POLLOCK FAMILY, Historical Sketch of. The Pollock family were originally natives of Scotland, whence one Samuel Pollock, one of those hardy Scotch-Irish Presbyterian pioneers, emigrated many years ago, landing in America, there making a new home in the New World. He was born, reared and married in Scotland, whence, prior to the Revolutionary war, he and his wife and a brother came to this country. They landed in New York, where the brothers separated, thus losing forever all trace of each other. The one turned his face southward, while Samuel and his wife, Jane, proceeded westward to Washington county, Penn., being among the earliest settlers in the locality. Here he patented a tract of land called "Plenty" (now known as the James Pollock farm), situated near Clokeyville, in North Strabane township, and contained 148 acres, where he passed the rest of his active pioneer life. The land was wild and uncultivated when he came to it, and he set to work at once, to make improvements on it. Indians and wild animals were numerous, and caused frequent annoyances; but the hardy settlers were patient as well as brave, and time brought them a rich harvest, as a reward for their early years of toil and danger. They were members of the Covenanter Church. Samuel Pollock was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, force and executive ability. At his death he left three sons -- John, Samuel and William -- and four daughters -- Margaret, Jane, Nancy and Grizella. Of the daughters the following is a brief sketch: Margaret married Alexander McNary, and near Cadiz, Ohio; Jane married John Crowe, and resided in Butler county, Penn.; Nancy became the wife of James Pursley, and lived near West Alexander, this county; Grizella was married to Robert Johnston, their residence being some five miles west of Washington on the Middletown road. Of the sons: John never left the paternal home, dying there unmarried; Samuel married Ellen Young, and there were born to them four sons -- John, James, Robert and Samuel -- and five daughters -- Jane, Betsey, Sarah, Margaret and Martha. Jane married James Linn, and resided near Washington, the county seat, the place now known as Linntown; Betsey married John Pollock, a brother of James Pollock, who at one time owned a large flouring-mill on Brush run, near Thompsonville, this county, and who at the time of his death was treasurer of Washington county, and father of A. W. Pollock, who succeeded him as county treasurer, and who is at present a lumber merchant at Washington, Penn.; Sarah married Hon. Mathew Linn, and they passed their wedded lives on what is known as the "Linn Homestead," North Strabane township; Margaret (unmarried) died about six years ago; Martha married James Harbison, and lived in Bakerstown, Butler Co., Penn. She is still living, making her home with her son, Samuel, in Bellevue, Allegheny Co., Penn. Of the sons: John married Nancy Hayes, and located near Uniontown, Belmont Co., Ohio; James and Robert both went west and settled near Sparta, Ill. (were both married); Samuel married Nancy Breckenridge, and their home was in New Castle, Pennsylvania. William Pollock, third son of Samuel and Jane Pollock, was born in 1781. He married Nancy, daughter of John McNary, and they had children as follows: Jane, John. Samuel, James and Malcolm Boyd, the latter born February 9, 1817, and died July 15, 1825. (A record of the others follows this paragraph). William Pollock was born and spent all his days on the original homestead near Clokeyville, which he willed to his youngest son, James, who now lives thereon, and which property has been in possession of, and represented by, the Pollock family for five continuous generations. To his son Samuel he willed the Alexander Scott farm, containing 208 acres, situated on the State road in North Strabane township. To John and Jane he bequeathed their amount in money, obligating Samuel and James to pay them a specified amount, besides giving them furniture, which they did. William Pollock was a member of the Associate (Seceder) Church. When the Pigeon Creek Congregation was organized, he was elected one of the ruling elders, which office he filled till the close of his life. Politically he was an active worker in the Whig party. He had an ox-mill built on his farm, which is still standing, and which is now used by his grandson as a sheep house. This mill was the first of the kind in the county, and was erected by a man named John Calhoun, then living on Peters creek. It was a tramp-mill of peculiar construction, very unlike the tramp-mill of the present day. The platform on which the oxen tramped was circular, about thirty feet in diameter, into part of which was placed a shaft at an angle of fifty-five degrees. The stone burrs were from three to three and one-half feet in diameter. Dog tramp-mills were made in much the same manner. This old ox-mill ground the grain for many years, and as it was furnished with great power, people came to it from considerable distance with their grists packed on