/3473.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: thank you! Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: EHatfield4556 Surnames: Ralston - Boyd Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.washington/3473.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: "Washington Examiner (newspaper) Sat May 4, 1839: Married on the 23rd(April) inst by Rev. john Eaglson John ralston to Miss Sarah Boyd all of Hopewell twsp." from Examiner Records Vol #2 Marriages & Deaths 1836-1847 Wash, PA. pg 61. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

Sorry for the multiple list posting, but we wanted to make sure everyone has the opportunity to attend this great event on 5 Apr 2008! The Butler County, PA Genealogical Society is hosting a Genealogical Expo at the Butler Area Senior High School. Nationally known speaker John Colletta will be heading up a top notch group of speakers who will be covering a wide range of subjects which includes but is not limited to military, photo preservation, publishing, naturalizations, and DNA. We have included things for beginners through advanced researchers. Major support for the EXPO is being provided by Mechling Books. (www.mechlingbooks.com) Please visit our site at www.bcgs.us for more information and to download the registration form. There is a discounted registration fee for those who mail in their registration by 31 Dec 2007. For questions about the EXPO please email us at bcgs@zoominternet.net -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.17.4/1189 - Release Date: 12/18/2007

Three months and one day ago Laura RITCHEY, aged 14 years, died from a wound inflicted by a bullet fired from a revolver in the hands of her father, David RITCHEY, at Bulger. Wednesday morning the father killed himself by firing a bullet through his heart. Continued worry over the accidental killing of his daughter is said to have been the cause of the deed. On Sunday morning, March 9, RITCHEY, who resided in a small cabin one-half mile north of Bulger, arose about 5 o'clock in the morning and was working with a revolver. He had the hammer raised and it slipped, discharging a bullet which struck his daughter Laura, in the hip as she lay in bed. The wound was not considered serious at first but later she was hurried to a Pittsburgh hospital where she died the following day. RITCHEY was discharged at an inquest, the coroner's jury finding that the shooting was accidental. Since then Mr. RITCHEY is said to have worried constantly over the tragedy. Wednesday morning at 5 o'clock--the same hour on which he inflicted the fatal wound to his daughter--he arose and went to a small outbuilding near his home. His daughter saw him leave the house, carrying a revolver in his hand. He entered the building and closed the door. A second later the daughter heard the discharge of the weapon. Horrified, she hurried to the home of a neighbor nearby and summoned them to come to her assistance. Entering the structure they found the lifeless body of Mr. RITCHEY with a gun in one hand and a large butcher's knife in the other. He had fired a bullet through his heart, evidently resulting in instant death. RITCHEY was employed by the Verner Coal Company. The death of his wife occurred over a year ago. He leaves his aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander RITCHEY, who live near his home, and four little children.

Clerk of Courts W. S. LOCKHART, when digging into some old road papers Monday, came upon a bundle of liquor license applications and bonds. There is one petition from Nathaniel ROBINSON praying for a tavern license at Canonsburg. The Petition is dated December 25, 1808. John MCGILL was his bondsman. The application is very crude compared with those of today. James CHRISTIE, Robinson township, Nathaniel PAXTON, Hopewell township, Samuel SAYERS, Amity, David MARTIN, Mt. Pleasant township, all petition the court to recommend the governor of the State to grant a renewal of the license that they held at that time. All are addressed to "To the Honorable Samuel ROBERTS, Esq., President, and his associates of the Court of General Quarter Sessions." Bonds are given by each in the sum of 50 pounds. John MOSIER petitions for a license at a tavern in Strabane township. The papers bear no term number.

