James Cubbage, a native of Scotland, was born around 1777, the son of John and Martha Cubbage. In the early 1800s, James came to the United States from Ireland with his mother and sister (his father had already died). James applied for naturalization in September 1805; his sponsor was Alexander Gilfillan of Upper St. Clair. About two years later, James’ brothers-George and William-followed him to America. History books say the brothers worked for a Scotsman named Campbell at his farm near Campbell’s Run in what is now Chartiers. The brothers eventually purchased the land-different sources report the land to be either 350 or 550 acres-and divided it among themselves. James, who worked as a farmer his whole life, married Jeanette/Jane Gilfillian (1784-1861)-daughter of Alexander Gilfillian of Upper St. Clair (James’ sponsor when he applied for naturalization)-and the couple had at least nine children. The Janet Gilfillan Cubbage who is buried here is probably their daughter. Two of James and Jane’s children moved to California and one to Nebraska. It is interesting to note that when James died in 1854 of dysentery, his will singles out only six grandchildren-all of whom were named James (presumably after him).
Sarah Cubbage Doolittle, who was James’ niece (through brother George Cubbage and his wife Nancy Caldwell), married Jacob Dolittle in 1834. Jacob was a native of West Virginia and trained as a bricklayer-a trade he practiced in Birmingham (now South Side), Pa. In 1845, Jacob moved to the Mansfield (now Green Tree) area and purchased 67 acres of the Cubbage property. Jacob and Sarah had eight children-Susan Belinda married J.W. Lea (son of Col. William Lea) and Mattie E. married William James Glenn). Sarah Cubbage Doolittle died Aug. 13, 1851 at the age of 38. Her husband, Jacob, is buried in Chartiers Cemetery with his second wife Elizabeth Spahr.
Alexander Gilfillian built this log home in 1783. It stood where the St. Clair County Club clubhouse is now located. Jeanette Gilfillian Cubbage grew up here.
St. Clair Cemetery 