Memorials › William John Calhoun

William John Calhoun

22 Dec 1828 – 19 Apr 1913

Birth22 Dec 1828
Death19 Apr 1913
CemeteryBeechwoods Cemetery
Falls Creek , Jefferson County , Pennsylvania , USA
Added byMona Anderson on 11 Jul 2008
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8879471

Bio

BROCKWAY(VILLE) (PA) RECORD, April 1913 AGED RESIDENT CALLED HOME William John Calhoun Dies After an Illness of Three Months, Was 84 Years of Age One of the Original Members of the First Beechwoods Presbyterian Church William John Calhoun, one of the oldest and among the best known of pioneer residents of the Beechwoods district, died at the home of his son, Charles Edward, in Washington township, last Saturday after an illness of three months' duration. Death was due to the infirmities of old age, the deceased having reached the remarkable age of 84 years and 4 months. The news of the demise of this venerable gentleman was received with deep regret throughout the north end of the county where Mr. Calhoun had spent the greater part of his career and where he was a familiar figure from the time of the early pioneer days. William John Calhoun was one of the handful of settlers who established themselves in what at that time was a dense wilderness and braved the hardships and trials that only those of the earlier days fully appreciate. He was one of the men, who through persistence and courage, became one of the strong pillars in holding together the little community and assisting in its development to the most beautiful farming centre in the country. For 68 years Mr. Calhoun has been closely identified with the renowned Beechwoods district and its affairs and it is but natural that his demise should cause general regret and sorrow in the county. William John Calhoun was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in December, 1828, and came to America in 1848, locating for a short time in Philadelphia county. He later came to this section and decided to cast his fortunes with others of his countrymen who had the Beechwoods for their destination and he made his home in that district ever since. In 1857 Mr. Calhoun was married to Ruth Ross and they established a homestead on what is now known as the old Calhoun place. Eight children, five sons and three daughters were born to them as follows: Charles Edward, of Rockdale Mills, James Ross, of Oklahoma; Andrew Elmer, of Snyder township; Nancy Margaret, who died in 1891, Mary Ida, wife of W. C. Moore, who died in 1897; Carrie May, wife of L. W. Perrin, who died in 1908, John C. of Beechwoods; William Presley, of Kansas. Mrs. Calhoun died 28 years ago. The descendents of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun numbered 43 grandchildren, 33 of whom are living; 4 great-grandchildren, 3 of whom are living. The family throughout is one of the most influential in this section as well as in other places where they have settled. Mr. Calhoun was a gentleman of high christian ideals and his life-walk was one of courage, uprightness and sterling worth. He united with the Beechwoods Presbyterian church June 12, 1857, and he was always an interested and active member of that congregation. He was one of the small company of christians who established the original church there and he was always a staunch and reliable pillar to the end. Mr. Calhoun followed lumbering and farming as an occupation and his homestead was one of the finest and most hospitable places in the district. Following the death of Mrs. Calhoun he made his home with members of his family. During the past five years he made his home with his son, Charles, where the sunset of his career dissolved itself into eternal peace and rest after a career that was one of general usefulness and good. The funeral was held Tuesday, service at the Beechwoods Presbyterian church at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Palmer, of the Falls Creek Presbyterian church, and interment was made in the Beechwoods cemetery. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends at the funeral, many coming from a great distance to pay a last tribute to the venerable pioneer. EXCERPT FROM McKNIGHT'S HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY : William John Calhoun was a scion of sterling Irish ancestry. He was raised and educated in that beautiful section of the fair Emerald Isle. In 1848, as an ambitious young man of 20 years, he came to America, settling in the Beechwoods, and here he continued to stage his activities during the remainder of his active career, while he passed the remainder of life in gracious prosperity which he won throughout earnest endeavors.

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