Hello List and Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays / and Happy New Year. LOL I received an email question about photos submitted to and posted on the PAGenWeb. Basically, the person wanted to know if she could use any posted photos in her "tree." She's raised an excellent question about copyright, fair use, and rights to copy or include these photos into another work. I'm not a Copyrights Attorney-- the best I could do is direct her to email the submitter and ask permission to use the photos. But I thought I should put the question back to ALL the submitters. If you submitted photos to me, send me an email OFF-LIST. Tell me whether you want... 1. to ALLOW any visitor to copy photos from the website for PERSONAL use only or if you want 2. a statement saying that *you* must be contacted before a web visitor can copy the photo. At minimum, maybe I should add a statement that NO photos should be used in a "for profit" project, such as in a book offered for sale. And, at minimum, I should probably state that ALL photo submissions ARE allow limited use for personal family histories (not for sale). Those 2 statements seem reasonable to apply to all photos published on the web. If previous submitters (or anyone else) wants to comment on this subject, I'm all ears. Just write OFF-LIST. I haven't gotten new photos in a while. Maybe after the holidays, Listers will have time to pick out some ancestor photos and submit them. Remember on any submission (photo or just info) to include your full name, email address, and any "notes" you want me to include. Please use washington.co.pa.webmaster "AT" gmail.com for submissions. I continue to add items to the websites, so keep checking your names. I've been adding "local glances" also but I'm in the process of moving those to a new area of the website. Use the on-site search. Web addresses are listed below. Have nice holidays, Judy -- Washington County PA Websites: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~florian/ http://freepages.family.rootsweb.com/~florian/ http://freepages.religions.rootsweb.com/~florian/ http://www.rootsweb.com/~pawashin/

During this year the Ladies' Aid Society of the First Presbyterian Church of McDonald have been very industrious, not only in the work pertaining to organizations of that kind, but they have been growing roses as well. This being the month of June, the blooms were abundant, and realizing that they live but in the present, the society invited the members of the congregation to assist in plucking the roses. All assembled at the church Monday evening, June the ninth, to celebrate the silver wedding anniversary of their pastor and his wife, the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. J. P. JORDAN. Mr. J. H. MCQUISTON, to show the pastor and his wife, err it was too late, that the congregation appreciated them, in well-chosen words presented the bride and groom of twenty-five years with a beautiful silver dish. When the cover was removed the roses had vanished and each rose was replaced by a shining silver piece. But the sweet perfume lingered and the pastor and wife caught the fragrance and realized the wealth of love bestowed. The Rev. Mr. JORDAN, in behalf of Mrs. JORDAN and himself, responded with words of appreciation, thanking the people for the happiness and joy they had given them. A social evening was spent and a dainty lunch served and with best wishes that the coming years of pastor and wife be filled with health, happiness, joy and peace, all returned to their homes. The Rev. J. P. JORDAN was born on a farm in Clearfield County, but soon after his birth his parents moved to Greensburg and it was her his early life was spent. He attended the public schools of Greensburg and then went to Lebanon Valley College from which he graduated; from there he went to the Western Theological Seminary where his education for the ministry was completed. After his graduation Mr. JORDAN was called to the Concord Presbyterian Church in Carrick and was pastor there for one and one-half years when he was called to McDonald and accepted, coming here in September, 1893. Mrs. JORDAN was born in Anneville, Pa., where she lived until 25 years ago when she became the wife of Mr. JORDAN. Rev. and Mrs. JORDAN were united in marriage June 9, 1888, by the Rev. N. B. CROUSE, now of New Jersey, then pastor of the Presbyterian church in Phoenixville. There are two sons in the JORDAN family, Paul N., a student in the Washington & Jefferson College, and Howard V., in the McDonald High School. When Mr. JORDAN came her twenty years ago the church roll contained about 150 names, now the membership is 621.

Making his first trip into the mine as a fire boss, accompanied by two experienced men, Thomas J. COLLINS; aged forty-five years, accidentally fell against a live wire in the Primrose mine of the Carnegie Coal Company Wednesday afternoon, and was instantly electrocuted. COLLINS had just received his certificate permitting him to assume the duties of a fire boss and this afternoon with B. J. CROCH of Midway and Lawrence GILBERT of Primrose, started into the mine. They walked, making inspections at various points. A pool of water encountered caused the men to leave the path beside the track and step along on the rails. COLLINS lost his balance, his foot slipped and he fell. When he fell COLLINS thrust out an arm in an attempt to catch himself. It struck a board that protected a live wire, breaking the board or knocking it loose to the ground. His arm brushed against the then unprotected wire and evidently a heavy voltage passed through his body as it was lifeless when picked up by his companions. COLLINS during the past winter taught school in Robinson township, being in charge of the George school. He has a sister living at Lock No. 4, where the body will be shipped for burial.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: ker17moh Surnames: ralston boyd Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.washington/3473/mb.ashx Message Board Post: could someone please look up John Ralston Sarah Boyd? I seen the name in the Early Marriage of PA book, but it gave no other information, being an index only. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

