JAMES ACKELSON enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest living representatives of the early settlers in Hanover township, having resided upon the farm where he is now living for more than four-score years. Samuel Ackelson, his father, was born about the year 1760, in County Down, Ireland, where he received a common-school education, and there learned the trade of weaver. In 1792 he married Margaret Donaldson, also a native of Ireland, born December 15, 1772, in County Down. The young couple sailed for America soon after their marriage, landing in New York at the close of a seventeen-weeks voyage. Their first permanent location was made near Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn., where he purchased a small farm and followed the weaver's trade. He resided in Robinson township several years, and coming to Hanover township in 1814, located on the home farm where he died in 1832, followed by his wife in 1849. The following children were born to them: Mary (wife of Joseph Bailey, Robinson township), born November 12, 1793; Thomas (a farmer, living near Washington borough), born August 10, 1796; Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Lindsey, of Pittsburgh), born August 26, 1799; James, sketch of whom follows, and Samuel, born June 12, 1814. Of this family James is the only living member. James Ackelson was born October 3, 1807, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., and during his boyhood attended the old log schoolhouse, furnished with slab seats, puncheon floors, and lighted by means of greased paper windows. In 1832 he was married to Mary Donaldson, who was born in 1813, a daughter of Jacob Donaldson, a resident of Hopewell township. Three children were born to this marriage, namely: Samuel (deceased), Thomas (living on the home farm) and Margaret (wife of William Frazier, of Frankfort, Beaver Co., Penn.). The mother died in 1863, and was laid to rest in the Robinson Church cemetery. On March 18, 1869, Mr. Ackelson made a second choice in the person of Rachel, daughter of Hugh and Rachel (Reed) Wilson, of Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Ackelson has always been a prosperous farmer, and of late years, has retired from active business, his son managing the place. Before the war he was a Democrat, but since then he has been an earnest advocate of the principles embodied in the Republican party. He is a vigorous man for one of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Ackelson are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Frankfort.

Text taken from page 910 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 pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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