James H. Supler, p. 811

JAMES H. SUPLER. The Supler family are identified with the early settlement and improvement of Washington county, and the first pioneer of that name, of whom there is any authentic record, was John Supler, the great-grandfather of our subject. He was born about 1757, in eastern Pennsylvania, and was there married to Rachel Kirk, who was born August 13, 1767. In company with his wife and a sister of Mr. Supler's, the young couple made the rough and tedious journey over the mountains. They finally located in Donegal township, about three miles southeast of West Alexander, where in the midst of an unbroken wilderness they erected their log cabin home. The following children were born to them: Susanna, born December 21, 1783; Rachel, born February 18, 1785; Margaret, born March 17, 1787; John, born January 25, 1790; Sarah, born May 6, 1792; Ann, born January 30, 1795; and Edward, born February 18, 1804; all of whom lived to an adult age, and are now deceased. The father of this family died June 14, 1835, after many years of toil and care, and the mother followed him August 28, 1850.

John Supler was born on the pioneer farm in Donegal township, this county, and shared all the hardships incident to pioneer life. In later years he was united in marriage with Margaret Sargent, a member of an old family of Washington county, and the children born to them were as follows: Thomas, John, Isaac, William, Henry, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann, Margaret, Rachel, Mary and Jane. Of this family those now living are Rachel, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann and Isaac. Mr. Supler passed his life farming on the old home place, and died April 28, 1871. His widow died in 1881.

Thomas Supler was born February 23, 1814, on the farm in Donegal township, this county, and was the eldest son of his parents. He received a common-school education, and was trained to agricultural pursuits by his father. In 1838 he was married to Margaret Hill, who was born August 19, 1813, and their children were: Nancy Jane, born January 8, 1840; John H., born January 6, 1842; Joseph G., born November 4, 1843; Alexander D., born March 21, 1847; Henry H., born January 26, 1849; and James H., the only child now living. After his marriage Thomas Supler located in Greene county, Penn., where he remained some time, then moved near Beallsville, West Bethlehem township, Washington county. He afterward purchased and moved upon the old home farm of the Suplers in Donegal township, this county. In 1876 he moved to West Alexander, same township, where his wife died May 5, 1883, and October 20, 1884, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Caroline (Rogers) Mounts, widow of James Mounts. After his marriage to Caroline Mounts, Thomas Supler located in Claysville, April 1, 1885, where he died February 15, 1886. Politically he was a Republican, and in religion was a member of the M. E. Church. His widow is still living.

James H. Supler was born March 18, 1850, near Beallsville, West Bethlehem township, this county, and came with his parents to Donegal township. He received a common-school education, and assisted his father in the farm work. On December 29, 1875, he was married to Elizabeth Bryans, who was born April 3, 1855, at Port Stanley, Ontario, Canada, daughter of William and Margaret (Bamford) Bryans. They have four children, namely: William H., Bessie M., Minnie M. and James W., all of whom are living with their parents. Mr. Supler located on the home farm, where he is now living, and which has been in the possession of the family four generations. He is engaged in general farming, and also operates a threshing machine in the summer season. Politically he is a Republican, and he is an energetic and prosperous young man.

Text taken from page 811 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/.

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