JARRETT COVENTRY. Prominently identified among the representative and substantial farmers of Hanover township, stands the gentleman whose name opens this sketch. His ancestors were natives of Ireland, the land which has given to America many of our best families, among whom is the name of Coventry. John Coventry was born in 1750, in County Donegal, Ireland, where he learned the trade of a weaver, and when a young man was married to Martha Brown, who was born in 1754. Some years after their marriage this young couple sailed to America, and after landing and securing a temporary home, their household effects were moved thence in a churn, the only child living being carried by the parents. John Coventry joined the Continental army, taking an active part in the struggle for Independence, and undergoing the terrible sufferings which were the common lot of those heroic patriots. Long and difficult marches were made, their only food consisting of cold potatoes. After the war money was scarce, and the most common articles sold for fabulous prices. A little dress which was purchased for a son cost $60 in Continental currency. In 1782 John Coventry and family concluded to secure one of the cheap homes offered to the settlers in western Pennsylvania, and packing up their few earthly possessions, started on foot to make the long and tedious journey across the mountains. The hardships which they endured can scarcely be imagined, yet on they toiled, carrying the little son Robert, who was at that time about two years of age. At last they arrived in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., and, purchasing a small piece of land, erected their rude log cabin in the midst of the surrounding woods; there Mr. Coventry followed his trade of a weaver in connection with farming. This cabin was soon supplanted by one more substantial, which is yet standing. With true Irish enterprise and industry, John Coventry struggled on, and prosperity finally crowned his patient efforts. When the need of a permanent piece of ground for a schoolhouse became apparent, he gave the necessary amount of land to be used for ninety-nine years, and the building which was thereon erected has ever since been known as the "Coventry School." In politics he was a Democrat, adhering closely to the principles of his chosen party. He and his wife were members of the Seceder Church, which was nearly ten miles from their house, and they walked the entire distance. A church was afterward organized at Burgettstown, to which their membership was then transferred. John Coventry died February 5, 1845, in his ninety-fifth year, and was laid to rest by the side of the wife who had gone before him April 8, 1832. Both were buried in the U. P. cemetery at Burgettstown. The following children were born to this heroic couple: Robert (deceased in Hanover township), William, James (of whom a sketch follows), John (a school teacher, who lived some time in Steubenville, Ohio, thence moving to New Philadelphia, Ohio, where some of his descendants are yet living), Jane (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased wife of William Smiley) and Martha (deceased). James Coventry, son of John and Martha (Brown) Coventry, was born in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., on the farm where his father first located, there passing his early youth in attending the country schools. In 1824 he was united in marriage with Letitia Coventry, whose parents were born in Ireland. James and Letitia Coventry were the parents of the following children: Nancy (deceased), Jarrett (whose name opens our sketch), Matilda (Mrs. Joseph Searight, of Allegheny county, Penn.), Mary G. (a maiden lady, of Allegheny county), and John S. (also of Allegheny county). James Coventry resided on the farm now owned by his son, Jarrett, for some time after his marriage, then located near Murdocksville, in Allegheny county, Penn., where he died in 1851 at the age of fifty-seven years, soon followed by his wife. He was a successful farmer, and a conscientious man. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a leading member of the Seceder Church having been one of the founders of the Robinson U. P. Church. Jarrett Coventry, son of James and Letitia Coventry, was born in 1827, on the farm which is his present home. When a boy he attended the subscription schools, but being the eldest son was deprived of an opportunity to improve even the meager advantages offered in those primitive halls of learning. He was set to work at plowing when so small that he could scarcely reach the handles, and in early boyhood was doing a man's work. He lived with his parents on the old homestead until they died. On November 11, 1875, he was married to Catherine Malone, a daughter of William and Ruth (Wilson) Malone, and to this union three children have been born, namely: Annie L., John S. (who died in infancy), and James R. Since his marriage Mr. Coventry has made many improvements upon the old homestead, having erected a handsome new residence, barn, and other good buildings. His farm produces a paying quantity of oil. Mr. Coventry is a shrewd, farsighted man, proceeding cautiously and therefore wisely in his business transactions, and has accumulated a good property. He is well and favorably known all over the township. Since 1890 he has lived in retirement from active business. Politically he is an active Democrat, and has held various township offices. Mr. and Mrs. Coventry are consistent members of the Robinson United Presbyterian Church.

Text taken from page 1385 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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