horseback. Nancy (McNary), wife of William Pollock, departed this life August 17, 1834; William (her husband) died August 3, 1856, in the seventy-third year of his age. His remains were laid beside those of his wife in what was then called the Associate graveyard, now known as Oak Spring Cemetery, near Canonsburg. Jane Pollock, only daughter and eldest child of William and Nancy Pollock, was born January 24, 1810. Her education was limited to common-school instruction, which was the best afforded ladies of her day. She married Rev. James Wallace, and went with him to Logan county, Ohio. Mr. Wallace was born November 10, 1801, in York, Penn. He was graduated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, in 1827; studied theology under Rev. Alexander Bullions, D. D., at Cambridge, N.Y.; he was licensed July 9, 1830, by the Philadelphia Presbytery; was ordained October 25, 1832, by the Miami Valley Presbytery, and at the ordination was installed pastor of the Dorby and Cherokee (now Huntsville) Congregations in Logan county, Ohio. In 1839 he was released form [sic] Dorby, and gave three-fourths of his time to Huntsville, and one-fourth to Bellefontaine. On April 10, 1861, he resigned his Huntsville charge, on account of infirmities, but preached occasionally as his health permitted, making his home at Huntsville, then Bellefontaine, and finally Belle Centre, all in Ohio. He was a most excellent man, much blessed in his ministry and greatly devoted to his work. The last year of his life he spent in reading the Old Testament entirely through in the original Hebrew. He died after a few hours' illness, November 30, 1878, at the residence of his son-in-law, W. W. Templeton, Huntsville, where he had gone on a visit; his wife had died several years previous, in 1863, their remains lie side by side in the cemetery at Huntsville, Ohio. They had five children: two daughters -- Mary and Nancy -- and three sons -- William Pollock, David and A. Collins. Mary married W. W. Templeton, an elder in the United Presbyterian Church, and resides near Huntsville, Ohio; Nancy married T. L. Baird, and lives in Allerton, Iowa (He is a farmer and a member of Session in the Allerton U. P. Congregation); William Pollock was a member of Company D, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was wounded in the battle of Knoxville, Tenn., November 18, 1863, and died from the effects November 29, 1863; David married Jennie Reed, and lives on part of the Wallace homestead farm near Hunstville, Ohio; A. Collins, married to Arabella Peoples, is a druggist located in Bellefontaine, Ohio. John Pollock, oldest son of William and Nancy Pollock, was born in January 1811. In boyhood he attended the subscription schools of his time, which was the extent of his educational advantages, but being possessed with considerable natural ability he was enabled to meet the demands of life with a marked degree of success. When a young man he went to Logan county, Ohio, where he took upland, and in the spring of 1835 he married Jane Elder, a native of said county. To them were born eight children -- three sons and five daughters -- namely: Rebecca, Nancy, Margaret, Mary and Narcissa, and James Wallace, William E. and John A. Rebecca married Robert Smart, May 1869, and died August 1870; Nancy married David C. Carson, December 29, 1867 (he died November 7, 1874); Mrs. Carson and her three children reside in Cleveland, Ohio. Margaret and Mary (unmarried) live in Huntsville, Ohio; Narcissa married James Peoples, a prosperous farmer near Huntsville, Ohio and a ruling elder in the United Presbyterian Congregation of said place; James Wallace was a member of the Forty-fifth Ohio Regiment during the Civil war (spend fourteen months in Rebel prison, being captured at Philadelphia Fort, Tenn.; spent six months in Andersonville, the remainder of the time at Belle Isle, Charleston, Florence (S.C.), etc.; after his return from the army he married Nettie Anderson, and they reside on the "Anderson Hill" farm near Cedarville, Ohio; he is at present one of the county commissioners of Greene county, and an elder in the U.P. Church, Cedarville); William Elder is a coal merchant in Chicago, Ill.; Rev. John A. married Jessie Small, and resides in Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Pollock was elected a member of Session in the Huntsville Congregation during the pastorate of his brother-in-law, Rev. James Wallace. He died August 27, 1868, and his remains lie in the cemetery at Huntsville, Ohio, beside those of his wife, who died in December, 1872. Samuel Pollock, second son of William and Nancy (McNary) Pollock, was born January 16, 1813, on the original homestead in North Strabane township, the same farm where his father first saw the light of day, and which his grandfather had bought from the Indians, in the early times. On September 1, 1840, he married Esther McNary, eldest daughter of John and Jane Hill McNary (whose record appears elsewhere in this history), and they passed the first years of their wedded