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676. ABRAM6 BEACHLEY CLIFFORD (Edward5, Joseph4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born 7 October 1841; died 20 February 1932; buried in Ligonier Valley Cemetery.2080 On 29 October 1868,2081 he married MARGARET BEST (daughter of William and Catherine Campbell Best); born 27 March 1844; died 24 November 1889;2082 buried in Ligonier Valley Cemetery.2083 Abram came into possession of his grandfather Joseph Clifford's homestead, which had passed to Abram's father Edward Clifford. As indicated under Joseph, the homestead was the center of Clifford family activity and a repository for Clifford family records. We owe a great debt to Charles D. Clifford (#1981) (Fort Mitchell, Kentucky) for describing, having first-hand knowledge, the old homestead and the Cliffords living there. Charles had met Abram and had been in the house.2084 Abram was the last Clifford to own the farm. When Abram's estate was settled, probably circa 1932, the farm was sold to people named Menzie.2085 There was an article in the November 1928 issue (Volume 76, Number 11, page 15) of The American Rifleman entitled "Pennsylvania handmade guns," by Gilbert Irwin. The article features a picture of the six feet four Abram Clifford holding two rifles, the smaller one being a handmade gun by his uncle William Clifford (#233). 
Photo 14. Abram Clifford (1841-1932), circa 1930. In 1870, Abram, Margaret and first child, Edward, were living in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County. Also living with the family in 1870 was an Emma Rickard.2086 The family in 1880, now of six children, was still in Ligonier Township.2087 Abram's wife, Margaret, died in 1899. In 1900, Abram and children Willie May, Hargnett, Simon, Margie and Paul were still in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County.2088 In 1910, Abram, Simon Y. and Paul were enumerated in Ligonier Township; in 1920, Paul was the only child with his father in Ligonier Township;2089 in 1930, Simon and Mae were with their father in Ligonier Township.2090 Abram Clifford provided some of the Clifford information that appeared in Old and New Westmoreland, 1918, Volumes I and II, by John Newton Boucher and Volumes III and IV, by F. Y. Hedley. Abram wrote Robert S. Clifford (#1384) 6 July 1921: " … Mr. Boucher thought I could give you more information concerning the Cliffords than he could as I helped him get up what is in the Westmoreland history about the Cliffords."2091 From the Ligonier Echo, 3 October 1888:2092 A Democratic meeting was held in Ligonier last Thursday evening. The meeting was organized by the election of Mr. N. M. Marker as chairman; Jacob Keffer [see #1199], Secretary; Abraham [Abram] Clifford [#676], Richard Huston, and J. M. McKelvey, Vice Presidents. Mr. Vin E. Williams, the first speaker, gave a talk on the tariff from a Democratic standpoint. Mr Williams was followed by Mr. I. E. Lauffer, who seemed very much in earnest, and expressed his views very forcibly. All seemed pleased with the meeting. From the Ligonier Echo, 11 December 1889:2093
The ransomed spirit of Mrs. Margaret C. Clifford, after weeks of sore chastening, passed peacefully away on Sabbath morning, November 24, and her body laid to rest in the cemetery at Ligonier on Wednesday afternoon, November 27th, followed by a large concourse of relatives and friends and the love of many who were not present.
Mrs. Clifford was the daughter of Wm. Best, Esq. of Latrobe. She was born at the old parental home near Stahlstown, on the 27th of March, 1844. At the age of 14 years she made a profession of the faith in Christ and united with the Pleasant Grove Presbyterian Church, during the pastorate of Rev. J. A. Brown. On the removal of her parents to Latrobe, she transferred her membership to that church. The cultured voice of her girlhood, so full of sweet melody, not only filled the home with music and sweetened the services at the family altar, but in the sanctuary it was an inspiration and help to other hearts, besides her own, to a more joyous communion. After her marriage to A. B. Clifford, Esq., which was solemnized by Rev. W. F. Hamilton, D. D., October 29, 1868, and on their establishment in their valley home, which her life adorned, she "cast her lot" with the Ligonier Presbyterian Church to whose welfare she was devoted, until the Lord called her to the church triumphant. Her loss here will be keenly felt, since her place in the house of God, with one or more of her family, whether in sunshine or storm, was not often vacant. In her life, christian faith and happy death, her husband and children (eight of whom remain, two having gone before) will find a source of comfort and an incentive to follow in her footsteps in anticipation of the joyous reunion in the sweet home beyond: "In the dawning of the morning. When the mists have cleared away. Where we can interpret our sorrows and our grief, And for each and every mystery find a key, Our hearts gladly responding God Knoweth best."
