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C4^/>/^y
HISTORY
-OF-
BUTLER COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA.
EMBRACING
ITS PHYSICAL FEATURES; ABORIGINES AND EXPLORERS; PUBLIC LANDS
AND SURVEYS; PIONEERS; EARLY SETTLEMENT AND SUBSEQUENT
GROWTH; ORGANIZATION AND CIVIL ADMINISTRATION: POLITICAL
AFFAIRS; THE LEGAL AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONS; THE PRESS;
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL LAWS; INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS;
AGRICULTURE; THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE; MILITARY HIS-
TORY; THE BUTLER OIL AND GAS FIELDS; SKETCHES
OF BOROUGHS, TOWNSHIPS AND VILLAGES; RE-
LIGIOUS, EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL AND MATE-
RIAL PROGRESS; BIOGRAPHIES AND POR-
TRAITS OF PIONEERS AND REPRESENT-
ATIVE CITIZENS, ETC., ETC.
ILLUSTRATED.
R. C. BROWN & CO., PUBLISHERS.
1895.
-
PREF
#'^S^ii t' j'*T/|! ^' I' hundred years ago the territory lying north and west
afi £$( of the Allegheny river was a wilderness, inhabited prin-
cipally by wild beasts and Indians. The solitude of
nature was yet unbroken by the advancing tide of civi-
lization, and the wisest statesman did not dream of the
wonderful changes which the progress of a century has
produced. The first bands of adventurous ami resolute
pioneers that penetrated the forests of Butler county
with the intention of permanent settlement, found a land fertile as heart could
wish, fair to look upon and fragrant with the thousand fresh odors of the
woods in early spring. The long, cool aisles of the forest led away into mazes
of vernal green, where the deer bounded by unmolested and as yet unscared
by the sound of the woodsman's axe or the sharp ring of his rifle. The few
Indian villages within the confines of the county soon disappeared ; the prim-
itive forests gave way to cultivated fields, and the persevering industry and
courage of the first settlers were at last rewarded in the peaceful possession
of happy homes and the blessings of a civilized community.
The material that comes within the legitimate scope of a history of Butler
county, may appear commonplace when compared with that embodied in
State or National history ; nevertheless, the faithful gathering and compilation
of facts relating to the Aboriginal and pre-American period, the coming of
the white race to occupy the soil, and the dangers, hardships and privations
encountered by the pioneers while engaged in advancing the standards of civil-
ization, together with the material growth and social development of the county,
was a work of no small magnitude. It involved the examination of many official
documents and reports found in the archives of the State ; the consultation of
numerous authorities ; the careful sifting of the county and borough records ;
the perusal of scores of newspaper files wherein passing events were chron-
icled, and the interviewing of descendants of the pioneers in every part of
the county.
The preparation of this exhaustive work was under the personal super-
vision of R. C. Brown, Esq., senior member of the firm, whose long expe-
rience in this line of historical effort was a guarantee of its faithful execution.
He was assisted in his labors by Messrs. M. A. Leeson and John Meagher,
of Chicago, and John F. Meginness, Esq., of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the
last being the author of the very complete history of Butler borough embraced
in Chapters XXI, XXII and XXIII. The biographical sketch of Gen.
Richard Butler, in Chapter VI, in whose honor the county and seat of justice
were named, was contributed by Dr. William II. Eyle. State Librarian, who
also furnished the print from which we engraved the title page portrait of
that distinguished patriot.
The several chapters of personal and family biography are among the most
important features of the work. The data for these sketches were obtained
from the individuals and families to whom they relate, and contain a vast
fund of valuable information concerning the ancestry and history of Butler
county people. In nearly every instance the sketch was submitted to the
.subject or family for correction, and if errors are found in these sketches the
responsibility rests upon those who were given every reasonable opportunity
to correct them.
It would be impossible to mention here every one who has rendered aid
in the preparation of this volume. The assistance given us by Col. John M.
.Sullivan, Hon. Ebenezer Mcjunkin, lion. John H. Xegley, Charles Duffy,
Esq., Hon. Thomas Robinson, Dr. A. M. Xeyman. John Humphrey, Esq.,
Andrew W. McCollough, Esq., Hon. J. D. Mcjunkin, Hon. George W.
Fleeger. II. Julius Klingler, Esq.. Henry C. Heineman, Esq., Prof. Ebenezer
Mackev. W. II. Lusk, Esq., and G. D. Swain, Esq., is, however, worthy of
special mention. The kindly advice and generous sympathy of these gentle-
men were freely extended to us from the inception to the close of our labors.
Appropriate acknowledgments are also due and gladly tendered to the press
of Butler county for access to newspaper files and words of encouragement :
to county, borough and township officials for courtesies shown ; to the
descendants of the pioneers for information furnished : to the pastors and
officers of churches and societies ; to professional and business men through-
out the county ; and in general to every one who has contributed in any
manner to the success of the work.
We undertook the publication of this history after consulting leading citi-
zens in every part of the county, and have spared neither time nor labor nor
money to make it an authentic ami reliable source of information concerning
the settlement, growth and development of this section of the State. We
believe we have more than fulfilled every promise made in our prospectus,
and confidently await the approbation of our patrons.
THE PUBLISHERS.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Physical Features.
Introduction — Derivation of Name — Boundaries — Latitude and Longitude — Area —
Elevations — Streams — Salt Wells — " Soap Mines " — Oil and Gas Wells — Coal
Deposits — Forest Growth — Orchard Trees — Character of Soils — Animals and
Birds— A Healthful Climate— Floods and Storms 17-23
CHAPTER II.
Aborigines and Explorers.
Indian Towns. Camps and Trails — Red Visitors to This Locality After Its Settlement
— Indian Chiefs — French Explorers, and Their Occupation of Western Pennsyl-
vania— Washing-ton's Journey Through Butler County in 1753 — Posfs Visit to
the Indian Towns of This Section — Captain Brady's Battle at the Mouth of the
Mahoning- — Massy Harbison's Story — Her Capture and Escape 24-36
CHAPTER III.
Public Lands and Surveys.
Grant of Pennsylvania to William Penn — Penn's Purchase From the Indians —
Indian Wars — Attack on Kittanning — The State Acquires Title — Fort Stanwix
Treaties — Depreciation Lands — Donation Lands — Struck Lands — Early Surveys
— Land Laws— Systems of Selection — Indian Uprising — Defeat and Submission
— Pioneer Settlers — Land Title Disputes — Attempted Evictions — Shooting of
Abraham Maxwell — Resort to Arbitration — Court Decisions — Remedial Legisla-
tion 36-41
CHAPTER IV.
The Pioneers.
Introduction — Character of the First Settlers — The Cabin Home — Early Hunters
and Trappers — First Permanent Settlers — Pioneers Previous to 1796 — Taxable>
of 1803— Rapid Growth— Statistics of Population 42-64
CHAPTER V.
Pioneer Reminiscences.
Proving a Claim — Petitions of Barron and McKee — Adventures of the Widow
Aggas — Mrs. O'Donnell's Devotion — Peggy Walker's Escape — Pioneer Burials —
Pioneer Wedding Festivities — The Bachelors' Tax — Early Tavern Licenses —
Negro and White Slaves — The "Fourth" and "Training- Day" — Cradle of
Mormonism — Retail Markets, 1804 to 1830 — The Argonauts — Wood Rangers —
Early Hunters and Their Rewards— Hunts of 1820 and 1S28— The Last Grand
Hunt — Farming and Milling Methods 65-74
VI CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
County and Township Organization.
Erection of County — Boundaries Defined — Named After Gen. Richard Butler — Sketch
of His Life — Early Financial Transactions — Assessors and Trustees of 1800 —
Tax Levies 1800 to 1803 — Commission to Locate County Seat — Township Organi-
zation of 1804 — New Townships Created — Efforts to Organize a New County —
The Re-subdivision of 1854 — Viewers Account — Modification of Township Lines —
Renewed Efforts to Form a New County 74-92
CHAPTER VII.
Transactions of the Commissioners.
Organization of the Board — First Proceedings — First Wolf Order — The Public
Prison — Duplicate Tax Lists and Earl}' Roads — William Ayres' Account — First
Court House Completed — Miscellaneous Transactions — Butler Academy — Finan-
ces— Railroad Bonds Subscribed — The Second Court House — Bounties for Sol-
diers— Abraham Lincoln's Death Noticed — Attorneys' Fee Controversy — Decision
as to Treasurer's Salary — Building of Present Court House — Issue of Bonds
Authorized — Recent Transactions 93-109
CHAPTER VIII.
Public Buildings.
The First Court House — Cost of Construction — Public Building Agitation of 1852 —
County Seat Removal Scheme — Opposition Meeting — Legislative Action — Con-
tract for New Building of 1853 — The Building- Described — Improvements of 1877
— Destruction by Fire — History and Description of Present Court House 110-114
CHAPTER IX.
Political Affairs.
Introduction — Earlv Political Status of County — Congressional, Senatorial. Repre-
sentative and Judicial Districts — First General Election — Early Campaign Meth-
ods— Parties in 1828 — Songs and Toasts — Case of Hugh Lee — Anti-Masonic Move-
ment— Whig Flag Incident — Constitution of 1838 — Apportionment Changes —
Anti-Slavery and Liberty Men — Free Soilers and Free Laborites — Anti-Slavery
Meeting — The Know Nothings — Election of 1854 — The Unionists of 1856 — Cam-
paign of 1856 — A Republican Victory — People's Reformed Ticket of 1857 — Cam-
paign of 1860 — Election of 1864 — Constitutional Convention of 1873 — Senatorial
Apportionment of 1874 — Campaign of 1874 — Congressional and Representative
Apportionment of 1887 — Judicial Apportionment of 1893 — Votes of 1892 and 1893 —
Public Officials 115-134
CHAPTER X.
The Bench and Bar.
Introduction — Early Judges and Lawyers — Early Court Proceedings — A Notable
Contempt Case — First Murder Trial — Trial and Conviction of the Murderer
Samuel Mohawk — His Confession — Offices of President and Associate Judges
Made Elective — Later Criminal and Civil Proceedings — The Judicial Contests
of 1874 and 1884— Butler County Becomes a Separate Judicial District— The Har-
bison-Monks Case — Jail Delivery — Biographical Sketches of the Judges and
Older Members of the Bar — Attorneys Admitted Since 1804 — Members of the
Present Bar— The Butler Bar Association 134-161
CONTENTS. Vll
CHAPTER XI.
The Medical Profession.
Introduction — Earl}- Physicians — Incidents of Pioneer Practice — Brief Personal
Sketches — A Medical Advertisement — The Notorious Henri De Coliere — Regis-
tered Physicians — Medical Association 162-171
CHAPTER XII.
The Press.
Pioneer Newspapers of Western Pennsylvania — The Palladium and its Founder —
The Centinel — Repository — Proposed Herald, and Freeman's Journal — The
Democratic Herald and Jacob Ziegler — Whig- — American — William Haslett — Star
Spangled Banner — Union, and Union-Herald — American Citizen — Butler Citizen
— Press — Fair and Festival — Northwestern Independent — Eagle — Oilman's Jour-
nal— Record — Semi-Mont lily — Times — Orphan's Friend — Tidings — Magnet — Mil-
lerstown Newspapers — Newspapers of Petrolia and Vicinity — Newspapers of
Prospect, Zelienople, Centreville and Saxonburg 172-185
CHAPTER XIII.
Schools and School Laws.
Subscription Schools — Itinerant Teachers — Pioneer School Houses — Early School
Laws — Butler Academy — Common School Law Agitation — Passage of the Law —
First School Tax Levy — Schools Rapidly Increase — Superintendents Reports
Summarized — Free School Books — County School Superintendents — County
Teachers' Institute — County Teachers' Association — Other Associations — Intel-
lectual Fair — Statistics — Denominational and Other Schools — School Reminis-
cences 185-192
CHAPTER XIV.
Internal Improvements.
Introduction— First Public Road — Petition of Detmar Basse Muller— The Pittsburg
and Butler Turnpike Company — Public Road Meetings — Ebensburg and Butler
Stage Line — Canal Convention — Pittsburg and Erie Mail Stage Line— The First
Steamboat — Butler and Freeport Post Route — National Road Convention — The
Allegheny and Butler Plank Road Company — Other Plank Road Companies —
First Railroad Survey — First Railroad Meeting — The Northwestern Railroad
Company — A Bitter Disappointment — The Allegheny Valley Railroad Company
— The Western Pennsylvania Railroad Company — Completion of the Railroad
From Freeport to Butler — Burial of the Old Stage Coach — Later Railway Enter-
prises 193-202
CHAPTER XV.
Agriculture.
Pioneer Farming Methods and Machinery — Growth and Development of Agriculture
in Butler County — Agricultural and Farmers' Societies of the Past and Present
—Farm Statistics 202-210
Vlll CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XVI.
The Temperance Cause.
An Original Petition to Regulate Taverns — First Temperance Societies — Pioneer
Temperance Agitation — Sons of Temperance — Good Templars — The Woman's
Crusade — Temperance Associations — The Woman's Christian Temperance
Union — Local Unions — Young Women's Christian Temperance Union — Work
Accomplished — Secession of 1S89 — The Woman's Christian Temperance Union
Alliance — Non-Partisan Union — Review of Temperance Agitation 211-216
CHAPTER XVII.
Eari.v Military History.
Introduction — Veterans of the Revolution and War of 1812 — Muster Rolls of Butler
Count)- Companies — Mexican War Veterans — Pioneer Militia Organizations —
Muster Day Festivities — Butler County Militia Companies — National Guard —
Military Enrollment 217-229
CHAPTER XVIII.
War oi' the Rebellion.
Introduction — The Firing on Sumter — The News in Butler — A Great Union Meeting
— The Fresh Call for Troops — Butler County's Prompt Response — Companies
Furnished During the War — The Regiments in Which They Served — Soldiers
Who Served in Miscellaneous Commands — Surgeons — How Those at Home Sus-
tained the Men in the Field — The Drafts of 1863 and 1864 — Enlistments Encour-
aged by Bounties — Relief Tax — The Baalam Association — Pittsburg Sanitary
Fair — Butler County's Contributions— Lee's Surrender — Jubilee Meeting — Lin-
coln's Assassination — Memorial Meeting — Soldiers' Monuments — Conclu-
sion 229-269
CHAPTER XIX.
The Butler Oil Field.
Discoverv and Early Uses of Petroleum — Ancient Oil Vats — First Shipment of
Crude Oil — Distilled Petroleum — Coal Oil Lamp Invented — An Excavated Well —
First Drilled Well — First Producing Well — Butler Oil Company Organized —
Early Wells in Butler County — Form of Oil Leases — Early Consignment of Oil
to Europe — Beginning of Oil Production in Butler County — Rapid Development
— Discovery and Development of the Fourth Sand — Phenomenal Wells — Phillips
and Armstrong Gushers — Armstrong Number Two Described — Statistics of Oil
Production — Average Prjce of Pipe Line Certificates — Pipe Line Companies —
How Fortunes Were Missed — The Pumper and His Signals — Torpedo Invented —
Oil Pooling — Cost of Drilling Wells — Mysteries and Surprises — Discredited
Prophets 269-294
CHAPTER XX.
The Butler Gas Field.
Introduction — Discovery and Uses — Early Gas Wells — The Campbell, Harvey and
Burns Wells— A. W. McCollough's Enterprises— A Deep Test Well— Other
Natural Gas Producers 295-299
•CONTENTS. IX
CHAPTER XXI.
Buti.kk Borough.
Robert Morris and the Cunninghams — Original Owners of the Site — The Town
Laid Out — First Sale of Lots and Names of Purchasers — Early Settlers and
First Births — The Town Incorporated — First Borough Officers, Elections and
Transactions of Councils — Lot Owners of 1821 — First Quarter Century — Taxables
of 1S28 — Interesting Petitions and Ordinances — Burgesses and Councilmen — Jus-
tices and Postmasters — Pioneer Merchants — Old Time Inn-keepers — Lafayette's
Visit to Butler — Taverns and Hotels of the Past and Present — Suburban
Growth 299 328
CHAPTER XXII.
Butler Borough (Continued.)
Churches, Religious Societies and Charitable Institutions — Presbyterian — United
Presbyterian— St. Peter's Catholic— St. Paul's Catholic— St. Peter's Protestant
Episcopal — St. Mark's Lutheran — English Lutheran — Grace Lutheran — Method-
ist Episcopal — Baptist — St. Paul's Reformed — Bethany Reformed — Church of
God — Free Methodist — Bible and Other Societies — St. Paul's Orphan Home. ..328-353
CHAPTER XXIII.
Buti.er Borough (Continued).
The Butler Academy — Witherspoon Institute — Public Schools — Catholic Schools —
Bank;ng Institutions — Building and Loan Associations — Insurance Companies —
Manufacturers of the Past and Present — Railroads — Telegraph Offices — Water
Supply — Fire Department — Light and Fuel Companies — Secret and Benevolent
Societies — Public Buildings — Soldiers' Monument — Graveyards and Cemeteries —
Old and New Butler 353-382
CHAPTER XXIV.
Butler Township.
Organization — Changes of Boundarj- — Physical Features — Pioneers — An Old Ceme-
tery— Early Mills — Population — Justices — Churches 383-387
CHAPTER XXV.
CONXOOUENESSING TOWNSHIP.
Origin of Name — Original and Present Area — Drainage — Physical Features — Coal
and Limestone — Pioneers — Population and Statistics— Early Elections and Jus-
tices of the Peace — Mills — Schools — Churches — Villages — Societies 387 39i
CHAPTER XXVI.
Jackson Township.
Organization — Physical Characteristics — Pioneers — Population and Assessment —
Harvest Home — The Harmonists' Estate— Early Industries — Schools and Jus-
tices— Villages :
X CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Zelienople Borough.
(.•rig-in of Name — Dr. Detmar Basse — " The Bassenheim " — A Beautiful Site — George
Rapp, the Bavarian — Public Square Controversy — Pioneers — Early Taverns —
Later Growth — Joseph Smith, the Mormon- -Newspapers — Insurance Company
— Bank — Leading Merchants — Population and Statistics — Postmasters and Jus-
tices of the Peace — Schools — Manual Labor School — Zelienople Select School —
Connoquenessing Academy — Orphans' Home — Burgesses and Councilmen —
Churches — Societies 401-409
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Harmony Borough.
Founding of the Village — George Rapp — The Harmonist Society — Sale of the Prop-
erty— Removal to Indiana — Return to Pennsylvania — Present Status — Secular
Harmony — Population and Statistics^Manufacturing Industries — Hotels and
Business Houses — Banks — Postmasters and Justices — Burgesses and Council-
men — Schools — Churches — The First Cemetery — Secret Societies 40l»-416
CHAPTER XXIX.
Evans City Borough.
Location and Early History — Population and Statistics — Pioneers — Hotels — Manu-
facturing Industries — The Village of 1878 — Postmasters — Merchants and Banks
— Schools — Councils and Justices — Churches and Cemeteries — Secret Societies —
Sketch of Capt. William Stewart 417-428
CHAPTER XXX.
Forward Township.
Organization — Physical Characteristics — Coal Banks — Oil Wells — Pioneers — Popu-
lation and Statistics — Mills and Distilleries — Schools and Justices — Churches —
Postoffices 429-434
CHAPTER XXXI.
Cranberry Township.
Organization — Reduction of Area — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits — Oil
Production — The Pioneers — Early Industries — Population and Statistics — Schools
and Justices — Independence Day Celebration — Churches — Villages — Associa-
tions 434-440
CHAPTER XXXII.
Adams Township.
Origin of Name — Organization — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits^Pioneers
— Population and Statistics — Schools and Justices — Churches — Villages 440-446
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Middlesex Township.
Organization — Reduction of Area — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits — Oil
Production — Population — Pioneers — First Election and Justices — Schools and
Churches — Cemeteries — Villages and Industries 446-452
CONTENTS. XI
CHAPTER XXXIV.
PENN TOWNSHIP.
Origin of Name— Organization— Physical Characteristics— Coal Deposits— Oil Pro-
duction— Natural Curiosities — Pioneers — Population and Statistics — Schools and
Justices — Churches and Cemeteries — Villages 452-459
CHAPTER XXXV.
Jefferson Township.
Organization — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits — Gas Wells— Game— Pio-
neers— Population and Statistics — Early Industries — Schools and Justices —
Churches — Concordia Orphans Home — Villages 460-465
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Saxonburg Borough.
Founding of the Village— The Saxon Colony— Charles F. and John A. Roebling—
First Settlers — Early Schools — Postmasters — Population — Manufacturers and
Merchants — Roebling's Wire Factory— Hotels — Borough Officials — Justices of
the Peace — Churches and Cemeteries — Societies 466-475
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Clinton Township.
Organization — Physical Characteristics — Pioneers — Population and Statistics —
Schools and Justices — Churches — Cemeteries — Villages 476-481
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Buffalo Township.
Organization — Physical Features — Coal Deposits— Pioneers — A Game Story — First
Election — Mills and Distilleries — Schools and Justices — Churches — Villages. .481-486
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Win-field Township.
Organization and Statistics — Justices of the Peace — First Settlers— Early and Mod-
ern Industries— Churches and Church History — Schools and Teachers — Village
Growth — The Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company 487-493
CHAPTER XL.
Clearfield Township.
Origin of Name — Creeks — Coal Deposits — Physical Conformations — Pioneers — Popu-
lation and Statistics — Schools and Justices of the Peace — Churches — Vil-
lages 494-499
CHAPTER XLI.
Summit Township.
Organization — Early Settlement — Neyman's Mill — Statistics— Justices of the Peace
— Schools and Colleges — St. Mary's Monastery — Church History — Village
Growth 499-505
Xll CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XLII.
Donegal Township.
Organization — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits — Pioneers and Pioneer In-
dustries— Statistics and Justices — Schools and Teachers — St. Patrick's Parish
— The Old Log Church — St. Patrick's Cemetery — Lutheran and Private Ceme-
teries— Villages 505-511
CHAPTER XLIII.
Millerstown Borough.
Derivation of Name — First Settlers — Physical Characteristics — Population — Early
Business Interests — Later Growth and Development — Hotels — Business Com-
panies and Corporations — Fires and Fire Companies — Postmasters and Justices
— Borough Councils — Schools — Churches and Cemeteries — Secret Societies —
Conclusion 512-530
CHAPTER XLIV.
Faikvikw Township.
( )rganization — Boundary Lines — Statistics — First Settlers — Churches — Early Schools
and Teachers — First Officials and Justices- Villages— Buena Vista — Argyle —
Angelica — Iron City — Haysville 530-534
CHAPTER XLV.
Fairview Borough.
Founding and Growtli of the Village — Later Business Enterprises — Oil Fever —
Population — Schools and Churches — Incorporation and Officials — Postmasters
and Justices of the Peace — Destructive Fires — Secret Societies 535-541
CHAPTER XLVI.
Pktroi.ia Borough.
Founding of the Town — Oil Discovered-Rapid Growth — Early Business Interests —
The Notorious Ben Hogan- Population and Statistics — Postoffice and Schools —
Destructive Fires, Etc — Fire Companies and Water Supply — The Great Flood —
Churches — Borough Councils and Justices of the Peace — Banks and Business
Companies — Secret Societies 542-551
CHAPTER XLVII.
Karns City Borough.
Early History — The Celebrated McClymonds Farm — The Town Named — Rapid
Growth — Incorporation-Population — Postmasters — Present Business Interests
— Fire and Flood — Borough Officials and Schools — Churches — Secret Socie-
ties 551-556
CHAPTER XLVIII.
Oakland Township.
Organization — Statistics — Pioneers— Schools and Teachers — Churches and Ceme-
teries— Justices of the Peace — Villages — Secret Societies 556-562
CHAPTER XLIX.
Concord Township.
Physical Characteristics -Early < >il Wells — Pioneers — Pioneer Mill— Population and
Statistics — Schools and Justices — Churches — Villages 562-568
CONTENTS. Mil
CHAPTER L.
Clay Township.
Organization — Origin of Name — Physical Characteristics — Streams — Coal Deposits
and Coal Banks — Building- Stone — Population and Statistics — Pioneers — Mills —
Schools and Justices of the Peace — Churches — Villages 568-572
CHAPTER LI.
West Sunbukv Borough.
Laying Out of the Village — Pioneers — Incorporation as a Borough — Early Business
Men — Population and Statistics — Schools — West Sunbury Academy — Churches —
Borough Officials — Justices of the Peace — Secret Societies 572-580
CHAPTER LII.
Centre Township.
Origin of Name — Organization — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits and Gas
Wells Population and Statistics — Pioneers — First Election and Justices of the
Peace — Schools — Churches — Villages 580-585
CHAPTER LIII.
Franklin Township.
Derivation of Name — Organization — A Pastoral Township — Oil Wells and Oil Pro-
duction— Township Statistics — Justices of the Peace — First Settlers — Schools
and Teachers — Religious Societies — Mount Chestnut 586-589
CHAPTER LIV.
Prospect Borough.
Location — Survey and Sale of Lots — Early Merchants and Tavern Keepers — Past
and Present Business Interests — Incorporation and Officials — Population and
Assessed Valuation — Secret Societies — Public and Private Schools — Churches
590-595
CHAPTER LV.
Lancaster Township.
Organization — Pioneers — Population and Statistics — Schools and Justices of the
Peace — Churches — Middle Lancaster— Oilbronn 595-599
CHAPTER LVI.
Muddy Creek Township.
Organization — Change of Boundaries — Physical Characteristics — Coal and Coal
Mines — Pioneers — Schools and Teachers — Manufacturing Industries — Popula-
tion and Justices of the Peace ... .600-602
CHAPTER LVII.
Portersvii.le Borough.
Laying out of the Town — Change of Name — Postmasters — Business Enter-
prises— Statistics — Borough Officials — Justices of the Peace — Churches — Secret
Societies 603-608
XIV CONTENTS.
CHAPTER LVIII.
Worth Township.
Organization — Mineral Wealth — Coal and Gas — Census and School Statistics — Tax-
able Wealth — Justices of the Peace — Pioneers — Early Industries — Churches —
Schools and Teachers — Mechanicsburg — Private Corporations 609-614
CHAPTER LIX.
Brady Township.
Origin of Name — Organization — Physical Characteristics — Mineral Wealth — Coal
Deposits — Pioneers — Population and Statistics — Early Industries — Schools and
Justices of the Peace — Churches — Villages and Postoffices — The Stone House
Counterfeiters 614-619
CHAPTER LX.
Slippery Rock Township.
Organization — Change of Boundaries — Physical Characteristics — Coal Banks — Salt
Works — Natural Gas Discovered — Population — Pioneers — Early Industries —
Schools and Justices of the Peace — Churches — Villages 619-623
CHAPTER LXI.
Ckntrevili.k Borough.
Founding of the Town — Stephen Cooper, the First Settler — Early Business Enter-
prises— Fatal Fourth of July Accident — Savings Bank — Gas Plant — Water Works
— Co-operative Creamery Association — Centreville Cemetery Association — Pres-
ent Business Houses — Borough Officials— Justices of the Peace — Schools — State
Normal School — Churches — Secret Societies 624-633
CHAPTER LXII.
Mercer Township.
Organization — Population and Statistics — Pioneers — Early Enterprises — Schools
and Justices of the Peace — Forestville 634-636
CHAPTER LXIII.
Harrisyille Borough.
Founding of the Town — Col. Robert Reed's Addition — Early Business Enterprises
— Schools — Harrisville in 1865 — Hotels, Mills and Merchants — Borough Officials
— Burgesses and Justices of the Peace — Churches — Secret Societies 636-641
CHAPTER LXIV.
Marion Township.
Origin of Name — Physical and Geological Characteristics — Coal Deposits — Oil
Sands and Elevations — Population and Statistics — Pioneers — Past and Present
Industries — Schools and Justices — Villages — Churches 641-646
CHAPTER LXV.
Cherry Township.
Organization — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits — Mining Companies — Popu-
lation and Statistics — Pioneers — Early Manufacturers — First Election — Schools
—Justices of the Peace— Churches— Villages— The Cyclone of 1882 647-652
CONTENTS. XV
CHAPTER LXVI.
Washington Township.
Origin of Name — Physical Characteristics — Coal Mines and Mining Companies-
Population and Statistics — Pioneers — First Election and Justices — Schools —
Churches— North Washington — Educational and Insurance Corporations —
Other Villages 652-659
CHAPTER LXVII.
Venango Township.
Organization — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits — Streams — Population —
Pioneers — First Election — A Remonstrance — Churches and Cemeteries — Schools
and Justices — Villages 659-664
CHAPTER LXVIII.
Parker Township.
Origin of Name — Early Settlers — Population and Statistics — Justices of the Peace —
Schools — Manufacturing Industries — Martinsburg — Churches — Secret Societies
—Other Villages 665-669
CHAPTER LXIX.
Allegheny Township.
Organization — Population — Pioneers — Early Business Ventures — A Hunting Remin-
iscence— Schools, Teachers and Justices of the Peace — Churches and Ceme-
teries— Villages 670-674
CHAPTER LXX.
Biographical Sketches.
Borough of Butler 674-831
CHAPTER LXXI.
Biographical Sketches.
Butler, Summit, Clearfield, Winfield and Buffalo Townships — Jefferson Township
and Saxonburg Borough — Clinton, Penn and Middlesex Townships 831-944
CHAPTER EXXII.
Biographical Sketches.
Donegal Township and Millerstown Borough— Fairview Township and Karns City,
Fairview and Petrolia Boroughs — Oakland and Concord Townships — Clay
Township and West Sunbury Borough — Centre Township 945-1083
CHAPTER LXXIII.
Biographical Sketches.
Zelienople, Harmony and Evans City Boroughs — Jackson, Forward, Adams, Cran-
berry, Connoquenessing and Lancaster Townships 10S3-1203
XVI CONTENTS.
CHAPTER LXXIV.
Biographical Sketches.
Slippery Rock Township and Centreville Boroug-h — Mercer Township and Harris-
ville Borough — Worth and Brady Townships — Franklin Township and Prospect
Boroug-h— Muddy Creek Township and Portersville Boroug-h 1203-1281
CHAPTER LXXV.
Biographical Sketches.
Cherry, Washington, Marion, Venango, Parker and Allegheny Townships. . . .1281-1331
Index 1333-1360
Map of Butler County .
//£t&ciO <s£*-t^c£^>
HISTORY OF
BUTLER COUNTY.
CHAPTER I.
PHYSICAL FEATURES.
Introduction — Derivation of Name — Boundaries— Latitude and Longitude— Area
— Elevations— Streams — Salt Wells — "Soap Mines" — Oil and Gas Wells —
Coal Deposits — Forest Growth — Orchard Trees — Character of Soils — Ani-
mals and Birds — A Healthful Climate — Floods and Streams.
BEFORE the appearance of the white man within its boundaries, Butler
county was a savage-peopled wilderness, its history enshrouded in the mists
of an impenetrable past. The red man fished along its streams, hunted through its
woods, wooed and won his dusky bride, battled with his tribal enemies, and sank
into his forest-shaded grave, leaving "behind no monuments for good," to furnish
a reason for his living. Beneath his feet was a fertile and productive soil, yet he
cultivated it not, save in scattered patches here and there ; deeper down lay
untold wealth, yet he sought not for it. He ate, slept, hunted, fought and died,
and left the wilderness as he found it. His trophies of valor were the scalps of
his enemies ; his principal amusement, the war dance around the burning captive
at the stake; his religion, a belief in a great spirit, seen and heard in all the
manifestations of nature ; his temples of worship, the forests, and his heaven, the
"Happy Hunting Ground" of the hereafter.
And yet he had a beautiful home here among these hills and vales, with
everything needful to make life comfortable and worth living within easy reach.
He lived, but he lived a useless life, until the time when the white man, pene-
trating those sylvan solitudes, brought him face to face witli the fact that his
career as lord of the forest and stream was drawing to a close, and that before
the march of the resistless civilization that was advancing to possess his hunting
grounds, he was destined not only to recede, but to disappear from the earth forever.
And when the white man came to claim this land for himself and his poster-
it}-, until the remotest time, what did he find in answer to the glowing tales that
had lured him hither? He found
"The hills,
Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun — the vales
Stretching- in pensive quietness between ;
The venerable woods — rivers that move
In majesty — and the complaining brooks
That make the meadows "Teen."
1 8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
It was a scene of picturesque beauty rarely to be met with. Unbroken for-
ests crowned the hills and the valleys, and Nature, undisturbed for ages, had
wrought upon and beneath the surface, in preparation for the time when the
hand of industry should cause the one to bloom as a garden and the other to
give up its stores of untold wealth.
The work of transforming this wilderness into cultivated fields, dotting its
surface with prosperous towns and villages, and causing its hills to resound with
the mingled music of many industries, was begun when the first pioneer felled
the first forest tree, and cleared for himself a place on which to erect the first
cabin. The Butler county of to-day, with its prosperous and progressive popula-
tion ; its comfortable, cultured, and happy homes ; its crowded schools and col-
leges ; its stately public buildings; its temples of trade and commerce; its hun-
dreds of factories and workshops; its diversified and growing industries, and its
pregnant promises of a greater and grander future, are the enduring monuments
of the sturdy men who laid the foundations of its greatness in the forests of a
hundred years ago.
Butler county was named after Gen. Richard Butler, a complete and care-
fully-compiled biographical sketch of whom appears in Chapter VI. It is bounded
by Venango county on the north, Beaver, Lawrence and Mercer counties on the
west. Allegheny county on the south, and Armstrong county on the east. Its
geographical center is in latitude 40 degs., 45 mins. north, and longitude 2 degs.,
47 mins., 30 sees, west of Washington. D. C. Its area is S14 square miles, or
529,900 acres, divided into thirty-three townships, and resubdivided into fifty-
seven election precincts.
The surface of the county is broken by hills and valleys, the latter forming
the courses of its numerous streams. The elevations are decided, being higher
in the northern than in the southern districts. Butler Junction, a railroad station
near the southwest corner of the county, is 7<'>s.7 feet, and Emlenton Station,
near the northwest corner, 905.1 feet above ocean level. Within Butler county
the following levels have been ascertained, the measurements at railroad depots
being track levels; Southeast of Butler are, Buffalo. 766-4; Harbison, 801.66;
Monroe. 840; Sarvers, 1,026.S ; Saxonburg, 1,200.9; Delano. 1,224.2; Dilks,
1,807; Great Belt, 1,260; Herman, 1,300.6; Brinker, 1,301.6; Sunset, 1,817.1,
and Butler, 1,008.
Northeast of Butler are Millerstown, 1,195 to 1,210 feet; St. Joe, 1,400;
Carbon Centre, 1,170; Greece City, 1,2S6; Modoc. 1.277; Argyle, 1,161 ; Pe-
trolia, 1,175; Central Point, 1,184; Karns City, 1,204; Stone House, 1,089;
Hart's well on Say farm, in Barker township, 1,407; Martinsburg, 1,104; point
near Lawrenceburg, 1,096; Fairview, 1,247; point near Middletown, 1,420;
Columbia Hill, in Allegheny township, 1,471, and hill near the southwest corner
of Donegal township, 1,430 feet.
North of Butler borough the levels are Unionville, 1,330; West Sunbury,
1,400; North Washington, 1500; Farmington, 1,520; Anandale, 1,490; Ve-
nango summit, near Eau Claire, 1,554; point near Annisville, 1,530, and Murrins-
ville, 1,440.
Northwest and west of Butler borough are Prospect, 1.330 ; Portersville,
PHYSICAL FEATURES. I ')
1,860; West Liberty, 1,190; Centreville, 1,300; northwest corner of Mercer
township, 1,450; center of Slippery Rock township, 1,300; middle of west line
of Brady township, 1,470; angle of west line of Worth township, 1,350; Muddy
Creek Center, 1,375, and Ilarrisville, 1,340.
When it is considered that Lake Erie is 573 feet above ocean level ; Allegheny,
on Sycamore street, 741.40 feet; Kittanning, at curb outside Central House,
809.94, and the track at Tarentum depot, 778 feet, the relation of Butler count)
levels to Lake Erie and lower Allegheny valley levels may be known. Nature
does nothing on a small scale. In casting this interesting division of Pennsylvania
she made no mistake. If speculation may be indulged in with any show of reason,
it may be said that the Allegheny and the Beaver rivers once llowed from 500 to
SOU feet above their present levels, and the Connoquenessing, Slippery Rock and
other local creeks, from S00 to l,200feet. In the loweringof the river and creek
bottoms to depths far below the present beds, mighty agencies were at work.
Instead of being mere conveyancers of clays, they were hewers of rock, cleaving
great ravines in the high plateaus, and preparing a way for the bergs or ice moun-
tains which rolled over this section, pulverizing the massive sandstone and grind-
ing the hard lime-rock into bowlders. The terraces and canons tell very plainly
how this system of valley-making was carried out. while the drill brings to light
the methods of filling up, which raised the river and creek bottoms to their pres-
ent levels.
The drainage of the county is one of its most remarkable physical feature
The divide or watershed maybe said to extend from its northeastern township
almost to its southern tier of townships, making a decisive ridge between the
Allegheny on the east and the Beaver on the west. Bear creek and its tribu
taries, Buffalo and Little Buffalo and their feeders. Bull creek and its branches
all flow from the summits of Butler county, with a decided inclination to joii
the parent Allegheny; while Slippery Rock and Muddy creeks, with their feed
ers, leave the county on the other side, with equal determination to enter the
Beaver. The head-waters of the Connoquenessing, which is an Indian word
meaning "For a long way straight," * are located in Concord township. It flows
southwest through Oakland. Centre and Butler townships, receives en r,
waters of Bonny Brook and several other small streams, and thence enters
Penn township, where it is fed by Thorn creek. It then pursues its winding way
westward, receiving the waters of Glade run and Breakneck creek from the
south, and those of Powder Mill run and Little Connoquenessing from the north.
It leaves the county about midway of the western boundary of Jackson township.
The change in the channel of the Connoquenessing below Butler, and the forma-
tion of Vogeley's island are enterprises credited to Judge John Bredin. Its valley
is an object-lesson in geology, for here may be seen narrow and wide alluvial bot-
toms, narrow passes and varied outcrops of the sand and lime-rock of this division
of the State.
The Allegheny river touches the county at its northeastern and southeastern
corners. The name given to this river by the Shawnee Indians, was " l'aliwa-
thorika " ; by the Delawares, "Alligawi-sipu," or the river of the Allegans ; by
JO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the Senecas, "Hoheu," written "Oheo" and "Ohio," by the French, who also
called it the " La Belle Riviere.'" Though it touches two corners of the county,
mention of the beautiful stream is seldom heard in Butler, so that the stranger,
unacquainted with local topography, might think it as far away as the Susque-
hanna. It was into its valley that the early French explorers came in 1740. After
the advent of the steamboat it became an important commercial highway. The
pioneer steamboat was the " William D. Duncan," whose first appearance, wak-
ing the echoes with its screeching whistle and its puffing engines, announced the
advent of a new era to the people along the banks and drew curious crowds at
every landing place.
The geological structure of the county is fairly well exhibited in the chapter
devoted to a history of the Butler oil field. In some places the earth has been
bored for over 4,000 feet, as in the test well on the Smith farm, in Winfield
township, and, in very many places, for over 1,500 feet. A salt well was driven
in 1811—12, to a depth of seventy feet, by Thomas Collins, near the road leading
from Butler to Millerstown, on what was known as " the Lick," on the James
Karns farm. An out-crop of coal near by made the location desirable for salt
works, and there, for years, the salt manufacturing industry was carried on.
What is now known as petroleum, then bore the Indian name of Seneca oil;
because the Indians and pioneers sold it as a panacea for all ills. The flow of oil
in this well was very limited, yet sufficient to give its flavor to the brine and even
to the salt produced from the brine.
The salt well drilled in 1824, by Webster Wilson, reached a depth of 339
feet; although a heavy (low of brine was struck at the 240 feet level. The loca-
tion of this well, 2,600 feet above the confluence of Yellow creek and the Conno-
quenessing, in Lancaster township, was, for years, a salt manufacturing center.
The record of this old well is given, to show the conformation of that part of the
county. Conductor hole, five feet; shale and slate, forty-two feet and four
inches; lignite, one foot and four inches ; coal, three feet and six inches; fire-
clay, two feet and four inches; hard sandstone, nine feet and six inches; black
slate, six feet and six inches; slate, streaked with coal, eight feet; hard,
bluish, white sandstone, eighty-seven feet and eight inches; coal (151.) feet from
opening) , three feet ; shale, ten feet and four inches ; hard sandrock, with salt
water at bottom, nineteen feet and six inches ; black slate, three feet ; white
sandstone, nine feet ; coal and slate, at 192 feet from opening, two feet and three
inches ; hard sandstone, nineteen feet ; dark slate and coal, three feet ; white
flinty sandstone, of the upper Connoquenessing variety, forty-six feet and six
inches; coal, two feet and six inches; shale, fifteen feet; coal, at 225 feet from
opening, five feet ; fire-clay, three feet : and hard and soft shale, forty feet. The
measurements represent the thickness of the strata named. The absence of ferrifer-
ous limestone may be accounted for by its being cut out by the hard blueish,
white sandstone, which occupies its place — the ninth in the series as recorded.
In drilling the old salt well at Harmony, a vein of good coal was found forty-
five feet below what is known as the Darlington or Upper Kittanning coal locat ion.
About the year 1832, John Negley invested about $8,000 in a salt well at
Butler. The site selected was a point on the south bank of the creek, nearly 200
PHYSICAL FEATURES. 21
feet west of the Main street bridge and east of the mill-dam. There he drilled to a
depth of 800 feet, or until salt-water was found, and there established a salt factory
on the pan system. Coal for fuel was taken from the bank on the hill above. The
hole was not more than two and one-half inches in diameter. Foot power was
used in working the drill, and eighty ten-foot hickory rods took the place of the
rope or cable. Mr. Negley brought from Pittsburg, at great expense, pumps,
pans and other operating material. The pumps were worked by horse-power and
the work of salt manufacture introduced. Some salt was produced; but the sup-
ply of brine being insufficient, the industry was abandoned. During the
three years the work of drilling was in progress, the tools were stuck at intervals.
On one occasion, while Israel Overalls, an expert, was fishing for them, the chain
fell, and the hook catching Overall's hand, injured him severely. Had the well
been bored 300 feet deeper, as subsequent borings have shown, an inexhaustible
supply of salt water would have been found.
In 1857 the Orr salt well in Buffalo township was sunk, but the How of brine
was small. In 1858 it was bored 100 feet deeper, when a vein of water, equal to
twenty gallons per minute, was struck.
The " Soap Mines " of this county have been referred to, time and time again,
by dealers in tradition. Such a deposit never existed here; but the idea of one
was suggested, when petroleum was found near Fairview, many years ago. It
appears that in excavating for a salt well, the workmen found oil and declared
it to be soft soap. Since that time the)' have learned something of petroleum,
though they cannot yet tell by what process it is manufactured in Nature's
laboratory.
The eccentricities of this oil field have proved that geologists know nothing,
comparatively, of the origin of this oil or of the gas reservoirs with which it is
associated. For twenty-five years the geologist and codger of this oil field have
been predicting the exhaustion of oil and gas, notwithstanding the constant con-
tradiction of their predictions by the discoveries of new deposits. Oil and
natural gas are inseparable companions. Where one exists so does the other. Like
coal deposits, they give out in time, and as new mines must be opened to supply
the demand for coal, so new wells must be drilled to supply that for oil and gas.
Since the beginning of production in the Butler field, wonderful exhibitions of
the vagaries of the two fluids have been witnessed. The pioneer wells, in the
Parker township field, were drilled to the "third" or Venango count}- sand.
Outside the Martinsburg region, several sands have been discovered such as the
"Fourth," the " Bradford," the" Gordon," the " Snee " and the '' Hundred-foot,"
and extraordinary depths have been reported.
Here is a case in point. Early in May, 1886, the Fisher Oil Company drilled
a well on the Riott farm, near Herman, to a depth of 2,050 feet, with the object
of tapping the Gordon sand, as found in Washington county. At a depth of
2,400 feet, or 140 feet below the fourth sand, the Bradford sand was struck. At
2,641 feet the shell of what would correspond with the Gordon sand was struck,
but neither oil nor gas responded to the drill. The 3,500 feet well on the Cris-
well farm, and the 4,000 feet well in Winfield township, — both referred to in the
chapter devoted to the oil field, — may be considered supplementary exhibitions.
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The Ganz sand of Washington county is the same as that exposed at Tidioute,
the dip toward the southwest being about eighteen feet to the mile. In the
Bald Ridge field the third and fourth sands come together, and in the other sec-
tions stranger phenomena are observed.
From 1855, when F. G. May. of New York city, and Hugh McKee, of Butler,
exploied the cannel coal districts of the county, down to the present, much of all
that has been learned relating to them finds a place in this volume. Enough to
say here that coal, from the lustrous Lower Littanning to the most slaty specimen
of Upper Freeport, may be found in Butler county in abundance, and that no
township is wanting in this valuable mineral.
Ochre was found along the Connoquenessing at an early day, the frame
house erected by Walter Lowrie, where the jail now stands, being painted with
this yellow clay, ground in od.
The iron ore deposits, which were .once a source of wealth to this county, may
be saiil to have been worked out. Like the coal banks, they are considered in the
histories of the townships.
With the exception of the southeastern townships, a tract in Parker town-
ship and a few groves in other townships, the pine and hemlock are absent. Oak,
elm, chestnut, walnut, ash, hickory, maple and other hard-wood trees are found
in everv township In the matter of orchards, the peach tree holds first place and
the apple tree second. Though there is no section of the United States better
fitted tor vine culture, but little attention is given thereto.
It has been said, with a large measure of truth, that of the S14 square miles
of territory in this county, fully 700 will give a fair reward to the labor of the
husbandman. The soil is largely decomposed rocks or detritus of what geologists
call, — the " Barren Measures," yielding a stiff or sandy clay ; but, in the broad
vallevs, as in the Harmony and Zelienople country, where the lower strata of
rocks have been converted into clay, a stronger soil is found. For all agricultural
purposes, the soils derived from the " Barren Measures" arealmost as desirable as
those from the lower coal measures, and. as the population increases, and the
demand for homes grows, will be equally valuable, whether on hill-top or in valley.
The want of lime in these soils is a drawback, of course; but Nature has placed
within the reach of industry great beds of ferriferous and crinoidal lime-rock,
which await the burner to lie prepared as a fertilizing agency.
The list of mammals known here embraces fully l<iu species, and of bird
fauna. :!:]!) species, of winch 115 were natives. The panther was the lion of the
Butler wilderness, whose scream was as familiar to the pioneers as the bark of
the dog is to the people of the present. Though it is said that the last " painter"
in Pennsylvania was killed in 1856, there are numerous contradictions. The bear
grew to gigantic stature here : the wolf attained his greatest strength, and the fox
his greatest cunning. It was the paradise of hunters, who found along the deer-
licks enjoyment and profit. In 1872 the last of the otter tribe vanished from
Bear creek, The bounty laws tended toward the extermination of the wild
mammals, and the greed of hunters led to the annihilation of the deer and elk.
In the matter of birds, they are still with us. Only in November, 1881, a
golden eagle, measuring seven feet, was captured in Penn township, by Elijah T.
PHYSICAL FEATURES. 23
Phillips. The owl, hawk and other predatory birds, including the English
sparrow, are too numerous.
Snakes and vipers are no longer terrors here, for a whole lifetime may be
passed in this county without seeing or hearing of a rattlesnake or moccasin.
From an archaeological point of view, the district is not without interest.
On the sites of old Indian towns, along the old trails and even in places where no
signs of Indian habitations were found, arrow-heads, skinning chisels and other
reminders of the original occupants are occasionally brought to light. In
1893, a butternut tree and butternuts were found petrified within a rock, in the
outcrop south of the Connoquenessing, opposite Butler borough. When that
tree was covered with the sand, or when the sand was converted into rock, are
secrets of Nature, which invite the scientist to reveal and make them known.
This section of the State has been singularly free from scourges, such as epi-
demics, floods and storms. In pioneer days malarial diseases were reported, but
few deaths resulted. Later days show disease in one form or another, attacking
special localities, the cause being attributed generally to impure water. High
waters in the creeks of the count}' have not been unusual, but the damage was
generally confined to bridges and to buildings in the low lands. The flood, which
carried away a large portion of Petrolia, was the most disastrous one known
within the historic period. The drouths of 1854 and of the summer of 189-1 were
the most serious in the history of the county, entailing heavy losses upon the
farmers, and rendering water exceedingly scarce by the drying up of many of the
streams. A long series of beautiful and bountiful seasons followed the drouth of
1854. The tornado which carried away a part of Coaltown, the rainstorm of
June 21, 1872, and a storm which damaged a few houses in Butler, are the only
disastrous visitations of the elements worthy of mention. In 1882 the locusts
ravaged the county and again in 1849 they threatened the crops, but disappeared
during the last week in June of that year. With ordinary attention to sanitary
rules, there is no reason why man should not attain his highest physical state here.
With perfect drainage, pure water, air uncontaminated by smoke, favorable alti-
tude and an ecpuable, genial climate, nothing less than excesses or hereditary con-
stitutional defects, can rob a man of the long life which the natural conditions of
this county insure.
CHAPTER II.
ABORIGINES AND EXPLORERS.
Indian Towns, Camps and Trails — Red Visitors to This Locality After its Settle-
ment—Indian Chiefs — French Explorers, and Their Occupation of Western
Pennsylvania — Washington's Journey Through Butler County in 1753 — Post's
Visit to the Indian Towns of This Section — Captain Brady's Battle at the
Mouth of the Mahoning — Massy Harbison's Story — Her Capture and Escape.
THE trails and villages of the Indians, within the boundaries of Butler county,
may be said to have been the only evidences of Indian occupation found
here by the pioneers of 1700. The story of the purchase of the Indian country is
told in the next chapter. The Senecas were the occupants of this part of the
State so far as history speaks; but, at the time when the tide of immigration
halted on the left or east bank of the Allegheny, several tribes claimed the country,
such as the remnant of the Delawares, with the Shawanese, Munceys and Senecas.
During the Revolution they were allies of the British, and most terrible ones
too. Under the leadership of that Tory Scotch-Irishman, Simon Girty, they
brought death into many a promising settlement and spread terror throughout
all the frontier villages.
The Indian towns of what is now Butler county, as shown on the map of the
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, published in 1875 by that society, were Cush-
cushking, on the the stream now known as Wolf creek, in Slippery Rock town-
ship; Kaskaskunk, west of the hamlet of Holyoke in Centre township, on the
Franklin township line, and Sakouk or Saconk, on the west line of Alexander's
district, where it intersects the Connoquenessing, near Harmony. Another
Indian town named Sakonk or .Saconk stood near the mouth of Beaver river ;
Logstown was located on the north or east bank of the Ohio, a few miles south-
west of the southwest corner of this count}- ; while Shannopin Town stood across
the Allegheny river, opposite the Indian town of Allegheny. On the map named
there is no trace of an Indian trail in Butler county made, not even from Cush-
cushking to the town where Mercer now stands, or to that where is now New
Castle, or to Saconk on the Connoquenessing. Leading east from Kittanning was
a trail ; while north, along the river bank to the site of Franklin, and west from
Fort Machault, on the site of the present town of Franklin, were well beaten
paths. The Kushkushkee, mentioned by Post, is no doubt the Cushcushking of
the Historical Society. In 1758 it was divided into four separate towns, and in
the four were ninety houses or cabins, 200 braves and a large number of women
and children.
While the map referred to shows the principal villages of the aborigines in
Butler county, it does not give the smaller towns, such as that in Forward town-
ABORIGINES AND EXPLORERS. 25
ship, near Buhl's mill, the camp on the" Simmers farm in Buffalo township, the camp
on the Forrester farm in Franklin township, or the Indian village above Martins-
burg, which was tenanted by a small band down to 1796, when they left their
cornfields and hunting-ground forever. The Indian town which occupied a large
area near Mechanicsburg, in Worth township, and the Indian cornfields, which
were cultivated on the site of the present town of Harrisville, down to 1796, are
not shown on the map, nor is mention of them, or of the trails in Cranberry,
Jackson and Buffalo townships, made in the Colonial or State documents. They
all existed, however, and, as related, were the property of the Cornplanter tribe
and sundry nomads down to the period when the pioneers came to occupy
the lands.
In 1 700, while John Gibson and William Ferguson were en route to Butler
county, they discovered a canoe full of Indians on the river, near Brady's Bend.
William Ferguson bore the red-skins little love, for more than one of his relations
had been murdered by the savages. Xow he had an opportunity presented for
revenge, and, availing himself of it, tired on the party. It is said he killed one-
savage and then fled toward Butler county. The following year John, Alex-
ander, James and Hugh Gibson settled permanently on land selected the previous
year. Soon after their arrival, as Hugh (then a boy of fifteen years) was alone,
two giant Indians appeared at the cabin. The boy was somewhat scared, but
the Indians merely asked for something to eat. and when their hunger was sat-
isfied with some cucumbers and cake furnished by young Gibson, one signified
his pleasure by smiting his breast and exclaiming: "Ugh! Indian
strong now."
Indeed, it was customary for the Cornplanters to visit Butler on their annual
hunt down to 1818. Here thev could always rely upon well-stocked preserves ;
for the forest was full of deer, bear and other large game. As the animals would
fall, the wild hunters would dress them carefully, and then hang them high up beyond
the reach of wolves and in places where the bear would not venture. In later years
straggling Indians from the Seneca Reservation visited the county, but from 1843,
when the savage Mohawk, murdered the Wigton family, down to 1893, the rep-
resentatives of the aborigines avoided Butler.
In the summer of 1893, six Indians appeared at the farm of J. II. Wigton, in
Brady township, and asked permission to search for relics which they claimed had
been left there by their ancestors. They were remnants of the Delaware tribe.
Their request being granted, they began digging with spade and mattock, work-
ing away far into the night, and taking only time to eat and sleep by turns. They
were watched, as first, with some curiosity, but as they seemed to find nothing,
they were left to themselves. They dug ten large holes about twelve feet deep
and the same in diameter. One night about two weeks after they partially tilled
up several of the holes they had dug, leaving others as they had finished them, and
disappeared from the neighborhood. They gave no information to anyone, and
left nothing to indicate whether they found what they were after. These exca-
vations were made on the same property, and near the spot where Sam Mohawk
killed the Wigton family fifty-one years ago.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Indians on the Allegheny river were well
26 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
known to the French soldiery in 1753-59, the names of but a few have been
carried into American history. Custaloga, and Kiashuta or Guyasutha, the
Hunter, were the great chiefs here in the middle of the Eighteenth century. In
1753, Washington met the first on French creek, and was accompanied
thither by the latter. Both, after proving recreant to the French, became earnest
supporters of the British, and during the Revolution led many a bloody foray
into the American settlements. At this distance, in time, we may look back,
measure their character and sympathize with one of them, who wrote or suggested
the following lines :
I will go to my tent and lie down in despair.
I will paint me with black and will sever my hair,
I will sit on the shore, when the hurricane blows,
And reveal to the God of the tempest my woes.
I will weep for a season en bitterness Ted.
For my kindred are gone to the hills of the dead.
But they died not of hunger or lingering decay.
The hand of the white man hath swept them away.
1- RENCH EXPLORERS.
The French were the pioneers of Western Pennsylvania, as they also were
of the Mississippi and Ohio valley. In 1749 Governor Gallissionere, of Canada,
organized an expedition, which he placed under the command of Captain Pierre
Joseph Celoron, Sieur de Blainville, a fearless and energetic othcer. It came
from Canada via Lakes Erie and Chautauqua, and Conewango creek, to the
Allegheny river, thence down that stream to the Ohio. Celoron took formal pos-
session of the country in the name of Louis XW, King of France, and buried
leaden plates at certain points as evidences of possession , should that fact be
disputed. A prominent member of the command was Rev. Joseph Peter tie
Bonnecamp, a Jesuit mathematician and scientist, who filled the position of
chaplain and geographer to the expedition. In passing down the Allegheny the
expedition crossed the northeast and southeast corners of what is now Butler
county, and, therefore, takes rank as the first Caucasian exploration of this part
of the State.
Four years after, in 17-">;'>, the French erected Fort Presque Isle, on the site
of Erie, and Fort Le Boeuf, on the site of Waterford, both of which they gar-
risoned, and also took possession of a deserted trading post near the mouth of
French creek, on the site of Franklin, previously occupied by John Frazier, who
combined the business of Indian trader with that of general repairer of fire arms
for the savages. Upon the crest of this cabin Captain Chabert de Joncaire, a
half-breed French officer, placed the flag of France, and here lie made his head-
quarters until the erection of Fort Machault (called by the English Venango), in
the spring of 1 75 I.
These actions aroused the jealousy of the English, and Governor Dinwiddie,
of Virginia, sent George Washington, afterwards immortalized in American
history, to learn from the French commandant his intentions, and to protest
against the French occupying this valley, to which the English laid claim. Early
in 1754 the Governor of Virginia sent a small force to the confluence of the
ABORIGINES AND EXPLORERS. 2 J
Allegheny and Ohio rivers, and commenced the erection of a fort for the purpose
of heading off the French; but the latter descended the Allegheny, drove away
the English, and completed what they had begun, naming the fort, Duquesne.
This was the beginning of the long and bloody contest known as the French and
Indian War, which closed in 1759, with the expulsion of the French from
Western Pennsylvania.
The country was then nominally occupied by the English until the gieat
Pontiac conspiracy of 1763, which caused widespread havoc and wiped out the
three forts north of Fort Pitt. The last mentioned was garrisoned by the English
until the Revolution, when the Americans became masters of the country and the
English flag went down in ignominious defeat.
Washington's journey.
The journey of Washington to the post at Venango, and Fort Le Boeuf, in
1753, was undertaken by order of Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia. At Wills
creek he engaged the services of Barney Curran and John McGuire, Indian
traders, and of Henry Stewart and William Jenkins, servitors. The}', with Jacob
Vanbraam, a French interpreter, hired at Fredericksburg, and Christopher (iist,
hired at Williamsburg, formed the party on arrival at Logstown. On setting out
for Venango, November 30, 17"j3, John Davidson, an Indian interpreter, the
"Half-King" or Tanacharison, Jeskakake, White Thunder and the Hunter were
added to the party. On December 4, Washington arrived near the mouth of
French creek, after a trip of seventy miles, and was received by Captain Joncaire,
a French half-breed, with proverbial French courtesy. To transact business,
however, the captain referred him to the commander of Fort Le Boeuf, sixty
miles up French creek, and detailed the commissary officer, La Force, and three
private soldiers to accompany his party thither. On December 11, the expedition
arrived at the upper fort, and, on the 12th, he was introduced to Legardeur
de St. Pierre, a Knight of the Order of St. Louis. Later in the day, Captain
Reparti, from Fort Presque Isle, arrived, when the commander and Reparti
received the message and then retired. Washington made calculations of the size
and strength of the fort, its advantages and disadvantages, and his mission being
finished on the 14th, he sent his weak horses forward, in care of Curran. to
Venango ; but, having to wait for Half-King and other savages, he did not leave
until the 16th, when the party entered canoes en route to Venango, where they
arrived December 22. There another difficulty was experienced in getting the
Indians away, but he succeeded in moving the expedition. Owing to the feeble
condition of the horses, he ordered that the men pack the provisions, and leaving
the outfit in charge of Vanbraam, set out with Gist, on December 26th, to make
the journey to Logstown through the wilderness. On the 27th the two travelers
passed Murdering Town, whence they agreed to proceed through the forest to the
Indian town of Shannopin, near the forks of the Ohio. Shortly after they were
fired upon by an Indian at point-blank range ; but the shot missed its mark and
the Indian was made prisoner. They held him until nine o'clock that night,
then released him, and fearing pursuit walked all night without halting and
28 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
continued to push forward rapidly, so that they arrived at a point two miles
above Shannopin before sundown on the 28th. The river was found to be but
partially frozen ; so that Washington and his fellow-traveler were compelled to
make a raft. Completing a rude craft in a short time, they embarked; but the
ice threatening to crush the rough frame, Washington set the pole so as to swing
the raft out of the ice flow, when the current swung the raft, casting the unwary
navigator into the cold, deep water. He saved himself by grasping the raft and
then aiiled Gist in an effort to make a landing. The feat appeared impossible,
so they determined to abandon the idea for the night and seek safety on a small
island. There Gist's ringers and a few of his toes were frozen, while Washing-
ton himself suffered from his immersion and the extreme cold. The morning
brought relief, for the ice-bound river offered the travelers a road to the Indian
town.
In Gist's journal, the circumstances attending the encounter with the Indian
are detailed, and the haste exercised, in flying from the scene, are referred to.
Gist states that they arrived at the head of Piney creek on the morning of December
2s To-day he would describe the place as P>ne creek, Franklin township. Alle-
gheny county, while, to the place where the Indian tired on him, he would apply the
name — " Evans City," — ami to the Indian village of Sakonk, where the young sav-
age probably resided, he would give the name — Eidenau ; for, in pioneer days, a
deserted Indian town stood in the valley not far from the mill of the present time.
The trail from Logstown to Venango intersected the Shannopin and Venango
trail, and, it is reasonably certain, that Washington's party struck the Shannopin-
Venango trail at or near Zelienople, and proceeded northeast by the Indian town
of Cushcushking, on the creek, near the corner of Butler, Mercer and Lawrence
counties.
FREDERICK POST'S VISIT.
The Moravian missionary and political messenger, Frederick Post, sent among
the Indians in 175S, to detach them from their friendly relations with the French,
commenced his journal lulv 15, 17-~)S His topographical references connect him
with this count}- ; but it is evident that he did not always distinguish between
the headquarters town of the savages and their hunting towns of the same name.
In the spelling of names, too, he never observed regularity ; so that his intention
must be often taken for the deed. The character of his mission may be learned
from a minute made at Fort Machault, called by the English Venango, August
8, 1758, which reads as follows :
8th. — This morning I hunted for my horse, round the fort, within ten yards of it. The
Lord heard my prayer, and I passed unknown till we had mounted our horses to go off,
when two Frenchmen came to take leave of the Indians, and were much surprised at
seeing me, but said nothing.
His companion, making the we, was Pesquetum, or Pisquetumen, who was
as anxious as Post himself to flee from Venango. They intended to visit Cush-
cushking, in the Slippery Rock district ; but on August 10, learned from an
English trader, whom they met. that they were within twenty miles of Fort
Duquesne. On the 12th, they came to the Connoquenessing (written in the
journal Conaquanashon ). where was an old Indian town, and there heard that
ABORIGINES AND EXPLORERS. 2Q
Cushcushking (written Kosh-Kosh-Kung and Kushkushkee) was fifteen miles
distant. In approaching the town, Post sent his Indian companion, with four
strings of wampum, to announce his arrival and to deliver the following message :
Brother, thy brethren are come a great way, aud want to see thee at thy fire,
to smoke that good tobacco, which our grandfathers used to smoke. Turn thy eyes once
more upon that road, by which I came. I bring- the words of great consequence from the
Governor and people of Pennsylvania aud from the King of England. Now, I desire thee
to call all the kings and captains from all the towns, that none may be missing. I do
not desire that my words majr be hid or spoken under cover. I want to speak loud that
all the Indians may hear me. I hope thou will bring me on the road and lead me into
the town. I blind the French that they may not see me, and stop their ears that they
may not hear the great news I bring.
This strange message from a preacher of the gospel was received by the
assembled chiefs. Meantime, Shawanese from the Wyoming valley, came on the
scene. They knew Post well, and when messengers from King Beaver came to
lead the visitor to the village, the preacher knew that his political mission would
prove successful. King Beaver lodged Post and his friends in a large house, and
then sixty young savages called on their guests. Beaver arrived immediately,
and addressing them, said :
Boys, harkenl ~\Ye sat here without ever expecting again to see our brethren, the
English; but now one of them is brought before you, that you may see 3-our brethern, the
English, with your own eyes, and I wish you to take it into consideration.
Then addressing Post, he said :
Brother, I am very glad to see you. I never thought we should have the oppor-
tunity to see one another more, but now I am very glad, and thank God, who has brought
you to us." In response, the crafty white man said: " Brother, I rejoice in my heart.
I thank God, who has brought me to you. I bring you joyful news from the Governor
and people of Pennsylvania and from your children, the Friends; and, as I have words
of great consequence, I will leave them before you, when all the kings and captains are
called together from the other towns. I wish there may not be a man of them missing;
but that they may be all here to hear.
In the evening Beaver called again on the preacher to say that a council
ordered the men to be summoned, but that they could not assemble before five days.
Later ten chiefs came into the house and sat by Post's fire until midnight. On
the 13th, which was Sunday, Post does not appear to have transacted business.
On the 14th, however, he resumed his mission, received many savages, witnessed
fifteen French mechanics building houses for the very people who were now
promising aid to the enemies of their benefactors ; but he never hesitated to push
his advantage. Indeed, Delaware George was so interested in the welfare of
Post and the people he represented, that the cunning Indian declared he could not
sleep o' nights, and Post pretended to believe him. Delaware Daniel prepared a
banquet on August 15th for the guest, to which all the chiefs (thirteen in
number) were invited. The tenor of the after-dinner speeches was: "We
have thought a great deal since you have been here — we have never thought so
much before." That night there was a dance before Post's fire, the men dancing
first, the women next. The festivities continued until the wee sma' hours, when
the dawn of the 16th brought a renewal of their talks.
