ROBERT S. McCULLOUGH. In proportion to its population, Hanover township can justly claim as large a number of pioneer families whose names have been indissolubly woven with the history of Pennsylvania, as any township in the noble Keystone State. Among the many who have assisted in the development of Hanover township is the gentleman whose name introduces this biography. John McCullough (familiarly known as "'Squire Mc") was born in 1807, near Hookstown, Beaver Co., Penn. He passed his boyhood in attending the ordinary subscription schools, then learned the carpenter's trade, and in early manhood he began to follow that business in Florence, Washington county. He was there married to Lydia Jackson, who was born in 1807, in Hanover township, this county. She bore him four children, viz.: Rebecca (wife of Alexander McConnell), Agnes (Mrs. Levi Culley, of Florence), Elizabeth (married to Silas Dorman, of Burgettstown, Penn.) and John E. (of Florence, Penn.). The mother of this family was laid to rest July 6, 1842, in Florence, Penn., and Mr. McCullough afterward married Mrs. Deborah (Jackson) Smith, a widow lady, and two children blessed their union, viz.: Robert S., of whom a sketch follows, and Margaret E., deceased wife of Robert Scott, a merchant of Florence, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough resided in Florence, where he followed his trade for many years. He finally bought a farm, which his son managed, the father continuing to reside in town. John McCullough was possessed of a very sympathetic nature, and was a warm friend of the colored race, having been a sturdy Abolitionist; in politics he was an enthusiastic advocate of the principles embodied in the Democratic platform. He served as justice of the peace in Hanover township for thirty-two years, giving perfect satisfaction. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was trustee. He died June 4, 1875, mourned by many warm friends. His widow is yet living with her son Robert S., and her step is as firm, her movements as swift as those of many a woman of sixty years, though she has passed her four score years and six.
Robert S. McCullough, son of John and Deborah McCullough, was born February 14, 1844, in Florence, Penn., and received a common-school education. He was an active, energetic youth, and passed his early manhood in various pursuits. On February 27, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Shields, who was born in 1842 in Hanover township. The young couple first located in Florence, Penn., and in 1874 moved to the farm in Hanover township, which he now occupies. He purchased it on time, and by excellent management combined with industry soon freed his home from debt. He believes in looking at the bright side of life; therefore, while many others were wasting time grumbling about "hard times," he was persevering in the duties of each day, until he is now recognized as one of the most systematic and successful farmers of Hanover township. Mr. McCullough deals extensively in stock and wool, and is specially interested in the wool-growing industry. Politically he has always supported the Democratic party; his wife is a member of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCullough has never sought political preference, choosing rather to devote his time and attention to his varied business interests, in which he has been eminently successful. His career in life furnishes a striking example of what may be accomplished by energy and enterprise. Starting at the foot of the ladder, with a capital consisting of naught but pluck and energy, he has pushed himself forward through his own efforts, unaided save by the wise counsels of a faithful wife.
Text taken from page 991 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).Transcribed February 1997 by Marsha Richins of Columbia, MO as part of the Beers Project.
Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]