The Ward family trace their lineage through four generations to one James Ward, an Englishman, who came to America many years ago and settled in Virginia, where he died leaving a large family. Stephen Ward, a son of this James, was born and reared near Martinsburg, Va., where he was married to Hannah Thurston, and they had three children, namely: James, Hannah and Thomas. The father followed farming and stock raising, and in politics affiliated with the Whig party. The family finally moved to Washington county, Penn., locating near Malden, in East Bethlehem township, where the parents died, both members of the M. E. Church. Thomas Ward, son of Stephen and Hannah, was born February 27, 1811, near Winchester, Va., and attended the schools of his native State. After attaining his majority, he left home and commenced farming in Washington county, Penn., there passing the remainder of his life, with the exception of six years he spent in Fayette county, Penn. When a young man, Thomas Ward was united in marriage with Elizabeth Williams, a daughter of John Williams, who was born October 12, 1784, and was married in Winchester, Va., to Mary Thompson, who was born in March, 1789. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were the parents of the following children, their names and dates of birth being here given: Alfred, March 16, 1806; Susan, April 22, 1808; Daniel, January 9, 1809; Mary Ann, January 11, 1811; Robert, March 9, 1813; Thomas, January 28, 1815; Elizabeth, January 4, 1817; John, April 6, 1820; Catherine, August 17, 1821; Sarah J., January 2, 1823; James Knox, April 17, 1824; Clara E., November 14, 1826; Margaret, January 9, 1830. After his removal to Pennsylvania the father followed teaming from Baltimore on the National pike. In political opinion he was a Whig and Republican, with strong Abolition sympathies, and in religion he was a member of the M. E. Church. To the union of Thomas and Elizabeth (Williams) Ward the following children were born: Mary J. (wife of Thomas Whorly), Melinda (wife of Daniel Linn), John W. (who enlisted in the 18th Regiment, P. V. C.), Stephen (who enlisted in Company I, Second Virginia Infantry), Robert, James Knox and Thomas. Mrs. Ward died in March, 1846, followed by her husband May 18, 1891.
James Knox Ward was born March 31, 1844, in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., and remained at home until March, 1865. He then enlisted in Company B, Second Regiment, P. V. C., and served with the army of the Potomac. On May 10, 1866, he was married to Susannah, daughter of William C. Wolfe, who was born in Virginia, and was a son of Isaac C. Wolfe. The latter was also a native of Virginia, and there married Susanna De Haven, who bore him four children, viz.: William C., Joseph, Elizabeth and Rachel A. The father voted with the Democratic party and in religious faith was a member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Wolfe died January 19, 1846, and he was laid to rest July 27, 1870.
William C. Wolfe was born July 22, 1820, in Virginia, and in 1829 came with his parents to Washington county, Penn.; he received his education in the subscription schools, and followed agricultural pursuits. On July 1, 1841, he was united in marriage with Melinda J. (Small) Wood, who was born June 2, 1823, in Washington county, where they settled, and he followed teaching and cabinet making. In political opinion he was a Democrat, and in religious connection a member of the M. E. Church. His children were Alfred D., who enlisted in Company I, Second Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and served three years; Susannah (wife of James K. Ward); Joseph. who enlisted in Company D, Seventy-ninth P. V. I.; Ann, wife of Herdman Maxwell Taylor; Henry W.; Sarah N.; Abram and Isaac C. The father was a Democrat in politics.
William C. Wolfe died March 4, 1855, and was followed by his widow April 7, 1874. To the union of James Knox and Susannah (Wolfe) Ward five children have been born, viz.: Arthur B., Thomas H., Elizabeth, William S. and Louis. The family have, with the exception of one year, passed their lives in Washington county. Mr. Ward affiliates with the Republican party in politics, and in religious faith is a member and trustee of the M. E. Church.
Arthur B. Ward was born February 25, 1867, in West Brownsville, Penn., receiving his education at the Southwestern State Normal School, California, Penn. At the age of fifteen he entered the store of Robert Lynch, with whom he remained as clerk for about two years, then served as manager until 1888, afterward purchasing the business, and conducting it for several years. In April, 1891, he removed to the Hotel Arlington Building, having increased his old stock of goods, and added a large line of gents' furnishings. On August 27, 1891, he was united in marriage with Luella, daughter of J. P. McCain, a resident of California, Penn. Mr. Ward is actively identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the M. E. Church,
Text taken from page 1180 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed January 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project.
Published January 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]