On the 17th of August, a space intended for holding the council, in the cen-
30 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
tor "I the town, was cleared and preparations were made for the assembling of
the braves. About noon two messengers (Kuckquetackton and Killbuck) from
the Duquesne savages arrived, accompanied by a French captain and fifteen
soldiers. The messengers wished Post to go at once to Duquesne, where repre-
sentatives of eight nations wished to -peak with him. They stated that if the
English would quit war, they desired to live on terms of amity ; but until Post
would give assurances of this desire, the two Indian chiefs gave him a sample of
the contempt with which the Indian nations would treat him. One offered his
little finger to Post, while the other refused to shake hands, and the meeting was
so formal that King Beaver took the preacher to his own big wigwam. On
August 18th, the five days having expired, Beaver spoke to his visitors as follows :
Brother, you have been here now five days by our fire. We have sent to all the king's
and captains, desiring them to come to our fire and hear the good news you brought.
Yesterday, they sent two captains to acquaint us they were glad to hear our English
brother was come among us, and were desirous to hear the good news lie brought; and
since there are a great many nations that want to see our brother, they have invited us
to their fire, that they may hear us all. Now, brother, we have but one great lire: so
brother by this string we will take you in our arms and deliver you into the arm- of the
other kings, and when we have called all the other nations there, we will hear the good
news you have brought.
King Shingas and Delaware (ieorge also made speeches and night closed in
before the meeting dissolved. Affairs on August 19th took the same form as in
the past ; but the demand of the ( rovernor for hostages was combated, the Indians
saving they believed he thought they had no brains. On the 20th, Post.
accompanied by twenty-five mounted men and fifteen men on foot, set out from
Kushkushkee for Sakonk. On their arrival in the afternoon, Post was received
with hostile demonstrations, but the Indians coming forward, spoke for him, and
the displeasure of the inhabitants subsided. On the evening of the 21st fifteen
savages from Kushkushkee arrived at Sakonk, bringing the number of male
Indians present up to 120. On the 22nd twenty savages of the Shawanese and
Mingo tribes appeared, who informed Po-t that he was wanted u*t Duquesne. and
to be ready to set out the following day. Next day the preacher offered no objec-
tions to their demand. Their travels on the 23rd brought the party to Logstown,
whence they proceeded on the 24th to Duquesne. At many n{ these meeting- one
or more French officers would be present ; but though suspecting the object of Post's
mission, did not once outrage French courtesy by ordering him off. In fact he
reposed so much faith in French honor that on the 27th he was back at Sakonk
en route to Kushkushkee. King Shingas and nineteen other savages accompanied
him, and, through their aid, Post arrived at the Indian town that night. Shortly
after arriving, on the night of the 29th, a party of nine Tawa Indians passed
through the town en rout- to the French fort. The 30th and 31st of August were
given up to feasting; but on September 1st the savages began to consider the pro-
posals for alliance with the English, submitted by Post. When they told him
that the English wanted their lands, he called God to witness that such an idea
was never entertained by his employers, saying further:
Brothers, as for my part, I have not one foot of land, nor do I de-ire to have any;
and if I had an v laud, I had rather give it to you than take any from you. Yes. brothers.
ABORIGINES AND EXPLORERS. 3 I
if I die you will get a little more land from me, for I shall then no longer walk on thai
ground which God has made. * * * * My brothers, I know you have been wrongly
persuaded by many wicked people, for you must know there are a great many Papists in
the country, who appear like gentlemen and have sent many Irish among you. who
have put bad notions in your heads and strengthened you against your brothers, the
English.
Post said many things that September day which the Indian chiefs know to
be without foundation, but which they overlooked in their desire to be able to
deceive the English, as they had been and were then deceiving the French. On
September 3rd, a treaty of friendship with the English was signed by the follow ing
named councillors and captains: King Beaver, Captain Peter. Awakanomin,
Delaware George, Macomal, Cushawmekwy, Pisquetumen, Killbuck, Keyhey-
napalin, Tasucamin, Popauce, John Hickomen, Washaocautaut, and Coch-
quacaukehlton.
The astute ambassador of the English left Kushkushkee in the afternoon of
September 8th, Post, Pisquetumen and Tom Hickman, making ten miles before
night fell upon the forest. On the 9th," the Lord "helped them out of a mire, but
in other respects it was disagreeable for the travelers. Post reported at Fort
Augusta, September 22, 1758, with a long story of Indian treachery, narrow
escapes, etc., etc. He called Pisquetumen "a perfidious scoundrel," who was a
source of trouble to the ambassador himself, as well as to the French soldiers
and Indians.
CAPTAIN BRADY.
The adventures of Captain Brady, so well described in is:ii' bv McCabe, of
Indiana, cover a large territory, embracing Butler county. Some story-tellers
have made this county the scene of one of his daring exploits, though the site of Kent,
Ohio, was the point where he made his great leap for life. That he was often in the
forests of Butler in 1780 and 1781, must be conceded, for during the period that
General Brodhead commanded at Fort Pitt. Brady was the greal scout of that
period, who was depended upon to undertake hazardous enterprises against the
Indians. The affair on the Allegheny river, at the mouth of the Mahoning, near
Orrsville. was one of such enterprises. It appears that Brodhead dispatched a
force, under competent officers, to punish the Indians who massacred the settlers at
Sewickly. Brady, at the request of the officer-, was not permitted to accompany
the troops ; but he craved permission to go in another direction, with a small
party, in search of the marauders.
Taking five men and his favorite Indian, and crossing the Allegheny, at Fort
Pitt, this little party proceeded up the river to the mouth of the Big Mahoning,
where he discovered the canoes of a war party drawn up on its western bank.
Retiring down the river, where in the darkness he made a raft, he crossed to ihe
Kittanning side, then went up the creek and found that the savages had crossed
to the northeastern bank. Three or four miles up the stream, Brady and his
scouts waded to that side, kindled a fire, dried their clothes, and inspected their
arms. This done, the)- proceeded toward the Indian camp, which they found on
the second terrace. A stallion captured at Sewickly, which grazed quietly near
the camp and near the position of the scouts, was visited at short intervals bv his
32 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
captor, but the visits soon ceased and the Indians settled down to pass the night
in rest. Before darkness fell upon the scene, Brady advanced cautiously,
approaching the wary savages so closely, that one rose up suspecting danger near;
but the alarm was not given and the band now rested in seeming security.
When the sun peeped in among the trees next morning the Indians were alert,
some calculating the number of scalps taken at Sewickly, others the goods and pro-
visions taken from the settlement. In the midst of their enjoyment seven rifle shots
rung out on the morning air. five Indians bit the dust, and Brady's war cry drove
the others to flight. One, who was wounded, left a trace of blood to lead the
victors for a time, but the trail was lost until Brady's Indian gave the cry of a
young wolf twice, when the unfortunate savage answered it. He soon learned it
was a decoy and fled into a windfall, where pursuit was useless. He died there,
for three weeks later the fearless Brady was led to the spot by the ravens which
were feeding on the dead Indian.
The scouts returned to Pittsburg with the canoes and property of the
savages and the stallion. The party of soldiers also returned with the story that
tlie Indians escaped from them. Brady's prowess was vindicated, and the jealous
officers and soldiers never again pretended that they could play the same part as
the scouts.
massy Harbison's story.
The story of Massy Harbison's abduction by the Indians ami her escape from
their camp, at the salt lick, two miles above the present town of Butler, is
one which has been and ever will be interesting and instructive. The hatred
inculcated in the Indian by the English colonists, returned upon the teachers,
and led the savages to perpetrate upon the Caucasian invaders cruelties more
horrible, because less refined, than the Caucasian heaped upon the Indian. The
lex talionis was applied by the aborigines and the invaders alike ; so that it is not
a matter for surprise to learn that women and children, of each race, fell victims
to the marauders of the red and white tribes. The story is summarized from the
graphic narrative of John Winter, as given in a history of Western Pennsylvania,
published at Pittsburg in 1S.~>0. which was compiled by " A Gentleman of the
Bar." Massy Harbison was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, and was a
daughter of Edward White, a soldier of the Revolution. Her husband. John
Harbison, served under St. Clair, and was present in Ohio when the Indians
defeated the Americans in November, 1791. Returning to his home on the Kiskim-
inetas, near Freeport, and not far from the southeast corner of Butler county, he
nursed his wounds until March 22, 17'.'-, when he was detailed on the spy service.
The Indians did not take kindly to this system, and evidently resolved to take
such action as would confine the male settlers to their villages beyond or east of
the Allegheny. In May, 1792, this resolution was put into effect, when bands of
Indians were detailed to make reprisals and scare the settlers. On May 15,
while the heroine of this story was at the spring, she heard a sound like the
bleating of a lamb or fawn, and felt that the savages were in the neighborhood of the
block-house on the Kiskiminetas. On May 22nd, at dawn, two spies — Davis and
Sutton — -who were staying at the Harbison cabin, went over to the fort : but return-
ing and finding the woman and her children asleep, fastened the door ami retired.
/>,°^^
ABORIGINES AND EXPLORERS. 33
Her awakening was rude in the extreme. The cabin was full of savages, each
carrying a gun in the left and a tomahawk in the right hand. They were pulling her
out of the bed by the feet, when she embraced her infant and freeing herself,
jumped to the floor. A petticoat, which she was about putting on, was taken
from her, and the two feather beds, on which her two children slept, were taken
out and emptied by the visitors. The work of plunder was then commenced; but
the woman, holding the infant in her arms and leading one little toddler of five
years, left the cabin, leaving a third child of three summers among the Indians.
Once outside, she looked toward the fort for help, but seeing a man named
Wolf in danger of being cut-oil from the fort bv the savages, she shouted an
alarm and Wolf escaped with a shattered arm. An Indian approached to kill her,
another covered her mouth with his hand, while a third was about to strike,
when the first parried the blow and claimed the woman as his squaw. The com-
missary ana his servant, who slept in the store, near the fort, hearing the firing,
appeared; but seeing the Indians, fled, leaving the servant to be killed. The fire
opened upon the savages drove them (o cover, while those round the Harbison
cabin, finding out from their captive the strength of the white force, counseled
retreat. .She thought to conciliate her captors by giving this information, but
instead she aggravated them and they Hogged her with their wiping sticks, driv-
ing her along with her infant and eldest child. The other boy, crying within the
cabin, refused to leave, when a merciless savage caught him by the feet, beat the
child's head against the threshhold, then stabbed and scalped him. The mother,
witnessing this tragedy, cried out in anguish, but the Indians struck her on the
head and face until she was silenced. Pro:eeding forty to sixty rod.-, they halted
to divide the plunder taken that moiling, there being thirty-two in the party, two
ot them being white men. Forty rods farther on, they caught two of John Cur-
ry's horses, and detailed two of the party to lead the captives into the wilderness,
while thirt}- of them went in the direction of Pucketv. At the brow of the hank,
leading down to the Allegheny, the woman, still carrying her infant, threw her-
self from the horse and walked down; while the Indian, who had her boy in charge
kept on his way until the horse fell, when the Indian, boy and horse rolled pell-
mell to the foot of the hill. The boy was picked up by the Indian, who had Mrs.
Harbison in charge, and carried to the bank of the river. There, being unable to
make the animals swim across, they abandoned the idea, and placing the captives
in canoes, pushed off for the island between the Kiskiminetas and the Buffalo.
Landing on the point of that island, the boy complained of being hurt and also
lamented for his brother, whose murder he witnessed. The Indians determined
on his death, and ordering the mother forward, carried this determination into
execution. Mrs. Harbison describing this second murder, says :
The other then took his tomahawk from his side and, with this instrument of death,
killed and scalped him. When I beheld this second scene of inhuman butchery, I fell to
the ground senseless, with my infant in my arms, it being- under, and its little hands in
the hair of my head. How long I remained in this state, I know not. The first thing 1
remember was my raising my head from the .ground and feeling myself exceedingly
overcome with sleep. I cast my ej'es around and saw the scalp of my dear little boy,
fresh and bleeding from his head, in the hand of one of the savages, and .-.unk down to
earth again, upon my infant. The lir.>t thing I remembered after witnessing this spec-
34 HISTORY (>F BUTLER COUNTY.
tacleof woe, was the severe blows I was receiving- from the hands of the savages, though
I was unconscious of the injury I was receiving. After a severe castigation they assisted
me in getting up and supported me when up.
Proceeding across the island to the shallows in the river, they drove the
woman before them into the water and led her across, the water then being up to
to her breast. In crossing Big Buffalo creek, they also assisted her, and on their
march across the country, via the present village of Sarversville and borough of
Butler, treated her with more care than they were accustomed to bestow on
women, — the three attempts to make her carry a large powder-horn, and the
terrible grimaces of one of the savages, when she cast it away for the third time,
being the only incidents of the journey. The first Indian, who claimed her
as his squaw, now formed the rear guard, as if he suspected his brother savage
would kill the determined woman, and in this order the party proceeded to a
canon a short distance above the present site of Butler, where they arrived before
dark. At this point was an Indian cabin, constructed of chestnut bark, sup-
ported on stakes. From it pathways led in every direction and it had all the
appearances of being a regular camping-ground of the warriors. The woman
and infant were not permitted to share its shelter, but were led a short distance
up a rivulet, where a blanket was spread and she was ordered to rest. Then
pinioning her, so as to permit the care of the infant, they stood by like sentinels
until the weary creature slept.
Her first night in captivity ended on the morning of May 23, lT'.'l). She saw
one Indian leave to keep watch on their trail of the 22nd and the other (who
claimed her) preparing a hoop on which to stretch the scalp of her murdered boy.
At noon the sentry reappeared, and lie who remained with the captive woman and
infant went out on the trail. The new guard examined his share of the plunder
in presence of the woman, and she saw him take from her pocket-book ten dollars
in silver and a half-guinea in gold. He repeated his kindness of the day before by
giving her some dry venison, which she broke and gave to her child, being herself
unable to eat, owing to the soreness of her cheeks from the blows received on the
22nd. The next night they moved their prisoners to another place in the canon,
and, on the morning of the 24th, with great caution, began guard on the trail
as on the previous day. The Indian watch now fell asleep, and, a little after noon,
seeing a chance to escape, Mrs. Harbison grasped a pillow-case, a short gown, a
handkerchief ami a child's frock, lyingamong the plunder, and fled with her infant
into the forest.
Knowing, as she did, the character of her new guardians, she traveled away
from the Kiskiminetas country, crossed a hill ami then followed a course south-
east. Two miles from the place where she first crossed the Connoquenessing, she
struck the river, and followed the stream until about two o'clock in the afternoon,
when she changed her course toward the Big Buffalo. On the summit of a hill
she rested until sunset, and there made a bed of leaves on which to sleep. The
25th of May witnessed her progress toward the Allegheny river, and when
night came on, hope inspired her. She tried to gather leaves for her bed ;
but each time she laid her infant down lie would cry. and knowing wdiat this
would convey to the quick Indian ear. she held the child and listened. She heard
ABORIGINES AND EXPLORERS. 55
the steps of a man on her trail and looked around for a hiding place. A fallen
tree rewarded her search and into its branches she crept, finding shelter under its
spre«ding limbs. Immediately, in the dim light, she beheld an Indian, who
advanced to the spot where the infant cried, halted, grounded his gun and listened.
She heard the wiping stick strike against the gun and feared that her infant
would give the signal for her recapture. For two hours she saw that rav-
age and heard the beating of her own heart, and then the ting-a-ling of a bell ami
the crv of a night-owl. They were signals to retire, which the savage answered
by a piercing yell and then ran forward to join his friends.
Xo one who has not experienced a hair-breadth escape can conjure up the solid
wall of hope for safety which this scene engendered in the mother's heart. She
waited not for the morning to leave that spot ; but set out, exhausted as she was,
to gain the fort or die. A mile or two away she halted until the morning of the
26th, when she resumed the journey and crossed Pine creek. Some new-made
moccasin tracks alarmed her, but as the travelers were in advance of her, -he held
the trail for three miles, to a hunters' camp, where the fires were still burning.
Leaving the path, she crossed a ridge and came upon another trail, when she
beheld three deer approaching her in full chase. The animals turned to look
back, when there was a gun-shot and a stampede of deer hounds. In this emer-
gency, Mrs. Harbison sought a hiding-place behind a log, and even while there,
was threatened with death as sure as that of the Indian ; for, as she placed her
hand on the ground to raise herself, there was a bed of rattlesnakes, with a huge
rattler capping the pile, ready to strike the innocent and unwilling intruder on
their domain. She ventured forth again, this time changing her course to the
left; arrived at the headwaters of Squaw run. and traveled down that stream
until night compelled her to halt. The rain now poured down, and to protect
her child she placed him on her lap, and, then bending forward until her head
touched the tree, guarded off the rain from the little one.
It was with difficulty she arose on the morning of the 27th to resume her
journev. A mile away she arrived before an untenanted cabin and thought of
entering it to die ; but the sound of a cow-bell arrested her attention anil this
sound she followed until she halted opposite the fort on Six Mile island. Three
men stood on the liver bank, to whom she called for help. Not knowing who
the woman was. and fearing a decoy, they wished to learn more and she telling
them, they sent James Crosier over in a canoe, while they covered his advance
with their rifles. Crosier, landing on the right bank of the river, did not know his
old neighbor, and asked, "Who in the name of God are you?'- He soon learned
and hastened to transport the wretched woman to the settlement. She was car-
ried from the canoe to the Cortus cabin, while her infant was placed in equally
friendly hands. '1 he arrival of Major McCollough on the scene saved the woman's
life at the hands of her friends. The heat of a great fire for the famished and the
mountains of food for the starving, — all provided with the best intentions, — were
set aside by the Major, who ordered her removal to a cooler place, and insisted
that only whey of buttermilk be given to her. lie was the physician and attend-
ant, while Sarah Carter and Mary Ann Crozier acted as surgeons on the occasion,
removing the thorns from her feet and limbs. Six days in the wilderness, a- a
36 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
captive of the Indians first and then as a refugee, changed the young mother into
a haggard, aged woman. Naked, starving and hunted, she was truly a daughter
of a Revolutionary hero, for she met and braved Indian vengeance and suffered
everything but death at the hands of her captors. The hunters who were after
the deer, seen by the woman, were Tames Anderson and John Thompson, belong-
ing to the detail known as spies. Had her thoughts not been disturbed by the
rattlesnakes, she would have discovered them to be friends and escaped a day
which felt like eternity. Mrs. Harbison subsequently settled in Buffalo town-
ship, Butler county, where some of her descendants still live.
CHAPTER III.
PUBLIC LANDS AND SURVEYS.
Grant or Pennsylvania to William Penn— Penn's Purchase From the Indians
—Indian Wars — Attack on Kittanning — The Static Acquires Title — Fort
Stanwix Treaties — Depreciation Lands — Donation Lands— Struck Lands -
Early Surveys— Land Laws— Systems of Selection— Indian Uprising— Defeat
\nd Submission— Pioneer Settlers— Land Title Disputes Attempted Evic-
tions— Shooting of Abraham Maxwell — Resort to Arbitration — Court De-
ions— Remedial Legislation.
THE grant of Pennsylvania to William Penn, made March 4, 1681, by
Charles II., King of England, was a new way of paying old debts. It ap-
pears that in Ki74 Penn became trustee of the western half of New Jersey. Dur-
ing his incumbency of that office he filed a claim against tin- King for 16,000
pounds due to the estate of his father, Admiral Penn, and received, in lieu of
sterling money, the territory now forming Pennsylvania. While receiving this
grant from Charles II.. Penn felt that the donor and the grantee were acting
unjustly, and, particularly, that Charles had no more right to make such a present
to the son of his creditor than would the Indian-- had they sailed across the
ocean, occupied England, driven her inhabitants into the sea, and made a partition
of the lands of Great Britain. The commercial conscience, however, swallowed
remorse, and the founder of this great commonwealth bought from the aborigines
in 1686 a tract of their most valued hunting grounds for a trifle.
Red Jacket, in his speech at Masonic Hall. Philadelphia, in 1829, outlined
very clearly the manner in which llie lands were taken possession of by the Cau-
casian.
Brothers, said lie, as soon as the war with Great Britain was over, the United States
began to part the Indians' land among themselves. Pennsylvania took a good slice,
and so with the rest. I acknowledge that Pennsylvania acted more fair toward us than
any of the other States. :: Brethren, permit me to kneel down and beseech you
PUBLIC LANDS AND SURVEYS. $J
to let us remain on our own land, — have a little patience — the Great Spirit is removing
us out of your way very fast; wait yet a little while and we shall all be dead! Then you
can get the Indians' laud for nothing, — nobody will be here to dispute it with you.
As years grew apace the Indians realized the plans (if the invaders and
determined to hold in check the advances of the white race. They expressed
themselves plainly, but the aggressive people of trade and commerce disregarded
the warning, and, in pushing forward their commercial civilization, brought the
Indians to bay.
The first organized attack made by the English-speaking colonists on the
Indians, in the vicinity of Butler county, was that on Kittanning in September,
1756, by 307 soldiers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Armstrong. The Indian town
was burned, and with it many Indian women and children. The colonists lost
seventeen killed, thirteen wounded and nineteen missing. The list of killed
embraces the following names : John McCormick, John Leason, James Power,
John Kelly, Patrick Mullen, Carny Maginnis, John McCartney, Denis Kilpat-
rick, Brian Corrigan, Theo. Thompson, John Baker, James Iliggins, Edward
O'Brien, James Anderson, Holdcraft Stringer, James Hogg and William Walsh.
The wounded were James Carrothers, James Strickland, Thomas Foster, Richard
Fitzgibbons, W. Findley, Robert Robinson, John Farrell, Thomas Champlin,
Charles O'Xiel, Ephraim Bratton, James Potter and Andrew Douglass. Among
the white captives at Kittanning were Ann McCo-rd, Martha Thorn, Barbara
Hicks, Catherine Smith, Margaret Hood, Thomas Girty and Sarah Kelly, to-
gether with a woman and three children.
This tragedy is recorded not only to bring the scene of action closer to this
county, but also, to point out that the personal dramatis had changed wonder-
fully in less than three-quarters of a century. The new-comers from the counties
of Northern Ireland, had no thought for the original occupiers, and, as proved by
their determined opposition to Penn's surveyors and rent collectors in the Gettys-
burg country, did not respect the claims of the Penns, where such claims inter-
fered with their own interests. Strong and warlike and without mercy in war,
they marched forward to occupy the land and began the commencement of the
end at the neighboring town of Kittanning. Then followed treaties, which were
broken by the whites whenever it was to their interest to do so, while the Indians
were held to a strict compliance with them.
The Fort Stanwix treaty of 1768 was such an affair. The colony or propri-
etary then got a show of title eastward to the Allegheny, south of Kittanning.
In 177S the title became vested in the State of Pennsylvania, and from that period
to 1794, the war was between her citizens and the Indians. The second treaty
of Fort Stanwix, made in 17S4, embraced the lands now included in Butler,
Venango, Armstrong (in part), Clarion, Allegheny (in part), Forest, Jefferson,
Elk, Cameron, McKean, Potter, Lawrence, Mercer, Jefferson, Warren, Crawford
and parts of Tioga, Indiana, Clearfield, Clinton, Lycoming and Bradford counties.
The Mohawks, Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Tuscaroras. and the Corn-
planter band of Senecas, through the chiefs of the Six Nations, were induced to
sign the treaty by Oliver Wolcott, Arthur Lee and Richard Butler, the commis-
sioners sent to effect the deal. Red Jacket opposed the treaty in a stirring
38 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
speech, but Cornplanter espoused the cause of the commissioners, because the
power ol the Six Nations was not equal to that of the Young Republic, which
had just sheathed the sword after winning independence from the mother
country.
Prior to that year, however, the State had set its eye on the lands, and actu-
ally issued bills of credit, secured by these land-, to bankers and soldiers for
moneys advanced by the first, and for moneys earned on the battle-field by the
second. The bills dwindled in value, creating loss and annoyance, until April,
1781, when the legislature fixed a scale of depreciation, ranging from one and
one-half to seventy-five per centum, for each month from 1777 to the date of
the act. Certificates were issued according to the new scale, which were
negotiable in the land offices of the Commonwealth or transferable, but in all
cases the face value was payable in land. The legal title of such evidences of
indebtedness was " Depreciation Certificate-."
The Act of March 12, 1783, authorized the location and survey of a large
tract of land for which holders were at liberty to offer these warrants in payment.
That act is substantially as follows:
That for the more speedy and effectual complying with the intention of the law
aforesaid, there be and hereby is, located and laid off. a certain tract of land as follows:
Beginning where the western boundary of the State crosses the Ohio river; thence up the
.said river to Fort Pitt; thence up the Allegheny river to the mouth of Mogulbughtiton
creek; thence by a west line to the western boundary of the State; thence south by said
boundary to the place of beginning, reserving to the use of the State 3,000 acres in an
oblong of not less than one mile in depth from the Allegheny and Ohio rivers and
extending up and down the said rivers from opposite Fort Pitt as far as may be neces-
sary to include the same, and the further quantity of 3,000 acres, on the Ohio, on both
sides of Beaver creek, including Fort Mcintosh, all which remaining tract of laud is
hereby appropriated as a further fund for the purpose of redeeming the certificates
aforesaid.
The surveyor-general was authorized to lay out these lands in lots of not less
than 200 acres or more than 350 acres. That officer assigned the territory to
seven deputies — the Depreciation Lands within this county being surveyed by El-
der, Cunningham, Jones, Douglas. Nicholson. Alexander and Bredin, after whom the
districts are respectively named, but only the northern part of Bredin's survey being
in the county. The northern line of these surveys passes through the villages of
North Oakland, Holyoke and Portersville, being about four miles and three-
quarters north of the court-house and a short distance north of Prospect borough,
and the tract embraced the whole county south of that line.
The Donation Lands, surveyed under the Act of March 12, 1783, embraced
the territory within the following described boundaries : From the mouth of the
Mahoning creek up the Allegheny to the mouth of Conewango creek: up that
creek to the New York State line ; thence west to the northwest corner of Penn-
sylvania; thence south along the western line of this State to the place due west of
the point of beginning, and thence east along the northern line of the Depreciation
Lands to the mouth of Mahoning creek.
This Act of March, 1783, was passed to fulfill the pledges contained in the Act
of March 7, 1780, providing lands for officers and men of the Continental Line,
PUBLIC LANDS AND SURVEYS. 39
regularly mustered in and out of the Army of the Revolution. On March 24,
1785, surveyors were authorized to lay this large tract out in lots of 500, 300, 250,
and 200 acres. Officers ranking from captain to major-general and two-thirds of
the number of lieutenant-colonels were to receive the 500 acre lots; while the 800
acre lots were intended for surgeons, surgeon's mates, chaplains, majors, ensigns
and one-third of the lieutenant-colonels ; the 250 acre lots for non-commissioned
officers from the rank of quarter-master sergeant to that of sergeant-major, and
the 200 acre lots for lieutenants, corporals, drummers, musicians and private
soldiers.
A system of drawing lots was introduced, in which a major-general could draw
four tickets, a brigadier three, and a colonel two for the largest lots. A lieutenant-
colonel could draw one ticket foroOO acres, and one for 250 acres ; a surgeon, a chap-
lain or a major, two 300 acre lots ; a captain, one 500 acre lot ; a lieutenant, t\\ o 20l I
acre lots ; an ensign or surgeon's mate, one 300 acre lot ; a sergeant-major, sergeant
or quarter-master sergeant , one 250 acre lot, and a musician, corporal or private, one
200 acre lot. Each class of lots was placed in a wheel, on the system of the mod-
ern Louisiana Lottery, and the holders of certificates or warrants could partici-
pate in the drawing. A later act provided for the exploration of the two classes
of lands. Gen. William Irvine was appointed inspector, and, on his report, the
bad lands in the Second Donation District, were withdrawn from the several
wheels and the land covered by such numbers became known as the " Struck
District." The Donation Lands embraced all that section of the county north of
the Depreciation Lands, in Franklin, Muddy Creek, Brady. Clay, and Worth
townships, which formed the First Donation District, and in Clay. Washington,
Cherry, Slippery Rock and Brady townships, which formed the Second Donation
District.
The " Struck Lands" may be said to comprise all that part of the county not
included in the two principal classes — since discovered to be a great oil and gas
field — all of which were sold under the law of 1792, together with the " triangle"
in Erie county, acquired in 1792, and the unassigned lands in the Depreciation
and Donation districts. The price of such lands was placed at seven pounds and
ten shillings for every hundred acres, subject to a six per cent allowance for roads
to be surveyed, but no tract was to exceed 400 acres. The whole plan was based
on the idea of actual settlement and improvement, such as is now enforced in
homesteading United States lands.
To the Indians all this appeared unjust. They saw one white man trying to
rob his neighbor, the speculator trying to defraud the State, and themselves
beaten in this commercial jugglery. Goaded on by the English to vengeance,
and by their own ideas of right and justice, the Indians took up arms against their
persecutors and border warfare resulted. Military expeditions, battles and numer-
ous skirmishes between the soldiery, the settlers and Indians followed, until
August, 1795, when Gen. Anthony Wayne reduced the remnant of the western
tribes to submission and made a path for the whites to every acre of land in the
wilderness.
It was impossible for the pioneers who located warrants here under the old acts
or bought lands under the Act of 1792, to effect a settlement in this county prior
40 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
to the proclamation of Wayne's treaty, and the homestead or improvement sections
of that act were nullified by the circumstances of the case ; so that it was not
difficult for the speculator to step in and nullify the law, even as effectually as the
Indians did prior to August, 1795, and keep on in this course until 1805, when
the United States court, through Chief Justice Marshall, gave judgment on the
main question, and special acts of the legislature settled the many little points in
controversy growing out of the varied interpretations of the act of 1792.
Robert Morris, who was a most active spirit in Revolutionary days, pur-
chased 311 warrants, or orders for surveys, in Cunningham's district, issued to
men who served in the Pennsylvania Line of the Continental Army. The area,
covered bv such warrants embraced almost 90,000 acres, including the site of the
present borough of Butler. In other counties this wholesale system of land pur-
chase was carried on, until loaded down with real estate the patriot lost all, and
from 1796 to 1802 was in a debtor's prison. He died on May 8, 1806.
At sheriff's sale in Philadelphia, in 1807, Stephen Lowrey, of Maryland,
purchased 107 warrants, which covered many tracts on which the pioneers had
made permanent improvements, and the real troubles between the contending
speculators and the occupiers began, to continue unabated until the oppressed
settlers determined to take justice into their own hands.
In 1815 the Duffy farm, adjoining the borough of Butler on the west, was
the scene of a little drama which had no small influence in settling the agrarian
question. The land was part of the Morris tract, he leasing his title on the pur-
chase of a warrant credited to Christian Stake. In the sale of the Morris estate,
Stephen Lowrey became the owner of the tract, and claimed it in 1815. Prior to
that year, however, Abraham Maxwell located upon it, erected his cabin and
cleared some land. All this was done on the advice of the pioneer lawyer.
General William Ayres. Early in 1814 Samuel Robb rented the farm from
Maxwell, and was in possession when a suit in ejectment against both was en-
tered by Lowrey in the United States court. Judgment for the plaintiff fol-
lowed, and Deputy-Marshal Parchment was dispatched to obtain possession of
the property. Robb assured him that he would not surrender his leasehold easily,
and the news of the trouble spread throughout the settlement.
The officer did not then attempt to use violence, but later, in October, 1815,
he organized a posse to aid him in carrying the law into execution. This posse
assembled at the old tavern, now the site of the Willard Hotel, with Stephen
Lowrey in their midst. There also were the sturdy farmers gathered. Both
parties were well armed. The officers and the law they represented were not
popular, the claims of Lowrey were discountenanced and the settlers were deter-
mined not to pay a second time for their homes. The marshal's party left, taking
the creek road to the Robb cabin, — the farmers adopted another route, and the
scene was transferred from the old tavern to the historic cabin on the Maxwell
improvement. Parchment was met at the door by Robb, who refused him admis-
sion. Then the contestants entered into a logical explanation of their views,
Lowrey and Maxwell being the principal speakers. They conversed apart from
the crowd, near the rail fence, which ran from the cabin to the road, with Max-
well's back to the fence.
/IfccA* /tctfi* ^/Z^^t^
PUBLIC LANDS AND SURVEYS. 4 1
While thus engaged the report of a ritle rang out on the sharp morning air,
and instantly Maxwell fell backwards, crying out "I'm shot. I'm shot.'' Stephen
Lowrey was accused of being the instigator of this crime, and the wrath of the
farmers was fanned to the point of desperation. Maxwell was carried by his.
friends into the cabin, and messengers hurried to the village for Doctor Miller.
Threats were launched against the landlord and his party, which his protestations
of innocence of the crime and his sincere expressions of sorrow, could not quell.
The marshal and posse retreated guardedly and disappeared. Doctor Agnew,
of Pittsburg, arrived that evening to attend to the wounded man, and, at the end
of two months, Maxwell was removed from the scene of the first agrarian drama
in Butler county to his own cabin.
From October, 1815, to Jul}-, 1818, the speculators resorted to compromise
and arbitration rather than to law. On July 9, 1818, Dunning McXair, of Glade
Mills, then called Woodville, gave notice, through The Butler Palladium and
Republican Star, that as Col. Stephen Lowrey made sales and received money for
lands in Cunningham's district, which were the property of Robert Morris and
said McXair, now the latter gives advice to buyers to deal directly with him, as
he cannot conceive by what authority Mr. Lowrey had power to interfere. This
notice was continued unanswered until March 17, 1819, when Stephen Lowrey
published '• A friendly and salutary caution'' in the same paper. He invited all
persons interested to call upon him in the town of Butler, when he would show
them in whom the title to the lands was really vested.
Under the Acts of 1792, 179;") and 1799, the lands reverted to the State, and
the time for applying for Donation lands was extended to 1810. Meantime the
members of the board of property, misconstruing an Act of April, 180:2, placed
tickets for the bad-lands in the wheel from which the soldiers drew. Under the
act of reversion, Andrew McKee bought 200 acres in the Second Donation Dis-
trict, for which a patent was issued February 8, 1804. Enoch Varnum claimed
the greater part of the tract, as a settler and improver of 1797, and the State
Supreme court decided in his favor some time prior to 1823. The legislature
accepted the law; but, in justice to McKee, who held a patent from the State,
an indemnity was granted. Thus the claim of the actual settler was recognized
and the error of the board of property corrected.
For almost sixty years this question of squatter sovereignty slept, until the
oil fields were opened, when it was revived in several localities, the case growing
out of the ownership of the Purviance lands at Renfrew, being one of the most
stirring agrarian cases since 1815, when the scene on the present Charles Duffy
farm was enacted.
CHAPTER IV.
THE PIONEERS.
Introduction— Character of the First Settlers— The Cabin Home — Early Hunt-
ers and Trappers — First Permanent Settlers— Pioneers Previous to 1796 —
Taxables of 1803 — Rapid Growth — Statistics of Population.
A HUNDRED eventful years have come and gone since the first permanent set-
tlement was made within the limits of Butler county. The adventurous and
darinu; men and the no less brave and daring women who laid the foundations of the
present populous and prosperous county in the heart of a great wilderness, have
all passed away. They are sleeping in honored graves, amid the scenes that wit-
nessed their fearless discharge of duty, and their patient endurance of privations
incident to frontier life. A few of their sons and daughters are yet living, to
recall the experiences of those early days, and in their reminiscent moods, trace
the events of the intervening years, and, by contrast with the present, show the
wonderful changes that have taken place. These remarkable men and women,
" who have come down to us from a former generation," may Lie said to be the
only connecting links between the pioneer days and the present, unless it be the
graves in which the pioneers themselves are sleeping. The material witnesses or
landmarks, such as the old cabin homes, the log school house, the log church and
the early mill, have crumbled into ruins, or have been removed to make a place
for more modern structures. The tidal wave of progress has swept them away
forever, their memory even growing dimmer with each receding year.
Tlie deeds of daring of the men and women who endured so much, in the
face of savage foes and forest dangers, to create homes for themselves and their
posteritv have not been and will not be forgotten or permitted to perish from the
memories of men so long as time shall last. They were the stalwart and sturdy sons,
and the fearless daughters of many lands, who, loving liberty as they loved life
itself, sought its fullest and freest enjoyment on the western frontier of the young
Republic of the New World. While many came from foreign lands — from Ire-
land, from Scotland, from France, from Holland, from Germany and from other
countries east of the Atlantic, not a few were from the older settled portions of
this and other States. These latter, belonging to a class that has constantly
grown larger instead of less, were afflicted with earth hunger. They wanted
mure room and more land than they could secure in their old homes. They felt
too crowded, even in sparsely settled districts, and preferred forest solitudes and
pioneer perils to the comforts and security of organized society.
It was thus, from over the ocean and from the Eastern States and older coun-
ties of the State itself, that Butler county was first settled. Sturdy men with
strong arms and stout hearts felled her forests. Brave women, faithful to every
THE PIONEERS. 43
duty of wife and mother, endured the loneliness of the wilderness, and met t he
many perils and dangers of every-day life, with a fortitude and heroism deserving
of immortal remembrance. The sons and (.laughters they reared, amid the hard con-
ditions that surrounded them, have proven worthy of an ancestry so noted for
manly independence, sturdy self-reliance, unremitting industry and incorruptible
integrity.
The home of the pioneer was the rude log cabin erected in the midst of the
forest. Beneath its roof he found shelter for himself and family. His neighbors
and friends and the wayfaring stranger always found the latch-string of the door
ready to their hands on the outside, and a warm-hearted and free-handed welcome
and a generous hospitality awaiting them on the inside. For the protection of
his home against the prowling beasts of the forest and the marauding Indian, the
settler relied upon his trusty rifle. The latter was also called into almost daily
service in providing meat for his table.
These sturdy settlers led simple, wholesome and neighborly lives. They
knew nothing of the complex formalities of the social intercourse of to-day, nor
would it have been possible for them to have observed them if they had. They
nevertheless lived happily and were constantly helpful to one another. The
"ceaseless round of toil" was varied, now and then, by wedding festivities,
dances, neighborhood frolics, hunting parties, house-raisings and other social
gatherings calculated to break the monotony of their lives, bring them into closer
friendship, and foster the neighborly spirit so necessary where neighbors were so
few and .so far apart.
The log cabin was, almost without exception, constructed of round, unhewn
logs. Necessity made the pioneer his own carpenter and builder, and his tools
were usually limited to a spade, an ax and a hatchet. With these he built as
best he could. Occasionally some settler, better circumstanced than his neigh-
bors, would take the time and go to the expense of building a cabin out ot hewn
logs and covering it with a shingle roof; but the cruder structure must be
accepted as the typical pioneer home. It was usually one story high and con-
tained but one room. Sometimes, when the family was numerous, a "loft" or
attic was added, used for sleeping purposes and reached by a ladder. The roof,
covered with clapboards, was supported by pole rafters. The interstices between
the logs were filled with small " chunks " of wood, anil then plastered within
and without with mud mixed with straw. The windows were square holes cut
in the side of the cabin, greased paper being used to admit the light instead ot
glass. The heavy doors were of hewn puncheons and were swung on wooden
hinges. A wooden latch, with a buckskin latch-string on the outside, answered
from the rising to the retiring of the family, when the door was "barred" on the
inside for the night by a heavy cross-piece fitted into latch-like receptacles on either
side. Stoves were unknown. A capacious stone fire place, with its huge back log
to protect the chimney, which ran up outside the wall, and was made of cross
pieces of wood daubed with mud, furnished a cheerful fire both for heating and
cooking purposes. The bedstead was a home-made affair fitted into the walls in
a corner of the cabin, and the chairs used were puncheon benches with holes
bored near the ends into which the supporting legs were fitted.
44
)F BUTLER COUNTY.
These primitive dwellings like their builders, have passed away, yet asso-
ciated with them in the minds of the venerable living, are many happy mem-
ories. They were the homes of their infancy, their childhood, their youth, their
young manhood and their young womanhood, the scenes of their childish sports,
their love-making and their weddings. Beneath their roofs many a loved son or
daughter saw the light of this world for the first time, and many a venerable and
age-worn parent or grandparent, wife or mother, husband or father, and many a
brother or sister, or beloved child, sank into that dreamless sleep which we call
death. What wonder, then, that those, who with whitened locks, bowed heads
and tottering Steps are drawing near the grave, should cherish in tender memory
the cabin homes of their childhood, and live over again in reminiscent tales the
days that have gone from their lives forever.
It was not until after the close of the Revolutionary War, and the revival of
the migratory and land-hunting spirit among the people of the older counties, as
well as a renewal of immigration from foreign lands, that the section of the Stare
north of Allegheny county, and west of the Allegheny river, began to attract the
attention of the settler. Although the land was not open for settlement until
IT'.1"), adventurous spirits made their appearance within the boundaries of Butler
county as early as 1790. This advance guard, composed mainly of hunters and
trappers, whose purpose seems to have been to " spy out the land," cannot be
regarded as the actual pioneer settlers of the county. Their usual custom was to
come here at the beginning of the hunting season, remain through it, and at its
close return to their homes to market the products secured by trap and gun.
The Seneca Indians, who had a village in the county near Slippery Rock
creek, at this time, were friendly to the whites, ami the early hunters and trappers
were kindly received by them. The Delawares and Shawnees, however, who
were hostile, opposed the westward march of civilization, and made it dangerous
for settlers to venture into the county until after the Treat}' of Greenville in 1795.
Nevertheless, a few of the more daring, principally the old hunters and trappers,
took the risk of coming here between 1792 and 1796, but it was not until the
latter year that the settlement of the county may be said to have been begun in
earnest.
The first men who came into the county with the purpose of becoming per-
manent settlers were David Studebaker and Abraham Snyder of Westmoreland
county. They crossed the Allegheny river at Logan's ferry in the autumn of
1790; camped for the night on the site of Butler borough, and then proceeded to
an Indian village, on the Slippery Rock, about two miles north of the present
site of Mecanicsburg. Here thev were entertained by the Indians, with whom
they remained about three months, spending the time in hunting and fishing, and
in exploring the countrv. They then returned to their home, and reported what
they had seen and experienced during their absence. In IT'.'- David Studebaker
again came to Butler county, bringing with him his youngest sister as house-
keeper. They took possession of the little cabin, erected during his former visit,
and became permanent settlers. After a time, the young girl, unable to longer
endure the loneliness of the forest, begged to be taken home. Her brother com-
plied with the request and brought back an older sister to take her place. His
THE PIONEERS. 45
father, Joseph Studebaker, who in early boyhood was taken captive by the
Indians and held by them for nine years, and who afterwards served as a Revo-
lutionary soldier under Washington, joined him later.
James Glover, a native of Essex county. New Jersey, and a Revolutionary
soldier, having served through that struggle, "from the first to the close," at the
beginning in the Xew Jersey and later in the Pennsylvania Line, is credited with
coming into the county in 1792, and, in the fall of that year, erecting a hunter's
cabin near a deer lick in what is now Adams township. This cabin he occupied
during the hunting seasons, until IT'.'-"), when he made a clearing around it. In
1796 lie entered 400 acres of land, built a better cabin, became a permanent
settler.and remained in the countyuntil his death, in 1844, in the ninety-first year of
his age. Glover, who was a blacksmith, and who had rendered valuable service
while in the Continental Army, as an armorer, settled in Pittsburg after the close
of the war, where he worked at his trade. A few years later lie purchased a
farm across the river, in what is now the very heart of Allegheny, and took up
his residence upon it. About 1815 or 1816 he leased this farm — the ownership,
of which he retained after coming to this county — in perpetuity for $7;"> a year
This and a few other leases of a similar character, caused the legislature to Miter-
ward pass a law prohibiting leases in perpetuity.
Peter McKinney, another Revolutionary soldier and noted hunter, so his
descendants claim — built his cabin in what is now Forward township, in 1792.
It is said that in his youth he came with his parents from Ireland, both of whom
died in this country, leaving him an orphan, and that, after their death, he was
apprenticed to a man named Turnbull. He served in the Pennsylvania Line, dur-
ing the Revolutionary War, as a drummer and fifer, and afterwards saw service
during the Indian troubles. lie was married at Braddock Field. Westmoreland
county, in 1791, to Mary Shorts, who came with him to Butler county in J7U2.
The cabin home of the voung couple was built on what is now known as the
Dambach farm. His daughter Elizabeth, born March 23, 1792, is said to have
been the first white child born in the county. His wife died in 1839, and his own
death occurred in 1S44. In 1839, he erected a tavern on the site of Petersville, in
Connoquenessing township. In 1849 the town was laid out by his son-, William
S. and C. A. McKinney, and named in his honor.
David Armstrong, accompanied by his son, George, and his daughter,
Rebecca, came here in 1794, from Westmoreland county, making the journey on
horseback. They made their temporary home in a tent or wigwam until fall,
when the father and daughter returned to Westmoreland county. The follow-
ing spring, the entire family came to Butler county and settled in Worth town-
ship, on the land held for them during the winter by the son, George.
In 17'.'-, Patrick Harvey, guided by John Harbison, the Indian scout or spy,
came into the county, and selected a farm in Clinton town-hip, marking its
boundaries by blazing the forest trees. He then returned to Westmoreland
county. In 1793 he went into Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, and
selected a farm, on which his cousin, John Patton, afterward settled. In the
spring of 1794 he returned to Butler county, and settled on the land selected in
1792. In May, 1795. he brought his family to their new home, where, a year
46 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
later, his third child, Martha, was horn. His wife died in 1831, his own death
occurring in 18 19.
A pioneer named Daniels, came into the county in IT'.ll, built a cabin and
cultivated a small garden in Marion township, on the land afterwards owned by
Robert Vanderlin. He lived on the products of his garden and the chase until
scared away by the Indians, before I he arrival of other settlers.
John Girty, said to be a brother of the notorious Simon Girty, was one of
the first settlers in Connoquenessing township. He selected land about a mile
south of Whitestown. His mother, a brother and two sisters came here with
him. One of his sisters married a man named Gibson, but died about IS01, and
was one of the first persons buried in Mt. Nebo cemetery. Though nothing dis-
creditable could be traced to them, the members of the family were not in good
repute. The mother was thought to be a witch and feared as such. Ann Girty,
the younger daughter, was shot, while standing in the cabin dour, by someone
unknown. With the exception of Mrs. Gibson, the members of the family were
denied interment in Mt. Nebo cemetery, and "were buried in unmarked graves
in the deep woods."
In 1793 William and John Elliott, accompanied by John Dennison and one
or two others, came into the county from Wilkinsburg, as land hunters. William
Elliott, in order to secure more than the limit of 4(H) acres, selected tracts to the
amount of 1,400 acres and located the other members of his party upon them to
hold them for him. He afterward gave each of them a certain number of acres
as per previous agreement. In this manner he was able to report 80S acres for
assessment in 1803.
On the night of January 10, 1793, James Harbison, James Hall, Abraham
Fryer, and William Ilnltz, hunters from east of the Alleghanies, who had come
into the county by way of Logan's ferry, below Tarentum, camped in the forests
of Middlesex township. Next day, after engraving their names on trees, to
mark the place of their encampment, they returned to their homes. A year later
the entire party came again to Middlesex township, selected land on and around
the site of their former visit, built cabins thereon and became settlers. Between
the time of their first visit and their return, however, Thomas Martin, George
Hays and James Fulton, had come into the township, selected land and settled
thereon, thus becoming the first settlers of Middlesex.
In IT'.to Samuel ami Thomas Cross, Jacob and John Pisor and Henry Stine-
torf settled in Worth township. In 17'M James Hemphill, a noted hunter, with
Rudolph Barnhart came into the county, ami a year later with Adam and John
Hemphill, Jacob Barnhart, Sr., and Jacob Barnhart, Jr., made settlements in Done-
gal and Fairview townships, on and around the site of Millerstown. Samuel
Wallace became the pioneer settler of Fairview township in 1795, locating with
his family on Bear creek. Robert Elliott, in the same year, selected land and set-
tled in Buffalo township. In this year, also, George Bell settled in the vicinity
of " Bells Knob;" Archibald Kelly built his cabin in Parker township and Edward
Graham located on land in Concord township.
To these may be added James McKee and William Kearns, who settled in But-
ler township; Daniel and William McConnell. William McNees and Benja-
THE PIONEERS.
47
min Jack, pioneers of Worth ; John McCandless and Aaron Moore, early settlers
of Franklin ; Dunning McNair, a land speculator of Connoquenessing ; John
Ekin, another pioneer of the same township; Silas Miller, an early settler and
well known hunter, ami William Thompson, an early settler of Middlesex; John
Parker, the pioneer of Parker township, and Eli Scholar, an early settler <>f Lan-
caster township, all of whom are credited with coming in 1795.
The foregoing, while embracing the names of the more prominent settlers
between the years of 1792 and 1795, does not contain those of all who came into
the countv up to that date. A more complete list of those who came after 1795
and up to ami after 1800, will be found in the chapter* devoted to the various
townships and boroughs, to which the attention of the reader is directed,
TAXABLES OF 1803.
Perhaps the best information obtainable relative to the number of inhabitants
here at the time of the organization of the countv, as well as the real and personal
property possessed by them, is to be found in the list of taxables of 1803, copied
from the first duplicate tax book of the county. It gives the returns of the
assessors of the four original townships of Buffalo. Connoquenessing, Middlesex
and Slippery Rock, and is as follows :
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP.
Joseph Andrew
Robert Allison (weaver)
George Bell
Jacob Barnhart, Sr
Rudolph Barnhart
Philip Barnhart
Jacob Barnhart
Jacob Bish
John Bonner
James Bovard
Patrick Boyle
John Brown '
Hugh Brown (saw-mill)
William Brown
Archibald Black
John Burrows
Andrew Brown
Andrew Cruikshank, Sr
Andrew Cruikshank, Jr
John Clugston
Elenor Coyle
John Coyle
Matthias Cypher (weaver)
Mary Ann Cypher
John Craig
John Cumberland
James Craig
John Cooper
James Campbell
William Colmer
William Carr (blacksmith)
* S. M., after a name, indicates a singl
600
400
400
400
200
200
200
400
200
400
400
250
400
400
200
400
400
400
400
4i HI
200
400
400
41 ii i
125
200
400
400
200
270
5 224
436
274
302
207
;::
441
176
436
304
208
42S
441
4oo
286
33n
HI
356
:.:'.
374
163
133
J 67
I 1 31
1 31
01
<>2
1 28
1 12
1 20
K;
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP — C( iNTINTELi.
Thomas Cumberland, Jr
Thomas Cumberland, Sr
Archibald Christy 400
Michael Carvan 100
Peter Croosiks (weaver) 400
Hugh Dugan (S. M.*) 400
Robert Dunseath 100
James Denny
Michael Dugan 400
Thomas Dugan 400
Dennis Dugan 400
Neil Dug-an 400
Andrew Dug-an 266
John Durneig-h 200
George Dougherty 400
Neil 1 >ougherty 400
John Duffy 400
John Empish 400
Joseph Esington
DeWitt Forringer 300
Michael Fair. 400
John Fair 4.00
Edward Ferry 400
John Forquer 400
John Gillespie 400
Hugh Gillespie 600
John Gallagher 400
Peter Gallagher 400
Hugh Gallagher 400
Samuel Hall 400
Stephen Hall 400
William Hazlett 400
James Hazlett (S. M.)
James Hemphill (still) 400
Adam Hemphill 400
Robert Haulen (S. M.) 400
John Hemphil! (S. M.) 400
Moses Hanlen 40n
William Haulen. Sr 400
Robert Harkins 200
William Hanlev 400
Charles Hunter 400
Jacob Harshman (weaver) 400
Thomas Haggerty 200
Noble Hunter. . . .' 600
Thomas Jackson 400
Caleb Jones (grist-mill) 200
Leonard Keller (weaver) 100
Samuel Kinkaid 400
John Kirkpatrick 400
Patrick Laft'erty 200
Andrew McKitn (tannery) 400
David Morehead (weaver) 400
William Moore 400
John McGinley 300
Patrick McBride 400
Charles McCue 400
Patrick McLaughlin I 300
John McCollough (pottery) 400
Neil Murray .' I 200
Daniel McCue I 200
Paul McDermott 400
RSES
VALUA-
OXEN
TION
1
$ 28
4
86
274
73
2
320
400
1
146
'2
293
I
431
1
432
266
274
1
174
2
317
2
304
274
3
484
8
214
273
1
300
280
273
2
432
1
416
1
283
1
300
266
1
439
1
439
1
432
1
444
3
472
266
1
427
2
303
266
273
2
310
273
1
2S6
2
171
1
416
1
415
473
1
"7
2
474
4(18
1
227
1
298
1
160
2
467
2
232
273
287
2
247
2
464
1
160
188
3
457
THE PIONEERS.
49
BUFFALO TOWNS HI I' — CONTINUED,
NAME
ACRES
cows
HORSES
VT!ONA"
,,,
400
400
400
100
200
400
50
400
200
400
400
150
400
250
175
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
200
200
400
400
400
100
40
400
200
400
4oii
400
200
400
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
4
3
1
1
2
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
1
-»
1
3
1
1
1
2
1
2
2
3
1
1
1
S 27:;
320
286
ss
133
287
60
293
14(1
319
302
176
423
292
253
400
293
437
460
300
471
430
266
304
284
yo
290
58
207
220
416
482
454
141
56
309
444
424
204
141
314
$ 82
Samuel Milligau (S. M.)...
96
Hugh McElrov
86
Neil McLaft'erty
26
40
86
18
87
4"1
96
Dennis O'Donnell (S. M.). . .
90
Jacob Peters (S. M.)
53
1 27
87
William Redick (S. M.)
76
George Robertson, or Samuel Riddle
1 20
88
1 31
Ben j amen Sawyer (grist-mill)
1 38
90
1 42
Hugh Smith (S. M.)
2 04
Arthur Smith (S. M.)
Robert Smith (S. M.)
1 55
91
Henry Sanderson
85
87
17
James Storey (S. M.)
75
62
66
Peter Silvez (S. M.)
1 25
1 44
Matthew Smith
1 36
42
Frederick Wiles
17
93
81
William Wilson
1 33
1 27
38
Thomas Winters
42
John Winters
John Wallace (S. M.)
"4
75
The owners of Depreciation land in Elder's district are given as follows :
A. B.Peters, Claudius Bartur, Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Kennedy, Tohn Mar-
tin, Alexander McDowell, Jones Phillips, John Irwin, James Tetbault, Hugh
Scott, Elijah Weed, John Wilkins, Jr., and William Todd.
50
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
CONNOO UK MESSING TOWNSHIP.
cows
li O R S F- S
OROXEN
4
2
3
1
-t
2
1
1
1
3
3
1
2
4
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
2
1
5
2
1
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
2
1
4
1
1
1
2
2
2
1
'2
1
0
2
2
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
2
1
1
6
"2
1
1
1
1
4
1
2
1
14(10
400
1110
200
(S. M.
lill).
James Anderson...
John Akins
Eliakim Anderson .
James Anderson..,
Andrew Allsworth.
William Armstrong
Robert Boggs
George Bowers
John Bayles
Robert Brown
George Boyd (S. M.).
John Barr
Joseph Brown
Alexander Bryson..
Aaron Barnes
James Burnsides
W111. Boyce
James Boyd
John Brooks
Moses Bolton (gristt
Thomas Brandon
John Beighley
Henry Beighley
Peter Beighley
William Bolton
Abner Coates
Joseph Chambers (S. M.).
John Collins
William Crowe
John Crowe (S. M.)
John Chambers
Thomas Cozens
John Compton
James Cratty (S. M.)
Thomas Christie
Marvin Christie (S. M.)..
James Christie
William Campbell
June Cratty
William Cratty
John Cratty (distillery). . .
William Carter
Daniel Carter
Jeremiah Callahan. .....
James Critchlow
William Critchlow
John Critchlow
Philip Covert
Morris Covert
James Casey
William Criswell
Ivevanus Cook
John Carson
Stephen Crawford
Joseph Crawford ] 350
Lims Chambers | 422
Samuel Duncan (distillery and mill) 400
James Ihrnlap 200
Henrj' Dure ...
Benjamin Davis 400
Isaac Davis 1 400
William Davis 800
400
4110
4(i!l
400
41 >i 1
400
400
200
250
400
800
100
400
400
350
300
300
280
2((0
41 11 1
200
300
400
200
300
400
400
400
4111.
41 in
200
200
400
100
200
400
41 K I
inn
150
4111 1
4 4ii
2111
240
10
30
475
650
20
680
230
440
410
630
30
340
60
260
250
350
400
390
480
60
165
110
210
310
40
371 1
430
310
350
200
400
280
400
420
20
380
350
460
100
inn
410
4411
220
265
440
200
632
1235
230
40
260
2(10
850
THE PIONEERS.
51
CONNOOUKNKS.SING TOWNSHIP— CONTINUED.
NAME
ACRES
cows
HORSES
VALI'A-
™
200
172
400
400
400
400
250
400
400
400
400
500
200
330
400
400
400
400
800
300
400
200
400
400
400
200
400
400
400
300
400
400
400
244
400
400
200
400
400
100
400
400
200
400
400
400
600
400
200
100
200
400
200
4
2
1
4
3
3
1
1
1
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
3
2
4
1
1
1
1
4
1
3
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
1
1
2
1
1
6
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
3
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
••
$ 250
166
230
240
30
440
440
415
10
450
570
230
200
790
390
535
440
420
420
630
810
340
230
140
270
200
250
140
1460
230
440
50
490
440
225
480
244
440
700
30
40
310
220
600
80
270
440
130
470
200
250
640
300
210
350
110
110
220
230
$ 75
56
John Dairy (S. M.)
1 44
84
1 32
Thomas Dodds
William Dick
1 32
1 24
2 10
1 70
69
61
Patrick Fitzsimmons (S. M.)
75
1 17
William Freeman (S. M.)
1 60
1 32
1 26
1 26
1 89
2 43
1 02
Matthew Graham
69
42
81
60
42
Adam Gilliland (S. M.)
David Gilliland (G. and S. Mill)
4 38
Hugh Gilliland
69
1 32
Barnabas Gilliland
Andrew Gilliland
15
1 67
1 32
37',
1 44
Thomas Girty (S. M.)
Robert Hays (distillery.)
2 67
2 10
9
James Hughes
12
93
Joseph Hudson
John Haines (G. M.)
66
1 80
24
81
Adam Johnston, Jr
James Johnston
1 32
39
1 41
66
Capt. William Johnston
John Kerr (S. M.)
Peter Kiester
Lawrence King
William Kilgore
1 82
1 65
63
1 05
}3
66
Joseph Little
69
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
CDNXOnl-KXKSSING TOWNSHIP— CONTINUED.
William List
Thomas Longley
Henry Loffer
William Lerken
James Magee
William McCandless (tailor.)
William McCandless (distillery.).
Robert McCandless
Charles McGinnis
Charles McGinnis (S. M.)
John McDonald, Jr
William McDonald (S. M.)
Colin McDonald
John McDonald (S. M.)
Daniel McDonald
Abdiel McClure
Andrew McClure
John McClure (S. M.)
Joseph McFarron
William McLeod
Norman McLeod
John McLeod
John McLeod (S. M.)
Agnes McLeod (S. M.)
Mordecai McLeod
Mordecai McLeod
Archibald McAllister
Ji iseph Means
Thomas Means
Michael Martin
William Martin
William Martin
Robert Martin (S. M.)
John Martin (S. M.)
Daniel Martin
Samuel Mayers
James Magers
Daniel McDowell
Nicholas Muhleisen
Dunning- McNair
Benjamin McLaughlin
Thomas McCahan
Andrew McGowau
James McCahan
Robert Miller (S. M.)
John Minnis
James Minnis (S. M.)
William Minnis (S. M.)
Henry Montooth
Aaron Moore
David Moore
Samuel McCall
James McGrew
Peter McKinney
Alexander McNickle
Rosa Meeker
Jesse Nash
James Nash
William Nethercoat
William Neelis
Thomas Nesl.it (S. M.)
John O'Hara
400
100
2nd
200
4on
400
400
400
100
400
400
400
370
ISO
4()ii
41 0
400
400
400
200
400
300
400
2oo
400
350
400
200
31 ii )
400
400
400
300
520
400
400
400
400
350
:oo
ISO
500
100
1
5 240
60
200
100
1
640
410
1
570
2
450
1
200
420
610
400
2
47o
2
910
85
1
' 50
400
30
200
1
420
200
620
1
2
130
1
430
200
10
2
680
1
430
2
55(1
4oo
2
3' ii i
20
630
210
400
170
600
610
330
450
410
4011
255
890
125
510
110
THE TIONEERS.
CONNOQUENESSING TOWNSHIP— CONTINUED.
William Pyle (S. M.)
James Parks
Matthew Parks
James Phunmer
John Pope (S. M.)
Washing-ton Porter
Thomas Porter
Clark Rathbun
Thomas Rathbun
James Ramsey
Alexander Ramsey
John Richardson
Robert Reynolds
Joseph Roberts
Casper Rerl
Charles Sullivan
James Stewart
Robert Stewart
Robert Stewart
Robert Stewart, Jr
Samuel Stewart
Joshua Stoolfier (S. M.)
George Stoolfier
Samuel Shannon
Samuel Shannon (S. M.)
George Shannon (S. M.)
John Shannon
Robert Shannon
Thomas Shannon
Thomas Scott
James Shockney (S. M.)
Joseph Suns (S. M.) . . .
Peter Sheaffer (S. M.)
Henry Sheaffer
John Saltzman
Conrad Snyder
William Skillen
Samuel Skillen
Robert Shorts
William Shorts (S. M.)
Tobias Stephenson
Xathaniel Stephenson
John Spear
William Steen
Francis Sandford
John Thompson (B. G.)
John Thompson (Muddy Cr.)
Andrew Thompson
William Thompson
James Thompson (S. M.). . . .
Matthew Thompson (S. M.)..
George Uddo
John Wilkins, Jr
Matthew White (tannery). . . .
John Welsh .'
Henry Welsh (S. M.)
Thomas Wilson
Louis Wilson
James Wilson (S. M.)
William Wilson (S. M.)
Andrew Wilson
Alexander Wilson
800
400
400
■lull
400
200
400
400
400
400
400
400
100
4(111
300
401)
216
400
300
400
mo
230
300
200
400
400
350
400
400
200
400
200
4i II I
4D0
400
400
4IKI
4H0
400
400
50
200
1090
400
400
4oo
200
4oo
200
400
260
470
200
77J;
210
280
400
230
630
270
210
80
400
350
10
600
374
440
10
400
70
190
350
460
220
445
150
330
400
480
400
240
680
250
430
130
650
200
210
200
400
670
80
420
460
85
300
1300
750
40
230
685
200
1 20
78
1 41
1 35
2 17
1 20
69
1 89
81
63
26
1 20
1 05
1 12
1 32
3
1 95
21
57
75
75
1 05
1 38
66
1 33
1 20
49
75
2 04
75
2 04
39
1 95
60
63
60
1 20
2 01
24
1 26
2 13
1 06
90
4 17
2 25
12
7."'
69
2 05
1 7,5
69
63
54
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
CONNOOUENESSING TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED.
Edward White.
John Walker. . .
Robert Walker
Louis Walker..
John Wig-ton. .
James Wallace
Acres
cows
0HR00RXEN
VT.L™'
400
2
2
$ 460
400
1
1
630
600
900
400
9
1
250
350
4
390
350
2
1
390
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP.
John Alexander
William Andrew
John Anderson
John Anderson
Allen Anderson
Francis Anderson
Stephen Allen.
Thomas Allen
John Adams
Thankful Agg-as
James Allison
David Boyle (S. M.)
Francis Boyle
Thomas Burbridge
Paris Bratton
James Borland
Henry Baumgardner
Jacob Beighley
Jacob Brown
John Byers
John Brackney
John Burkhart
George Brown
Samuel Barber
James Brown
Jacob Burkhart
William Brown
Stephen Brewer
Robert Best
Alexander Best
James Burns (S. M.)
Edward Burns (S. M.)
Adam Bortmass
Abraham Brinker —
John Bayles
Samuel Bracy
William Conway
Hugh Conway, Sr
John Conway (S. M.)
Hugh Conway, Jr. (S. M.)
Samuel Cunningham (grist and sawmill)
Mary Cunningham
John Cunningham (S. M.)
Hamilton Cunningham (S. M. and distillery).
Archibald Cunningham (S. M.)
Agnes Cunningham
Andrew Cunningham (S. M.)
James Carson
Robert Carson
HORSES
VALUA-
OR OXEN
TION
200
2
S 316
200
1
21)7
1
1
18
150
1
1
128
300
1
2
438
100
100
400
1
1
428
400
1
1
29'»
400
4
1
452
400
400
200
266
200
200
300
1
1
413
400
1
410
200
1
220
400
2
1
567
400
2
1
463
400
1
2
304
400
2
1
436
400
2
2
465
300
300
200
1
1
222
ISO
150
100
1
1
128
200
2
330
200
2
1
234
200
1
2
238
400
1
2
427
200
1
208
200
1
273
400
1
1
428
1
2
68
400
1
2
304
400
1
276
4iio
2
2
436
100
2
116
400
1
553
200
1
225
1000
1983
300
1
408
500
2
3
754
1
60
400
2
2
496
400
1
273
200
1
273
200
1
278
THE PIONEERS.
55
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP— CONTINUED.
John Carson
Isaac Curry
Alexander Campbell
John Clows
Samuel Copeland
John Campbell
Alexander Campbell
John Cowden (S. M.)
John Carothers
Thomas Carothers
Andrew Christy
Andrew Christy
Alexander Cochran
Samuel Cook
Henry Casner
Charles Duffy
Thomas Dunning- (distillery)
Samuel Dunbar
John Dunbar
Thomas Dougal
John David
John David .-
Daniel Dougherty
James Douglas (distillery). . .
John Douglas
Thomas Dickev
David Duke (S. M.)
John Elliott
Robert Elliott
William Elliott
David Erwin
Robert Erwin
Joseph Evans
Francis Fr3*er
William Freeman
Peter Fryer (S. M.)