BEACH, GERTZEL, DURSTON, PAYNE, DICKSON Clifton H. BEACH, 68 years old, died Thursday, May 29, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Thomas KENNEDY, in DuBois, Pa. Mr. BEACH had been ill since February 3d. Valvular heart trouble was the cause of death. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon. Interment was made at DuBois. Mr. BEACH was sales manager of the Crescent Bottle Company at the time of his death. He had been identified with the local glass plant since it was built, having been one of the organizers of the Saltsburg Bottle Works, Ltd., which in January 1904 was incorporated as the Warner Glass Company. The Crescent Bottle Company was formed to succeed the Warner Glass Company in 1910. Mr. Warner was at one time president of the Warner Glass Company and in all the years of his connection with the plant in McDonald he had been in charge of the sales department of the concern. A number of years ago he was president of the Bottle Manufacturers' Association. He had been a druggist in Mt. Washington, Pittsburgh, prior to embarking in the bottle trade twenty-five years ago. Having been a salesman all these years and spending much of his time on the road he came into personal touch with the foremost bottle buyers and jobbers in the country. Mr. BEACH was a man of culture and one that commanded respect. In his particular line of business he was considered an adept and his knowledge of trade conditions and practices was wide. He was a veteran of the Civil War. His wife died many years ago. Three daughters and one son survive as follows: Florida, the wife of Thomas KENNEDY of DuBois; Florence, the wife of Dr. CASSIDY of Wyoming; Georgia, the wife of Walter HARPER of Meadville, and Earl of Pittsburgh. Robert, the fourteen-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred GERTZEL, died at his home in Liberty street at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning, June 3, 1913, after several month's illness from tubercular trouble. Besides his parents he leaves a twin brother James, and one sister, Margaret. The funeral services were held at the home on Thursday afternoon, conducted by the Rev.. W. D. IRONS, D. D. Interment in Robinson's Run cemetery. Frank DURSTON, aged 45 years, died at his home in Fanny street, Sunday morning at 9 o'clock after an illness caused by gangrene developing in his lungs. Until a year ago he had been in the employ of the Pittsburgh Coal Company holding several responsible positions. He was the last member of his family which was well known at Braddock, Pa. His wife survives. The funeral services were held at the home Tuesday afternoon conducted by the Rev. J. B. CAVITT. Interment in Robinson's Run cemetery. Earl PAYNE of Sturgeon was found dead Tuesday on a train at St. Louis. He was Married April 13, 1904, to Nellie FEICK, daughter of Louis FEICK, proprietor of the Panhandle hotel at Noblestown, and the couple separated May 15, of this year. Three children of the couple are now with their mother. They are Fred, aged 8, Nellie aged 7, and Melva, who is four years old. According to St. Louis officials PAYNE had been dead for several hours when his body arrived in tat city. No cause for his death was given. Joseph M. DICKSON died last week at his home in Mt. Washington. He had been ill for some time. He was a brother of Samuel DICKSON of this place. His wife, (nee Miss Sadie MCBRIDE), one son and one daughter survive. *Fayetteville column

McDonald Teachers Elected The McDonald school board on Tuesday evening elected teachers for all rooms except one. This vacancy in the intermediate grades is to be filled at a later date. Only one new teacher has been elected--Miss Myrtle MOORE of Valley street, who has taught the intermediate room in the Robb school for several years. Miss MOORE is a graduate of the McDonald High School. The teachers, their rooms and salaries per month are as follows: High School faculty: Mr. H. L. CAMPBELL, $100; Miss Olive GRAHAM, $85; Miss HAMILTON, $80. Room 9, Miss Lois A. GROVE, $65; No. 8, Miss Laura PETTIBON, $65, No. 7. Miss Lenora COCHRAN, $57.50; No. 6 or A5, Miss Myrtle MOORE, $55; B5, Miss Minnie G. WHITE, $62.50, No. 4, Miss Ella KELLY, $60; No. 3, Miss Emma C. LOHMAN, $67.60, A1, Miss Wilda BROWNLEE, $60; B1, Miss Bess D. RINGLER, $60; C1, Mrs. MAY, $67.50. Mrs. Etha MCCAUSLAND RICHARDSON was re-elected music teacher at $35 a month for one and a half day's work each week. Emile HOYAUX, the caretaker of the school, was also re-elected at his former salary of $75 a month.

