Relatively Speaking Blog

This year marks the semi-quincentennial anniversary of Westmoreland County PA’s formation. Formed from Bedford County, Westmoreland was the parent county of Fayette, Greene, Washington and parts of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver and Indiana counties in southwestern PA. There are many historical places in this region and some of my maternal ancestors, like Michael Rugh Sr., participated in the early history of these counties. Having grown up in Westmoreland County, I traveled around many of the same places that my ancestors had decades before.

In the 1770’s, the western frontier of colonial America was what is now Westmoreland and its surrounding counties. The British had fought the French and Native Americans to establish a stronghold in the area and encouraged settlement of the region. The times were perilous with threats of attacks by Native Americans who wanted to drive the colonists from their homeland. Despite this, the colonists continued to move west into the wilderness, cleared lands for farms, and built towns and villages.

County histories by George Dallas Albert, John N. Boucher, John W. Jordan and others provide a good background of the county and early history. These books usually mention pioneers of the county, like the Rugh family, particularly Michael Rugh, my 5th great grandfather. When about 10 years old, Michael came to America from the German/French/Swiss region of Europe with his family and lived in the eastern part of Pennsylvania before he moved west and become a prominent leader of Westmoreland.

Michael Rugh bought 400 acres of land in Westmoreland County from the government around 1772. From the other side of the state, he brought his wife Anna Franzina, and at least three of his sons, Michael Jr., Peter (my 4th great-grandfather), and Jacob. They settled in in the vicinity of Newtown, whose name soon changed to Greensburg. His property encapsulated what is today South Greensburg.

The day after the county was formed, Michael Rugh was named as a justice of the peace of the county courts. One of the histories mentioned that he was referred to as Squire Rugh. To attain this position, I imagine he had some formal education. Michael also must have been financially successful before he ventured west to afford a large piece of property.

During the destruction of Hannastown by Native Americans in 1782, Albert in his History of Westmoreland County, relayed first-hand accounts from some survivors who experienced the attacks on Hannastown, as well as stories handed down to their descendants. To thwart these attacks, blockhouses, which were fortified structures, were built to protect inhabitants. Michael’s wealth enabled him to build his own 2-story block house, which was used for protection during these attacks on the settlers. His building was on his property about 1 to 2 miles south of Greensburg. For inhabitants who were unable to make it to the nearest fort, the Rugh blockhouse likely was a place of refuge during the Hannastown attacks. Besides a sanctuary, his blockhouse was used as a supply depot during the Revolution.

In addition to being a justice of the peace, Michael was active in Greensburg politics of the day. After the destruction of Hannastown, which was the county seat at the time, a decision had to be made of where the county seat of Westmoreland County would be. Several committees were appointed, with no agreement. In 1785 Michael Rugh was elected to the board of commissioners. The first meetings, no agreement was found, but in December of that year, several members of the committee finally chose Greensburg to be the new county seat of Westmoreland. Michael then oversaw the building of the first courthouse and jail. Some of the histories report that Michael was also a coroner for the county.

In 1778, Michael’s son and his family were captured by Native Americans. Michael Jr., his wife, Lucia, and a son and daughter, whose names were not given, were held for several years, before taken to Canada where they were detained for a several more years. After the Revolutionary War they slowly made their way back to Westmoreland County and settled near Murrysville. The son died in captivity and Lucia died in 1809. Their daughter married Jacob Haymaker. Michael Jr. served in the state house of representatives before his death in 1820.

It is unclear when Michael Sr. or his wife Anna Franzina died. Some researchers have confused Michael Sr. and Jr. stating that Michael Sr. died in 1820. Michael Rugh was listed in Hempfield Township in the 1790 census. As he was not found in 1800 census, it would appear he died between 1790 and 1800. One source stated that Michael Sr. was buried in a family plot on his homestead. Likely, Anna Franzina was buried by him as well.

Some researchers presume that Anna Franzina died during the attacks on Hannastown and surrounding areas and list that Michael Sr. married Lucy Waltz without providing any clear evidence to support these opinions. Some histories mention that Michael Jr. married Lucia. Perhaps this is more confusion between father and son. With such prominent men of the county, somewhere there might be some document to help clear up any questions.

Michael Rugh was a successful leader in the formation of a new county in the colonial west. He took an active role in assisting with the governance of Westmoreland and with his blockhouse looked out for the safety of his neighbors. It’s intriguing to know that my ancestor was instrumental in the early days of the county where I grew up. There is still lots more to learn about this pioneer ancestor. Someday I hope to find more stories about his earlier years and experiences that shaped him to be such a prominent figure in Westmoreland.