MATTHEW H. CROUSE (deceased) was descended from German ancestry. His grandfather was a member of the United States Navy, and was killed on a man-of-war in the war of 1812. His wife, also a German, died of yellow fever about the same time. Philip J. Crouse was born April 2, 1802, in Philadelphia, Penn., and became an orphan when not more than ten years of age. He was the only child, and after the death of his parents came to Washington county with his guardian, Robert Russell. His education was obtained in the subscription schools of the day, and he lived near Florence, Penn., until he became of age. In April, 1826, Philip J. Crouse was married by Rev. McCurdy to Ruth Ann Mayhew, a native of Maryland, who came to Washington county with her parents when but two years of age. The children of Philip and Ruth Ann Crouse were as follows: Rebecca (deceased wife of James Blakely, Henry county, Ill.), Elizabeth (Mrs. Barnett McCracken, of East End, Pittsburgh), Nancy (married to William Burns), Matthew H. (mentioned below), Thamar A. (Mrs. J. A. Bubbett, of Hanover township), Richard M. (corporal of Company H, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., received wounds at Hatcher's Run, Va, which resulted in his death), Margaret G. (widow of Samuel McKibben, living in McKeesport, Penn.) and Mary J. (wife of Mr. D. M. Wylie, Hancock county, W. Va.). After attaining his majority Philip Crouse came into possession of a farm, which his guardian had purchased, but the title proving faulty, lost both farm and the money invested. He then went to Georgetown, Beaver Co., Penn., and was a steamboat pilot on the Ohio river for several years, finally returning to Hanover township, this county, where his remaining days were passed. He died December 12, 1855, and his wife passed away February 8, 1888. They are buried in Florence cemetery. Mrs. Crouse was a member of the U. P Church, and in politics Mr. Crouse was a Republican. Matthew H. Crouse, son of Philip and Ruth Ann Crouse, was born January 16, 1833, near Georgetown, in Beaver county, where he attended the common schools and worked on the farm. After his father's death he and his brother, Richard, purchased a place in Hanover township, Washington county, near the northwest corner. The two brothers removed with their widowed mother to this place, and being energetic, industrious farmers, prospered. After the death of Richard, Matthew took his share, and by incessant toil succeeded in clearing it of debt. On November 26, 1879, he selected as a life companion Agnes L. Tarr, who was born January 27, 1849, in Hancock county, W. Va. She was a daughter of Jackson and Mary Ann (Crawford) Tarr, and grandchild of Peter Tarr, a native of Germany. To the union of Matthew Henderson and Agnes L. (Tarr) Crouse the following children were born: Anna Mary, born December 6, 1880; Edith, born December 25, 1882; and Lila M., born August 25, 1885, all of whom are living. Mr. Crouse continued to reside on the farm which had been in his possession since the death of his brother. He died February 10, 1888, having been preceded by his widowed mother February 8, 1888. Both were buried on the same day. Mr. Crouse was a very successful business man, and left his family an excellent farm of 210 acres, upon which a fine house and other improvements were erected. In politics he was a Democrat up to the war, when he joined the Republican forces. He was a member of the U. P. Church at King's Creek, with which his widow is identified. Since his death his widow and children have resided on the home farm, which Mrs. Crouse manages.

Text taken from page 988 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/.

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