JOHN CULLEY is a worthy representative of a pioneer family of this county. His father, Levi Culley, was born about 1769, in Maryland, and there married Esther Smith, who was born about 1775, same State. Levi Culley was a farmer, and in about 1800 came to Washington county, Penn., the long journey being made in a large covered wagon, drawn by four horses. When crossing the Susquehanna river, a singular experience befell them, which might have ended more seriously. As the large, covered wagon stood on the ferry-boat a strong breeze was blowing, and the covered top served to catch no small amount of wind, the force of which drove the boat some distance out of its course, causing much trouble in securing a suitable place to land, since they were unable to reach the usual place. This wagon contained the father and mother, with their two children, Jesse and Joseph. They proceeded on their journey, sleeping in their wagon beside the road at night, and finally arriving in Washington county, located near Bulger Station, Smith township, where the father rented a farm, and began working upon it. He was a tenant on different farms several years, and by energy and economy eventually accumulated a small sum, and purchased 277 acres of John L. Proudfit, in Hanover township, this county, partially lying in Smith township. Levi Culley was a cooper and followed that trade in connection with farming. He was a hard-working man, never idle, and very successful in his business life. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. He died in 1818, and his widow, with the assistance of her sons, managed the estate which he left, until in 1847 she too was laid to rest by the side of her husband, in the Florence cemetery. Of their children the following is a brief record: Jesse was born in Maryland. and when but a small boy came to Washington county, Penn., with his parents (he was married to Susan, daughter of Elder John Duncan, and settled on a farm in Washington county, where he died in his seventy-second year); Joseph was married to Martha, daughter of Benjamin Scott, and settled on the farm now owned by their son, John S.; George was the first child born after the family settled in Washington county (he was married to Jane Fulton, and was a farmer: he died in Hanover township, aged seventy- two years); Robert was a cabinet maker by trade (he married Amanda McCond, and they settled in Florence, this county, where he died August 21, 1848); Sinie never married (she died in early womanhood); Lydia was married to James Cubbison, a cabinet maker (they afterward settled on a farm in Guernsey county, Ohio, and in 1844 moved to a place near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where she died); Rebecca was the wife of William Cole, of Hanover township, this county, where she died; Levi learned the tailor's trade in Florence, this county, afterward entering into partnership with Andrew Conn, at Mansfield, Ohio (he married Mary Ann Butterfoes, and is now living on a farm in Morrow county, Ohio); Helen was united in marriage to Robert G. Smith, a farmer of Hanover township, this county, where she died. John Culley, the youngest child of Levi and Esther (Smith) Culley, was born March 17, 1817, in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., on a farm adjoining the old homestead. His education was obtained at the "Coventry School," and as his father died when he was but an infant, his youth was passed with his widowed mother. On October 27, 1842, he was united in marriage with Julia Briceland, who was born in 1815, in Washington, Penn., daughter of James Briceland, a hotel keeper. Her grandfather laid out the limits of Florence, this county. The children of John and Julia Culley are as follows: Jesse, a carpenter of Hookstown, Beaver Co., Penn.; James, a bricklayer by trade, now a ranchman, of Montana; Levi S., a farmer of Hanover township, this county; Thomas M., a farmer of Hanover township; Hettie J., Mrs. J. S. Malone, of Smith township, this county; Nancy, wife of James A. Malone, of Smith township, and Newton M., also of Smith township. After his marriage John Culley resided for ten years on a farm in Hanover township, this county, and in 1852 went to Harrison county, Ohio, locating near Scio, where he remained but a short time, then returned to his native county, first settling in Smith township, but afterward moving to Hanover township. In 1866 he purchased his present farm, where he has since resided, following general farming and stock raising. In politics Mr. Culley was formerly a Whig, and later a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. He is a stranger to sickness, and has ever been an industrious man, winning the esteem and confidence of all with whom he is associated.

Text taken from page 1436 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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