From "20th century History of New Castle and Lawrence County, Pennsylvania" pp. 775-776:

Samuel Dobbins Witherspoon, who resides on a farm of 106 acres of land in Little Beaver Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania a venerable and respected citizen who experienced the hardships and privations of pioneer life in that community and witnessed the wonderful transformations time has wrought since that early day . He was born on his present farm March 21, 1828 and is a son of John and Margaret (Witherspoon) Witherspoon.

Samuel D. Witherspoon has spent most of his days on his present place. Being the oldest son, the task of clearing the land devolved largely upon him and his father. The woods abounded in game, and the conditions and character of the houses, the manner of living and of harvesting crops were so vastly different from the present day as to be almost beyond comprehension of the younger generation. Mr. Witherspoon attended the old school house in his home district, which was built of logs, and with ceiling so low the pupils could strike it with their fists. With the exception of a three-month's trip to the West, during 1858, he has been almost continuously located on his present farm, which he purchased of the heirs, upon the death of his mother in 1867. He erected a comfortable home in that year, and in 1885 built a large and substantial barn. He was a hard worker during his active career, thrifty and economical, and he laid by a competency which enables him to spend his declining years in the peace and comfort of retired life.

Oct. 2, 1860 Mr. Witherspoon was united in marriage with Mary Douglass, daughter of William Douglass, and they became the parents of five children: John, who died at four years; William D., who runs the home farm; John, who lives on an adjoining farm, married Maude E. Fox, and has two children—Mary Alice and Nancy Edith; Nancy Olive and Margaret Elizabeth. Politically he is a Prohibitionist, and served as a member of the School Board, as well as four years as supervisor. Religiously, he is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

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From "Witherspoon Family History" by Evelyn Potter Park:

Children of Samuel Dobbins Witherspoon & Mary Douglass:
1. John Everett Witherspoon
. b. July 14, 1861 d. Oct. 13, 1865
2. William Douglass Witherspoon
. b. Oct. 18, 1863 d. June 10, 1909
3. John Charles Witherspoon
. b. August 15, 1865 d. Feb. 7, 1944
. m. Maud Fox April 12, 1905
4. Olive Witherspoon
. b. Dec. 13,1869 d. June 22, 1957
5. Margaret Elizabeth Witherspoon
. b. Feb. 20, 1873 d. Mar. 12, 1939