JAMES CRAWFORD (deceased). Among the widely-known and universally esteemed citizens of Canonsburg and Peters township, none have proven more worthy of love and respect than has this gentleman, a trusted and honorable business man, a true-hearted Christian gentleman. His father, James Crawford, was born in County Down, Ireland, where he was married to Miss Mary Carson, a native of the same place, who bore him six children, namely: Hamilton, Margaret, Mary Ann, James, Ellen and Francis. Of these, James and Mary Ann settled in Pittsburgh, Penn., the other four in Canada. James Crawford, whose name opens this sketch was born about 1812, in County Down, Ireland, and came to America with the family. In early life he settled in Pittsburgh, Penn., and worked at the mason's trade, afterward becoming a contractor. He was united in marriage with Esther, daughter of John Watson, of Peters township, Washington county, and granddaughter of William Watson. The latter emigrated from County Down, Ireland, to America, settled in Lancaster county, Penn., and later came to Peters township, where he purchased a timbered farm, and erected a cabin, then returned to Lancaster County for his family, cutting a door in the cabin after their arrival. It had no floor, and weeds had grown up inside. His wife sat on a log nursing John Watson, grandfather of Miss Mary Crawford and Mrs. Jennie Wasson. He served in the Revolutionary war, taking part in the engagements at Brandywine, Germantown and many others. He married Mary Edgar, who came from County Down, Ireland, to America when yet a little girl, and who bore him one son, John. William Watson and his wife were truly pioneers.
John Watson was born in Lancaster county Penn., and came to Peters township, this county, with his father when quite young. He followed farming, and in early life married Miss Mary Gibson, of Pigeon Creek, this county, and by her had five children: Esther, Mary (Mrs. John Kerr), Jane (Mrs. James Kerr, of Pittsburgh), and William. Esther was born February 24, 1806, and her father dying when she was but a child, she lived with her grandfather until his death, then resided with an uncle, James Gibson, of North Strabane township, Washington county, until her marriage to James Crawford. James Crawford followed the business of contractor in Pittsburgh, Penn., for seven or eight years after his marriage; then moved to Canonsburg, in order to send their children to the Olome Institute. They lived in town eight or ten years, finally returning to the farm. In politics Mr. Crawford was a Republican, and had been offered many offices of trust, but for many years declined to serve; was finally induced, however, to accept the office of burgess of Canonsburg, holding that position several terms. He was a member of the U. P. Church, in which he was also trustee. On June 12, 1877, he died, leaving a wife and two daughters to mourn his departure. Mary, the eldest daughter, graduated from the seminary at Canonsburg, where she is now living. Mrs. Crawford died June 30, 1892. Mary owns the homestead, comprising 100 acres of land in Peters township, this county, which has been in possession of the family over one hundred years.
Jennie Crawford, sister of Mary and younger daughter of James and Esther (Watson) Crawford, in early womanhood was united in marriage with Rev. Luke J. Wasson, an earnest and eloquent young minister of Fairview, and son of Hugh and Elizabeth (McQueety) Wasson, who emigrated to America. Mrs. Wasson and sister resided in Canonsburg. Luke J. Wasson was born in October, 1846, in County Antrim, Ireland, and was but two years of age when his parents settled in Robinson township, Washington Co., Penn., where the remainder of their lives was passed. He attended the academy at Candor, this county, and in 1863 entered the junior class of Jefferson College, graduating in 1865. He then took a theological course of study at the Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny City, receiving his license to preach in 1868. He was soon after called to the Presbyterian Church at Calcutta, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and after preaching there one year, decided to accept the call. On April 23, 1869, he was ordained by the Presbytery of New Lisbon, and in June, 1870, united with the Pittsburgh Presbytery. On October 12, of the same year, he became the pastor of the Fairview Church. On November 5, 1868, he married Miss Jane Crawford, whose family history is above recorded. Two daughters blessed their union: Alice G. and Frances C. In April, 1873, Rev. Wasson was released from ministerial duties, and, his health having failed, went west to recuperate, but while in Minneapolis he died, June 3, 1873. A brief life, as we mortals count time, and taken from earth in the very prime of early manhood, yet who can say how many years of fruitful service were compressed into those few months of devoted work. Only Eternity can determine if his crown may not have more jewels than that of many whose hairs have grown white with the burden of many years. One item is culled from the many tributes of affection and respect given by those who knew Rev. Wasson most intimately: "As a man he was much respected; as a laborer for Christ he was diligent and consecrated; and as a preacher earnest and successful among his late parishioners, his character and ministry are held in fond and grateful remembrance."
Text taken from page 1031 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed March 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]