OBSERVANCE OF CHRISTMAS IN STEUBENVILLE, 1830'S (This is part of a featured column in the December 26, 1890 Steubenville Evening Star Newspaper) Ushered in With the Roar of Games, the Day was Spent in Sports and Social Amusements Christmas is Christmas the whole Christian world over, but its observance in Steubenville in 1830 was a great deal different from that of 1890. Beyond dispute, the Christmas of 1890 was one of the best and most enjoyable ever in the history of the city. They probably thought the same in 1830 but they demonstrated to a different manner. Then it was more like the fourth of July celebration. The merchants made no special effort to sell attractive goods. Gifts were exchanged, but they were mere trifles. Few toys were then made and places like Steubenville did not handle them. Boys and girls were out the day before greeting every person with "Christmas Gift" and were raised to a heaven of delight at the present of a cake, a penny, a sixpence or some sweetmeat. The boys had saved up their pence, but it was to buy powder to raise a grand hurrah with cannons made out of musket barrels. It was a holiday, laid only in so far that men did no work and congregated during the morning at the Red Lion, kept by Squire JENKINSON in the HOIT property on North Third; the Sign of the Ship, kept by Jas. DICK; the Green Tree, kept by Thomas KEHS; the Bush, kept by Mrs. McKINLEY; Washington Hotel with its sign of the Lamb, The Blackbear, and others of the eleven hotels in the town. Here they would "have smuthin" to warm up the cockles of their hearts. It might be matigellum, Armstrong's strong beer, Hobands, Jamaica Rum, a ported Madeira, but was generally straight liquor with hot water and sugar. They would sit around the fire and discuss business or the coming shooting match, raffle or shinny game. Meanwhile the boys and young men were firing Jackson crackers and cannon and the very air was redolent with the smell of burnt powder. The women and girls were busy preparing for a dinner. Turkeys were not then considered such a necessary piece de resistance of a Christmas dinner. Two or three days before, several live bears would be brought to the city and killed; deer was fairly plenty and the game of all sort was in abundance. These were the articles feasted upon sixty years ago. Then there were no Sunday school treats; about the only treat the school boys and girls would get would be when they would lock or bar the teacher out of school and not let him in until he would promise to give them a donation party. A majority of the prominent early settlers were Presbyterians. They were more interested in doctrinal theology and the contest between Calvinism and Armenianism than in giving Christmas any peculiar significance at the present day. There were in 1830 only six churches in the city: The Presbyterian upon the present site of the Third Church and with the late Dr. BEATTY as pastor; the United Presbyterian with Rev. George BUCHANAN as pastor; the Kramer M. E. with Rev. T. M. HUDSON as pastor; the Methodist Protestant, just formed from eighty-one members of the Kramer and with Rev. R. C. HATTON as pastor; the Episcopal church then meeting in the old academy on High Street, with Rev. Intrepid MOORSE as rector, and the A. M. E. The Roman Catholics had no church until two years later, although Father McGRADY did missionary services with Steubenville as one of his stations. So it may be seen that sixty years ago only one church observed the day with any religious exercises, the Episcopal. The shooting matches and shinny game usually began in the morning. For the shooting matches all manner of game, such as deer and wild turkeys, were the prizes. The old time heavy barrelled muzzle loading rifle was used. Steubenville was noted for her expert marksmen and many are living today who will recall the unerring aim of the BICKERSTAFFS, the MYERS, and Barney WINTRINGER. Shinny was played then as now, only instead of boys, men would engage. The shooting matches and other games usually took place in the vacant ground above the present Reliance Engine House, now known as Carroll KELL's addition. The great sport of the day was catching the greased pig. A fine razor backed porker that could run like a deer was captured, shaved and smeared with lard. The man who caught the pig and held it got the pig. Both young and middle aged men entered the lists and what fun the onlookers had: The venerable Wm. RICHARDS, famous both as a butcher and athlete, especially for being a swift runner, made himself still more famous by successfully capturing the pig on several occasions. The men not engaged in the field sports would pitch coppers at a peg and everybody enjoyed the day. But these were not all the amusements. As has been stated before, Steubenville was then a city of 4,000, made up of all classes, but people mingled together with true democratic geniality. Yet there was a class usually denominated as the "nobility" or as we would call them the high social circles. Among the families then looked upon as in the higher social circle were the WELLS, McDOWELLS, COLLIERS, DIKES, MASONS, TAPPANS, WRIGHTS, LARIMERS, HALLOCK, ROBERTS, MEANS, PAGES, ANDREWS, HUTCHINS, GALBRAITHS, SLACKS, HENNINGS, and others. Very seldom was there a green Christmas, and advantage was taken of sleighing to go to Phillipsburg, now Brilliant, Wellsburg, or out to the Forks (Pittsburgh, PA), at all of which places were excellent hotels or taverns. A messenger would be sent out the day before to notify the landlord of their coming so that a hot supper would be ready upon their arrival. Some would go together to the number of eight or twelve in a big sled, others in double or single sleighs, but it would be a merry party arriving at the tavern. Heavy wraps would hardly be removed when a huge punch bowl filled with steaming hot toddy would be brought in and all partook. The chill taken off, they were ready for a dance, the Virginia reel, the Tucker and the other dances then in vogue. With what zest the old people recall these days when the lights were tallow candles and the music a single old violin! In the intermissions they would gather around the big blazing fires, tell stories, relate amusing experiences. A bountiful supper was spread, as the taverns at all these places were famous for their table. At midnight they were ready for home and with song and jest, away the sleds and sleighs would go and home to bed and pleasant dreams. And we doubt whether they present day can give such pure unalloyed pleasures and enjoyment as they had in 1830. This is part of a featured column in the December 26, 1890 Steubenville Evening Star Newspaper

