MRS. ELIZA JANE KIDD, one of the most estimable and intelligent ladies of Jefferson township, is a daughter of Robert Stewart. whose father was born in County Down, Ireland, where he was married to Betsey Hemphill. In 1812 the family set out for America; during the voyage the ship (as was the custom in times of war) was boarded by a British man-of-war in search of recruits for the navy, and several able-bodied men were pressed into the British regular service. The son Robert (then a young man of eighteen years) was one of them, and he served three weeks in the navy, but at the end of that time he was released by his father paying a ransom. The family finally arrived at Philadelphia, Penn., without further mishap, and thence proceeded to Hickory, Washington Co., Penn., where they made a permanent settlement. The son, Robert Stewart, was soon afterward married to Miss Ann McGaugh, who was born January 27, 1794, in Londonderry, Ireland, and their children were John, Eliza Jane, Sarah, Robert, James and Andrew. The living members of this family are Robert, James and Eliza Jane. Eliza Jane Stewart was born March 19, 1820, on the home farm in Jefferson township, and assisted her mother with the household duties during her girlhood. She was united in marriage with David, son of Joseph Kidd, a native and life resident of Ireland, of whose family David was the only member to settle in America. After their marriage the young people settled in Guernsey county, Ohio, where they resided fifteen years, and reared the following children: Sarah, born July 12, 1850; Ann Jane, born October 10, 1852; Mary E., born February 5, 1855; Robert, born January 14, 1857; Agnes, born August 30, 1860, and Rebecca (wife of George Boles), born March 31, 1864. On July 13, 1868, David Kidd passed away, and his widow then returned to Jefferson township, and bought the farm of 177 acres where she is now living. This farm consists of very fine land upon which is a grist and saw mill, both in constant operation. Mrs. Kidd is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, and is loved and respected by all who know her. She has in her possession a cane which was used by Gen. Murray, who fought under Washington in the Revolutionary war.

Text taken from page 1327 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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