CLOSSER, JOHN and DEMAS, are representatives of one of the oldest families of Amwell township. Their grandfather, John Closser, moved from "Old Virginia" to Washington county, Penn., about 1790, and, settling on the farm which is now the property of Stephen B. Day, took up a tract of 200 acres, which he owned for several years. He was united in marriage with a Miss Peck, of Amwell township, and to their union were born three sons and two daughters: James, Daniel, Anna (Mrs. Chambers), A. J. and Athla (Mrs. Van Kirk). Mr. Closser had a limited school education, but was a well-informed man. Politically he was a Democrat, always taking an active interest in the welfare of his party and all public affairs of the township. In his religious views he was a Quaker. He lived on the farm twenty-four years, and after his death, which occurred in 1814, it became the property of his two sons. A. J. Closser was born in 1813 on the old homestead in Amwell township, and remained there thirty years, engaging in farm work. He was educated in the common schools, and was a well-read and intelligent man for that period. In 1842 he was married to Annie Moninger, who died in 1847, leaving two sons, John and Franklin. After the death of this wife Mr. Closser married, in 184 , Sarah Totten, and to this union were born five sons and one daughter: Demas, Henry M., James W., Samples S., Francis Moran and Anna. In 1852 Mr. Closser purchased the farm of 120 acres now occupied by his son John, and two years afterward sold it, and purchased the place which is his present home. He is a Democrat, but votes for principle regardless of party divisions, when he thinks occasion demands it. JOHN CLOSSER, son of A. J. and Annie (Moninger) Closser, was born February 8, 1843, on the ancestral acres in Amwell township, and when nine years of age moved to the farm which he still occupies. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and remained during the whole service. He was in all the engagements of his company, was not wounded, but had five holes made in his clothing from the enemy's bullets, and he was once slightly injured by a ball. After his return from the war, he turned to the more peaceful life of an agriculturist. He was united in marriage with Miss Annita Mowl, of West Bethlehem township, Washington county, which union was blessed with four children: Maggie B., Willie C., Pearl and Flora. In political opinion Mr. Closser follows in the steps of his forefathers, and votes the Democratic ticket. He has been justice of the peace in Amwell township eight years, and during that time, becoming interested in law, has passed his leisure time in the diligent study of the principles of that profession, and so well has he improved the time that he will be soon admitted to practice. He was for three years a student at Pleasant Valley Academy. Mr. Closser and his family are all earnest workers in the Disciple Church of Lone Pine. DEMAS CLOSSER was born in 184 , on the old farm of Stephen Day, and remained there about five years, when his parents brought him to the old Closser place, situated on the north branch of Ten-Mile creek. He remained on this farm fifteen years, attending the common schools, working for his father by the month, and giving him his wages until he was twenty one years of age, when he continued to work by the month for four years; then bought part of the old Riggle farm, on which he lived for about five years; then sold this, purchased and came to his present home. In 1874 he was married to Mary Luellen, who has borne him three children: Gracie Estella Myrtie, May C. and George Lalier. Mr. Closser has a valuable farm of sixty-seven acres, equal to any land in the vicinity. Politically he is a Democrat, and takes a warm interest in all questions pertaining to good local or national government.

Text taken from page 1456 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 pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]