MILLER, COWDEN, BUCHHEIT, HANLIN, SCHAFER, ALLISON A. R. MILLER, a resident of Mt. Pleasant township, Washington County, died in the St. Charles hotel, Pittsburgh, Monday afternoon, May 26, about 2:30 o'clock. He had suffered from tubercular trouble for some time and death was due to a hemorrhage caused by this disease. He was about 45 years of age and was born and spent most of his life near Hickory. He practiced law for about five years at Steubenville, Ohio, but because of ill health he had to retire. He returned to his old home where he spent most of his time. He went to the St. Charles hotel about three weeks ago and had stopped there since. Stewart MILLER of Pittsburgh is a brother. He leaves three other brothers and a sister, Thomas, James and Alvin and Miss Jennie MILLER, all of whom reside on the MILLER homestead in Mt. Pleasant township. Mrs. Jane T. COWDEN, widow of the late Mark K. COWDEN, died at her home in Houston on Saturday night, May 24, at 9:30 o'clock, after an illness of over two months, from a general breakdown. A daughter of the late Andrew and Elizabeth BELL THOMPSON, Mrs. COWDEN was born in Chartiers township on September 24, 1834. She was married to Mr. COWDEN on January 6, 1853. Most of her married life was spent on a farm near Venice. Since 1904 she had been a resident of Houston. She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church of Houston. After a short illness Henrietta BUCHHEIT, aged five years and six months, daughter of Mrs. Tillie BUCHHEIT, died Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the home of her grandfather, Squire R. J. COOK. Death was due to diphtheria. The child's father, Leo BUCHHEIT, died about four years ago. Private funeral services were held at the COOK home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Private interment in the Noblestown cemetery. Grant HANLIN, the oldest miller of the county, died at his home near Hanlin Station, Wednesday evening, May 28. Mr. HANLIN, who was in his ninetieth year, was born October 22, 1823, on the farm now occupied by Stewart HANLIN and located near Hanlin Station. His father, Alexander HANLIN, came from Ireland to this country when he was sixteen years of age. His mother, Elizabeth SCOTT also came from Ireland. Mr. HANLIN was the last member of a family of ten children, nine sons and one daughter. On October 12, 1848, Mr. HANLIN was united in marriage with Miss Sarah FINK, a native of Cross Creek village. She survives. After Mr. HANLIN's marriage he took up the trade of miller and continued it for many years when the old-time mills dotted every stream of Washington County. The ruins of a few of these old-time mills still stand. The old mill where Mr. HANLIN worked for more than fifty years still stands, but is in a dilapidated condition. For more than a quarter of a century Mr. HANLIN devoted his entire time to the mill, but later took up farming and stock raising in connection with his milling. He continued at milling until the old burr mills were replaced with the improved rollers, and he never made the change but let the old mill go down, as all of the others have done. One of these old burr mills is still in operation in Washington County, however, in the Murdocksville region. Mr. HANLIN was active in the raising of fine stock and his cattle had been exhibited far and wide. He was always interested in the Burgettstown fair and last year's exhibition was the first he had ever missed. In politics he was a Republican. He was a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. B. M. MCCARTNEY and son Murray attended the funeral of Mrs. MCCARTNEY's cousin, Edward SCHAFER, at Beltzhoover, Sunday. Charles ALLISON, an employee of the McDonald Milling Co., was called to Burgettstown Thursday of last week by the death of his mother, Mrs. Frank ALLISON.