Abraham Fryer
James Fulton
Jacob Flick
Christian Fleeger
James Findley
Samuel Findley, Esq
David Findley
James Ferguson
Patrick Fitzsimmons (S. M.)
Robert Graham
Patrick Graham
Robert Graham
Philip Grinder
Hugh Gibbs
James Gilchrist
Jane Gibson
St. Clair Gibson
John Griffin
James Gilliland
James Guffv
Arthur Gardner
James Gardner (S. M.)
Hugh Gallagher
Joseph Gold
John Galbraith
John Green
200
400
200
400
296
400
50
300
100
400
400
400
400
300
400
4. hi
400
400
400
400
200
100
300
200
400
200
366
200
400
400
400
400
400
40(1
400
100
300
400
300
400
400
400
300
300
400
400
200
300
400
400
400
200
400
400
400
300
$ 266
432
209
274
400
33
4im
138
4iiii
4(1(1
42. ,
408
300
Idi I
285
266
299
352
294
260
133
266
200
S43
238
2,
206
291
446
541
533
601
602
132
44"
569
391
400
2l>6
580
420
44"
410
60l
58
200
207
40"
274
591
2(i(i
400
266
274
446
1 30
63
1 2(i
10
1 95
41
1 20
1 2n
1 2s
1 22
90
80
1 62
14
80
90
1 06
88
7s
40
s 1
60
1 63
71
8
ss
87
1 34
62
2 33
1 8(1
1 SI
4d
1 35
1 71
1 17
1 20
87
75
1 74
1 2(.
1 32
1 23
1 SO
17
1,0
62
1 22
82
1 77
60
1 95
80
82
1 33
56
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED.
CCS
0T0XEH
1
1
2
'2
1
2
2
2
2
1
0
2
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
0
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
'n
'2
2
2
0
2
2
3
3
3
2
2
'2
1
2
2
1
5
4
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
'2
1
1
2
1
1
">
2
1
0
1
Thomas Hortou
George Hays
James Hays (S. M.)
Patrick Harvey
Alexander Hamilton
Philip Hartman
James Harbison
William Harbison
James Hog e
William Hultz
George Hutchison, Esq
William Hutchison
Alexander Hutchison
Bernard Hagens
Henry Hunter
David Harper
Peter Henry
Robert Hamilton
Edward Higgins
Robert Harkins
Robert Johntson
Jacob Jones
Henry Kennedy
Martin Kennedy
James Kennedy. ...
John Kennedy, Sr
John Kennedy
William Kennedy
Ambrose Kennedy
William Kennedy
Robert Kennedy
John Keller
Francis Kearns
David Kerr
James Kerr
John Lyon
Robert Linn
Jacob Linhart
Walter Lindsey
Isaac Lefevre
Ja mes Moore
Garret Moore
James Moore (S. M., distillery).
James McBride
John McBride, Esq
William Martin, Jr
William Martin
James Martin
Thomas Martin
Richard Martin
Robert Maxwell
James Maxwell (S. M)
James McCurdy (S. M.)
John McCurdy
John Morrow
John McJunkin (S. M.)
James McJunkin (S. M.)
David McJunkin (S. M.)
David McJunkin
J.^hua McElfish
Agues Matthews
Richard Miller
■100
100
200
400
400
400
350
250
150
300
400
4 oil
400
400
100
200
400
400
200
400
400
180
100
100
wo
400
300
400
200
2,iii
;,,o
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
370
400
400
4110
400
301)
400
200
400
400
400
400
400
8 282
116
200
426
486
398
519
398
158
504
400
428
428
273
133
260
4;4
158
28
200
275
433
237
124
84
2C>2
273
308
572
8
153
266
16
597
4,. I
476
414
266
434
266
565
312
663
266
600
8
283
328
266
42,i
200
430
4011
446
450
567
58
426
320
THE PIONEERS.
57
MIDDI.KSKX TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED.
James Miller
Silas Miller
Thomas McCleary
John McCleary
George McCandless
William McCandless
James McCandless
John McCandless
Dunning McNair
Thomas McKee
James McKee (S. M.)
John McGowan, Sr
John McGowan
John McQuistion
William McDonald
Andrew McCaslin
Robert McGinnis
John McGinnis
Robert McCall
Bernard McGee
Hugh McGee (S. M.)
Joseph Means
James McCollum
James McLaughlin
John Moser (S. M.)
John Moser. Sr
George McGaffey
John McCool
Jacob Negley
William Neyman (gristmill). . . .
William Neyman, Jr
John Neyman
Elizabeth Neyman
Martha Neal
Abram Ozenbaugh
John Parks
James Parks
James Patterson
William Patterson
Robert Patterson
David Patterson
John Pierce
Valentine Primer (sawmill)
Peter Peterson, Jr. (S. M.)
Garret Peterson (S. M.)
Daniel Pierce
Amos Pierce
John Powell
Jacob Plants
Robert Patton
John Pryor
George Potter
James Phillips (S. M.)
John Pew (S. M.)
John Potts
Edward Ouinn
John Ouinn (S. M.)
Samuel Rippey, Esq. (distillery
Hugh Riddle
Samuel Riddle (Bear Creek) ....
Robert Riddle
Samuel Riddle
TION
200
$ 266
S 80
300
2
460
2 13
200
1
274
S2
200
266
80
400
3
1
454
1 36
400
400
1 20
400
J
4
505
1 51
400
4
0
492
1 48
200
266
80
270
2
286
81 >
400
-»
460
2 13
1
1
23
7
400
1
274
82
400
3
3
474
1 42
400
1
1
293
ss
200
2
1
31)7
02
300
3
314
94
SO
33
10
400
1
273
82
200
2
1
302
90
75
1
8
2?
400
1
3
591
1 77
400
2
1
297
89
75
400
2
1
436
1 31
400
1
274
82
100
1
140
42
400
266
80
500
4
2
688
2 06
200
138
40
200
266
80
400
400
1 20
200
200
60
400
1
274
82
400
266
80
1
1
27
8
400
1
2
43)1
1 29
200
1
2
237
71
400
1
274
82
400
1
2
292
S7
400
3
2
587
1 76
500
1
401
1 23
400
266
80
°12
'2
'2
331
99
300
2
335
1 ooj
400
1
1
427
1 28
400
1
274
82
250
1
175
52
4(10
-»
396
89
100
1
75
-yj
400
266
1 55
300
41 HI
1 20
}00
2
1
428
1 28
75
400
1
0
691
2 07
400
1
1
2>i4
88
400
400
1 20
400
1
2
314
94
200
1
208
62
58
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED.
James Ray, Esq
John Ray
James Ray
Benjamin Riinbey (S. M.)
Jacob Rudolph
Adam Rodebaugh
John Reed (S. M.)
William Rarden
George Rex
Samuel Robb
Hamilton Robb
John Robb
John Ranker
Henry Rust
David Russell
Samuel Russell
James Russel, Sr
James Russell, Jr
Philip Russell
Thomas Smith
Jep Smith
James Smith
James Scott, Sr
George Scott (S. M.)
James Scott, Jr
Jacob Stuuney
Patrick Sagerson
Adam Shanor (distillery)
Archibald St. Clair (distillery).
John Streator
William Stoughton
John Stoug'hton
John Spear
Mary Steel
John Steel (S. M.)
George Stinchcomb
James Stewart (distillery)
John Stewart
Robert Stewart
David Sutton
Daniel Sutton (S. M.)
Joseph Sutton (distillery)
Philip Sutton (S. M.)
Jeremiah Sutton, Sr
Joseph Sutton
Piatt Sutton
Jeremiah Sutton, Jr
John Shryock
Henry Sefton
Andrew Strawick
Benjamin Thomas
William Thompson
Moses Thompson (S. M.)
Anthony Thompson
John Thompson (weaver)
John Thompson (blacksmith)..
John Thotnpson
William Thompson (S. M.)
John Thompson (Con. Creek). .
Hugh Thompson
Martin Thompson
William Trimble (S. M.)
2(111
400
400
400
400
400
196
4011
400
400
400
100
400
400
400
300
41 HI
200
4no
400
4011
400
4i II i
too
400
400
400
400
400
100
400
370
400
4110
4i hi
17ii
300
400
400
200
400
4i H I
100
400
400
Kid
400
Kin
400
400
400
41 H I
. . S 273
1 Os
1 293
438
466
266
204
266
431
266
280
145
266
$ 88
1 28
88
400
330
430
28
332
266
575
266
298
576
414
430
512
408
360
141
408
378
466
266
226
446
407
2S
32
407
304
296
273
286
134
286
459
290
438
266
304
430
17
266
426
THE PIONEERS.
59
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED.
Thomas Trimble
Adam Turnev
James Turk, Jr. (S. M.)
Andrew Turk (S. NL). . .
James Turk, Sr
John Turk
John Thorn (tanner.)...
Robert Thorn (S. M.)
John Thorn
John Tannehill
George Timblin
Joseph Timblin
John Wonderiy
John Wallace
Robert Wallace
Felty Whitehead
Francis Warmcastle. . . .
William Wilson
James Wilson
Benjamin Wallace
William White
Thomas Watson
John Woodcock
Matthew Wigfield
William Wright (B. C.)..
Alexander Wright
William Wasson
Hugh Wasson
Francis Whitmire
100
400
400
400
400
400
4iiii
100
400
400
4i in
4' ii I
200
400
400
400
200
200
200
200
400
200
300
400
600
400
4iii)
(,7(.
438
54')
182
2<»7
254
208
417
322
300
266
720
460
298
TI„N
6 114
$ 34
408
1 22
533
2 35
75
39
12
570
1 71
443
1 33
410
1 98
296
89
66
20
414
1 24
425
1 27
638
1 31
535
1 59
313
94
62
1 25
97
'HI
80
2 16
1 36
The reputed owners of lands in Cunningham's district of this township were
Edward Burd, C. Bartur, Robert Blackwell, Daniel Benezette, John Cunningham,
James Cunningham, D. Campbell's heirs, Ebenezer Denny, George Eddy, James
Galbreath, Ferdinand Gordon, John Hollingsworth, Benjamin Horner, or Francis
Johnson, Joseph Kiser, or Henry Miller, Andrew Kennedy, George Plummer,
Joseph Wirt and John Wilson.
SLIPPERY ROCK TOWNSHIP.
»-
ACRES
cows
™N
"'.IN*
TAX
200
300
400
400
200
91
200
200
400
400
400
400
130
200
150
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
3
1
3
2
3
2
1
2
1
2
2
1
2
$ 4
64
110
200
120
S4
48
40
84
124
128
280
')2
60
80
76
$ 4
58
James Allsworth (S. M)
1 83
John Allen
76
William Ammery
John Atwell,Sr
Robert Atwell
John T. Atwell ■.
David Armstrong (2 mills)
Joseph Bleakney
54
Samuel Barron
6o
HISTORY OF r.UTLHR COUNTY.
SLIPPERY ROCK TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED.
Nelly Barnet
Ebenezer Beatty
Alexander lirown
Ebenezer Brown
John Brown
.lames Bell
Rebecca Bell
John Bell
William Black
Robert Black
Samuel Black
Patrick Baker
John Blair
Ezekiel Brady (blacksmith)
Andrew Cook
Peter Cook (S. M.)
Stephen Cooper
Zebulon Cooper
Nathaniel Cooper
William Conn (S. M.)
Robert Conn
John Campbell
Samuel Campbell
Ann Campbell
James Campbell
Andrew Campbell
Thomas Coulter (sawmill) .
Abigail Coulter
James Coulter (tannery.). . .
Samuel Coulter
Euke Covert
John Crawford. Sr
John Crawford
George Crawford
John Carrothers (tannery.)
James Chambers
John Chambers (S. M.)
Adam Curry
James Cosby
William Collins
John Conley
Robert Cochran, Sr
Robert Cunningham
Edward Canaan
John Courtney (S. M.)
David Christy
John Christy. Jr
Abraham Carnahan
Edward Cole
Thomas Clark
George Daubenspeck ....
Philip Daubenspeck
Alexander Dohoghey
John Dickey
Alexander Dunlap
William Downing
James Downing
William Dixon
Edward Douglass (S. M.)..
James Douglass (S. M.). .. .
George Dobson
Sarah Eaneaz
Joseph Euard
acres
cows
OROXEN
'n'.s.
100
$ 20
400
3
132
200
1
64
400
120
1
1
12
200
1
2
80
100
1
2
54
4O0
2
2
184
400
2
2
104
1
1
12
400
3
132
200
1
44
400
1
2
96
24
1
1
26
400
2
1
145
so
1
23
400
2
128
100
2
2
44
400
3
1
140
130
3
36
400
3
o
108
400
4
2
153
200
1
1
92
400
80
2S0
4
1
109
1
1
12
100
2
2
50
300
2
1
106
150
9
2
71
.800
3
2
248
400
1
1
132
4i in
100
400
1
134
400
1
1
132
200
60
400
o
128
400
1
1
132
400
1
128
300
1
1
102
150
2
T2
400
3
102
400
1
2
140
300
60
250
1
104
180
1
1
48
400
1
1
92
200
1
1
72
400
1
2
180
200
2
1
76
200
1
52
300
3
1
136
200
3
72
200
1
168
4
16
200
1
68
400
3
132
200
1
'2
80
200
1
1
82
400
120
400
-
128
$ 18
1 18
54
1 08
11
72
49
1 66
94
11
1 18
40
1 30
75
21
1 15
39
75
1 26
32
97
1 37
82
72
98
10
45
92
64
2 23
1 18
90
1 21
1 18
1 29
1 15
1 19
1 15
92
60
92
1 26
1 29
93
43
82
65
1 62
68
46
1 22
64
2 26
14
61
1 19
75
1 47
73
1 08
1 15
THE PIONEERS.
61
SLIPPERY ROCK TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED.
«—
cows
200
1
400
2
400
3
408
4
400
2
3
400
4
300
3
400
1
384
4
2
200
200
1
200
200
1
2
2
400
400
2
400
2
400
2
400
4
200
2
200
1
200
3
228
3
400
1
400
400
350
1
100
200
4
400
1
400
400
150
5
1
400
300
3
400
2
100
400
2
200
1
400
3
388
T
400
1
100
1
400
400
3
400
300
2
283
4
40O
->
200
3
200
1
2 i
4
400
15
3
Henry Evans
John Evans (grist mill.)
John Elliott
William Elliott
James Elder
William Fergrison
Adam Funk
Benjamin Fletcher
Harris French
Archibald Fowler
Alexander Gilchrist
William Graham (S. M.)
Edward Graham, Jr
Edward Graham, Sr
Thomas Graham (S. M.)
Samuel Graham.
William Gaweal
Benjamin Grossman
Michael Geiger
Joseph Gilmore
Alexander Grant
James Gibson
Levi Gibson (distillery)
Thomas Humphrey
Robert Hindman
John Hindman (S. M.)
William Hutchison
William Holland
Charles Hilliard
Guv Hilliard (S. M.)
Guy Hilliard. Sr
Francis Hilliard (S. M.)
Alexander Hilliard (S. M.)...
Jacob Hilliard
James Hagerty . .•
William Hoga'n (S. M.)
James Hogan
John Hockenberry
Andrew Hawk
James Hale (S. M.)
William Hall
Ephraim Harris
James Hardy
Hugh Henderson
John Hinds (S. M.)
Samuel Irwin
Robert Jordan
William Jack
Benjamin Jack
John Jordan
Reuben Jarvis
Richard Jarvis
John Jameson
Robert Jameson
Thomas Jolly
Joseph Kenned j'
Michael Kelly
Archibald Kelly
Jonathan Kelly (blacksmith).
Joseph Kelly
J a mes Knox
Frederick Keiffer
S lno
136
204
195
14 ;
12
1-4
132
93
8
so
100
80
16
so
1 56
70
138
1 51 l
76
.-.1
96
84
si I
SO
82
So
92
72
so
168
58
156
128
40
164
34
128
148
120
76
S4
12ii
16
S 90
90
1 47
63
73
75
1 17
82
(.4
1 72
1 51
52
11
75
72
1 40
1 15
36
75
04
39
90
1 57
1 48
31
1 15
1 33
1 08
OS
49
80
65
88
7,,
1 08
14
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
slippery rock township — contixit.d.
NAMES
*"■'-
cows
OROXEH
VT.'oNA"
x,x
100
100
100
200
400
400
200
800
ISO
400
400
400
300
200
400
150
200
400
200
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
400
200
200
400
300
400
300
300
400
400
400
400
400
4i Ml
400
400
400
400
400
200
400
400
400
400
400
400
2
1
1
1
3
1
1
3
3
1
4
1
1
4
3
1
2
1
1
2
2
2
1
2
1
1
1
5
1
3
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
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1
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i
i
_i
2
1
1
o
1
1
1
S 54
38
38
80
124
1(1(1
48
210
50
132
132
16
120
116
8
80
80*
46
5<>
144
104
140
120
24
160
4
84
144
136
106
80
100
64
120
64
84
90
70
184
120
88
ut,
84
138
64
160
132
140
212
64
80
100
132
100
80
194
S 49
34
34
1 12
90
43
1 89
45
William McCollough (S. M.)
1 18
Archibald McSparrin (S. M.)
1 19
14
1 08
1 04
82
Samuel Meals, Jr. (S. M.)
75
7">
1 47
41
50
75
William McNees
1 29
94
1 26
John Martin, Jr. (S. M.). . .
1 S3
22
1 44
4
76
Charles McCoy (distillery)
1 30
Phillip McCoy
1 22
MS
1 47
90
58
1 08
51
76
Walter Mahan
81
William McMichael (S. M.)
1 38
Daniel McConnell
1 66
Charles C. Mc Wright (tailor)
80
1 08
Rebecca Newell
79
Charles Pollock
86
James Pollock (S M.)
1 50
1 24
Robert Porter
57
1 44
1 18
John Pisor (S. M., distillery)
2 01
1 91
Washington Parker (S. M.)
1 35
William Parker (S. M.)
1 47
90
1 19
Isaac Reep.
90
Robert Reed (tannery)
1 75
THE PIONEERS.
63
SLIPPERY ROCK TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED.
John Rosenberry
Alex Ramsey
John Robertson
John Reddick
James Shields
John Shields
James Say
Elisha Smith
Joseph Smith (distillery)
John Smith
James Smith
400
400
ISO
400
400
31 11 1
100
400
400
100
400
James Simpson | 400
Henry Steintorf
John Shever
Michael Shakely
John Stevenson
Robert Sutton
Avad Sutton (S. M.)
Robert Storey (S. M.)
Christian Smethers
John Sulling'er
Andrew Stewart
Samuel Sloan
James Seott
Joseph Studebaker
David Studebaker (S. M.)
Philip Snyder
Melzer Tannehill
John Taggert
William Turner
James Turner
41 Ml
100
400
400
400
400
200
4
170
1
300
3
280
3
200
2
400
2
400
200
1
250
2
400
1
400
1
300
84
02
SO
194
128
112
4 s
148
148
(.4
68
14.i
1-24
34
1 in
04
To
80
4
84
142
80
96
70
126
100
92
i 75
83
45
1 75
1 15
1 01
43
1 33
1 33
58
61
1 26
1 12
31
1 26
85
68
1 47
7'>
Joseph Tom
Robert Tavlor
Peter Traxler (S. M.)
411(1
400
400
40(1
400
400
400
200
200
250
100
400
200
400
400
400
200
200
350
400
250
400
400
200
1
1
..
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
96
1S4
80
88
124
130
136
76
68
87
30
S4
40
98
144
80
60
64
109
1S4
12
87
88
184
90
86
1 65
75
79
1 11
David Walter (S. M.)
1 22
1 22
68
61
78
1 02
75
36
88
Capt. William Wilson
1 30
72
54
58
Alexander Wiley
Robert Waddle
98
1 66
Thomas Waddle
11
William Waddle. Sr
James Waddle (S. M.)
78
79
John Walsh
1 66
81
After 1803 the county settled up very rapidly, so that by 18015 there were no
less than 1,644 taxables within her limits, and by 1810, when the first census was
taken, the population was 7,346.
64
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
STATISTICS OF POPULATION.
The following- table exhibits the population of the county by townships and bor-
rhs at each decennial census since its organization:
Adams township
Allegheny township
Brady township
Buffalo township
Butler borough
Butler township
Centre township
Centreville borough
Cherry township
Clay township
Clearfield township
Clinton township
Concord township
Connoquenessiug township
Cranberry township
Donegal township
Evans City borough
Fairview borough
Fairview township
Forward township
Franklin township
Harmony borough
Harrisville borough
Jackson township
Jefferson township
Karns City borough
Lancaster township
Marion township
Mercer township
Middlesex township
Millerstown borough
Muddy Creek township. . . .
Oakland township
Parker township
Perm township
Petrolia borough
Portersville borough
Prospect borough
Saxonburg borough
Slippery Rock township. . .
Summit township
Venango township
Washington township, . . .
West-Sunbury borough. . .
Winfield township
Worth township
Zelienople borough
1.284
543
671
.sSS
53S
395
399
658
377
1820
830
1S40
1850
1860
866
881
701
582
1,012
1,820
2,751
1,205
580
861
1.14S
1,399
472
768
1,389
2,622
1,198
972
1,322
1,834
1,495
829
625
970
907
1.039
515
617
1,103
1 .924
869
1,021
855
977
1,944
2.1.112
2,518
1,098
765
1,046
1,822
2.236
931
960
1,085
1,615
1.174
999
1,078
1,101
1,020
l.ll'i
860
1,117
1.457
1,130
789
041
771
1,233
1,2" 16
545
1,010
1,231
1,692
2.259
1,034
868
1,317
1,998
1.142
1,094
919
659
945
1,364
769
1,170
914
865
1,541
1,507
1,490
993
030
353
499
822
1.473
1,003
836
993
1,134
928
873
890
600
1.495
1.935
984
843
366
903
1,062
847
1,132
926
1,051
945
852
1.078
1,025
1,047
414
1,137
1,234
1,053
850
478
1,010
407
972
926
1,309
837
198
271
2' IS
1,304
902
991.
216
1,121
8' 13
387
1,156
2,287
772
1,263
3,163
1,007
980
418
1,161
1,036
1,056
1.048
1,654
1,190
983
2,156
333
3, '13(1
1.133
1,(147
4'>7
386
1.207
1.214
',"(11
1,070
1,086
985
1,100
1,108
790
1.039
2,516
1,131
1,186
210
362
319
1,007
1,266
1.322
1,287
243
1,092
1,076
497
1,817
1,224
729
1,131
8,734
1,297
1,005
448
1,433
1,076
841
918
1,138
1,593
909
1.617
637
303
1,996
1.724
990
585
386
1,154
1,600
427
946
965
697
1.078
1,162
785
1,198
1.710
1.814
546
190
343 -
25.8
1,247
1.287
1.147
1,351
238
1,087
^39
639
The population of the following villages in 1880 was: Coylesville, 5; Evansburg, 68;
Eldorado, 53; Forrestville, 233; Greece City, 142; Hilliard, 116; Mechanicsburg, 52: Middle-
town, r>4; Modoc, 1-7; Martinsburg, 2s7: North Washington, 147; Petersville^ 90; Sarvers-
ville, 37; Troutman, 320; Uiiiouville, 44; West Liberty. 63, 'and Whitestown, 90. In 1890
many of theseivillages had almost disappeared, though a few of them show an increase;
but they are included in the census of their respective townships. Evans City, origin-
ally called Evansburg, exhibits the most decided growth of any of the smaller towns, its
population jumping from 68, in 1880, to 637 in 1890, while its present estimated popula-
tion is about 1,000.
The total population of Butler county by decades is as follows: 1800, 3,916; 1S10,
7,346; 1820. 10,193; 1830, 14,683; 1840, 22,371; 1850, 30,346; 1860, 35.594: 1870, 36,510; 1880,
^2.536, and 1890, 55,339.
'£ot'
( \ .
/, ■■(, ;,,../■< ■■"
CHAPTER V.
PIONEER REMINISCENCES.
Proving a Claim — Petitions of Barron and McKee— Adventures of the Widow
Aggas — Mrs. O'Donnell's Devotion — Peggy Walker's Escape — Pioneer
Burials— Pioneer Wedding Festivities — The Bachelors' Tax — Early Tavern
Licenses — Negro and White Slaves— The "Fourth" and "Training Day"
— Cradle of Mormonism — Retail Markets, 180+ to 1830 — The Argonauts —
Wood Rangers — Early Hunters and Their Rewards — Hunts of 1820 and 1828
— The Last Grand Hunt — Farming and Milling Methods.
IN a chapter of this character many pages might be devoted to portrayal of
pioneer manners and customs. Here, however, some of the principal points
in pioneer life will be noticed, as a sequel to the preceding chapter, wherein the
names, connected with the development of this county, find a place. These
reminiscences were obtained from contemporary records found in the court-house
or in the newspaper offices. Among them is introduced the last great hunt,
which, though occurring less than thirty years ago, is looked upon as the close of
pioneer meetings, and in itself brings up the names of the sons of men, who in
earlier days ranged the forests of this district, as self-reliant, expert hunters of the
pioneer stamp.
In the chapter on land titles is told the story of the purchase of Butler
county from the Indians and the agrarian troubles subsequent to 1803. The fol-
lowing statement made before Henry Evans and Samuel Cunningham, justices
of the peace for Butler county, December 12. 1801, shows the manner in which
settlers acquired land in some districts :
William Barron, of Butler county, farmer, applies for a tract of three hundred
acres of land situate on the Glade run, a branch of Slippery Rock creek, being- what is
called commonly, "The Stripe, ' adjoining- to land settled by Thomas Carothers and
David Findley and to the Donation District, on which tract of laud by the said William
Barron applied for, he hath caused an actual settlement and improvement to be made.
In a further statement he says that in May, 1707, he erected a cabin,
deadened the trees on three acres and cleared two acres. By 1801 six acres were
cleared and a cabin sixteen feet square was in existence. All went to show that
he had complied with the land grant laws of the Commonwealth and that his
application for a patent was made in good faith and not as a speculator or the
agent of a speculator.
In 1823 the legislature settled the difficulties growing out of claims to lands
in the Struck District of Butler county, when the petition of Andrew McKee
was considered. It appears that the act of March 7. 1780, promised to officers
and privates of the Pennsylvania Line in the Revolutionary War certain lands
to be divided according to the rank of grantees. The acts of March li', ls7:;,
5
66 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and of March '24, 1785, provided for the location and survey of such lands, and
Brigadier-General Irvine was appointed to make a topographical survey. lie
reported that the most eastern part of the Second Donation District, commonly
called the "Struck District," was unfit for cultivation, and hence tickets for such
lands were not placed in the " wheel."
The story of the Widow Aggas, bringing her family into this county in 1796,
a short time after the Indians killed her husband, in Westmoreland county, is by
no means an extreme picture of the dangers and troubles to which the pioneers
were exposed. With her sons, Sylvanus, aged eleven years, and Abner, aged ten
years, she entered the forest of what is now Centre township and early in the
afternoon camped near a spring, where she intended to make a home. Later
that day she went further into the forest in search of a better location, but losing
her way among the hills, the brave woman became dazed and laid down
exhausted to wait for the morning light. Next day was passed in a fruitless
search for the encampment of the family, anil night coming on she sought refuge
from the wolves and a place of rest in the forks of a monarch oak. ( )n the morning
of the third day she discovered a trail, and shortly after met a few of her new
neighbors, who assured her that her boys were safe and pointed out the way
which would lead her to them.
Another instance of the courage and fortitude of pioneer women is to be
found in the experience of Mrs. Mary O'Donnell, who lost her husband shortly
after their settlement in Clearfield township. With extraordinary courage she
took up the work of making a farm in the wilderness, and, at the same time, sup-
ported and educated the young pioneers, who were left to her as a pledge of a
husband's love.
The early settlers had more than obstacles to deal with. The Indian, the
wolf and the bear were not the only enemies to be guarded against, for the pan-
ther was still a ranger of the woods and the most terrible enemy of the new
inhabitants. The scene of Peggy Walker's escape from the " painter" is not far
from the location of the Armstrongs' first cabin on Wolf creek. Returning from
that cabin about sundown one day in 1805, she heard the animal's scream. The
horse on which the girl was mounted bounded forward and the race for life
began. Often the panther came close enough to make the spring which he was
sure would land him on his prey ; but the good horse being swift and sure and the
rider well trained in forest travel, escaped the angry brute, which gave up the
chase when only within gunshot of her home.
As the marriage in pioneer times was a signal for rejoicings and merriment,
so death was one for sorrow and solemnity. The funeral in the wilderness,
whether the mourners marched toward the cemetery round the church at Sugar
Creek, or westward to Mount Nebo, was a moving picture of sincere grief.
Simplicity marked the whole ceremony of burial. No plumed hearse was there,
not even a wagon on which the plain coffin might be placed. When the pioneer
Thorn died, a large tree was cut down and hollowed out in canoe or "dugout "
fashion, the body was then placed in the cavity, a slab nailed on top, and the
crude casket hauled to the grave-yard after the fashion of a sleigh. This funeral,
was the extreme of pioneer simplicity.
PIONEER REMINISCENCES. 67
The youth of pioneer days were as anxious to enter matrimonial life as these
of our own times, and the weddings were great attractions There were no dis-
tinctions of class and few of fortune. The neighbors gathered to celebrate with
natural joy the nuptials of their young friends. The dance continued just so
long as any desired to step jauntily about to the music of the district fiddler, in
square sets or jigs or in three or four-handed reels. The jigs were characterized
by the "cutting-out" game, that is, when either of the dancers desired to rest,
one would take his place in the set without disturbing the others. If seats were
scarce, as they were often, every young man, not on the floor, was expected to
offer his knees as a seat for a girl, and this offer was accepted with the same
courtesy that would be observed to-day in leading a fair one to her chair. The
"infair" took place the next night and was enjoyed equally with the wedding
festivities. During the years, when single men were taxed seventy-five cents per
annum, they would often marry to win exoneration. There is, at least, one case
of this character related in the chapter on organization and administration. The
marriage of Walter Lowrie, in 1S0S, is recorded as follows :
This is to certify that on the fourteenth day of January, in the year of Our Lord,
one thousand eight hundred and eight, before me, Samuel Cunningham, one of the jus-
tices of the peace of Butler county, Walter Lowrie of the county aforesaid, and Amelia
McPherrin of the same county, were legally joined in marriage, each of them being of
competent age, and declaring themselves free respectively from prior engagements or
other lawful impediments. In witness whereof, as well as the said Walter and Amelia,
as I, the said Samuel Cunningham and others, the witnesses present, have hereunto sub-
scribed our names the day and year aforesaid: Samuel Cunningham, Walter Lowrie,
Amelia Lowrie, Samuel Williamson, Andrew Williamson, Samuel Dickison, John Nel-
son, Benjamin White, Elizabeth White, John Negley, William Martin, John Spear,
Joseph Hudson and Hannah Hall.
In The Repository of June IS, 182S, is a notice of the marriage of James
Nicholl, aged sixty years, with Elizabeth Snow, aged twenty years, both of
Parker township. The poet of The Repository added the following lines;
The groom of three score summer suns
Has braved the heat and sultry wind,
But now ere scorching August comes,
With naught but Snow can comfort find.
The persons recommended for tavern licenses in 1S04, were William Ayres
and James Thompson of Butler borough, with John Moser, Robert Graham,
George Bowers and William Brown. In Connoquenessing township, were Guy
Hilliard, Robert Boggs, Benjamin Garvin, James Amberson and Matthew White ;
David Sutton, of Middlesex; Robert Reed and Adam Funk, of Slippery Rock,
and Daniel Fiedler of " Midler."
In 1805 Adam Funk applied for township leave to open a tavern at Butler :
while William Brown, John Moser, George Bowers, Joseph McClelland, Abner
Coats, James Thompson and Abraham Brinker also made similar applications.
Thomas Lyon, of Middlesex; Matthew White, Robert Boggs, George Smith,
James Amberson and William Freeman, of Connoquenessing ; Samuel A. Rippey,
of Slippery Rock ; Benjamin Garvin, of Cranberry, and Robert Reed, of Mercer,
were also applicants for license in 1805; ami in 1806, Richard Maybury of Muddy
68 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Creek ; James Thompson, Michael Waterhouse and George Young, of Butler;
Henry Evans, of Mercer, and John Cooper, of Donegal.
In June, L807, Frederick Rapp was recommended for a license to keep
tavern at Harmony. In 1809 Elisha Frost was permitted to keep tavern at
Zelienople, and Jacob Mechling and William Martin in Butler ; while in 1810,
John Shryock asked for a license to keep tavern in Donegal.
In 1799, when Matthew White settled at Whitestown — where he had pre-
viously purchased 400 acres of land — he brought with him three slaves named
George Mitchell, Pompey and Eleanor Troy, or " Black Nell." They were
really the property of Alexander White, of Franklin count)1, father of Matthew,
who manumitted them prior to 1803, in fulfillment of a promise made during a
serious illness. In order, however, that they might be cared for, he gave George
Mitchell to his son, Matthew, Pompey to his son, James, later of Waterford,
Erie county, Pennsylvania, and " Black Nell " to his daughter, Mrs. Anna Gal-
braith, the wife of Alexander Galbraith, of Centre township. Eleanor Troy, or
"Black Nell," who was listed in the assessment of 1821, in Centre township, as a
female slave forty-five years old, died March 11, 1857. For over thirty years she
was a member of the Associate Reformed Church, of Butler. She was buried on the
Moses Thompson farm in Centre township, where a monument marks her grave.
In 1803 Captain Parker was assessed as the owner of one slave. In 1S21
the widow Galbraith was assessed as the owner of a slave named John, valued
at $100. In the same year a slave named Lewis Martin, aged thirteen years, was
valued for taxable purposes in Muddy Creek township. He was bound for six
years. In this year, also, there were two male slaves in Connoquenessing town-
ship— one named Fulton, aged six years, and one named Thomas, aged five years;
also a slave girl named Sylvia, aged fourteen years.
The apprentice of sixty years ago was made acquainted with experiences
practically unknown to the boys of to-day. He was generally an orphan boy or
the son of poor parents, and his apprenticeship, in many instances, approached
actual slavery. He was often poorly clothed and fed, and so harshly treated as
to be compelled to regain his liberty by running away. This he often did
even when well treated. Sometimes his master made no further attempt at his
recapture than to offer a reward, something like the following :
SIX CENTS REWARD.
Ran away from the subscriber on Saturday evening1, the 29th ult., an indented
apprentice to the cabinet-making- business, named John Rimbey, between nineteen and
twenty years of age. He had on when he went away a new black fur hat, blue coat and
corded pantaloons and striped vest. He also took with him a pair of black, thick cloth
pantaloons and vest. The public is hereby cautioned against employing or harboring
said apprentice, as the law shall be enforced against any person doing so.
Butler, November 4, 1828. GEORGE MILLER.
Such rewards as one "gill of whisky " and $000 were offered in January,
182'.', by John Welsh and William Stewart, the first advertising for Robert Gold,
a young tailor, and the latter for John Powell, a young printer.
The " Fourth" and " Training Da)- " were the fete days of early times. The
militia held the country then, and on "Training Day" felt they were its sole
PIONEER REMINISCENCES.
69
defenders, if not actual owners. Among the early celebrations was that ol July
4, 1823, which was presided over at Butler by Capt. William Beatty. William
Campbell, the secretary, read the Declaration. Fifteen general toasts ami twenty-
seven volunteer toasts were responded to at the banquet, held in the house of
Col. Henry Evans. .V second organization, presided ever by Moses Sullivan,
with John Bredin as secretary and reader, dined at David Scott's tavern and
responded to thirty toasts. At the Harmony meeting twenty-two toasts were pro-
posed during the banquet at Jacob Kelker's house. Such patriarchs as Peter
Duffy, Moses Sullivan, Jacob Mechling, Hagerty, Neyman, Beatty and others
emptied their glasses as each name or sentiment was given.
At a celebration held in Cranberry township, on another occasion, the
militia received a toast in their honor with several cheers, the memory of Wash-
ington, Lafayette, Jackson, Wayne and other heroes being likewise honored. At
Prospect the local warriors observed the same rule.
Butler county may be called the cradle of Mormonism, in so far as the idea
of a polygamic colony originated here with Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet of
Xauvoo, Illinois. In the "Twenties," Smith resided at Harmony, where he
boarded at the house of Isaac Hale. On January is, lsi'7, he married Emma, a
daughter of Isaac Hale, the union occurring in opposition to the wishes of her
father, who would not permit the wedding to take place within his cabin. The
sly Joseph was engaged at that time in digging for hidden treasure at Harmony;
so he alleged. That he conceived the idea of his community here is highly prob-
able. Studying the plans of the Harmony Society, he saw that by observing the
same business ideas and opposing the extreme of celibacy by the other extreme
of polygamy, he could gather round him men and women to live under the laws
of free love. To make the bonds closer, he conceived of a spiritual rule. In
September his god gave him the book of Mormon, and, in December, 1827, he
crossed from Pennsylvania into New York, found the "plates" which he had
buried there and began the organization of the Mormon Society.
The prices of goods and provisions from 1804 to 1830, as they appear in the
account-book of Gen. William Ayers, of Butler, now in possession of the com-
missioners of the county, is given as follows :
Paper of ink-powder at Thomp-
sons 3 25
Pantaloons, vestcoat and trim-
ming's 7 67'
One-half yard of lining- 20c, three-
fourths yards of muslin .... 23c 43
Black pair of hose from Crawfords 1 50
Pair of socks 50
Pair of pantaloons and cloth to
make a surtout 7 72
One pound of tobacco 33
Thirteen doz. quills O'e 4c 51
Two bull calves @ S3.00 6 00
One pound of coffee (from Pitts-
burgh) 44
Six yards cotton cassimere (3 S0c3
A pair of coarse woolen stockiug-s
Sixteen egg's and three chickens.
Cider, 1 barrel
Two thousand brick at S5.00 per
M
Plasterer, per diem
Building- three chimnies and cel-
larwall
Bed-bolsters, tick and pillow, 25
lbs
Wheat, per bushel
Shoulder of bacon, 12 lbs. 10c. . . .
Eighty-seven lbs. of pork at 4'2c.
Hired man, per month
34
5 00
i,5 5i)
7 81,"
1 00
1 20
3 91
5 00
7°
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
One pound of sugar (from Pitts-
burgh) $ 25
One and one-half do;;, eggs 17
< ine loaf of sugar, 7 lbs. S oz. (a
44c 3 23
Wheelbarrow 4 00
Horse-collar 1 SO
One cow and three bushels of
buckwheat 20 00
Whisky, per gallon SO
Cord-wood, per cord 75
Comb SO
Blanket S3. 00, blanket S6.50 9 50
Hide of small steer 2 00
Beef— 14 lbs at 6c 84
Tallow— A% lbs. at 12'_.c 56;
Veal — 7' 2 lbs- at 5c 37'
Coal — 50 bushels <•* ?c 2 50
Bacon from Scotland, 72 lbs (a
13',c 9 72
Grinding wheat for bread, per
bushel 2'
Three and one-half yards linsey
Housekeeper per week 30 to 66c
Six bu. oats (5 20c and 30 bu. rye
i 57'_.c per bushel $ 8 26
Pair of shoes, made by C. Myers. 1 75
Coarse blue and white handker-
chief 37'2
Two quarts of salt 25
Herrings, per doz 31
Lime, per bushel 18-'+
One-half bushel of salt 1 25
Butter, per lb 6 ' i
Flour, 33 lbs 67
Large kettle for hatters shop. ... 5 00
Five and one-half yards flannel
for Mallissa Jones (colored ser-
vant) 3 09#
Tobacco, per lb 12 ' j
Nails, per lb 10
Pine tub 1 50
(it
3 06
Bonnet and gingham for Mallis
Skein of sewing thread
A pair of. Morocco boots
Paper of pins
Six yards of calico @ 37' -
2 85
6'
2 00
The California gold-fever "struck" this county in i849 and continued until
1852. During the two years several stalwart fellows left the county for the
Pacific slope. Many of them found profit and pleasure, a greater number disap-
pointment, and a few death. Among the Argonauts who left in 1849 was Will-
iam J. Beatty, son of Captain Beattv. He died near Coloma, California, Feb-
ruary 1, 1 s.~)( i . Alexander Martin, another Argonaut, died there in April, 1850. In
March, 1850, the following-named residents of Butler borough started for Cali-
fornia : C. E. Purviance, P. De Park Taylor, Robert J. Jordan, J. Q. A. Ken-
nedy, John Bredin (son of Maurice), Capt. A. M. Evans, John Young, Simon
P. Young and Christian Bortmass. At the same time a detachment left Harris-
ville, under Capt. James Harris. In February, 1851, Captain Ziegler and friends
returned from the golden country. On March 4, 1851, Peter Schenck returned
and died here a day later. Peter Duffy left with a thorough outfit in 1849, and
did not return until 1853. Jacob Ziegler remained fourteen months. William
Russell, who died here in October, 1885, was one of the Argonauts of 1850. He
resided in the Golden State for thirty years: while Martin McCandless, who left
here in 1852, revisited his home in September. 1893, for the first time.
Within a year or so many of those who set out with such high hopes were
glad to return to their friends here. Among the iokers of the company were the
local poets, one of whom wrote as follows :
I've been to Californy
With my wash-bowl on my knee;
I've seen the tallest elephant
That ever mortal see-
He measures, from one tip to tip,
About a million feet.
And from the other tip to top,
The critter can't be beat.
PIONEER REMINISCENCES. J I
The right of petition and its accompanying right of remonstrance were freely
exercised by the pioneers. The following is one of the earliest instances of the
exercise of the former right. It was presented to the court of quarter sessions in
November, 1S04.
To the honourable the Judtresof the Court of Common Pleas, in and for the county of
Butler, now composing- a Court of General Ouarter Sessions of the Peace in and tor I
county. The petition of a number of the inhabitants of the said county humbly sheweth,
that the county labours under inconvenience for want of proper wood-rangers, and,
therefore, pray your Honours to license two suitable persons for that purpose, agreeably
to the 7th section of an Act of Assembly on that subject, passed the 9th day of May.
1724. And your petitioners as in duty bound will Pray, etc.
This petition was written by William Ayres and signed by the following
named pioneers: Matthew White, John Xegley, David Kerr, James Scott,
William Campbell, David Dougal, John McCandless, Samuel Cunningham. Will-
iam Dodds, Andrew Allsworth, John Woodcock, John Shannon, James Irvine,
James Amberson, William Skellen, Barnet Gilliland, Jacob Mechling. Daniel
McMichael, William Adams, Christopher McMichael and David McMichael.
The indorsement shows that the court appointed David Sutton, Si"., and [ohn
Stewart to serve as wood-rangers for one year.
From the beginning of 18(10 to December 2, 1803, the sum of $494.03 was
paid out on wolf orders. From .April 5, LS25, to May 10. 1831, there were only
$412.97 paid out on warrants for wolf scalps. The names of the recipients of this
money are given as follows: Philip Ililliard, David Sav, John Ekas, John Pol-
lock, Elisha l!aker and John Woods, in 1825; Neal Strawick and William
Thompson in 1826; David Cypher in 1827; Robert Sloan in 1828; Jacob Ekas
and Elisha Milliard in 1829 : George W. Smith, William Thompson and William
McQuistion in 1830, and Thomas Hagerty, Jr., in 1831.
John McNees, a celebrated hunter of the pioneer period, delivered five wolf-
/heads and live wolf puppies in 1S20, receiving as bounty thirty-two and twenty-
five dollars respectively. Joseph Embry received twenty-five dollars for live
wolf puppies. Justices Scott and Galbraith certifying that they were captured
within the county.
In 1S21-22 such hunters as Manassas Gillespie, John Parker. David Garvin
and Patrick Gillespie were paid bounties for the killing of old wolves ami the
capture of wolf puppies. The hunters who received bounties in May, 1823, for
wolf scalps and wolf puppies were William Smith, William McPherrin, Jacob
Slator, Robert Thompson and Joseph Embry.
The grand hunt of December 21. 1820, was organized for the purpose of
destroying bears, wolves, deer and other wild animals, which preyed upon the
farmers' live stock or fed upon their crops. Four great divisions were organized.
The northern division, under Captain Beatty, assembled at John L. Maxwell's
house; the western division, under William Purviance, assembled at Purviance's
powder-mill; the southern division, under Capt. John Dunbar, assembled at the
house of Peter Peterson, Sr., and the eastern division, under Capt. William Camp-
bell, started from the court house. Xo spirituous liquor was allowed to be carried
into the field. This hunt was very successfully carried out, and a large number
of wild animals were destroyed.
7- HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The great wolf hunt of April, 1828, was suggested at a meeting of farmers
held in James McMahon's house, in Venango township. The hunters were
ordered to assemble early on April 25, at rive places, under Gen. Thomas Gra-
ham, Col. Benjamin Mcjunkin, Capt. John Parker, John Jack and Thomas Kerr,
and to close in on Elean or Barnett's cabin as a center. No spirituous liquors
were allowed nor were fire arms permitted. Horns, bells and drums were called
into play and the work of surrounding the wolves and other wild animals was
begun and prosecuted successfully.
The grand circular hunt of March 26, 1829, was carried out in three divis-
ions, all under Jacob Mechling. The center or closing-in point was at Xegley's
farm on the turnpike. Xo guns or liquor were permitted.
One of the last grand hunts in this county, and the first since 1863, took
place October 80, 1866, — twenty-four men of the " Dan Boones," under Capt.
Charles Duffy, being matched against thirty-one men of the " Davy Crocketts,"
under Capt. Edwin Lyon.
The roster of the "Dan Boones" contained the following names: Charles
Duffy, captain; John McCandless, John Purviance, Frank Eyth, Joseph B.
Mechling, John B. McQuistion, Joseph Elliot. W. A. Lowry, Frank Strawick,
I. J. Cummings, Joseph L, Purvis. John Hutchison, Gottlieb Longbine, William
Leckey, John Lemmon, William Stoops, James Collins, Col. Alexander Lowry,
Dr. J. C. Redick. Daniel Johnson, Matthew Cunningham, Henry Reiger, George
W. Fleeger, Maj. George W. Reed, Jacob Gible, Benjamin Huselton, George Gil-
lespie, Isaac Ash, Thomas S. Hutchison, Daniel McDevitt, J. D. Albert, John
Snyder, C. Hurley. Andrew Knouse, Mike Fair, Y. Reiger, Jacob Knouse, Eli
Patterson, Isaiah Albert, William Campbell, Thomas A. Hutchison, Jacob
Shields, George Hutchison and Samuel Beatty.
The roll of the " Davy Crocketts," contained the following names : Edwin
Lyon, captain: Abraham McCandless, D. H. Mackey, R. C. McAboy, George
W. Ziegler, R. C. Sharp, Conrad Smith, Lynn McAboy, Joseph McCaskey,
Col. John M. Thompson, Samuel Sykes, Jr., Lieut. Jerry Millinger, Harvey Col-
bert, R. M. McLure, Maj. Cyrus E. Anderson, John Beatty, W. F. Hutchison,
W. S. Purviance, T. H. Lyon, Samuel Johnson, William Derrimore, Simon
Young, George Black, Milton Henry, Samuel Campbell, James Shanor, Simeon
Xixon, Col. Thomas Bayne, William Mardorf, Christ Rider, Robert Stevenson,
George Campbell, Dr. Samuel Graham, Dave Birch, Mike Emerick, John Hoff-
man, Daniel Heck, G. A. Mazerie, James Moser, William Ramsey, Aaron Henry,
W. J. Young, Mathew Kline and Lewis Sparr.
Drs. Xeyman, Bredin and Huselton were referees; E. Ferrero and E. Mc-
junkin, clerks ; Lewis Z. Mitchell, orator ; Phillip Bickel, German orator ; Ed. M.
Bredin, historian ; James Karns, herald; James Bredin, regular toaster ; James
Gilmore Campbell, toaster for the winners ; Jacob Ziegler, toaster for the losers ;
Thomas Robinson and John Call, representatives of the press ; Colonel Lowry,
Judge Mechling, II. C. Heineman and Charles McCandless, carvers ; Joseph
Stehle, chief of music; Alderman Kelly, butler; Sheriff Brackenridge, sergeant-
at-arms : John Scott, marshal ; Maj. Richard Hughes, master of ceremonies;
George W. Moore, wire-puller; Maj. C. E. Purviance, Harvey Osborn and H. J.
PIONEER REMINISCENCES. 73
Klingler, committee on light ; while the committee to report arrangements for
celebration of July 4th. comprised Capt. E. 1-. Gillespie, Capt. George \Y.
Fleeger and Capt. C. S. Barclay.
The number of officers and the variety of offices speak at once of the character
of the banquet which followed the hunt. The marshal arranged the hungry hunt-
ers at table and the herald proclaimed the lists of game ; the toaster for the losers
led the winning captain to the head, while the toaster for the winners lead the los-
ing captain to the foot of the banquet table ; the chief of music blew his horn as
occasion required ; the historian granted permits for songs or yarns, and the butler
took charge of punsters and arranged punishments. He also decided what were
and were not intoxicating drinks, and hud-out — under the table — any one who
introduced politics. Deaf men were exempt from joining in the merry laugh, and,
in the matter of profane language, its use was only countenanced when uttered
by the losing captain and the toast-master for the losers. Married participants
in this affair were not permitted to receive messages from their wives, as the
receipt of such messages was considered an obstacle to the hilarity of the festive
meeting. The orators spoke until " choked-off," and held the '•Dans" and
" Davys" spell-bound. At the close, when many were too" full for utterance,"
the memory of the hunters, who died since the last great hunt of 1863, was received
in silence, and the hunters of 1866, so far as they were able, quietly dispersed.
The '• Crocketts" counted 3,715 head of game, or 11',) head for each of the
thirty-one members of that club in the field. The " Dan Boones " counted 2,985,
or 124 8-10 head for each of the twenty-four members who went into the field, with
their blue colors, under Captain Duffy. The colors of the " Crocketts " were
orange, in many shades, and of the officers, red, white and blue in rosettes
Two important items, in pioneer times, were farming and milling. Axes
and hoes were clumsily made by the rough blacksmith. Grain and hay were
stacked in the fields or yard or placed in crude log barns. Threshing was done
with flails or the grain tramped out by oxen or horses, when it was winnowed
through the meshes of a riddle ; or in a calm, two persons would raise and maintain
a breeze by a dexterous swinging movement of a double linen bed-sheet, while the
third operator would winnow the threshed grain from a riddle. Corn and buck-
wheat were sometimes ground in hand-mills and sifted in sieves made from dressed
perforated sheep or deer skin, drawn tightly over a wide oaken hoop. The nether
or bed stone of the hand-mill was fixed to a bench, and the upper or runner stone
revolved on a spindle by means of a pole, the upper end of which passed into an
auger hole in a board fastened overhead, and the lower end was fitted into a hole
drilled in the upper surface of the runner, near the periphery. The miller would
seize the pole with one hand, sweeping it around, and with the other would feed
the grain. A ruder device was simply a hollow in a tree stump, which would
hold a peck of grain. A hard wooden pestle was then made to fit the hollow in
the stump, and this was fastened by withes to the top of a sapling bent for a
spring-pole. The operator would then place the grain to be ground in the mor-
tar or hollow, and seizing the pestle with both hands, would thrust it into the
mortar, crushing the grain. The spring-pole would raise the pestle when released
from the hand, and leave it ready to be thrust again and again into the mortar
74 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
until the grinding process was completed. Of course there were grist mills as
curly as 1S00, with mill-stones made of line eonglomerite rock, but many of the
early farmers found it more convenient to rely upon the domestic hand-mill than
t<> make a perilous journey through the forest to the nearest grist-mill and there,
alter taking their turn, according l<> custom, wait through the tedious processes
then in vogue. In either case the flour was coarse, containing much of the
gluten, phosphates and starch, lost by the modern process. It was a brain food,
as well as a muscle-maker, and was particularly adapted to pioneer times.
CHAPTER VI.
COUNTY ANT) TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
Erection of County — Boundaries Defined — Named After Gen. Richard Butler
—Sketch of His Life — Early Financial Transactions — Assessors and Trus-
tees of 1800— Tax Levies 1800 to 1803— Commission To Locate County Seat-
Township Organization of 1804— New Townships Created — Efforts to Or-
ganize a New County- — The Re-subdivision of 1854 — Viewers Account- Modi-
fication of Township Lines — Renewed Efforts to Form a New County.
BUTLER COUNTY was erected under authority of an act of the legisla-
ture of Pennsylvania, approved March 12, 1800. This act provided for
its attachment to Allegheny county for administrative and judicial purposes, and
described its boundaries as follows :
Beginning' at a locust tree on the south side of Buffalo creek ; thence along the
Allegheny line, due west, twenty-three miles, to Alexander's district ; thence due north
twenty-three miles, along that line and Beaver county to a corner near the confluence of
Muddy creek and Slippery Rock : thence north, fifteen degrees east, fifteen miles along
the Mercer county line to. a white oak tree, in the Third Donation District; thence due
east, along the Venanjro county line to the Allegheny river ; thence due south along the
Armstrong county line to the place of beginning.
The county was named after Gen. Richard Butler, the following sketch of
whoso life has been prepared expressly for this work by Dr. William II. Egle,
State librarian. It is the only complete sketch of this noted pioneer and gallant
soldier that has ever appeared in print, and well deserves a place of honor in the
history of the county that bears his distinguished name :
" Richard Butler, the eldest child of Thomas and Eleanor Butler, emigrants
from the North of Ireland, was probably born in what is now York county, Penn-
sylvania, April 1, 1748, although most biographers state he was born in Ire-
land. He was educated at the school of Rev. Mr. Allison, Chester county, and
studied the profession of law. lie served as an ensign in Capt. James Hendrick's
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 75
company, of the First Pennsylvania battalion, in Col Henry Bouquet's expedition
of 1764, and there received his first experience in the military art. At the outset
of the Revolutionary struggle he entered the Pennsylvania Line as major of the
Eighth regiment, commissioned July 20, 177li; was promoted lieutenant-colonel
March 12, 1777, ranking from August 28, 177''>, and transferred to lieutenant-
colonel of Morgan's rifle command. June 9, 1777. whom he afterwards succeeded,
and distinguished himself on many occasions. This regiment was made up of
picked men detached from the several regiments of the Pennsylvania, Maryland
and Virginia Lines. He was considered by Washington and General Wayne
one of the ablest partisan officer* of the Revolution and most familiar with
Indian life and affairs.. It is said that he knew several Indian dialects, and had
been requested by the commander-in-chief to compile an Indian vocabulary.
••When General Burgoyne advanced against General Gates, Washington sent
Butler's Rifles from the banks of the Delaware to protect the flank and rear of
Gates from the Indians under Brant ; and after participating most ellieu ntly and suc-
cessfully in the battle of Saratoga, October, 1777, were ordered back to Washing-
ton's headquarters. The same regiment distinguished itself at the battle of Mon-
mouth. June, 1778, and when Washington, in a dispatch to Congress, animad-
verted on the conduct of Gen. Charles Lee on that occasion, he also staled that
• Colonel Butler's was the only command which tired a gun.' He was promoted
colonel of the Ninth Pennsylvania, and under his command this regiment took a
prominent and honorable share in the capture of Stony Point ; and St. Clair to
Reed, in a letter dated July 25. 1770, says: 'My friend. Colonel Butler, com-
manded one of the attacks and distinguished himself.'
"After the revolt in the Pennsylvania Line, the Ninth regiment generally re-
enlisted under their old colonel and his captains in the Fifth Pennsylvania, who
commanded it during the campaign under General Wayne in the south. Of his
career in that department we have extant a characteristic letter to Gen Willam
Irvine, published in the first volume of 'Pennsylvania in the War of the Revo-
lution.' Gen. Henry Lee, in his ' Memoirs of the War in the Southern Depart-
ment of the United States,' alludes to the incidents refered to in that letter as
follows :
While in his camp before Williamsburg- the British general learned that we had some
boats and stores on the Chickaliominy river. Hither he detached Lieutenant-colonel
Sinicoe. with his corps and the Yagers, to destroy them. This service was promptly per-
formed; but the xVmerican general, having discovered from his exploring- parties the
inarch of Simcoe, detached on the 26th, Lieutenant-colonel Butler, of the Pennsylvania
Line, the renowned second and rival of Morgan at Saratoga. The rifle corps, under
Majors Call and Willis, and the cavalry, which did not in the whole exceed one hundred
and twenty effectives, composed Butler"s van. Major MacPherson of Pennsylvania led
this corps, and having mounted some infantry behind the remnant of Armand's Dra-
goons, overtook Simcoe on his return near Spencer's plantation, six or. seven miles above
Williamsburg. The suddenness of MacPherson's attack threw the Yagers into confusion;
but the Queen's Rangers quickly deployed, and advanced to the support of the Yagers.
Call and Willis had now got up to MacPherson's support with their riflemen, and the
action became fierce. Lieutenant Lollar, at the head of a squadron of Simcoe's Hussars,
fell on Armand's remnant and drove it out of line, making Lieutenant Breso and several
privates prisoners. Following- his blow, Lollar turned upon our riflemen, then pressing-
j6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
upon the Queen's Rangers; and at the same moment, Captain Ogilvie, of the Legion Cav-
alry, who had been sent that morning from camp with his troop for the collection of forage,
accidentlv appeared on our left flank. The rifle corps fell back in confusion upon Butler,
drawn up in the rear with his Continentals. Satisfied with the repulse of the assailing
troops. Lieutenant-colonel Simcoe began to retire: nor was he further pressed by Butler,
as Coruwallis had moved with the main body, on hearing the first fire, to shield Simcoe.
" In October following, in view of Colo-nel Butler's valuable services prior to
and at the capture of Vorktown, he was honorably designated to plant our flag upon
the British works after the surrender of Cornwallis; and though Colonel Butler
detailed for this purpose his ensign, Maj. Ebenezer Denny, being propably par-
tial to him as coming from his own town, Carlisle, where the families were
near neighbors, yet Baron Steuben, unexpectedly and offensively, appropriated
this honor to himself, and Colonel Butler that night 'sent the arrogant foreigner
a message, a,s every one expected, and it took all the influence of Rochambeau and
Washington to prevent a hostile meeting.' In this business, however, we have
the following statement, according to which the Baron's conduct was approved:
When the Commissioners were discussing and arranging the terms of surrender,
Lafayette, whose turn it was next to command the trenches, marched with his
division to relieve the Baron, The latter refused to be relieved, urging that hav-
ing received the flag, the rules of European warfare secured him the right to
retain the command until the surrender of the place. Lafayette appealed to
Washington, who, after consulting Count Rochambeau, and other foreign officers,
informed him that the Baron was entitled to the command, and must retain it
until the matter under discussion should be decided.
'• On a plan of Carlisle, made in 1 7'i 1, the Butler home is then and there indi-
cated as being on lot 61, West Main street. We have some letters written by
him, and afterwards by his widow, as well as letters which we carefully copied
from the originals now among the archives of the Historical Society of Pennsyl-
vania, written by him to a friend. Gen. William Irvine, then commissioner of
public accounts in New York, and they indicate Carlisle as his home. These
letters, which are dated at Carlisle, besides some written by him thither when
absent in the field of military service, extend from September, 1782, to July. 1789.
In September, 1780, his letters begin to be dated at Pittsburg, and the last one
we have, posted from Pittsburg, is in August, 1790. It was the next year that
he was killed in battle. We are thus particular, as these facts are not generally
known, and in order to establish the claims of Carlisle to him as being a resident
and citizen of the place the greater part of his life.
"After the close of the Revolutionary War, and when residing in Carlisle, the
public service repeatedly called bis attention anil presence elsewhere, especially
to Fort Pitt, on business relating to the Indians, with whom he was well
acquainted, and a very trusted commissioner of the Government among them, and
hence he was generally and favorably known in that place. As an evidence of
this statement, we will here mention what might now be regarded as a small
matter, but, in the olden time, it was intended as a marked compliment and trib-
ute to a great and popular man. Brackenridge. in his Recollections, speaking
of taverns and tavern-keepers of Pittsburg, savs : ' When I can first remember, the
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. J J
sign of General Butler, kept l>v Patrick Murphy, was the head tavern, and the tirst
hotel in the town, just as the painted portrait of Washington or Lafayette or
Jackson, or Perry, was often hoisted at the front of a public house to dignify and
distinguish it, and to attract patronage. Throughout these many years a street in
Pittsburg bears his name. Many a partial parent called a sun after him. Gen-
eral O'Hara, of Pittsburg, gave the name of Richard Butler to one of his sons,
with whom we were intimately acquainted, whose family we often visited at
Guyasutha Place, and where still resides his only living daughter. Mrs. William
M. Darlington. Butler county, as well as the town of Butler, was named in
honor of the general, and the same honorable name has been conferred on coun-
ties, and towns, and townships in other sections of the Union.'
" But what had been his character and public services? We answer briefly :
lie was a brave and intrepid soldier, quick to perceive duty and as quick to per-
form it, and he possessed in a high degree the attachment of his men and the
confidence of Washington.
"Colonel Butler was at Fort Mcintosh, now Beaver, on the 29th of Septem-
ber, 1785, as his will, to which we shall presently refer, was dated at that place.
'The will,' writes Judge M. C. Herman, of Carlisle, to whom we are indebted
for some of the facts here given, ' appears to have been written hurriedly, and
on the eve of some dangerous expedition, for he says : '
Being- in perfect health and senses think it my duty (as I am going- far from my
family, and into some degree of danger more than generally- attend at my happy and
peaceful home), to make such arrangement of my worldly affairs as I wish and desire
may take place in case of my death, which I hope for the sake of my family, the Great
and Almighty God will avert.
" Upon the return from this expedition, Colonel Butler remained at Pittsburg,
and owning considerable property in that neighborhood, he was quite prominent
in securing the formation of the new county of Allegheny. The Supreme
Executive Council of Pennsylvania, appointed him, September 80, 1788, lieuten-
ant for that county, and on the 2nd of October following, the General Assembly
appointed him commissioner, with Col. John Gibson, to purchase from the
Indians their claim to the triangle on Lake Erie. In November, 1788, in connec-
tion with his brother, William Butler, James Robinson and Daniel Elliott, made
purchase of the reserved lots opposite the town of Pittsburg. lie was com-
missioned one of the judges of the court of common pleas of Allegheny county,
November 21, 17^, which he resigned in December, 1790, having been elected
to the Assembly from the district composed of Allegheny and Westmoreland
counties.
•'Upon the expiration of his term of service in the Assembly, Colonel Butler
returned to Pittsburg. The failure of Gen. Josiah Harmer's expedition againsl
the western Indians occurred in the autumn of 1790. Gen. Arthur St. Clair was
then appointed commander-in-chief of the United States army. Colonel Butler
was appointed major-general, and second in command, and fell, when that army
was defeated on the Miami, in the bloody battle fought against the allied Indians
under Brant, on the 4th of November, 1791. The expedition had originally
numbered about 2,000 men ; on the day of action it had been reduced to about
/8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1. tOO, and of this force 913 were killed, wounded and missing. A battalion of artil-
lery was almost entirely destroyed. St. Clair was a great civilian and brave
soldier, but, like the unfortunate Braddock, probably did not sufficiently under-
stand and appreciate Indian warfare, or his army may not have been properly
trained and diciplined to meet such a foe; and many believed that if Butler had
had the command, the result would have been different. Two of his brothers,
Cols. Thomas and Edward Butler, were also in the disastrous battle in which the
General had fallen, and the first was severely wounded. Maj, Ebene/.er Denny,
the aid-de-camp of General St. Clair (he had previously been the aid-de-camp to
General Harmer, after whom he named his eldest son. and he named his youngest
son after St. Clair), gives a detailed account of that battle in his military jour-
nal ; and his son, Dr. William II. Denny, in his admirable memoir of his father,
thus speaks of it :
After General Butler had received his first wound, he continued to walk in front,
close along- the line, with his coat off and his arm in a sling-, encouraging the men, and
retired only after receiving a second wound in the side. The commander-in-chief sent
Major Denny, with his compliments, to inquire how he was. He found him in the middle
of the camp, in a sitting posture, supported by knap-sacks; the rifle balls of the Indians,
who now surrounded closely the whole camp, concentrated upon that point. One of the
wounded general's servants and two horses were shot here. He seemed, however, to
have no anxiety, and to the inquiry of the aid-de-camp, he answered that he felt well.
Whilst making this reply, a young cadet from Virginia, who stood by his .side, was hit
on the cap of the knee by a spent ball, and cried so loudly with the pain and the alarm,
that General Butler actually shook his wounded side with laughter. This satisfied
Major Denny that the second wound was not mortal, that the General being very fleshy,
the ball might not have penetrated a vital part. He always believed that he might have
been brought away and his life saved. Probably his own aid-de-camp, Maj. John Mor-
gan, may have offered to bring him off, as was his duty, and the wounded General
declined, conscious that his weight and helplessness would only encumber his brave
young friend for no use, and hinder him from saving'- himself.
"About the time to which reference is here made, it is reliably stated that
the youngest brother, Capt. Edward Butler, removed the General from the field
and placed him near the road by which he knew the army must retreat, and on
returning to the field found his other brother, Maj. Thomas Butler, shot through
both legs. He then removed him to the side of the General, who, learning that
the army was in retreat, insisted on being leftalone,as he was mortally wounded,
and that he should endeavor to save their wounded brother. He consequently
placed Thomas on an artillery horse captured from a retreating soldier, and taking
a sad leave of their gallant and noble brother, 'they left him in his glory.'
A letter from Edward Butler to his brother Pierce, of Kentucky, dated Fort
Washington, now Cincinnati, November 11, 1791, says :
Yesterday I arrived here witli our worthy brother. Major Thomas Butler, who is illy
wounded, he having one leg broken and shot through the other. I hope, however, he
will do well. He has borne the hard fortune of that day with the soldiery fortitude you
might have expected from so brave a man. We left the worthiest of brothers, Gen.
