THE HOPKINS FAMILY are prominent in the history of Washington county, and deserve a conspicuous place in this biographical record. John Hopkins was born in Scotland, and coming to America (with his brother Richard) settled in Maryland and was married to Eleanor Wallace, daughter of Herbert Wallace, of his adopted State, who bore him eleven children, viz.: Herbert, whose children, Mary and Jarrett, lived in Baltimore; William, married to a Miss Briscoe; Richard, moved to South Carolina; Alexander, married to Rosa Laird, whose children were John, Thomas, Eliza, Rosa, Polly and Nancy; James, married to Mary Goe, who bore him six children: John, William, Dorcas, Elizabeth, Mary A. and Thomas; John, married a Miss Wallace, who had three children: Charles, Nancy (Mrs. Butler) and George; Thomas, whose sketch follows; Nancy, wife of Mr. Fleming, their children being John, White, Nellie, Catherine, Elizabeth, Anna and Margaret; Elizabeth, wife of William Wallace, and mother of Ellen (wife of George Bentley), Fanny (wife of H. Bentley), Peggy (a Mrs. Grier) and Pattie (Mrs. Smith); Annie married Mr. Parker he was accidentally drowned; and Eleanor married Andrew Boggs, and bore him one son. Thomas Hopkins, son of John and Eleanor, was born in Maryland. Subsequently he removed to Washington County, Pa. He was a member of the Legislature when it met in Lancaster. On May 22, 1794, Major Hopkins selected a life companion in the person of Catharine Hurd, who was born near Londonderry, Ireland. Catharine was brought to America by her father, when she was about fifteen years of age, and was married to Major Thomas Hopkins about a year afterward. She was a woman of strong character, of good education, of great amiability, and of renowned piety. For many years she was an active and zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To this couple were born ten children, of whom the following is a brief record: (l) Andrew, born April 30, 1795, married Ann Townsend, who bore him five children, viz.: Edith Elma (Mrs. Coyle), Catharine (Mrs. Hiesy), Sabina (Mrs. Wilcox), Townsend and Thomas. (2) Catharine, born April 25, 1796, was married to Joseph Wright, and bore him ten children. (3) Eleanor, born November 7, 1799. (4) Thomas H., born February 5, 1801, was united in marriage to Elizabeth Moffitt; she had four children, viz.: Moffitt, Eliza (Mrs. Lanning), Thomas and Catharine (Mrs. Krepps). (5) John, born August 22, 1802, was married to Jane Moffitt, who bore him one daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Dr. E. A. Wood, of Allegheny county. (6) William (whose sketch follows) married to Rachel Herron. (7) White F., born May 15, 1806, was married to Hannah Wilson, and they had three children: Araminda, Thomas C. (living in East Bethlehem township) and Joseph Wright. (8) Margaret, born March 13, 1808, was first married to Thomas West, to whom she bore three children: Thomas, Catharine and Jonathan; she was then married to William Moffitt, and their children were: John, Eliza Jane, Joseph, Hopkins and Margaret. (9) Alexander, born January 8, 1810, was never married. Col. William Hopkins was born September 17, 1804, in this county. Although he received only such education as the schools of that day afforded, he was a reader, an observer and a thinker, as his career fully showed. He learned the tannery business, which he followed several years. On January 1, 1824, he was married to Rachel Herron, who was born December 10, 1804. She was the only daughter and the youngest of ten children of James Herron, who when a mere lad came from Ireland with his father Charles Herron. The mother of Mrs. Hopkins was Rachel Reed, of Lancaster, Pa. Honor, integrity and independence were characteristics of the Herrons. Mr. and Mrs. Herron were the parents of the following children: Charles, born June 3, 1785; John, born April 4, 1787; William, born February 24, 1789; James, born April 4, 1791 (has a son living in Peters township); Robert, born January 15, 1793; John, born December 16, 1795; Joseph, born January 2, 1797 (has two sons living in North Strabane township); Thomas, born December 17, 1799; Samuel, born March 17, 1801; and Rachel. The mother died May 15, 1821, followed by the father November 22, 1822. The only daughter, when young in years and experience, kept house for the large family of brothers (until her marriage with Col. Hopkins), two or three of the eldest having gone out from the paternal roof to homes of their own. Mrs. Hopkins was a woman of remarkable personal beauty, much of which she retained through life. Her character was a lovable one. She was always patient, bright and sweet-tempered, considerate of others, utterly unselfish in all things. She considered no service too onerous, no sacrifice too great for those she loved, always ministering to the happiness of others, never thinking of herself. William Hopkins was one of the most prominent Democrats of his time, and in 1827 was appointed justice of the peace of Pike Run township, by Governor Schultz. In 1834-36-37-38-39 he was elected to the State Legislature, and was Speaker of the House during the sessions of 1838-39-40. He was first chosen Speaker at a time of the greatest public excitement, known as the Buckshot war. Military surrounded the State-house, and a bloody collision was imminent. Referring to Col. Hopkins in this connection, Hon. George W. Woodward, in the Constitutional Convention said: "You sir, and many of the members of the Convention will refer to a period in our civil and political history of great interest, when but for the wisdom and firmness of this man, our Commonwealth might easily have been involved in civil war. I have always felt that the public owed more to those qualities of that individual man for averting those calamities than to all other influences which were in operation at the time." In 1840 Col. Hopkins was appointed commissioner of the Cumberland road, by Governor Porter, which office he filled until 1842, when he was called into Governor Porter's cabinet as Secretary of the Land-office. Subsequently he held the office of Commissioner of the Cumberland road for