JOSEPH S. CULLEY. Among the prosperous agriculturists of Hanover township, there are few, if any, who have made more practical application of scientific principles in their vocation than has this progressive citizen. He is a native of Washington county, Penn., and grandson of Levi Culley. Levi Cully was born about 1769, in Maryland, and there married Esther Smith, a Marylander, who was born about 1775. Levi was a farmer, who, about 1800, came to Washington county, Penn. The long journey was made in a large covered wagon drawn by four horses. When crossing the Susquehanna river, a singular experience befell them. As the large covered wagon stood on the ferry-boat, a strong breeze was blowing, and the cover served to catch the 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 on their wagon beside the road at night, and finally arriving in this county, located near Bulger Station, Smith township, where the father rented a farm. He was a tenant on different farms several years, and by energy and economy eventually accumulated a small sum, purchased 277 acres of John L. Proudfoot, partially lying in Hanover and Smith townships. Levi Culley was a cooper, following that trade in connection with his farm. He was a hard worker, and very successful in his business. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the 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 1840 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 this county, where he died in his seventy-second year); Joseph, of whom a sketch follows; George was the first child born after the family settled here (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 (his wife was Amanda McCond; 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, where she died; Levi learned the tailor's trade at Florence, afterward entered into a partnership with Andrew Conn, at Mansfield, Ohio (he was married to Mary Ann Butterfoes, and is now living on a farm in Morrow county, Ohio); Helen married Robert G. smith, a farmer of Hanover township, where she died; and John. Joseph Culley, born in Maryland, was brought by his parents to Washington county, Penn., in infancy. He was reared on the farm, received a subscription-school education, and there learned the cooper'' trade. When his father died, the management of the large farm was given to Joseph and an older brother, Jesse. In 1825 Joseph Culley married Martha Scott, who was born December 13, 1796, daughter of a pioneer, Joseph Scott. Three children were born to this marriage, namely: Maria, widow of John Armor, born June 21, 1826, is now living near Murdockville, Hanover township; Elizabeth, deceased wife of James Anderson, of Beaver county, born December 21, 1829; and Joseph S., whose name opens this sketch. The parents passed their lives on a portion of the "Old Scott Tract," near Raccoon creek, in the eastern part of Hanover township. The father followed his trade, and being a very skillful workman could easily set up ten barrels a day, beside attending to the general duties of the farm. He was an old-time Whig, but united with the Republican party upon its organization. He possessed the spirit of industry, which seems to be a special characteristic of this family, and was an influential citizen. He died on the farm, and in 1882 was followed by Mrs. Culley. Both were conscientious members of the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, and are buried side by side in the Florence cemetery. Joseph S. Culley was born March 26, 1838, on the home farm in Hanover township, where his boyhood was passed in attending the old Coventry school, and receiving his initiation into the mysteries of agriculture. His tastes led him to the choice of a rural life, which he has continued to pursue on the old home place. On June 15, 1864, he married Sarah Donaldson. Miss Donaldson was born March 31, 1843, in Hanover township, and was the daughter of Richard and Mary (Bigger) Donaldson. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Culley, namely: Edward A., now studying for the Presbyterian ministry at the Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, and is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, was born August 8, 1865; Annie M., deceased at the age of fourteen years, born September 9, 1867; George W., living on the home farm, born February 14, 1870; William C., at home, born June 5, 1873; Andrew D., born January 8, 1875; Sarah M., born October 31, 1878. In 1876 Mr. Culley erected his present residence, and to the old farm added an adjoining tract known as the "Richmond Farm." He now owns 300 acres of fine land. His wife died March 12, 1879, and was buried at Florence. On March 30, 1880, he married Carrie Buchanan, a native of Robinson township, and a daughter of John Buchanan. Joseph S. Culley is an ardent supporter of the Republican party, with which his first vote was cast. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Florence, of which he has been a trustee for several years.

Text taken from page 691 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed June 1997 by Betty J. Stewart of Pittsburgh, PA as part of the Beers Project. Published June 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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