My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL KING McELHENY, farmer, Dorseyville, was born in this county in 1846, son of Cortland King and Mary (Patton) McElheny, who were born in Washington county in 1816, and in this county in 1817, respectively. His father learned the trade of cabinet-maker in Pittsburgh, and afterward rented a farm in Indiana township (near Hampton), then bought the farm where Samuel now lives. He was a member of Pine Creek Presbyterian Church, and an elder in the church at Bakerstown at the time of his death, which occurred in September, 1884. His widow died in January, 1888. His maternal grandfather was one of the earliest settlers in Indiana township, and his grandfather was in the war of 1812. Both of his great-grandfathers were in the revolutionary war. Samuel was educated in the common schools of this township, and at the age of seventeen he enlisted in Co. D, 77th regiment, P. V. I., 4th corps, Army of the Cumberland. They were sent to the front, and reached Nashville just after the battle; then were sent to Alabama, New Orleans and Texas, but had no engagements, and were discharged in November, 1865. He succeeded his father after the death of the latter, and continued to cultivate the home farm. He was married in April, 1884, to Sarah J. Brown, a native of Ireland, who came to this country with her parents when she was a baby, and settled in Moon township, where she resided until 1865. Three children, two of whom are deceased, were born to Mr. and Mrs. McElheny; Mary Alice is living. Mrs. McElheny is a member of the East Union M. P. Church. Mr. McElheny is a republican, member of the G. A. R., Post No. 38, and has been assessor and register of the township. He has eighty-four acres of land, with fine buildings.