life on the Alexander Scott farm already alluded to, being part of the original Judge McDowell tract of 440 acres, all of which they afterward succeeded in purchasing. In the spring of 1858, having a desire to secure better educational advantages for their children, they purchased the fine residence of the Rev. A. B. Anderson, D. D., and moved to Canonsburg, where they spent the remaining days of their life. They were the parents of seven children, namely: James Wallace, Jennie Hill, John McNary, William B., Samuel Murray (who died in boyhood), Oliver Collins and Alexander Clark. In his youth Samuel Pollock was one of the leaders in the sports of the community, being a prominent participant at the husking bees, flax scutchings [sic], wood choppings, log rollings and similar amusements of that day. He served seven years in the militia, and was a member of what was known as the "Ginger Hill Troops." In middle life he was hard to excel in the grain-field -- in reaping and cradling grain. On one occasion, when his wheat had got very ripe, he was known to cut (with the cradle) 102 dozen sheaves in less than six hours. He was a robust man, weighing 170 pounds, and stood five feet ten inches in height; he was quick in his movements, and possessed wonderful endurance. Financially, he was remarkably prosperous. Notwithstanding his father's will entitled him to the Alexander Scott farm, yet this tract had been but recently purchased, and but partially paid for, and it was only by the "sweat of his brow," together with his strict honesty and his unswerving integrity of purpose, that he was not only enable to possess a clear title to said farm, but was enabled to add tract to tract until at the time of his death he ranked as one of the wealthiest landowners in the community. He was a most public-spirited man, but never an aspirant for any public office or notoriety of any kind yet at the solicitation of friends he served most of his life in filling various township offices. Mr. Pollock was one of the founders of the Republican party in Washington county, and in the winter of 1856 went to Pittsburgh in order to secure a lecturer on the subject; helping to pay for the same out of his own pocket. He was one of the committee who were instrumental in getting Dr. Le Moyne, of Washington, to make the first abolition speech in Canonsburg, which was delivered from the steps of David Templeton's residence, afterward known as "Olome Institute," which he finally purchased, and carried on for several years, at his own expense, as a Female Seminary. (It was situated on the site now occupied by the First Presbyterian church of Canonsburg). During the Fremont campaign of 1856, when a great political wagon was built and decorated in the yard surrounding his barn, and when on the night before the parade the neighboring Democrats undertook to destroy it, he, with a few other stanch Republicans, defended the wagon with an iron poker, amid the breaking of ribs, shoulders, noses, etc., he coming out of the melee unharmed and victorious. The following day the wagon was driven to Canonsburg by his brother, James Pollock, drawn by ten gray horses, and conveying thirty-three patriotic young ladies, dressed to represent the thirty-three States in the Union. He was very loyal to his county, and in the time of the great struggle of the Rebellion, too old himself to enlist, he permitted his oldest son, James W., a youth under age to buckle on the armor, and help save the great Republic. In his youth he joined the Seceder Church at Pigeon Creek, under the pastorate of Rev. Alexander Wilson. After his marriage he connected with the Chartiers Seceder (not know as the Chartiers United Presbyterian) Congregation at Canonsburg, in which he was elected a ruling elder February 15, 1854, which office he held during the remainder of his life. He was one of the prime factors in erecting the present edifice known as Chartiers U. P. Church, at Canonsburg, in 1869-70; paying the largest subscription, besides working gratis and prevailing on others to do likewise. His home at Canonsburg was (in the words of Rev. Samuel Taggart, D. D.): "A minister's free hotel; even the minister's horse knew the place to turn into as he traveled the road." He was the original mover in the organization of the Oak Spring Cemetery Company. Being chosen first president of said association, he served in that capacity until his death. He died July 4, 1883, in the seventy-first year of his age, and November 9, 1890, his wife Esther (McNary) Pollock, died in the seventy-sixth year of her age, and was laid by his side in the Oak Spring Cemetery, which he had been so instrumental in establishing and ornamenting. James Wallace Pollock, county commissioner, one of the prominent citizens of the borough of Washington, and oldest son of Samuel and Esther (McNary) Pollock, is a native of North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., born October 10, 1841, in the historic old log house erected, owned and occupied by Judge McDowell, and where