Isaac Van Voorhis and Mary Hair
Husband Isaac Van Voorhis 1 2 3
Born: 15 Mar 1794 - Carroll Twp, Washington Co, PA 1 2 4 Christened: Died: 4 Jun 1875 4 Buried:
Father: Daniel Van Voorhees (1738-1819) 5 Mother: Nancy Myers ( -1840) 2 3 6
Marriage: 13 May 1819 1 4
Wife Mary Hair 4 7
Born: 10 Mar 1797 - near Gerrardstown, Berkeley Co, WV 4 Christened: Died: 14 Apr 1876 - near Monongahela City, Washington Co, PA 4 8 Buried:
Father: James Hair ( -1826) 8 9 Mother: Rebecca [Unk] ( - ) 10
Children
1 M Daniel Van Voorhis 11
Born: 15 Mar 1820 - Carroll Twp, Washington Co, PA 11 Christened: Died: 12 Mar 1848 11 Buried: - VanVoorhis Cemetery, Pigeon Creek, Washington Co, PASpouse: Martha Houlsworth ( -1888) 11
2 F Nancy Van Voorhis 11 12
Born: 19 Aug 1821 - Carroll Twp, Washington Co, PA 11 Christened: Died: 9 Jul 1884 12 13 Buried: Status: TwinSpouse: John Pollock (1818- ) 11 12 Marr: 1 Jan 1851 or 1857 11 12
3 M James Hair Van Voorhis 11
Born: 21 Aug 1821 - Carroll Twp, Washington Co, PA 11 Christened: Died: Buried: Status: TwinSpouse: Polly Smith ( -1848) 14 Marr: Aug 1846 14Spouse: Martha Dawson ( -Abt 1850/1855) 14Spouse: Martha J. Wilson (Abt 1834-1893) 15
4 M John S. Van Voorhis 16
Born: 8 May 1823 - Carroll Twp, Washington Co, PA 16 Christened: Died: Buried:Spouse: Betsy Plumer Smith ( - ) 17 Marr: 7 Sep 1847 - Monongahela City, Washington Co, PA 17
5 F Rebecca Van Voorhis 14
Born: 28 Jan 1825 - Carroll Twp, Washington Co, PA 14 Christened: Died: Buried:Spouse: T. B. Stewart ( - ) 14
6 F Martha Jane Van Voorhis 14
Born: - Carroll Twp, Washington Co, PA Christened: Died: Buried:Spouse: Did Not Marry
7 F Theresa Van Voorhis 16
Born: - Carroll Twp, Washington Co, PA Christened: Died: 16 Feb 1876 - Union Twp, Washington Co, PA 16 Buried:Spouse: Thomas B. Stewart ( - ) 16 Marr: 1854 16
8 M Clinton Van Voorhis 18
Born: - Carroll Twp, Washington Co, PA Christened: Died: Buried:Spouse: Julia Van Voorhis ( - ) 19 Marr: 26 Sep 1854 16
General Notes: Husband - Isaac Van Voorhis
He, with his brothers, built the first keelboats, which were built at the mouth of the creek just at the close of the War of 1812. He built the first coal-boat loaded with coal at the wharf, at the mouth of the street below Rabe's residence. The boat was twelve feet wide and forty feet long. It was filled with coal by Edward Kearney, by hauling it with a one-horse cart from the old coal bank in Katzburg. It was sold to a returned horse drover for cash received from the sale of horses, and after his departure he was never heard from. In those days it was necessary to have such crafts, in order to get produce of the farm to market, and even then the price of grain scarcely justified transportation. He was one of the projectors of the Washington and Williamsport turnpike, and for many years he served as one of the managers. He was a great friend of education, and was a member of the first school board in the township after the adoption of the public school system. He was in early times a Federalist, in the days of Ritner a strong anti-Mason, afterwards a Whig, and finally a Republican. He and Robert McFarland were the only persons in Fallowfield (now divided into several townships) who voted for John Q. Adams at the time he was elected President. He was a subscriber to the Weekly Gazette for over sixty years, and was said to be the oldest continuous subscriber the Gazette ever had. He was a Presbyterian by birth and profession for over fifty years, and was a ruling elder for forty years. Ordained in 1836, he served in the session with Jesse Martin, James McGrew, James Gordon, Aaron Kerr, James Dickey, Henry Fulton, Joseph Kiddoo, all of whom died before him.