five years. In 1844 and again in 1848 he was a candidate for Congress. Although the District was strongly Whig, so great was his personal popularity that he came within thirty-eight votes of being elected in 1848. In 1852 he was elected Canal Commissioner, and served in that capacity for three years, with that ability and integrity for which he was distinguished. When not employed in more enlarged spheres of usefulness, he was interested and active in local affairs, and never refused his services to his friends and neighbors. In 1849 he served as a member of the Borough Council. In 1850 he was elected Burgess. In 1857-58 he served as assistant Burgess. In his later years he was engaged in the banking business. He was deeply interested in the public-school system, and served as school director many years. In 1861 he was again elected to the House of Representatives, and was re- elected in 1862. In 1863 he was elected to the State Senate, and for three years was recognized as the leader in that body. He was through life an ardent Democrat. In 1872 Col. Hopkins was elected a member of the convention to revise the Constitution of Pennsylvania. He was chairman of the committee to revise and report amendments to the declaration of rights. It was he who penned the preamble, which was unanimously adopted in these words: "We, the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, recognizing the sovereignty of God and humbly invoking His guidance in our future destiny ordain and establish this Constitution for its government." While a member of the Constitutional Convention, Col. Hopkins started for a short visit to his home. On the cars he contracted a severe cold, which settled upon his lungs in the form of pneumonia, of which he died on March 2, 1873, after only a few days' illness. The marriage of Mr. Hopkins at so early an age proved an exceedingly happy one. No homestead was ever presided over by a more affectionate wife and devoted mother. Much of Col. Hopkins' success in life was due to the fact that he had a wife "whose price was above rubies." He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, consistent and exemplary in his deportment, and faithful in the performance of every duty. He was tenderly and devotedly attached to his family, and at home found his greatest enjoyment. The most marked traits of the character of Col. Hopkins are those grouped by Rev. J. I. Brownson, D. D. "Such a man could not but be extensively known and respected. In fact his mental force, discriminating judgment, urbanity, integrity, and kindness, joined with facility as a writer and speaker, rising above the defects of early education, were a continual pledge of public favor and success. He was very firm in adhering to his own views, but considerate also of the opinions and feelings of others. In co-operation or in opposition he commanded respect. In private life, also, it was impossible not to realize the power of his politeness and his delicate regard to the sensibilities of all about him. His fondness for children seemed to increase with his years, showing itself both in a desire for their enjoyment and for their good. His fine business capacity was often taxed for the benefit of others, especially widows and orphans. In the hallowed circle of home he was the central object of uncommon reverence and affection. But better than all is the witness he leaves behind him in his confession and life as a disciple of Christ, and in the repose of his heart upon the divine promises when called down into 'the valley and shadow of death.'" Another said of him: "His judgment was remarkably sound and accurate, and, with his inflexible honesty, made him in public a leader of men, and in private life a trusted and confidential advisor and counselor. Few men in this county, or indeed in the State, have managed so many trusts, public and private, as were committed to him during his long and eventful life, and still fewer have discharged so many trusts so skillfully, so judiciously, and so successfully." In the Constitutional Convention Judge Black, referring to the death of Mr. Hopkins, said: "I do not underestimate the very high qualities of my surviving associates in this body. I do not think, indeed, that any man here appreciates their various abilities and virtues more than I do; but I devoutly believe that there is no man in this convention that we could not have spared better than him who has gone. I do not propose to give an analysis of his character, and it is not necessary to repeat his history. I may say, for I know it, that he was in all respects the best balanced man that it was ever my good fortune to know. His moral and personal courage were often tested; he was one of the most fearless men that ever lived, yet all his measures were in favor of peace and every one who knew him testifies to the gentleness and kindness of his manner." Mr. Biddle said: "I well remember being struck with the commanding figure and strongly-marked countenance, in the lineaments of which were unmistakably written simplicity and directness of purpose, integrity and unswerving firmness. . . . He has rounded off a life of great moral beauty, of great usefulness, of great dignity by a fitting end, and he has fallen before decay had begun to impair his faculties." His children were as follows: Andrew, the eldest, for many years was a prominent journalist. He was an ardent Democrat, a very brilliant, trenchant and forcible writer, in a keen sarcastic style that was very striking. As a writer he was easy and graceful, his articles being an ever-flowing stream of the brightest humor. He graduated at Washington College, studied law and was admitted to the bar. His tastes however led him into the field of journalism, in which he became widely known. He was always kind and considerate in the expression of opinion, but ever a bold and fearless defender of the faith that was in him. His convictions were deep and his friendships warm and lasting. A friend to those in need, their frequent counselor and free-handed contributor. Socially he was remarkably genial, charming all with whom he came in contact, and