ROBERT COULTER, one of the representative farmers of Carroll township, is a son of James Coulter, who was born in Ireland. When but six years of age, James came with his parents to America, and they first located in eastern Pennsylvania, and then came to Williamsport (now Monongahela). When a young man he married Miss Blakney, who lived but a short time, and his second choice was Nancy Nichols, who resided near Pittsburgh, Penn. She bore him children as follows: Rachel B. (deceased), William (now living in Monongahela), James (deceased), and Robert. The father was a Whig and Republican in politics, and in religious faith a member of the Presbyterian Church. He passed the remainder of his life in Monongahela, and was injured while hauling a load of fodder, having been thrown from a wagon, and breaking his leg above the ankle. He died in 1823, from the effects of the injury, at the age of sixty-nine years, followed by his wife in 1843. Robert Coulter was born February 18, 1822, in Monongahela, Penn., and there learned the carpenter's trade. He was a poor boy, but by constant industry succeeded in accumulating property in a few years. He followed his trade for eleven years, and during that time was married, in June, 1842, to Miss Eliza Keenan, who was a daughter of Samuel Keenan, and granddaughter of James Keenan. Mrs. Coulter died leaving the following children, none of whom are living: James, Samuel K., Raphael, Robert, and William K. Robert Coulter married Miss Mary Jane McCain, of Monongahela, January 4, 1855, and to them twelve children were born. Those yet living are named as follows: Edward R., Joseph H., Charles H., Rowland C., Eliza May, and Dora F., all of whom are residing with their parents. After making several very profitable investments in coal land, Robert Coulter bought 202 acres of fine land in Carroll township, where he is now living. Many improvements have been made upon this farm since the present owner purchased it, and his eminent success is due to no other human aid than his own. He suffered a terrible misfortune in the loss of one limb and injury to the other. His right leg was amputated just below the knee to prevent mortification, and the left leg was broken. It is now as useful as before the accident, while an artificial limb takes the place of that which was amputated. He was formerly a Whig, and has been a Republican since the organization of that party. In religious faith he is a member of the M. E. Church.

Text taken from page 876 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 April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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