THOMAS ALEXANDER BLACK is the only male representative of an old Irish family, his grandfather, Thomas, having been the first of the family to settle in America. Thomas Black (the grandfather) was born May12, 1777, in Ireland, and when a young man was married in his native country to Margaret Hunter, who was born September 1, 1775. Before leaving Ireland, four children were born to this couple: William (a resident of Washington county, Iowa), born December 25, 1799; Samuel (living in Washington county, Ohio), born March 8, 1801; Mary Ann (unmarried), born February 14, 1804; and James, born March 15,1807. Thomas Black and his family came to America about 1809, locating in Washington county, Penn. In 1811 he settled on the home farm in Hanover township, upon which his grandson (Thomas A.) is now residing. Mr. Black amassed a valuable property, and passed away June 21, 1851, followed by his wife, May 29, 1855. They were buried in Paris cemetery. Both were consistent members of the Seceder Church. After coming to America the following children were added to their family: Margaret (first married to a Mr. Bell, now widow of a Mr. McLaughlin, is living in Omaha, Neb.), born July 11, 1810; Grissey (unmarried), born March 22, 1813; Jane (wife of John McWhirter, Mercer county, Penn.), born in February, 1818. Of these children Margaret and Grissey are the only ones living. James Black, son of Thomas, was born in Ireland, and was but a child when his parents came to the farm in Hanover township, where his youth was passed. On March 18, 1844, he was married to Charlotte McWhirter, a lady of Irish parentage, who was born January 21, 1819. After his marriage, James Black located on the old homestead, and continued to follow farming during his life, with the exception of one year in which he was engaged in the milling business. He was a successful farmer and esteemed citizen. Politically he was a Whig, then a Republican, and in religious, faith both he and his wife were members of the U. P. Church. He died March 6,1881, his wife having gone before him to the "Silent Land," October 24, 1867, and both are now buried in Paris cemetery. Their children were born as follows: Samuel, born January 21, 1846, is now a U. P. minister of Tarentum, Allegheny Co., Penn.;. Mary Jane, born August 10, 1847, deceased wife of Cyrus G. Arnold; Margaret, born September 13, 1849, was fatally burned and died November 2, 1853; Eliza Ann, born October 31, 1851, deceased wife of J. P. Lawther; Thomas Alexander, whose name opens this sketch; Margaret H., born October 10,1856, deceased wife of Lee Arnold; and Sarah E., Mrs. J. M. Herron, of Hanover township, born March 6, 1859. Thomas Alexander Black was born December 28, 1853, on the old farm in Hanover township, which he now owns and resides upon. He attended the 'Old McCausland School," and assisted with the farm duties. On July 4, 1881, he married Alice E. Cassidy, daughter of Hugh and Nancy (McCune) Cassidy, of Hanover township. Since his marriage Mr. Black has followed farming on the old homestead, and in 1883 took an extended tour through the West, visiting several of the growing States. He is an admirer of fine cattle, as the number of thoroughbred Holsteins to be found on his farm amply proves. In politics he a Republican, but upholds the principles of the Prohibitionists. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church. They have one daughter, Beulah 0., born January 6, 1883.

Text taken from page 690 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed August 1997 by Jean Suplick Matuson of Plano, TX as part of the Beers Project. Published August 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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