his death, March 5, 1880, on the seventh anniversary of his father's death, created a void which can not be filled. Andrew was married to Hannah M. List, of Wheeling W. Va. Their children are: Kate M. (Mrs. Humphrey D. Tate, Bedford, Pa., who is a private secretary to Governor Pattison) and Virginia List, of Wheeling, W. Va. The only daughter, Kate M., lives in the old home, Washington, Pa. She was the comfort and solace of her mother during her life, which closed October 16, 1886. James Herron Hopkins, second son of Col. William Hopkins, was educated at Washington College taking the first honor of his class. He studied law with Hon. Wilson McCandless, of Pittsburgh, and while yet in his minority was admitted to the bar of Allegheny county. In less than a year he found himself in possession of a fine practice, which grew so rapidly as time advanced, that at the expiration of the first decade of his professional career, no lawyer at the Pittsburgh bar had more cases in court, or was busier at office work. A friend gives the information that "about this time the Prothonotary of Allegheny county remarked, that Mr. Hopkins had more cases on the appearance docket than any other member of the bar." The enormous labor, as well as burdensome responsibility, was of course rewarded with a handsome income, but, unfortunately, this was followed by serious impairment of health, as the penalty of over-work, and he was obliged to retire from practice for a time. A change of climate was advised, and accordingly in 1870 he made a tour of Europe, not, however, in idle wanderings, thinking only of self and selfish gratification, after the example of most tourists, for he spent much of his time in writing up his observations and experiences in the different countries he visited, for the Pittsburgh Post. These letters were so popular that afterward, in compliance with the request of the editor, he consented to their publication in book form. After his return, he was made president of a railroad company, president of a bank of discount, president of a savings bank, and president of a fire insurance company. He was also vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce. He has always been an earnest Democrat, and has taken an active part in politics ever since he attained his majority. The Democratic party of Allegheny county has long been in a hopeless minority. Notwithstanding this circumstance, his party has often (against his will) placed him at the front as the most popular standard-bearer. He was twice elected to Congress by a majority of 2,314 votes. An opposition paper said of Mr. Hopkins: "He is a gentleman of refinement and polished address. An earnest, graceful and eloquent speaker. Spotless in private life, his personal character has ever and still stands so high that no one has ever assailed it." As a member of Congress he rendered valuable services. He was the author of the first bill introduced to regulate inter-state commerce and unjust discrimination by common carriers. He originated and secured the passage of the bill to create a bureau of labor statistics, which has since proved a very useful department. He introduced the first bill to prohibit aliens from acquiring large areas of the national domain. He was chairman of the committee on Centennial Celebration, and carried through Congress the act which made it a success. His best speeches in Congress were those on the Centennial Exposition, the regulation of inter-state commerce, the tariff, the creation of the labor bureau, the ownership of lands by aliens and the Electoral Commission. In 1882 he was a candidate for Governor of Pennsylvania, and he came within four votes of receiving the nomination. He is one of the most prominent Masons in America, and has filled its highest offices. In the order of Knights Templar he has taken special interest, and for three years was its chief officer, the Grand Master of the United States. For many years he has been chairman of its committee of jurisprudence. He also delivered a series of lectures in aid of the Masonic Home for the Aged and Infirm. These gratuitous labors of kindness and charity were appreciated by the members of his fraternity, for at the last conclave of the Grand Encampment of the United States he was presented with a magnificent silver vase "in recognition," as the donors stated, "of distinguished services." He married Anna Margaret Schissler, of Frederick, Md. Three children have blessed this union, viz.: Katharine Virginia, William and James Herron. His residence at present is in Washington, D. C. A few years ago his first love the love of the law returned to him once more, and now if you will pass along F street in the National Capital, you will notice on the outside of one of the law offices on that street a sign bearing the old familiar name, "James H. Hopkins, attorney at law" nothing more; and yet others have added a title to that name, which really forms a part of it Honorable James H. Hopkins. The high appreciation of Col. Hopkins, by the community in which he lived so long, was strikingly marked at his funeral. The sorrow of the community was demonstrated by the closing of the public schools, and in many instances by all cessation from business. Everywhere there were evidences of grief, and the earnest sympathy felt for the bereaved friends of the deceased. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. A. Holmes, D. D., of Allegheny City, of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Rev. Dr. Brownson, of the First Presbyterian Church; Prof. Frazier, of the Second Presbyterian Church; Rev. George P. Hays, president of Washington and Jefferson College, all of whom had been warm personal friends of the deceased. An affecting feature of the display was the attendance of all the school children with their teachers. Col. Hopkins was buried in the Washington Cemetery, in the county which had always been his home, which had always honored him, and to which he was so strongly attached.

Text taken from page 32 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 April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]