Samuel McClay, p. 858

SAMUEL McCLAY, who is a son of David and Margaret (McElroy) McClay, was born February 25, 1853, upon the old farm in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., where he passed his boyhood days and received his first lessons in the fundamental principles of success. He received a common-school education, and was early inducted into the mysteries of agricultural life. On March 4, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, a daughter of Joseph Wolf, who was one of the pioneer settlers of the county. The young wife lived but a short time after marriage, dying July 28, 1879, and on November 30, 1882, Mr. McClay married Miss Isabella, a daughter of John Fergus, whose father, Hugh Fergus, was born in Chartiers township, where he passed his early years, and, on attaining the age of maturity, wedded Miss Nancy McClain. To them were born: Sarah (deceased wife of James Stewart), John (now living in Olathe, Kans.), Mary (deceased wife of William Boone), Thomas (deceased), Agnes (Mrs. Matthew Miller), Martha (Mrs. Reed Miller), and Hugh (deceased). Hugh Fergus was a self-made man, and always followed agricultural pursuits. He was a Whig, but held no political offices, and in religious views was formerly a Seceder, but afterward united with the United Presbyterian Church, and was a ruling elder. His son, John Fergus, was born in May, 1822, and beginning life for himself at an early age, became a most progressive and energetic citizen. He was married in March, 1844, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Samuel Martin, and then settled on a farm where he remained many years. Like his father, he was a member of the U. P. Church, and in politics was a Whig.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McClay settled upon the old home farm where they now reside. The children born to them are: Ora B., Eben M., Esther A. and Ellen Blanche. Mr. McClay is active in the ranks of the Republican party, and, like his ancestors, is a member of the Disciple Church.

Text taken from page 858 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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