JOHN M. ENLOW, an enterprising business man of Claysville, was born September 6,1845, in East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., and is a great-grandson of Abraham Enlow, who came to East Finley township in an early day, and patented 3,000 acres of land in the wilderness, to which he finally moved with his family, and there passed his remaining years. Abraham Enlow had ten children, seven sons and three daughters: two sons (whose names are unknown, went to Tennessee), Elliott, William, Michael, Luke, Henry, Mrs. Rachel St. Clair, Mrs. Jemima Hill and Mrs. Mary Post. When the parents died the land was divided among the children, each of whom settled on their respective farms, and made improvements. In politics Mr. Enlow was a Democrat, and in religion an enthusiastic member of the M. E. Church. Elliott Enlow was born in Maryland, and when a small boy was brought to Washington county. In early life he was united in marriage with Martha Atkinson, a resident of East Finley township, and they had nine children, viz.: Henry, John, Gideon, Mrs. Mary Patterson, Mrs. Rachel Marshall, Mrs. Elizabeth Thornberg, Mrs. Eleanor Sprowls, Mrs. Jemima Patterson, and Martha, unmarried. His entire life was passed in farming. In religion Elliott Enlow and his brother Henry were instrumental in founding what was formerly called Enlow's Chapel, and now known as the Stony Point M. E. Church, of which he was for many years one of the most effective workers and liberal supporters. In politics he was an active Democrat, but never could be induced to accept any official position. His brother Henry was for many years a justice of the peace, and enjoyed a favorable reputation in the community. John Enlow was born in 1802, in East Finley township, Washington county, and received his education in the home school. He was married to Nancy, daughter of Robert Woods, one of the oldest pioneers of the township, and the young people immediately settled on the home farm in East Finley township, which became their permanent abiding place. They had one son, who died when ten years of age. After the death of his first wife John Enlow married Jemima Post, and to this union were born seven children: Sarah, wife of Rev. J. W. Hill; Martha, wife of John Hopkins; Mary, wife of Amos Sprowls; Nancy, wife of S. E. Martin; John M.; Gideon and Eleanor, both of whom died before reaching maturity. Mr. Enlow was a prominent member of the M. E. Church which was founded by his father. In political views he was a Democrat. He died September 16, 1876, and was followed to the grave by his wife in May, 1880. John M. Enlow passed his early life on the farm where he was born, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving a common-school education. On November 7, 1877, he was married to Lizzie E., daughter of John W. Hill. He remained on the home farm on which his great-grandfather had located until 1888, when he came to Claysville, and in 1891 purchased his present stock of furniture and an undertaking establishment. The firm are Enlow & Noble. They do all kinds of cabinet work and embalm in the best and most approved manner, making a success of their business, as they are both energetic men. Mr. Enlow is a leader in the Republican party, and being a warm friend of education, has frequently served the township as school director. In religion he united in early life with the Stony Point M. E. Church, and ever took an active interest in the work of that Society, having held various offices in the church and Sunday school, which he has filled to the satisfaction of all.

Text taken from page 1279 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed January 1997 by Jean Suplick Matuson of Plano, TX 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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