Odd Fellows Anniversary MacDonald Lodge No. 605, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the institution of the lodge Friday evening, June 27. A reception will be held in Odd Fellows Hall, Gladden block, to which one hundred and fifty members of the lodge and their wives will be invited. MacDonald lodge has had a most prosperous career. Its standing financially is of the best, and besides paying the benefits provided in its by-laws, it has done a good work in this locality in providing for indigent members of the order and their families.

Eyewitness 1763: Bouquet's victory lifts the siege of Fort Pitt One in a series Sunday, December 16, 2007 By Len Barcousky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette What little news arrived in the summer of 1763 at Fort Pitt, at the western edge of the Pennsylvania wilderness, was all bad. The Ottawa Chief Pontiac had British troops and settlers at Fort Detroit under siege. His successes in the Great Lakes area had encouraged a loose alliance of Delaware, Shawnee and Seneca warriors to attack and destroy British outposts in northwestern Pennsylvania at Fort Presque Isle, Fort LeBoeuf and Fort Venango. The few survivors of those attacks fled south to Fort Pitt, the keystone to British control of southwestern Pennsylvania and the Ohio Valley. Why were the Indians angry? Despite the promises made to them five years earlier in the Treaty of Easton that the British would not establish permanent settlements west of the Alleghenies, the Indians saw land-hungry farmers continuing to flood into the area. Col. Henry Bouquet The brick-by-brick construction of Fort Pitt into the largest outpost on the frontier was another sure sign that the British weren't going away anytime soon. Just outside the fort, the town of Pittsburgh was developing into what historian David Dixon, of Slippery Rock University, has described as a "substantial community of traders, merchants, tavern keepers, prostitutes, speculators and laborers." Both the fort and the town were threatened with extinction after Native American warriors surrounded the settlement. At the other end of the state, Col. Henry Bouquet, a veteran of frontier fighting, was given the task of organizing a relief expedition, but as he moved farther and farther westward in the summer of 1763, he found that the Indians were aware of his every move. "The Indians had better intelligence, and no sooner were they informed of the march of our Army, than they broke up the siege of Fort Pitt," wrote an anonymous "lover of his country" in 1765. The "lover" was identified a century later as William Smith, the first provost of the College of Philadelphia, now the University of Pennsylvania. A partial copy of his work -- "An Historical Account of the Expedition against the Ohio Indians, in the year 1764" -- is in the archives of the Sen. John Heinz History Center. Dr. Smith's language, full of references to "savages" and "barbarians," reflects colonial-era attitudes. Col. Bouquet's relief column was near Bushy Run in Westmoreland County, about 25 miles from Fort Pitt, when it was attacked by a Native American force on Aug. 5, 1763. The first day's battle was a draw. "At the first dawn of light [the next day] the savages began to declare themselves, all about the camp, at the distance of about 500 yards," Dr. Smith wrote. "And by shouting and yelling in the most horrid manner, quite round that extensive circumference, endeavoured to strike terror by an ostentation of their numbers, and their ferocity ... "[Col. Bouquet's soldiers] saw before them the most melancholy prospect of crumbling away by degrees, and entirely perishing without revenge or honour, in the midst of those dreadful deserts. ... " Their commander realized that he needed to trick the Indians into thinking he was retreating. "For that purpose he contrived the following stratagem ... Col. Bouquet gave directions that two companies of his troops, who had been posted in the most advanced situations, should fall within the circle; the troops on the right and left immediately opened their files, and filled up the vacant space, that they might seem to cover their retreat. Another company of light infantry, with one of grenadiers, were ordered to 'lie in ambuscade,' to support the two first companies of grenadiers, who moved on the feigned retreat, and were intended to begin the real attack. The dispositions were well made, and the plan executed without the least confusion. "The savages gave in entirely into the snare. ... The barbarians mistook those motions for a retreat, abandoned the woods which covered them, hurried headlong on, and advancing with the most daring intrepidity galled the English troops their heavy fire." Within minutes, however, the Indians found themselves outgunned. They disappeared into the woods and never resumed their siege of Fort Pitt, which Col. Bouquet made the headquarters for his successful campaign the following year against the tribes in the Ohio country. Len Barcousky can be reached at lbarcousky@post-gazette.com or 724-772-0184. First published on December 16, 2007 at 12:00 am As Pittsburgh prepares for its 250th birthday next November, the Post-Gazette will publish stories every other Sunday drawn from contemporary accounts in the region's newspapers and periodicals. The stories will offer snapshots at critical -- and sometimes comical -- junctures over the past two-and-a-half centuries.