681. EDWARD6 MCDOWELL (Rebecca5 Clifford, Joseph4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born circa 1842-1844; married ADELLA [-?-]; born circa 1846.2121 Adella's maiden name might have been Adella Wimer (conjecture on my part), daughter of Gabriel and Elizabeth [-?-] Wimer, who in 1850 were living in Ligonier Borough, with children Michael Wimer, age 11; Susan Wimer, age 9; Elizabeth Wimer, age 7; Adella Wimer, age 5; and Sarah E. Wimer, age 3.2122 In 1870, Edward, Adella and an Anne Weaver, age 18, student, were living in Ligonier Borough, where Edward was enumerated as a watchmaker.2123 In 1880, Edward and family were living in Somerset, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where Edward's occupation was jewelry repair.2124
682. JAMES6 LOUTHER MENOHER (adopted) (Ann5 Clifford, Joseph4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born 1858; died 1886; buried in Fort Palmer Cemetery, Fairfield Township, Westmoreland County.2125 No Menoher child was enumerated with James and Ann (Clifford) Menoher in 1860.2126 However in 1870, still in Fairfield Township, a James Menoher; born circa 1858 (when Ann would have been age about 45) was enumerated with Ann and James.2127 He was the James L. Menoher, 1858-1886, buried in the same area of Fort Palmer Cemetery as James and Ann (Clifford) Menoher.2128 The quandary was resolved when I read the 1879 will of James Menoher,2129 husband of Ann (Clifford) Menoher: "… at the death of my beloved wife Anne Menoher the remainder of my property real, personal, and mixed shall be given to James Menoher Louther who is now my adopted son James Menoher." Who then were the parents of James Menoher Louther? James Menoher also mentioned in his will the "three children of Amos Louther." The 1850 federal census for Fairfield Township lists Jane A. Beam, born 1832, living with James and Ann (Clifford) Menoher. (Jane was a daughter of Thomas L. and Rachel Clifford Beam, #235). Jane was to marry Amos Louther. The 1860 federal census for Fairfield Township lists the first child of Amos and Jane Louther as James M. Louther, born circa 1858.2130 Hence James Menoher Louther became James Louther Menoher when he was adopted by his great aunt, Jane (Clifford) Menoher (#238), and his first cousin twice removed, James Menoher (#258). See also Chart 2: "Some Clifford-Menoher-McKelvey relationships." 683. THOMAS6 GORDON CLIFFORD (John5, Thomas4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born 13 December 1822;2131 died 28 April 1898 in Bolivar, Allegany County, New York; buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery (part of the larger Grove Hill Cemetery, where some of our Zinn ancestors are buried), Oil City, Venango County, Pennsylvania; married MARY ANN [-?-]; born circa 1840 in Pennsylvania. Thomas's obituary was in the Bolivar Breeze (New York), 5 May 1898. The obituary reports Thomas coming to Venango County from Westmoreland County during the oil excitement. The Drake Well was brought-in on Saturday, 27 August 1859 on Oil Creek, Venango County, Pennsylvania. This heralded the beginning of the petroleum industry and about 10 years of oil activity in the Oil Creek valley and vicinity the likes of which has seldom been matched anywhere in North America. Thomas was apparently enumerated twice in 1850: with his parents in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County (age 28, "manage RR")2132 and as Thomas G. Clifford in Conemaugh Township, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, (age 28, "clerk") with Samuel Ketteman (age 28, also a clerk), Jane Ketteman (age 25), and Susan Allen.2133 Probably his railroad duties had him in both places during the census period, although, of course, he could not have been in both places on census day, 1 June. By 1868 and continuing to at least 1871, Thomas and wife Mary Ann were buying and selling land in Venango County, Pennsylvania.2134 In 1870, Thomas and Mary were enumerated in Oil City;2135 at that time Thomas was listed with $5000 real estate and $10,000 personal property. For more on purchasing land in Venango County, see end note #2134. Thomas G. Clifford drilled an oil well in the middle of Oil City, Pennsylvania, in the mid 1860s. There is a picture of Thomas Gordon Clifford, standing by his well, called The Gordon Clifford Well, in Oil City, on page 144 of Venango County Panorama (1984).2136 According to a 26 August 1985 report of Mary M. Platt, Venango County genealogist, to Charles D. Clifford (#1981), Thomas G. Clifford had a street named after him in Oil City, apparently because it was on his property. It was only a block long, and sad to say it no longer exists, the whole area having been demolished for a car park in the 1970s. 