Richard Butler, in the hands of the savag-es, but so nearly dead that, I hope, he was not
sensible of any cruelty they might willingly wreak upon him.
" We do not know just when he died or how he died. All we know of his end
is, that, out of regard for the welfare of others, and with a heroic and self-sacri-
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. /<)
ficing spirit, he desired to be left behind. His desire was granted, sadly and
reluctantly, and we, too, can only hope that he was not conscious of any savage
indignity. In the autumn of L793, General Wayne, who had succeeded General
St. Clair, in his expedition against the allied Indians, obtained possession of the
ground on which the Americans had been defeated in 1791, which he fortified
and named Fort Recovery. Here he carefully collected, and with the honors of
war, interred the bones of the slain of the 4th of November, 1791.
" Sixty years after the death of General Butler, his nephew, Col. E. G. W.
Butler, son of Col. Edward Butler, received his Uncle Richard's sword, a
'Toledo,' from Gen. W. L. Gaither, of Maryland, who said it had been pre-
sented to his ancestor, Major Gaither, by General Butler, after his brothers had
left him, and handed down through two generations with the injunction of the
former, ' never to wipe from the blade the blood of Butler.' It was given to
Colonel Butler because of the efforts of his father to save the life of its gallant
owner, and by its side rests the sword of his wounded brother, Thomas, given to
Colonel Butler by his eldest son, because the father of the former saved his
father's life. Both bear the motto : No Me Sacque Sin Razon, anil on the other
side. No Me Embaines Sin Honor: — ' Draw me not without just cause; Sheath
me not without honor.'
"Col. William D. Wilkins, son of the late venerable Judge Ross Wilkin-, of
Michigan, has the military journal of Gen. Richard Butler during the campaign
of 1791, at the back of which are recorded the roster of officers for duty, ami
also General Butler's mess account and memoranda of expenditures. The order
of battle and march was being entered at the very moment of the attack by the
enemy, and the change in the handwriting, from a very fair calligraphy to the
nervous, blotted writing of an agitated and excited man, is quite significant.
"Then follows a hiatus of several days and the series of orders recommences
at Fort Washington, now' Cincinnati, to which the army fell back after its defeat,
with a melancholy list of the killed and wounded, in which Butler's command
(embracing the first and second Pennsylvania levies and battalion of Kentucky
militia) suffered fearfully. The book is a very curious picture and record of the
ancient military life, discipline and manners of the DeKalb and Steuben period,
and shows General Butler to have been a skillful, judicious and accomplished
officer, well versed in his profession, thoughtful of the welfare of his men, and
solicitous for the honor of his country.
''Gen. Richard Butler's will, as stated, was dated September i".(. 1785, and is
recorded at Carlisle. In it lie mentions his wife Mary, and children, William and
Mary, the rearing and educating of whom is entrusted to his wife. His estate
consisted of a 'house and lot in Carlisle,' 'furniture, plate, etc' tract of land
' warranted in the name of John Beard, situate on Plumb creek, Westmoreland
county, adjoining land of the late Col. George Croghan ; ' tract of land in Alle-
gheny county; lots in Pittsburg, adjoining lots of William Butler; one thousand
acres of land, being a donation of the State of Pennsylvania, and six hundred
acres of land, a donation of the United States in Congress — 'these donations air
for my services as colonel in the Army of the United States.' and other property,
including ' horses, cows and farming utensils at and near Carlisle." The execu-
So
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
tors named in his will are his wife Mary, his brother William, his ' respected
friend Thomas Smith, Esq., attorney-at-law, Carlisle, ami my friend John Mont-
gomery, Esq.' "
The transcript of accounts between Allegheny and Butler counties, from
May 7, 1800, to December 3, 1803, — the period that the latter was attached to
the former county — shows that the sum of $5,528.90^ was collected in the town-
ships of Butler county, all of which was expended by the commissioners of Alle-
gheny county, in the manner set forth in the following itemized statement copied
from the records now in the possession of the commissioners of Butler county :
TO COSTS OF CONNOOUENESSING TOWNSHIP
1800
To clerks hire and station
ery S 4 50
May 7. Paid Robert Hayes, as-
sessor of Connoquenessing. 20 00
Sept. 9. Paid ditto for taking the
enumeration of taxable in-
habitants 10 00
To commissioners' time as-
sessing' the tax and holding
the appeals 9 SO
TO COSTS OF MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP.
To clerk hire and station-
ery, making out duplicates,
etc 4 50
May 28. Paid David Kerr, asses-
sor of Middlesex 26 00
July 25. Paid ditto for taking the
enumeration of taxable in-
habitants 15 00
To commissioners' time. ... 9 50
TO COSTS OF SLIPPERY ROCK.
To clerk hire and station-
ery S 5 00
To express sent to assess-
ors 2 60
July 3. Paid Samuel Jolly, asses-
sor 30 00
Aug. 22. Paid ditto for enumer-
ation 15 00
To commissioners' time... 9 50
Aug. 11. To surveyors for run-
ning and ascertaining the
boundary lines of county.. 132 23
Aug. 15. To prothonotary's fees
on sundry indicts 15 82
Aug. 29. To Andrew Wilkins for
the enumeration of part of
Buffalo township 12 00
1801.
Jan.
18. Paid David Armstrong,
judge; William Elliott and
Robert Reed, agents of gen-
eral election at James Bu-
chanan's 3 15 60
29. to Nov. 17. Paid Abdiel
McLure, agent; Mathevv
White, Jonathan Baird,
Henry Evans, Connell Rod-
gers, clerks. andJack Eakin
and Win. Dodd, judges of
election at McLure's 18 10
26. Portion of commission-
ers' and clerk's expenses
and of stationery from July
3 to Nov. 26 41 00
10. Paid David Kerr and
Samuel Rippey for ascer-
taining the center of Butler
county by order of the trus-
tees 66 00
23. Paid Samuel Rippey, in-
spector; John Woodcock,
judge; James Amberson,
agent; James Kerr, judge,
and Robert Hays, inspec-
tor of election at McLure's. 7 50
24. Paid Abdiel McLure for
service as trustee 12 00
Paid James Amberson for
service as trustee 12 00
Paid Win. Elliott for ser-
vice as trustee 9 374.
26. Paid Melzer Taunehill
and John Tanuehill, inspec-
tor and clerk of elections
at Buchanan's 3 00
Portion of pay for assessing
Buffalo township 7 25
28. Paid John Scull for print-
ins- 11 00
'■
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
Si
March 13-27. Fees in connection
To one-fifth part oi com-
5 J
07
missioners' and clerks' ex-
May
19. Paid John Shannon, as-
penses from Nov. 1 to Dec.
sessor of Connoquenessing.
21
00
31, 1801 J
29
on
Mai-
21. Daniel McConnell, as-
Paid M. Tannehill, John
Welsh and M. White, in re
sessor of Slippery Rock
19
00
4
SO
Ma)-
23. Thomas Smith, assessor
1802.
of Middlesex township
30
00
Jan.
6. Fees to clerk Tarltou
June
25. John Woodcock, a wit-
ness in re Pennsylvania vs.
Bates, Sheriff Wusthoff,
and to attorney Robert
Abdiel McLure. ...
3
00
Galbreath in re Pennsyl-
vania vs. Robert Hay-, ami
July
6. James Hardy, clerk of elec-
tion, and Robert Waddle,
12
90
judg-e of Slippery Rock. . . .
3
00
Jan.
11. James Scott and Joseph
Oct.
17 to Nov 14. Paid Stephen
McFerrin, clerks of election
Crawford Abner Coals
3
00
Henry Evans, John Mc-
Jan.
22. John Woodcock, witness
Bride, John Shannon, Will-
9
00
iam Thompson, judges or
Jan.
26. Henry Baldwin, prose-
inspectors of elections at
cutor, fees for indictment
McLure's house
16
90
1
20
Oct.
17 to Nov. 17. Paid James
Hardy, Frederick Peate,
Feb.
20. Recorder Samuel Jones
for list of late transfers of
James Elder, David Arm-
l»i 'nation lauds
1
50
strong;, James Findlej',
March 23. John Israel for publish-
James Russell, John Chris-
ing financial statement for
ty and William McMichael.
22
80
1801
10
80
Nov.
19. Commissioners' time
Marc
h 23. James Amberson, agent
from Nov. 26, 1800, to Oct.
1
50
31, 1801, inclusive
65
21
June
1. John David. James Scott
Nov.
19. Commissioners' and
clerks' pay when holding
and David Sutton, assess' irs
of Middlesex and Buffalo
appeals for 1801
2j
31|
103
00
Your portion of clerk's hire
from Nov. 26, 1800 to Oct.
June
2. David Armstrong-, Robert
31, 1801
37
86
Waddle and Robert Reed,
Treasurer's salary for one
assessors, of Slippery Rock
year, apportioned according
55
19
91
June
3. Moses Bolton, Matthew
One-fifth of all fuel used in
White and Matthew Mc-
court house, commissioners'
Ewen, assessors, and Moses
officeand jail for one year..
20
00
Bolton, collector of Conno-
To stationery used for said
79
37
county in the above stated
June
18-21 to Nov. 3. Portion of
2
75
pay of commissioners ap-
pointed by the Governor to
Dec.
16. Paid Robert Hays for
serving subpoenas
9
82
establish the seats of jus-
Paid David Kerr, witness..
8
50
tice of Armstrong, Butler
Paid Samuel Rippey. wit-
and Mercer counties, being
6
00
one-third of whole cost ....
114
00
Dec.
29. Paid M. White and Bartel
June
28. John David. R ibert
13
69
Reed, agents of election...
3
00
82
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John David, collector of
Middlesex in 1S00, allowed
on duplicate S 2 50
July 2. Henry Monteith, Sheriff
Ephriam Jones, clerk of
court Bates, for services. . 18 69
Sept. 3-29. Attorney Baldwin's
feesi'tf?vHogan,$1.20,and 75
cents to Thomas Smith for
carrying- duplicate of Buf-
falo township to collector. . 1 95
Oct. 16. David Armstrong-, Daniel
Levere, H. Evans, F. Peale,
William Bolton and Robert
Reed, agents and clerks of
elections at McLure's and
Buchanan's 29 00
Paid David Armstrong for
meeting the judge of elec-
tions of Crawford county
at Funk's 2 72
Nov. 3. To clerk, T. Bates, fees
on Sundry prosecutions.. . . 23 61
Nov. 16. George Shannon, John
David, Robert Scott, Rich-
ard Miller, James Scott.
James Guffey, Andrew Mc-
Lure, Abdiel McLure, Josh-
ua Stoolfire, John Find-
ley, Moses Bolton, agents
and inspectors of elections 18 00
Nov. 16. John Shannon, John Da-
vid, David Sutton, John
McBride, witnesses; Henry
Baldwin, attorney; William
Wusthoff, sheriff; expenses
in connection with criminal
cases 65 41
Nov. 16. Robert Boggs, road su-
pervisor in Connoqueness-
ing- in part for road taxes on
unseated lands 40 00
Dec. 3. John Scull, printing asses-
sors' notices 3 00
Dec. 9. John McCurdy, road view-
er from Isaac Voris' to Sam-
uel Findley's.the proportion
payable by Butler county. . 3 67
Dec. 29. David Sutton and John
Clows, supervisors in part
for road tax on unseated
lands in Middlesex and Buf-
falo townships 30 00
Dec. 31. One-fifth of general ex-
penses of Allegheny county
chargeable to Butler county S233 77|
1803
Jan. 6. Election expenses 6 06
Jan. 22. Edward Queen, a witness 4 00
Feb. 1. John Clows, supervisor
for road tax in Middlesex
and Buffalo 12 00
John Caruahau, viewer of
road from Voris', in Deer
township, to Fiudley's. in
Middlesex township 1 75
Mar. 7. John Israel, for printing
and publishing in "Tree
<if Liberty" statement for
1S02 18 00
Mar. 29. William McMicliael, John
Christy, Robert Graham,
Walter Lindsey, for elec-
tion,services 6 00
Mar. 29. William Neyman, 4 days'
laying out road from Voris'
to Findley's 4 00
Samuel Findley, on same
work 4 00
James Findley, on same
work 4 00
David Sutton in part of
road taxes on unseated
lands in Middlesex and Buf-
falo 12 00
Mar. 31. Paid John McCandless
allowance on his collector's
duplicate of Middlesex 7 07
April 30. John Christy, for 5 days
engaged in laying out a
road from county line to
Cunningham's mill 5 00
Paid Samuel Meals, col-
lector of Slippery Rock in
1802. sundry lost taxes 3 69
May 2. Paid John Clows, super-
visor of Middlesex for 1802
for part of road tax on un-
seated lands 2 00
June 3. Paid William Moore for
thirteen days' services as-
sessing Buffalo township. . . 18 00
June 9. Paid Samuel Meals for
23 days' services assessing
Slippery Rock township. ... 23 00
June 10. Eliakim Anderson for
28 days' assessing- Conuo-
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
»3
quenessing township S
28
oo
Oct.
15. Paid Robert Waddle
John Beighley and Robert
for judge of election, mile-
Boggs for a balance of road
age in bringing the returns
tax on unseated lands in
to Pittsburg from Slip-
same township, 1802
SO
52
pery Rock township in 1803.3
9
'10
June
17. John Martin for carry-
Oct.
26. Paid Hardy Rundle,
ing collector's warrant and
witness, P. vs. C
5
on
transcript of duplicate for
Nov.
3. Paid David Gilliland for
1803 to Robert Waddle, of
himself and four others in
Slippery Rock
1
50
laying out a road from the
June
30. Robert Galbreath. Hugh-
Riddle, Francis Anderson,
east line of Butler county
to the county town, twelve
Benj. Sarver and Robert
15
00
Riddle for two days each,
Paid Matthew White for
laying out a road from
services as constable in /'•
Robt. Galbreath's on Big
Pa. vs. George Powers, Pat-
Buffalo to Isaac Voris' in
terson Fitzsimmons and
Deer tp
12
00
James Girty
4
i:
David Sutton and John
Paid Andrew Robinson,
Clows for a balance of road
jailer, for the use of prison-
tax on unseated lands in
ers chargeable to Butler
Middlesex and Buffalo in
1802
4
12
Nov
44
97
8-9. Paid Sheriff Wusthoff
July
27. Henry Baldwin, attor-
for proclaiming general
ney, for indictments
4
00
election, 35.20. Paid T.
July
30. Tarlton Bates, clerk, for
Bates his fees as clerk of
fees (1803)
4
00
court in September, 32.40.
Aug.
12. Paid Sims Chambers, a
Paid William Waddle, judge
witness, Pa. vs. Chambers.
13
27*
of election in Slippery Rock
Paid Sims Chambers, a wit-
township, 31.50. Paid An-
9
59i
drew Jack for helping on
Aug-.
18. Paid Tarlton Bates,
the Findley-Voris road 31..
10
10
bill of sundries
18
76
Nov
9. One-fourth expenses of
Allegheny county, for of-
Sept
3. Paid James Wallace,
witness. Pa. vs. J. Chambers
2
74
ficials' salaries, candles,
Paid John Davis, witness,
bell-ringing, printed blanks,
Pa. vs. Chambers
5
50
repairs of jail, etc., 31,097.10
274
:::
Sept
7. Paid William Wusthoff,
Nov
26. Paid Daniel Pugh
80
6
67
Nov
30. Connel Rogers and
Paid William WTusthoff
3
85 J
Robert Scott, as clerks of
Sept
8. Paid to William Gay-
election at McLure's
3
00
zarn, J. P. fees for June. . .
12
17
To one-fourth of treasurer's
Sept
24. Paid David Kerr and
salary for two and one-half
David Sutton part of taxes
on U. L. in Middlesex
s5
00
months . . .
7
si
To three quires of paper.
Sept
27. Same, same account.. .
93
60
paid for by the treasurer.
Sept
28. Paid John Fowler, John
Reed, Thomas Reed, wit-
ness, in ii Pa. vs. John
To one book, paid for by
Jno.Wilkins while treasurer
75
60
13
97
To error in unseated lands
for the year 1800, credited
Oct.
7. Paid James Amberson,
Moses Bolton, Daniel Mc-
to the count v
207
54
Michaels, Samuel Cochran,
To error in unseated lands
Barnet Gilliland, election
for the year 1801. placed to
clerks, etc
11
90
the credit of the county.. . .
158
34
s4
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
2. Wolf orders from begin-
ning of year 1800 to date. . $494 03
Collectors' fees for same
time 84 63
Allowed for last taxes same
time 53 56A
Due by Collector Jeremiah
Smith from 1S01 36 80
Robert Hays from 1802. .... 299 00
Samuel Meals from 1802. . . 15 34
Christopher McMichaels
from 1802 198 21$
John Lyon from 1803 444 53
[These balances, due b}-
collectors, were received by
the commissioners of But-
ler as cash payments and
duly credited to Allegheny
count}'.]
John Cooper, collector, for
1803 105 51
Robert Waddle, collector,
for 1803 194 43
Abner Coats, collector, for
1803 394 92
Amount due for unseated
lauds returned by assessors
and collectors 158 00
Due by John Cunning-
ham a fine for refusing to
serve as collector of Middle-
sex township for the year
1803 20 00
REVENUE.
By tax assessed in 1800 on
Counoquenessing township 176 99
By your part of the tax on
Slippery Rock township for
1800 345 98J
By the amount of tax as-
sessed on Middlesex town-
ship for 1800 183 58
By your part of the tax of
Buffalo township for 1800. . 82 53
Tax from N.R. Depreciation
lands in Elder's district. ... 13 83
Tax from same in Cunning-
ham's 53 64
Tax from same in Nichol-
son's 53 76
Tax from same in Alexan-
der's 59 67
Tax from same in First and
Second districts $ 26 64
1801
June 10. Tax assessed in Couno-
quenessing township, exclu-
sive of unrented lauds 204 06
Tax in Slippei-y Rock town-
ship 214 50
Tax in Middlesex township 284 28
Tax in Buffalo township. . . 108 80
Amount arising from non-
resident Depreciation lands
in the parts of the several
districts of Butler county
1801 132 60|
Tax on non-resident Dona-
tion lands in 1 and 2 dis-
tricts for 1801 25 74
1802
June. Taxes assessed in Couno-
quenessing 450 53
Taxes assessed in Slippery
Rock 281 36
Taxes assessed in Middle-. .
sex 438 09
Taxes assessed in Buffalo. . 135 15
1803
Collector John Lyon's dup-
licate, Middlesex 444 53
Collector John Cooper's
duplicate, Buffalo 161 01
Collector Robert Waddle's
duplicate, Slippery Rock... 341 33
Collector Abner Coat's dup-
licate, Connoqueuessiug. . . 452 92
By error in charges 1 50
By tax paid on unseated
lands in 1800 207 84
By tax paid on unseated
lands in 1801 158 64
John Martin appointed col-
lector for Slippery Rock in
1803, refused to serve, hue. 20 00
John Cunningham, ap-
pointed collector of Middle-
sex, refused to serve, fine. . 20 00
The totals show receipts from But-
ler county, aggregating $5079 51, and ex-
penditures on account of Butler county,
aggregating S5528.90L At date of settle-
ment, the commissioners of the new
county agreed to pay the balance, »449.39£.
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 85
The assessors appointed in 1800 were Robert I lavs of Connoquenessing, David
Kerr of Middlesex, and Samuel Jolly of Slippery Rock. In 1801, John .Shannon
Thomas Smith and Daniel McConnell tilled the positions, respectively. In 1802,
Moses Bolton and Matthew White, assessed Connoquenessing; John David,
James Scott and David Sutton, assessed Middlesex and Buffalo ; David Arm-
strong, Robert Waddle and Robert Reed assessed Slippery Rock; while Matthew
McEwen, William Moore, Samuel Meals and Eliakim Anderson were also
engaged in the work. The whole sum paid to assessors from 1800 to June 10,
L803, inclusive, amounted only to $456.51. The trustees of Butler county in 1800
were Abdiel McLure, James Amberson and William Elliott, who received for
their year's labors the sum of $3-3. 87j4-
The tax levy in the original township of Connoquenessing in 1800 was
$17(5.99; in 1801, $204.06; in 1802, $450.53; and in 1803, $452.92, or a total of
$1,234.50 for the four years.
In Middlesex township the tax for the years given was as follows : $183.58,
$284.28, $438.09 and $444.58; total $1,350.48.
In Slippery Rock township, the tax amounted to $845.98 in 1800; $214.50 in
1S01 ; $281.36 in 1802; and $341.88 in 1803, or a total of $1,183.17.
Buffalo township yielded $82.53 in 1800; $108.80 in 1801; $185.15 in 1802,
and $161.01 in 1803.
The supplementary act of April 6, 1S02, authorized the Governor to appoint
a commission, who would locate the seats of justice in Armstrong, Butler and
Mercer counties, and, the executive, acting under this authority, appointed Isaac
Weaver, John Hamilton, Thomas Morton, James Brady and P. Carr Lane. The
part taken by these men in locating the county seat of Butler, is fully set forth in
the history of the borough, where the names and actions of the county-seat trus-
tees, appointed under the act of March 8, 1808, are detailed.
The first commissioners found the four townships named in the statement of
the Allegheny commissioners, and were content with the number. The inhabit-
ants were not so easily satisfied. A petition presented to Judge Moore, in Feb-
ruary, 1804, was the first in connection with changing the order of townships as
recognized by the older county. The signers stated :
That Middlesex township at present extends from the southern boundary to the
township of Slippery Rock, distance more than twenty-three miles * * * and we pray
j-our honours to erect that part of Middlesex and Buffalo townships, south of said north-
ern boundary, into separate townships.
The following signatures are given : John Quinn, Patrick McGee, Bernard
McGee, Hugh McGee, Robert Maxwell, Robert Kennedy, Wm. M. Kennedy,
Joseph Sutton, David Sutton, Daniel Sutton, James Guffey, John David, David
Kerr, Matthew Wigfield, John Bittiger, Henry Sofire and James Shields. The first
endorsement shows that the petition was continued under advisement to the next
May sessions, and in May a second indorsement was made as follows : "The court
consider that the necessity of acting on this petition is superseded by an appoint-
ment of viewers at the present session, to divide the whole county of Butler into
separate districts to be erected into townships. — J. Moore."
86 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Another petition for the erection of townships was presented, May 1-",. L804,
and reads as follows :
To the Honorable Jesse Moore, Esq., President of the Court of General Quarter Ses-
sions, etc., and his Associate Judges of the same court now sitting.
The petition of a number of the inhabitants of Butler county, humbly sheweth that
your petitioners as well as the inhabitants of the county at large, labor under great
inconvenience for want of sufficient number of townships in said county. Your peti-
tioners therefore pray that your honors would appoint suitable persons to lay out a com-
petent number of townships in the said county and make report of their proceedings to
your honors at your next sessions and your petitioners as in duty bound will pray. May
Sessions 15th, 1804.
The signatures to this document areas follows: Matthew White, Jacob
Mechling, James Bovard, John Negley, William Avres, John Gilmore, Robert
Hays, David Dougal, Josiah Crawford, John McCandless, Alex. White, Samuel
Kinkaid, Samuel A. Rippey, William Sheer, William 15. Young, fames Thomp-
son, John McBride, John David, William Elliot, Samuel Cunningham, Henry
Evans and William Wason. Judge Moore at once appointed John Cunningham,
John David and Barnet Gilliland to inquire into the propriety of granting the
prayer of the petitioners and to execute all other acts and duties required by the
act of Assembly in such case. In August, 1804, the men named tendered the
following report :
We, the subscribers, having' been appointed by your order of Ma}' term, 18<H, for the
purpose of examining as to the necessity of dividing the said county into a suitable
number of townships agreeable to an act of Assembly in such case made and provided,
have, in pursuance of said order, assembled for said purpose and are of the opinion that
it is absolutely necessary that the county .should be divided into a convenient number of
townships, -two agreeing as to plan Number 2, one as to plan Number 1, which are here-
with exhibited and respectfully submitted to the consideration and determination of the
honourable court.
The document was indorsed, " continued under advisement to next sessions
— John Parker." and tiled. Plan Number 2 referred to in the report showed nine
divisions, each seven and three-fourth miles square ; one division, thirteen miles,
ninety-eight perches, by five and one half miles ; one, ten miles by live and one-
half miles; one, in the north-east corner, ten miles by live and one-half miles, and
one, in the northwest corner, five miles, one hundred and fifty-two perches on
north line by five and one-half miles on east line. The only township name
given thereon is " Slippery Rock."
Report Number 1, or the minority report, is drawn to a scale and the town-
ships named as follows : — Connoquenessing, in the south-west corner, Middlesex
next, and " Buffaloe " in the south-east corner. In the second tier were Muhler,
Butler and Connaught ; in the third tier were Muddy Creek, Heidelberg and
Clearfield: in the fourth tier. Slippery Rock and Parker, and in the fifth or north-
ern tier. Mercer in the north-west corner and Venango in the north-east corner.
The dotted lines on the original map show the boundaries of the townships and
the indorsement made November 15, 1804, tells this story: "The written divis-
ions approved by the dotted lines." The writing in this sentence is Parker's,
but there is no record to show that it was done by order of the court. The dotted
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. Sj
lines given correspond with the ink lines in report Number 2. The minority
report was practically adopted, but amended so far as the name-, were concerned :
— Cranberry, Middlesex and Buffalo in the first tier; Connoquenessing, Butler
and Clearfield in the second; Muddy Creek, Centre and Donegal in the third;
Slippery Rock and Parker in the fourth, and Mercer and Venango in the fifth
tier.
From 1840 to 1846, new townships were erected, a few of which corres-
ponded with the modern election precincts. A petition for the erection of Ring-
gold township out of parts of Middlesex, South Butler, Cranberry and East
Connoquenessing was filed June 1(1, 1847. It bore ninety-three signatures; but
was met by seven counter petitions from the old townships and these petitions
were supplemented by an account of a large meeting, held at Breakneck (Evans
City), August 18, 1S4S, to protest against the establishment of such a township.
Samuel Marshall, Andrew Boggs, Joseph Johnston, David Garvin and Daniel
Boggs represented the opponents of the petition in the southwest.
On March 10, 1849, a meeting was held at A. M. Brown's store to petition
the court of general quarter sessions for the establishment of a new township
and for the increase of school districts. John Maharg, Sr., presided, with George
Boyd, Sr., John Crowe, Sr., and Benjamin Douthett, Sr., vice-presidents; Alex-
ander Douthett, Thomas B. Hood and Stephen Luse, secretaries. From the
resolutions, given in the petition, it appears that the school directors of Middlesex
and Cranberry refused, flatly, to create a sub-school district, and out of this
refusal grew the desire for a new township. The petitioners submitted a plat of
the territory and asked the court to order its establishment and name it "Ring-
gold." The court did not take kindly to this petition, and the subject died under
the snub inflicted. The snub, however, did not die, for the desire for change took
another shape. In 1840, the proposition to create a new county, to be named
Lawrence, out of parts of Beaver and Mercer, or Beaver, Mercer and Butler
counties, was presented to the legislature. The measure received little support
from the people of Butler, who were pleased with Butler county as it then stood
and could look forward with certainty to a greater count)' within the same
boundaries and under the same name.
Meantime a measure was brewing which would nearly satisfy all parties
within the county. It wa6 born in a little school-house in which Cyrus E. Ander-
son, of Butler, then presided. The head of the tall teacher reached the ceiling,
and every day he experienced the evil effects of poisoned air. Calling the direct-
ors and parents together, he showed them the sad condition of affairs; but they
could not afford relief until new townships were formed, one of which, at least,
they could govern. The petition was drawn-up. and the reconstruction of the
county begun.
The petition of citizens of Butler, referred to in the transactions of quarter
sessions in re the erection of townships, asked the court to deny the prior peti-
tion of the people of Buffalo, Middlesex and Cranberry, and to set aside the act of
the legislature erecting ten townships. This was presented June 18, L858, bear-
ing the following names: William Murrin, Joseph Graham, John Bartley,
James Bartley, Patrick Graham, David Logan, Thomas Bartley, William Coch-
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ran, William Harbison, Abner Bartley, David Burkhart, John Burkhart, John
Burkhart, Jr., W. F. Barchman, John Barchman, Richard Martin, James Cunning-
ham, Jr., Geo. Mechling, Powell Burkhart, R. B. Maxwell, Joseph Criley, Jacob
Schneider. John Cook, Philip Stoolfire, Sam Polhemus, W. Levesey, T. R. Arm-
strong, Moses Lensey, Matthew Cunningham, S. Patterson, John McKee, James
Brewster, Jacob C. Croup, Abraham Ilenshue, William Crooks, William W.
Smith, S. A. Johnston, Thomas L. Dunn, W. W. Maxwell, M. Zimmerman,
Robert Maxwell, John Kennedy, Robert McKee, A. Lowry, John M. Smith,
D. B. Beam, Henry Dickey, Andrew Lemmon, Jacob Shleppy, James A.
Xegley, James B. Kennedy, Michael Emerick. Joseph McQuistion, Joseph Hays
and R. E. Brown. The court at once granted the prayer of the petitioners and
appointed three viewers to devise a plan for the division of the county into
townships.
On June IS, IS.");!, the petition of sundry citizens of Butler county, asking
for the division of the county into townships, each five miles square, was pre-
sented to the court. The signers set forth that petitions from the people of
Buffalo, Middlesex and Cranberry townships, to the State legislature, asking that
ten townships be erected out of the three named, were granted, and that an act
was passed in accordance with the prayer of the petitioners; that the Governor
did not approve of that act, but remanded the whole question to the courts of
Butler county, and that now the people of Butler desire the disapproval of the
petitioners prayer, as outlined in the act of the legislature, as it would result in
the division of the county into forty-three small townships.
The signers of this new petition, or remonstrance as it may be called, asked
the court to order that the whole county be divided into townships, each as nearly
five miles square as possible. On June 18, 1858, the court acquisced in this
opinion and appointed Hugh McKee, Samuel M. Lane and James T. Mcjunkin
viewers or commissioners to inquire into the propriety of granting the petition
and to make a draft of the townships and of the division lines proposed, as well
as of the lines of townships proposed to be altered, and make a report of their
work before the next term of court. On November 19, 1853, their report and
opinion were presented to Judge Agnew and associate judges, the text of which
is as follows :
Having- given the required notice, Hugh McKee, Samuel M. Lane and James T.
McJunkin met in Butler, October 4, 1853, when several of the districts were represented
by delegates chosen for that purpose, all of whom represented that they were instructed
to urge the necessity of such division. In order to make an accurate report, we found it
necessary to ascertain the dimensions of the county by actual survey. This was done
by Hugh McKee, commencing at the northwest corner of Cranberry township and run-
ning- the west and north boundary lines to the northeast corner of the county, being
found on the eastern bank of the Allegheny river. This, with the assistance of the
actual survey and measurement by William Purviance, of the south end of the county and
the west side of Cranberry township, to the point at which we began, enables us to pre-
sent the annexed draft of the county, showing the present townships and also the pro-
posed divisions.
On examination of this draft the impractibility of dividing the count}- into town-
ships of five miles square will be clearly seen. The county averages twenty-four miles
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION. 89
and a fraction east and west, and thirty-three miles and a fraction, north and south. To
carry out the wish of the petitioners would leave a fractional range of townships on two
sides of the county and a ground for future complaints: but by dividing the distance and
approximating- the direction of your order, we can have five ranges of townships north
and south, and seven east and west, making in all thirty-three townships, — thirty-one of
which will be almost square and contain an area of about twenty-four square miles, the
other two, owing to the diagonal course of the northwestern boundary line of the county,
will necessarily vary a little from that size.
In our opinion, the advantages arising from the districting of the countv as above
proposed would be almost incalculable, of lasting utility and which we might safely say
is desired by more than three-fourths of our population. The entire southern, western
and central divisions of the county are almost unanimous in its favor. The objections
that have reached us come from townships lately formed by the division of old ones, the
size and location of which will be but slightly changed by the proposed arrangement.
The arguments urged against the proposed division are, that it will derange our
present school districts, causing the building of new school houses throughout the county
and increase the county expenses by creating eleven or twelve new election districts and
a like increase of township officers. There would be some force in this latter objection
if the proposed division fail. Then Cranberry, Middlesex and Buffalo will be divided
into ten districts, and Clearfield, owing to its large territory and dense population, will
ere long be divided. Venango and Mercer, each ten miles from east to west by but little
over five north and south, alread}' contemplate the formation of new townships, and
some citizens of Centre and North Butler have asked for division. Thus in the course of
a few years we would have as many election districts as would be under the proposed
division; yet permanencj' and regularity would be unattained, and, we might say, un-
attainable, and the probabilitj' of the number of election districts exceeding that which
we propose, would be very great; for so long as we have some townships twice as long
as wide, as is the case with North Butler, Butler and several others, we may expect
complaints and calls for sub-division.
The objections urged in connection with the disarrangement of school districts may
be considered as follows: From the report of the superintendent of common schools for
the year ending in June, 1852, we find the number of school houses then in the county to
be 225, and thirteen yet wanting, a number greater than that of Allegheny with a popu-
lation three times as large; yet out of that number, less than fifty have the conveniences
requisite for school purposes. The remainder are delapidated, being mostly log build-
ings, put up immediately after the introduction of the school law, for temporary pur-
poses. The citizens ever since have been awaiting some systematic arrangement of
townships to warrant them in concentrating their energies and means to put up suitable
buildings in conformity with the requisitions of the general school law. From the same
report it will be also seen that the amount of tax levied for school purposes,
amounts to $11,668.14, and the amount received from the Sate, S2,934.06„making S14.602.20;
yet we had but an average of five months school in the year. The expense of repairs,
fuel and other contingencies for so large a number of unnecessary school-houses is very
great. Many of these houses thus furnished have some fifteen, some ten and some even
as low as five taxables; while others have sixty and seventy. All this arises from the
present irregularity of the townships. This could not possibly exist under the proposed
arrangement, for the number of school-houses would in a short time be reduced to 133,
or four to each township, and then from the fact of the new townships being almost
square, no citizen could be so situated as to be more than one and one-fourth miles from
the center of the district, and the services of competent teachers could be secured and
continued for a period of eight or nine months in each year, instead of, as at present, about
five, and this without one cent of additional expense.
Another advantage arising from the proposed division is in respect to roads. Then
every citizen will have an opportunity of working- out his road tax in his own immediate
9° • HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
neighborhood and on roads in which he has a direct interest in keeping- in good repair
for his own convenience, instead of being taken five or six miles, as at present, to work
on roads that he seldom ever sees unless when called to assist in repairing them, and losing
much of the day in going to and returning from the place he worked.
The expense attending- the proposed division is urged as an objection to it. Of this
we have nothing to say, but will merely state that it can be dune, we have ascertained,
for six hundred dollars, which would make an average of eight cents to each taxable.
Taking all these facts into consideratieu, two of the viewers (Mr. Lane, the other one.
being absent), are unanimous in the opinion that the division is necessary and that no
time more favorable and convenient than the present will likely be arrived at during the
next half century . Therefore, we recommend the immediate districting of the county,
agreeably to the plan set forth in the draft hereto annexed, a.-, it carries out the wish <>f
a large majority of our citizens, approximating the order of court as nearly as can be,
creating convenience in election districts and insures regularity and permanence in
schools.
This elaborate report was signed by Hugh McKee ami James T. Mcjunkin,
but was not immediately acted upon by the court. David Scott was appointed
viewer vice Lane, and on March 0, 1S.~>1, signed the final report, which was pre
sented and considered by the court. March 29, 1854. This provided for the estab-
lishment of thirty-three townships, all except three being nearly twenty-four
square miles in area. The township of Mercer having four unequal sides lacks
about one-third of a proportionate area, while the townships of Slippery Rock and
Worth, owing to the division of the triangle lying to the north and west of them,
contain a little more territory than an equal proportion. The triangle contains
about mx square miles, and it was apportioned to the two townships named, each
of which would lack a fraction of being the regular size without such addition.
This report was considered and confirmed March 29, 1854, — the order reading as
follows ;
And now to-wit, March 29, 1854, the court on due consideration confirms the report of
the viewers in this case and order and decree that the county of Butler be divided into
townships according to the said report and the draft accompanying the same, and that
the several townships as surveyed and set forth in the said draft, by the lines and
boundaries thereof fixed and run upon the ground, shall be established and erected and
shall hereafter exist conformably to the same and be taken to be separate and distinct
townships conformably to the ordinances and laws thereof and the names of the several
townships shall be as follows: Beginning at the northwestern township of the northern
range of townships and running eastward, to-wit: First, Mercer: second, Marion; third,
Venango; fourth, Allegheny; fifth, Slippery Rock; sixth, Cherry; seventh, Washington;
eighth. Parker; ninth, Worth; tenth, Brady; eleventh, Clay: twelfth, Concord; thirteenth,
Fairview; fourteenth, Muddy Creek; fifteenth, Franklin; sixteenth, Centre; seventeenth,
Oakland; eighteenth, Donegal; nineteenth, Lancaster: twentieth, Connoquenessing;
twenty-first, Butler; twenty-second, Summit; twenty-third, Clearfield; twenty-fourth,
Jackson; twenty-fifth, Forward; twenty-sixth, Penn: twenty-seventh, Jefferson; twenty-
eighth, Winfield; twenty-ninth. Cranberry: thirtieth, Adams; thirty-first, Middlesex;
thirty-second, Clinton, and thirty-third, Buffalo.
The election of township officers and justices of the peace was ordered to be
held April 28, 1854, at the polling places as fixed by the act of 1854, regulating
the elections in Butler county under the new order of townships.
In June, 1858, the bill of Hugh McKee, James T. Mcjunkin and David Scott
COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATI«. 9 1
for viewing and making plan of the thirty-three townships was presented. The
items are given as follows :
Hugh McKee, 65 days as surveyor in S3 00 $195 00
James T. Mcjunkin, 22 days as viewer (.1 2 00 44 On
David Scott, 65 days as viewer (a 2 00 130 00
Samuel S. Beatty, 48 days as chainman (a 1 25 60 00
Paid axmen and chaintnen 91 25
Expenses attending- court and staying out on the Sab-
bath days 30 00
Draft and report 75 1 11 1
S62S 35
Commissioners' counsel, E. Mcjunkin, made exceptions at once to this bill ;
first, because there was an unnecessary expenditure of time by the viewers; sec-
ond, because the charges for survey were too high ; because they did not show
the items making up the thirty dollars and the $91.25 entries ; because they
should not be allowed for expenses attending court and remaining out over Sun-
days and because there was an agreement on the part of the viewers to do the
work for a sum not exceeding $425.00. On June 13, 1854, the exceptions were
sustained by the court, but a new bill, tiled April IS, Ls54, amounting to $450.00,
was ordered to be paid.
A petition asking for the modification of a township line was presented on
March, 1854. The signers pointed out that, with straight lines, the corner of the
last range of townships on the east is on Slippery Rock creek, on the farm of
Thomas Clark. From that pojnt to the western boundary of Lawrence county
they wished to have Slippery Rock creek the dividing line, because it is a
natural line and sometimes an impassable one. The straight line, authorized by
the viewers, threw nearly the whole fraction into the lower township, making it
necessary for many of the settlers to cross Wolf creek and Slippery Rock creek
to election and town meeting places, while, if they adopted the natural or water
boundary, only three or four families would be thrown into the township north-
east, and, in the matter of school districts, the change would only affect three
families, the children of one of whom were already atte faants in another dis-
trict, rather than risk the crossing of the creek. Many of the men who signed
the remonstrance of March 6, 1854, against re-subdividing the county, signed this
petition, together with Stephen Morrison, A. II. Boyle, A. Murphy, Thomas
Kelly, Jr., John W. Martin, Thomas Kelly, A. G. Denniston, John Stoughton.
William Gallagher, Thomas Bovle, C. Nussell and John Brant.
On March 6, 1854, a remonstrance against the order of survey was riled,
showing the whole plan to be disadvantageous to a large number of citizens.
This was signed by Archibald McGowan, John Boyle, John S. McNees, A.
McGowan, Samuel Hazlett, Joseph DeWolf, John Hays, Thomas Boyle, Fred-
erick Pisor, Jr., Joseph Pisor, Henry Studebaker, John Book, David Emery, Jr.,
Andrew Douglas, William C. Emery, Toseph Douglas, Hampson Dean. Harlan
Vogan, James Book, Michael Stinetorf, John Brant, Thomas Cooper, Robert
Hampson. Jacob Fisher. William T. Dickey, William Hammel, R. Logan. Sam-
uel Douglas. M. B. Kirby, John Steen. John Balph, William Wimer, William
9- HISTORY OF BUTLEK COUNTY.
Ralston, Henry Ralston, Alexander Wilson, V. G. Kauffmann, Harvey Hum-
phreys, James McClure, T. A. Humphreys. David Studebaker, Joseph Stude-
baker, A. Ralph. Alexander Boyle, Jacob Howe and David Cheniwett. Reason
Number 6 of this remonstrance is given as follows: " We apprehend that the
surveyors, in their hurry to finish their work and influenced, perhaps, by the
representations of a few individuals lying north of the line, who desired the vari-
ation for the accommodation of a single school district, have unintentionally
done injury and incommoded the whole township by accommodating a few at the
expense of thirty or forty men."'
In the remonstrances, the men who hoped to carve a new county out of the
eastern townships of this ami the western townships of adjoining counties, saw a
chance to accomplish their desires.
In Aprii, 1854, an act passed the legislature for the erection of a new
count}* out of parts of Westmoreland, Allegheny, Armstrong and Butler. The
bill may be said to have been carried through the House and Senate without the
knowledge of the people of Butler, but the plotters, while winning the legisla-
ture, could not win any real support in Butler and hence the project fell through.
In February, 1856, the committee of the legislature on new counties,
reported a bill for the erection of parts of Allegheny, Butler and Westmoreland
into a county, to be named Madison. The townships of Middlesex, Clinton and
Buffalo were, according to the bill, to be detached from Butler.
In January, 1861, a bill was introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature to
annex the Anderson farm, in West Deer township, Allegheny county, to Butler
county, but this also failed, Butler ignoring addition as well as subtraction.
In LsTl the people of East Brady asked for a new county to be formed out
of parts of Armstrong, Butler, Clarion and Venango counties. TIic North-
western Independent was the organ of the agitators. In Tune, 1872, a bill to
change the boundary between Armstrong and Butler counties was defeated in
the House of Representatives.
CHAPTER VII.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
Organization of the Board — First Proceedings — First Wolf Order — The Public
Prison — Duplicate Tax Lists and Early Roads — William Avers' Account —
First Court House Completed— Miscellaneous Transactions — Buti.hr Acad-
emy— Finances — Railroad Bonds Subscribed — The Second Court House —
Bounties for Soldiers — Abraham Lincoln's Death Noticed — Attorney's' fee
Controversy — Decision as to Treasurer's Salary' — Building of Present Court
House — Issue of Bonds Authorized— Recent Transactions.
THE first meeting of the commissioners of Butler county was held November
9, 1803, in a log house on or near the site of the present Armory building.
Matthew White and James Bovard, two of the commissioners, took the oath of
office on that date, but Jacob Mechling did not qualify until November 16, on which
day the organization of the commissioners was completed, and a term of four days
begun, " to make estimates and adjust a variety of business relative to this office."
On November 21, Mr. Mechling reported that Districts Numbers 1 and 2 were laid
off and the lines surveved by Thomas Grimes at a cost of five dollars. Messrs.
White and Bovard reported that Districts Numbers 3, 4, 5 and 6 had been laid out
and the lines surveyed by John Cunningham, at a cost of fifteen dollars. These
districts were laid out under an act of the Assembly of April 4, 1803, pro-
viding for the appointment of justices of the peace. On November 28 the
commissioners were at Pittsburg in consultation with the commissioners of Alle-
gheny county; but little was accomplished prior to December S, 1803, when
duplicates of record-, were received from Allegheny county showing the receipts
and disbursements in the four townships of Butler county, a copy of which docu-
ment is given in the previous chapter. On December 10, the first wolf order was
issued to John Cooper, collector of Buffalo township. At this time a contract
was entered into with Tohn Negley for " a place to accommodate the courts of
justice in the town of Butler."
Toward the close of December, the commissioners visited the commissioners
of Allegheny county, but failed to obtain the books and copies of which they were
in search. Returning with a copy of Reed's Digest, for which they paid live
dollars and fifty cents, they considered their mission extraordinarily successful, and
the clerk, David Dougal, was made happy in the possession of the volume. With
so much written law at hand, it was now time to build a prison, and, on January
16, L804, Samuel Meal's bid for iron work on the " Public Prison" was accepted.
Four wolf orders, each for eight dollars, were granted to Abner Coats in Febru-
ary. 1804. On February 23, James Thompson received twenty dollars forstation-
ery, iron for jail and for rent of part of house for office. On April 1 1 , the tax dupli-
cates for the several townships were issued, the amounts being : For Slippery
94 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Rock, $364; Middlesex. $480.32 ; Buffalo, $166.22, and Connoquenessing, $465.27.
In May, James Blashford was paid twenty-five dollars for carpenter work on jail,
and Abraham Fryer two dollars and sixty-seven cents for hauling boards. In
June, Andrew Cruikshank, T°hn Cunningham and Benjamin Saner received
five dollars each for viewing a road from Butler to Freeport, and John Ray one
dollar and twenty-eight cents for a road from Butler to the mouth of Bear creek.
On June 7, .Simon Drum was given a warrant for twenty-six dollars and sixty
cents for a stove and stove-pipe, supplied to the county, and Abraham Brinker
received seventy dollars for erecting jail according to agreement, and seven dol-
lars for hauling a stove from Greensburg. On July 14, the sum of eight dollars
and sixty cents was paid to John McCandless for candlesticks, snuffers and ink
stands ; while to William Freeman, four dollars and forty cents were paid for
plank used in jail. Henry Murphy received six dollars for viewing a road from
Butler to the Venango county line, and William Schilling three dollars for viewing
a road " from Butler on the direction to Beaver." William Redick, who viewed the
road from Butler toward Franklin, was paid six dollars. The first mention of office
furniture is made under date of September 20, 1804, when James Brown was paid
thirteen dollars for a writing-desk, table and ballot-box, and a few days after,
John Negley received eleven dollars and fifty cents for two locks for jail, staples
and fastenings. Up to this period, or, at least, from the beginning of 1804, the
commissioners rented a room from William B. Young, to whom they paid six
dollars rent on October 25.
In November, 1804, James Scott took the place of Jacob Mechling as com-
missioner, and with Messrs. White and Bovard, issued the warrants to the judges
and clerks of the general election. On the 16th of that month, Matthew Thomp-
son received eight dollars and seventy cents for making "spikes" for jail, and
George Bowers six dollars fur fuel and attending to fires during the six days'
term of court.
In December. Hugh Smith petitioned for relief from the disabilities under
which single men then labored. The tax on single-blessedness was seventy-five
cents; but Huidi could now protest, and on the certificate of Squire Robert Gal-
breath, that he was married before the date of petition, the commissioners gladly
exonerated him. Beyond the issue of warrants to judges and clerks of election,
and some attention given to the assessment of unseated Donation and Deprecia-
tion lands, the commissioners work for the month was uninteresting. On the
20th of December, the clerk, David Dougal, credited Commissioner White with
ninety-four days' services, Bovard with 103/^days, James Scott with eleven days,
and himself with eighty-three days.
In 1804, William Ayres, — who appears to have moved from Pittsburg to
Butler in the fall of lsol, — opened an account with Butler county. It is a debtor
account, pure and simple, containing the following items : —
June 8. To recording- release To certificate of the division
from creditors of John Cun- of the county, approved by
ninyham S 92 court S 71
To an order to divide the 180£
county into townships 71 Jan. 7. To certificate of auditors 46
TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
95
Oct. 31. To certificate of auditors
S
46
Oct.
4. To drawing out the form
To writing- one deed from
of a deed from the trustees
Samuel Cunningham to
to the purchasers of lots. . .55 8 00
trustees of Butler count}'. . .
4 00
To writing five deeds from
June 13. Recording- patent at the
the trustees to the pur-
instance of the trustees. . . .
80
chasers at $2.00 each 10 00
Nov. — Recording deed from S.
Cunningham to trustees. ..
1 23
On January 4, 1805, the question of estimates was disposed of and a levy of
$2,500 ordered. On January 15, an order was given to Robert Lemmon for five
dollars to pay for " six painted split-bottom chairs for this office." Benjamin
White was paid thirteen dollars for thirty logs and 1,000 brick for the use of the
jail on the 17th, and the same day John Negley received twenty-eight dollars and
eighty-nine cents for services as treasurer of Butler county, from April 11 to
December 31, 1804, being at the rate of forty dollars a year. John Beals was
paid twelve dollars for viewing a road from Butler "on the direction to Mercer,"
and, February 12. John Negley received fifty dollars " in full " for rent of
court-house from February 1, 1804, to February 1, 1805. Zadock Cramer, who
supplied the stationery for county use from the beginning, was paid thirty-seven
dollars for blank books, and William Avres. nineteen dollars for seals. The re-ap-
pointment of John Negley as treasurer was made February 16, 1805, his bonds-
men being William Brown and William B. Young, the sum being $3,000. In
March following, William McDonald, the coroner, who held an inquest on the
body of the child — Catherine Barickman — at the house of Benjamin Thomas, was
paid fifteen dollars and fourteen cents for his services. At this time also, war-
rants were issued to David Dougal, James Bovard and James Scott, surveyors,
Edward Grimes, George Scott and Alexander White, chain-carriers and blazers,
for services in ascertaining township lines. In April the tax duplicates were
issued as follows: Slippery Rock, $351.81 ; Mercer, $161.84; Parker, $178.53;
Venango, $11(3.28; Donegal, $205.63^; Clearfield, $118.45; Buffalo, $170.17;
Middlesex, $232.71; Butler, $262.55 ; Muddy Creek, $260.48; Connoquenessing,
$312.89j4, and Cranberry, $153.34j^. The total tax levied was $2,798.02^. In
the four first named townships the rate was six mills, in the others, five mills.
The collectors, in the order of townships, were John Levere, Henry Evans, John
Jameson, Henry Murphy, Adam Bortmass, Peter Henry, David Moorhead, George
Brown, Robert Maxwell, John Turk, William Dodds, John Beighley and William
Kilgore. Warrants were issued in May and June to the road viewers from
McLure's in the direction of Beaver, and from the Mercer county line through
Zelienople to the Butler county line, near Dixon's; while, in August, five dollars
were paid to Thomas Graham for viewing a road from the Venango count v line
to Cunningham's mill; three dollars to Benjamin Garvin for a road from Glade
run through Harmony ; and six dollars to Joseph McFarren for a road from Alle-
gheny county line, through Zelienople, toward the town of Mercer.
The bills for printing lists of Donation and Depreciation lands w-ere consid-
ered September 21, 1805, when a warrant for $111 was issued to William Mc-
Corkle, of the Free hum's Journal ; one for $118.75 to Zach. Poulson, of the
American Daily Advertiser; one for $114.S7.i to Thomas Bradford, and one to
<jf~> HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John Israels for forty-five dollars and sixty cents for printing in The Tree of
Liberty. It appears that an account for postage existed between the commission-
ers and the postmaster. William B. Young, for a bill of two dollars and eighty-six
cents was ordered to be paid him. ( )n ( )ctober '.), a warrant for two dollars was
issued to Benjamin Wallace for viewing a place for a bridge at the creek near
Butler, and, on October 111, a warrant for eighteen dollars and seventy-five
cents was given to Sheriff Tohn McCandless for blankets supplied to prisoners.
Abner Coats, who took the place of James Bovard, qualified November 9. Will-
iam Campbell, who made two jury wheels, was paid thirteen dollars and fifty
cents for them on December 21. Tohn Negley was re-appointed treasurer Decem-
ber 30.
The opening days of 1806 were bus}1 ones for the members of the board-
Warrants to election judges and clerks, road viewers, supervisors, the " making-
out" of tax duplicates, orders for auditors, jurors, etc., kept both clerk and commis-
"sioners at their desks until the close of February. In March, John .Spear received
eight dollars for work done in jail yard, and another bill for postage on letters
and newspapers of one dollar and seventy-three cents was paid to Postmaster
Young. In April. Paris Bratton received eleven dollars and fifty-two cents for
placing pickets around the jail, while Samuel Dunbar was allowed ten dollars for
digging and walling a cellar in the jail yard, and Benjamin White twenty -six dol-
lars for " erecting" jail yard. The tax duplicates were confirmed in May, as fol-
lows : Slippery Rock. $519.46; Mercer, $243.38; Parker, $278.89+; Venango,
$180.94; Donegal, $312.39; Clearfield, $198.06+; Buffalo, $263.38; Middlesex,
$306.82; Butler, $450.50+; Centre, $883 25; Muddy Creek, $386.46; Connequen-
essing. $o32.27i. and Cranberry, $260-56.
On June 11), William Elliott, John McBride and John David delivered their
trust in the matter of the counts- seat lots to the commissioners — Matthew White,
Abner Coats and James Scott. The latter awarded contracts for cutting the
State road through Butler county, in August, while in September their attention
was mainly directed to the issue of warrants in payment for jury services, wit-
ness fees, and other expenses connected with the circuit court. October was
given up to settling with election judges and clerks. On November 7, David
Dougal was paid twenty dollars for drawing a map of Butler count)' for the use
of the commissioners. With the exception of making contracts for the construc-
tion of a bridge over the Connoquenessing and accepting bids for other bridges,
the map question was the list to receive attention and the second last to be
recorded in the first and venerable minute book of the commissioners.
On December 2, 1806, Jacob Smith took the place of Matthew White as
commissioner. On January 6, 1807, the contract for building a court house was
awarded to Alexander Hill, and on the 18th the contract was sealed. Viewing
roads and bridges and ordering the survey of township lines occupied much of
the commissioners' time in January. On March 7, Abraham Brinker was appointed
commissioner, vice Jacob Smith ; but there is no record of the resignation,
removal or death of .Smith. Under date of April 1 1 it is recorded that Commis-
sioner Coats was granted two dollars for " laying out court house and going to
justice Scott's for advice on business relating to court house." In June the sum
& ///> *c?
TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS. 97
of eighty-five dollars and sixty-nine cents was paid to John Negley for carpenter
work done and materials furnished on jail building.
The record for 1808 gives the names of Abner Coats, John Negley and
Francis Anderson as commissioners, and Walter Lowrie, clerk. In February the
sum of fifty dollars was paid to John Purviance for rent of court house from
March, 1808, to March, 1809, while on March 12, George Young was paid
fifteen dollars for court-house rent up to April, 1808. Among other items is two
dollars to D. C. Cunningham for advice to commissioners in 1807. In the fall of
1808, lames Scott succeeded Abner Coats as commissioner, and on October 27,
L809, Thomas Dockls and Joseph Williamson qualified as successors of Negley
and Anderson. The work of the board throughout 1808 and 1809 was not con-
fined to usual business. The erection of the court house, construction of bridges
and opening of roads entailed upon the members and clerk a large amount of
work.
In October, 1810, Walter Lowrie qualified as commissioner, and. with Joseph
Williamson and James Scott, formed the board. Fixing the budget for 1811
was their principal work, the estimate of expenditures being $4,800. Robert
Scott was appointed commissioners' clerk for the year beginning November 3,
L810, and a schedule of values of lands, horses, cows, mills and stills was dialled
for the guidance of assessors. Samuel Williamson was appointed treasurer, his bond
of $6,000 being signed by John Negley and Samuel Denniston. In February, 181 1,
the question of a bridge over Slippery Rock creek was discussed ; and early in
April the commissioners engaged "in compromising" with Alexander Hill, the
builder of the court house, for $600, and gave him a draft on the Bank of
Deposit and Discount at Pittsburg. In October, 1811, William Balph was
elected commissioner to succeed James Scott. Letting contracts for the
State road and issuing warrants formed the work of the officials up to that
time. In December, the board settled witli John Maginness for finishing the
sheriff's office, transacted routine business and adjourned. In September, 1812,
Messrs. Williamson and Lowrie visited Pittsburg to settle the accounts, as closed
in 1803, with Allegheny county, but their mission proved a failure.
In October, 1812, Robert Martin was elected commissioner, also Ephraim
Harris vice Lowrie, resigned. They, with William Balph, formed the board
on January 1, 1813, with Robert Scott clerk. In November, 1813, Scott
was re-appointed clerk at $1.33 per day, and James McKee qualified as com-
missioner, vice Harris, whose term expired. The auditors, appointed in the
fall of 1813, namely: — John Christy, Robert Lemmon and Moses Sullivan,
reported on accounts up to January 1. 1814, but beyond this, nothing out of the
routine of issuing orders was accomplished until October 29, when the contract
for building a bridge at Amberson's was considered. On November 8, John
Negley gave a bond for the completion of the bridge. At this time John Christy
was commissioner vice William Balph. It appears that a new jail building was
in process of erection, by John Negley, at that time, having been begun in 1812;
that a new bridge at "race grounds" was contemplated, if not begun, and three
bridges were built at Slippery Rock on the State road. Down to I he close of
1810 there were 3,058 warrants issued : in 1811, — dill warrants ; in 1S12, — '.isl'
98 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
warrants ; in 1813, — 530 warrants; and in 1814, — -r>7'.l warrants, the last number
representing $5,052.40 in cash.
In 1S15, there were 510 warrants issued, aggregating $:!.46(i.47. a large part
of which represented court expenses, such as jurors' fees. Election expenses
formed no small amount. On November 4, William Campbell took the oath as
commissioner vice Robert Martin, whose term expired. The new jail building
was practically completed by John Xeglev, who also finished the floor and par-
titions of the second story of the court-house, receiving on the latter contract, in
January. 1816, the sum of $175. The bridge over Wolf creek, built by Daniel
Foster for the county, was completed in May, 1816, and also that over the Conno-
quenessing creek. Warrants for forty-two dollars were given to John Ralston,
John Burkhart, Daniel Graham and John Burtner for fourteen wolf pvippies.
while John Reniston received eight dollars for a full grown wolf head. In Octo-
ber, Thomas McLeary qualified as commissioner vice McKee, whose term expired.
During the year, 492 warrants were issued, representing $5,S58. The comple-
tion of the jail in May, 1817, by John Negley. and the plastering of the court-
house later by John Dunbar, were the only important events in which the com-
missioners were concerned. Warrants to the number of 493 were issued and
$4,074.35 disbursed. The election of Francis Fryer as commissioner took place
in October, and he took his seat in November vice John Christy, whose term
expired. Comparatively little business was transacted in 1818, there being onlv
353 orders issued and $3,986.92^ disbursed. Abraham Brinker was elected com-
missioner in the fall and qualified November 2, 1818, when he with McLeary
and Fryer formed the board. During the ensuing year a new bridge at Harmony
was built by David Townsend at a cost of $399, also one at Bassenheim and one
at Zelienople, and a number of roads projected. The 437 warrants issued
represented a sum of $3,000.57. Robert Lemmon. elected commissioner in
October, took the place of Thomas McLeary in November, and assisted fully in
transacting the county business during the Year 1820, which was, in ever}' respect,
a bus\* year for the board — 497 warrants being issued and $ 1.7-''-. 2s disbursed.
John Dodds qualified as commissioner in November. 1820, vice Francis Fryer, who
was not re-elected. On November 6th, Thomas McLeary was appointed clerk,
to succeed Robert Scott, at a salary of $100. The commissioners reserved the
right to dismiss him at the close of three months if his work was not satisfactory.
In October, L821, John Brandon took the oath of office as commissioner, and,
with Messrs. Lemmon and Dodds, formed the board. In November, Robert Scott
was restored to his old position as clerk. Beyond the attention giYen to new
roads, such as that from Louisburg to Arley's ford and from Neyman's mill to
the Mercer road, and to bridges, the issue of warrants to officers of elections and to
jurors occupied the board. In the record of expenditures for this year items
appeared, showing that Moses and John Sullivan were paid thirty-seven dollars
and fifty cents for printing the statement of receipts and expenditures ; that Reese
Evans was paid some moneys on account of his contract for building the bridge
at Butler 1 that Robert Graham was paid for hauling lightning rods ami stove-
pipe, and that men. named Martin and Bowers, were paid for coal supplied to the
county in 1820 and 1821. The number of warrants issued was 517 and the sum
TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS. • i< ■
represented. $3,390.10^. John Shryock, who made the first pump for the jail yard,
received for his work fifteen dollars. In July, 1822, the construction of a bridge
at Lowrie's mill was decided upon, and repairs on the court-house and jail were
authorized. John Covert, who was elected commissioner, qualified October 2C>.
and on November 4, took his seat with Messrs. Dodds and Brandon. The
appointment of William Gibson, treasurer, was one of the first acts of the new-
board. A book-case, made by Robert Carnahan, was introduced into the
recorder's office, the jail doors were covered with sheet-iron, grates were placed
in the open hearths of the jail and other advances toward the comfort, as well as
the security of prisoners, were made. There were no less than 592 warrant-- issued
in 1822, covering SfJi.oSVt.NO.1. The appointment of John Walsh as clerk, to suc-
ceed Robert Scott, was made November 29, so that the new official was brought
face to face with the intricacies of office at a time when election judge--, clerks,
inspectors, road views, jurors, etc., were hunting warrants for their pay as indus-
triously as the bounty seekers were hunting old wolves and puppies.
One of the items of expense in 1823, was twenty-five cents paid to John
Brandon for "goose quills," bought in Simon Reed's store. A singular case was
presented in July, it being nothing less than the demand of William Hogg for
three dollars and fifty cents for grand jury service, although lie was discharged
from service on account of being a Scotchman or Englishman, who never became
a citizen. The commissioners issued the warrant.
In July. William Purviance surveyed a number of out-lots east of the borough,
which were sold by the commissioners in October. Prior to that time, John
McQuistion was elected commissioner and took his seat vice John Dodds, on
November 5, on which date, John Sullivan was appointed treasurer. Hugh
McGlaughlin was authorized to make window blinds for court-house, and the com-
missioners bought two pairs of snuffers and one box of candles. The business ol
the year is indicated by the issue of 622 warrants, amounting to $3,755 ~>v.
including those issued for the Lick bridge, the bridge over the Connoquenessing
and at the turnpike, and improving the bridge at Harmony.
The minutes of 1824 show 720 warrants issued and $4,140.56 disbursed, but
the treasurer's statement shows an expenditure of $7,055.86. Among the items
is one for six dollars and forty-three cents to William Reed "for schooling poor
children." In August, 1S24, the treasurer paid four dollars to Hugh McKee for a
ream of Number 1 paper, and twenty dollars to John Sullivan for printing a
ream of blank checks. John Alward received one dollar and eighty cents •■ for
schooling poor children"; while Joseph Sterrett, Alexander Hagerty and Robert
Stephenson received two dollars each for apprehending and guarding David
Mcjunkin. Hugh McKee, elected in October to succeed John Brandon, qualified
November 5, lSl'4. and, on the 27th, William Gibson was appointed clerk to suc-
ceed John Walsh.
In 182-"), the bridge at Bell's ford, over Slippery Rock creek, was finished by
Charles Coulter, and the Connoquenessing creek bridge, at the turnpike, was
rebuilt by Henry Evans. A uniform standard for the triennial assessment was
adopted in November, 1825, Robert Scott, Hugh McKee and John McQuistion,
being the commissioners. The assessors were William Campbell, and Rob-
IOO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ert Graham, of Butler; Oliver David, Middlesex: John Gillespie. Cranberry;
David Shannon, Connoquenessing ; Samuel Dodds, Muddy Creek ; Robert Black,
Slippery Rock; Richard Vandyke, Mercer; Joseph Murrin, Venango; Samuel
Ei-win, Parker; Paul McDermott, Donegal; John Slator, Clearfield ; William
Colmer, Buffalo, and David Mcjunkin, Centre. The auditors were William
Purviance and Maurice Bredin. The expenditures of the county amounted to
$4,558.62.
The appointment of Isaiah Niblock as treasurer, was made in January, 1S20,
his pay being based on one and one-half per cent. His appointment was strongly
opposed by John McQuistion. The twelve year contract with Andrew Marshall
to keep Harmony bridge in repair for that term was made, — the stated con-
sideration being $317.50. At the close of October, Commissioner-elect David
Dougal succeeded John McQuistion. The total disbursements amounted to
$4,456.91.
The appointment of Samuel A. Purviance as clerk was made in February,
1827. The building of a bridge over the Connoquenessing, opposite the borough,
was completed by John Stephenson, and the court-house was subjected to general
repairs by authority of the board. On October 22. John McNees was inducted
into office to succeed Hugh McKee. The annual expenditure was $6,198 40 as
certified by auditors — Robert Martin, Maurice Bredin and Joseph Bryson.
In March, 1828, the plan for the bridge at Amberson's was adopted, and from
January 1, to October 29, sufficient business was transacted to occupy the time of
Commissioners Scott for eighty-three days, Dougal for eighty-one and a half
days, and McNees for sixty-eight days. The clerk, Samuel A. Purviance, was
engaged for 109 'j days of his second term, down to March (i, 1828, ami sixty-one
days additional down to October 29. Alexander Graham succeeded Scott, as
commissioner, October 29, and served sixteen days before the close of December.
Christian Mechling was appointed clerk, for a short term, on October 28, and
Treasurer Thompson reported a revenue of $6,710.98 for the year, of which $1,-
lo7.'i;>'_- were unexpended.
The question of appointing a treasurer was decided January 1, 1829, when
James Thompson was chosen. In February, John N. Purviance was appointed
clerk, at a salary of fifty dollars per annum. In April, 1S29, the bridge
at Zelienople was authorized to be built. In October, Joseph McQuistion was
elected commissioner to succeed David Dougal ; John X. Purviance was re-ap-
pointed clerk, at a salary of seventy-five dollars per annum, and Francis McBride
was chosen treasurer, to succeed James Thompson. The expenditures for the
year amounted to $5,508.
