JOHN McCABE, who ranks among the oldest and most prosperous citizens of Peters township, is a son of Joseph E. McCabe, whose father, William McCabe, born and reared in Ireland, came to the United States about 1783 and settled in North Strabane township, Washington Co. He followed carpentry, and erected many of the buildings in that locality. His eight children were James, William, Samuel, John, Robert, Joseph E., a daughter (name unknown), and Martha, all of whom have passed away, leaving many descendants. He was an elder in the Hill Presbyterian Church. Joseph E. McCabe, son of William, was born in February, 1790, in North Strabane township. His youth was passed in rural pursuits, and he then carried on a distillery for several years. When a young man, he married Margaret Fife, born in 1790, a daughter of John Fife, a resident of Allegheny county, Penn., and to them the following children were born: Eliza, John, William, Isabelle, Mary, Thompson and Lavinia. Of these Eliza and William are deceased, while the others are living in different parts of the United States. After his marriage he settled on a farm in Allegheny county, and carried on a distillery. After his children were born, the father abandoned the distillery business, and followed carpentry for some time. He finally settled on a farm, and in 1818 had one of the finest places in Allegheny county; but owing to a sudden financial depression, he was eventually compelled to give up his home. He was a colonel in the State militia, and for almost half a century commanded a battalion, in the county as well as in Pittsburgh. He was possessed of excellent business qualifications, was one of the best educated agriculturists then living in that locality, an excellent justice of the peace and one of the most capable militia officers of the State. He died February 5, 1870, his wife having preceded him to the grave, July 29, 1831. In church connection they were members of the Presbyterian Church; in politics he was a Democrat. John McCabe, the subject proper of this sketch, was born August 16, 1814, in Allegheny county, Penn., and at the age of seventeen years, began work by the month for neighboring farmers. On February 9, 1837, he married Sarah, daughter of Robert Thompson, of Peters township, and after their marriage the young couple remained in Allegheny county for two years, then removed to their present farm in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., containing 225 acres of good land. Their children are Robert (a farmer, now living in Canonsburg), Joseph (an agriculturist, of Peters township), and Catharine and John (both deceased). Mrs. McCabe was laid to rest September 14, 1879, and since then her husband has continued to reside on the old place, keeping a family in the house to care for the property. He has made a specialty of sheep raising, and given much attention to general farming. Politically, Mr. McCabe is an enthusiastic Democrat, and he served as supervisor of his township. In matters of religion he is a member of the Centre Presbyterian Church, which he has served as trustee. Though almost eighty years old, he retains much of the strength which marked his younger days, and can hitch up his horse and ride where he pleases, without the aid of hostler or driver.

Text taken from page 871 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/.

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