Photo 15. Thomas Gordon Clifford (#683) (1822-1898) and his oil well in the middle of Oil City, Venango County, Pennsylvania. The legend reads: "The Gordon Clifford Well was located in the heart of Oil City and the owner is seen in the top hat in the center of this Frank Robbins Photo taken in 1869." From page 144 of Venango County Panorama. A Salute to Its People. A Pictorial History of Venango County, Pennsylvania. Walsworth Publishers, Marcene Missouri, 275 pages, 1983, published by the Venango County Historical Society, (eds.): Carolle Michener, Dennis Armstrong, Heasley, Beverly Snyder, Barbara Harvey). With permission of the Venango County Historical Society. Thomas and Mary Ann Clifford were enumerated in Clinton Township, Venango County, in 1880.2137 Thomas's age was given as 57, (no occupation was given), Mary A. was 40 and daughter Emma was 19. Also living in the Clinton Township household was John A. Shaney (age 30), "partner,;" Julia Shaney (age 26);"Si. L.;" and Mabel Shaney (age 1), "daughter." That this Thomas and Mary A. Clifford of Clinton Township were of our Cliffords is confirmed by Thomas's obituary (see below), which mentions Julia Schaney and Miss Schaney. But where was Emma in the 1870 census? And why wasn't she mentioned, even if deceased, in Thomas's obituaries, and what was Thomas doing in southern Venango County (Clinton Township) in 1880? Thomas moved to Bradford, McKean County, Pennsylvania, where he was a hotel proprietor, before coming to Bolivar, New York, where he was the proprietor of the Newton House, the Clark House and the Capital Cafe. This from Bolivar Breeze (New York), 5 May 1898: Thomas G. Clifford proprietor of the Capital Cafe (Bolivar, New York); died at his home on Main Street, just before noon last Thursday (April 28, 1898), as briefly announced last issue of this paper… . Mr. Clifford was born at Ligonier, Pennsylvania, and was 76 years old. In his younger days, he was manager of an iron furnace. When the oil excitement swept over Oil Creek he went there and was all through the Pithole excitement. When Pithole went down, Mr. Clifford went to Bradford, Pennsylvania where he conducted a hotel. Fourteen years ago he came to Bolivar. He was proprietor of the Newton House for three years and later conducted the Clark House. For the past year he conducted the Capital Cafe. He was a kindly man and all who knew him were his friends. Mr. Clifford was a man of fine physique and bore a strong facial resemblance to James G. Blaine, whom he admired very much. Mr. Clifford never told the writer that he was proud of the resemblance to Blaine but we believe he was, and his pride was pardonable.[2138] Mr. Clifford leaves a wife, two sisters and two brothers. One of his brothers is a Judge in Montana. Brief funeral services were held at the house last Friday evening at 7:30, conducted by Rev. F. W. Berlin, Pastor of the M. E. Church. The body was taken to Oil City Saturday for interment. The funeral party was composed of Mrs. Clifford, Mrs. Julia Schaney, Miss Schaney, James Duncan, Mrs. James McEvoy, Mrs. R. J. Baker and Mrs. B. McSteen. The sympathy of the community is extended to Mrs. Clifford. There was also a short obituary for Thomas Clifford in the Oil City Blizzard, 29 and 30 April 1898.