The dealings of the board in 1830, with assessors, collectors, jurors, oflicers
of election, road and bridge viewers, and contractors, form an index to the advances
made by Butler since 1820. Among the roads opened was one from James
McCandless' house to the brick meeting-house in Connoquenessing township ;
and among the bridges projected was one opposite the former home of Detmar
Basse Midler; one over Muddy creek, near Kennedy's mill; one over Wolf
creek, and one over Slippery Rock creek, where the graded road from Butler to
Franklin crossed that stream. The State road from Kittanning to Evans' ferry,
TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
on French creek, received some attention in August, and then came preparations
for election days. In October, John McCandless qualified as successor to Com-
missioner McNees. Later, the salary of the clerk, John Purviance, was increased
to ninety dollars. The financial report shows $6,574.57 received, of which $699.86
remained in the treasurer's hands.
In January, L831, Francis McBride was re-appointed treasurer and William
Ayres attorney. The salary of Mr. Ayres was placed at twenty-five dollars, a
small sum, indeed, looking at it through modern spectacles, but large enough for
the duties of the office sixty-three years ago. The Breakneck creek bridge, oppo-
site Boggs' house, was contracted to be built by Sylvester Ash, and the meeting
with the merchants, who appealed from tax classification of the commissioners
and associate judges, was held.
It may appear strange that one of the commissioners had to go to Pittsburg
to procure " iron and nails and other things for the use of repair of jail and
attending to have the same hauled from Pittsburg." James Spencer was then
working on such repairs. In August Bennett Dobbs was employed to place sheet-
iron on the western wall of the prison-room. In September the bridge over the
Connoquenessing at the salt lick was begun by Contractor Charles Duffy. John
N. Purviance was re-appointed clerk at a salary of one dollar per day. William
Pillow, who succeeded Alexander Graham as commissioner, qualified in Novem-
ber. Andrew Sproul was appointed treasurer in December, and, some days later,
Samuel A. Purviance succeeded Mr. Ayres as attorney to the board at a salary of
twenty-five dollars. Auditor William Moore reported a revenue of $6,946.07,
including .$1,278.57. which remained in the treasury on January 1, 1831.
The contract for repairing the court-house was awarded to George Miller in
March, 1832, and the plastering thereof to Philip Varnum. About this time a
new roof was ordered to be placed on the jail In May, B. G. Gall and A.
Ziegler contracted to build a bridge over the Connoquenessing, opposite Harmony.
Robert Graham qualified as commissioner, in October, to succeed Joseph Mc-
Quistion, while later in the month William Campbell, Jr., was appointed clerk
at a salary of seventy dollars per annum. The financial statement for ISM:! shows
a sum of $8, 394.57, of which $670.56 were reported unused on December
31, 1832.
The year 1S33 was opened by the appointment of Charles C. Sullivan coun-
sel to commissioners, at a salary of twenty-five dollars, and Andrew Sproul as
treasurer. In June a bridge over Buffalo creek in Clearfield township, was author-
ized. John Vanderlin, who was elected to succeed John McCandless, qualified
as commissioner October 18 ; William Campbell was re-appointed clerk at one
dollar per day; a pavement in front of the court-house was authorized; John
McLelland was appointed attorney at a salary of twenty-five dollars; and George
Miller, treasurer. Of .$5,614.10 received during the year, only $224.8-1 were
unexpended.
The elections of 1834 resulted in the return of Joseph Graham to succeed
William Pillow. The total credits to tax amounted to $6,44(3.33 and expendi-
tures to $6,802.94. In 1S35, William Campbell, Jr., clerk, George Miller, treas-
urer, and John McLelland, attorney, were re-appointed. The tax levy for the
1C>2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
year was confirmed in March and duplicates given to the collectors. In April,
Muse.- Crispin was employed as bell-ringer; in September contracts for building
bridges over Thorn creek, on the road from Butler to Boyd's mill, were sealed ; in
October, Hugh Stephenson was elected to succeed Robert Graham as commis-
sioner, and Jacob Ziegler was appointed clerk, vice Campbell, retired. Under date
of October 17. a peculiar entry occurs. It records that on that day the commis-
sioners were " employed in fighting with Joseph McQuistion," but leaves the cause
of the battle and its results untold. John Vanderlin was then a member of the
board.
Early in 1836 John N. Purviance was appointed counselor to the commis-
sioners at an annual salary of thirty-rive dollars, and Tohn I}. MeGlaughlin was
appointed treasurer, the value of the office being two per cent on the levy. A
brief reference to the new bridge over Bear creek and one to a meeting with the
school directors show the terse style of the clerk. In October, 1886, Nathan
Skeer qualified as commissioner to succeed Vanderlin. The auditor's report
deals with a revenue of $8,314.59, of which the sum of $1,180.12 remained in the
treasury.
In January, 1837, the treasurer was re-appointed, and John X. Purviance
appointed counselor at a salary of thirty dollars per annum. The building of a
bridge over the Connoquenessing, below Butler, claimed the attention of the
board in February ; later the bridge near Boyd's mill was constructed, and one at
Malachi Richardson's and one at Gillilands were authorized. William Criswell
was elected to succeed Joseph Graham as commissioner. Of $8,372.16 charged
to the treasurer, a balance of $2,748.47 was carried to 1838.
The appointments of James Frazier, as treasurer, and Jacob Ziegler, as clerk,
were made in January, 183S. Jacob Shanor, commissioner-elect, qualified Octo-
ber 28. On December 81, the auditor's report showed $8,177.2S received into
the treasury, of which $1.(11)"). 81 remained unexpended. In January, 1839, Jacob
Ziegler was chosen clerk and counselor to the commissioners, his pay as clerk
being one dollar and twenty-live cents a day, and as counselor thirty dollars
per annum. This arrangement was not of long duration, for, on January X,
George Ziegler was appointed clerk, at one dollar and twenty-five cents
a day; John N. Purviance, counsellor at thirty-five dollars per annum ; and
Jacob Mechling, Jr., treasurer at three and one-half per cent, on tax levy. In
October, Thomas R. McMillen took his seat as commissioner, vice Nathan Skeer,
whose term expired. The sum audited for 1839 was $3,030.47, including $106.7(5
advanced by the treasurer to meet bills against the county.
In 1840, E. M. Bredin was appointed attorney; William Campbell, treasurer,
George W. Ziegler clerk, and John McCollough, bell-ringer. Toward the close
of October, George Miller occupied Commissioner Criswell's place and took a
full part in the closing transactions of the board for that year. The revenue of
the county in 1840 was $9,403.83, all of which appears to have been expended,
jurors and grand jurors eating up no less than $1,809.11.
The officers ot the commissioners, appointed in 1841, were Andrew Cams,
treasurer; William Timblin, clerk; George W. Smith, attorney, and William
Johnston, bell-ringer. One of the incidents of the year, was the receipt of a
TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS.
petition from leading citizens of Butler borough against continuing a boy of
William Johnston's years as bell-ringer and custodian of public buildings, and
recommending the employment of John McCollough, Jr. This petition was
acquiesced in by the commissioners without delay. It August. John Ross was
awarded the contract for painting the court-house and offices. On November 10,
the election question arising in a tie vote for commissioner, was settled by com-
missioners McMillen and Miller, sitting with the court of quarter sessions. John
Ray, of Donegal township, was chosen — the claims of McCurdv and Mover being
set aside. The new member took his seat November 20. The revenues of lsH
amounted to $0,287.52, all of which were disbursed. The school fund then
amounted to $254.15, or $111.66 from unseated land tax, and $142.49 paid by
former treasurer.
The value of warrants issued in 1836 was $5,881.32; in 1837, $4,997-56; in
1838, $6,514.55; in 1839, $8,030.47; in 1840, $9,992.05, and in 1841, $7,456.30.
The trustees of the Butler Academy owed on January 1, 1842, the sum of
$2,457.70. This sum included $1,101.36, the amount of John Negley's judg-
ment, and $150.00 subscribed toward the support of the institution, or a total of
$42,872.25 in six years.
The record of the election of the county treasurer was made January 1. 1842,
when Andrew Cams presented his certificate of election in October, 1841, for a
term of two years. Alexander S. McBride was appointed clerk; George W. Smith,
attorney, and Samuel R. Williams, bell-ringer. In October, John Ray and Abraham
Mover were elected commissioners, and, with Thomas R. McMillen, formed the
board. The total expenditures, or rather treasurer's credits, amounted to $13,-
559.96. The warrants issued represented $vv>09.75.
In 1848, Alexander McNair was appointed attorney at a salary of twenty-
five dollars per annum, and John Gold, bell-ringer, at a salary of fifty dollars.
Maurice Bredin qualified as commissioner on October 14. The total treasurer's
credits amounted to $11,677.21 and the value of warrants to $7,202.47. On Janu-
ary 1, 1844, Daniel Coll, treasurer elect, qualified. On October 2(1. W. W. Dodds,
commissioner elect, qualified, and on January 1, 1845, voted for the appointment
of Gilmore and Purviance, county attorneys; the re-appointment of Alexander S.
McBride, clerk, and John Gold, bell-ringer. Thomas II. Bracken took the place
of Abraham Mover in October, and in January, 1846, John Bredin. Jr., was
appointed clerk; Oren Baldwin, attorney, and John Gold, bell-ringer or janitor.
In April, David Douthett was appointed as the successor of Commissioner Bredin
and qualified the same day. The appointment of Lewis Z. Mitchell as appraiser
of mercantile taxes, on October 24, was the first to this position under the act of
April 22, 1846, so far as the record tells. On the 27th, John Anderson qualified
as successor to David Douthett, and on January 1. 1817, the board appointed
George W. Crozier, clerk, at one dollar and twenty-five cents a day, John
Borland, attorney, at twenty -five dollars per annum, and John McCollough Jr.,
bell-ringer. The election of Joseph Douthett, in October, to succeed Commis-
sioner W. W. Dodds, and the appointment of William Timblin, as mercantile
appraiser, completed the list of official changes for the year. In 1818, Andrew
104 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Simpson succeeded Bracken, and. immediately after, the system of fuel contracts
was changed, the resolution being as follows :
That the coal should be shipped by those who will supply at four cents per bushel
and not take more than 400 bushels from any one at any one time; also to supply the jail
in the same way.
In 1849 George W. Crozier was re-appointed clerk and John Sullivan coun-
sel and mercantile appraiser. An entry refers to the floods of July and speaks of
the two bridges at Amberson's, one at Ralston's, one at Robb's, and one at Break-
neck, as if they were damaged. The election of Thomas Kelly as commissioner,
in 1840, to succeed Anderson ; the appointment of W. Timblin as counsel, at
twenty-five dollars per annum, and the re-appointment of George W. Crozier, clerk,
and of John McCollough, bell-ringer, in January, 1850, mark the personal history
of the board. Thomas Welsh, elected commissioner to succeed Joseph Douthett. in
October, 1850, qualified the same month; James White, of Prospect, was
appointed mercantile appraiser to succeed Sullivan ; and in January, 1851, James
A. McNair was appointed clerk, Arcus McDermit. attorney, and William Will-
iamson, bellringer. The resignation of Mr. McNair in October, 1851, was fol-
lowed by the appointment of John Sullivan as clerk, at the last meeting of the
old board.
On October 28, 1851, James Mitchell succeeded Andrew Simpson as com-
missioner, and on the last day of the year, John Greer, of Prospect, was chosen
mercantile appraiser. In January, 1852, John Sullivan was appointed clerk;
E. Mcjunkin, attorney, and John McCollough, bell-ringer. On May 28, of this
year, Architect Barr was in consultation with the commissioners over the plans
for the proposed new court-house. Subsequently the commissioners, Messrs.
Kelly, Welsh and Mitchell, spent twelve days visiting the county seats of Law-
rence. Beaver, Allegheny, Washington, Greene, Fayette, Blair and Indiana coun-
ties to obtain information relative to court-house buildings, and continued to give
this subject attention until July 16, when they awarded the contract for building
to William Bell, of Warren, Pennsylvania. In November, 1852, John Miller suc-
ceeded Thomas Kelly as commissioner, and David M. McDonald was appointed
mercantile appraiser.
At the beginning of 1853 the commissioners and their appointees were the
same as named in the minutes of 1852. Toward the close of January, G. W.
Crozier was appointed temporary clerk. On March 81. 1S53, the commissioners
unanimously agreed to subscribe $25(1,000 to the capital stock of the North
Western Railroad Company, as recommended and found by the grand jury, and,
in accordance with the act incorporating that company. This resolution was
duly signed by the commissioners and the clerk, John Sullivan. At this time the
commissioners were also engaged in watching the progress of the new court-
house, so that their positions were anything but sinecures. One of the sanitary
acts of this period must be credited to the board. This was nothing less than the
construction of a sewer from the jail to the creek, the first improvement of this
class made in this section of Pennsylvania. In May, the basement of a church
was prepared for holding courts. The election of William C. Campbell as
commissioner in October, to succeed Welsh ; the " laying-off "new townships.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS. 105
bridge matters and court-house building, were the proceedings oi the closing
months of the year.
In October. 1854, railroad bonds were issued and a contract made for a court-
house bell. In November, John Kennedy took his seat as commissioner. In
January, 1855, Samuel Marks was appointed clerk. In August the commissioners
were engaged in measuring the new court-house and laying carpet in court-room,
although there is no minute ot' the acceptance of the structure; but. on the con-
trary, Mr. Bell was notified to finish it. The cleaning of the interior, December 7,
i- the only record in minutes to tell how Bell observed this notice. In January,
Is.",!'), the clerk, Samuel Marks, the attorney, E. Mcjunkin and John McCollough,
the bell-ringer, were re-appointed officers of the board. In August, Architect
Barr and Contractor Bell met the commissioners. In September, tire members
were in session witli the agricultural societies, railroad officers, assessors, col-
lectors, etc.
On February, 1857, John Graham was appointed agent of the county and
ordered to visit Philadelphia to attend a meeting of the directors of the Xorth
Western railroad, on March 8, and find out the condition and policy of that cor-
poration. On March 11, a settlement with Contractor Bell was effected. In
December, Samuel P. Irwin was appointed clerk, while the attorney and bell-
ringer were re-appointed. In October, 1858, the prothonotary was ordered to
record only the general result of all elections, sucli record to be paid for at the
rate of one cent for every ten words. Anxiety about the intentions of the rail-
road company prevailed at this time, and the members of the board visited the
directors at Pittsburg. On the last day of the year, the officers of the old board
were re-appointed. Bridges at Evansburg, Black's mill, Bovard's mill. Zelien-
ople and other points, were rebuilt or repaired during the year, and mention is
made of a lawsuit, in which the commissioners were interested, being tried at
Pittsburg. Subsequently the case is referred to as " Duberry vs. Butler county."'
In January, 1860, Samuel P. Irwin was re-appointed clerk and appointed attorney
to the board. Irwin resigned the clerkship in August, and Samuel Marks was
appointed.
The transactions of the commissioners from the beginning to the end of the
Rebellion were of unusual importance. William S.Jack was appointed clerk in
January, 1861, and John M. Thompson attorney. On April 30, John H. Xiblock
was appointed clerk, vice William S. Jack, who had enlisted. In January. L862,
following, Mr. Niblock was appointed permanent secretary ; but on his resigna-
tion being accepted in March, 1862, Harvey Colbert was chosen his successor.
Early in 1862 mention is made of the relief work of the board, and on July 31,
of the commissioners agreeing to give each volunteer in three companies ot nine
months' men, twenty-five dollars each as soon as mustered in. ( hi August 26
this bounty was paid to the soldiers of Anderson's company. In October, 1862,
Charles McCandless was chosen attorney, z'/<v John M. Thompson, who entered
the United States service. Mr. Greer attended the court at Pittsburg for sev-
eral days in the matter of the railroad suit.-, and was credited with 209 day-'
service, from January 1 to December 31, together with thirty-six days' service in
1861, against the 477 days of Mr. McXees. In January the officers of the old
106 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
board were re-appointed. In April, 1863, a meeting of the commissioners of
Lawrence and Butler counties was held to settle some disputed points about sol-
dier.-.' bounties and determine on which side of the line certain claimants for
bounty lived. The Butler officers had already paid bounty to eight Lawrence
county men. To avoid future trouble in this matter, the commissioners suggested
that on which ever side of the line the home was, the land should lie assessed in
that county anil the soldier paid the bounty from the treasury of that county.
The meeting to fix the boundary line was held at Portersville, September 17,
when Messrs. Sutton. Wilson, Greer and Hartley were appointed to take the
southern end of the line, and James Forrest. Thomas McNees and Harvey Col-
bert the northern end. In October, Samuel Leason was elected commissioner to
succeed Thomas McNees, and, with Messrs. Bartley and Greer, brought the
county business <>! the year to a satisfactory close.
The meeting of January 1, 1804, resulted in the election of the old officers. In
February a tax of fifteen mills on assessed value of property was authorized ; being
four mills for county purposes, three mills for State purposes and eight mills for
railroad charges. At the close of this year the auditors — John H. Crafty, W. H.
11. Riddle and Simeon Nixon — reported as follows:
We, the undersigned auditors of Butler county, having examined the foregoing
account of the commissioners' clerk of Butler, do report that Congress must either make
more days in the year, or we shall compel the commissioners to commute his rations.
It is apparent that the auditors did not associate the 312 days' service in 1863
and the 314 days' service in 1864 with the increased work of the times; but the
commissioners did ; for, two days after this report was made, Harvey was re-ap-
pointed clerk. There were 216 citizens of the county assessed in 1864, five per
cent on their incomes, under the law providing for an income tax. Another item
appears under date, March 15, ISC;"), which recalls a tragic national event. It
reads as follows :
Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, was shot last night in Washing-
ton City by an assassin, and died this morning-. — Requiescat inpace.
In the midst of civil and military turmoil, the tight against the railroad com-
pany was carried on by Bartley and Leason. In October, William Dick was
elected to succeed Abner Bartley.
In January, 18G0, the old officers were re-elected. In November the vacancv
in the office of treasurer, caused by the death of W. E. Moore, was filled by the
appointment of John E. Moore, of Centre township. In January, 1867, George
W. Kneiss was appointed to succeed Harvey Colbert as clerk. The tax rate of
1866, which was nine mills lower than that of 1865, was also made eight mills in
1867. In May bids for building the new jail and sheriffs house were received
and the contract sealed June 14.
In 1868, the clerk's salary was placed at !f,7t>() and the attorney's was still
held down to twenty-five dollars; but the bell-ringer now called janitor, had his
pay increased to $150. The resignation of George Kneiss in September, 18(30,
led to the appointment of Thomas B. White as clerk. On November 6, of this
year, the board elected a president in the person of Charles Hoffman, he being the
First to serve under that title. In other respects, the members of the board were
TRANSACTIONS OF THE COMMISSIONERS. IOJT
assuming self-importance; for, not content with the old digest, purchased in 180-1
or thereabouts, they now purchased an edition of Purdon for the use of the office.
The record, too, shows signs of progress, partaking more of the style of Dougal's
ancient minute books. In December, George Miller was paid for .making
a coffin for one " Hokenboy," who was hanged in this county.
In January, 1870, the tax rate was lowered to seven mills. About this time,
John II. Negley was awarded the printing of the auditors report for fifty dollars.
In February, the commissioners borrowed from the First National Bank, for ninety
days, the sum of $1500, and in March, issued a warrant for $] 16,798 to Robison,
banker, for railroad bonds and coupons. In November, James M. Lawe was
chosen president of the board, and at the same session the estimate of expenditures
for the current year was placed at $40,000. Before the close of the year, \V. II.
Black was appointed attorney, and the clerk and janitor were re-appointed.
In April, 1871, Mr. White received the commission of postmaster of Butler,
and William L. Spear succeeded him as clerk. In June, the claims of John M.
Thompson and Charles McCandless, for defending Butler county in the case of
Lawrence county vs. Butler county, growing out of the subscription to the North-
western Railroad Company, were tabled until ''equitably adjusted either by law
or compromise." In July, whenthe trial was resumed, James Bredin was employed
to represent this county, the consideration being $500 and traveling expenses. In
October the new 'iron bridge in Cherry township was completed, and an iron bridge
at Harmony, near Enslen's, was also finished.
The threat of the commissioners to proceed, according to law. against col-
lectors who neglected "paying off" their duplicates on or before January 1, 1872,
characterized the meeting of November 22. On November 2D, the following
minute was made :
Commissioners all present: had a dispute with Mr. Brown, jury commissioner.
Wanted more pay than they were willing- to give him. Mr. Brown got very spunky and
left without getting anything. Tomorrow being Thanksgiving Day, the board will not
be in session.
In December, 1872, Collector Kirker of Lancaster township, asked that a ten
dollar counterfeit bill, which he received as taxes, be accepted by the treasurer,
but the commissioners could not see it in that light. In the matter of a
$10,000 fee, claimed by Attorneys Thompson and McCandless. for legal services,
arbitrators were appointed December 22, and on the 28th, Judge Kerr. James F.
Robinson and Judge Mitchell met under the appointment, but nothing definite
was accomplished. Robert Barron became a member of the board in 1872. On
January S, the record states that every one having business with the office hail
fault to find with everyone and everything. At this time mention is first made
of overseers of the poor. From the entry it appears that the poor people of the
county were sent to Dixmont Hospital, in Allegheny county. In March, the
treasurer, " having unexpectedly received money from Harrisburg," an overdue
note for $600, held by Mrs. S. C. Sullivan, was paid. In June, it appears that
one-half the jurors were excused and the commissioners hurried payments to
them, saying, " they are no use here — the sooner they are discharged the better
for the county. " On the 22nd an entry states :
108 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Yesterday we had the hardest rain that the oldest citizens remember of. particu-
larly in the southwestern part of the county, taking- away bridges and destroying' fences,
grain, etc.
The rains in August damaged bridges and delayed the re-building of bridges
in lieu <>f those swept away in June. The record contains weather and political
reports, with references to the courts and other important affairs. This is shown
by an entrv under date of October 29, which reads as follows : "The witnesses
are all from Clearfield, and a hard set of fellows they are to get along with." And
again, under date of October 31, — "Court in session. Trying Dutchman for
burning a barn near Saxonburg ; found him guilty, being out only fifteen min-
utes." William L. Spear, to whom credit is given for keeping excellent minutes,
died November 24, and on the 25th, John 15. McQuistion was appointed to fill the
vacancy.
In fitly, 1873, the sum of $2,448 was borrowed from John Berg & Company,
with the understanding that the money was to remain in bank " to be drawn out as
needed." In September, a court order to have all books re-bound, and such books
as were mutilated, transcribed and bound, was received by the commissioners and
an order made in obedience to that of the court. lames 1'. Christlev, with Messrs.
Barron and Garvin, were the commissioners.
The transactions of 1874, opened with the appointment of E. G. Cratty,
clerk, to succeed John B. McQuistion, ami Thomas Robinson, attorney, to suc-
ceed W. II. Black, the new member of the board being John C. Riddle. In Feb-
ruary, 1875, I. S. P. De Wolf was chosen clerk, at a salary of $700 a year, and
Clarence Walker, attorney, at forty dollars per annum. In June, the services of
the clerk were dispensed with, and George Maxwell, of Centre township,
appointed. The blowing-up of the safe in the treasurer's office, October 18,
enlivened affairs round the court-house and checked the payment of warrants, as
the doors of the safe could not he opened. In January, 1876, under the new law,
the three members were Robert Barron, J. C. Donaldson and William A. Christie;
Samuel McClymonds was appointed clerk and J. C. Donaldson succeeded J. C.
Riddle as commissioner. In March, the dispute about the treasurer's salary was
still in progress, the board offering $2,250, believing that this was the legal inter-
pretation of the court's decision in the matter. The case was appealed to
the Supreme Court, and the per centage to be paid the treasurer was fixed. In
June, the removal of the old court-house cupola was decided upon and a new one,
fitted as a clock tower, ordered to be constructed. The clock for this structure
was not to cost more than $900, of which the county was to pay $300 and the
borough of Butler, $600. Other work was also authorized on the old building.
Later, the arrangement with Venango county, respecting assessment of property
on the line, was made, and, during the long term of Barron, Donaldson and
Christie's administration, much work was accomplished at the lowest possible cost
to the taxpayers.
In January, 1879, J. C. Donaldson, James Gribben and Jonathan Maybury
were sworn in as commissioners; II. W. Nicholas was appointed to succeed the
veteran janitor, John McCollough, at one dollar a day; Clarence Walker was
re-appointed counsel and Samuel McClymonds, clerk. The commissioners named
TRANSACTIONS Or THE COMMISSIONERS. I Oy
were serving in 1881, when the minute book — 1853-82 — was closed. Thomas
Robinson was appointed counsel in January, 1882, and the commission of the
treasurer, J. II. Miller, was fixed at four per cent for all moneys paid out to the
amount of $55,000, and one-half per cent on any sum over that amount.
In March, 1884, a tax of live mills was levied for county purposes and two
mills for building purposes. In June, Architect J. P. Bailey was allowed four
per cent for plans, specifications and superintendence of proposed court-house, and
in August the proceeds of insurance on the old building ($23,500) were set apart
for the new building, together with about $19,500 from the duplicate tax li-ts of
18S4, and two mills per cent on duplicate for ensuing six years. The commis-
sioners at that time were Charles Cochran, G. W. Hays and James Collins, and
the clerk was S. T. Marshall. In December the board authorized the issue of
$65,000 in bonds, in blocks of $6,000 annually, the interest not to exceed four per
cent. Mr. Collins voted against this resolution. On December 2, the contract
for building was awarded to R. 15. Tayloi ; on the 3rd the sum of $21,933.33 was
received from the insurance companies, together with $829 interest, and a new
era in the official life of the county was introduced. The order of Judge lla/.en
to have old record books re-bound was not the smallest spoke in the wheel of
progress.
The commissioners who qualified January 5, 1885, were J. C. Breaden, J. C.
Kelly and J. M. Turner. Dr. Linn, appointed as the first county physician in
1879, was re-appointed in 1885, and S. F. Bowser was elected counsel. Gas was
introduced as fuel in the offices on trial, and the trustees of the Evangelical church
building, which was used as a court-house, failed to convince the commissioners
that the rent should be increased. R. X. Emery was appointed clerk ; but was
succeeded by F. M. Shira, who was chosen for this position in April, and Emery
was appointed court-house watchman. In February, 1886, S. T. Marshall was
elected clerk.
The new board — A. J. Hutchison, J. C. Kelly and B. M. Duncan — organized
January 2, 1888, with A. J. Hutchison, president; S. T. Marshall, clerk; New-
ton Black, attorney, and John Graham, jail physician. On January 7, 1S89,
Enos McDonald was chosen clerk. The appointment of John Humphrey, by
the court, to succeed J. C. Kelly, as commissioner, is recorded under date of Jan-
uary 111, 1890. On February 2. 1891, the present clerk, Isaac Meals, was elected —
the board then comprising Messrs. John Humphrey, S. T. Marshall and |. C.
Kiskaddon. They served until January, 1894, when S. W. McCollough and
Richard Kelly, Republicans, and G. W. Wilson, Democrat, qualified as their
successors, and re-elected Mr. Meals clerk. The administrators of county affairs
from February, 1891, to January, 1894, made a good record for their economy,
faithful observance of duty, kindness toward one another and courtesy to the
people of all classes.
CHAPTER VIII.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The First Court House — Cost of Construction — Public Building Agitation of
1852 — County Seat Removal Scheme— Opposition Meeting — Legislative Ac-
tion—Contract for New Building of 1853 — The Building Described — Improve-
ments of 1877— Destruction by Fire— History and Description of Present
Court House.
FROM its organization in 1803, until 1807, the business of the county was
transacted in rented quarters. In 1807 a brick court-house was erected on the
site of the present building. It was plain, but substantial, having gables east and
west. The court room was on the first floor, and a high railing separated the
court and liar from the space without, which was paved with brick. The upstairs
was occupied by county officers. A wooden cupola surmounted the east end or
front of the building, in which was hung a bell, which is said to be still doing
duty upon one of the churches in Prospect. This building was used for school
purposes in its earlier history, until school buildings could be provided. It
was also frequently used for holding religious services by congregations without
a regular house of worship of their own.
On January 6, 1807, the contract for erecting this building was let to Alex-
ander Hill: and the record shows that from February 7. 1807, to September S,
1809, he was paid the sum of $4,793.84, less $325.27 deducted by the referees or
arbitrators, to whom the differences between himself and the commissioners were
submitted. A number of disbursements were made in 1824 for doors in the jail
and court-house, glazing windows and placing extra irons in and around the jail
These items of expenditure would lead to the belief that the prisoners delighted
in picking the prison to pieces, and that plaintiffs, defendants, witnesses and jurors
devoted much time to whittling doors, sash and benches.
This building answered the purposes of the county until 1851, when the
question of erecting new public buildings at Butler was presented to the county.
The proposition met with some opposition on the part of the tax-payers. On Jan-
uary 26, 1852, the opponents of the scheme met at the Associate Reformed church,
near West Sunbury, elected John Murrin president ; Thomas C. Thompson, Capt.
James Stewart. Robert McCandless, John Pryor, William Carothers. Alexander Gal-
lagher, vice-presidents; and George Boyd, J. W. Christy, S. S. Mehard, Allen
Wilson and Patrick McBride, secretaries. A series of resolutions were adopted,
the gist of which was, that were new buildings to be erected, the center of the
county should be selected, and that the commissioners should be empowered to
purchase a tract of land in such central position, and plat the area, not required
for public purposes, into lots. The friends of this proposition saw in it an easy
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
method of obtaining new buildings without increasing taxation ; but they did not
consider the vested interests of the people of Butler.
On February lit, 1852, an anti-removal meeting was held at Butler, presided
over by Tohn White, of Franklin township, at which the removal of the county
seat was seriously considered. Township committees were appointed to obtain
signatures to a petition, which was to be presented to the legislature on the sub-
ject. The men appointed for this purpose were Daniel Shanor and John Negley,
South Butler; William Jack and Robert McKee. North Butler: Matthew Greer
and Patrick Kelly, Buffalo : Doctor Lusk and John Levis, West Connoquenessing ;
Robert Graham and J. B. Anderson. East Connoquenessing: John Irvine,
Jr.. and Thomas W. Boggs, Cranberry; John Gallagher and Joseph Henry,
Clearfield; George Boyd and Sylvanus Aggas. Centre: Washington Bovard
and Charles Stewart, Cherry: Elisha Wick and John O'Donnell, Donegal;
Tohn White and Jacob Phipps, Franklin; John Scott and John S. White. Fair-
view ; Tohn Riddle and Robert Thompson, Muddy Creek ; James Carr and Will-
iam Gilmore, Mercer ; W. C. Wallace and George Cooper. Middlesex ; J. 1*. Wick
and Archibald Kelly, Parker; Samuel Kelly and Jesse Kiester, Slippery Rock;
Tohn Pollock and Henry Kohlmver, Venango ; Robert Campbell and James Stew-
art, Washington: E. MaurhofF and T. II, Tolly, Saxonburg.
The petition dulv signed by numerous citizens of the county, was presented
to the legislature. It seems to have had its intended effect on that body, which
in May following passed a bill authorizing the commissioners of Butler county to
borrow $20,000 at six per cent for a period of twenty years (the lenders not to be
subject to taxation for that sum), to be expended in the erection of public build-
ings. This action of the legislature put a quietus on the county seat removal
project, and insured the erection of a new court-house at Butler.
Immediately after the passage of this bill by the legislature and its approval
by the Governor, the board of commissioners, consisting of Thomas Welsh, James
Mitchell and Thomas Kelly, took steps to secure the early erection of the pro-
posed building. In order to inform themselves as to the character of the building
best adapted to the needs of the county, they first consulted with Architect Barr,
and afterwards, in their official capacity, spent twelve days visiting the county
seats of Lawrence, Beaver, Allegheny. Washington, Greene, Fayette, Blair, and
Indiana counties, and examining their public buildings. The result of this trip
was that they decided to build a more imposing and costlv edifice than was at first
contemplated, a measure which met with much opposition and more grumbling
on the part, of those who had favored the county seat removal scheme, and
who thought a cheaper building would answer just as well. Nevertheless, on July
10, 1852, bids having been previously invited, the contract for the new building
was awarded to William Bell for $37,000. This amount was increased by extras
to $40,000 After its completion the new court-house was regarded as one of the
largest and best public .buildings in Western Pennsylvania, and became ami
remained the pride of the county for more than a third of a century.
■'It was built." says a recent writer in the Butler Eagle, "of excellent
materials, native sand-stone and brick, the stone-work being cut in a substantial
manner, and of a stvle of architecture which possessed great dignity and beauty.
112 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The Goddess of Liberty, with the scales so delicately balanced in her right hand
and the sword of justice in the other, so ingeniously carved on the front gable,
was suggestive, and the statue of Gen. Richard Butler, who fell at St. Clair's
defeat, in 1791, and after whom the town and county were named, was admired by
all who viewed the structure. So much was this statue pri/.ed that when it became
necessary to remodel the building .somewhat it was carefully lowered, and finally
placed on the comb of the roof in front of the improved court-house of 1S77.
This improvement was made in the fall of 1877. under the supervision of the then
board of commissioners, T- C. Donaldson, Robert Barron and \V. A. Christie.
The improvement cost about $10,000. It consisted of a new roof and a change
in the shape of the ceiling, re-plastering, frescoing and a modification of the
cupola, with the addition of a ciock. It was much improved in appearance, but
was still not large enough for present uses. Malcolm Graham, then of Butler,
had the contract. With the purchase of additional buildings for some of the
offices it would have answered the needs of the county for perhaps fifty years.
This idea would have been probably carried out had the building not been des-
troyed by fire, December 11, 1883."
Continuing, the same writer savs : " Immediately after the tire, the com-
missioners, George W. Hays, of Middlesex township ; Charles Cochran, of Con-
cord township, and James Collins, of Fail view township, set about to get tem-
porary quarters for the court and county officers. The basement of the Methodist
Episcopal church was secured for the holding of court, and it was so used for the
balance of the December term of quarter sessions, which was in session at the
time of the fire. The county officers established offices in different parts of town
for the time being, or until the commissioners could provide places for them.
After some discussion and examination the English Lutheran church building —
formerly Witherspoon Institute — was leased for a term of two years, and was
occupied by the court and county officers.
"The first legal step taken toward the erection of a new building was in
March, 1884. During the session of the regular term of court the commissioners
presented a paper to the court, announcing the destruction of the court-house by
lire, accompanied with a statemert of the financial condition of the county. The
court — Tl'dge Bredin — submitted the question to the grand jury — James D.
Anderson, of Penn township, foreman — for their action, amplifying his remarks
on the subject by suggesting the wisdom of erecting a commodious and substan-
tial building. The grand jury made report, advising the county commissioners
to proceed with the re-building of the court-house with whatever enlargements
might be found necessary for the accommodation of the public business, and
recommending that they avail themselves of the services of experienced architects.
The jury expressed the belief in their presentment that such a building could be
erected at a cost of $85,000. Thus matters stood until the convening of the June
court, when the question was again submitted to the grand jury by the court —
Judge Mcjunkin presiding — accompanied by remarks discouraging the proposi-
tion to erect an expensive building. This grand jury — N. M. Slater, of Butler,
foreman — reported in favor of a new building, but placed the probable cost at
$50,000. Nothing further was done until the September court, some question
H^-
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
having been raised in the meantime as to the regularity of the drawing of the
juries for the March and June sessions. It was again referred to the grand jury,
of which Henry Buhl, of Forward township, was foreman. This jury said : 'We
recommend that it be built of such material, stone or brick, as the commissioners
of the county, after diligent search, and inquiry of good mechanics and master
workmen, think best. And further, we recommend that the commissioners use
all the economy possible in the construction of a durable and sufficient building.'
In the meantime James P. Bailey, of Pittsburg, had been selected as archi-
tect, and the general plan of the building agreed upon. Three months were
occupied in preparing the plans and specifications.
••Sealed bids were invited by publication for the erection of the building,
which were opened by S. T. Marshall, clerk of the commissioners, on the 13th
day of September, 1884, in the court room, and in the presence of thejudgesof the
court and a goodly number of citizens. Jacob Ziegler, of the Herald, read the bids
in stentorian tones, and they were transcribed on the commissioners' minute book
by clerk of courts, W. B. Dodds. The bids were as follows :
Graham & Nicholdson, Fairview % 182,000
Orr & Williamson 161,500
Robert McCann, Allegheny 156,082
T. T. Sunderland, Philadelphia 153,384
J. R. Cochran, Allegheny 149,000
J. P. & R. H. Knox. Allegheny 189,074
Henry Schenck 139,800
McWilliams & Beatty, Allegheny 139,590
Frazier Bros., Allegheny 136,300
P. H. Melvin, Clarion . . . 129,399
W. A. Davis & Company 1 25,685
Simeon Harold 124,753
P. B. Carpenter, Conneautville 122,000
William Feigle, Butler 119,900
R. B. Taylor, Reynoldsville 117,700
'•Matters remained in statu quo for some time after the bids were opened, the
commissioners deeming it proper to leave the matter open for discussion. They
finally awarded the contract to R. B. Taylor, the lowest bidder, and notified him
of the fact, and invited him to 'enter into a contract. His bid of $117,700
included all the work, except that of frescoing, heating apparatus and the furni-
ture for the bench and bar. Nothing was done by the commissioners until the
meeting of the December court, when a bill in equity was filed — being George
Walter, H.J. Klingler, Adam Troutman, John Berg, Jr., Chas. Duffy and Ferd
Reiber, plaintiffs, versus George W. Hays, Charles Cochran and James Col-
lins, commissioners of Butler county, defendants. This bill charged that the
plan of the court-house, especially the tower, was weak, and would be unsafe, il
erected ; that the building was too expensive, and prayed the court to restrain the
commissioners from entering into a contract with Taylor for the erection ol
the same. The court — Judge Mcjunkin presiding — granted the preliminary
114 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
injunction as prayed for. Taylor, the contractor, and Bailey, the architect, each
presented his petition to court, praying to be permitted to become co-defendants
to the bill. Upon this, rules to show cause, were issued, and answers were filed,
After hearing, rules were made absolute. The December grand jury — D. R. Ken-
nedy, of Muddv Creek township, foreman — protested against the erection of a
court-house on the Bailey plans, as being too expensive and extravagant, con-
demned the stone walls proposed, and wanted a tire-proof building erected at a
cost of $76,000.
"Thus matters stood when the old board retired, and the new board, composed
of Tohn M. Turner, of Parker township, J. C. Breaden, of Clay township, and
John C. Kelly, of Adams township, took their seats on the first Monday of Jan-
uarv, 1885. Bailey and Taylor took out a writ of error and had the case heard
on January i';!, 1885, in the Supreme Court, then in session in Philadelphia,
which tribunal dissolved the injunction at the cost of the plaintiffs. After some
further delay the commissioners ratified the contracts entered into by the old
board, with Bailey and Taylor, as found on the minute book in the commissioners'
office."
The work of razing the walls of the old building was begun May 8, 1884,
under the direction of George Schaffner, and within ten days the site was ready
for the builders of the new edifice. Work was not begun, however, until April
6, 18S5, owing to the delay caused by the legal controversy over the letting of
the contract. The stone used in the foundation was obtained from Joseph Kelly's
farm, near Euclid, and from the walls of the old building. The outside walls,
twenty-two inches thick, are built of rock-face stone and lined with brick. The
stones for the walls above the foundation were quarried within a radius of three
miles from town, and hauled in on wagons, while the brick for the partitions and
the lining of the stone walls were moulded and burnt in Butler by J. George
Stamm. The sandstone used was obtained from the Berea quarries in Ohio.
The architecture is of the composite order, being a mingling of the Gothic
and second pointed style of the French. The tower adds to the imposing
appearance of the building, which may well be regarded as an eloquent witness of
the public spirit and progressive ideas which characterize the people of Butler
county, and which never fail to assert themselves in all matters involving county
pride or public good.
The interior of the building is handsomely finished, and the court room and
offices commodious, convenient and well finished. Vaults are provided for the
safe-keeping of records, books and papers, and the building is well-heated and
lighted throughout. The clock in the tower "takes note of passing time," and
serves to attract the attention of the " stranger within the gates" to the hand-
some edifice, wherein justice is administered " without fear or favor," and crime
punished in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth.
CHAPTER IX.
POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
Introduction— Early Political Status of County— Congressional, Senatorial.
Representative and Judicial Districts— First General Election— Early Cam-
paign Methods — Parties in 1828 — Songs and Toasts— Case of Hugh Lee— Anti-
Masonic Movement — Whig Flag Incident — Constitution of 1838 — Apportion-
ment Changes — Anti-Slavery and Liberty Men — Free Soilers and Free
Laborites— Anti-Slavery Meeting— The Know Nothings— Election of 1854— The
Unionists of 1856— Campaign of 1856— A Republican Victory — People's Reformed
Ticket of 1857— Campaign of 1860— Election of 186-1 — Constitutional Convention
of 1873— Senatorial Apportionment of 1874 — Campaign of 1874 — Congressional
and Representative Apportionment of 1887 — Judicial Apportionment of 1893—
Votes of 1892 and 1893 — Public Officials.
EVER since her organization, Butler count}' has played an important part
in the various congressional, senatorial and judicial districts to which she
has belonged, in addition to exercising a fostering care over her own internal
political affairs. Her citizens have been jealous of their rights, watchful of their
interests, and unfalteringly devoted to those principles and doctrines, which to
their minds were but calculated to conserve the highest interests of the Nation and
the State. Here, as elsewhere, party spirit has, at times, run high, and occasion-
ally individuals, thinking themselves entitled to more than their parties were
willing to give them, have seen fit to test their personal strength and popularity
at the polls, as independent candidates. At various times, also, new parties have
sprung into existence to contest the county with the great parties that have
embraced within their following a large majority of her citizens from the ear-
liest years of her history.
The stirring campaigns of the past ninety years, have called into action
many bright and able men, who have made their individual influence felt, and
acquired more than passing fame, in shaping the destiny of the Commonwealth.
Besides those who have made for themselves distinguished names while yet
claiming the county as their home, there are others, who, after acquiring
homes elsewhere, have, by the force of their ability and energy, pushed them-
selves to the front, and have become potential in the the councils of the State
and Nation, confering honor alike upon the State of their nativity and the States
of their adoption.
The act creating Butler county was approved March li'. 1800. Resides
defining the boundaries, it made temporary provision for the political status of
the new county by assigning her to the same senatorial district as Allegheny,
\\ ashington and Greene counties, and placing her in a representative district
made up of Beaver, Mercer, Crawford, Erie, Warren and Venango counties.
Il6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
which it was provided should be entitled to two representatives in the General
Assembly.
Under the Constitution of 1790, then in force, members of the State Senate
were elected ever}- three years, and members of the House of Representatives
every year. No member could serve more than four years in seven. Elections
were held on the second Tuesday in October of each year, save for President and
Vice-President of the United States, which were held in November, as at present.
The terms of service of State Senators and Representatives began on the fourth
Monday of October. The State capital was at Lancaster, and the senators and
representatives, as well as other citizens having business there, usually made the
journey on horseback, that being the only mode of conveyance, outside of walk-
ing, previous to the establishment of stage-coach lines and the canal. Occasion-
ally a prudent member took his own provisions with him. This, Jacob Mech-
ling, one of the early members from this county, is said to have done, providing
himself before starting on his journey with a liberal supply of cooked ham and
other edibles.
The act above referred to also provided that :
The inhabitants of that part of the county of Butler in Elder's district of the Depre-
ciation lands, who heretofore held their elections at the town of Freeport, shall be
annexed to the district known by the name of McLure's district, and vote with the
inhabitants thereof, at the house of Andrew McLure. And the inhabitants of that part
of Butler county, in any of the Donation districts, who have heretofore held their elec-
tions at the town of Freeport shall be annexed to what is called Buchanan's district,
and vote with the inhabitants thereof.
The act of April 2, 1803, assigned Butler county to the Sixth judicial dis-
trict, with Beaver, Mercer and Erie counties. That of April 11, 1808, divided
the State in eleven congressional districts, the Eleventh district being composed
of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Crawford, Mercer, Venango. Warren and Erie
counties.
The first general election in the county was held in 1804. Members of Con-
gress, State ami county officers were voted for on the second Tuesday in October,
and the presidential electors on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
The candidates for Congress were T- B. C. Lucas, Democratic-Republican, and
James O'Hara, Federalist. OTIara was a resident of Pittsburg, a Revolutionary
soldier and an adherent of the Ilamiltonian strong government idea. There were
eight candidates for representative and six for county commissioner. The fol-
lowing is the vote cast so far as disclosed by the record :
POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
117
CANDIDATES
1st
DIST
3d
4th
dTst
6th
DIST
Congress —
32
76
6
46
76
22
8
34
6
42
40
188
63
92
84
78
80
196
SO
51
102
12
121
1
53
61
9
60
25
43
43
25
7
40
4
23
SI
8
Assembly —
50
32
32
32
12
58
58
66
5
5
Commissioners —
60
18
1
27
13
3
0
3
1
The election was held, in the First district, at Ezekiel Bredin's house, formerly
James Buchanan's, where William Gault, Jacob Smith and Ephraim Harris were
judges. In the Second district, the polling place was at the residence of Alex-
ander Ramsey, the judges being Benjamin Fletcher, \V. Furgeson and James
Coulter. The judges and places of election for the Third and Fourth districts are
not recorded. The judges in the Fifth district were W.Johnston, Samuel Dun-
can and Moses Bolton. In the Sixth district the judges were Abdiel McLure,
William Campbell and George Shannon. At Butler the judges were William
Ayres, John Cunningham and John Gilmore. There were no returns from the
Fourth district. The total vote cast for Lucas for Congress was 418. O'Hara, his
opponent, received 118 votes.
In 1805, James Martin received 207 and Samuel Ewalt 149 votes for senator
in this county. In 1800, Jacob Mechling was elected to the legislature, receiving
229 votes in this county. Abner Laycock, received 232 and Francis McLure
231 votes.
By an act approved February 24, 1806, the legislature reconstructed the
Sixth judicial district, placing in it the counties of Mercer, Butler, Venango,
Crawford and Erie, and providing for the holding courts in Butler on the first
Mondays in March, June, September and December of each year, for terms of
one week. The act of March 21, 1808, put Allegheny, Beaver and Butler
counties in the same senatorial district, and Allegheny and Butler counties in
the same representative district, and entitled them to four representatives. The
act of April 4. 1809, changed the time of holding courts in Butler to the second
Mondays of the months given above. An act was also passed at this time to
validate the acts of justices of the peace from the erection of the county to
November 1, 1808.
In 1809, also, Francis McLure and Samuel Ewalt were candidates for the
State Senate. In 1M0, James Patterson, candidate for representative, received a
majority of the votes of this county. In the same year Walter Lowrie was
I I S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
elected to the legislature and in 181] to the State Senate. He was re-elected in
1814, and elected United States Senator in 1818.
The act of t he General Assembly of March 20, 1812, apportioned the State
into fifteen congressional districts, Allegheny and Butler counties constituting
the Fourteenth district.
In those days, the complex political machinery of the present was unknown,
and candidates ran, as a rule, upon their personal merits and popularity, and as
the representatiyes of the political ideas and principles then dividing the people
into parties. The followers of Jefferson, known as Democratic-Republicans,
early attained to power in this county and continued in the majority for many
years. Occasionally, however, the personal popularity of an opposition candi-
date would land him in office. This result was more likely where too many
candidates from the leading party sought the same office. In time this tended
to render the "scrub race" unpopular, and to pave the way for delegate conven-
tions and the methods that at present prevail.
As an indication of this tendency toward delegate methods of naming candi-
dates, the following advertisement from a Pittsburg paper of 1814, is of more
than passing interest :
At a general meeting- of the Democratic-Republican delegates, from the different
townships of the county of Butler, held at the court-house in the town of Butler, on the
4th day of July 1814, for the purpose of patting in nomination suitable persons to be sup-
ported at the next general election, the following persons were unanimously agreed upon:
Governor, Simon Snyder; Assembly, John Potts. It was resolved, That Hugh McKee
and Robert Scott be delegates to meet two delegates from Allegheny county, at Mr.
James Carnahan's, at such time as may be agreed upon: and that they be instructed to
support John Potts, for a member of the House of Representatives of this State, in con-
junction with three members from Allegheny county; and also after conference with
the delegates from Allegheny county, to put in nomination a suitable person, to be sup-
ported for a member in Congress from this district. Resolved, That the proceedings of
this meeting be signed by the chairman and secretary, and published in the Pitts-
burg papers.
The minutes of the meeting were signed by Robert Martin, as chairman, and
Robert Lemmon, as secretary. Mr. Potts, who wras a citizen of Butler county,
was elected to the Assembly.
John Gilmore, who was elected representative in 1816—17—18-19 and 1821,
was chosen speaker of the House in the latter year. He was a candidate for State
Senator in 1821 and 1825, but was not elected, although he received a majority of
the votes in this county. Moses Sullivan was elected representative in 1822 and
1S23, and State Senator in 1824. He served three terms in the latter body.
In October, 1825, 612 votes were cast for and 091 against the proposed con-
stitutional amendment. Robert Orr was elected to Congress, receiving 5,157 votes
in Beaver, Butler and Armstrong counties, then composing the congressional dis-
trict. Moses Sullivan was elected State Senator from the district composed of
Allegheny, Beaver and Butler counties, and John Brown, James Power, William
Beatty and William B. Foster representatiyes from the district composed of Alle-
gheny and Butler counties.
The three tickets presented to the people of Butler county in September,
POLITICAL AFFAIRS. I I 9
lsi'^, were known as the " American System," " Independent " and " Jackson.''
William Purviance, of Butler, was the candidate for the Assembly on the lirst-
named ticket, Robert Stewart on the second, and James McKee on the third.
McKee was elected, receiving 3,250 votes, of which 720 were given to him in
Butler county. The vote of the county was L,068 for Andrew Jackson and 610
for John Quincy Adams, a majority of 458 for the former.
The campaign poet was abroad in the land thus early in the county's his-
tory, as the following effusion, found in the columns of the Butler Sentinel of
January 17, 1828, will show :
Old Uncle's sons have lately had some bouts
Of wordy warfare 'twixt the ins and <>«/.y;
Hick'ry and Oak have flayed each other's side —
"Tis said old Hick'ry has the toughest hide.
Of " hearts of oak," we read in days of yore —
But, zounds! who heard of hickory hearts before?
The spirit engendered by that campaign is forcibly expressed in a toast, com-
mon on Fourth of July and training days. It is as follows :
May the skins of the enemies of Jackson be converted into carpeting for his friends
to dance upon.
Notwithstanding taunting boasts of this kind, evidencing the heated and bit-
ter feelings of those belonging to the opposing parties of the time, personal
encounters and deeds of violence, as the result of political differences, were rare.
It was only occasionally that some hot-headed and over-rash champion of " Old
Hickorv " undertook to reduce to practice the sentiment of the above toast.
In March, 1829, the case of Hugh Lee, of Butler county, attracted general
attention by its discussion in the legislature. Lee, who had filled the office of jus-
tice of the peace from 1808 to 1830. was charged with being an alien. This
charge was carried forward unrelentingly from court to court, and, ultimately,
came before the legislature for adjudication. Lee refuted it with evidence that he
had been naturalized in New Orleans prior to coming to Butler county. The leg-
islature disposed of the matter by adjourning the debate, by a vote of fifty-four to
twenty-eight.
By the act of April 29, 1829, Butler and Beaver counties were made a sena-
torial district, and Butler county created a representative district, entitled to one
member of the House of Representatives.
The Anti-Masonic movement appears to have reached Butler early in 1830,
as on February 0 of that year, a meeting of those who had taken up with the new
idea was held at the court-house. It was presided over by General Ayres, John
Moser and Jacob Mechling were the vice-presidents, and Clark McPherrin and
George W. Smith, the secretaries. At another meeting held on February 17.
George W. Smith was chosen as a delegate to the State Anti-Masonic convention ;
John Dodds, John Parker, John Reynolds, John Welsh, John Levis, Jacob Mech-
ling and William Ayres were appointed a committee of vigilance.
By an act approved June 9, 1832, re-apportioning the State into congres-
sional districts, Armstrong, Clearfield and Butler counties were placed in the
same district. William Ayres, candidate for Congress, received 1.2(54 votes in
this county.
120 HISTORY OF Bl'TLEK COrXTV.
In October, 188.3, this county cast 1,780 votes against the proposed Consti-
tutional Convention, and 541 votes in favor of it. William Ayres and Thomas
Denny, senatorial, and Samuel A. Purviance, representative delegates, were
elected.
During the election of October, 1838, party feeling ran very high at Butler.
The Whigs raised a flag on the Mechling corner, concealing their project so well,
that no Democrat knew of it until the streamer flaunted defiance in the morning.
A Whig flag, in the Butler of 1838, was out of the question. Soon the amazed
Democracy formed in the vicinity. Paulhemas, the blacksmith, in apron and
accoutrements of his trade, was there, and the flag was lowered without ceremony.
The affair suggested " The Flag,-' a comedy, referred to in the chapter on The
Press.
The constitutional amendments submitted at this election received a majority
of 1,671 votes in the county, the vote for them being 2,383, and against them 712.
The election of October 11, 183',*, was the first held under the amended con-
stitution, the candidates for register and recorder, and prothonotary being elected
by popular vote, for the first time. Joseph McQuistion and William Walker, can-
didates for register and recorder, received 1,219 and 1,093 votes, respectively, while
Jacob Ziegler and John Levis, candidates for prothonotary, received 1,318 and 1,021
votes, respectively. The vote for academy trustees was very close, John Gil-
more and Rev. Loyal Young receiving 1,140 votes, while John Dufl'v and] Dr.
James Graham received 1,143 votes.
In 1840, Joseph Buffington received 2.100 votes. William Wilkins 1,804, and
David Tarbox five votes for Congress in the county. The act of March 25, 1843,
placed Butler county in the Twenty-fifth congressional district, with Armstrong,
Indiana and Clearfield counties. The act of April 14, of the same year, placed
Allegheny and Butler counties in the Twenty-fourth senatorial district, which
was entitled to two members. Butler county was continued in a representative
district by itself with one member.
The Anti-Slavery and Liberty men organized in 1844, at the court-house.
John WTaldron presided, with John Smith, secretary. One of the resolutions
adopted asserted: —
That in organizing a Liberty party in Butler county, we do it from a sense of duty
to God, and are determined to support no man or party in the management of political
affairs, farther than measures and meu in office are governed by the Bible, which we
take as our supreme law, to which all other laws must conform.
In the election that followed, John Shryock, the candidate of this party for
commissioner, received only 146 votes, while Dodds, Democrat, received 2. 103
votes, and Bracken, Whig, 2,066 votes.
The Anti-Masonic Whig nominations made in 1846, were Alexander Irvine,
of Clearfield, for Congress; John Levis, of Zelienople, for senator ; John R. Har-
ris, of Mercer, for the legislature; John Anderson, of Buffalo township, for
commissioner; George S. Jameson, of Venango township, for auditor, and S. D.
Christy, of Cherry township, for auditor, short term.
In March, 1847, the people voted on the Option or Liquor Law, giving 1,960
POLITICAL AFFAIRS. 12 1
votes for the sale of liquors, and 1,225 against such sale. The vote on the road
law, that year, was 695 votes for the new law, and 1,771 for the old law.
The Free Soilers and Free Laborites met at Portersville, July 29, 1843, to
prepare for the conventions of their party, but little was accomplished. The
debate in the Assembly, of March, 1848, on the charter to the Columbia Bank,
was participated in by Jacob Ziegler, of Butler, who maintained that the personal
liability clause was sufficient security. The representatives from Berks and
Dauphin opposed the views of the Butler member, who, in the course of his reply,
said that the first gentleman reminded him of the epitaph of John Hugg: —
" Here lies John Hugg
As snug as a bug
Tied up in a rug." —
And that the second gentleman reminded him of the inscription on John Hug^er's
monument : —
" Here lies John Hugger,
A little snugger
Than t'other bugger."
An anti-slavery meeting, held at Centreville, October 25, 1850, to consider
the provisions of the new Fugitive Slave Law, was presided over by John Hays,
with Thomas Stephenson, secretary. John T. Bard, William Vincent, Dr.
William E. Marks, Thomas Stephenson and E. D. DeWolf were appointed a
committee to draft a petition to Congress for the repeal of the law. A numerous
committee was selected to obtain signatures to the petition. Meetings followed
throughout the county and, so far as Butler county could oppose the law, her
opposition was carried.
The vote cast October 11, 1853, for Thomas A Budd, Wrhig candidate for
judge of the Supreme Court, was 1,952: for John C. Knox, Democratic candi-
date, 1,835, and for William A. Stephenson, Free Soil candidate, ninety-five.
The majorities for the State officers on the Whig ticket ranged from 126 to 193,
and for the county officers, on the same ticket, from fifty-five to a fraction over
200. The total vote was 1,600 less than polled for President in 1852, the decrease
being on the Democratic side, many Democrats casting their fortunes with the
Free Soil interests.
The election for State and county officers in October, 1854, in the thirty-
three townships, then recently organized under the general re-subdivision of that
year, and in the four boroughs of the county, brought into light the dangers of
introducing "isms" into politics. Though the Know Nothing party had a State
ticket, it secretly gave its support to the Whig candidates, and by this means the
Democratic ticket was badly defeated. In local elections the Know Nothings
secretly supported those candidates on the Whig and Democratic tickets who
were members of their dark-lantern organization, or whom they believed to be
in sympathy with it. Thus the Know Nothing vote in this State in 1854 can-
not be estimated by the ballots cast for the candidates of that party. The vote in
Butler county for James Pollock, Whig candidate for Governor, was 2,955; that
for William Bigler, the Democratic candidate, 2,381, and that for Ben R. Brad-
ford, the Know Nothing candidate, fourteen. The highest Know Nothing vote
HISTORY OF BUTLER COl'NTY.
cast for assemblyman was sixty-one, for II. F. Aderhold ; W. McClelland, T.
Berry and. John Cowden receiving, each, seventeen votes. Samuel A. Purviance,
the Whig candidate for Congress, received 2,903 votes, against 2,367 cast for O.
D. Palmer, Democrat. In county affairs, John McKee, Democrat, received
2,675 votes, against 2,553 cast for J. A. Gibson; Matthew F. White received
2,732 forprothonotary, against 2,445 cast for his Whig opponent, Nathan Brown.
This vote was reversed in the battle for register and recorder, I. S. P. De
Wolf, Whig, being victorious. John Graham, Democrat, received 3,434 votes,
against 1,799 cast for S. P. Irvine, Whig. John Kennedy. Democrat, was elected
commissioner ; Jacob Bentel, Whig-, coroner, and William Smith, Whig, auditor.
The vote for the liquor law was 2.301, and against it 2,293. The vote for the
gubernatorial candidates at this election in the different townships is as follows :
Adams
Allegheny
Brady...'.
Buffalo
Butler
Butler borough
Centre
Cherry
Clay.;
Cleartield
Clinton
Concord
Connoqueuessing. . .
Cranberry
Centreville borough
Donegal
Fairview
Forward
1*
i i
112
16
98
33
57
55
135
32
51
115
112
135
60
71
76
47
'HI
48
9
120
122
32
89
34
126
60 |
92
43
24
38
32
105
126
54
92
44
Franklin
Jackson. . .
Jefferson
Lancaster..
Marion
Mercer
Middlesex
Muddy Creek
Oakland
Parker
Penn
Slippery Rock
Summit
Venango
Washington
Winfield
Worth
Zelienople borough
1(19
116
1,9
121
113
39
101
108
91
111
28
91
153
69
94
54
54
SO
52
61
111
93
36
69
63
36
The total Whig vote cast was 2,955, and the total Democratic vote 2,381.
Thomas H. Baird, candidate for judge of the Supreme Court, received 1,189 votes,
representing the full strength of the Know Nothings. The proposed liquor law
received 2,301 votes, while 2,293 votes were cast against it. John Graham,
Democratic candidate for clerk of court, received 3,434 votes, and Samuel P.
Irvine received 1,799 votes.
The anti-administration party — or Unionists for the sake of Union — was
first heard of in the beginning of 1856, when, following the example of members
of the legislature, a large number of citizens signed a call for a great Union meet-
ing to be held at Butler, March 19, 1S56. The meeting was largely attended.
The campaign of 1856 was one of the most exciting in the history of the
State. Party spirit ran high and the battle for political supremacy was waged
fiercely. Rallies and torch-light processions were of frequent occurrence and
each party had its campaign songs to cheer, enthuse and enliven the various
meetings. Butler county was hotly contested ground, and her citizens entered
into the spirit of the campaign with characteristic vigor and earnestness. The
POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
123
entire interest of the campaign may be said to have centered upon the presiden-
tial contest, the leading candidates being James Buchanan, of Pennsylvania,
Democrat, and John C. Fremont, Republican. The Democrats, among other
songs, sang " Jamie, the True,'' of which the following is a sample verse :
Come all ye stanch friends of the Union,
Bold Whigs and brave Democrats, too;
Come join all your forces together.
And rally for "Jamie, the True."
Another song, popular with them, was sung to the tune of " Carry Me Back
to Old Virginny." The second verse of this song is as follows :
We know no north, we know no south,
We know no east or west.
But go for the whole United States.
The laud we love the best.
Then down with the Abolition crew,
Who'd let the " Union slide;"
And rally round old Buck and Breck,
The noble, true and tried.
In the election that followed the Republicans were overwhelmingly victori-
ous in the county. The result was an unexpected and disagreeable surprise to
the Democrats. Their leaders and standard bearers were all driven from the
field, their defeat being decisive. The returns for the October and November
elections made the following showing :
Auditor General.
Darwin Phelps, R 3078
Jacob Fry, D 2576
Canal Commissioners.
Thomas E. Cochran, R 3098
George Scott, D 2560
Surveyor General.
Benjamin Eaporte, R 3099
John Rowe, D 2556
Congress.
S. A. Purviance, R 3092
James A. Gibson, D 2581
Alexander Wardlaw, K. N 13
State Senator.
John R. Harris, R 3090
John H. Negley. D 25i>2
Legislaturt .
A. W. Crawford, R 3101
De Lorma Imbrie. R 3103
George P. Shaw. R 3102
Thomas J. Layton, D 2565
Charles H. Shriner. D 25i>6
Jacob Criss, D 2566
District Attorney.
Eugene Ferrero, R 3106
James M. Bredin, D 2546
Assoeiati Judges.
T. Stephenson, R 3070
J. Mechling, Jr., R 3011
Samuel Marshall, D 2617
J. Bovard, D 2549
Commissioner.
P. Hilliard, R 3003
J. W. Martin, D 2644
Surveyor.
David Scott, R 3114
Charles Cramer, D 2529
Auditor.
W. S. Waldron, R 3050
R. B. Maxwell, D 2565
Acad< my Trustees.
Arch Blakeley . R 3052
Thomas H. Bracken, R 3051
W. C. Pollock, D 2552
William Borland, D 2554
President.
Fremont, R. 3401
Fillmore K. N 67
Fillmore, (repeaters) 14
Buchanan, D 2<>4s
124 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Iii October, L857, the people of Butler cpunty gave David Wilmot, the
Republican candidate for Governor, 2,83] votes, and William F. Packer. Demo-
cratic candidate, 2,361 votes. The Know Nothings polled fifty-three votes for
Hazelhurst, their candidate, and from thirty-five to sixty votes for their nominees
for legislative and county offices.
The People's Reformed ticket of 1858, presented the names of James Kerr,
of Harrisville, for Congress ; R. J. Gregg, of Buffalo township, and John O.
Jack, of Centre township, for the legislature : Maj. Thomas Dodds, of Connoque-
nessing, for commissioner ; and William McKinney, of the same township, for
auditor.
The campaign of 1860 was formally opened in Butler county by a Republi-
can meeting held to ratify the nomination of Abraham Lincoln, the presidential
nominee of the party. The battle was carried on with earnestness and enthusiasm,
particularly on behalf of the Republicans, who swept the county. The bitter-
ness of the campaign survived the election and individual members of the minor-
it}- party were proscribed for their political views.
In 1862, when the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania decided that the act
extending the right of suffrage to soldiers in the field was unconstitutional, the
legislature of 1863 offered an amendment to the Constitution providing a remedy
lor this injustice to a volunteer army. It was voted on in August of that year.
In Butler county the vote for it was 2,679 and against it, l.L'37. The vote for
Governor was for Curtin, 3,328, and Woodward, 2,054. In 1857 Butler county
was constituted a separate representative district, ami elected two representatives,
In 1863, William Hasletl and John H. Negley were elected. In 1864 the district
was enlarged by the addition of Lawrence and Mercer counties and elected four
representatives, all the counties voting lor the nominees. In this year William
Haslett and John H. Negley, of Butler. Samuel McKinley, of Lawrence, and Col.
Josiah McPherrin, a native of Butler, but a resident of Mercer county, were the
successful candidates. In 1865, John II. Negley and Capt. Henry Pillow, of
Butler were elected, as were also McKinley and McPherrin.
The returns of the presidential election of 1S64 show that the civil and mili-
tary vote of Butler county for President, was for Lincoln, 3,475, and for McClellan,
2,937. The returns of Marion township, which gave Lincoln fifty-three and
McClellan 102 votes, came in too late, so it was alleged, to he counted.
In 1868, Lewis Z. Mitchell received 3,317 votes for Congress, and Darwin
Phelps 3,396, in this county. In 1871, under a new apportionment , Butler county
was placed in a representative district with Beaver and Washington counties.
