DEMAS LINDLEY McVAY, an energetic and prosperous farmer of Morris township, is a grandson of Samuel McVay, who moved from New Jersey to Morris township, Washington county, Penn., in an early day, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of the State. Franklin McVay, son of Samuel, was born on his father's farm in Morris township, and like his father became a successful farmer. He married Priscilla, a daughter of Luther Day, of Morris township, who was also descended from a pioneer family that had moved from New Jersey, and who were among the first to secure excellent land in Washington county. Franklin and Priscilla McVay had four children: Demas Lindley; Elmas D., who was a farmer in Morris township, and died in 1868; Samuel B., a farmer of Morris township, and Franklin Wallace, a cabinet-maker and undertaker, of Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., who died in 1882. Demas Lindley McVay was born January 13, 1844, in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. When he was but ten years of age his father died, and he and his mother struggled bravely on, enduring many hardships, but, nevertheless, they succeeded in keeping the fatherless family together until they were able to care for themselves. On September 24, 1869, Mr. McVay was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Thomas Hanna, of Morris township, whose family were also pioneer settlers of that township, and natives of New Jersey. To this union have been born five children: two that died in infancy; Lee Anna J. and Priscilla D., living with their parents; and T. Franklin, who assists his father in the farm work. Mr. McVay resides on the place known as the "Old Hanna farm," the property of his father-in-law, but he owns a well-improved farm, situated one mile below Prosperity, this county, on Ten-Mile creek. He is a prominent stock-raiser, and gives considerable attention to the breeding and raising of Shorthorn cattle and Blacktop sheep. An uncle of his, Samuel McVay, was appointed administrator of the estate of another uncle, named Nelson, and upon the death of the former, D. L. McVay, together with J. M. Dunn, was appointed administrator, and upon them devolved the duty of settling up the estate, consisting of $20,000 to $25,000 worth of property. The lands, located near Prosperity, this county, had been in the possession of the McVay family over sixty years. Mr. McVay enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, August 18, 1862, in Company I, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, served until the end of the war, and now draws a small pension. He resided in Franklin township eleven years after his marriage. Contrary to the political opinions of his ancestors, he has always been a straight Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a deacon. J. Nelson McVay, an uncle of Demas L., was a native of Morris township, where he passed his entire life, and was an extensive landowner. He was a lifelong Democrat, and was never married. A man of perfect physical strength, he knew nothing of sickness, until called to cross the dark river at an advanced age. Samuel McVay, another bachelor uncle of our subject, was also a native of Morris township, this county, and always remained near the place of his birth. He was a strict business man, and took an active interest in educational matters, serving as secretary of the school board of Morris township for several years.

Text taken from page 1075 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 March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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