In 1872, a Lillie Clifford was interred in lot 92, section 6, of Grove Hill Cemetery, Oil City, Pennsylvania. The owner of this lot was Thomas G. Clifford.2140 Probably Lillie Clifford was also a daughter of Thomas and Mary [-?-] Clifford and was born after the 1870 census. 685. JAMES6 F. CLIFFORD (John5, Thomas4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born circa 1830; died of heart disease 29 November 1897 in Oil City, Venango County; buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Oil City, Pennsylvania.2141 In 1860, James was living in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County, with his mother and sister Rebecca.2142 He moved to Oil City in 1863;2143 married JANE [-?-] (probably Mary Jane, see below); born circa 1845. There was a James Clifford living in Ebenburg Boro, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, in 1860, but he was born circa 1819 in Ireland.2144 In 1880, James, wife Mary [-?-] and daughter Sarah were enumerated in Oil City, Pennsylvania; James was listed as "works in Bbb factor."2145 A deed was recorded between James F. Clifford and John Clifford, Jr., (his brother) of Blair County, Pennsylvania, 7 July 1857. In this transaction James F. Clifford sold land in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County, to John Clifford, Jr., of Houston Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania. The tract of land was known as Oak Grove Furnace land in Ligonier Township, and was being sold in consideration of John paying the final judgment, which amounted to over $6,000.2146 See under John Clifford, Jr. (#686), for more information. According to his obituary,2147 James went west during the 1849 gold excitement and acquired a large fortune, "which he later lost." James apparently was in the Oil Creek area, Venango County, Pennsylvania, during the oil excitement of the early 1860s. James was not yet married in 1870, when he was enumerated in Oil City, Venango County, with his sister Catherine (McSteen) and her husband and family.2148 In 1880, James, age 50, was living in Oil City with wife Mary, age 35, and daughter Sarah, age 8.2149 He was still living in Oil City in 19002150 A 3 December 1897 item in the Bolivar Breeze (New York) reports his brother Thomas G. returning to Bolivar from Oil City after the funeral of James F. in Oil City.
686. JOHN6 CLIFFORD, JR. (John5, Thomas4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born circa 1832. John apparently went west with brother James, but in 1850 he was still at home, listed as a sawyer.2152 In 1857, John was living in Blair County (see below). According to a letter from Charles D. Clifford (#1981):2153 "John meandered around some and moved northward into Montana where he lingered in a place called Chico. After residing there for some time and becoming acquainted with the citizenry, the community came in need of a judge and John was elected. Although John appeared to have been unmarried, he had acquired a few acres and place of abode near a stream not far from town. It was his custom to visit town each day and once when no one had seen him for two days the townspeople investigated and found him lying dead near the stream, part of his head and shoulders being in the water. Evidently a heart attack had laid him low. Ironically, his sister Mrs. Catherine McSteen arrived on the train the day after John's body was found. She had not seen him for many years and was planning to surprise him and had to be sadly informed that she was within just a few days of finding him alive and well." In 1857, John was living in Houston Township, Blair County, Pennsylvania. We know this because of a deed,2154 involving a large amount of money, between John and his brother James F. Clifford of Westmoreland County: … James F. Clifford of the first part … sells unto John Clifford, Jr., of the second part … certain tract of land situated in Ligonier Tp., … known as Oak Grove Furnace land containing eighty acres … in consideration the said John Clifford, Jr. … agrees to pay the Tanner Judgement which is on record against said property amounting to Six thousand two hundred and twenty eight Dollars, the Deed to be made at any time the said John Clifford, Jr., shall release the said James F. Clifford from the payment of said Tanner Judgment … I do not know the significance of the Tanner Judgment. Recall that John and James's father, Colonel John Clifford, had an iron blast furnace, the Oak Grove furnace, on Mill Creek, located about one half mile above the junction with Hanna's Run, Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County. This furnace in 1857 was owned by James Tanner of Pittsburgh (see under John Clifford, #240). 687. CATHERINE6 CLIFFORD (John5, Thomas4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born February 1836;2155 died 13 March 1920 in Cleveland, Ohio;2156 buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Oil City, Pennsylvania; married BERNARD (also BARTHOLOMEW, also WILLIAM) MCSTEEN; born 10 June 1830;2157 died 10 August 1905 in Oil City. According to Bernard's obituary, Bernard McSteen emigrated in 1852 from Ireland to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, where he was associated with the Washington Iron Furnace. He was an accountant and store clerk. Bernard and Catherine married in Westmoreland County; then moved to Somerset County, Pennsylvania, where Bernard was a bookkeeper for the Forwardston Furnace. In 1862, Bernard and family came to Oil City, Pennsylvania, where he was in the mercantile business-in 1880, he was listed as "grocery."2158 Bernard was elected alderman of the Second Ward of Oil City for several consecutive terms.2159 In 1885, Bernard was the presiding executor of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association (Branch 5, Oil City).2160
