John S. Liggett, p. 1398

JOHN S. LIGGETT was born August 25, 1849, on the home farm in Independence township. He is descended from one of the earliest and most prominent families of pioneer times in Washington county, whose ancestors were born in Scotland.

Two brothers of the Liggett family left their Highland home and crossed the ocean to America. Landing at Baltimore, Md., they there remained but a short time and then pushed westward, finally locating in Washington county, Penn. One of these brothers, Thomas Liggett, was married to Parmelia Dempster, a resident of Washington county, and passed his life in Independence township. He was a man of stalwart frame, six feet tall, well proportioned in every way, and possessing great courage and powers of endurance. He was noted for his positive character and sturdy adherence to his word, which principles were implanted on the minds and were evident in the lives of all his children, whose names were Joshua (a farmer of Tuscarawas county, Ohio), Elizabeth (deceased in Iowa), James (deceased in Coshocton county, Ohio), Harriet (widow of Laban Headington), Robert (of whom special mention is made further on), Mary Ann (deceased in Illinois), Sarah (widow of John Hemphill), William (sketch of whom appears elsewhere), Thomas (a farmer in Hopewell township), David A. (a merchant of Independence, Penn.), Anderson (living in Hot Springs, Ark.). Mr. Liggett died January 29, 1861, Mrs. Liggett September 17, 1882.

Robert Liggett was born February 25, 1815, in Independence township, Washington county, and remained on the home farm until some years after attaining his majority. His education was restricted to the advantages found in the pioneer log schoolhouse, with its split-log benches and desks supported by pegs driven in the wall. The huge fireplace sent out so fierce a heat that "the children's hot faces were streaming, the while they were freezing their backs." Young Robert walked a long distance through the woods to glean knowledge from these schools for a few weeks during the winter season. They were maintained by popular subscription, while the teacher "boarded round" among the parents, whose children graduated after having fathomed the hidden mysteries of "tare and tret" and the "single rule of three." Amid such surroundings Robert Liggett received his education and grew to manhood. In 1843 he was united in marriage with Mary M. Stewart, a native of Washington county, and the offspring of their union were as follows: Thomas Madison, Sarah A. (Mrs. J. J. Cairns, of Eldersville, Penn.), and John S. Mr. Liggett began wedded life with $500 and an old horse as capital stock. He lived on his father's farm for a short time, then came to the place where the remainder of his life was passed, which is situated one mile east of Independence, in Independence township. Upon this farm he erected one of the finest residences in the township, there following agricultural pursuits, and by industry combined with economical business dealings, eventually became the owner of a vast estate. Mr. Liggett never took part in any speculations, but devoted his entire time to energetic toil and careful management of his property, achieving success by slow but steady upward steps. Mr. Liggett was quiet and unassuming in public with a reserved and dignified manner. His integrity was unimpeachable; firm and unswerving in opinions, he never lowered his standard of right to any man. Although, as previously stated, his literary advantages were necessarily limited, yet he succeeded, by dint of close application and keen observation, in securing a thorough practical knowledge of current topics and business matters. His example is most worthy of emulation, and may well encourage the young men who read these lines to persevere in every honest effort; for true success comes only to those who toil and wait patiently for the harvest, which though long delayed, is ever sure as we sow so shall we reap in due season, but the harvest will be according to the seeds planted. In politics Robert Liggett was a Democrat. He died September 4, 1886, and was laid to rest in West Middletown cemetery; on December 3, 1890, his body was removed to the beautiful new cemetery at Independence, then laid out on a portion of his farm. He left an estate worth over $50,000, the result of his own toil and business sagacity. Since his demise, the widow has resided on the home farm with a son.

THOMAS MADISON LIGGETT (the elder son of Robert and Mary M. (Stewart) Liggett) was born January 25, 1845, in Independence township, this county. He passed his boyhood and youth on the farm place, and October 17, 1878, was united in marriage with Letitia Griffith, who was born on October 22, 1852, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Esler) Griffith, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. They have had five children: Montee M., Dora (deceased at the age of four years), Robert, Olive L. and Hattie May. Mr. and Mrs. Liggett have resided since their marriage on what is known as the James Beall farm, lying half a mile east of Independence, in this county. He inherits the spirit of progress and industry, so characteristic of his father's life, and is a prominent agriculturist, devoting special attention to raising first class stock, handling and fattening stock for the market. He votes the Democratic ticket, but gives his whole time to the interests of his business, which is yielding a larger income with every year. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a charter member of the Independence Cemetery Company, serving as secretary of that company since it first started. His wife, Letitia, is truly a helpmate, completely interesting herself in her department, and in every operation tending to the advancement of her family's interest.

JOHN S. LIGGETT (the younger son of Robert and Mary M. (Stewart) Liggett) received a common-school education, and then began dealing in stock and general farming, soon managing an extensive business. By treating his customers in a fair and honest manner, he has succeeded in winning the confidence and patronage of many. On January 23, 1879, he married Harriet A. Griffith, who was born March 20,1856, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Esler) Griffith, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. Two daughters were born to this union, viz.: Mary A., born January 8, 1885, died of pneumonia May 26, 1885, and Alice B., born July 22, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Liggett have resided on the home farm since their marriage, and the place gives evidence of the cultured taste of the present owners. Mr. Liggett possesses a rare judgment and practical knowledge of live stock, which has contributed largely to his success in business. Politically he is a Democrat, and has filled various offices of trust in his township. In religion he and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee.

Text taken from page 1398 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL 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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