Are there registers ( or abstracts ) of wills in Washington County, after the year 1923 or must they be looked for at the Court House? Thanks, Jean E. PA

MYERS, SEIK, GOSSIAUX, ALLARD, HENNON, BONY, BURGET, GILLESPIE, SAUERS, RANKIN, WAGNER, SMITH, MCMILLEN Mrs. Eliza MYERS died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George HALSTEAD, between Oakdale and Imperial, on Tuesday, May 20. Her husband, Samuel MYERS, died about three years ago. She is survived by four sons and four daughters, as follows: Frank MYERS, now in India; Samuel and John of Kansas; George at home; Hanna, the wife of John T. BELL of McDonald; Anna, the wife of George HALSTEAD of near Oakdale; Hattie, the wife of Henry CHISHOLM of Valley street; and Tinie, the wife of Aaron BELL of Lawrenceville, Ill. The funeral services were held on Wednesday evening at the late home of the deceased, conducted by the Rev. Mr. BILLINGS of the Noblestown M. E. Church. Interment was made Thursday at East Brady, Pa. Charles SEIK, aged 66 years, died Tuesday morning, May 20, at 8:55 o'clock at the South Side Hospital; from injuries received last Friday while at work at Champion mine. Mr. SEIK was born in Germany and came to this country when a young man. He is survived by his wife, three sons--Edward of McDonald, Henry of Midway and Charles of Washington--and one daughter, Mrs. D. L. HENNON of McDonald. Funeral services were held at his late home in Robbs Valley on Thursday afternoon at one o'clock. Interment in Candor cemetery. P. F. GOSSIAUX, aged 45 years, a Belgian miner, died at his home here Tuesday morning, May 20, after an illness of three years due to tuberculosis. He was born in Belgium. The wife survives. He also leaves a son and three daughters: Jules and Miss Simora GOSSIAUX at home, Mrs. Aena MONTIGNE of Monessen and Mrs. Della FERZAIS of this place. The funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the home. The interment was made in Robinson's Run cemetery. Mrs. Louise ALLARD, 24 years of age, wife of Paul ALLARD, died Monday morning, May 19, at 5 o'clock at her home in Valley street. Her death was due to tuberculosis. She had been ill for the past two years. Beside her husband she leaves one daughter, Gwendola. One brother also survives, Louis ROMESTAN, who made his home with her. Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon. Interment was made in the Hilldale cemetery. Walter, the six-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. D. L. HENNON, died Friday morning, May 16, at 10:30 o'clock of pneumonia, after five days' illness. The funeral services were held at the parents' home near Sturgeon on Sunday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. E. C. LINDSEY. Interment in Candor cemetery. James BONY, aged 89 years, died at 7:30 o'clock Sunday morning, May 18, at the home of his daughter Mrs. J. A. RUMBAUGH of Valley street. Death was due to old age, Mr. BONY having been in failing health for several months. Mr. BONY's wife has been dead thirty years, and for about twenty years he had resided with his daughter. Besides the daughter with whom he made his home, Mr. BONY leaves two sons, eleven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday evening at the home. The services were in charge of the Rev. W. M. BUZZA, a former pastor. Interment at Robinson's Run cemetery. Mrs. Mamie BURGET, wife of George BURGET, died at 11 o'clock Saturday night, May 17, at her home in Valley street. She had suffered from tuberculosis for the past year. Besides her husband she leaves one son, George BURGET, Jr. Her mother, Mrs. Ada MORRISON of Pittsburgh, and one sister, Mrs. GRIFFITH, also survive. Funeral services were held on Monday evening at the home, conducted by the Rev. E. C. LINDSEY, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Interment on Tuesday in the Uniondale cemetery, Pittsburgh. Estate of Ida Clyde GILLESPIE, deceased, late of Smith township, Washington county, Pa. McDonald Savings & Trust, Administrator Administrator's Notice *No obit found Amanda SAUERS died at her home on Saturday, after a brief illness of diphtheria. *Imperial column Amanda, the nine-year-old adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael SAUERS, Sr., died of diphtheria on Sunday (sic) at 6 p.m. The interment was made on Monday evening in St. Colombkiln (sic) at Imperial. *Imperial column Mr. and Mrs. Samuel CULLEY were called to Hickory at the week end by the serious illness and death of the latter's mother, Mrs. RANKIN. *Midway column Mr. and Mrs. Graham BEBOUT and daughter Olive attended the funeral services of their cousin, Mrs. RANKIN at Burgettstown, Saturday afternoon. *Midway column Philip WAGNER was called to Carnegie, Tuesday morning by the death of his mother. *Midway column Mrs. William LYKE and Mrs. Louella STRAIN were called to Jeannette, Tuesday by the death of their little nephew, Frank SMITH. *Midway column R. B. MCMILLEN, one of Midway's oldest residents, passed away Wednesday morning at 9:50. Mr. MCMILLEN had been confined to his bed for the past fifteen weeks. He was in his eighty-fifth year, having been born at McDonnell's Mills, Washington County, Pa., in 1828. He is survived by three daughters: Mrs. Jennie KELLY, with whom he had made his home since the death of his wife, 14 years ago; Mrs. Anna PRY of Cleveland, and Mrs. S. S. MCBRIDE of Carnegie; also by seventeen grandchildren nd eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted from the church by the Rev. E V. SHOTWELL of the M. E. Church of which he was a member. Interment at Center cemetery. *Midway column

