JAMES T. HEMPHILL. Among the prosperous and energetic citizens of West Middletown, Penn., this gentleman occupies a position of deserved prominence. His ancestors were natives of Old Erin, but left their island home in an early day to seek a home in the "land of the free and the home of the brave." The earliest pioneer of this well-known family was one John Hemphill, who was born in County Down, Ireland, and married Mary Brooks, a native of the same county. The following children were born to this union: Thomas, Nancy (Mrs. Jesse Merrill), Mary (wife of William McGuffie), John, Margaret, Elizabeth, David and Jane. In 1791 the family immigrated to America, first settling in Winchester, Va., and some years later moved to West Finley township, Washington county, Penn. A short time afterward they settled permanently near West Alexander, Donegal township, this county, with the exception of a few years passed in West Virginia. In politics Mr. Hemphill was a Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the Associate Reformed Church. Thomas Hemphill was born in 1789, in County Down, Ireland, his parents bringing him to America when but two years of age. His youth was passed in Winchester, Va., and Washington county, Penn., where his education was received. In early manhood he was married to Delilah, daughter of James Tearney, of Fayette county, Penn., and the young people first settled in Fayette county, Penn., thence moving to Steubenville, Ohio, where they remained several years, and finally returning to Washington county, Penn. Mr. Hemphill followed the cooper's trade, which he learned in youth. His children were as follows: Mary (wife of John Johnson), Sarah (Mrs. John Sharp), David (deceased), John, J. T. , Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Patterson), Nancy (wife of Robert C. Stewart) and Elizabeth (married to Holiday Sharp). The father never became a naturalized citizen, but took an active interest in the Democratic party , and in religion was a member of the Disciple Church. He died in 1851, being followed in 1875 by his wife. Both are buried in the Grove cemetery, of West Middletown, Penn.
James T. Hemphill was born February 11, 1819, in Donegal township, this county, and passed his youth on the home farm, receiving a subscription- school education. On November 12, 1850, he was united in marriage with Saria, daughter of James Murdock, and she has borne him the following children: Anna (wife of Samuel C. Maxwell), Martha V., Joseph T., Milton M., Jennie (wife of Rev. John B. Jamison), Lucy, J. E. B. and Nellie (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Hemphill resided in Hopewell township for four years after their marriage; he then conducted a milling business in Independence township, this county, for six years, and afterward moved to the home farm of the Murdock family. He then resided six years in Donegal township, and returning to Independence township purchased the old Johnstown farm. From there he removed to Washington borough, finally settling at his present home in West Middletown, Hopewell township. Politically Mr. Hemphill has been an active member of the Whig party, and is now a Republican. In 1885 he was elected county sheriff, giving satisfaction to all his constituents. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Mount Hope, this county .
Text taken from page 641 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed May 1997 by Marion L. Smith of San Diego, CA as part of the Beers Project.
Published May 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]