George W. Fleeger was one of the new members under this apportionment. In Sep-
tember. 1871, the Philadelphia Press noticed the report that the name of Samuel
A. Purviance, of Butler, would be presented as candidate for the vice-presidency
before the National Republican Convention in 1872. The idea was entertained,
but Henry Wilson of Massachusetts, secured the coveted prize.
At the general election, in 1872, the question of calling a convention to revise
the State Constitution was submitted to the people, and carried by a decisive
majority, the vote in Butler county being 3,377 for and 496 against it. The Con-
stitutional Convention thus provided for. met in the city of Philadelphia, the dele-
POLITICAL AFFAIRS. I 25
t;ates from Butler county being Lewis Z. Mitchell and John N. Purviance. It
concluded its labors November :!, L873, and the new Constitution, except wherein
otherwise provided, went into effect January 1, 1874. This Constitution pro-
vided for the election of State Senators every four years, instead of every three,
and members of the House of Representatives every two years instead of every
year. It also provided for biennial instead of annual sessions of the General
Assembly, and fixed the date of meeting for " the first Tuesday of January every
second year." The date of holding the general elections in the State was changed
from the second Tuesday in October to "the Tuesday next following the first
Monday of November," of each year.
In order to make effective the provision of the new Constitution, changing
the terms of State Senators from three to four years, the legislature of 1874 re-ap-
portioned the State, placing Butler and Armstrong counties in the Forty-first
senatorial district, and providing that at the general election for that year a
senator should be chosen in the district for a term of two years, and that at the
general election in 1 ST* > the senator should be elected for four years. This appor-
tionment is still in force.
The extraordinary activity in the Butler oil field of 1S74, and the abnormal
increase of population, greatly changed the manners and customs of the people.
and even led to unusual conditions in local politics. The question of electing two
judges for the district comprising Butler and Lawrence counties, was presented
at t lie Republican primaries, held in May. 1^74. There were more votes recorded
by the Republicans, in Butler county, than were cast by the two great parties in
the fall of 1873. The candidates brought before these primaries were Charles
McCandless and E. Mcjunkin, the latter being then in Congress. When the
result of the primaries in this county was presented to the convention,
the McCandless vote was found to exceed the Mcjunkin vote by forty-
one. The friends of Mr. Mcjunkin, dissatisfied with this result, held a conven-
tion opposite the Willard Hotel, and nominated him. Charles McCandless and
L. L. McGuffin were the regular nominees of the Republican party ; James Bredin
and John McMichael were the Democratic nominees, while E. Mcjunkin was the
choice of the independent Republicans. The canvass was carried on very bit-
terly, party lines were, for the time, obliterated, and the contest resulted in the
election of Judges Mcjunkin and Bredin.
The Republican vote of the county in ls7<> was 5,643; the Democratic, 1,830;
the Prohibitionist, fifty seven, and the Greenback, twenty-one. In the battle for
representatives in the Pennsylvania Legislature, the vote cast was the largest in
the history of the county down to that time. R. A. Mifflin received 5,424, and
William Irvine. 5,359 votes on the Republican ticket; George II. Graham
received 5,076, and James Humphrey. 4,779 votes on the Democratic ticket;
Brandon, the Prohibitionist candidate for the Assembly, received sixty-six votes;
while John G. Christy, the candidate of that party for associate judge, received
seventy-six votes.
The last re-apportionment of the State into congressional districts took place-
in 1887, when Beaver. Lawrence, Mercer and Butler counties were assigned to
the Twenty-fifth congressional district. In the same year, also, the legislative
126
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
apportionment, still in force, was made. Under this apportionment Butler
county constitutes a single district and is entitled to two members, who are elected
every two years. September 1, 1893, Butler county was constituted a separate
judicial district. It is known as the Seventeenth district the number being the
same as that given to it in ISSi!. when Lawrence and Butler counties constituted
the district.
The proposition to hold a constitutional convention in 187- was defeated in
November, 1871, the vote 1,051 for and 4,450 against, being an index of the sen-
timent throughout the State.
The vote cast in November. 1892, lor presidential electors is tabulated as fol-
lows, except the eight votes recorded for the Socialist-Labor candidate :
Adams, North
Adams, South
Allegheny
Bald Ridge
Brady
Butler
Buffalo
Centre
Cherry, North
Cherry, South
Clearfield
Clinton
Concord
Connoquenessing, North.
Connoquenessing, South.
Cranberry
Clay
Donegal
Fairview, East
Fairview, West
Forward
Franklin
Jackson, East
Jackson, West
Jefferson
Lancaster
Marion
Mercer
Middlesex
39
29
us
so
59
411
56]
134
103
35:
158 1
2'-
28
in
66
89
163
122
1061
50
Muddy Creek
Oakland
Parker
Penn
Slippery Rock
Summit
Venango
Washington, North.
Washington, South.
Winfield
Worth ...
Butler — 1st ward....
2nd ward. . .
3rd ward. . .
4th ward. . . .
5th ward. . . .
Centreville
Evans City
Fairview
Karns City
Harmony
Harrisville
Millerstown
Prospect
Petrolia
Saxonburg
West Sunbury
Zelienople
119
111
HI
143
127
id
92
100
110
150
155
98
117
137'
64
54
31
17
49
37
92
45
20
29
32
61
5
5
15 ...
31 1
6 ...
61 4
16 1
16
50194161 636180
20
7
27
3
9
12
in
1
4
->
4
1
17
10
9
8
4
12
2
3
The vote cast November 7, 1893, was canvassed by Stephen Cummings, A.
M. Cornelius, John Findley and A. T. Scott, the tellers appointed by Judge
Greer. They reported the vote as follows ;
State Treasurer.
S. M. Jackson, R 4676
F. C. Osborne. D 3124
J. S. Kent, Pro 354
F. M. Windsor, Peo 56
Judge of Supreme Court.
T>. N. Fell. R 4620
S. G. Thompson. D 3144
H. T. Ames, Pro 358
J. H. Stevenson. Peo 61
Sheriff.
A. G. Campbell, R 4671
W. T. Mechling, D 3298
John C. Kerr, Pro 268
Register and Recorder.
J. S. Wick, R 4700
A. M. Beers, D 3235
J. R. Humphrey, Pro 273
POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
'-7
County Coin mission* r.
S. W. McColloug-h, R 4771
R. Kelly, R 4666
G. W. Wilson, D 3104
J. C. Kelly, D 2209
A. Stewart, Pro 308
J. Wally, Pro 285
County Auditor.
J. N. Allison. R 4663
R. H. Young-, R 4430
A. Elliott, D 3193
J. A. Bulford, D 2981
J. H. Renison, Pro 342
William Fletcher, Pro 327
Prothonotary.
S. M. Seaton, R 4547
Alex Russell, D 3346
David Cupps, Pro 294
County Treasurer.
J. T. Martin, R 4623
George Marburger, D 3245
W. H. Orr, Pro 333
Clerk of Courts.
Joseph Criswell, R 4894
D. M. McCullough, D 2077
William Watson, Pro 316
Coroner.
G. M. Graham, R 4658
J. G. Renno, D 3097
Tn the election of February, 1894, for Congressmen-at-large, Galusha A.
Grow, Republican, received 4,182 votes; James D. Hancock, Democrat, 2,576
votes, and Morrow, 285 votes.
The people of Butler county, with the exception of a small minority, may
be said to be faithful and loyal adherents of the Republican and Democratic par-
ties, the former polling 5,019 votes, and the latter 1,161 votes at the general
election for President and State officers in 1892. At the same election the
Prohibition ticket received 636 votes, the People's ticket 180 votes, and the
Socialist ticket eight votes. This gave the Republicans a majority of thirty-live
of all the votes cast.
PUBLIC OFFICIALS.
From the earliest days of the history of the county, there have been found
among her sons and citizens men of marked ability, especially in the field of
political effort, who have forged their way to the front as leaders of their respec-
tive parties. These have been honored from time to time with seats in the
United States Senate, and in Congress, with honorable and responsible positions
as appointees of the President of the United States, as well as with State offices
and seats in the Senate and House of Representatives of the General Assembly.
To these may be added, also, the names of those who have removed to other
States, ami have there been accorded distinguished honors at the hands of their
fellow citizens. The following lists embrace the more prominent name's ol these
favorite sons :
United States Senators. — Walter Lowrie, served from March 4. 1819, to
March 1. 1^25. At expiration of his term as United States Senator, he was
elected secretary of the senate. He held that position until 1836. John 11.
Mitchell, formerly of Butler county, is serving his third term in the United State-
Senate from the State of Oregon.
Representatives in Congress. — John Gilmore, 1829 to 1831; William
Beatty. 1837 to 1841 ; Joseph Buffington, L843 to '1845; Alfred Gilmore, 1849 to
1851; Samuel A. Purviance, 1855 to 1859; Ebenezer Mcjunkin, 1871 to 1874;
John M.Thompson, 1875 to IMS; George W. Fleeger, L885 to 1887, and Thomas
W. Phillips, elected in November, L892, and re-elected in November, 1894.
[28 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
James Thompson, a native of Butler county, served two terms in Congress
from Erie county. He was elected in 1846, and re-elected in 1848. In 1857, He
was elected judge oi the Supreme Court of the State, serving for fifteen years,
the last five as chief justice. Augustus M. Martin, a member of Congress from
Indiana, is another of Butler county's distinguished sons.
Electors.— James G. Campbell, 1856; E. Mcjunkin, 1864; Dr. S. D.
Bell, 1888.
Federal Appointees. — John M. Sullivan, revenue collector, 1867 to 1882.
Alexander W. Crawford, consul at Antwerp, Belgium, L861. Edwin Lyon,
consul at El Paso, Mexico. Hugh McKee, surveyor of Territory of Kansas, 1858.
Charles McCandless, chief justice of New Mexico. 1877. Samuel Black,
governor of the Territory of Nebraska, 1859. James G. Campbell, marshal of
the Western District of Pennsylvania. John N. Purvianee, R. L. Maxwell and
H. H. Goucher, registers in bankruptcy. J. W. Kirker, provost marshal,
1863 to 1865. John H. Negley, enrolling officer, 1861. John C. O'Donnell,
appointed postmaster of Pittsburg, March, 1894.
State Officials. — John Gilmore, treasurer, 1841; Moses Sullivan, president
of canal commission. 1835; John N. Purvianee, auditor-general, 1845—51; John
M. Sullivan, deputy secretary of state, 1855-58. Colonel Sullivan was also
assistant clerk of the State Senate from 1847 to 1850; chief clerk from 1852 to
1853, and deputy superintendent of common schools from 1858 to 1860. John
Gilmore, speaker of the House in 1821. James Thompson, speaker of the House
in 1885, associate justice of the Supreme Court from 1857 to 1867, and chief
justice from 1867 to 1872. Walter II. Lowrie, associate justice of the Supreme
Court from 1851 to 1857, and chief justice from 1857 to 1863. Samuel A. Pur-
vianee. attorney-general. 1861. Jacob Ziegler, transcribing clerk of Senate. 1843;
assistant clerk of House. 1858, and chief clerk of Senate, 1871.
Constitutional Convention Delegates. — William Ayres and Samuel A. Pur-
vianee, to the convention of 183S; Lewis Z. Mitchell and John N. Purvianee, to
the convention of 1873; James H. Walker ami S. A. Purvianee, delegates-at-
large to same convention; Porter W. Lowry, Livingston McQuistion and Mer-
vine F. Leason, to the convention of 1891.
State Senators. — Walter Lowrie, 181] to 1819 ; Moses Sullivan, elected in
1S24, and served three terms; William Purvianee, 1836; Charles C.Sullivan,
1841 and 1844; William Haslett, 1849; John R. Harris, 1856; Charles McCand-
less, 1862; James Kerr, 1868; John M. Greer, 1870 and 1880; Joseph 15. Show-
alter, 1888.
Representatives. — In the following list of representatives elected since the ad-
mission of the county, the figures used to indicate the dates of election. The list has
been compiled with care and is believed to be correct. The various changes in
the apportionment of the county have made it difficult to secure absolutely relia-
ble data. The following is the list as compiled: John McBride, 1804 ; Jacob
Mcchling, 1805-06-07-08; John Negley, 1809 and 1820; Walter Lowrie, 1810;
John Potts, 1814 ; Andrew Christy, 1815 ; John Gilmore, 1816-17-18-19-21; (Mr.
Gilmore was elected speaker of the House in 1821). Moses Sullivan, 1822-23;
William Beatty, 1825-26-27; James McKee, 1828; William Purvianee, 1830-31;
7T^=~". 'Z- ^ ■ f- /^
^- Z- fc-
POLITICAL AFFAIRS. I 29
Joseph Bryson, 1832; Samuel Kerr, 1833-34; George W. Smith, 1835; Samuel
A. Gilmore, 1836-37; Samuel A. Purviance, 1838; George Potts, 1839; Isaac S.
Pearson, 1840; Samuel M. Lane, 1841 ; Joseph Cummins, 1842— 48 ; Joseph Cross,
1844; William Haslett, 1844; Joseph Cross, 1845; D. II. B. Brower, 1845;
John R. Harris. 1846; Jacob Ziegler, 1847; Robert Hampson, 1848; D. II. B.
Brower, 1850; William Stewart and R. B. McCombs, 1853-54; Alexander W.
Crawford, 1855-56-57; W. \V. Dodds, 1857; John M. Thompson, 1858-59;
William M.Graham, 1859-60; Thomas Robinson, 1860; Hiram C. McCoy, 1861-
62 ; H. W. Grant, 1861-62; William Haslett, 1863-64; John H. Negley, 1863,
(by Butler county alone), and in 1864 and 1865, by Butler, Lawrence and Mer-
cer counties; Henry Pillow. 1865; James T. Mcjunkin , 1867; Alexander Leslie,
1868-69; George W. Fleeger, 1870-71 : Dr. Joseph S. Lusk, 1871-74-76; David
McKee, 1872-73; William S. Waldron, 1872; A. L. Campbell. 1873. The new
Constitution adopted in 1873 provided For biennial sessions, and the election of
representatives every two years, Butler county being entitled to two members.
R. A. Mifflin, 1876; Dr. William Irvine, 1876; James Humphrey, 1878; George
H. Graham, 1878; Dr. S. D. Bell, 1880; William P. Braham, 1880; Joseph T.
Donley, 1882 ; Jacob Ziegler, 1882 ; Joseph Hartman, 1884 ; J. M. Leighner, 1884 ;
Josiah M. Thompson, 1886 and 1890; J. B. Showalter, 1886; Joseph Thomas,
Jr., 1888; R. I. Boggs, 1888; Andrew G. Williams, 1890; James B. Mates, 1892;
David B. Douthett, 1892 and 1894; James X. Moore. 1894.
President Judges. — The president judges were at first commissioned
'"during good behavior." Under the Constitution of 1838, the term was fixed at
ten years. In 1851 the office became elective. The judges under the old and
new systems are as follows, being named in the order of their commission : Jesse
Moore. February. 1804; Jonathan Roberts. 1818 ; William Wilkins, 1821; Charles
Shaler, 1824; John Bredin, 1831; Daniel Agnew, 1851-63; Lawrence L.
McGuffin, i860; Charles McCandless (appointed) 1874; Ebenezer Mcjunkin,
elected 1S74; James Bredin, elected 1874; Aaron L. Hazen, elected 1884; John
M. Greer, additional law judge, 1892, and judge of the Seventeenth district,
September 1, IS'.*--?, Lawrence county being created the Fifty-first district, with
Aaron L. Hazen, president judge.
Associate Judges were first commissioned by the Governor to serve during
life. In 1838 a term of five years was made the constitutional term of service,
and in 1850, the office was declared to be elective. Samuel Findley, John Parker
and James Bovard were commissioned in ISOo; John Duffy in 1840, and
Christian Buhl in 1845. The elections under the new law were first held in
1851, when Samuel Marshall and John McCandless were chosen. Jacob Mech-
ling, Jr., and Thomas Stephenson were elected, in 1851); James Kerr and James
Mitchell, in 1861, ami Joseph Cummins anil Thomas Garvey in 1866. The death
of Judge Cummins and the appointment of Hiram C. McCoy, as his successor,
in 1870, disturbed, somewhat, the order of judges. Samuel Marshall defeated
McCoy for the office, in the fall of 1S70, and when the hitter's term expired in
1871, Daniel Fiedler was elected. In 1875, Samuel Marshall was re-elected and
in 187(5, Robert Storey was chosen to succeed Judge Fiedler. Abram McCandless
was elected in 1880; A. D. Weir in 1881. and Tacob Keck in 1885. The last
I 30 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
named did not qualify, as the Supreme Court decided that the new legislation
abolished the office.
District Attorneys — The office of deputy attorney-general for Butler county
was appointive down to 1851, when it became an elective one. and the name
was changed to that of district attorney. Under the old law the office was held
by John Gilmore, Charles Wilkins, Robert Moore, John Bredin, W. \V. Fetter-
man. Samuel A. Gilmore, John N. Purviance, Dunlap McLaughlin, Parker C.
Purviance, John Graham, John II. Negley and E. Mcjunkin.
Under the law of 1850, the following named persons have filled the office : John
H. Negley, 1850; Archibald Blakeley, 1853; Eugene Ferrero, 1856, James W.
Kirker, 1859 ; Robert M. McLure. 1862 ; W. II. II. Riddle, 1865 : John M. (beer.
1868; Ferd Reiber, 1871 ; Livingston McQuistion, 1874; W. A. Forquer, 1877;
A. M. Cunningham. 1880; S. 15. Snyder, 1883; C. A. McPherrin. 1886; Aaron
L. Reiber, 1889, and Ira Mcjunkin. 1892.
Sheriffs. — Since the Constitution of 1790, this office has been an elective one.
The first incumbent was John McCandless, 1803. His successors have been:
Eliakim Anderson, 1806; William Campbell. 1809; Samuel Williamson, 1812;
James McKce. 1815; Henry Evans. 1818; William B.eatty, 1821 ; Abraham Max-
well, 1824; John Welsh, 1827; Jacob Brinker, 1830; Francis McBride, 1838;
John Pollock, 1836; John B. McGlaughlin, 1839 ; James G. Campbell, 1S42 ;
George W. Reed, 1845; Andrew Cams, 1848; Arthur McGill, 1851; John
McKee, 1854; Abram McCandless, 1857; John Sett, 1860; William O.
Breckenridge, 1803; James B. Storey, 1800; Harvey D.Thompson. 1869; John
T. Kelly, 1872; George Walter, lN7f>; John Mitchell (vacancy). 1877; William
II. Hoffman, 1878; Thomas Donaghy, 1881; Peter Kramer. 1884; Oliver C.
Redic, 1887; William M. Brown. 1890, and A. G. Campbell. 1893.
Prothonotaries. — Prior to 1839, when the Constitution of 1838 become effec-
tive, appointments to this office were made by the Governor, for terms of three years.
Since that time it has been elective. Down to 1850 the incumbents discharged the
duties of clerk of the courts. In that year the office of clerk of the courts became
a seperate one, its incumbent being elected every three years. William Ayres,
the first prothonotary, was commissioned July 4, 1803. His successors have been
Jacob Mechling, 1809; John Negley, ISIS; William Campbell, 1821 : John Ney-
man, 1Sl>4; William Stewart, 1827 ; Peter Duffy, 1833; John Sullivan. 1S86;
Jacob Ziegler, 1839; Jacob Mechling, Jr., 1842; James McGlaughlin, 1845; C.
E. Purviance. 1848; John T. Hard, 1851; Matthew F.White, 1854; Nathan
Brown, l,S.r)7; Allen Wilson. 1860; William Stoops, 1863; James B. Clark. 1866;
Cyrus E. Anderson. 1869; Eli Conn, 1872; James H. Tebay, 1875; Alexander
Russell. 1878; Matthew X. Greer, 1881 ; William M. Shira. 1884; J. W. Brown,
1887, re-elected in 1890, and S. M. Seaton, 1893.
Clerks of the Courts. — Previous to 1850 the duties of clerk of the courts was
discharged by the prothonotaries. In that year the office of clerk of the courts
became a separate one, the incumbent being elected every three years. It has
been tilled by the following persons, elected in the years given : Lewis Z. Mitchell,
1851 : J. Graham, 1854. Mr. Graham died while in office, and W. K. Potts was
elected to till the vacancy. Emil Maurhoff, lS.r)7: Robert A. Mifflin, I860;
POLITICAL AFFAIRS. I 3 I
Watson J.Young, 1863; Frank M. Eastman, 1866 ; Jefferson Burtner, 1869;
John H. Sutton. 1872; Lewis N. Cochran, 1875; W. A. Wright, IMS; VV. B.
Dodds, 1881; Reuben McElvain, 1884, re-elected in 1887 ; Joseph Criswell, 1890,
re-elected in 1 893.
Jury Commissioners. — William A. Christie and Charles McClung, 1867; John
W. Brown and Peter Emery. 1870; T. W. Kennedy and John M. McCandless,
1873: Samuel Balfour and Thomas Jameson, 1876; Hugh McCrea and J. \V.
Monks. 1879; Daniel Wallett and Robert McClung, 1882; Z. McMichael and
Frederick Henninger, 1885; W. F. Campbell and Charles Rielly, 1890; William
R. Patterson and John McCafferty, 1891. George II. Graham was appointed
commissioner, vice John McCafferty, deceased, in November, 1892, to serve until
January 1, 1895.
Coroners. — William McDonald, commissioned October 1. 1803; Robert
Stewart, 1806; Isaac Evans, 1809; James McKee, 1812; Connell Rogers, 1815;
William Gibson, 1818; David Shannon, 1821 ; Jacob Brinker, 1824; George Mil-
ler. 1827; Robert St. Clair, 1830; James Spencer, 1833, Thomas McKee, 1836;
James Hoon, 1839; Matthias Cypher, 1842; George W. Crozier, 1845; James
White, 1848: Archibald Critchlow, 1851; Jacob Bentle, 1854; Neal Duffy, 1857;
John Lefever. 1860; W. Brewer, 1863; James Kearns, 1866; George Burkhart,
1869; David Kirkpatrick. 1872; W. R. Conn. 1875; J. J. Campbell. 1878; Will-
iam Kennedy. 1881 ; William Campbell, 1884; Alexander Storey, 1887; John
Kennedy. 1890, and G. M. Graham, 1893.
Register and Recorder. — Prior to 1839 this office was an appointive one,
and during the first fifteen years of the county's existence was administered by
the prothonotary. On July 4, 1803, William Ayres was commissioned prothon-
otarj-, clerk of the court of oyer and terminer, clerk of quarter sessions, clerk of
the orphans' court, recorder, register of wills, administrator of oaths of office,
etc. Jacob Mechling succeeded Ayres in January, 1810, in all these capacities:
but in ISIS. Robert Scott became register ami recorder. The incumbents,
appointed or elected since that time, are named as follows ; Maurice Bredinr
1832; John Welsh, 183(5; William W. Brandon, 1838; Joseph McQuistion (first
election) 1839; William Ralph. 1842, re-elected in 1S44; James T. McJunkin,
IMS. re-elected in 1851: Isaac S. P. DeWolf, 1854; Adam Ekas, 1857; Cyrus
E. Anderson. I860; James S. Kennedy, 1863; Simeon Nixon, 1866; George
W. Knei-s. 1869; Matthew X. Greer. 1872; James D. Anderson, ls7">; 11. II.
Gallagher. 1878; H.W.Christie, 1881; M.'ll. Byerly, 1884; II. A. Ayres.
1887; David E. Dale, 1890, and J. S. Wick, 1893.
Treasurers. — John Negley, 1804 ; John Potts. Samuel Williamson, 1810;
William Campbell. 1813 ; Hugh McKee, John Gilchrist, William Gibson, Novem-
ber. Ps?:.'; John Sullivan. 1823; Isaiah Niblock, 1826; James Thompson, 1828;
Francis McHride. 1829; Andrew Sproul, 1831': George Miller. 1S33 ; John B.
McGlaughlin, 1835: James Frazier. Jacob Mechling, Jr., 1839; William Camp-
bell, 1840; Andrew- Cams, first elected in the fall of 1841 under the new law-
Daniel Coll. 1843; Isaac Colbert. 1S45-46 ; Michael Zimmerman, 1848; Sam-
uel C. Stewart. 1850 : John Martin. 1851; William B. Lemmon, 1853; James
Kearns, 1856; Samuel Marks. 1857; James Deer. 1859; George W. Reed. 1861;
132 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Nathaniel Walker, 1863; William E. Moore. 1865; J. Christy Moore (to fill
vacancy), November, 1866; Hugh Morrison, 1867; John Haney, 1869; Francis
Anderson. 1S71 ; Joseph F. Campbell. 187:5; David Cupps, 1875; I. H. Miller,
1878; A. L. Craig. 1880; J. A. McMarlin, 1884; Amos Seaton, 1887; James S.
Wilson, 1890. and J. T. Martin. 1893.
Surveyors. — Prior to 1850 this office was an appointive one. David Dougal,
James Scott and James Bovard were the first surveyors who performed work
under the order of the commissioners. Their successsors have been James Irvine,
Thomas Graham. 1809 to 1814; William Purviance, 1823; Hugh Conway, 1827;
fames Hoge, lames Dunlap, appointed in 1839; Thomas H. Lyon and Peter
Murrin, served prior to 1850; William Purviance, 1853; David Scott, 1859; W.
D. McCandless. 1862; Nathan M. Slater, 1865, 1868. 1871, appointed to fill
vacancy in 1S75. and elected in lsso; F. Wilt. 1S74 (died in office); James M.
Denny, 1877 and 1880; B. F. Hilliard, 1883 and 1886, and C. F. L. McQuistion,
1889 and 1892.
Commissioners. — The county was governed by the commissioners of Alle-
gheny county from 1800 to 1803. Those who have held the office in this county
since the latter Year are as follows :
Matthew White and James Bovard. November 9, 1803, and Jacob Mech-
ling, November 16, 1803, formed the fir^t board; James Scott, ISO-land 1810;
Abner Coats, November 9, 1805; Jacob Smith. December 2, 1806; Abraham
Brinker, March 7, 1807; John Negley and Francis Anderson. 1808 and ISO1,);
Thomas Dodd> and Joseph Williamson. October 27. 1809; Walter Lowrie,
October. 1810; William Balph, October, 1811; Robert Martin. October, 1812
and 1815; Ephraim Harris, October, 1812, vice Lowrie, resigned; James
McKee, January. 1813; William Campbell. November, 1815; Thomas
McCleary, October, 1816; F. Fryer, October, 1817; Abraham Brinker,
November, 1818; Robert Lemmon, October, 1819; J. Dodds, Novem-
ber, 182o; John Brandon, October, 1821; John Covert, November, 1822;
Hugh McKee. November. 1824 ; Robert Scott. November, 1825; John
McQuistion, November. 1S25 ; David Dougal, October. 1821'); John McNees,
October, 1827; Alexander Graham. October, 1828; Joseph McQuistion,
1829; John McCandless, 1330; William Pillow, 1831; Robert Graham. 1832;
Joseph Graham, 1835; Hugh Stephenson, 1835; Nathan Skeer, 1836; William
Criswell, 1837; Jacob Shannon. October. 1838; Thomas R. McMillen, October,
1839; George Miller, 1840; John Ray, November, 1841; John Ray, October,
1842; Abraham Mover. October. Is42. Maurice Bredin, 1843; W. W. Dodds,
1S44; T. H. Bracken, October, 1845; David Douthett, appointed in April, 1846,
to succeed Bredin ; John Anderson, October, lS4l> ; Joseph Douthett, October, IS47 ;
Andrew Simpson. 1848; Thomas Kelly, 1849; Thomas Welsh, October, 1850;
James Mitchell. October, 1851 ; John Miller, November, 1852; William C. Camp-
bell, 1853; John Kennedy. 1854; Andrew Boggs, 1855; P. Hilliard, 1856; Isaac
Robb, 1857; William Harbison, 1858; Charles McClung, 1S59; Thomas Mc-
Nees, 1860; Matthew Greer, 1861 ; Abner Bartley, 1862; Samuel Leason, lSIW;
A. C. Christie, 1864; William Dick. 1865; John W. Brandon, 1866; Charles
Hoffman, 1867; James M. Lowe, 1868; John S. Campbell, 1869; William L.
POLITICAL AFFAIRS. I 33
Bartley, 1870; Benjamin F. Garvin, 1871 ; Robert Barron, 1872 ; James P. Christ-
ley, 1873; John C. Kiddie. 1874; James C. Donaldson, 1875.
Under the article of the Constitution of 187;), providing for the election of
three commissioners, to serve three years, and for minority representation on the
board, the following named were chosen in November, 1875: Robert Barron. J.
C. Donaldson and William A.Christie, to serve until January, 1879, when James
Gribben, Jonathan May bury and J. C. Donaldson qualified. In the fall of 1881,
Charles Cochran. George W. Hays and T. 1. Wilson were elected, but the last
named died prior to January, and James Collins, appointed to till the vacancy,
took the oath of office as the third member. J. C. Breaden, John C. Kelly and J.
M. Turner were elected in 1884; A.J. Hutchison, John C. Kelly and B. M.
Duncan, in 1887; John Humphrey was appointed to succeed Kelly, resigned,
January 10, 1890; and lie with S. F. Marshall and J. C. Kiskaddon, were elected
in November, 1890. In 1893, S. W. McCollough, Richard Kelly and George W.
Wilson were elected, and form the present board.
Early Justices of the Peace. — The justices of the first election district of
Butler county, from 1804 to 1838 were as follows: Mel/.er Tannehill, Jacob
Smith and Ephraim Harris. 1804; William Adams. 1805; Thomas Elder, 1806;
Hugh Lee, 1808 ; Hugh Henderson. 1809; James McKee, 1812; Robert Heed.
1820; W. McMichael and Andrew Donaldson. 1824; John Reynolds, 1826;
Samuel E. Harris, 1828; Samuel Kerr. 1830; John Murrin, 1834; John Neal
and Thomas Stephenson. 1835; Joseph Justice. W. II. McGill and Alexan-
der McBride, 1836; William Jack, 1837; Henry C. Linn and John Black, 1838.
In 1820, this district comprised Mercer and Slippery Rock townships.
The justices of the peace for the same period in the Second district were :
Jacob Mechling, 18(14; Washington Parker and John Stewart. 1805; A. Young,
1808; Matthew B. Lowrie, 1812 and 1813; John Christy, 1815 ; Joseph Kerr,
1 S 1 7 ; John Murrin, 1823; Andrew Donaldson and Benjamin Fletcher, 1827;
William Turner. 1828; David Kelly. 1834; Levi Duchess and John Anderson,
1835; Jacob Hilliard, 1836; and Josiah Fletcher. 1838.
In District Number :! the justices of the peace were : — William Johnston,
James Bovard and James Scott. 1804; Thomas Gilchrist and Samuel Kinkaid,
1805; Reuben Ayres and Patrick Hagerty, 1808; Walter Lowrie, 1809; Joseph
Williamson, 1812; William Hutchison and William Campbell, 1813; Robert
Scott, 1815; Samuel Kinkaid. John Nevman and John Duffy, 1810; Abraham
Brinker, 1817; William Robb, 1818; Maurice Bredin, 1821; Thomas McCleary
and Frances McBride, 1825; James McCurdy and John Sweeney, 182G; Daniel
McLaughlin, 1827; Moses Hanlen, 1828; James Cunningham, 1829; Hugh
McKee, 1830; David McCandless, 18:52; John McClelland, 1834; Robert Car-
nahan, 1885; Bennet Dobbs, 1836; P. C. Purviance, 18:57. In 1815, the town-
ships of Butler, Centre. Clearfield and Donegal, were included in this district as
well as some other territory.
The justices of the peace in District Number 4 were : — Robert Galbreath and
Frances Anderson, 1804; John David, 1806. Owing to changes in 1807, it
does not appear that justices were appointed or elected for this district. William
Campbell, 1822; Isaac Lefevre, 1825; James Potts, William Walker. John
134 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Dodds and fames Brown, 1829; W. R. Elliott, 1830; William Dixon and John-
ston White. 1835; Emil Maurhoff, 1838. This district comprised Buffalo. Clear-
field. Butler and Middlesex, in 1822, Clearfield and Butler townships being
detached from the Third district.
The justices of the peace in District Number 5 were : — Robert Hays, 1804;
Stephen Stone, 1806; Joshua Stoolfire, 1810; Christian Buhl, 1813; Robert
Boggs, 1820; John Oakley, 1822; Daniel Beltzhoover and Robert Brown. 1823;
William McLean (resigned in 1836), and Jacob Grossenor, 1824; William Simp-
son and B. G. Goll, 1825; Andrew White. 1827; Samuel Kirk. 1832; James
Frazier, 1823; Daniel Graham and John Henry, 1836; David Spear, 1837; Wr.
Cunningham and Henry Umpstead, L838 ; Thomas Fletcher. 1839. In 1810,
Cranberry township constituted the Fifth district; in 1813, Connoquenessing
township, then organized, was added, and, in 1820. these two townships with
Middlesex and Butler formed the district.
En District Number 6 the justices of the peace were: — Eliakim Anderson,
1804; John Brackney, 1805; A. Bryson and Thomas Christy. 1808; William
Dodds, 1812; Robert Martin. 1815; Thomas Sullivan. 1819; Thomas Christie,
1820; John Thompson, 1827; Henry Dufford, 1830 ; .Robert Hampson, 1831 ;
George A. Kirkpatrick, 1832; Thomas Stewart. 1835.
CHAPTER X.
THE BEXCII AND BAR.
Introduction— Early Judges and Lawyers— Early Court Proceedings— A Not-
able Contempt Cask— First Murder Trial— Trial and Conviction of the
Murderer Samuel Mohawk— His Confession— Offices of President and Asso-
ciate Judges' Made Elective— Eater Criminal and Civil Proceedings— The
Judicial Contests of 1874 and 1884— Butler County Becomes a Separate
Judicial District— The Harbison-Monks Case— Jail Delivery— Biographical
Sketches of the Judges and Older Members of the Bar— Attorneys Admit-
ted Since 1804— Members of the Present Bar— The Butler Bar Association.
SINCE the beginning of the administration of justice in Butler county, many
men have sat upon the bench as judges and many more have appeared as
attorneys in the prosecution or defense in the long list of cases that go 1<> make
up the civil and criminal dockets of her court-,. The early judges and early
lawyers would compare favorably in point of learning with the bench and bar ot
to-day. and many of them were men of considerable ability. They held their pro-
fession in high esteem and regarded with reverence the estsblished rules and
formalities observed in giving effect to the laws then in force. Their libraries were
THE BENCH ANT) BAR. 135
exceedingly limited, and they were unable, by the reading of many books, to draw
the nice distinctions which enter into the mysteries and intricacies of modern
practice. In the absence of these, they usually fell back on their common sense,
which is the basis of all law. When the day for trial came, they generally man-
aged to find a principle, if not a precedent, to fit the case, or failing either, to
make ••the worse appear the better cause " by the power of impassioned elo-
quence over the minds of the jury, more susceptible then, perhaps, than now, to
the almost irresistable influence of magnetic oratory.
Learning counted for much among the common people of those days, and
oratory for more. As a consequence, nearly all the early lawyers were goi id
speakers, and theyr made a special study of the arts of forensic eloquence, best
calculated to win victories in the court room and applause on the stump; for it
must lie remembered, that law and politics were even more closely allied to each
other then than now. The lawyer not only took an active part in politics, but
was expected to do so, his success as a stump-speaker, even when he was not an
office-seeker, having not a little to do with his success as a lawyer.
Until the advent of the stage coach, the lawyers in attendance upon the
court-, of Butler and neighboring counties, journeyed from court to court on horse-
back. This brought them in closer personal contact than is possible under
the conditions of to-day. and resulted in many warm and lasting personal friend-
ships. When assembled at the county-seats, they formed a bright and jovial com-
pany, given to story-telling, practical joking and the interchange of witticisms
at each others' expense. Their tilts as opposing counsel*, and the seeming anger
and rancor of the court room, were usually to be taken in a Pickwickian sense,
and were generally consigned to forgetfulness once the portals of the court-house
were left behind.
As might be expected from their surroundings, there were many men of
marked individuality among them, men strong in the assertion of themselves, and
filled with the idea of being leaders among their fellows. Not a few of these
men pushed themselves into the prominence their merits and their ability deserved,
and became powerful factors in the political life, not only of the county, but of
the State and nation.
The high standard of ability, the respect for orderly procedure, the admitted
honor, integrity and rectitude of these early judges and lawyers, have been con-
tinued down to the present time, and are characteristic of the bench and bar of
to-day. It may, also, be noted here that, in the enforcement and observance of
law. Butler county ranks second to no other county in the State. Whether the
laws are popular or unpopular, they are acquisced in and obeyed by the people,
and none have contributed more to secure their enforcement and encourage a
cheerful observance of them than the members of the bench and bar.
The first court of common pleas and quarter sessions held in Butler county,
under the act of April 2, 180:!, was presided over by Hon. Jesse Moore, a fine
specimen of judicial dignity, and, as a judge of the commonwealth, a great
stickler for the observance of court rules. He was a gentleman of the Colonial
pattern, mild, faithful and firm, who administered justice for justice sake. His
sense of the dignity to be observed amonsr the members of the bar, outside of as
136 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
well as in the court room, was often upset by the fun-loving attorneys. Some-
times, also, an obstreperous litigant, in violation of the dignified course of the
proceedings sought to be maintained, created a scene, which placed him in con-
tempt of court, and made it necessary for the judge to deal with his case on the
spot. One incident of this kind, during the first term of court, is given at length
in Henry M. Brackenridge's " Recollections of the West." Mr. Brackenridge,
who was a son of Judge Brackenridge, of Pittsburg, came to Butler in 1S03. as
clerk to Gen. William Ayres, the first prothonotary of the county. As there is
no record of the affair in the proceedings of the court,rthe story is probably largely
the work of its author, built around some minor incident of the early court days,
and enlarged upon to make it readable and give it a humorous character. It is as
follows:
The first court held in Butler drew the whole population to the town, some on account
of business, some to make business, but the greater part from idle curiosity. They were
at that time chiefly Irish, who had all the characteristics of the nation. A log- cabin,
just raised and covered, but without windows, sash or doors or daubing, was prepared
for the hall of justice. A carpenter's bench, with three chairs upon it, was the judge's
seat. The bar of Pittsburg' attended, and the presiding judge, a stiff, formal and
pedantic old bachelor, took his seat, supported by two associate judges, who were common
farmers, one of whom was blind of an eye. The hall was barely sufficient to contain the
bench, bar, jurors and constables. But few of the spectators could be accommodated on
the lower floor, the only one yet laid; many, therefore, clambered up the walls, and
placing their hands and feet in the open interstices, between the logs, hung there sus-
pended like so many enormous Madagascar bats. Some had taken possession of the
joists, and big John McJurfkin — who until now had ruled at all public gatherings — had
placed a foot .on one joist and a foot on another, directly over the heads of their honors,
standing- with outstretched legs like the Collossus of Rhodes.
The judge's sense of proprietry was shocked at this exhibition. The sheriff, John
McCandless, was called upon, and ordered to clear the walls and joists. He went to
work with his assistants and soon pulled down by the legs those who were in no
very great haste to obey. McJunkin was the last, and began to growl as he prepared
to descend. " What do you say, sir," said the judge. " I say I pay my taxes, and haye as
good a reete here as iny tnon." " Sheriff, Sheriff," said the judge, "bring him before
the court ! " McJunkin's ire was now up, and as he reached the floor he began to strike
his breast, exclaiming : " My name is John McJunkin, d'e see ? Here's the brist that
niver flunched, if so be it was in a goode caase. I'll stan in}- mon a hitch in Butler
county, if so be he'll clear me o' the la ! " " Bring him before the court," said the
judge. He was accordingly pinioned, and if not gagged, at least forced to be silent
while his case was under consideration. Some of the lawyers volunteered as amid
curiae. Some ventured a word of apology for McJunkin. The judge pronounced sen-
tence of imprisonment for two hours in the jail of the county, and ordered the sheriff to
take him into custody. The sheriff, with much simplicity, observed : " May it plaze
the coorte, there is no jail at all, at all, till put him in." Here the judge took a learned
distinction, upon which he expatiated at some length for the benefit of the bar. He
said :
" There are two kinds of custody : First, safe custody ; second, close custody.
The first is when the body must be forthcoming to answer a demand or an accusation,
and in this case the body may be delivered, for the time being, out of the hands of the
law on bail or mainprize. But, when the imprisonment forms a part of the satisfaction
or punishment, there can be no bail or mainprize. This is the reason of the common
law in relation to escape under capias ad satisfaciendum, and also why a second ca. sa.
cannot issue after the defendant has been once arrested and then discharged by the
THE BENCH AND BAR. I $J
plaintiff. In like manner, a man cannot be twice imprisoned for the same offense even
if he be released before the term of imprisonment has expired. This is clearly a case of
close custody- -rtf'^a custodia — and the prisoner must be confined, body and limb, without
bail or mainprize, in some place of close incarceration." Here he was interrupted by
the sheriff, who seemed to have hit upon a lucky thought : " May it plaze the coorte,
I'm just thinken that maybe I can take him till Bowen's pig pen — the pig's is kilt for the
coorte and its empty." "You have heard the opinion of the court," said the judge.
" Proceed, sir ; do your duty, sheriff."
The sheriff proceeded to execute the order of the court to place the prisoner
in clo>e custody, but appears to have met with a mishap in the discharge of his
dutv. The narrative continues :
Peace and order had scarcely been restored, when the sheriff came rushing to the
house with a crowd at his heels, crying out :
" Mr. Jidge ! Mr. Jidge ! May it plaze the coorte ? " " What is the matter, sheriff ? "
asked Judge Moore. " Mr. Jidge I Mr. Jidge ! John McJunkin's got off d'ye minte ! "
"What, escaped, sheriff? Summon the posse comitatus," said the Judge. " The pusse !
the pusse ! What's that, may it plaze your honor ? Now, I'll jist tell ye how it hap-
pened. He was goin' along quee-etly enough till we got till the hazel patch, an' all at
once he pitched off intil the bushes and I after him ; but a limb of a tree ketched me
fut and I pitched three rod off, but I fell forit, and that's good luck, ye minte." The
judge could not maintain his gravity ; the bar raised a laugh, and the matter ended,
after which the business proceeded " quee-etly enough."
The early attorneys who came here from Pittsburg to attend upon the ses-
sions of the court were much given to telling stories about Butler county and her
people, calculated to amuse Pittsburg auditors, but to have the opposite effect
upon residents of Butler. The Semples took delight in asserting that a whippoor-
will, before leaving Allegheny county to fly across Butler county, would provide
rations for the trip, and that, owing to the extreme shortness of the clover, bees
were compelled to get down upon their knees in order to gather even a scant sup-
ply of honey. The poverty of the hog was also dilated upon, and much tun made
of its alleged leanness. Later on, when Butler hotel tables added to their bills ot
fare the toothsome buckwheat cake, these same merrymaking lawyers conferred
upon Butler the title of " The Buckwheat County,"' a name continued to the
present time.
The first record of the court of quarter sessions is dated February 13, 1804.
On that day the commission of Hon. Jesse Moore, as president of the court of
common pleas, of the counties of Butler, Beaver, Mercer, Crawford and Erie,
was read, as well as those issued to Samuel Findley and John Parker, as associate
judges of Butler county. The following attorneys were then admitted to practice
before the court, on motion of Steel Semple : William X. Irwin, Alexander \V.
Foster, William Wilkins, Isaac Mason, Henry Haslett, Thomas Collins. Henry
Baldwin, Cunningham S. Semple, John Gilmore ami James Mountain. Steel
Semple was then admitted on motion of Thomas Collins. On February 14,
Joseph Shannon was enrolled as a member of this bar, ami William Xellis and
William McDonald were appointed constables.
In May, 1S04, the same judges presided in common pleas and quarter ses-
sions, and the following pioneers were impanelled as a grand jury : — Jacob Mech-
ling, Lewis Wilson, David Harper, John Galbraith, Nathaniel Stevenson, Will-
I3's HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
iain Spear. Alexander Storey, James Elder, Eliakim Anderson, Robert Hay-,
William Dodds, Archibald Cunningham, John Jamison. John Hindman, Thomas
Dodds, Henry Evans, Henry Montooth and John Thompson. The constables
present were: — John Lavear, of Slippery Rock; William Campbell, of Conno-
quenessing, and Francis Kearns, of Middlesex township. From the number of
indictments for assault found at this term, it is inferred that the pioneer- of But-
ler county, like those of New England,
Fought as they revelled,
Fast, fiery and true.
The first civil case, that of Sturgeon's lessee and Robert Willi by vs. Thomp-
son, was tried May 18, 1804, before a jury composed of the following citizens:
Robert Kennedy, David McJunkin, Jr., James Findley, Andrew Moore.
David McKissick, William Balph, Hanania Rollins, David Moore, Henry Lauf-
fer, Walter Lindsey, Daniel Carter and Jacob Beighley, "twelve good and
lawful men." The suit was for the possession of 400 acres of land, the outcome
being the confession of " lease, entry and ouster," plaintiff suffering non-suit . and
jury, paid by William Ayres.
A •• deed poll " from John McCandless to the president and director- of the
Bank of North America for twenty tracts of land in this county was acknowl-
edged in open court May 19. John Moser, Robert Graham, George Bowers and
William Brown, " of the town of Butler," and Guy Hilliard, Robert Boggs and
Matthew White, of Connoquenessing township, were recommended to the court
as proper persons to keep tavern, ami licenses were ordered to be issued to
them.
In August. 1804, Robert Reed, of Slippery Rock; David Sutton, of Mid-
dle-ex. ami Benjamin Garvin, of Connoquenessing town-hip were licensed to
keep tavern. At this session of the court the county was divided into thirteen
townships. The cattle mark of Benjamin Zerber — "A crop of the right or off
ears to-wit : one-fourth of the ear cut off," was offered lor entry. The mark had
been in use for live years.
There were thirty-two cases listed for trial in February, 1805, and thirty-six
in May. lion. Jesse Moore, with John Parker and James Bovard, associates,
presided in the latter month. In October. John McCandless took the oath as
sheriff. Associate Judge Findley was present and Judges Parker and Bovard. in
February, 1800, and they with Hon. Jesse Moore formed the court. Among the
jurors were Philip Hartman, Robert Leason, A. McMahon and Thomas Dugan.
Hon. Jasper Yeates, judge of the Supreme Court, was present in Septem-
ber, 1806, as judge of the circuit court of this county, and. Hon. Thomas
Smith in September, 1807. Hon. II. H. Brackenridge presided a- circuit judge
in September, 1808. On March 0, 1809, John Gilmore resigned a- prosecutor
and Charles Wilkins was appointed to till the vacancy.
In September, 1800, Jacob Shaol, who appear- to have had some difficulty
with George Rapp and the other members of the Harmony Society, pleaded
guilty to assault and was sentenced "to pay a tine of forty dollars to this Common-
wealth.to pay all the costs of this prosecution, to enter yourself into a recognisance
in the sum of $200, together with at least one surety in a like sum, on this comli-
THE BENCH AND BAR. 1 39
tion, that you keep the peace and be of good behavior to all the people and par-
ticularly to George Rapp and others of the Harmony Society."
Chief Justice William Tilghman, presided as circuit judge in September,
1809, and in 1810 John Gilmore was appointed prosecutor. A record of causes
disposed of and a lengthy summary of balances due the county treasurer by the
township collectors, close "Minute-book Number 1."
In May 11, 1811, Sarah Shorts was adjudged to be in contempt of court for
not obeying a subpoena, in the case of Hays vs. Ash. Her sex saved her from
punishment. In November, 1811, Tohn Elliott, William Downing, Hugh Flem-
ing and Ben. Fletcher had attachments issued against them fur not responding to
subpoenas. In 1813, this dereliction on the part of witnesses became so common,
as to make the adoption of stringent measures necessary to secure their attendance.
In February, 1815, the court ordered an allowance of twenty cents a day
for insolvent debtors. In May, in the case of "The Commonwealth vs. William
Martin, the defendant was found guilty of an assatdt on the sheriff in the exe-
cution of his office, but not guilty of an assault on the said sheriff in the execu-
tion of the duties of his office, with intent to murder him. the said sheriff." The
punishment imposed was a fine of ten dollars, three months' imprisonment, after-
wards a bond of $500 to keep the peace — especially toward Samuel Williamson,
Esq., and to pay all the costs of prosecution.
Samuel Roberts took his seat as president judge, with Judges Parker and
Bovard, associates, November 9, 1818. In July, 181'.*, the court appointed clerks
for the thirteen townships. The commission of William Wilkins as president
judge of the Fifth judicial district, was read in court April 2. 1821.
The fees charged by early attorneys and the manner in which they kept
accounts between themselves and their clients are shown by the following mem-
oranda of charges for legal services rendered his client. William Brown, by Gen.
William Ayres. The account runs from 1809 to 1814. The first item of twenty
dollars evidently a conditional fee. is marked cancelled, showing that the suit
was not successful, The account is as follows :
1809. June. To fee in case of Cunningham, for his creditors, vs.
Negley, in case of success S20 00
July. To counsel, writing letter &c in the business of William
Johnston and John Moser 2 no
Aug-. 23. To treasury warrant 3 00
Nov. To cash received from Carothers, in case of Brown vs. Brown
with interest from December, 1808 4 25
Fees in the case of Hudson 2 00
Sll 25
Feb. 24. 1810. The above account settled and there still remains
due to William Brown $0.71. for which he received a credit
on his note.
Nov. 1813. To attending in court to the case with the grand jury
about their bill S 2 no
Apr. 15, 1814. To writing release for yourself and wife to Alexander
Logan 2 mi i
I4O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Owing to deaths occurring among the pioneers, probate business was added
to the work of the court. In October. 1824, Charles Shaler presided as judge,
with John Parker and Tames Bovard, associates, who were also present in Octo-
ber. 1823, with Judge Wilkins. On April 5, 1*24. George Smith was sentenced
by Judge Wilkins to twenty-four hours' imprisonment in the county jail for hav-
ing refused to answer questions, as a witness, in the case of Church Smith vs.
Samuel Kinkaid, and for leaving the court abruptly.
On June 24, 1824, a young man named Franklin B. Halleck. left Jacob Mceh-
ing's tavern in Butler owing about a davs' board. Mechling swore out a capias,
which was placed in the hands of the sheriff, who with his deputies started in
pursuit of Halleck, whose route, it appears, lay through what is now Brady
township. As the sheriff was passing David Mcjunkin's house, he met the
latter who was just starting on a hunt. He ordered him to pursue the fugitive.
Mcjunkin did so and commanded Halleck to halt. The command being unheeded,
Mcjunkin raised his rifle and fired, the ball striking Halleck near the spine,
and inflicting a wound from the effects of which he died eleven days later.
Mcjunkin was arrested and charged with murder. On the trial he was found
guilty of voluntary manslaughter, and sentenced to two years' confinement at hard
labor in the penitentiary at Philadelphia.
In April, 1828, Judge Shaler ordered a complete index of tin- continuance
docket to be made, and a copy of execution docket from February, 1818, to April,
1S24. to lie written. An abuse was corrected in January, 1829, when Judge
Shaler ordered that no execution should issue upon a judgment on a bond given
to the treasurer for the surplus moneys, which might become due by purchasers
of lands for taxes, until scire facias should first issue. In Julv of this year,
William Stew art, clerk of the orphans' court, was ordered to make a copy of
the orphans' court docket, from 1803 to July 11. 1829, in a legible hand.
The trial of Robert B. Cooly took place September 11. 1833, before Judge
Bredin and the following named jurors: John Boyd, William Stewart, John
Reed, Benjamin Swain. John Brown, George Boston, John McCallan, Frederick
Henry, John T. McNees, William Mcjunkin. Francis Dobbs and Joshua J.
Sedwick. lie was found guilty of murder in the second degree, sentenced to
seven years in the penitentiary of the western district of Allegheny county, and
to pay one dollar tine anil all the costs of the prosecution. The sheriff was
allowed two assistants in conveying Cooly to prison.
From 1836 to 1840. the records of the court show no cases of special import-
ance. Judge Bredin presided with the time-honored Associate Judges Parker
and Bovard. At the September term, 1840, John Duffy qualified as associate
judge, thus placing three Irishmen, all natives of the same county in Ireland, on the
bench at the same time. In November, 1841, John Kay was chosen by the court
to fill a vacancy in the board of commissioners, caused by a failure to elect in the
preceding ( )ctober.
On December 13, 1843, the celebrated trial of the " Commonwealth vs. Sam-
uel Mohawk." charged with the murder, on Saturday, June 30, 1843, in Slippery-
Rock township, of Mrs. James Wigton and her five children, was begun before
Judges Bredin and Duffy, and the following named jurors: John Brandon, Isaac
THE BENCH AND BAR. 141
Boyer, Henry Barnhart, Robert E. Hays, John Oliver, Robert Hay, Robert Lem-
mon, Samuel Marshall, George A. Kirkpatrick, John Gilliland, W'illinn Cun-
ningham and John Dull.
The trial, which lasted several days, during which no less than forty-eight
witnesses were examined, resulted in a verdict of guilty, a sentence of death, and
the hanging of the murderer in Butler, March 22, 1844.
The crime for which Mohawk thus paid the extreme penalty of the law, was
one of the most horrible in the history of the State, and created such intense
excitement among the people of the entire county that it was only through the
most earnest efforts of those upholding the supremacy of the law that a lynching
was prevented, and his legal conviction and execution rendered possible.
Samuel Mohawk, who was an Indian, was born December 25, 1807, on the
Cattaraugus reservation, in New York. He attended a Quaker school in his
youth, and subsequently engaged in hunting and farming. About 1832 he mar-
ried Lydia Kypp, from whom he secured a divorce, and he afterwards married
Sarah Silverheels. On the day before the murder, he made his appearance in
Butler, put up at Drinker's tavern, and spent his time in drinking. The same
evening he left, taking the stage for the Stone House tavern, where he got out,
and is supposed to have spent the night in that neighborhood. The next morn-
ing he proceeded to James Wigton's house. What occurred there is best told in
the words of his confession of the crime committed by him. It is as follows :
Opened the door, entered and saw the woman, asked her for an ax; she said she had
none; then asked her for a knife, which she gave me, when I cut at her and I think I hit
her on the arm. She attempted to escape, went out of doors, I followed, she returned into
the house and tried to close the door on me, but I pushed it in with both hands and
entered. She went out again, I followed and caught her about five rods from the door.
She succeeded in taking the knife from me and threw me, but she held the knife while I
held her wrists. In the struggle the knife cut the back of my head, when I pushed the
woman off and struck her with my fist. She said: "You mustn't kill — I'll give you
money," but I took up a stick of some size and struck her on the head, when she fell.
I then took a stone, struck her and thought she was dead. I went into the house with
the same stone, saw a child of five or six years old, which I struck and killed; saw another
small child in the cradle, which I killed at once, then heard a child crying up-stairs, went
up with a stick and struck the three children on the heads, and next went to the
spring to get a drink; went back to the house and heard a child crying up-stairs, got a
large stick and went upstairs, struck one of the children, on the large bed, that was
moaning, and it made no more noise. On coming down saw the woman moving, and
struck her with a stone, on the head, three times.
While this terrible crime was being committed, James Wigton was at his
father's house less than a mile distant. Before his return, the murder had been
discovered by Lemuel Davis, who, with his wife and son, had arrived at the Wig-
ton home to help him with some hoeing. The alarm was given, and the entire
neighborhood was aroused. Suspicion at once pointed to Samuel Mohawk, who
had passed Joseph Kennedy's house that morning and had thrown a stone at
young Kennedy. Pursuit was organized, and the murderer overtaken at the
house of Philip Kiester, which he had entered a short time before, terrorizing the
women, who fled and left him in possession. Before entering the house, he had
provided himself with a handful of rocks. These be u*ed against his pursuers,
I42 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
one of them striking and knocking down Mr. Blair. An attempt to set the dog
on him tailed. The men then renewed the attack, holding boards above their
heads to ward off the missiles. By this means his capture was effected. After
binding him, he was taken to the Wigton home, where he confessed the crime.
A determination on the part of those present to lynch him, was only overcome
by the strong appeals of a few of the cooler-headed present. After being turned
over to Sheriff Campbell, he was taken to Butler, lodged in jail, and in the course
of a few months indicted for murder, tried, found guilty, sentenced and executed
in the manner already set forth.
Between his arrest and trial the desire to deal with him in a summary man-
ner, led to the organization of parties to take him from jail, but in each instance
wise counsel prevailed, and the law was finally allowed to take its course and
deal with him as his crime deserved.
In January, 1S44, Elijah Xellis was tried for the murder of his wife Mar-
garet, whom he hail strangled. He was convicted of murder in the second degree
and sentenced to twelve years in the penitentiary.
In June. 1S4">. Christian Buhl qualified as associate judge, and with Judges
Bredin and Duffy composed the court.
In 1850, a constitutional amendment was adopted making the offices of presi-
dent judge and associate judges elective, and fixing the term of the former at ten
years and the latter five years. An act of the legislature approved April 15. 1851,
made this amendment effective by providing for the election of presiding and
associate judges.
The trial of John 1 luff for the murder of his twin brother. William, took place
November 5, 1851. John II. Negley, then deputy attorney general for Butler
county, represented the State, while Smith & Mitchell appeared for the defense.
The evidence developed the fact that the accused had repeatedly made threats
against his brother's life. A verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree
resulted, followed by a motion for a new trial, which was granted in January,
1852. The murderer then withdrew his plea of " not guilty," pleaded guilty to
murder in the second degree, and was sentenced to the penitentiary for a term
of eleven ami one-half years. He served the full time.
In May, 1853, Casper Lampartner and his wife Emeranza were tried tor the
murder of Constable Ferguson, who was killed in what is now Jefferson town-
ship, while attempting to arrest the husband. He was convicted, but afterwards
made his escape from jail. His wife was acquitted. The State was represented
in this case by John II. Negley.
In June, 1853, the court consisted of Hon. Daniel Agnew, president judge,
with John McCandless and Samuel Marshall associate judges. The charge of
Judge Agnew, delivered at this term, to the jury in the case of the ''Common-
wealth vs. Francis Croft," is well remembered. The defendant was indicted for
plowing up a burial-ground, but owing to a defect in the act of 1840, providing
punishment for such desecration, the judge directed the jury to bring in a verdict
of acquittal.
On election night, October 9. 1856, a crowd gathered at the hotel of George
Cooper, near Glade Mills. During the evening Matthew- Ramsey became bois-
THE BENCH AND BAR. I 43
terous, and in endeavoring to preserve order in his house Mr. Cooper became
involved in a quarrel with him, during which he struck him on the left temple.
Ramsey died from the effects of the blow, and Cooper was indicted for murder and
tried before Judge Agnew, and acquitted. Mr. Cooper died at his home in Mid-
dlesex township, August 2, 1894, at the age of eighty years.
In December, 1856, Judge Agnew's associates were Jacob Mechling. Jr. . and
Thomas Stephenson. In June, 18(30, a record was made of the first conviction tor
selling liquor without a license. In .September resolutions of respect to the mem-
ory of John Graham, a member of the Butler county bar, were ordered spread
upon the records. In December, 1861, James Mitchell and James Kerr were the
associates of Judge Agnew. September 22, 180:2, owing to the fact that nearly
all the members of the Butler bar were in the army, Judge Agnew made an order
simplifying court proceedings.
Hon. Lawrence L. McGuffin, the successor of Judge Agnew. presided in
December, 1808, his associates being Judges Kerr and Mitchell. December 1,
1866, Joseph Cummins and Thomas Garvey qualified as associate judges. In
September, 1807, the court disposed of the first important divorce case tried in
the county. The trial was had before a jury, and the verdict in favor of the wile.
who was the petitioner, rendered.
The trial of John B. Addington, charged with the minder of Sidney B.
Cunningham and Mr. Teeples, at a dance in Portersville, on the night of Decem-
ber 25, 1866, was begun March 0, 1807, before Judges McGuffin, Cummins and
Garvey. The State was represented by E. McJunkin and L. Z. Mitchell. C.
McCarthy. Charles McCandless, John N. Purviance, John M. Thompson and T.
E. J. Lyon, appeared for the defendant. The trial continued until March 21,
and resulted in a verdict of guilty of murder in the tirst degree. In 1868, upon a
re-hearing, Addington pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree, and was
sentenced to a term of twenty-five years in the penitentiary. He received a par-
don after serving six years, owing, partly to the fact, that others concerned in
the tragedy had never been brought to trial.
April 19, 1869, the trial of Zachary Taylor Hockenberry, for the murder of
Nancy Ann McCandless, October 8, 1808, took place before Judge McGuffin and
associates. John M. Greer, district attorney, and E. McJunkin represented the
Commonwealth. The accused's attorneys were John M. Thompson and Charles
McCandless. The jurors were John II. Cratty, Thomas Martin, Joseph Hamil-
ton, Joseph Lane, Conrad Myers, John Shalatree, David Kelly. William Allen,
John G. Christy, and from the talesmen, John K. McQuistion, Isaac Farnsworth
and Robert Duncan. April 28, a verdict of guilty was returned. September 10,
sentence of death was pronounced by Judge McGuffin. and carried into effect
December 7, 1869, when Hockenberry was hanged. His body was buried in the
cemeterv at Prospect.
The trial of Philopcena Shugart, for poisoning her husband, Jacob Shugart,
October 19, 1868, lasted from June 22 to July 5, 1869, when a verdict of guilty of
murder in the first degree was returned. Owing to the sanity of the woman
being questioned, the death penalty was not inflicted. The trial of Joseph Mar-
144 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
tin for uidingin the poisoning (if Jacob Shugart was begun January 17, 1870, and
resulted in a verdict of acquittal.
The Constitution of 1873 provided that, " whenever a county shall contain
40.001 1 inhabitants, it shall constitute a separate judicial district, and shall elect
one judge, learned in the law, and the General Assembly shall provide for addi-
tional judges, as the business of such districts may require. Counties containing
a population less than is sufficient to constitute separate districts shall be formed
into convenient single districts, or, if necessary, may be attached to contiguous
districts, as the General Assembly may provide. The office of associate judge,
not learned in the law. is abolished in counties forming separate districts," etc.
In accordance with this amendment, Butler county, having more than 40.001)
inhabitants, was erected into the Seventeenth judicial district, in 1S74, with
Lawrence county attached. Associate judges were elected until 1SS5, when the
question arising, the Supreme Court decided that Butler county, being a separate
judicial district, and entitled to the presiding judgeship the office of associate
judge was abolished in this county.
In 1874, Hon. E. Mcjunkin was elected a judge of the Seventeenth judicial
district. He resigned his seat in Congress to accept the office, and took his place
on the bench in January, 1875, at which time Judge Bredin also entered upon
the duties of his office.
The trial of William Wright, a colored man, for shooting Wilmot Amos, at
Petrolia, July 1, 1S74, took place in January, 1875, when he was sentenced to a
term of ten and one-half years in the penitentiary. lie died there six months
after entering.
In March, 1877. Luke Flood was tried before Judge Bredin for the murder of
D. Alexander Black, at Modoc, December 20, lS7<5. Messrs. McQuistion, Don-
nelly and Morris represented the Commonwealth. Messrs. Thompson, Scott and
L. Z. Mitchell appeared for the defendant. A verdict of manslaughter was
returned and Flood was sentenced to a term of four year,-, in the penitentiary.
In 1880, John Lefevre, of Winfield township, was tried for the murder of
his wife. He was found guilty and sentenced to eight years in the peniten-
tiary. W. II. White, who stabbed Charles Egan, at Millerstown, March 1.
1881, was found guilty of murder in the second degree in June, 1881.
The killing of one Fleming by a Swede named Johnson took place at Butler in
1883. The defendant was convicted of murder in the second degree and sent to
the penitentiary.
The judicial contest, growing out of the election of law judges, November 4,
l^sl. was heard before a court, convened at Butler, December 22, 1884, composed
of Hon. Henry Hice, of the Thirty-sixth judicial district ; Hon. James B. Neale,
of the Thirty-third judicial district, and Hon. Samuel S. Mehard, of the Thirty-
fifth judicial district. The question submitted was, whether Butler county alone
constituted the Seventeenth judicial district and her right to elect at least one
law judge for that district under the act of August 7, 1888. In that act, Butler
county was set apart as the Seventeenth district, Lawrence county was attached
for judicial purposes, and the election of two judges, one of whom must reside
:it New Castle, was ordered. Under this act, the election of November, 1884, was
THE BENCH AND BAR. 145
held. James Bredin, J"'*" M. Greer, Ebenezer Mcjunkin, John McMichael
and Aaron L. Hazen were the candidates. The vote of the two counties was
as follows: John McMichael, 7,252; Aaron L. Hazen, 7,199; John M. Gree
7,054; James Bredin, 5,345, and Ebenezer Mcjunkin, 3,784. The returns of
each county, showed that James Bredin received 4,4-">7. and John M. Greer
1,288 votes in Butler county alone, and on this showing the former claimed to
have been elected judge of the Seventeenth district, in opposition to the certifi-
cate of the canvassing hoard, who declared John McMichael and Aaron L.
Hazen the judges-elect. Judges Hice and Mehard held that Butler county,
under the act of 1883, did not have the right to elect one judge for her courts, but
that with Lawrence she should elect two judges, whose jurisdiction was equal in
both counties. Judge Xeale dissented, and so the petitions of James Bredin and
John M. Greer were dismissed. No appeals being taken, commissions were
issued to Judges McMichael and Hazen. In 1892, Hon. John M. Greer was
elected additional law judge, vice McMichael. deceased, and in 1893, w! en
Butler county alone was designated as the Seventeenth judicial district, he
became the judge of the district thus created.