Dr. McMillan (according to the record in his journal) preached his first sermon west of the Alleghany [sic] mountains, on the fourth Sabbath of August, 1775. The place is designated as "Mount Pleasant" in the original patent, which states that the amount paid was "the sum of six pounds twelve shillings for a tract containing 440 acres, with allowance of six per cent for roads, etc., which was surveyed in pursuance of a warrant granted to John McDowell, Sr., dated October 29, 1784, clear of all restrictions and reservations except the one-fifth part of all gold and silver ore for the use of the Commonwealth to be delivered at the pit's mouth clear of all charges." Mr. Pollock received his education at the common schools of the district, and at Jefferson College. In April, 1858, his parents moved to Canonsburg, where he attended college until August, 1862, when he, with many other fellow students, under the leadership of Col. Frazier (then professor of mathematics in said college), laid aside their books, girded on the armor, and marched forth at their country's call to save it from rebel wrongs. Mr. Pollock served with distinction both in the ranks and at Gen. Hancock's headquarters, and was one of the very few who was seldom sick, and he never missed a day's duty from the time he joined the army in 1862 until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox in 1865. At the latter he was present with three cousins -- William T. Pollock, Rev. George R. Murray and Thomas M. McNary -- all of whom, remarkable as it may seem, are still living. Although there was not a battle their regiment, the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. , participated in from the time it joined the army of the Potomac in the fall of 1862, and prior to the battle of Chancellorsville, until the final struggle at Appomattox Courthouse, in April 1865, but what some of the cousins, and generally all, were present, yet none of them was the least hurt except Rev. Murray, who received a slight wound on the historic wheat field at Gettysburg. On Mr. Pollock's return home after the close of the war, at his father's urgent request he took charge of the homestead (Alexander Scott farm), which he how owns, and engaged in agricultural pursuits, including the raising of fine stock, eventually succeeding in becoming one of the most energetic and successful farmers in the county. Being alive to every interest, he was often called on to fill positions of trust. Mr. Pollock resided on his farm in North Strabane township until the spring of 1892, at which time he leased it and moved into the city, in order to school his children, and that he might more conveniently perform the duties required of him as county commissioner. He has been a Republican ever since the organization of the party, and was many times chairman of the township committee and member of the county committee. In 1890, at the suggestion of his many friends, he consented to become a candidate for the office of county commissioner, and succeeded in being nominated and elected that same year. When quite a young man he became a member of Chartiers Seceder (now U. P.) Church, and many times since has been chosen trustee of that congregation. During the erection of their present commodious edifice in Canonsburg, he was secretary of the board of trustees. He was one of the advocates and leaders in starting and establishing what is now a very flourishing and prosperous U. P. Congregation at Houstonville, in which he is a ruling elder. James W. Pollock and Miss Mary T. McNary (daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Templeton) McNary, born January 24, 1848) were united in married December 5, 1867, and ten children -- six sons and four daughters -- have been born to them, viz.: Fannie Luella, Ulysses Samuel, Maggie Esther, D. M. B. McLean, Ernest James, Harry Edgar, Annie McNary, William Wallace, Deurell Smiley, and Mary Osee, all yet living with their father in Washington. Mrs. Pollock (a most amiable and lovely woman) died February 7, 1890, from a stroke of paralysis, superinduced by an attack of "la grippe." Jennie Hill Pollock, only daughter of Samuel and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born October 8, 1843, in the old log house of "Historic renown," on the State road, North Strabane township, known as the "Old Judge McDowell house," and at present owned by her youngest brother, Alexander Clark. So fond was she of her books and her school, that even in childhood days no greater punishment could be inflicted upon her than to require here to absent herself from school for a day. Her education was limited to common-school instruction until the fall of 1857, when she entered Washington Female Seminary -- Mrs. Sarah R. Hanna, principal. At the age of seventeen she received her diploma from this institution with honor, her grade in scholarship entitling her to be the valedictorian of a class numbering twenty-one members. This honor she declined, thus conferring it upon another. She united with the Chartiers (Seceder) Church under the pastorate of Rev. J. B. Clark, D. D., when fifteen years of age. At present she is a member of the Greenside Avenue (United Presbyterian) Congregation, Canonsburg, Penn., Rev. D. R. McDonald, pastor. She has filled various public offices, being treasurer of the Ladies' Presbyterial Missionary Society, and sent (in the spring of 1890) by this association as their representative to the Women's General Missionary Convention of the United Presbyterian Church, which met in Washington, Iowa. She has held continuously different offices in the State and county work in the Women's Christian Temperance Union, ever since its organization. She is a ready writer, and a few sketches from her pen have found their way into print. Miss Pollock is noted as a most faithful and efficient church worker. When about fifteen years of age she began teaching in the Sabbath-school, and since that time continuously taught. For some years she instructed two classes each Sabbath: one in the colored school, the other in her own church school; besides being a regular attendant at other divine services, and an untiring worker in mission bands, Young People's Societies, and other departments of church enterprises. She, with her brother, Alexander Clark, spent the winter of 1884-85 traveling in the South, visiting New Orleans Exposition, and other points of interest. Her home has always been with her parents, nursing and caring for them in their old age until "God took them to Himself." At present she owns and resides in the home mansion, No. 504 West Pike street, Canonsburg, Penn., originally known as the "Dr. Anderson homestead." John McNary Pollock, second son of Samuel and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born January 2, 1846, in North Strabane township, this county on the farm now owned by his brother A. C., being part of the tract patented, by Judge McDowell, called "Mt. Pleasant." Although a farmer's son, John Pollock has enjoyed unusual educational advantages, his parents being progressive citizens, who believed a thorough literary training to be essential to the highest success in any business. When John was a lad of twelve years his parents moved to Canonsburg, where he attended college for three years, then returned to the farm for a short time. He afterward took a course in bookkeeping at Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh, Penn., graduating therefrom with honors. In the spring of 1869 he settled permanently on the farm in North Strabane township, the greater part of which he inherited from his father, and has since devoted his time to rural pursuits. On November 14, 1872, he was united in marriage with Mary Jane Templeton, who was born October 20, 1846, daughter of John and Rachel (Rankin) Templeton, and he located on the farm on which he still resides. Excepting the few years spent in obtaining an education he, by hard manual labor, and at the sacrifice of his nerves, was his father's main support in all his labors and business transactions. Although he at present enjoys comparatively good health, his physical condition gives evidence of the sacrifice made. To the union of John McNary Pollock and Mary Jane (Templeton) the following children have been born: Edith Jane McNary, Mary Esther, John Templeton, Nettie Elmira (deceased), Lawrie Samuel, Junietta Luella, and Clara Matilda (deceased). Mr. Pollock follows in the footsteps of his forefathers, and casts his ballot for the Republican party. He and his family worship with the Chartiers United Presbyterian Congregation, Canonsburg, Penn., of which he, his wife and two oldest children are members. He is a member of the board of trustees in said congregation, serving in this office a number of years, having been first elected in 1878. He was chosen a member of the first choir in Chartiers Congregation, but resigned when married, after serving four years. He has always been a consistent worker and energetic supporter of the Church. The wife and mother of this family was "called to her reward" since the above sketch was written. A very amiable and highly esteemed woman, she died February 15, 1893. Her remains are laid by the side of her two children in Oak Spring Cemetery. William B. Pollock, third son of Samuel and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born May 26, 1843, in the old log house built by Judge McDowell, the house in which the first sermon, preached west of the Alleghany [sic] mountains, was delivered by Rev. John McMillan in August 1775, in North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn. He received his education in the graded schools of Canonsburg and Duff's Commercial College, Pittsburgh, from which latter he graduated with honors in 1869. On February 11, 1875, at 6:30 A. M., he was united in married by Rev. W. L. Wallace, D. C., with Miss Hettie Alverta Murray, daughter of Capt. James and Mary C. (Johnston) Murray, a sketch of whose family follows. Six children were born to this union -- three living and three buried in Oak Spring Cemetery, namely: Mary Johnston, born November 19, 1875, died April 16, 1876; Samuel Murray, born Mary 20, 1877, attending school at Canonsburg, and a member of the U. P. Church; Cleonie Estella, born October 3, 1881; Ariadne, born February 19, 1884, died August 26, 1887; Rose, born September 20, 1886, died May 15, 1890; and Clara Jennie, born February 15, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Pollock are members of the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Pollock was elected a ruling elder December 22, 1892. He has held various local offices of trust in the township, but aspires to no political position, preferring a life of domestic felicity. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank at Canonsburg, also in the Western Pennsylvania Agricultural Association at Washington. He is a member and treasurer of the National Delaine Merino Sheep Association of Washington county; elected treasurer 1891. In that year he was appointed as a committee to represent the association at Chicago, Ill., at the Columbian Exposition commission, to arrange for the World's Fair of 1893. He was sent to meet with the United States Association in 1890, at Steubenville, Ohio, also to meet the same association at the same place in 1892. He lived three years in the old Olome Institute building, in Canonsburg, which was a gift to him from his father. On the Murray Hill farm, on which he now resides with his family, Mr. Pollock built a fine residence, and in addition to this farm of 270 acres, he owns one of 100 acres on Plum run, in Chartiers township, known as the "Old Hayes farm." In connection with general agriculture, he is engaged in the raising of fine-bred sheep and cattle, making a specialty of American Red-Polled cattle, and National Delaine Merino sheep. Mr. Pollock ranks among the leading business men of the country, and is respected and honored by all. Oliver Collins Pollock, the fifth son of Samuel and Esther (McNary) Pollock, whose ancestral history precedes this sketch, was born on the Alexander Scott farm in North Strabane township (at present owned by James W. Pollock), on October 15, 1852. He attended Christy's school when but four years of age. When his parents moved to Canonsburg in 1858, he attended high school; studied under Colfelt and Stevenson; attended Dickson and Dunbar's Academy during 1869-70; Washington and Jefferson College, at Washington, Penn., 1871-72; Westminster College, at New Wilmington, Penn., 1873-74, in a class containing thirty-three students. While attending the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Allegheny, being struck with gold fever, from reports of the Black Hills, and wishing free transportation, on November 20, 1875, he enlisted in the United States Cavalry Service; the next day he was sent to Jefferson barracks, St. Louis, Mo., transferred to Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo.; assigned to Company M, Third U. S. Cavalry, under Capt. Anson Mills, on January 9, 1876; took part in the winter campaign against the Sioux Indians, leaving Fort D. A. Russell on February 20, and Fort Fetterman March 1, and returning the 26th with the thermometer averaging twenty-six degrees below zero, the greatest cold being on the night of the 16 and 17th and March (St. Patrick's day), when the thermometer registered forty-five degrees below zero. They were on a forced march of twenty-four hours' duration to attack Crazy Horse's village, at the mouth of Otter creek in Dakota, said village containing 110 tepees or 600 warriors, which was destroyed March 17, 1876. The expedition took part in the summer campaign under Brig.-Gen. George Crooke (noted Indian fighter of the plains) against Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse's combined forces, [It was during the time of this campaign that Gen. Custer and men of the Seventh U. S. Cavalry were massacred,] being encamped within fifty or sixty miles of the death-trap, at the headwaters of Powder river, at the foot of Big Horn mountains, awaiting communications with Brig.-Gen Terry. They were engaged June 17, 1876, in a whole day's running fight with Sitting Bull's and Crazy Horse's entire band of 3,300 warriors on Rose Bend river, at the mouth of Dead Man's Canon, Montana, within three miles of the death-trap, and they escaped it only through the sagacity of their noted guide -- Frank Guiard. From their supply camp they started on the 5th of August, with fifteen days' rations, on Indian trails to avenge Gen. Custer's death, and following the trail into the Bad Lands of Dakota, the trail becoming dim, they lost the trail and themselves in those alkali lands, where no wood thicker than rose bush stalks appears, and the water is like the lyes from wood ashes. Running out of rations, and no wild game accessible, they were compelled to live on rose buds and horseflesh to appease their hunger and quench their thirst. Having escaped from the Bad Lands, they came upon and destroyed American Horse's village of 104 tepees at Shin Battle, S. Dak., on