My Genealogy Hound

CAPT. JACOB LASHELL (deceased), steam boat-owner, captain, boat-builder, lumber-manufacturer and farmer, was born in Adams county, Pa., July 13, 1812, a son of Jacob and Mary E. (Clark) Lashell, natives of Adams county. The grandfather of the subject of this sketch was George Lashell, of Adams county, who had a stage-line and a hotel. Capt. Lashell came to Allegheny county in 1836 with Robert Cochran, and located at what is now Lashell’s Ferry. They cut wood for steamboats the first winter, and Lashell went on the river. He soon became captain, then owner of the Caroline, Beulah and Market Boy, and was part owner of the Melnotte. He made seventy trips to New Orleans, and was an able and intelligent man. He was united in marriage Jan. 9, 1839, with Sarah A. Boley, who was born on her father’s homestead, near Lashell’s Ferry, Moon township, Allegheny county, Pa., Dec. 27, 1823, a daughter of John and Mary (Downard) Boley, natives of Washington county, Pa. Mr. Boley served in the war of 1812. To Capt. and Mrs. Lashell were born four children: Mary, drowned at the age of ten years; George A., married to Margaret McElherren, and residing in Allegheny, Pa.; John R., married to Elizabeth Onstott, and residing near Sharon, Moon township, and Leanora L., wife of William McKown, in Robinson township. Capt. Lashell was county commissioner one term; was a delegate to the democratic convention, and was county supervisor many years. He was also justice of the peace for fifteen years. He died April 11, 1886. Mrs. Lashell and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. She still owns the old place and ferry.