In February. 1888, United States Marshal McSweeney and deputies, acting
on previous information, made a raid in the northern part of the county and suc-
ceeded in capturing a number of persons engaged in counterfeiting, with the
appliances used in their illegal business. Several of those arrested were found
guilty, and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. Other- against w
there was no evidence to connect them with the crime were discharged.
The celebrated Harbison-Monks case, of 1887 and 1888, w :- closed in May,
18SS. the woman being the victor. Trouble between Robert Harbison an I his
wife followed the birth of their child and led the trio into court. In August. 1SS7,
Judge Hazen ordered that the child be placed in the father's care, which order
was observed. Later, the resolute woman obtained possession of her infant and
fled with him to Kansas. This abduction was followed by the arrest of her two
brothers and Wendell Hickey, for contempt of court in aiding the abduction ; but
they were released on bail, so that they could produce the child in court. On
May 12, they not only produced the infant, but also the mother. The father was
represented by Judge Charles McCandless and Col. J. M. Thompson ; while Judge
E. Mcjunkin, J. M. Galbreath and S. F. Bowser, represented the mother, infant
and young men. Here the judge discharged the writ of habeas corpus and
remanded the defendants to the sheriff's custody, except the infant, which was
ordered to be placed in the keeping of its father. The mother declared thai - le
would never surrender the child; but the judge ordered Sheriff Redic, to
enforce the order. Under the law the sheriff was bound to comply, but he stoutly
refused, and the court then authorized him to deputize some one to carry out
its orders. Quickly adopting the suggestion of the judge, he summoned the
child's father. This power conferred, Harbison attempted to drag the infant
from its mother's arms. Strong men left the court in tears, pitying the law that
could countenance such barbarity, anil even the lawyers for the prosecution
became abashed and asked the court to direct Mrs. Harbison's brothers to take the
babe from their sister. Luckily, the judge did not respond to their request, and
I46 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
fur a little while there was a calm. Another writ was issued ordering the sur-
render of the child ; but the brave mother defied the court and was ordered to
jail. With her were sent her brothers and young Hickey. On May 14, when
the plaintiff arrived in Butler, to continue the case against his wife, he met here
a crowd of angry neighbors, whose looks boded him no good. His determination
to obtain the child was shaken, but his friends urged him on. Toward noon a
rumor was current that the sheriff would be compelled to take the child from the
mother; but she, hearing of it. produced a chain and padlock, with which she
secured herself within the cell. The people were not idle all this time. They
determined that the brave woman should hold her offspring against all odds.
With this knowledge, Harbison and his friends calmed down ; he dismissed the
lawyers who had the case so far. and becoming a client of John M. Greer, he
asked that his petition and all rulings under it be set aside, and the mother, infant
and their friends discharged from jail. It was a welcome denouement for
Judge Hazen, and he did not neglect to express his gratification at the sudden and
pleasant turn of affairs.
The trial of Thomas E. Lee. for the murder of John McCall, at Evans City,
on the night of October 31, 1889, Commenced in December, following. The
State was represented by Judge McCandless and District-Attorney McPherrin,
while Thompson iK: Son and W. A. Forquer defended. The evidence showed
that McCall was killed while participating at a ball, given by a secret order,
known as the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Lee was found guilty
of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to a term of six and one-half
years of solitary confinement in the penitentiary.
The jail delivery of March 4. 1802, was a most unwelcome one for the
sheriff. Late on that evening, James F. Mills (the murderer of Dugan), with
James Brittin and Joseph Gibson (colored). Jesse Smith, T. J. Black and Charles
Miller, escaped from the jail. Brittin was re-arrested at Gallery, and Black
at Renfrew, the day after, while Smith was caught on March 0. The cap-
ture of Mills was effected later, and he appeared for trial on March 21. The
man-hunt was vigorously prosecuted until the criminals were run down and cap-
tured.
James F. Mills, who murdered Peter Dugan, December 22, 1891, on the
Welsh farm, in Connoquenessing township, was tried in March, 1802. District
Attorney Reiberand S. F. Bowser represented the Commonwealth, while Forquer,
McQuistion, McCandless and Thompson defended the accused. The last named
lawyer protested that the court was not legally convened, raising the point that
unless a case was in progress at the close of the second week of a quarter sessions'
term, the term could not be extended beyond two weeks. In proof, he presented
rulings made in 1850, when another murderer named Mills was brought to jus-
tice. Attorney Reiber and Judge Hazen opposed this logic and ordered the jury
to lie impanelled. Like former cases of this character, jurors were challenged
wholesale, but by the evening of the second day twelve men were accepted,
namely: James Wilson. Grant Jones, (). M. Albert, C. II. Wible, Daniel Over-
heim, Isaac Wible, Robert Kley, Levi Albert. 11. C. Bricker, William Starr,
Charles Reilly and L. D. Kiester. The counsel for the defense saved the pris-
THE BENCH AND BAR. I .: '
ner's life, but could not save him from the penitentiary, where he was sent for
twelve years.
The murder of Mrs. Hasler and her daughter, Mrs. Flora Martin, by Harper
Whitmire, took place near St. Joe Station, December 5, 1893. The suicide of
Whitmire, on the day following, relieved the county of the onus and cost oi the
prosecution, the only legal action being taken by the coroner.
THE BENCH.
Before Butler county was organized her territory was attached to Allegheny
county for judicial purposes, thus coming under the jurisdiction of the court;- oi
the latter county, the presiding judge of which was Hon. Alexander Addison, a
native of Scotland. In 1794 he aided the authorities in quelling the " Whisky
Insurrection," and made many enemies. In IMC Judge Addison refused to per-
mit an associate judge to charge the jury after he had delivered his address. For
this he was summoned before the higher courts, which dismissed the complaint
against him. His enemies, not content with this, carried the matter to the
legislature. He was impeached by the House of Representatives, tried by the
senate, found guilty as charged, and sentenced to removal from office, and per-
petually disqualified from again rilling any judicial position in Pennsylvania.
He died in Pittsburg, November 27, 1807.
Hon. Jesse Moore, the successor of Judge Addison, was commissioned as
president judge of the Sixth judicial district of Pennsylvania. April 5, 1803,
previous to which time he had practiced law for some years at Sunbury. From
1804 to 1818 he presided over the court of common pleas of this county. Judge
Moore was a solemn, dignified and austere man, both in his official and private
life. He dressed after the fashion of Colonial days and was a punctillious observer
of the old-time manners. He regarded his office as one of the very highest im-
portance and dignity, and was constantly reminding the members of the bar to
deport themselves in a dignified manner outside the court-room as well as in the
judicial presence. His dignified character and his adherence in dress to the old-
time dress-coat, knee breeches, buckles and stockings, as well as to the powdered
wig and queue, caused him to be long remembered by the early settlers of the
county. He was a native of Montgomery county, and died December 21, 1854.
Hon. Samuel Roberts was born in Philadelphia, September 8, 1763. He
was admitted to the bar in that city in 1798, and soon afterward moved to Sun-
burv. He was appointed president judge of the district including Butler county
in IMS and held the office until his deatli in 1S20.
Hon. William Wilkins, the successor of Judge Roberts, presided for the
first time in Butler county, April 2, 1821, and continued in office until July, 1824.
Hon. Charles Shaler presented his commission as judge July 5, 1^24. His
term of office was marked by an able discharge of its responsible duties. His
rulings, especially in land cases, disclosing an intimate knowledge of the intri-
cacies of the law.
Hon. John Bredin was born in the town of Stranorlar, Donegal county. Ire-
land, in 1794. In 1802 he came to Butler county with his parents. When at
the age of sixteen he went to Pittsburg and took a position as clerk in a general
14S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
.store. When eighteen years of age he purchased a tract of wild land in what is
now Summit township, Butler county. In 1817 lie was clerk in the prothono-
tary's office in Butler. He next began reading law under Gen. William Ayres.
His association as a student with this well-known lawyer and land owner, gave
him a practical insight into the land business and made him acquainted with the
early land laws. This knowledge afterwards proved of great value to him in his
practice and he came to be regarded as an authority in land title disputes. In
1X24 lie entered into the newspaper business with his brother Maurice, combining
law ami journalism until ls;i(>. In 1829 he married Nancy McClelland, of
Franklin, Venango county. In 1831 he was appointed president judge of this
judicial district, a position he tilled with marked ability until his death May
21, 1851..
Hon. Daniel Agnew, president judge of this district from 1851 to 1868,
and afterwards associate justice and chief justice of the Supreme Court of the
State, is a man of eminent ability as a lawyer and jurist. While on the bench in
this county he won the respect of the members of the bar and the people by the
manner in which lie met the exacting duties of his office. He has a fine legal
mind and his decisions were rarely reversed on appeals. His election to the bench
of the Supreme Court was a deserved recognition of his high ability and his upright
conduct in public ami private life.
Hon. Lawrence L. McGuffin was president judge from 1863 to 1874. Dur-
ing his term a number of important criminal and civil suits were tried before him.
He made an excellent record, and was deservedly popular.
Hon. Charles McCandless was born in Centre township, Butler county,
November 27, 1834. At the age of twenty he taught school, during the winter of
Is;, | -.).>. in the same log school house in Centre township which he had attended as
a boy. In 1856 heentered Witherspoon Institute. After leaving that school he read
law in the office of his uncle, Charles C. Sullivan, was admitted to practice June
14, 1858, ami became the partner of his preceptor, ami soon gained recognition as
an able and successful lawyer. In 1860, Mr. Sullivan died, and Mr. McCandless
succeeded to his large practice. In 1862, he was elected to the State Senate for
a term of three years. In 1872, he was a delegate to the Republican National
Convention at Philadelphia, which nominated Grant and Wilson. In 1S74 he
was appointed by Governor Ilartranft judge of the Seventeenth judicial district
to till a vacancy, and was one of the Republican candidates for the same office at
the ensuing election, but was defeated. He was appointed chief justice of New
Mexico in February. 1878. In the following October, he resigned and returned
to Butler, giving attention to his large practice until his death, March 14, 1893.
Hon. Ebenezer Mcjunkin, the ninth president judge of this district, was
born in Centre township, Butler county. March 28, 1810, his father. David
Mcjunkin. being one of the pioneer settlers of that township. In 1836 he became
a student in Jefferson College at Cannonsburg, graduating in 1841. He then came
to Butler and began the study of law in the office of Charles C. Sullivan. He
was admitted to the bar September 12, 1843, and became the partner of his
preceptor. In 1849 he was appointed deputy attorney-general, and began prac-
tice on his own account. It was not long until he became recognized as a sue-
THE BENCH AND BAR. 1 4<>
cessful and able member of the bar, and enjoyed a lucrative practice. In politics,
lie was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican, being one of the organizers of
the Republican party in Butler county. In I860 he was a delegate to the
National Republican Convention at Chicago, and a member of the electoral col-
lege in 1864. In the fall of 1870 he was elected to Congress, and re-elected
in IS?-. In 1874 he ran as an independent Republican candidate for the office of
judge of the Seventeenth judicial district, and was elected, resigning his seat in
Congress to accept that office, and taking his scat on the bench in January.
jsj;,. He drew lots with his colleague for the president judgeship, which he
won, filling the position until January. 1885. Since his retirement from the
bench he has devoted himself to the practice of his profession. Perhaps no other
man now living has been more fully identified, not only with the legal and polit-
ical, hut with the material progress of the county. Since his arrival at man-
hood's years he has been one of the foremost citizens in the community, a leader
at the bar, a leader in his party and a leader in every progressive and public-
spirited enterprise calculated to advance the best interests of the people among
whom he lived so long, and by whom he has been so often and so deservedly-
honored.
lion. James Bredin, son of John Bredin, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania,
May 9, 1831. He received a liberal education in the local schools, at Washing-
ton College, and in the naval school at Annapolis. A reference to the military
chapter will show the part taken by him in the Mexican war. Early in 1850, lie
returned to Butler and began reading law in his father's office, but after his fath-
er's death, in 1851, continued his studies in the office of Hon. E. Mcjunkin. He
was admitted to the bar, June 14. 1853 ; but he did not at once begin practice, pre-
ferring to join James Campbell, S. M. Lane and others in establishing a bank
here, and a branch at Xew Castle. In 1855, however, he returned to the profes-
sion ; in 1871 moved to Allegheny, and, in 1S74, was elected one of the judges of
the Seveneenth district and served ten years. His subsequent removal to Alle-
gheny does not alienate him from Butler, where he is recognized as an able law-
yer and is held in high esteem.
Hon. Aaron L. Ha/.en is a native of Shenango township, Lawrence county,
where he was born February 19, 1S-4T. He was educated in the district schools
and in Beaver Academy, from which he graduated in 1858. He then entered Jef-
ferson College at Cannonsburg. Pennsylvania, graduating in 1861, the last year
being devoted to law studies. He enlisted April 19, 1861, in the Twelfth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers. Being disqualified for service in the ranks by deafness, he
became a paymaster's clerk, serving until the close of the war. He was admitted
to the bar at Xew- Castle in September, 1865, was elected district attorney in
1870, and re-elected in 1873. In 1884, he was elected one of the two judges of
the Seventeenth judicial district, then embracing Butler and Lawrence counties.
After his election he took up his residence in Butler as president judge. In Sep-
tember, 1893, a separation of the district took place, Butler county alone becom-
ing the Seventeenth judicial district. Lawrence county was erected into a new
district. Under this re-apportionment, Hon. John M. Greer became president
judge of the Seventeenth, and Judge Hazen president judge of the new Lawrence
150 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
county district. This change made it necessary for Judge Hazen to resume his
residence in Xew Castle. His term of office expired in January, 1895. Hi* dis-
charge lit' his duties during the eight years he presided in Butler, was marked by
a strict observance of legal forms and a desire to render exact justice.
Hon. Tulm M. Greer is a native of Jefferson township. Butler county, where
he was born August 3, 1844. In July. 1862, a month before he was eighteen
years of age, he enlisted in the defense of the Union, and, although wounded at
Petersburg, remained in the service until February, 1866. when he was mustered
out. After his return from the army, he taught school, and afterward read law in
the office of the late Judge Charles McCandless. In September, 1867. he was
admitted to the bar, and. in 1868, was elected district attorney for a term of three
years. In 1876 he was elected State Senator, and re-elected in 1880. In 1882
he was nominated for the office of secretary of internal affairs. In that year,
however, the entire Republican ticket suffered defeat. In 1884, he was one of
the two nominees of the Republican party for judge of the Seventeenth Judicial
district, but failed of election. From 1887 to 1891, he served as inspector anil
examinerof soldiers' orphan schools. In 1892, on the death of Judge McMichael,
he was elected as his successor — additional law judge of the Seventeen judicial
district. In 1898, under the operation of a special act of the legislature, Butler
county alone became the Seventeenth judicial district, Lawrence county being
erected into a new district, with Judge Hazen as president judge. Judge Greer
then succeeded to the president judgeship of the Seventeenth judicial district.
The career of Judge Greer has been one of continuous growth. His successive
promotions have come to him in recognition of his ability and the satisfactory
discharge of every duty entrusted to him. He has made an excellent record since
his elevation to the bench, and is one of the most popular judges that has ever
occupied the position.
in E BAR.
John Gilmore, prominent as a lawyer and politician, during the early years
of the county's history, was the son of James Gilmore, a native of Ireland, who
came to what is now Somerset county, Pennsylvania, prior to or during the Revo-
lution, in which coimtv John Gilmore was born in 1780. A few years later his
parents removed to Washington county, where he passed his youth and young
manhood. After the usual preparatory studies, he was admitted to the bar, being
at the time twenty-one years of age. He shortly afterward began the practice of
law in Pittsburg. In 1803, he was married, in the town of Washington, to Miss
Elena Spence Anderson, and the same year came to Butler as deputy attorney
general. He served several terms in the legislature from Butler county, was
speaker of the House in 1821, and was prominent in the legal and political his-
tory of the county during the first twenty-five years of its existence. He died in
1S45, after a long, Useful and honorable career.
David C. Cunningham, a brother of the Cunninghams who founded the
borough of Butler, was admitted to practice in Butler in 1804, and was well-
known to the bench and bar of the earlier years of the county's history.
Col. John Purviance, a soldier of the War of 1812, was born in Washington,
THE BENCH AND BAR. I 5 I
Pennsylvania, December 28, L781. He studied law thereunder Parker Camp-
bell. In 1804 he came to Butler as a practicing attorney, lie was the legal
advisor of the Harmony Society from 1805 to 1815, with the exception of the
time passed on the frontier as colonel of the Second Pennsylvania Militia Regi-
ment, lie was a brother-in-law of John Gilmore, having married an elder sister
of Mrs. Gilmore. The family returned to Washington, Pennsylvania, in 1814,
where Colonel Purviance died, December 28, 1820. The Purviances of Butler
county are descended from him.
Gen. William Ayres came to western Pennsylvania in L794, with the troops
sent to quell "The Whisky Insurrection," in the capacity of a tailor. Being
ambitious of a more prominent career than his trade offered, he entered the office
of Judge Brackenridge, in Pittsburg, and began the study of law. lb appears
to have been an apt student, not only of law, Inn of politics and quick to take
advantage of every opport unity for preferment . When Butler count v was organ-
ized, he was appointed to the office of prothonotary, which then included among
its duties those of clerk id' the courts, and of register anil recorder. I Ie soon became
a large land owner, and a powerful factor in the political life of the county. lie
was admitted to the bar in ISO'.), and immediately established himself as a suc-
cessful practitioner. Although a bachelor, he built for himself a comfortable and
well furnished home, anil lived wdiat was then considered an affluent and lux-
urious life. He was a lover of hooks, and surrounded himself with a large private
library, devoting his leisure to their study and perusal. At his death, in 1843, he
left an estate, of real and personal property, valued at $150,000.
John Galbraith is mentioned in the chapter on ' The Press," for the reason
that by establishing The Butler Palladium am/ Republican Star, he became
the pioneer newspaper man of the county. After studying law in Butler under
Gen. William Ayres, he was admitted to the bar in Butler, November 10, 1818.
lie removed to Franklin in 1819, and became one of the prominent lawyers of Ve-
nango county. lie afterwards removed to Erie, where he became president judge.
lion. Samuel A. Purviance. a native of Butler county, and. during his life-
time, a man of national note, was born in Butler, January 10. 1809. By the
death, in 1820, of his father, Col. John Purviance, the responsibility of main-
taining the family devolved upon him and an older brother. His boyhood and
youth were devoted to earnest work and in laving the foundation for an honor-
able and eminent career. He carried a surveyor's chain, clerked in the offices of
the prothonotary. sheriff and commissioners, and did such other work as
enabled him to aid in supporting his widowed mother and his brothers and sis-
ters. In the meantime he had been educating himself, and had acquired studi-
ous and thoughtful habits. He prepared himself for a professional career by
reading law- in the office of Gen. William Ayres, and was admitted to practice
October 2. 1S27. He began his legal career in Warren county, and was soon
appointed deputy attorney general. Within a few years he returned to Butler
county. He was a member of the convention that framed the Constitution of
fs:',s, his colleague from Butler county being Gen. William Ayres. He served
in the General Assemblies of 1838 and 1839, as a member of the House of Repre-
sentatives from Butler county. In 1844 hi- was a delegate to the Whig National
152 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Convention which nominated Henry Clay for President, and in L856 a member of
the rirst Republican National Convention, and was recognized as one of the
founders of t lie Republican party. He was elected to Congress in L854, and
re-elected in 1856. While in Congress he took a prominent part in the Kansas-
Nebraska debates, opposing his voice and bis vote to the attempt of the slave
power to extend its dominion oxer the western territories. In is.")1.), after the
expiration of his term in Congress, he removed to 1'ittsburg. In 1860 he was
chosen as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Chicago, which
nominated Abraham Lincoln. In 1861 be was elected attorney-general of
Pennsylvania. He was tendered an important diplomatic appointment by Presi-
dent Lincoln, but, not desiring to go abroad, declined it. lie enjoyed in a high
degree not only the confidence and esteem of Mr. Lincoln, but also of Edwin M.
Stanton, the famous Secretary of War. As a delegate to the Republican National
Convention of 1864, he aided in the nomination of President Lincoln for a second
term, and in 1868 was a delegate to the convention that nominated Grant as the
presidential candidate of the Republican party. This convention also chose Mr.
Purviance as a member of the national executive committee. In 1872 lie was
prominently mentioned as a candidate for the nomination of vice-president on
the Republican ticket. He was a member of the convention that framed the
State Constitution of 1S73. With the discharge of his duties as a member of that
notable assemblage, his public career closed. From his first appearance in pub-
lic life to the signing of that Constitution, he had given bis native State over
forty years of able, faithful and distinguished service, and had secured the respect
and esteem of her citizens. He died at his home in Pittsburg. February 14.
1882. His witlow died in December. 1891.
Hon. Joseph Buffington began his career in Butler as the editor of a weekly
paper called The Repository. He read law in the office of Gen. William Ayres,
and was admitted to the bar July t. 1826. About a year afterward he moved to
Kittanning. In 1832 he was elected a delegate to the National Convention of the
Anti-Masonic party at Baltimore. In 181(1 In- was a presidential elector on the
Whig ticket. He was elected to Congress in L842, and served two terms. In
1849 be was appointed judge of the Eighteenth judicial district, and in 1852
was tendered, but declined, the chief judgeship of Utah. In 1855 he was
appointed judge of the Tenth judicial district, to till a vacancy: was elected in
1856, and re-elected in 1866. In 1871 he resigned, owing to failing health. On
February 3, 1872, while apparently in his usual health, be died very suddenly,
closing a long, useful and honorable life, peacefully and painlessly. Descending
from Quaker parentage, bis life was marked by a quiet but firm adherence to
those principles which he believed to be light. His education and his studious
habits enabled him to master the intricacies of the law. and to take high rank as
a jurist, while a faithful and fearless discharge of his official duties won for him
the respect of the people.
Col. Francis McBride. who was sheriff of the county in 1830, kept
hotel where the Lowry House stands for several years, studied law, and some
years later entered into partnership with L. Z. Mitchell. He lived for awhile in
the old Walter* Lowrie residence.
^^%^^<J
THE BENCH AND BAR. I 53
Hon fames Thompson, eminent in the legal annals of Pennsylvania, was a
native of Middlesex township, Butler county, where he was born in LS05, young-
est son of William Thompson, lie entered upon the active duties of life as the
first printer's devil in the office of The Butler Palladium, the pioneer newspaper
of the county, established August 17. IMS. In 1826, being then nineteen years
of age, he began reading law under John Gilmore, at that time a leading mem-
ber of the Butler bar. He completed his studies, however, at Kittanning. under
Thomas Blair, and was admitted to the Butler Liar April '.I. 1828, and later located
at Franklin, where he resided for thirteen years. In 1832 he was elected as a rep-
resentative in the General Assembly, and re-elected in 1833 and 1834 During his
last term he was chosen speaker of the House. In May, 1839, he was appointed
judge of a special district, created to dispose of accumulated business. In 1842 he
moved to Erie, and in 1844 was elected to Congress, serving from 1845 to 1*47.
In 184S he was again elected, serving from 1849 to 1851. In 1857 he was elected,
on the Democratic ticket, associate justice of the Supreme Court, and served the
last five years of his fifteen-year term as chief justice. With the beginning of
his term as associate justice he took up his residence in Philadelphia, where he
passed the remainder of his life. A few years after his retirement from the bench,
and while engaged in the argument of a case in court, he fell to the lloor and
expired. During his long career in public life. Judge Thompson maintained a
high reputation as a lawyer and jurist, ami to great ability added an unblemished
name, an unassailable integrity, and the record of an unselfish, high-minded and
patriotic citizen. He left a widow, three sons and two daughters. One of
the sons, Samuel Gustine Thompson, has recently retired from the Supreme
bench.
Hon. Samuel A. Gilmore, born in Butler borough, January 21, 1806 son of
John Gilmore, read law in his father's office and was admitted to the bar Janu-
ary S. 1828. He was elected to the legislature in 1836 and 1837, and tilled the
position of secretary of the Constitutional Convention of 1838. In 1845 he was
appointed judge of the territory now forming the Fourteenth and Twenty-sev-
enth judicial districts, by Governor Shunk. When that office became an elective
one, he carried the old district easily, and was its president judge when he died,
in 1873.
David (). Walker, nephew of Jonathan Walker, a pioneer lawyer of Pitts-
burg, was admitted to the Butler county bar. January 7. 1828. While he resided
here his life was uneventful.
George W. Smith, of whom mention is made in the chapter on The Press,
was born in the neighboring county of Mercer in 1806. He came to Butler to
work in the woolen factory: but soon began the study of law under General
Avres, continuing until admitted to the bar, April 7. 1829. An uncompromis-
ing Whig, he fought his way to the legislature, and, in IMS. went within meas-
urable distance of Congress, that popular Democrat, Alfred Gilmore, carrying the
district by a very small majority . In 1855 he went to Kansas, and was soon in the
midst of the stormy struggle then taking place. He was elected Governor by the
Anti-Lecompton division of the Free-State men, but the election, like Pip Van
Winkle's drinks, didn't count, lie was elected to the legislature and served as
154 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
speaker of that body. He afterwards became police judge of the cit) of Law-
rence, holding the office until his death. September 28, 1878.
Walter 11. Lowrie, who was admitted to the bar July 6, 1830, was the son
ot Matthew B. Lowrie, and grandson of John Lowrie. a pioneer settler of Alle-
gheny township. From 1857 to 1863 he was chief justice of the Supreme Court
of Pennsylvania.
Hon. Charles Craven Sullivan, for many vears one of the ablest members of
the Butler bar, was a -on of Charles Sullivan, a native of Northumberland
county, Virginia. lie was horn <>n the old homestead farm, in franklin town-
ship, Butler county, March 10, l^<>7. After graduating from Jefferson College.
in 1828, he became a law student in the office of Gen. William Ayres, and was
admitted to the bar October K). 1881. lie soon took rank as an able lawyer and
successful advocate. In 1841 he was elected to the State Senate, and re-elected
in 1844. In the earlier years of his manhood he was an anient Whin' of anti-
slavery principles. lie afterwards became an uncompromising Abolitionist, and
subsequently a Republican. His legal practice grew to be very large, and his
reputation as a lawyer was such as to give him a place among the leaders of the
profession in the State. He died February 27, 18G0, leaving a widow and live
children.
Gen. John X. Purviance, son of Col. John Purviance, was born in Butler,
September L'7. 1810, and died in 1885. Educated in the old schools of Butler, he-
was competent at the age of sixteen to take a position in Fox's store, on the
Clarion river, and a year later to till that of commissioners' clerk. In the mean-
time he read law under ]ohn Bredin, and was admitted to the liar in lune, 1832.
In 1843 he was commissioned major-general of the militarv division comprising
Butler. Mercer and Beaver counties, and was auditor-general of the State from
1845 to 1851, as well as escheator-general and a member of theboardof property.
In 1833 he married Eliza line Potts, of Pittsburg, who survived him until
November ii, 1886. In civil and militarv affairs, as well as in political life, he
was a particular favorite in his native county, and one ot the most popular among
her citizens.
Hon. Alfred Gilmore, a native of Butler borough, and a son of John ( iilmore.
was one of the early lawyers. Studying in the office of Samuel A. (iilmore, he
was admitted to practice March 15, 1836. Elected to Congress, he served in the
National House lour years, and then became a citizen of Massachusetts, and
afterward of Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he died in 1890 or 1891.
William Haslet t, spoken of in the chapter on The Press, read law under John
Bredin and was admitted to practice December I I, ls:',7.
Jonathan Ayres read law with his uncle, William Ayres, and was admitted
to the bar June II. 1838. Immediately after he moved to Franklin, where he
became known as publisher of tin Democrat. Early in the " forties" he moved
to New Castle, where he continued practice. Ilis positive character did not
make him many friends, while his lack of energy did not make him many
enemies.
Edward M. Bredin, a nephew of Judge John Bredin, though born at Car-
lisle, Pennsylvania, in 1819, came to Butler when a youth, read law under his
THE BENCH AND BAR. 155
uncle and was admitted to the bar here October 2, 1839. In this chapter and in
that devoted to Butler borough, the name of Edward M. Bred in often occurs, for
he was undoubtedly one of the ablest advisers of the bar of Butler county. His
death took place August it, L887.
William Timblin, a native of Centre township. Butler county, read law
under Samuel A. Purviance and was admitted to the bar September 1 4. 1841.
His death occurred in the year 1856.
Thomas M. Marshall, though never a resident member of this bur, has prac-
ticed here more or less for many years. Born in Ireland, he came with his
parents to Perm township. Butler county, in 1*24, there grew to manhood and
formed that character which afterwards brought him to a foremost place in the
legal profession. He located in Pittsburg, where he has won a tine reputation as
a safe counselor and a brilliant advocate. In 1854 he left the Whig party lie-
cause of its apparent sympathies with Know Nothingism and came to Butler to
address the people on the unsound principles of that dark-lantern organization.
Mr. Marshall is recognized as one of the prominent lawyers of western Penn-
sylvania.
John Graham was born in Connoquenessing township. Butler county, in
1821, and died in I860. When seventeen years old he became an apprentice in
Stewart's cabinet shop at Butler, two years later was appointed deputy sheriff.
and in 1S42 began reading law in the office of Samuel A. Gilmore. On Septem-
ber 12. 1844, he was admitted to the bar. and in 1845 appointed deputy attorney-
general, making for himself a good legal reputation. In 1S45 he married Catherine,
a sister of Edward M. Bredin.
Lewis Z. Mitchell, born in Dauphin county. Pennsylvania, September 12,
1824, located in Butler county ten years later. About the year 1843 lie began
the study of law under Samuel A. Purviance, ami was admitted to the bar, Feb-
ruary 11, 1845. For almost half a century he has been a member of the legal
circle of Butler, and a citizen, who. at all times has satisfactorily performed his
duties toward municipality, county, state and nation.
John H. Xegley, son of the pioneer, John Xegley, was born in Butler bor-
ough, February 7, 1823. He received a literary education in the Butler Aca-
demy, and, from 1841 to 1848, studied at Washington College, Washington, Penn-
sylvania. In 1843, he entered the law office of Hon John Bredin, and on March
25, 1845, was admitted to the bar. Three years later, he was appointed deputy-
attorney-general for thiscounty, and, under the new Constitution, was elected dis-
trict attorney in 1850. He entered the field of journalism in 1855, as editor oi
the Herald. In 1861 he was appointed enrolling officer for this* county ; in 1863
elected a member of the legislature, and re-elected in 1864 and 1865. From 1866
to 1868 he was engaged in law practice, but in April, 1860, resumed
journalism as editor and publisher of the Citizen. In 1870-71, be was
assistant-assessor of internal revenue for this county, but the position did not
divorce him from editorial charge of the Citizen, which was solely controlled by
him until 1888, when his son, William S. Xegley, became owner. Mr. Xegley is
one of the oldest members of the bar, and still devotes bis attention to the
profession.
156 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Col. John McPherrin Sullivan was born in Butler, August 9, 1822. lie
received his early education in the Old Stone Academy of Butler. He entered Jef-
ferson College in November, 1838, graduating therefrom September 28, 1843.
After leaving college he became a law studenl in the office of Hon. Samuel A.
Gilmore, of Butler, was admitted to practice in December. 1845, and a few
months later entered into a law partnership with Hon. Samuel A. Purviance,
continuing until Januarv 1. 1855. During the winters ol 1845 and 1846 he was
the legislative correspondent at Harrisburg of the New York Tribune, Phila-
delphia Enquirer and Pittsburg Commercial . From 1 s47 to 1850 he served as
assistant clerk in the senate, and was chief clerk in 1852—53. In Januarv, 1855,
he became deputy secretary of state, and in januarv, 1858, was appointed
depute superintendent of common schools, a position he resigned in July, 1860.
In 1861, he was appointed chief corresponding clerk in the office of the quarter-
master-general of the army at Washington, D. C, the duties of which position
he discharged with fidelity until April 1. 1867, covering a period the most
momentous in the nation's history. In March, 1S('>7. he was appointed collector
of internal revenue of the Twenty-third district, and tilled this office for nearly
fifteen years. Since the close of his official career he has resided in the old family
homestead in Butler. Though no longer in public life, he takes a deep interest
in everything tending to promote the best interest of the people of his home, and
especially of the surviving soldiers.
James Potts, a native of this county, Studied law in Butler and was admitted
to the bar. Tune II, 1850. In 1871 he was commissioned president judge of
Cambria county. His death occurred at ( )il City, Pennsylvania, in 1891.
Arcus McDermitt, a native of Butler county, studied under C. C. Sullivan,
and was admitted to practice September 30, 1850. He moved to Mercer, Penn-
sylvania, a few years later, and, in ls74, was elected judge of that district, under
the new Constitution. He served on the lunch until his death.
Col Archibald Blakeley was born near the confluence of Glade run and the
Connoquenessing, July l(i, 1827, taught school in early manhood and read law
with George \V. Smith. He was admitted to the bar at Butler. November 10,
1852, and the following year was elected district attorney. In IS."),") he was a
delegate from Butler county to the first Republican State Convention held at
Pittsburg. As lieutenant-colonel and colonel of the Seventy-eighth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers for three years, he made a good war record. He practiced law
at Franklin from 1864 to 1868, and then removed to Pittsburg, where he has
since been engaged in the active duties of his profession.
James T. L;<nc, who was brought to Butler county by his parents, in 1832,
when two years of age, entered the office of Purviance iV_ Sullivan in 1845, and
November 15, 1853, was admitted to the bar. In 1854, he became a resident of
Davenport. Iowa. In 1858 he was chosen city attorney; in 1862, elected a mem-
ber of the legislature, and was a presidential elector in 1868 and 1872. He
was appointed United States attorney for Iowa in 1S73, a position lie held
until 1882.
William G. Thompson, a brother of Col. John M. Thompson, is a native of
Brady township. He taught school in that neighborhood, and read law under
THE BENCH AND BAR. I 57
William Timblin. He was admitted to the bar November 15, 1858, and moved
to Iowa shortly after, settling in Linn county. He served as major of an Iowa
regiment during the war and later represented his district in Congress.
Thomas Robinson was born in Armagh county, Ireland, July 4, 1825,
accompanied his parents to America in 1832, and to Penn township, Butler county,
in 1835. Entering the office of George W. Smith, at Butler, he proved an apt
law student and was admitted to the bar, September 25, 1855. At first a Whig,
lie afterwards became a Republican, was a delegate to the first Slate convention
of the Republican party in 1855, and. ever since, has been an uncompromising
adherent and champion of its principles. In 1860 he was elected to the Legis-
lature, and for nearly forty years he has been one of the local leaders of his party.
He is a born tighter, delights in a legal or political battle, and though defeat may
wait upon him, he is seldom discouraged or driven from the arena.
Walter L. Graham was born in Butler borough, October 25, 1831, and
received his education in the Butler Academy, Witherspoon Institute and Jeffer-
son College. Graduating in 1854 from the last named school, he read law under
Samuel A. Purviance and C. C. Sullivan, and was admitted to the bar September
25,1855. In 1860, he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention;
in 1862, enlisted in the Emergency militia, and since the war he has practiced at
the Butler bar.
Col. William Blakelev, a native of this county, read law under his brother,
Archibald Blakelev, and was admitted to the bar, March 24, 185(3. Like his
brother, he was engaged in teaching school in the Brownsdale neighborhood
prior to becoming a lawyer. In 1856, he moved to Kittanning, was elected dis-
trict attorney in Is")'.), a position he resigned in 186- to become lieutenant-colonel
of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Calvary. In 1865, he was breveted brigadier-
general in recognition of his services, and the same year formed a law partner-
ship with his brother, at Franklin. In 1868 he removed to Pittsburg and became
a leading member of the bar of that city.
James W. Kirker, a well-known attorney of the Allegheny county bar, died
at his home, Bellevue. August 10, IS1.);',, of heart disease, after a brief illness. Ik-
was born in Middle Lancaster, September 20, 1882; attended the district school
and later earned enough money by teaching to pay his way at Allegheny College.
He studied law and surveying at the same time, and at the age of twenty-tour,
September 22, 1856, was admitted to practice in the Butler county courts. lie
was elected district attorney and, during the war, was appointed provost-marshal
for the district composed of Allegheny and Butler counties.
Col. John M. Thompson was born in Brady township. Butler county. Janu-
ary 4, 1880. After completing an academic course at Witherspoon Institute, he
read law in the office of Hon. Samuel A. Purviance, was admitted to the bar
February 24. 18-34, and became a partner in the office of Purviance & Sullivan.
He soon developed marked forensic ability and took a leading position at the bar.
In 185S he was elected to the legislature on the Republican ticket and re-elected
in 1859. During the latter session he served as speaker pro tern of the House.
In 1862 he entered the army and was elected major of the One Hundred and
Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers. lie served until February 11, 1868.
15S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
After hi* return to Butler he resumed the practice of law. In 1868 he was a
delegate to the Republican National Convention at Chicago, which nominated
General Grant for the presidency. He was one of the presidential electors of
Pennsylvania in 1ST-. In 1875 he was elected to Congress to fill a vacancy caused
by the resignation of Hon. E. Mcjunkin. He was again elected in 1876 for a full
term of two years. He is at present one of the oldest and ablest members of the
Butler bar. and is in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative practice.
Hon. John II. Mitchell. United States Senator from Oregon, is a native of
Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was born June 22, 1835. When
he was two years old his parents moved to Butler county. After attending the
common school, he entered Witherspoon Institute, graduating therefrom after
pursuing the usual course of study. He then read law in the office of Purviance
& Thompson and was admitted to the bar March 22. 1858. In 1860 he went to
Oregon and began the practice of law in the city of Portland. He soon took
rank among the leaders of the bar of the Pacific coast. He was elected city
attorney in 1861; state senator in 1862 1 lieutenant-governor in 1864 and pro-
fessor of medical jurisprudence of Willamette College in 1866. In 1872 he was
elected to the United States Senate, of which body he is at present a member,
and serving his third term. A stanch Republican, he is not only a popular leader
of his party in Oregon, but an able and influential member of the senate.
The records of the prothonotary's office show that the following named
attorneys were admitted to practice in the courts of Butler county, from 1804
to 1893 inclusive :
Tames Allison, February 11. 1805 ; William Ayres, June 5, 1809; James
Alexander, March 26, 1836; Jonathan Ayres, June 11, 1838; Daniel Agnew,
April 4, 1831; Isaac Ash, March 28, 1859; S. S. Avery, June 11, 1873.
Henry M. Brackenridge, February 15, 1815; John Bredin, August 12, 1817;
Joseph Buffington, July 4, 1826; Edward M. Bredin, October 2, 1839; Jacob K.
Boyd, December 7, 1839; Oren Baldwin, March 25, 1845; John Boreland, Octo-
ber 28, 1845; James M. Bredin, May 20, 1851 ; Archibald Blakeley, November
10. 1852; James Bredin, June 14, 1853; William Blakeley. March 24, 1856;
Am/.i Brewster, March 28, is.")'.); George A. Black, September 25, 1865; Sam-
uel M. Boyd, January 12. 1869; William H. Black, June 14, 1869; W. D. Bran-
don, March 17. 1871 ; A. W. Barry, March 13, 1872; George II. Bemus, October
21, 1872; S. F. Bowser, September 7, 1874; M. C. Benedict, January 6, 1875;
A. T. Black, October 19, 1*75 ; Joseph B. Bredin, October 19, 1875; Newton
Black, October 5, 1876; E. I. Brugh, April 28, 1874; James F. Brittain, Febru-
ary 12. 1877; J. H. Bowman, April 18, 1878; Albert L. Bowser, September 1,
1883; Thompson M. Baker, September 5, 1888; J. A. Beatty, September 1, 1884.
David C. Cunningham, May, 1804; T. S. Cunningham, October 6, 1824;
James P. Campbell, December 10,1844; George R. Cochran, September 27,
W>6, T. C. Campbell, September, 1872 ; C. G. Christie, June 13, 1872; W. G.
Crawford, January 12, 1874 ; Joseph H. Cunningham, June 21 , 1874; William R.
Conn, October 20, 1875; Ezra Grossman, January 3, 1878 ; A. M.Cunningham,
June 4, 1878; William M. Cornelius, October 13, 1879; W. H. Colbert, Octo-
ber 25, 1879; A. M. Cornelius, March 2, 1880; Stephen Cummings, May 31,
THE BENCH AND BAR. 1 59
1880; Hunter E. Coulter. January 21, 1S88 ; Alfred M. Christley, May 7. L888;
Paul Cummings, lune 13, 1SSS; John \V. Coulter, September 8, 1891, and Ray-
mond S. Cornelius. December 12, 1892.
lames Dunlap. February 11, ISO."); Charles Darrah, September 12, 1832;
lame- Donnelly, December 10, 1845; Thomas Donnelly, June 19, 1847; Joseph
T. Donley. April 29, 1874, and James M. Denny, March 2, 1880.
Benjamin R. Evans. April 4. 1825; Evan Reese Evans. July 0. 1830; John
T. Edmundson, July 19, 1871 ; Frank M. Eastman, April 14, 1873, and E. R.
Eckley, September, ls7v.
Samuel Foltz. September 1. 1852; Eugene Ferrero, September 25, 1855;
Francis Fielding. September 28, 1863; George W. Fleeger, April is. 1866; Will-
iam A. Forquer, June 19, 1874; VV. C. Findley, June 3, 1878; Francis J. For-
quer, October S, 1879, and Lewis L. Fleeger.
John Gilmore, February 13, 1804; John Galbraith, November III, 1818;
Samuel A. Gilmore, January S, 1828; Alfred Gilmore, March 1">, 1836 ; John
Graham, .September 12. 1844; Charles B. Gillespie, September 15, 1846; John
P. Gilchrist. November 15, 1853; Walter L. Graham, September 25, 1855; Hugh
C.Graham, March 25, 1861 ; John M. Greer. September 23, 1867; Richard
Gailey, January 11, 1869; J. K. Graham , June 13, 1870; Henderson H. Goucher,
June '.i, 1873; Robert (i. Graham, May 5, 1880; James M. Oalbreath, March li,
1SS2: John B. Greer, April 10. 1886; John B. Greer, April 17, 1893, and John
C. Graham, March 11. 1892.
John H. Hopkins. October |0. 1822; William Haslett. December II. 1837;
Aaron L. Hazen. January 10. 1S71 : George D. Hamor, June 6, 1876; Stephen
II. Huselton, April 10, 1886; J W. Hutchison. December 2. 1889, and Charles
H. Hardman, June 18. lvvv
Samuel P. Irvine, June 14. 1858, and Robert B. Ivory. September 20, 1882.
Jedediah Jack. June 8, 1840; A.C.Johnston, March '.1. 1874, and David
II. Jack, June 1, 1880.
James W. Kirker. September 22. 1856; D. J. Kyle. December 21, 1V7V
John K. Kelly, March 2, 1880; Frank X. Kohler, September 21, 1882, and A. W.
Kelly, May 21, 1892.
Walter H. Lowrie, July 6, 1830; Matthew S. Lowrie. September 11, 1832;
II. N. Lee. December '.), 1834; William S. Lane, September 12, 1843; James
4". Lane. November 15. 1853; Thomas E. J. Lyon. March 24, lsC,2; L. G. Linn.
January 5. 1S7-J; Porter W. Lowry, March 1-1, 1875; L. J. Levis, June li. 1876;
William II. Lusk, October 17. 1>77: 4'. II. Lyon, July 15, 1882, and M. I".
Leason, May f>. 188 1.
Christian Mechling, April 7. 1829; Harper Mitchell. February 10. 1845;
Lewis Z. Mitchell. February II, 1845 ; Franklin Mechling, May 12. 1S47;
J. II. Mitchell, March 22. 1858; Kennedy Marshall, June. 1860; J. B. Mechling.
April IS. 1866; Alexander Mitchell. June II. 1869; Joseph Mitchell, June 2 1 ,
1870; R. L. Maxwell, January II, 1874; M. N. Miles, June 17. I S7 1 ; Wallace
Martin, September 14, 1S74; Lewis II. Mitchell, January 4. 1875; Ehrman P..
Mitchell, October 20, 1875; J. O. Marshall, May 5, 1876; Eugene (i. Miller.
October 3, 1876; Leslie Q. Maxwell. March 11, 1878; John D. Marshall, July 10,
l60 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1882; James X. Moore, September 1. 1882: William II. Martin. September 20,
1882; James B. Mates, July 20, Ins:'.: S. M. Meals. June 8, 1892; Henry X.
Marshall. September 5, 1888; William Z. Murrin, March, 1891, and }. Norman
Martin, May 0, 1892.
Dunlap McLaughlin, January 11, 1838; Alexander T. McNair, December
10, 1838; Francis McBride, April 7, 1842; Lawrence L. McGuffin, December 15,
1842; Ebenezer Mcjunkin, September 12, 1843; John McElvain, September 15,
1846; Arcus McDermitt, September 30. 1850; William B. McNair, March 24,
1850; Robert M. McLure, June 9, 1856; Charles McCandless, June 14, 1858; J.
1). Mcjunkin, June 8, 1863; Aaron M. McCandless, April 23, 1867 ; Livingston
McQuistion, June 10, 1870; Michael B. McBride, March 13, 1871; Austin J.
McCafferty, Januar) 15, 1872; J. S. McKay, September 3, 1873; G. B. McCal-
mont, October 20, 1873; J. B. .Mcjunkin. March 15, 1 875 : Edward McSweeney,
Xovember 1, 1875; Joseph A. McDonald, January 3. 1878 ; Charles A. McPher-
rin. March 5, 1883; Ira Mcjunkin April, 10, 1886; Charles C. McCandless, Sep-
tember l, L890; A. B. C. McFarland, May 25, 1891.
John Ik Xegley, March 25, 1845.
John Purviance, August. 1804; Henry Purviance, August '.). 1 S 1 4 ; Samuel"
A. Purviance, October 2, 1827; John X. Purviance, June 13, 1832; Parker C.
Purviance. January 10, 1835; James Potts. June 11. 1850; John Purviance, Jr..
September 27, 1858: S. II. Peirsol, June 14, 1869; Lewis K. Purviance, Septem-
ber 6, 1875; 15. L. Pollock. June II. 1877: Francis S. Purviance. March 19, 1878;
George C. Pillow. January 2, 1879; J. F. Peffer, June 4. 1883; J. M. Painter.
September 1, 1890, ami Isaiah II. Painter. September, 1891.
Thomas Robinson, September 25, 1855; A. J. Rebstock, March 26, I860;
W. II. II. Riddle. March 28, 1864 ; Ferdinand Reiber, June 1, 1869; Elliott Robb,
October 27, IS70; George 1.. Rankin June 19, 1876; John M. Roth, Xovember
1, 1875: Everett L. Ralston, March 6, 1883; James W. Reed. Septembers. 1884;
Aaron E. Reiber. September U), 1885; John M. Russell, April Id, 1886; Alonzo
E. Russell, September 5, 1888: Edwin S. Riddle, June 13, 188S : William A.
Ralston. June. 1892, and George E. Robinson. June. |s',):',.
Charles Shaler. August od, 1819; George W. Smith. April 7, 1829; Charles
C. Sullivan, October lit, 1831; William II. Scott. June 11, 1838; Wilson F.
Stewart. August in, 1842; Joseph Sliker, June 12, 1844; John McPherrin Sulli-
van, December '.I, 1845; John (>. A. Sullivan, June 10, L861 : R. P. Scott. Janu-
ary 11, 1869; Moses Sullivan, June 11, 1869; Charles A. Sullivan, March IT),
1870; Harvey X. Snyder. June 10. 1870; < >. E. Shannon. October 20. 1873 ; James
H. Smith, September 10. 1875; E. R. Shanor, May 31, 1880; Samuel B. Snyder,
April 24,1882; J. S. Snyder, March, 1886; Henry Stauffer, March, 1887; J-
V". Sloan. June. 1888; Albert T. Scott. March. 1888, and John Scheiring, Decem-
ber. 1891.
lames Thompson, April 9, 1828; William Timblin, September 14, 1841 : P.
I). P. Taylor, September 9, 1845; William G. Thompson, Xovember 15, 1853;
lolin M. Thompson, February 24, 1854; Henry D. Timblin, April 23, 1867;
Joseph F. Timmeny, April 24, 1874; John II. Thompson, April 20, L877 ; O.
fir? r'.
THE BENCH AND BAR. l6l
I). Thompson, Mas 31, IS80; W. C. Thompson, June 29, 1882. and Horace J.
Thomas, June 6, 1892.
foseph C. Vanderlin, September 7. 1S7I.
William Wilkins, February 13, 1804; David ( ). Walker, January 7, 1828;
Clarence Walker. March 13,1871; George R. White, March 13,1871; A. G.
Williams, November 1. L875 ; Leonidas Walker, May 22,1878; William II.
Walsh. September 6, 1879; William J. Welsh. April 11. 1883; Levi M. Wise.
September 5, 1888; John P. Wilson, December 2, 1889; Huston Q. Walker.
May 25, 1891 ; John H. Wilson, December, 1891, and Zill J.Wilson, Decem-
ber, L891.
Watson J. Young, November 19, 18G6, and Elmer E. Young, June 111. 1890.
Jacob Ziegler, April 18, 1836, and George W. Ziegler, 1839.
The present members of the bar are T. M. Baker, A. T. Black. Newton
Black. Albert L. Bowser, S. F. Bowser, W. I). Brandon, Joseph B. Bredin,
Ezra I. Brugh, T. C. Campbell. A. M. Christley, A. M. Cornelius, II. E. Coulter,
Stephen Cummings, \V. C. Findley. George W. Fleeger, Francis J- Forquer,
William A. Forquer, James M. Galbreath, II. II. Goucher, Walter L. Graham,
John M. Greer. John B. Greer, S. II. Huselton, James W. Hutchison, Frank
X. Kohler, Porter W. Lowry, William II. Lusk, James B. Mates, M. B. McBride,
A. B. C. McFarland, Ebenezer McJunkin, Ira McJunkin.J. B. Mcjunkin, 1. D.
Mcjunkin, Livingston McQuistion, Lewis /. Mitchell, Alexander Mitchell.
James X. Moore, W. Z. Murrin, John II. Xegley, J. M. Painter, S. II. Peirsol,
George C. Pillow. E. L. Ralston. A. E. Reiber, Ferdinand Reiber, W. H. II.
Riddle. E. S. Riddle, Thomas Robinson, A. T. Scott. R. P. Scott. John M.
Sullivan. John M. Thompson. W. C. Thompson, J. C. Vanderlin, Clarence
Walker, H. Q. Walker, George R. White, A. G. Williams, Levi M. Wise and
Elmer E. Young.
The Butler Bar Association was incorporated June 23, 1892. It embraces
in its membership the following named attorneys: T. M. Baker. A. T. Black.
Newton Black, W. I). Brandon. Joseph P. Bredin. A. L. Bowser, S. F. Bowser.
E. I. Brugh, T. L. Campbell. A. M. Christley. A. M. Cornelius. II. E. Coulter.
Stephen Cummings. VV. C. Findley, George W. Fleeger, W. A. Forquer. James
M. Galbreath, II. H. Goucher, W. E. Graham, John M. (ireer. S. II. Huselton,
J. W. Hutchison. Frank X. Kohler. P. W. Lowry. W. H. Lusk, II. X. Mar-
shall, J. D. Marshall, James B. Mates. M. B. McBride. A. B. C. McFarland, E.
Mcjunkin. Ira McJunkin.J. D. Mcjunkin. J. B. Mcjunkin. Livingston McQuis-
tion. Alexander Mitchell. Lew is Z. Mitchell, James X. Moore, J. M. Painter.
George C. Pillow. E. E. Ralston, A. E. Reiber. Ferdinand .Reiber, E. S. Riddle,
W. II. II. Riddle, A. T. Scott. R. P. Scott. II. J. Thomas. John M. Thompson,
W. C. Thompson, J C. Vanderlin, II. (.>. Walker, Clarence Walker, G. R.
White, L P. Wilson. A. G. Williams, Levi M. Wise and E. E. Young.
CHAPTER XL
THE MEDICAL, PROFESSION.
Introduction— Earw Physicians —Incidents of Pioneer Practice— Brief Personal
Sketches— A Medical Advertisement — The Notorious Henri De Cohere — Reg-
istered Physicians— Medic ai, Associ vtiox.
THE family physician, by reason of the very nature of his calling, comes
into closer intimacy with his follow men than does the member of any
other profession. From the natal couch to the bed of death, in all conditions
ot life, his services are required. His mission is to cure disease, ease pain and
alleviate suffering. Confiding in his skill and in his professional honor,
we freely admit him to the innermost sanctuaries of .our homes, and impart
to him secrets and make him the repository of confidences such as we commit to
the keeping of no one else, and such as he must henceforth keep locked within
his own breast. The man worthy to be thus admitted to the bedside of the young
and old. poor and rich, and to have free access to hovel or mansion, should not
only be skilled in the art of healing, but should be a gentleman. And, to the
honor of the medical profession, not only in Butler county, but throughout the
country and the world, be it said that the family physician, with rare exceptions,
is a gentleman, with a high standard of personal and professional honor.
The pioneer physician was. perhaps, 'ess highly educated and less polished
than his brethren of to-day, when, with an unselfish, self-sacrificing and fearless
devotion to duty, he rode at all hours of the day and night through the sparsely-
settled districts that marked the advancing wave of civilization in western Penn-
sylvania during the closing years of the hist and the opening years of the present
century. Equipped with little knowledge, less skill and a limited supply of
simple remedies, he was compelled, in waging an unequal war against disease,
to bring his common sense to the front, thereby establishing an individuality
always marked, often peculiar and occasionally eccentric. He learned to know
the people and to treat their complaints with as fair a degree of success — taking
into consideration his advantages and opportunities — as could be expected, and
he left behind him. when he died, an honorable name and a limited estate, as the
principal heritage of his descendants.
The physician of to-day not only knows more, but lie occupies a more
important place in the community. His field of effort and influence lias widened.
He has become the conservator of public health, keeping cholera and yellow fever
from our seaports, preventing the spread of epidemic and contagious diseases, ami
confining them to the locality of their origination. To him we owe boards of
health, sanitary laws and ordinances, ami those hygienic rules, that, by prevent-
ing disease, tend to dispense with Ins services. lie lias, in his professional soci-
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 1 63
eties and organizations, by rules of ethics adopted for His own guidance, and by
the passage of laws enacted at his solicitation, raised the standard of his profes-
sion, and shut out from an opportuntty to impose upon and deceive the public the
unprofessional charlatan and quack. He has also played an important and hon-
orable part in the history of Butler county.
In all civilizations, the physician holds a leading place, as the medicine man
does in barbaric nations. The secrets of physical man are his, and the ills of a
community his care. His voice is always raised against excesses and his mind
directed toward the alleviation of suffering in every form. His profession is,
indeed, a saving one and his life .generally, one of good works.
The modern physician varies only in his volume of knowledge from the pio-
neer doctor. While his territory is not so extended as the hitter's was, his patients
are more numerous and the greater number of cases brought under his observation
in a year, of this fast age of steel, were seldom presented to a physician of Butler
county during the first half of this century. Manners, customs and morals have
changed — some think for the better, others think for the worse — making new
work for the physician, just as the change suggests and creates new demands in
every other profession and trade.
Prior to 1805, when the physicians of Rapp's colony at Harmony came
among the people, the leech or " blood- letter " of the settlement was the physi-
cian, for, be it known, the pioneers had blood to spare. Midwifery was then
practiced by women. Sometimes a doctor from Greensburg would be called in,
and even aid from Pittsburg was demanded on more than one occasion.
The pioneer physician, outside of Harmony, was George Miller. He was a
native of Washington count}-, Pennsylvania, received his literary and medical
education at Cannonsburg ; but went beyond the border to find a helpmate,
marrying Martha Anderson, of Trumbull county, Ohio, about 1814. It is
said that he came to Butler immediately after marriage, and was, undoubtedly,
the only physician in the county when the agrarian trouble on the Maxwell farm
took place, in 1815. In October of that year, when Maxwell was wounded, Dr.
Miller came to his aid prompt])-, while a messenger was sent to Pittsburg for Dr.
Agnew, who arrived the evening of the day of the tragedv. In 1822 or 1823. Dr.
Miller removed to Ohio, where he died prior to 1830. He was a member of the
first borough council in 1817, and treasurer of the academy.
Henry C. DeWolf, the second resident physican, a native of Hartford, Con-
necticut, came to Butler borough in 1817 or 1818. Born in 1781, he was still a
young man when he located in Butler. Like Judge Moore in legal circles. In-
laid down a style of dress and manners, which however elaborate on the first part
and severe on the second, he found few to imitate. His marriage with Jane
McQiiistion took place in 182(1. In 1821 he was chosen trustee of the academy ;
in 1825, treasurer of the borough, and filled many other local offices during his
long residence here. He, next to John Sullivan, led the brick building enter-
prises of 1825, by erecting on the site of Mr. Balph's store, the first brick dwelling
in the town, part of which was removed in 1890. His death occurred Julv 24.
1854, in his seventy-third year. His son, T. R. DeWolf, practiced here from
1851 to August 24, 1S5U, when death removed him, in his thirty-fifth year.
164 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
J. McHenry, who located at Zelienople late in 1815, and Dr. Agnew, father
of Judge Agnew, who settled at Harmony about the same time, were recognized
physicians, and undoubtedy should share with Dr. Miller the honors of pioneer-
ship. Dr. McHenry removed to Philadelphia in 1823, while Dr. Agnew removed
from Harmony prior to 1820.
John Cowden, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, read medicine
in Ohio, and in 1818 established himself as a physician at Portersville, and, the
following year, married Elizabeth Christie. Though entering on the professional
life when twenty-one years old, he observed all the forms of the pioneer doctor,
lie witnessed the deaths of the first settlers in the northwestern townships and
lived among their children and grand children, dying himself at Allegheny City,
where he moved after a residence of rift}' Years, at Portersville February 15, 1 ^s0,
in his eighty-third year.
George Linn, a native of Pennsylvania, came from Mercer county to Butler
in 1828, and was one of the two physicians here that year. In 1825, he married
Elizabeth Gibsom ; in 1828, was elected trustee of the academy, and was making
rapid progress in his profession when called away by death in 1888.
Poring Lusk, born in Ontario county, New York, in 1799, read medicine
with Dr. Cossitt, of Mercer, Pennsylvania, and began practice at Harmony,
in 1823, immediately after the removal of Dr. McHenry. He went to Beaver
county in 1829, as a contractor on the canal, resumed practice at Harmony in
1844; migrated to Canton. Missouri, in 1854, was elected surgeon of the Twenty-
first Missouri Volunteer Infantry in 1861, and, in 1802. returned to Zelienople,
where he carried on the drug business, in connection with his profession, until
his death, in 1878.
Eli G. DeWolf moved from Ohio to this county in 1825, and, selecting the
Centreville neighborhood as offering a fair field to a young physician, located in
the village that year. lie married into the Harris family, and, for over twenty-two
Years, or until his death in 1847, was one of the most progressive men in the
village.
Dr. Beriah Magoffin settled in Harmony about 1828. The code of ethics
prohibiting a physician from advertising, beyond a mere card of announcement,
was evidently not in force in those days. At least, if it existed, it was not
observed by the Doctor, who advertised as follows in The Repository of 1829:
DR. B. MAGOFFIN
Offers his services in the various branches of his profession as physician, surgeon and
accoucheur to the citizens of Harmony and Zelienople and vicinities. Having studied
both in Europe and Transylvania University, Kentucky, and being- successful in some
of the most difficult cases, he hopes still to benefit those who may consider him worthy
of their confidence. His office is at the house of John Fleming, Esq., Harmony.
Notwithstanding this departure from the code of medical ethics as enforced
to-day, Dr. Magoffin was considered a good physician. He afterwards removed
to Mercer, where he built up a large practice.
Andrew Spear, the pioneer physician of the Prospect and Whitestown neigh-
borhoods, was born in the latter village. Having taught school there for many
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 1 65
years, he began the study of medicine, and ultimately settled at Whitestown. He
possessed a very large red nose, which always attracted attention. On one occa-
sion, a company of raftsmen, returning from their season's work, halted at Pros-
pect to have refreshments. He who was treating asked the Doctor to have a
drink, but the latter refused politely, saying he did not drink liquor. The rafts-
man looked at him and simply said : " Take down that sign, then."
Matthew W. Spear read medicine under his brother, and later under Dr. II.
C. DeWolf, from whose office lie moved to Prospect in 1830, to enter upon
practice.
Dr. Du Panchell, a French physician, was here in the Thirties. He was, of
course, a polished and learned physician. It is said that Patrick Kelly's Dutch
hostler, whose head was not altogether "level," was subject to heroic treatment
by Dr. Du Panchell. He trepanned the skull with such success as to render the
hostler a sensible mortal.
H. C. Linn, a nephew of Dr. George Linn, began practice at Butler immedi-
ately after his uncle's death ; moved to West Sunbury, in 1835, and resided there
until 187<S. when he returned to Butler, where he now resides. A veteran of the
medical circle, he takes lively interest in the progress of the profession, and is
himself a student of modern methods.
Dr. Goodall was at Butler in 1834, but remained only a few years. He was
looked upon as a very excellent man and good physician.
Orrin D. Palmer, a resident physician of Zelienople, from 1835 to I860, was
one of the old-time doctors, who was known throughout a wide region and always
welcomed in the settlements. Dr. Germich, a contemporary of Palmer, was there
in 1841, at least, and practiced for some years; while Dr. Linnenbruck, who
became the community physician at Economy, in 1849, practiced at Harmony for
some years.
James Graham, who studied medicine in Northern Ireland, arrived in Butler
about 1834, and opened a school in a building on McKean street, opposite what
has been known recently as " The Rink."' John H. Negley, who was one of his
pupils, writing of him in 1891, says :
He brought with him from the old country, some of the old methods of school teach-
ing-. One of these was the use of taws, or cat-of-nine-tails, as a whip for the bad boy.
The taws was composed of a round wooden handle, to which were tacked nine leather
straps, knotted at ends, each about three feet long. This instrument hung on the wall,
always ready for use. He did frequently use it, and sometimes with terrific force and
effect.
He was a thorough physician and scholar; taught in the old academy, and,
in sober hours, was popular, but the use of drink led to his death, about 1843.
Gottlieb Miller, a native of Marburg, Germany, and a graduate of the uni-
versity of that city, arrived at Butler in 1841. He practiced here until his death,
in 1849.
William Lowman, who, after a short residence at Prospect, removed to
Butler, was a popular physician in 1800 and 1861. Entering the army, he died
of disease.
Isaiah Mcjunkin, born in Centre township, Butler county, in 1817, received
1 66 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
his education at Jefferson College, Washington county, studied medicine under
Dr. C). D. Palmer, of Zelienople, in 1841, and later in the Louisville Medical
College. Early in the Forties, he established himself at Butler and made extra-
ordinary advances in the profession. In 1860, he removed to Chicago, at once
took a leading place among the physicians of the Garden City, and died there in
his forty-sixth year. In the history of Camp Douglass, as well as in that of the
city, the Doctor's name holds a place.
William R. Cowden, of Middle Lancaster, is the second oldest practitioner
in Butler county. He was horn in Portersville in 1820, read medicine with his
father, Dr. John Cowden, attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Phil-
adelphia, in the sessions of 1S44-4-) and 1845-46, and in the spring of 184(3 com-
menced practice in his native town. With the exception of three years spent at
West Sunbury, and a few years in Worth township, he was engaged in the active
duties of his profession at Portersville for nearly half a century, and only recently
removed to Middle Lancaster. Dr. II. C. Linn, of Butler, is the only physician
in the county that outranks him in the number of vears devoted to medical
practice.
F. Schmidt, the pioneer physician of Saxonburg, arrived early in the
thirties; but left the settlement prior to 1S40. when Dr. August Koch came from
Germany to Saxonburg.
H. B. Brower. referred to in the chapter on The Press, located at Prospect,
as a physician, in 1838. lie indulged his taste for journalism there, but man-
aged to attend faithfully to every professional duty until 1849, when politics led
him to the legislature, to which he was reelected in 1850. He died at Lock
Haven, Pennsylvania, in 1886, aged seventy-two years.
Dr. Gleason, a Philadelphian, was herein the Forties. His lectures on med-
ical and sanitary subjects were largely attended and the lessons he inculcated
observed by" his hearers.
Josiali McCandless. a native of Centre township, Butler county, read medi-
cine tinder Dr. Whittaker of Allegheny City for three years, and in 1839 located
in Centre township as a physician, and practiced there until his death, Jan-
uary 5. 1875.
George W. Gettys, who was interested in one of the Whig newspapers of
Butler, came about 1S4-J and remained until 1855 or 1856. Dr. W. J. Randolph
was his contemporary from 1850 to 1853.
Henri De Cohere, who said he was a Frenchman, came to Butler in the for-
ties, and introduced to the people new ideas of the human structure. He made
his office next the building then occupied bv Anthony Rockenstein, near Colonel
Sullivan's present house, and where, after the fire of 1859, Rockenstein erected a
brick house. The Doctor was the antithesis of Mr. Rockenstein, though his
neighbor. He had his property heavily insured, and when the fire was over, many
looked upon the physician as the incendiary. Only when all other physicians
would fail to relieve the sick, was Dr. De Cohere called upon; for the people
feared him, while believing he could cure any disease. lie was a desperate char-
acter, who had a penchant for n-si n lj the knife, and his victims were numerous,
both in the Butler and Harmony neighborhoods. Owing to this penchant he was
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 1 67
placed on trial here for manslaughter, but escaped from jail. Prior to this denou-
nient, he attended a case of delerium tremens at Butler. He diagnosed the case
and declared the patient would die. In broken English, he said the patient would
die "in three minute," and to make his prediction good, he administered a poi-
son, which killed the man within the time specified.