September 9, 1876; which being rich in dried meat and ponies, they lived passably well until they arrived at Belle Touche river, near where Fort Meade now stands, about September 20, where they procured supplies from the citizens of Crooke's City in the Black Hills. Here they were issued raw beef, flour and green coffee to make a meal, each man having in his possession cooking utensils, consisting of a tin plate, a quart tin cup and a knife and fork. They remained in Crooke, deadwood Hill and Custer cities until their supply train arrived on the 5th of October, just two months after leaving this place at the foot of Big Horn mountains. By this time Mr. Pollock had learned "all is not gold that glitters," and that gold could not be picked up by the handful in the Black Hills; yet being young, and liking the roving and exciting life of a cavalryman in the West, he preferred to stay with Uncle Sam, and served five years. He came to Camp Sheridan, near Spotted Tail Agency, in the last of October, and soon thereafter, Crazy Horse having surrendered, came to Red Cloud Agency, and stayed over winter, when, becoming tired of Gov. Chuck, and desiring the free and roving life of the prairie, he and a few followers started north, but were overtaken and captured near Spotted Tail Agency by Indian soldiers about 8 o'clock in the evening. Mr. Pollock, known to be a reckless rider, was detailed (no one else being willing to volunteer) to carry the news to Fort Robinson at Red Cloud Agency. At night and alone, in order to insure secrecy, and being given direction not to spare horseflesh, he made the distance of forty-five miles, arriving at Fort Robinson about midnight. He was present next day when Crazy Horse, having refused to be placed in the white man's guardhouse by Capt. Kennington, received his death wound. That night (the pickets being doubled) about midnight, the Indians at the agency took up the death-song (he having expired). A shot was fired somewhere on the picket lines, and thinking the Fort was attacked, officers' and soldiers' wives came running into the soldiers' quarters in their nightclothes, exclaiming "for God's sake save us." It took Mr. Pollock four days to return to Camp Sheridan with the horse (which never recovered). He was present in 1877 when the Third Cavalry so gallantly headed off, captured and subdued the Cheyenne Indians, whose leaders were Wild Hog and Yellow Hand. He was with the soldiers in removing Spotted Tail and Red Cloud bands of Sioux Indians to the old Ponco Reservation on the Missouri river, in the fall of 1877, and to what is now known as Pine Ridge Agency in the spring of 1878. Afterward he was stationed at Fort Sidney, Neb., on the Union Pacific Railroad; at Fort McKinney, Wyo.; at Camp Rawlins, on the Union Pacific Railroad, after Maj. Thornburg's (paymaster) massacre by the Piute Indians, November, 1879; at Fort Laramie and at Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo., where he was honorably discharged November 19, 1880, at the expiration of five years' service (Capt. Deane Monahan, commander of Company M. Third Cavalry). Mr. Pollock came back to Pennsylvania, and engaged in rural pursuits. On December 3, 1880, he was married to Anna Bell Weaver, who was born November 13, 1854, a daughter of Thomas Dell and Eliza (Caldwell) Weaver. In the spring of 1881 they set up housekeeping in the old Judge McDowell historic mansion, now owned by A. C. Pollock. In 1884, having inherited from his father a portion of the Judge McDowell tract, known as "Mount Pleasant," he erected thereon a domicile, moving to the same December 18, 1884, and here he still resides. Mr. Pollock has held different offices of trust, serving as auditor, tax collector, etc.; at present he is filling the office of committee of a lunatic, and guardian of minor children; of that of notary public, having been appointed to said office by the governor or Pennsylvania. He is an ardent and stanch upholder of the principles of the Republican party. To the union of Oliver Collins Pollock and Anna Bell Weaver the following children -- five girls and four boys -- were born: Bessie Jeanette, Viola Pearl, Oscar Dell, Eliza Weaver, Lucy Esther, Edna Loretta (died at the age of four months), Adez Clark, Earl Collins and Samuel Blaine MacDonald. Mr. Pollock worships with the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Congregation, whose church edifice is situated on Greenside avenue, Canonsburg, Penn., himself, wife and oldest daughter being members of said congregation. Alexander Clark Pollock, youngest child of Samuel and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born on the farm now owned by his brother, James Wallace Pollock, situated in North Strabane township, this county. He is unmarried and makes his home with his sister Jennie H. Pollock, Canonsburg, Penn. He owns the homestead farm, on which is the famous log house erected by Judge McDowell in bygone days, and in which his parents lived the first eleven years of their married life. This house