My Genealogy Hound

HON. HENRY LARGE, retired, post office Cosgrove, was born Dec. 26, 1798, in St. Clair township, Allegheny county, Pa. His paternal grandfather, a native of New Jersey, and of French descent, was an enthusiastic patriot, and aided the colonies He was a shoemaker, but also owned a farm which he sold for four thousand dollars in continental money, which was worthless He had three children: Jonathan, John and Mrs. Tracy. He located in Elizabeth township, and died there; his widow then came to her son, John Large, and died there aged one hundred and two years. John Large married Nancy, daughter of Henry Low, and in 1810 came to Mifflin township, where he bought a farm which now contains 167 acres He and his wife had eight children viz.: Jonathan, Samuel, Henry, Isaac, Thomas, Mrs. Hannah Livingston, Mrs. Nancy Livingston and Mrs. Margaret Patterson. Of these Henry, who now owns the farm, married Jane, daughter of Col. Joel Ferree who fought under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812. Mrs. Large died March 28, 1885, aged over eighty years, the mother of seven children: John (who was captain in Co. C 102d P. V., and was killed at the battle of Salem Heights), Mrs. Christina Hays, Joel F., Mrs. Amanda Davidson, Mrs. Nancy J. Forsythe, Henry L. and Elizabeth (widow of John Gordon, who died March 30, 1888) Mrs. Gordon has six children: Mrs. Jennie McGowan, David B., John L., Willie H., Ella H. and Charlie A. The subject of this memoir learned the sickle and scythe-maker’s trade with Adam Coon, and in 1824 he had 225 dozen on hand, which were of little value yet constituted all his wealth. He is a natural mechanic, and made boilers, engines, distilleries and mills, in Williamsport and Mifflin township. Politically he is a republican; for two years he was justice of the peace, and was elected to the house of representatives in 1848. He passed several important measures through the house, and won distinction for his able addresses. In 1849 he was re-elected, serving both years on the committee of claims. For fourteen years he was captain of the Union Artillery company. He has been an elder of the Lebanon Presbyterian Church for many years.