He first attended Presbyterian Church at the old Horseshoe building, situated on the farm owned by John Wilson, and in that old churchyard were long to be seen evidences of the resting-place of nearly all the first settlers of that country for many miles around. On the removal of the place of preaching to Monongahela City, he worshiped with his father-in-law, Elder James Hair, and a few others in an old log school-house near the old Presbyterian Church. He contributed liberally towards the erection of the old brick church on the hill, also for the church building at the foot of the hill, and later aided in building of another beautiful church. Thus in his life he gave of his substance for three church buildings of the same congregation,-not a common affair in one lifetime. He lived forty years on the farm on which he was born, and forty-one years on the farm where he died. He left behind his wife, seven children, twenty-five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. [HWC 1882, 695]
He was ordained an elder in the Presbyterian church of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, (later Monongahela City,) February 12, 1836. He was a Presbyterian in the truest sense of the word, believing that the doctrines and usages of that church were founded upon the rock, Christ, as taught in the scriptures.
He was among the first flatboat builders at the mouth of Pigeon creek. By means of these crafts hay and other farm products were taken to the Pittsburgh market. In one instance he hauled his produce to the river and had it shipped in a keelboat belonging to some other party, whilst he rode on horseback overland to the city, and returned the same day, the net proceeds of the sale aggregating six dollars and seventy-five cents.
He was a great friend of education, having aided, outside of his own family, at least two young men through college, one of whom was during his day on earth a distinguished minister of the gospel. He was one of the first Board of School Directors in his native township after the adoption of the Public School law in 1834.
He was one of the original stockholders and for many years a member of the Board of Managers of the Washington and Williamsport Turnpike Company.
The Pittsburgh Gazette of June 5, 1875, in speaking of the death of Isaac Van Voorhis, said: "Mr. Isaac Van Voorhis, an old, well known and respected citizen of Carroll township, Washington county, near Monongahela City, died on Friday morning, June 4, 1875, in the 82nd year of his age. From particulars furnished by a correspondent we learn that he was born on the 15th day of March, 1794, within two miles of the place where he died. He resided for forty years on the old homestead bequeathed to him by his father, and forty-one years on the farm where the declining years of his life were spent. His grandfather was one of three brothers, one of whom was killed by a poisoned arrow shot by an Indian. From Cornelius, the name of one of these brothers, the deceased was a lineal descendent. Daniel, the son of Cornelius, was the grandfather of the deceased. He was born at Oyster Bay, Long Island, December 17th, 1708, where also Daniel, father of the deceased, was born July 8th, 1738. Daniel for a time lived in New Jersey, but in October, 1786, he removed to the farm on which the subject of this sketch was born.
Mr. Van Voorhis was a subscriber to the Weekly Gazette for over sixty years, and during his life read over 3,000 copies of it, always depending on it for its political and general news and market reports. His father had taken the Gazette from its foundation in 1786. The deceased had always been identified with the whig and republican parties. He, with Robert McFarland, were the only persons in what was then Fallowfield township, Washington county, who voted for John Q. Adams, in 1824, for president. He never had any faith in, or trusted the democratic party, and during his long life of over four-score years he never sought an office. For over fifty years he had been a member of the Presbyterian church, and a ruling elder for more than forty years. He was an exemplary christian, and his early training in the teachings and doctrines of the Bible enabled him in his last illness to draw from it that spiritual consolation which, in the hour of death, the Christian alone can value."
In a notice of his death in the Presbyterian Banner, Rev. Dr. W. O. Campbell, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Monongahela City, said: "The deceased was perhaps the oldest inhabitant in Carroll township, having lived in it all his life. He was married the 13th of May, 1819, to Mary Hair, daughter of James Hair, one of the first ruling elders of the church in Monongahela City. He leaves his wife and seven children to mourn his loss. He was admitted to the church in early life under the ministry of Dr. Ralston; since that time he has been a faithful and consistent Christian. He was ordained elder in the church of Monongahela City February 12th, 1836, and held that office 39 years. Officially he was the sole surviving representative of the early history of that church. He was a devout man of God, full of faith and the Holy Ghost, ripe in Christian experience and character. He was a steadfast believer in the Bible doctrines, as in our standards. He was not only beloved in his family but honored for his Christian consistency; his children leaned upon his prayers. He was not only honored in the community but beloved for his Christian charity. He was loved honored and trusted by the church as a member and officer. As a ruler he was prudent; in council cautious, but decided in action, charitable and conciliatory-a man of peace, yet true and firm in maintaining the interests of Zion. He was one of the worthy band of elders whom God pleased to give to this church in its early history, and was peculiarly respected because their worthy representative. For some years past he was seldom permitted to meet with the session; and was often, on account of his increasing infirmities, necessarily absent from public worship. He greatly regretted the deprivation, and had a constant interest in the affairs of God's house.