is built of hewn logs, perfectly joined together; is 40 x 60 feet square, two stories in height; contains seven rooms, all the inside work -- ceilings, partitions, cup-boards, floors, door, etc. -- made of finished walnut lumber. The whole structure, being completed in the best mechanical manner, was considered in those times a very fine edifice. Said farm (belong to A. Clark Pollock) is part of the tract patented as "Mount Pleasant" in the year 1784. It is situated in North Strabane township, three and one-half miles south of Canonsburg, this county, on the State road known in times prior to railroad transportation, as the Drove road, from east to west, and was headquarters for travelers in those days. The old log house still remains, and is used as the dwelling house on the farm. Having recently been repaired, it is in a good state of preservation, and is a comfortable residence. A. Clark Pollock is a progressive business man, and has held a number of positions of trust -- such as chief burgess, bookkeeper, treasurer of various associations, guardian for a number of children, etc. He is a member of Greenside Avenue United Presbyterian Church, Canonsburg, Penn., which congregation he is now serving as treasurer. He has always been actively interested in the success of the Republican party. Has served two consecutive terms as chief burgess of Canonsburg, Penn., being the youngest man ever elected to the office. He is a stockholder in the Oak Spring Cemetery Company, made so by the will of his mother, to whom it was left by her husband (Samuel Pollock), who was one of the organizers of the company. After the death of his father, he was given power of attorney by his mother over her stock, and elected by said company one of the business directors, in which capacity he has served ever since, being re-elected some ten consecutive years. He has been a member of the National Guard of Pennsylvania for a number of years; is at present quartermaster-sergeant of Company H, Tenth Regiment, and experienced a little of soldier life in the recent riots in his State. He is a hearty, robust man, seemingly in the prime of life. James Pollock, a well-known farmer in North Strabane township, a representative of one of the oldest pioneer families of the county and a native of the same, is the third and youngest son of William and Nancy (McNary) Pollock, and is the only member of the family now living. He was born September 19, 1815, on the ancestral farm (which he now owns) situated near Clokey, this county. He received his education at the subscription schools of the neighborhood of his birthplace, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He was an attentive and apt scholar, and succeeded in becoming proficient in the fundamental branches of study. On December 19, 1837, he was united in marriage with Abigail, daughter of James Thome, and they had two children: William and Abigail (twins), born September 28, 1840; William married Sarah Barr, December 8, 1867; Abigail married John C. McNary, Mary 20, 1868. The mother of these two children died March 3, 1843, aged thirty-three years, and was buried in the Pigeon Creek Church graveyard. On August 19, 1846, Mr. Pollock married Ellen Y., daughter of James Linn, of South Strabane township, two daughters being the result of this union, viz.: Jane L., born May 4, 1847, married November 8, 1882, to James S. McNary, Jr., of Peters township, this county, and Nannie McN., born September 6, 1848, married October 18, 1870, to Milton O. Brownlee, of this county. The mother of these two girls died April 23, 1885, and was buried in the cemetery at Pigeon Creek. Mr. Pollock, like his forefathers, is a strict churchman, and believes it to be his duty and privilege to support religious enterprises. He and his family have been members of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek for many years, and he has long been a ruling elder in same. He is the only person now living in the congregation that was a member of it when he connected with it in his youth. In politics he was formerly a Whig, and since the formation of the party a Republican; though rendering valuable aid to his party, he has never accepted any party office. Mr. Pollock still owns and lives on the original ancestral Pollock tract, patented "Plenty," and situated near Clokey, Washington Co., Penn., which is now superintended by his only son, William. He (William) is a Republican, and during the war of the Rebellion he served in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I. After he returned from the army he married Sarah Barr, to which union have been born five children, thus representing the third, fourth and fifth generations of the Pollock family now living on the farm patented "Plenty."

Text taken from page 605 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed March 1997 by Barbara Bower of Yorktown, VA as part of the Beers Project. Published March 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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