Bernard's obituary reports he and Catherine had nine children. Names of the other three are not known. 689. REBECCA6 CLIFFORD (John5, Thomas4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born circa 1841-1844; died 15 September 1916 at the home of her daughter Elizabeth (Baker) Halloran in Cleveland, Ohio; buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Oil City, Pennsylvania. Rebecca married, in 1865, JACOB SYLVESTER BAKER; died circa 1874.2163 Jacob was a lieutenant in the Union Army during the Civil War.2164 In 1860, Rebecca Clifford, listed as age 18, was living with her mother, Jane, and brother James in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County.2165 According to her obituary,2166 Rebecca moved from the Ligonier area to Oil City, Venango County, Pennsylvania, with her parents "when a young lady." "… during the oil excitement in the Cherry Run field, Mr. and Mrs. Baker lived in the valley, immediately above Rouseville [Rouseville is a few miles north of Oil City]."2167 The family eventually moved to Oil City.2168 Rebecca and children Charles and Elizabeth were living in Oil City in 1880, at which time both children were reported attending "Soldiers Orphan School."2169 This census reported Rebecca born circa 1844. In 1900, Rebecca, "widow," was enumerated in Oil City with Clifford Halloran, born May 1895, a (sic) "nephew"2170 (should be grandson). This census lists Rebecca born April 1850, which is probably an error-although the 1910 census also reports her born 1850. In 1910, Rebecca was living in Venango County, with two non-relatives.2171
699. CHARLES6 LEMON CLIFFORD (William5, Thomas4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born 8 October 1861 in Westmoreland County; died 18 April 1931 in Independence, Montgomery County, Kansas; buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Independence, Kansas; married SARAH JANE VERBRYCK; born 24 December 1866 in Johnson County, Indiana; died 10 January 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Her parents were Richard S. and Sarah Jane Riggs (Hildebrandt) Verbryck.2178
709. SARAH6 CLIFFORD (presumably adopted) (Robert5 Charles4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born circa 1848-1849. In 1850, a Sarah Clifford (age 2) was living with the Jacob and Susan Knopp family in Ligonier Township2179-about 25 dwellings from James (#251) and Matilda Clifford's dwelling but over a hundred dwellings from Robert's dwelling. However, the dwelling was next to the dwelling of John and Mary (Clifford) Taylor (#230). Mary was a daughter of Joseph and Isabel (Pritchett) Clifford. I believe this Sarah Clifford was the Sarah enumerated in 1860 with Robert, Mary A. and Noah Clifford. I also believe she was the Sally A. Clifford of Ligonier who married Noah Barnhart 25 December 1866. Both Sally and Noah were listed from the Ligonier area.2180 In 1870, Noah Barnart, born circa 1849 in Pennsylvania, and Sarah Barnhart, born circa 1850 in Pennsylvania, were living in Ligonier Township with their children (1) Thomas Barnhart, born circa 1868 in Pennsylvania, and (2) Mary A. Barnhart, born circa 1870 in Pennsylvania.2181 Also in the household was Frank Johnson (circa 1858) and Mary Barnhart (born circa 1805). In 1880, Noah, Sarah, and children (3) Catherine Barnhart, born circa 1873; (4) Calvin Barnhart, born circa 1877; and (5) Clifford Barnhart, born circa 1877, were living in Derry Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, where Noah was enumerated as a coal miner.2182 This Noah was probably the Noah Barnhart (born circa 1849), living with David Barnhart (born circa 1784), Mary Barnhart (born circa 1804-she was probably the Mary Barnhart living Noah and Sarah in 1870), Josiah Barnhart, and Mary A. Barnhart (born circa 1841) in Ligonier Township in 1860.2183 710. NOAH6 M. CLIFFORD (adopted) (Robert5, Charles4, Charles3, James2, unknown Clifford1); born 2 March 1854; died 1941; buried in Ligonier Valley Cemetery, Ligonier, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania; married MARY B. CLARK2184 (her father was Harvey Clark), born December 1856; died February 1928; buried in Ligonier Valley Cemetery.2185 Noah, a farmer, and family were living in Ligonier in 1880, 1900, and 1910.2186 In 1930, Noah was living with his daughter Laura and Laura's husband, Charles Horner, in Ligonier Township.2187 Mary A. Clifford, widow of Robert Clifford and listed as mother of Noah, was also living with the family in 1900. Noah and wife Mary B., daughter Lavina and "granddaughter" Mary Clifford, born circa 1904 (possibly a daughter of Joseph Clifford, #1301), were still in Ligonier Township in 1920.2188 Noah apparently was an adopted son of Robert and Mary A. Clifford. This is confirmed in a 10 August 2000 email of Ronald Moen who descends from Noah Clifford's daughter Emma (Clifford) Hoover (#1305).
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