About one year previous to his death he had a severe illness which he, as well as others, thought would be his last. He was most happy in the prospect of death. His great desire was to depart and be with Christ. The writer has not seen a more happy Christian experience than this was at that time. But God had something more for him to do. He was spared another year. During his last sickness he suffered great pain but had constant peace of mind. His faith did not for a moment forsake him. He knew by experience that God would not forsake him. At this time he did not forget the spiritual interests of his family or the church. He still preferred Jerusalem above his chief joy. His advice to his children was, "Trust in the Lord, he has not forsaken me, he will not forsake you." When he was told that all would soon be over, he said, "Bless the Lord, Oh my soul."
The Monongahela Republican in speaking of his death, said:
Mr. Isaac Van Voorhis, whose death we noticed two weeks since, was born on the farm now owned by John Van Voorhis, on the 15th day of March, 1794. He was the son of Captain Daniel Van Voorhis, who was born on Long Island, July 7, 1738, and was in the prime of life during the days of the Revolution. He was an accomplished scholar, and especially versed in the science of navigation, as his books now in existence at the old homestead fully show. Captain Van Voorhis followed the sea as captain of a merchant vessel for many years, and during the Revolution was taken prisoner three times by the British-twice having lost his vessel and cargo. At one time, being hard chased by a man-of-war, he raised the signal of surrender, but before it was recognized by the enemy, a cannon ball carried away the post against which he was leaning.
At one time he, with several others, were banished to an island, from which they escaped only to be re-captured, though shortly afterwards released. He was married three times. His first wife was originally a Van Voorhis, but was the widow Brett when he married her; they had two children. Samuel for a time was a merchant in New York State, but in the beginning of this century removed to this country, and for a short time lived in a cabin near the present Black Diamond Coal Works He afterwards immigrated to Crawford county, Ohio, where he died a few years since. Samuel's sister, Sarah, lived and died near Goshen, N. Y., in the 82nd year of her age. Captain Van Voorhis, prior to his coming to this country, resided some years on Rancocas creek, New Jersey, and in October, 1786, came with his family and purchased from a man named Decker 600 acres of land, now owned by John Van Voorhis and James Sampson. It was then a wilderness but now the garden spot in Carroll. He, with his two wives and three sons, sleep in the beautiful burying ground, selected by himself, overlooking Pigeon creek, for his remains and his kindred long before his death. Four generations of that name are now in that cemetery, incorporated and made perpetual by the laws of the land. Mr. Isaac Van Voorhis was the oldest resident in Carroll, having resided in it all his life. Cotemporary with him in the early history of this neighborhood were the Colvins, the Powers, McCombs, Hairs, Randolphs, Fryes, Depews, McGrews, Parkisons, Irwins, Rices, Beckets, &c. He was married to Mary Hair by the Rev. Dr. Ralston on the 13th day of May, 1819. They lived together a little over 56 years.
He always took a deep interest in our town. He, with his brothers, built the first keelboats at the mouth of the creek, just at the close of the war of 1812. He built the first coal-boat, loaded with coal at Williamsport wharf, which was then at the old red house at the mouth of what is now called First street. The boat was twelve feet wide and forty feet long. It was filled with coal by the late Edward Kearney by hauling it with a one-horse cart from the old coal bank in Catsburg. It was sold to a returned horse drover for cash received from the sale of horses, and after his departure was never heard from. In those days it was necessary to have such crafts in order to get the produce of the farm to market, and even then the price of grain scarcely justified transportation.