For a Greater McDonald With the building of the new Montour railroad the town of McDonald may reasonably expect a new era of development. This new belt line touches on the edge of town and will connect with the Panhandle, the Wabash and the B. & O. The street railway is to be extended in both directions. Every thing in this section points toward prosperity and the time is ripe for the making of a larger or "greater" McDonald. At the present time there are three thousand people in the corporate limits of McDonald and fully as many more on the outskirts of the borough. The advantages of being in the borough are many. Aside from the fire and police protection and the school advantages, home pride should impel those who are living on the edge of a township in Allegheny or Washington Counties to come in and make one of us. Possibly it is because the people of the districts known as Belgian Hill, Robb Valley, Laurel Hill, Millers Crossing, Brier Hill, the Turntable and Jumbo have not been solicited to throw their lot in with the citizens of the borough that they have not made an effort toward annexation. The taxes paid into the various townships would do much toward grading their roads and eventually providing them with much better highways. That it is much easier to rent or sell a house in the borough goes without saying. Last year the schools of McDonald had over one hundred pay pupils. This year only sixty are pay pupils, the other forty having become residents of the borough, simply to enjoy the privileges of the school. The people of the outlying districts are just as public-spirited as the people of the town. All they need is a little encouragement from those within to bestir themselves, circulate a petition and present it to our borough council. Annexation is a step forward. Let everybody, whether in or without the borough, help it along. It will come eventually. Why not bring it about now.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: PMSBunnies Surnames: hmura, arling Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.washington/3472/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I found a newspaper clipping......... in the Charleroi Mail Newspaper Aug 37' It was a Marriage notice Hilda's Mother and Father were Mr and Mrs J. Arling formerly of Baera/Bara/Kentucky moved to West Chester County, PA. Hilda Arling married Andy Hmura in August 1937. Andy was John and Nellie Chmura's son from Ellsworth, Washington County, PA Not sure what happened but would love to know if they (Andy and Hilda) had children. Andy married around 1942 to Marie Eliashuk and had a daughter in Neosha, MO in 43. I have photos given to em from family and among them are some with a young boy named "Marvin." No one seems to know who Marvin is.... The two adults (Marie and Andy) posed seperately with Marvin and baby Marie Would be interesting to know if it is possible. I will post photos as soon as I can scan them in. Would be Fantastic to find another relative! Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: PMSBunnies Surnames: chmura / hmura Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.pennsylvania.counties.washington/3465.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I may be incorrect, but I think the fire happened way before your father was born. My grandfather was born in 1916 in Monessen and lived in Ellsworth growing up, maybe the knew each other. Sounds like they may have graduated together, mine is Andy O HMURA, or CHMURA, his parents were John and Nellie Chmura. There were ac ouple brothers and sisters as well. Anyways,... The county clerks office should be able to get you the info. I know Westmoreland County has their vital statistics that go way back. you could also ask us to look for obits and stuff from the papers, would need the whole name though. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.