He was in early times a federalist; in the days of Ritner, a strong anti-Mason; afterwards a whig; and finally a republican. He, with Robert McFarland, were the only persons in Fallowfield township who voted for John Q. Adams at the time he was elected president. He was a subscriber to the Weekly Gazette for over 60 years, and was said to be the oldest continuous subscriber the Gazette ever had. He was a Presbyterian by birth and profession for over 50 years, and was a ruling elder for 40 years. Ordained in 1836, he served in the session with Jesse Martin, James Gordon, James McGrew, Aaron Kerr, James Dickey, Henry Fulton, Joseph Kiddoo and John Power, all of whom had preceded him to the church on high, except John Power. He first attended Presbyterian church at the old horseshoe building, situate on the farm now owned by John Wilson, and in that old church yard are still to be seen evidences of the resting place of nearly all the first settlers of this country for many miles around. On the removal of the place of preaching to this city, he worshipped with his father-in-law, elder James Hair, and a few others in the old log school house near the old Presbyterian church on Coal street and Church alley. He contributed liberally toward the erection of the old brick church on the hill, also for the church building at the foot of the hill, and more recently aided in building the present beautiful church on Main below Sixth street. Thus in his life he gave of his substance for three church buildings of the same congregation, a no common affair in one life time. He lived on the farm on which he was born 40 years, and 41 years on the farm where he died.
He leaves behind his wife, seven children, 25 grand children and three great grand children. All his children survive him except Daniel, who died in 1848.
We need not say he died a christian, the world knew he was a christian, for it was as an humble follower of Christ his character shown the brightest. As the end drew nigh his faith and trust in a crucified Redeemer grew stronger and his hold on the merits and righteousness of Christ more firm. Although suffering intense pain, he never murmured, and with a halo of glory on his countenance he entered within the portals of the celestial city.
General Notes: Wife - Mary Hair
She was born near Gerrardstown, West Virginia, and came to Washington County, Pennsylvania, with her father and other members of the family in 1806.
The Monongahela Republican, in a notice of her death, said:
"The deceased was born in Berkely county, Virginia, now West Virginia, on the 10th day of March, 1797. She came to this county with her parents, James and Rebecca Hair, in the year 1806. Her parents, not long after their arrival, settled on what was known then as the Platter farm, but afterwards was well known as the Hair farm, on Pigeon creek. Her father was the first ruling elder elected in the Presbyterian church in this city, which election occurred soon after the removal of the church organization from Horseshoe, in what year we are not able to say. The deceased had six brothers, John, James, Samuel, Gilbert M., Uriah, and B. W. Hair. John died in 1856 or thereabout, in Mount Union, Ohio. She had four sisters, Mrs. Martha Crouch, who died a few years since in the west; Mrs. Kela Baker, who died on the old Hair farm many years ago; Mrs. Eliza Potter, deceased in Allegheny City many years since; and Mrs. Louisa Brinton, who died years ago near Brownsville, Pa. She with her husband united with the Presbyterian church under the ministry of Rev. Dr. Ralston, and each were members of that church over fifty years. Being in full possession of her mental faculties to the last, she freely conversed on her prospects of Heaven; and, relying entirely on the blood of Christ, she was enabled to declare that death had no terrors. Thus in less than a year have passed within the portals of Heaven-two Christian parents, leaving behind a large circle of friends to mourn their loss. 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.' "
Another paper, in speaking of her death, remarks: "She was a woman of true piety, conscious of her union with Christ, steadfast in her faith, not afraid to die, her trust was in Jesus. A faithful wife and mother, a true friend, a devoted Christian disciple; they who mourn for her mourn not as those who have no hope."
1 Boyd Crumrine, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA: L. H. Everts & Co., 1882), Pg 695.
2 —, Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago, IL: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893), Pg 1059.
3 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 188.
4 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 199.
5 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 187.
6 Joseph F. McFarland, 20th Century History of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens (Chicago, IL: Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co., 1910), Pg 1220.
7 Boyd Crumrine, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA: L. H. Everts & Co., 1882), Pg 695, 793.
8 Boyd Crumrine, History of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA: L. H. Everts & Co., 1882), Pg 793.
9 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 202.
10 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 203.
11 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 207.
12 —, Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago, IL: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893), Pg 909.
13 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 208.
14 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 209.
15 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 212.
16 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 210.
17 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 211.
18 John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 195, 210.
19
John S. Van Voorhis, The Old and New Monongahela (Pittsburgh, PA: Nicholson, Printer and Binder, 1893), Pg 195.
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