Lyman L. Howard, a native of Ithaca, New York, located at Centreville in
1835—36, but moved to Harrisville in the latter year, where he practiced until
1854, when he removed to Indiana. Later he established himself in Illinois.
Howard was at Harrisville about the time Dr. James Owens left the settlement
for the western country. Dr. James McConnell moved West in 1856, when
Dr. J. H. Elrick came, and died in California.
Josiah McMichael, a native of Meadville, began the practice of medicine in
Venango township, when twenty-six years of age, located .it Millerstown in
1858, and was prominent in professional and local affairs there until his death,
January 12, 1880.
Dr. Sample, the first physician at Breakneck, now Evans City, located there
in 1844, but left before the close of 184-5. In 1848, William Sterrett arrived and
remained until 1855, when he moved to Allegheny county, where he died a year
later.
Joseph S. Lusk. born at Harmony in lS^tj, received his education at Mercer
Academy, and subsequently studied medicine under his father. Later he attended
the Western Reserve Medical College, graduated in 1850, and the same year
began practice at Harmony. A reference to the Political Chapter will point out
derinately his services in the legislature. Together with being a physician and
politician, he was also a geologist and archieologist, gathering round him a
valuable collection of mineral and antiquities. His death occurred at Butler, to
which borough he had removed, February 3, lss1,).
Amos Lusk, born at Harmony in 1828, studied medicine under his father,
Loring Lusk, and began practice in 1849 in his native town. In 1851 he located
at Zelienople, was appointed in charge of the United States Marine Hospital at
Pittsburg in 1853, moved to Missouri in 1857. returned to Zelienople in 1861,
and practiced there until his death, November 17. 1891. He studied many lan-
guages, some say twenty-five different tongues. As his brother, Joseph S., was a
student of natural history, Amos was a lover of books and an industrious student.
A. M. Neyman, a native of Butler borough, began the study of medicine,
under Dr. Morehead, of Zanesville, Ohio, in ls4o, but two years after returned
to Butler, and in 1849, taught the English classes in the "Old Stone Academy."
Subsequently he taught school in Centre township, and early in 1850 resumed
medical study, under Dr. Randolph. The winter of 1850-51, was passed by
him in the Western Reserve Medical College, at Cleveland; but although he did
not graduate therefrom until the spring of 1853, he began practice in 1 Sol at But-
ler. In the winter of 1855-56, he practiced at Philadelphia in the hospitals.
Returning to Butler he was one of the actors in the first Ceaserian operation per-
formed west of the Allegheny mountains, and has since been a leading physician
of this county.
Charles Emmerling, now of Pittsburg, a young physician, arrived from
1 68 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Germany about 1854. Some time later, he called on Dr. Neyman, in the night,
to assist him in performing a Ceasarian operation on a German woman who
resided in a cabin in the St. Joe neighborhood, near Col. M. Gillespie's house.
They not only saved the child, hut also the woman. Colonel Gillespie and his
wife were present and witnessed this heroic operation.
William Irvine was born in what is now Adams township, in 1828, read
medicine in the office of Dr. William Sterrett ; subsequently studied in the Medi-
cal Department of the Western Reserve College, Cleveland, Ohio, during the
winter of 1852-53, and in the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, 1854-55,
and received a diploma from the last named institution, March, 1855. He, how-
ever, began practice at Evans City in 18.53, and became the successor of Dr. Ster-
rett. In 1863, he was one of the military examining surgeons, and in 1876 he was
elected to the legislature. He is to-day one of the oldest practicing physician
in the countv
George Welsh, who located at Petersville early in the Fifties moved to
Saxonburg about ls5-r>, but returned to Petersville, where lie died in 1862.
J. W. Beattv. who settled at Fair view in 1855 or 56, practiced in that field until
removed by death in 1881.
X. M. Richardson, a native of this countv, studied medicine at Zelienople
under Dr. Palmer, and established himself at Prospect in 1859.
Nicholas M. Hoover, a native of Armstrong county, settled in Buffalo town-
ship, of this county, in 1842; read medicine under Dr. McGill, of Freeport,
entered the army in 1861, served until July, 1864, graduated from Jefferson Medi-
cal College in 1S65, was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Eighty-seventh
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and at the close of the war began practice at North
Washington, but in 1888 he removed to Butler borough.
David Fowler, who is supposed to have practiced in what is now Washing-
ton township, about the close of the third decide of this century moved to Fair-
view, and to Martinsburg in 1S45, and thence to Englewood, Illinois.
Henry Billiard, who died in 1850, at Fairview, was a contemporary of Dr.
A. Barnhart. who settled there in 1*40, and of Dr. Fowler.
Samuel Marks, who died in 1854 or 1855, located at Centreville, in 1847,
while seven or eight years later, Dr. J. W. Beatty located at Fairview, where he
died in 1881. Dr. McMillan was there in 1874.
G. W. Coulter, an Ohioan, and Benjamin Pearson, a native of Mercer
county, Pennsylvania, located at Centreville in 1S62. The first named died in
1873, leaving Dr. Pearson and Dr. James B. Livingston, who came in the Fifties,
and Dr. A. M. Patterson, who came in 1873, in possession of the field.
R. L. McCurdy, now of Freeport, was a well-known physician at Butler in
the Sixties.
Eli Conn, who was elected prothonotary in 1x72, and afterward acted as
sheriff, studied medicine and practiced in Butler for a very short period, when
he left the county.
Dr. C. H. Davis, of Cranberry township, was killed by Indians in Arizona.
June 4. 1886.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. I 69
REGISTERED PHYSICIANS.
The following is a list of the physicians registered in the prothonotary's
office at Butler, as required by the law of June 8, 1881, together with location at
time of registration, and date of beginning practice. Those registered in 1881
were: George G. Aitkin, Great Belt, 1871 ; S. D. Bell. Millerstown, 1874; H.
C. Birchard, Fairview, 1865; Stephen Bredin, Butler, 1861; Floyd V.
Brooks, Evans City, 1^77; John E. Byers, Butler, 1878; C. L. Campbell,
Brownsdale, 1870; C. M. C. Campbell, Martinsburg, 1881; George H. Chand-
ler, Karns City, 1865; J. L. Christie, Petersville, 1877; William R.
Cowden, Portersville, 1846; W. N. Clark, Whitestown, 1867; Elder Craw-
ford, Ogle, 1878; B. L. Davis, l'etrolia ; A. V. Cunningham, Zelienople,
1863; John Deitrick, l'etrolia, etc.. 187(1; B. E. Dennison, Martinsburg, 1860;
W. L. De Wolfe, Coalville (now in Millerstown), 1879 ; P. S. Duff (H ), Great Belt,
1863; Andrew J. Edmunds, Martinsburg, 1873; Joseph Eggert, Parker town-
ship, 1848 ; George L. G. Eggert, Parker township, 1881 ; J. H. Elrick, Harrisville,
1856; Robert Everett, Prospect, 1879; William C.Foster, Petrolia, 1876; Samuel
Graham, Butler, 1862; David Harper, Karns City, 1870: B. A. Ilenlen, North
Washington, 1875 ; Harvey D. Hockenberry, West Sunbury, 1879 ; James A. Hol-
man, Unionville, 1879; Albert Holman, Unionville, 1881 ; N. M. Hoover, North
Washington, 18(55; William Irvine. Evans City, 1853; Albert A. Kelty, West
Liberty, 1872; Clinton S. Kerr, Byrom Centre, 1876; Theodore Kersting, Evans
City, 18(37; John H. King, Saxonburg, 1872; E. N. Leake, (II) Butler,
1880; II. C. Linn, 1833 ; Joshua M. List, Evans City, 1875 ; Amos Lusk, Harmony,
1849; Joseph S. Lusk, Harmony, 1850; C. F. McBride, Fairview, 1877; George
A. McCandless, Middle Lancaster, 1877; W. C. McCandless, Glade. Mills, 1880;
C. A. McCaskey, Millerstown, 1874 ; Samuel E. McClymonds, Portersville, 1877 ;
W. V. Marquis, Glade Mills, 1881 ; Samuel 11. Matheson, Centreville, 18-54; E.
B. Mershon, Saxonburg, 1877; Homer L. Mershon, Saxonburg, 1878; A.M.
Neyman, Butler, 1851 ; Asa M. Patterson, Centreville, 1873; R. L, Patterson,
Millerstown, 1872 ; Benjamin Pearson, Centreville, 1862 ; Raymond H. Pillow,
Whitestown, 1870; O. P. Pisor, Harrisville, 1881 ; Thomas B.Rhodes, Farm-
ington, 1875; C. C. Rumberger, Petrolia, 1872; J. M. Scott, Winfield township,
1871; S. O. Sterrett, Valencia, 1880; S. L. Strain, Harrisville, 1858; D. J.
Washabaugh, Anandale, 1870; David W. Webster, Harrisville ; Adam Weiser,
Zelienople, 1848; H. R. Wilson, Portersville, 1878; W. R. Wilson, Porters-
ville, 1881; Frank Winter, Zelienople, 1878; and George M. Zimmerman, But-
ler, 1870.
The resident physicians, who registered in 1882, and those who located here
that year are as follows : James M. Blain, Sarversville; Orville A. Rhodes, West
Sunbury; B. L. Davis, Petrolia; T. W.Hopkins, Millerstown; David J. Jones,
Forestville ; H. S. George, Saxon Station; and James E. Montgomery, Clinton
township.
The physicians who registered in this county from January 1, 1^88, to
1894, are given in the following list :
Thomas Dunn McConnel!, Whitestown : Walter Barber. Prospect ; N. M.
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Richardson, Prospect; Thomas Hays Donley, Mars; and Mrs. Mary E. Harper,
Bald Ridge, in 1883.
Joseph C. Irvine, Forward township ; Samuel M. Bippus, Butler ; J. B. Sho-
walter, Millerstown ; and A. J. Pyle, Zelienople, in 1884.
Harry Navigo, Karns City: G. \Y. Sloan, Butler; J. C. Barr, Mars; and
Reddick Coulter McCurdy, Butler, in 1885
Daniel W. Fiedler, Harmony; Edward P. Logan, Saxonburg; and George
W. Bean, Butler, in 1886.
John F. Moore, Butler; Andrew Edmonds, Martinsburg ; William Linnen-
brink, Zelienople; D. Elmer Wiles, Butler; and Charles T. W. Seidel, Ilarris-
ville, in 1887.
M. P. Cullman, Petrolia; W. R. Titzel (II), Butler; Walker W. McCon-
nell, Harrisville ; George M. Silvers, Evans City; and John Charles Hove, Jacks-
ville, in 1888.
John Calvin Cort, Renfrew; W. J. Kelly, Parker township; M. E. Head-
land, Zelienople; W. II. McCafferty, Sarver Station; Robert W. Watterson, Zeli-
enople; Samuel E. Ralston, Harmony; and Joseph L. Campbell, Millerstown,
in L889.
Charles L. Tilton, Evans City; William II. Wallace, Butler; George D.
Thomas, Millerstown; Jesse E. Mann (II), Butler; J. L. Axtell, Millerstown;
Lysander Black, Butler; V. F. Thomas, Fairview ; Mrs. Eliza E. Grossman,
Butler; George J. Peters, Butler; Arthur Foster, Saxonburg; and Levi M. Rein-
se!, Butler, in 1890.
Harry M. Wilson, Evans City ; Joseph Forrester, Butler; Joseph W. Miller,
Butler ; Albert D. Price, Evans City; Horace S. McClymonds, Brownsdale;
George G. Shoemaker, Butler; and Edwin C. Thompson, West Liberty, in 1891.
William J. Grossman, Coaltown; James B. Thompson, Prospect; Charles J.
Stein, Zelienople; Edwin J. Fithian, Portersville ; Thomas H. Newcomb, Karns
City; George K. McAdoo, Anandale ; M. C. Smith, Zelienople; and J. C. Wil-
son, Evans City, in 1892.
W. R. Cowden, Middle Lancaster; Walter N. Humphrey, Portersville ; James
A. Wallace, Petrolia ; Harry Lee Brush, Centreville ; W. W. Lasher, Saxonburg;
Charles E. Beck, Middle Lancaster; George L. Fife, Saxonburg; William
Plummer McElrpy, West Liberty, and John Franklin Turner, Hooker, Concord
township, in 1803. Simeon Nicholas Andre, Buena Vista, in 1894.
MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.
The Butler County Medical Association was organized November 3, 186(3, to
co-operate more effectually with the State and National Associations in the work
of advancing the knowledge of medicine and the status of the physician. The
first officers were Amos Lusk, president; A. M. Neyman, vice-president;
Stephen Bredin, secretary ; William Irvine, treasurer; W. S. Huselton, corres-
ponding secretary ; W. R. Cowden, Joseph S. Lusk, Josiah McMichael and Will-
iam Irvine, censors; and W. R. Cowden, Amos Lusk, Stephen Bredin, M. M. Rich-
ardson and A. M. Neyman, committee on constitution. The articles of association
were signed January 3, 1867, the officers named with the following physicians,
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. I / I
signing the roll : — J. B. Livingston and G. \V. Coulter, of Slippery Rock ; E. F.
Anderson, of Coultersville ; S. H. Matheson, of Saxonburg ; T. J. Blackwood,
of Glade Mills; Theodore Frickenstein, of Butler; and N. M. Hoover, of North
Washington. The first act of the new association was the adoption of a fee bill.
The presidents of the society since its organization are as follows : Amos
Lusk, 1867; Stephen Bredin, 1868; W. R. Cowden, 1869; Stephen Bredin,
1870-1875; Samuel Graham, 187(5; S. D. Bell, 1877; W. X. Clark, 1878; David
Harper, 1S79 ; Josiah McMichael, 1880 ; Joseph S. Lusk, lssl-,s;{ ; William Irvine,
1884-85; R. H. Pillow, 1886; W. L. De Wolfe, 1887; Floyd V. Brooks, 1888;
John E. Byers, 1889; N. M. Hoover, 1890; A. M. Neyman, 1891 ; J. C. Barr,
1892; H. D. Hockenberry, 1893; and Samuel Graham, 1894.
The office of secretary has been rilled by the following named physicians :
Stephen Bredin, 1807 ; A. M. Neyman, 186*; G. W. Coulter, 1870; S. S. Tow-
ler, 1875; S. D. Bell, 1876; C. F. McBride, 1877; R. H. Pillow, 1878-79; John
E. Byers, 1880; J. L. Christie, 1881-89,; S. D. Bell, 1890-1894; and Joseph For-
rester, 1894.
The members of the society in 1894, were as follows : S. D. Bell, S. M, Bip-
pus, J. E. Byers, Joseph Forrester, Samuel Graham, Mrs. Eliza E. Grossman, M.
E. Headland, N. M. Hoover, J. W. Miller, A. M. Neyman, G. J. Peters, R. II.
Pillow and George G. Shoemaker (since deceased), of Butler; William M. Bar-
ber and H. D. Hockenberry, West Sunbury ; J. C. Barr, Mars; J. L. Campbell,
W. L. DeWolfe, J. B. Showalter and G. D. Thomas, Millerstown ; J. L. Chris-
tie, Petersville ; J. C. Cort, William Irvine and H. M. Wilson, Evans City;
William R. Cowden, Middle Lancaster; A. Holman. Unionville ; H. S.
McClymonds, Renfrew ; O. P. Pisor, North Washington ; S. O. Sterrett, Valen-
cia ; Y. F.Thomas, Fairview ; E. C. Thompson, West Liberty; J. B. Thompson,
Prospect; S. S. Towler, Marionville, Forest county; A. V. Cunningham, Zeli-
enople ; and E. B. Mershon, Saxonburg.
CHAPTER XII.
THE PRESS.
Pioneer Newspapers of Western Pennsylvania— The Palladium and its Found-
er—The Centinel — Repository— Proposed Herald, and Freeman's Journal —
The Democratic Herald and Jacob Ziecler — Whig— American — William Has-
lett — Star Spangled Banner — Union, and Union-Herald — American Citi-
zen— Butler Citizen — Press— Fair and Festival— Northwestern Independ-
ent—Eagle— Oilman's Journal— Record — Semi-Monthly — Times — Orphan's
Friend — Tidings— Magnet — Millerstown Newspapers — Np;wspapers of Petro-
lia and Vicinity— Newspapers of Prospect, Zelienople, Centreville and Sax-
ONBURG.
T"
IHE beginnings of literary activity in Western Pennsylvania dates back
_L to July L1'.*, L786, when the Pittsburg Gazette was founded by John
Scull. It was the lirst newspaper published west of the Allegheny mountains,
and was distributed by special courier among the sparse settlements adjacent to
Pittsburg. The earliest newspaper venture north of that place was the Craw-
ford Weekly Messenger, established by Thomas Atkinson at Meadville in 1805.
Three years later George Wyeth began the publication of the Mirror at Erie,
and in INI I the Western Press was founded at Mercer by Jacob Herrington.
The latter is still one of the leading weeklies of Mercer county, after a checkered
career of more than eighty years.
In 1881 the pioneer newspaper of Butler county was established. Refer-
ence to the transactions of the commissioners in a previous chapter will show
the sums paid out annually to the Pittsburg newspapers, and account, in a meas-
ure, for the courage which led to the establishment of a newspaper in Butler.
The population of the county was approaching the 10,000 mark, Butler was
organized as a borough and society was assuming modern forms, when its first
newspaper was founded.
The Butler Palladium and Republican Star was issued August 17, 1818,
by John Galbraith. Number 41, of Volume 1, dated March '27, 1N19, now in
possession of Charles Duffy, is a four page folio of four columns to the page.
The typography is very much superior to that of its immediate successors, but the
local news is confined almost exclusively to the advertising columns. The rate
per annum was two dollars in advance, or two dollars and a half if paid within
the year, and the advertising rate, one dollar per square, for three insertions.
The advertisements in the Palladium of March. 1819, included the McXair and
Lowrey notices, referred to in the chapter on public lands ; the fulling and dying
house of William and Henry Neyman, of Centre township : the shop of Alex-
ander Anderson, shoemaker ; the general store of M. B. and W. Lowrie ; the
grist and fulling mills of John Xegley ; the store of Charles Cist & Company, of
THE PRESS. 173
Harmony, and the tannery of Hugh McKee. Calls for the settlement of accounts
by Patrick Hagerty, William Campbell and Robert Scott, and partnership notices
of John Empy and Robert Dickey, blacksmiths, and of Patrick McDermott and
William Johnston, blacksmiths.
John Galbraith, founder of the Palladium, was a son of John Galbraith, Sr.,
a native of Ireland, who served in the War of the Revolution as a soldier in the
Pennsylvania Line. In 1796 the family came to Butler county and settled in
Centre township, where the sons John, Alexander W., and James, became well-
known pioneers. The mother was a daughter of Matthew White, an early set-
tler of the county, ami brought from Huntington county a female slave who
became free before the emancipation act of Pennsylvania was passed, but
remained with the Galbraith family until her death. John Galbraith read
law with William Ayres, and was admitted to practice November 10,
1818; but having established the Palladium he devoted his attention to
his newspaper until his removal to Franklin, Venango county, in 1819.
He soon after married Amy Ayres, a daughter of Rev. Robert Ayres, an
Episcopal minister of Franklin. In 1828 he was elected to the legislature, and
served four consecutive terms in that body. He was elected to Congress in 1832
and re-elected in 1834. In 1837 he removed to Erie, and was again elected to
Congress the following year. In \<A he was elected president judge, a position
he held until his death, June 15, 1860.
The Butler Centincl succeeded The Palladium in October, 1820. It
espoused the Federalist party warmly, and in 18:24 was intensely anti- Jack-
sonian. Moses and John Sullivan, the editors and owners, adopted as the motto
of their journal the following phrase of Washington : — " Watching with zealous
anxiety for the preservation of your National Union, and discountenancing what-
ever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned." The
publishers adhered to this motto and made of their journal a fair newspaper for
the time and place. A copy of the Ccntinel of November 18, 1820, Number 7
of Volume 1, shows a folio of four pages, each of four columns, and printed in
old-time small pica. A lengthy advertisement by Francis R. Shunk, Frederick
W. Leopold and Louis Gall — the land committee of the German Society at Har-
risburg — appears in this issue. A caution against taking notes, by Joshua
McElfish ; an advertisement of Joseph McQuistion, the boot and shoemaker; of
James Thompson, the blacksmith, and of Henry Neyman, the hatter ; together
with calls for the settlement of accounts by David Scott, John McQuistion, Potts
& Dougal and Ross Gateley, the school-teacher, are all given. The news is gen-
erally foreign with a few selected articles. The Sullivans published the paper
about four years. They were prominent factors in the pionee.' history of Butler
and are appropriately mentioned in another chapter.
In the fall of ls:24 William Stewart and Joseph Buffington bought the plant,
changed the name of the paper to "Sentinel," enlarged it and extended its line
of news. The Sentinel of February 11. 1826, was numbered new series, I olume
2, Number 60, old series. Volume 6., Stewart & Burlington being then editors.
On April 14, ls^tj, Buffington retired from the partnership and Stewart con-
tinued publication. In his salutatory he says;
I "4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Taught from the cradle to revere those principles for which the fathers of the Rev-
olution " pledged their lives and sacred honors;" educated where alone republicanism
in its piirity is to be found, in the cabin ; it need not, nor will it be thought strange that my
predilections are strongly in favor of the Democratic party.
In May, 1826, the office was moved to the house then occupied by Rev.
Isaiah Niblock, formerly used as a printing office by John Sullivan, on the corner
of Washington and West streets. The muse of the Sentinel writing the "Car-
rier's Address,'' in January, 1829, became prophetic. His fifth stanza, of twelve
lines, discloses his ideas : —
Pause here, my muse — look forward and you'll see
How wondrous great the land of Penn shall be —
Chequer'd with railroads and canals beside;
While roaring- engines — boats shall on them glide,
Bearing our products to every cliine,
In rich profusion from the field and mine.
What halcyon days shall then succeed our toil!
Fruits grow spontaneous from the untended soil!
Fat pigs and ducks, with knife and fork transfixed,
Cry, "Eat us! Eat us." Wine with nectar mixed
Shall to our lips be pressed! How blessings .throng!
The theme does quite intoxicate my song.
The prices which Stewart paid for type in 1829 are as follows: Pearl, per
pound, 11.40; nonpareil, ninety cents; minion, seventy cents; brevier, fifty-six
cents; bourgeois, forty-six cents; long primer, forty cents; small pica, thirty-
eight cents, and pica thirty-six cents. Larger primers, from thirty-four to thirty
cents, and scabbards and quotations, thirty cents. These prices were subject to a
discount of five per cent for cash, but the editor does not show that he took
advantage of the liberal terms offered by the foundrymen. Under date, February
(3, 1880, .Stewart says :
The Sentinel was unable to report last week, his fire-lock being out of order for want
of elbow grease. A little of the old oil which he first used when he posted himself in But-
ler, being applied this week, enabled him to fire off once more. Our patrons may expect
a weekly report after this.
In 1880 Parker C. Purviance and George W. Smith purchased the Sentinel,
cleared the office of all Democratic tendencies, opposed the Masonic order with
vehemence, and then, being true Whigs, gave battle without quarter to the Dem-
ocrats. In the campaign of 1840, they exhausted themselves, and soon after,
the Sentinel, having finished its mission, went the way of all things human.
The Repository was issued March' 14, 1823, by Maurice and John Bredin.
The salutatory sets fourth the belief of the publishers that another newspaper in
the place would be useful, and was desired by a considerable portion of the citi-
zens of this county. As Democratic-Republicans they claimed the right of
expressing their opinions on public men and public affairs, but declared that the
columns of The Repository should be open to the opinions of all. This journal
was issued every Friday, at the rate of two dollars per annum. The terms for
advertising were one dollar per square for four insertions, and twenty-five cents
for each continuance. European and Asiatic news items occupied nearly two
THE PRESS. 175
pages, State politics a half page, advertising a half page and miscellaneous
papers one page. A notice of the marriage of William Lochead, of Cranberry,
to Nancy Renison, of Middlesex, by Squire Stooltire, and the advertisements of
William Hagerty, merchant, and Francis McClure, dyer, appear. On Decem-
ber 3, 1824, the publishers of The Repository said editorially :
We have understood that Messrs. Stewart & Buffington, to whom the Butler Sentinel
has been transferred, have enlarged their paper. Although the support that a new
country like this can afford a newspaper, will scarcely meet the expenses incident to the
publication of a paper on a super-royal sheet, yet, being desirous that our readers shall
have no reasonable cause of complaint, as to the size cf our paper, we will make arrange-
ments immediately for publishing The Repository on a larger sheet, and expect that in
two or three weeks at farthest, The Repository will appear in a new dress.
The promise was carried into effect on December 17, 1824, when four five-
column pages, printed in long primer, were presented to its readers. With the
exception of four advertisements and the announcement of enlargement, the paper
did not contain a reference to Butler county affairs. The recognition of the Bredin
Brothers enterprise by the Sentinel, was so exceedingly slow and modest, that
The Repository had to notice this inattention editorially.
In 1831 John Bredin was commissioned judge of the new Seventeenth judi-
cial district. Expecting preferment at the bar, he retired from journalism in 1830,
and with him his brother, Maurice. The office became the property of James
McGlaughlin and John McClelland, who appear to have carried on The Reposi-
tory until June 27, 1835, when it bears the imprint of McGlaughlin iS: Ziegler.
Shortly after, David Shannon and John Little became owners, and they may be
said to have carried on its publication down to May, 1842, when it sunk its iden-
tity in the new Democratic Herald.
The Butler Herald was a paper of the imagination — originating in the brain
of George W. Smith, once a member of the Butler bar. The prospectus of the
Herald was published in the Sentinel of July 4, 1829, by Smith, who proposed
to make it the organ of the anti-Masonic and anti-intemperance people of Butler,
as well as of the colonizationists. At first, the editor designed it as a semi-
monthly periodical, then as a weekly; but seeing the Sentinel and The Reposi-
tory in possession of the field he concluded to abandon the proposed enterprise.
The Freeman s Journal was proposed May 25, 1830, by Peter Duffy.
His object, or one of them, was to teach the dangers of class government, that is
a coalition of those who wish to consume without producing, to occupy all public
places without being competent to fill them, and to seize upon all honors with-
out meriting them. The prospectus of the Journal, at least, leads one to the
conclusion that eternal emmity between himself and such non-competents formed
one of the motives for embarking in newspaper life. He looked upon the opposi-
tion to the Masons as a movement without patriotic, but with selfish foundations.
The project was not carried into execution, as he concluded to use the columns of
the two journals then published in Butler for scattering his political ideas among
the people.
The Democratic Herald was founded in May, 1 s42, by James McGlaughlin
and Jacob Ziegler. On November 19, 1845, James McGlaughlin issued his vale-
1/0 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
dictorv as publisher, and Samuel G. Purvis, who purchased his interest and
became associated with Jacob Ziegler in its management, issued his salutatory.
On June 27, 1848, the names of .Samuel G. Purvis and Joseph McMurtry appear
as publishers, and so continued until February 3, 1849, when James McGlaughlin
and Cornelius Coll became owners. On January 12, 1850, the name of Andrew
E. Marshall was substituted for that of McGlaughlin, and under the direction of
Marshall and Coll the Herald entered on the second half of the Nineteenth cen-
tury, still advocating the principles of Jefferson. Madison, Jackson and Polk. On
March 15, 1851, Jacob Ziegler resumed his place as owner, vice Coll, and
announced that "as long speeches are never read, we shall snap them short off
by saying: We are Democratic in thought, word and deed, and shall endeavor to
be as honorable to political opponents as their conduct deserves."
In April following the office was moved to the house formerly occupied by
R. & J. Cunningham, on Main street, where it was issued for some years. On
July 5. 1854, the editor charged that the Know Nothing journals were edited by
foreigners, and pointed out that Know Nothingism was not a conviction, but a
pretence used conveniently by demagogues. Of course the Whig party came in
for a whipping, and the editor stated that said party rarely, if ever, obtained
victory except bv some kind of an ism, or an unnatural and unhealthy excite-
ment built on some ism.
The valedictory of Jacob Ziegler. as editor, and the salutatory of Joseph P.
Patterson appeared under date Match 2 1 . 1855. The attacks on the political
fungi of that period, so well sustained by " Uncle Jake," were continued with
unabated zeal by the new editor. Tohn H. Neglev assumed control of the Her-
ald November 28, 1855. On July 3, 1858, Mr. Negley retired and Samuel and
Tohn C. Coll became editors and publishers.
The Herald in its issue of December 4, 1861, announced that it would be
mailed to subscribers of the Butler Union, according to arrangement with Mr.
Irvin. In the issue of December 11, the valedictory of S. P. Irvin appears, and
in it he tells of the consolidation of the Midler Union with the Herald, under the
title : — The Union-Herald. On the last given date, the new title appeared at the
head of the old Herald , with the firm name of J. C. Coll & Company as publish-
ers. In 1867 Jacob and Alfred G. Ziegler purchased the office from Coll, and
in l^-7--73, the paper was called" Ziegler s Democratic Herald U but was soon
changed to the oiiginal name.
The obituary of William Johnson in the issue of December, 1872, after
describing the life of the old printer, indulged in the following play upon chapel-
words :
Poor Bill! His life was one of dashes, but his imprudence put a period to them. His
.bed is now in the bosom of mother earth, and although his form no longer .stands on its feet,
we hope it is not beyond justification.
From 1867 up to the death of Mr. Ziegler, the Herald enjoyed a fair share of
prosperity, and its pages bore the imprint of his originality. Coming from Get-
tysburg to Butler in August, 1831, he entered the office of The Repository the
following month as devil, where he soon became known as " The devil from Get-
tysburg." He served an apprenticeship of two and one-half vears, and was then
THE PRESS. I"7
graduated as a full-fledged typo. He worked as a journeyman in the same office
up to the spring of 1*4:2, when he became one of the founders of the Democratic
Herald, and, with the exception of the period between 1855 and 1867, when the
paper was in other hands, his was the master-mind that guided its destiny. For
nearly half a century " Uncle Jake'' was one of the best known and most highly
respected men in Butler county ; while his strong and vigorous personality infused
into the editorial pages of his paper, gave him a wide reputation among the
journalists of Pennsylvania, and won for the paper the characteristic title of
" Ziegler's Herald."
After his death, Judge James Bredin and Stephen Cummings, the adminis-
trators of the estate, were the actual managers, Mr. Cummings giving it personal
attention until October 26, 1S>S, when the office was sold to \V. G. Ziegler (a
nephew of " Uncle Jacob "), and James A. McKee, who have since been the
editors and publishers. The circulation of the //eraldis about 2,000. Since Jacob
Ziegler's time, the office has experienced two removals, first from the old Beatty
hotel to the frame building at the rear of the Troutman store, formerly the post-
office, as kept by Thomas White. In August, 1893, the last move to the present
Herald building was made. This is a three-story and basement structure, well
lighted, and particularly adapted for a newspaper office. It was erected at a cost
of $6,000.
The Butler County Whig was the Sentinel revivified in a new body and a
new dress. In William Haslett's salutatory, as editor of The Whig, issued June
24, 1846, it is said, among other things: —
Secret and Oath-bound Societies we shall eyer oppose, because we believe such societies
unnecessary, Anti-Republican, and fraught with immediate or ultimate dansrer to the
liberties of the country, especially if they are controlled, as they are known to have
been, by the influence of evil or designing men.
Haslett continued its publication alone until October It). 1850, when J. L.
Bredin became associate publisher and editor; he. however, may be said to have
been the sole worker in the office down to August 25, 1852, when he asked for
and obtained a dissolution of the partnership. Mr. Haslett sold the Whig, in
April, 1855, to William B. Lemmon, and the Herald, noticing the change said,
in its issue of April 18, that " to Haslett must be credited the establishment of
the J Vhig and its successful management for the past ten years."
The Butler American. — Following the purchase of the Whig, W. B. Lem-
mon bought, in April, 1855, Tlie Star Spangled Banner, the organ of the Know
Nothings, from Johnston, its publisher. That he consolidated with the Whig.
then known as the Butler American, under the title The Butler American and
Star of Liberty, and declared the combination ready to espouse Know Xoth-
ingism in any shape. In September, 1859, Edwin Lyon became part owner of
the Butler American, and with Mr. Haslett, who had again got control, carried
on that journal. In January, 1861, this paper begged Congress to do anything
for peace, although some years before under Lemmon it was engaged in sowing
the seeds of political and religious intolerance. Haslett continued to publish the
American up to October, 1865, when the plant was purchased by Thomas Robin-
son and the material removed to the office of the Citizen.
1/8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Mr. Haslett deserves special mention in this chapter because of his long and
prominent connection with journalism in Butler. Two years after disposing of
the American he established the Butler County Press, and continued its publica-
tion until the spring of 18G9, when he sold out to John H. Negley, and retired
permanently from the newspaper field, after an active career of twenty-three
years. He was also prominent in the local political arena, and was elected to the
legislature in 1844 ; to the State senate in 1849, and again to the legislature in
1863, and for several years held office under the National Government. Mr.
Haslett was a leading spirit in the enactment of the railroad bill, which won for
Butler county its first iron highway, and he always manifested a deep interest in
the growth and prosperity of his home. He died December 10. 1872, three years
after retiring from his last editorial charge.
The Star Spangled Banner never was so illy used as when the name was
placed by one Johnston at the head of a little paper which he printed here in
1858-55. It was an organ of discord, publishing as many lies to the square inch
as the most vicious publisher of our own day could desire. The Butler American
and Star of Liberty was little better while under the control of \V. B. Lemmon.
The Butler Union was suggested late in I860. S. P. Irvin. as the publisher,
wished to unite all parties, regardless of political bias, in a bond of Union, which
would insure the more prompt subjection of the armies of the Confederacy.
There was little use for such a journal a few months later : for, however much
men differed on the method of subduing the Confederates, all men here were
determined that there should not be two nations between the Gulf of Mexico and
the St. Lawrence. On December 11, 1861, the Union merged into the Dem-
ocratic-Herald, and for the nonce, the title The Union-Herald was adopted. In
fact, on December 4, the Butler Union ceased publication.
The Union-Herald was issued by J. C. Coll & Company, December 11,
1861. On January 21, ISC]:',, its volume number was XXI. anil issue number 2'.),
showing it to be the Democratic- J Veraid of 1842 under a new name. Clark
Wilson was then, editor and publisher. It, too, lost its identity in the Herald.
The American Citizen was established by Thomas Robinson and Maj. Cyrus
E. Anderson, and issued December '.I. 1863. At the head of the editorial column
was the name of Abraham Lincoln, and this, with the fact that Mr. Robinson
was to be political editor and Mr. Anderson local editor, tell at once that the
new journal was a Republican paper. The motto was, " Let us have faith that
Right makes Might; and in that faith let us. to the end, dare to do our duty as
we understand it.'' — A. Lincoln. The office was in the brick building formerly
tenanted by Reiber iV_ Vetter, opposite Jack's Hotel, now the Lowry House, with
entrance from Jefferson street. Paper could not be obtained to print The Citizen
of April 20, 1864, and this reason was given for its non-appearance. On Janu-
ary 9, 1865, Major Anderson retired, owing to Ins duties in the provost marshal's
office requiring all his attention. The surrender of Lee was announced in the
issue of April 12, 1865. On the editorial page appears the picture of an eagle,
holding four spears in his claws and a small flag in his mouth, bearing the words:
" Lincoln and the Union, forever.'" Above the picture are the names: Grant,
Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas and Hancock. The issue ot April 19 was in
THE PRESS. I 7«.
mourning over the assassination of Lincoln. On October 11, 1865, William
Haslett closed his connection with the Butler American and the office became
the property of the American Citizen.
On December 12, 1866, Cyrus E. Anderson succeeded Mr. Robinson as owner
and editor, and filled that position for nearly two years and a half. In the vale-
dictory of Major Anderson, which appeared in The American Citizen of April
14. L869, he says : "The paper has passed into experienced hands. Mr. Xegley
has previously occupied the editorial chair, and will, no doubt, conduct the paper
with marked ability." On the same date the greeting of the new editor was
issued. April 7. 1869, Mr. Xegley purchased the Citizen, and in May he bought
the office of The Butler County Press with all Haslett's rights in that journal.
The Butler Citizen is the lineal descendant of the Centineloi 1820, and all
the Federal, Whig, American and Republican newspapers, published here prior
to 1870, are its foundation stones. The venerable Ccntinel, the Butler County
Whig, the well edited American Citizen, and the Press, as well as the Butler
American and the Star Spangled Banner, are in its foundation. William C.
Xegley was admitted a partner of his father in Xovember, 1872, and in Septem-
ber, 1888. became sole owner. The Citizen is particularly noticeable for its
attention to pioneermatters, such as deaths of old residents, and historical notices.
Its news paragraphs are well written ; while its editorials show a desire for fair
play between parties and for justice to the country at large.
The Butler County Press was established by William Ilaslett August 14,
1867, and carried on by him until its suspension in 1809. As stated previously.
the office was purchased by Mr. Xegley a short time after the publication ceased.
77/i' Pair and Festival, the first daily bulletin issued at Butler, was offered
for sale December 26, 1868, and continued publication until January 14. 1869. It
was suggested by Maj. J. 15. Butler for benevolent purposes, and it may be said
that he was the editor. Though only a one-column daily.it showed the editorial.
news and advertisement divisions of a modern journal. The little paper was
devoted intoto to the interests of the Ladies' Fair and Festival, containing notices
of its progress, advertisements of the prizes offered, and names of the daily win-
ners. Major Butler, with whom the idea originated, died only recently. Though
not a resident of Butler, he was buried here, and his remains rest in the old grave-
yard opposite St. Paul's Catholic church, in the building of which he was
interested enough to aid in organizing the fair of 1868-69 as a means of collect-
ing funds for its construction.
The North-western Independent, a monthly paper, was issued at Butler in
July, 1869, by Clark Wilson. Of course, when he established the Oilman s Jour-
nal, the Independent ceased.
The Butler Eagle was established in February, 1870, as a Republican journal.
A company, the greater number of the members of which were veterans of the
War of the Rebellion, was organized with the object of giving to the county a
newspaper which would expound the ideas of the soldier or military element of
the Republican party, and inculcate lessons of patriotism from their point of
view. The directors of the company were W. L. Graham, president; F. M.
Eastman, Hugh Morrison, J. B.Story and Cyrus E.Anderson. The officers were
I SO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Thomas Robinson, political editor; John M. Greer, local editor; Edwin
Lyon, agricultural editor, and F. M. Eastman, business manager. In fact, there
was too much organization in all this, and serious differences of opinion were
expected from the beginning. Those expectations were realized ; for in a little
while Hugh Morrison and J. B. Clark were appointed editors vice Thomas Rob-
inson, resigned. In l.sTl Mr. Robinson became sole owner, and from that period
down to January 1, lsTO, his trenchant pen was made visible in the editorial
pages and often in the news columns.
The Eagle was purchased by Eli D. Robinson, a son of the founder, January
1, l^T'-l, and edited by him solely until February 7, 1881, when James M. Carson
purchased an interest and at once assumed the position of associate editor. It is
needless to speak of the progress of this paper under the management of Robin-
son & Carson. While they did not surrender a single Republican idea, they
made politics, even in bitter campaigns, agreeable ; for they surrounded attacks
on the opposition with credits for the good parts of the enemy, and thus, giving
justice where due, won respect. The Eagle is credited in Rowell's Newspaper
Directory with a weekly circulation of 1,800. It is well printed and edited,
while its new^ columns tell of the thorough effort made by the publishers to gather
the news items. From March, 1888, to October, 1889, Professor Bancroft
held a position in the local department of this paper. The Eagle was Issued at
first from the old George W. Smith building on the northeast corner of the Dia-
mond, late the law office of Thomas Robinson. In 1 885 Robinson & Carson erected
the present Eagle Building, on Main street, on a lot purchased, in 1884, from
the Dougal heirs. In February. 1895, Mr. Robinson purchased Mr. Carson's
interest, and is now sole proprietor.
The Oilman's Journal was established by Clark Wilson, at Parker. Volume
III.. Number 41, is dated August HI, 1872. In November following, his son, II.
C. Wilson, was admitted a partner and, in January, 1877, the office was moved to
Butler, where the Journal was issued February 10, 1877, being Number 11, of
Volume VIII. Clark Wilson was then editor and proprietor. Knowing Butler
in the days of Civil War, when he tried to Unionize the conflicting sentiments of
the people, he came now to aid the old capital of the new oil field and carried out
his intention in the matter. In June, 1S77, the devil, in the office of The Oilman's
Journal, demonstrated his possession of the gift of poetry in the following verse :
The first moskeeter's cotne.
We heard him blow his horn.
While catching minnows
In the creek, the other morn,
Down by Boos' mill.
The Butler County Record, formerly The Pctrolia Record ', was founded Octo-
ber 27. 1*77, at Petrolia, by Charles E. Herr, in connection with a printing office car-
ried on there by the publisher. In April, 1878, the size was increased from the
original folio of twenty columns to a folio of twenty-eight columns, and in every
respect the Record was made worthy of the busy oil center, which Petrolia then
was. The editor gave time and attention to his work and painted in glowing
words each week's doings in that interesting oil Held. Among the reporters and
THE PRESS. I S I
contributors at Petrolia were I). W. Moorehouse, now a preacher of the gospel,
at Newburyport, Massachusetts; Dr. B. L. Davis, F. F. Ilerr, VV. F. Jordan and
L. H. Patterson.
On removing the office to Butler, the name was changed to the Butler
County Record, and the first number, under this new name, was issued June I},
1888. On October 1, 1889, Prof. P. S. Bancroft, formerly of the Witherspoon
Institute, and later in the local department of The Eagle, -was engaged as associ-
ate editor — a position lie still holds. Messrs. Herr and Bancroft are earnest
workers in the newspaper field and aim to make their columns as interesting and
newsy as they were in the lively days when the great Petrolia oil field yielded
up its surprises, jokes and tragedies daily. It is now a neatly printed journal of
thirty-six columns, politically independent and carefully edited. The certified
circulation is 1 .7<>0.
The Semi-Monthly was established in September. 1881, by C. M. and W.
J. Heineman, as a magazine, and issued from their office in the Heineman build-
ing until 1SS4. Two or three other little papers were published at intervals. •
The Times, an evening paper, was founded April 14. 1884, by Charles M.
and W, J. Heineman and W. (J. Ziegler. as "The Times Publishing Company,"
with the object of furnishing the public of Butler and neighborhood the cream of
the daily news and details of the oil field. At that time it was a four-page
journal, neatly printed, each page being eleven by eight inches. On January
1, 1885, The Times was enlarged to eleven by fifteen inches, and the news col-
umns extended, and on August 3, 188,"), the size was again increased to twenty-
two by fifteen inches. Later that fall W. G. Ziegler sold his interests to the
Heinemans, since which time the brothers have carried it on with good success.
The circulation of the limes daily is about 800.
The Weekly Times, established in August, 1**4, as a seven-column, four-
page journal, is now an eight-page paper of forty-eight columns. The job
department of this office is very complete and the patronage quite large; while
the new two-story printing office erected in 1<S<)4 is one of the most complete in
the countv.
The Orphan's Friend was a periodical issued by Rev. P. C. Prugh of St.
Paul's Orphans' Home in 1882. It was established by Rev. T. F. Stauffer, who
was editor down to December, 1882. Like other denominational journals it has
passed away.
The 'Tidings, published by Rev. J. Q. Waters of the Butler English Lutheran
church, was issued in April, 1883, but its life was not of long duration.
The Magnet, a semi-monthly magazine, is published by the students of the
Butler High School, Edgar H. Xegley being editor-in-chief. Xine other editors,
a business manager and an assistant manager find mention on the editorial page.
Number 14 of volume 11, dated May 29, 1893, is a very creditable specimen.
MILLERSTOWN NEWSPA PERS.
The Sand Tump, the first half-sheet of a daily paper, was issued at Millers-
town, by O. H.Jackson, in August, 1873. It was a trial issue to learn how far
he could depend on the busy oil men and business community for support in pub-
1 82 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
lishing a daily journal. IIow far the trial warranted success is shown by the fact
that the Daily Sand Pump was issued regularly in September, 1S73, and, to use
the words of a contemporary, "went like hot cakes." It was an eight by ten
inch sheet tilled with oily paragraphs and advertisements. The people tired of
it, however, in a little while, and the Sand Pump ceased working.
TJic Millerstoxcii Review was a venture of the Rev. A. S. Thorn, who
attempted to monopolize the advertising patronage of the oil field. It was
established in 1ST."), after an experience at Greece City and other places. It was
published with some degree of regularity until 1*79, when Thorn, driven oft' by
competitors, removed to Atwood, Kansas, to begin the publication of The
Pioneer.
The Millersto-wn Herald was founded by S. J. Small in Centennial year.
On May 19 1 S 7 7 . he sold his interest in the paper and material to P. A. Ratti-
gan, who made it a photograph of the oil Held, as well as a stanch supporter of the
Democratic party. During the last few years the Millerstown Herald obtained
a large circulation, and has become a popular vehicle of news for the whole
county. Nothing escapes its watchful editor, and, as a result, its news columns
are replete in paragraphs bristling with common sense,, while its editorials arc-
read with interest by Republicans as well as Democrats.
NEWSPAPERS OF PETROLIA AND VICINITY.
The Advertiser was the pioneer journal of that borough, antedating the
Record (the history of which has been previously given) by a few months. Lerch
& Mapes. the publishers, surrendered the field to Charles E. Herr, when he made
known his intention of starting the Petrolia Record in 1.S77.
The Producers' Free Press was established early in 1878, by Lerch & Mapes,
as a journal wholly devoted to the oil interests of the Petrolia field. To insure
the success of their second venture here, they engaged P. C. Boyle to take edi-
torial charge, and while he edited the Free Press it met with a fair measure of
success. Subsequently, the owners made the way clear for the Record, finding
the battle lor precedence to be against them.
The Fairviezv Reporter was founded in 1872 by Col. Samuel Young, and
continued publication for about twelve months, when he sought a more promising
held. Among his aids was R. \V. Crisswell, afterward a good describer of the
oil fields in the Oil City Derrick and other papers.
The Advertiser was issued at Buena Yista, in December, 1873, as a tri-weekly
paper, by J. I'. Springstead. Old newspapermen at Putler do not remember
such a journal ; but yet it is of record.
The Item was established at Greece City in March, 1S73, by Rev. A. S.
Thorn, a Presbyterian preacher anil principal of West Sunbury Academy. W.
W. McQuistion and Andrew Fitzsimmons, tvpos, assisted him in the office. It
called the place " Crease City.'' said other disagreeable things about the extraor-
dinary little oil town, and went the way of such journals in a very short period.
The Karns City Item was the first newspaper issued at Karns City. It may
have been the same as that at Greece City, with the title changed to suit Karns
City or vice versa. (t was a small sheet, yet it held the field for almost a year.
THE PRESS. 183
The Telephone was established at Karris City by J. Borland, in 1878, and
was regularly published there until 1882, when he moved the office to Pine
Grove, Mercer county.
Labor's Voice was founded at Martinsburg by Patrick C. Boyle. He was
born in Donegal county, Ireland, came to the United States in 1846, with his
parents, and was raised at Brady's Bend, Armstrong county. In January, 1*62,
he entered the Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and re-enlisted in March,
1S64. From 1868 to 1N74, he was connected with wells and pipe lines in this
field, but in the latter year entered the domain of journalism. In 1S77 he estab-
lished the first labor journal in the oil region at Martinsburg, in Parker township.
To-day Mr. Boyle is publisher of the Oil City Derrick, and one of the best
known citizens in Western Pennsylvania.
NEWSPAPERS OF PROSPECT.
The Prospect Record published by John S. Fairman and edited by Dr. D.
II. B. Brower, was issued at Prospect in July, 1853. It was a newsy local paper
on which Fairman and Brower lavished much labor. They had some hope of
educating the people of that village up to the point of reading, and further still
of supporting a paper printed entirely in the village. Twelve months of '-Love's
Labor Lost " convinced them that their hopes were groundless.
The Mirror and Ne-ws was issued at Prospect in September, 1854, by Spear
& Fairman, in the form of a six-column folio. Like the pioneer venture, the pub-
lishers learned within a year that Prospect would not recognize their efforts as
necessary to the life of the villagers and they suspended publication.
The Trump, issued in 1856, proved that it was not a trump, for within
three months the editor threw down his hand, declaring he could not play a
square game with the people.
The Camp-Meeting Register, a daily morning paper, was issued at Pros-
pect. August 26, 1859, by John S. Fairman. It was part and parcel of the great
camp-meeting which was organized there by Rev. Samuel Grouse and local
preachers.
The Prospect Leader grew up in S. B. Martincoui t's job printing office,
and appeared as a four-column, eight-page newspaper in December, ls7'.'. Pub-
lication was continued until the beginning of April, 1880, when it became evi-
dent to the publisher that Prospect had not the enterprise to support a news-
paper.
NEWSPAPERS OF ZELIEXOPLE.
The Zelienople Recorder, the first newspaper published in the county, out-
side Butler borough, was a thing of a few days and full of trouble. Little more
is known of it.
The Connoquenessing Valley Ne-ws, Number 1, Volume I, is dated October
MO, 1ST*. In the salutatory of the publishers, Samuel and J. R. Young, it is
written :
In obedience to the wishes of a large majority of the citizens of this valley, and
the enterprising- towns that have so long- prospered upon its banks, we send forth the
initial number of the Valley News. * * * * In conducting the paper, nothing of a
[84 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
sectarian or political character shall occupy its columns; but our purpose shall be to
advance the varied local interests of the region and advocate every idea that is calcu-
lated to benefit them.
On July lit, 1879, Samuel Young became sole proprietor. In December, 1881,
the editor of the News quoted the following sentence from the Millerstown
Herald:
Sam Young is almost as heavily crowded up with advertisments as we are. Sum, let
us arist and bless our frit nd«.
The Zelienope man responded thus :
We do, Pete, but your modesty overcomes us. Did you measure matter, Pete?
Taking a short column rule and measuring the matter in both papers, we found we have
just four and one-half columns more than you, allowing' time tables and everything else
to count. Now go to work and kick yourself just twenty-five minutes.
Colonel Young died at Zelienople, March "7, 1891, in his seventieth year,
and his son, J. R. Young, succeeded him as editor anil proprietor. The News is
printed at Zelienople, where a well equipped office speaks of enterprise and
success.
CENTREVILLE ASH SAXONBURG PAPERS.
The Ccntrcvillc Casket ceased publication, August 8, 1879. It was edited
by W. S. Fulkman, known as Stanley Fulkman, for about two years, then closed
its short career and editor and office moved to the town of Beaver.
The Signal was established at Centreville, February 12, 1892, by R. D.
Young, now of the New Castle Conraiit. lie carried on the Signal until the
close of the summer of that year, when a stock company took charge. In Janu-
ary, lS'.l-f, Albert L. VViche, formerly of the New Wilmington Globe, purchased
the office and now publishes the paper. The Signal has a weekly circulation of
about 700 copies.
The Saxonburg Herald, first issued in November, 1888, by Paul F. Yoigt,
is an eight-page weekly journal of forty-eight columns. Charles Hoffman is the
manager and reporter at Saxonburg. Though not printed in the borough, its
local news columns are generally replete and its distribution among subscribers
regular.
Looking back over the pages- of this chapter, and after learning some-
thing of the character of those who are gone, and knowing the men of the
present, we believe that the majority of the newspaper men of this county pos-
sessed and possess the spirit of Bohemia, as expressed in the billowing tribute by
that noblest of poet-journalists, John Boyle O'Rielly :
Bohemia has none but adopted sons;
It's limits, where fancy's bright stream runs!
It's honors, not garnered for thrift or trade,
For beauty and truth men's souls were made.
To the empty heart in a jeweled breast
There is value, maybe, in a purchased crest;
But the thirst)- of soul soon learn to know
The moistureless froth of the social show:
The vulgar sham of the pompous feast
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL LAWS. 1 85
Where the heaviest purse is the highest priest,
The organized charity, scrimped and iced
In the name of a cautious, statistical Christ;
The smile restrained, the respectable can't,
When a friend in need is a friend in want.
Where the only aim is to keep afloat,
And a brother may drown with a cry in his throat.
Oh! I long for the glow of a kindly heart and the grasp of a friendly hand,
And I'd rather live in Bohemia than in anv other land.
CHAPTER XIII.
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL LAWS.
Subscription Schools — Itinerant Teachers — Pioneer School Houses — Early
School Laws — Butler Academy — Common School Law Agitation — Passage
of the Law — First School Tax Levy— Schools Rapidly Increase — Superin-
tendents Reports Summarized — Free School Books — County School Superin-
tendents— County Teachers' Institute — County Teachers' Association —
Other Associations— Intellectual Fair -Statistics-Denominational and
Other Schools — School Reminiscences.
THE pioneer settlers of Butler county, in common with those of other sec-
tions of Western Pennsylvania, were men of limited education. This led
them to desire for their children the advantages that had been denied themselves,
and to encourage the establishment of schools in their midst. Their dependence
was upon the subscription school and the itinerant teacher, a man who made a
little learning play an important part in the educational history of those early
days. Though content with small pay, he was an autocrat in the community,
and, oftentimes, a tyrant in the schoolroom, enforcing his authority and exacting
obedience to his rules in a manner that would not be tolerated in the schools of
to-day. Save in cases of exceptional cruelty, he was upheld by the parents, who,
in their home discipline, acted up to the idea that the sparing of the rod spoiled
the child. On the whole, however, the pioneer school teacher did his work well,
and sent forth from his log school-house many bright-minded, strong-bodied youth,
who afterwards became prominent in affairs of the State and the Nation.
The pioneer school-house, like the settler's cabin, was built of logs. It repre-
sented the crudest form of civilized architecture. That on the Limes Hays farm
was regarded as abetter specimen of early school architecture than many others in
the county. Professor Matthews, who studied therein, described it as being con-
structed of hewn logs, while most of the others in the county were built of round
logs. In the center was a fire-place, with a hearth eight feet square. At the
I S6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
corners of the hearth were posts, which supported the tlue — a thing of pole-, and
clay. To the posts, below the ceiling, boards were nailed on each side, extend-
ing downward from the ceiling about four feet, to lead the smoke into the Hue,
whenever the ordinary draft failed to do so. Oak shingles formed the roof, while
slabs formed the ceiling. The front and rear were weather-boarded, but, for
some reason, the gables were not so protected. The door was like an ordinary
stable door, the floor laid with loose boards, the desks were rough boards, resting
on wooden pins driven into the walls, while the puncheon seats were of the back-
less variety. The presence of glass in the two windows of this cabin gave to it an
air of respectability which was not accorded to houses with greased paper widows.
The first observance, within the limits of Butler county, of the school law of
1790, relating to subscription schools, dates back to the closing year of the last
century, when a school was opened south of the village of Coylesville, in Clear-
field township. Under the school acts of 1802 subscription schools were multi-
plied. The people giving more than ordinary attention to making provision for
the instruction and education of their children. As early as 1810, this interest
culminated in the establishment of an academy at Butler, giving a new stimulus
to the cause of education in the young village.
In October, 1825, Robert Cunningham, a school teacher of Buffalo township,
asked the court to appoint schoolmen for that district, under the act of March 29,
1824, providing for the education of poor children. His petition was made neces-
sary bv the number of poor children sent to him to be educated and the non-
existence of a body to pay him his just dues for such service. The court granted
the petition and appointed Francis Anderson, William Hesselgesser and Robert
Elliott, schoolmen. This system was not confined by any means to the Buffalo
schools.
The act of 1824 resulted in such marked good to the countv as to increase
the desire of the people for laws giving greater educational privileges to the
poor. A similar condition of affairs in other parts of the State led to a u\<>\ e-
ment having for its purpose the passage of a common school law. '■ An Associa-
tion for the Promotion of Education." originating in Philadelphia, in furtherance
of this object, soon had branches in all parts of the State, one being organized in
Butler county in 1827.
Although the common school system may be traced to Pestalozzie, at Zurich,
Switzerland, in 1746, it was not adopted in Pennsylvania until after a long strug-
gle, nor was the law willingly acquiesced in by many of the districts in Butler
county until the lapse of several years after its passage. It took time to wean
the people from the old system and convince them of the many advantages and
beneficent results of the new. In October, 1834, meetings were held and the law
made the subject of denunciation. Resolutions were adopted declaring it to be
unjust and impolitic, and asserting that it never was intended by the Constitution
that the education of other than the children of the poor should be at public
expense. The most pronounced opposition came from the landed interests because
the principal burden of taxation necessary to carry its provisions into effect was
borne by the land.
The first tax levy, under the new law, for school purposes was made in Is:;."),
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL LAWS. I 8/
the amounts collected in each township being as follows : Butler borough, $ 122.19 ;
Butler township, $108.14; Centre, $214.47 ; Slippery Rock, $191.84; Mer-
cer, $69.77; Venango, $57.32; Barker, 103.37; Donegal, 128.43; Clearfield,
$63.13; Buffalo, $106.15; Middlesex, $175.51; Cranberry (where John O'Con-
nor was collector) , $123.52 ; Connoquenessing (where William Pillow was col-
lector), $2(54.29, and Muddy Creek, $204.41. The total tax levy this year was
$9,393.4."), which included county, state and school taxes; but the auditors con-
sidered only a total of $(3,279.82.
In spite, however, of denunciation and opposition the new law grew in
favor, and many who were its bitterest opponents afterwards became its must fer-
vent champions. In 1854, twenty years after its adoption, there were in Butler
county no less than 175 school buildings, most of them a decided improvement
upon the log cabin of the subscription school days. With better school buildings
came better teachers and a better system of instruction, keeping pace with the
growth, the advancement and the changed conditions of the people.
From the report of the first superintendent, Isaac Black, made in 1856, it is
learned, that there were 182 school-houses, eighty-four of which were unlit to
enter; forty-one could be made tolerable, and fifty-seven were tolerable. Eighty
of the buildings showed ceilings not over seven feet in height ; seventy-nine were
log structures; 108 were destitute of furniture (save the backless benches, so
high that the pupils' feet could not reach the floor), while only fourteen had
suitable furniture. The number of schools reported in January. 1861, was 212,
and the number of pupils, (3,555. Eight years after, Superintendent Watters tes-
tified that all the new school buildings were well furnished : in 1869, Superintend-
ent Crattv expressed his satisfaction at the progress in building and system ot
instruction, and, in 1872, Superintendent Glenn stated that of the 220 schools in
operation, not one failed in reaching the statute standard. In 1875 Superintendent
Young was satisfied to compare the condition of the schools with those ol twenty
years before, bringing forward the modern furniture, found in a few ot the
schools, as examples of progress.
Summarizing Prof. J. B. Matthews' report, it is learned that at the close of the
school year of 1870-77, there were 246 schools in existence, which were opened for
an average of 5.65 months that year. There were 177 male and 175 female teachers
employed, the average salary of the former being $38.12, and of the latter. $30.01
per month. The number of male pupils was 0,997 and of female 6,254. The
average number attending school was 9,583, or about seventy-eight per cent of the
total. The average cost per month was seventy cents per capita ; the tax levied
forschool and building purposes was $69,912.02; the State appropriation amounted
to $11,829.64, and the total revenue for school purposes to $89,574.05. Fairview
then had eleven schools, exclusive of two in Fairview borough, two in Karns
City and three in Petrolia. In Butler borough were nine schools; in Greece City,
one; in Harmony, two: in Harrisville, two ; in Millerstown, six ; in Portersville,
one; in Prospect, two ; in Saxonburg, one ; in West Sunbury, one, and in Zelien-
ople one.
The reports of Superintendent D. F. McKee from 1878 to 1881 and ot his
successor, T. II. Murtland, bear testimony to continued advancement. At the
l88 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
close of the school year of 18S1, there were 260 schools in operation, with 1(59
male and L6S female teachers employed, at an average salary far exceeding that
of 1876, though the number of pupils was not so large. The number of female
pupils then enrolled was 6,162, or ',(2 below the number in ] s 7 0 , while there were
135 less male pupils enrolled. The total revenue was $82,245.56 and the total
value of school property $235,304.
The report for the year ending June 0, 1892, showed 289 school-houses, 137
male and 211 female teachers — employed at an average salary of $37.20 for males
and $33.24 for females — (i,70^ male and 6,452 female pupils, of whom eighty-four
per cent are said to have attended school ; tiie average cost of each pupil was
ninety-six cents a month. The total tax levy fur school and building purposes
was $87,38 t.98 ; State appropriation, $22,205.48, and total receipts from all sources
$123,894.50. The schools were open on an average of 6.57 months for the year.
Seventeen new public school-houses were erected during the year in the following
townships : One in Adams, four in Donegal, six in Middlesex (suppled with bells),
one in Muddy Creek, two in Parker, one in Penn, one in Saxonburg (a brick,
which cost $3,000), and one in Worth. The Superintendent, N. C. McCollough,
in his report, congratulated the county on the condition of her common schools
and the satisfactory progress made in equipment and system of instruction.
The new law providing for free school books went into effect in July, 1893.
Under this law it is the duty of the directors to make provision for furnishing and
equipping the schools with the text books and supplies generally needed by pupils
for daily use in the schools — such as slates, pencils, papers, pens, ink, tablets,
etc. ; that whilst it is no doubt wise to urge pupils to use the books in their pos-
session for the purpose of lessening the immediate outlay of money, they cannot
be compelled to use their own books, and that in all the required branches of
study, books are to be provided by the directors, and for all grades of the public
schools, including the high school.
The act of 1854 provided for the election of a county school superintendent
to serve for a term of three years. The first election was held in June of that year
and Isaac Black was elected, his salary being fixed at $300 a year. The names
of those who have been elected since are as follows: Thomas Balph, 1857; Eugene
Ferrero, I860; Asa II. Watters, 1863; John Cratty, 1866: Samuel (ilenn, 1869;
Robert II. Young, 1872 ; J. B. Matthews, 1875; D. F. McKee, 1878 : J. II. Murt-
land, 1S81 : W. G. Russell, 1884; J. L. Snyder. 18S7 ; W. <i. Russell, appointed
in I S88 to fill vacancy caused by Mr. Snyder's resignation ; X. C. McCollough,
1890 and 1894.
The Butler County Teachers' Institute was organized November lit, 1855,
with Isaac Black, county superintendent , president : A. J. Rebstock and Matthew
Greer, vice-presidents: Thomas Balph, recorder: Jacob P. Myers, treasurer;
Isaac Black, S. P. Irvin, Mary McTaggart, M. Louisa Butler and Emma Prosser,
executive committee. The school books recommended were McGuffey's pictorial
primer, spelling-book, first, second, third, fourth and fifth readers; Ray's mathe-
matics, McNally's geography, and Pineo's series of grammars. Early in 1856 meet-
ings were held to abolish the office of county superintendent, but the teachers and
friends of the office were better organized than the opponents and the question was
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL LAWS. I 89
defeated by a small majority. Every year since the organization, teachers' insti-
tutes have been held with more or less success. The thirty-ninth annual session,
held at Butler, December 18-22. 1803, was attended by 286 teachers. S. F.
Bowser was re-elected president; Elliott Robb, vice-president, and \V. 1*. Jami-
son, secretary. The Institute proves, by its popularity, that it holds the key to
practical information for all interested in the common school system of the
State.
The Butler County Teachers' Association was organized May 26, 1881, with
J. C. Tintsman, president : T. F. Stauffer, vice-president ; Louise McClure, record-
ing-secretary ; P. S. Bancroft, correspondent and treasurer; J. A. Brandon and
O. P. Cochran, enrolling secretaries. This organization was short-lived, the
Institute proving of more practical value. Many local associations of teachers
exist, having for their object the promotion of the interests of the teachers, and
of the cause of education. They also tend to increase efficiency and the adoption
of the best methods of instruction in the rural as well as in the borough and
village schools.
February 2:2, 1 S 7 7 , an " Intellectual Fair," was held at the court house in
Butler, for the purpose of discussing educational and scientific topics. The
novelty of it caused it to be largely attended, and great interest to be taken in its
proceedings. It was presided over by D. B. Douthett, with Leander Wise, secre-
tary. The judges were L. J. Levis, H. H. Goucher, J. J. Mclllyar, J. II. Sutton,
R. C. McAboy, Walter L. Graham, W. I. Brugh, Samuel McClymonds, S. H.
Peirsol, Mrs. Conn and Miss N. Mcjunkin.
The condition of the schools and school finances on June 5. 1898, is set
forth in the following table :
190
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
DISTRICTS
£
■5 ""
E l
<
a
I"
! J
z
1 !•
z
1 =•
z
Slate appropriation.
Total receipts.
10
6
6
4
6
S
4
8
6
6
6
8
7
6
9
3
11
8
1
5
^
4
1
6
4
7
6
6
6
H
8
3
1
2
9
1
6
7
8
5
8
3
6
6
S
8
8
10
8
6
8
6
6
7
7
7
6
6
8
6
8
7
8
9
6
7
8
6
6
8
8
8
8
8
6
4
4
3
5
1
4
4
1
4
5
5
4
4
1
1
5
1
4
1
2
4
4
1
4
3
2
S
1
6
5
3
6
1
1
1
1
4
2
5
1
3
1
4
35
3
5
4
11
5
11
5
2
1
6
6
1
4
1
3
1
1
8
6
8
10
8
2
2
1
1
1
6
6
3
4
9
2
230
151
98
110
980
119
138
78
158
161
103
116
177
157
124
228
85
38
222
203
26
113
67
60
168
129
27
38
14".
146
"8
133
100
10o
102
193
273
85
24
46
44
I64
23
133
135
18l
97
113
'7
209
160
85
119
008
108
92
70
165
166
83
124
lo3
144
106
201
80
41
222
276
16
89
83
59
119
107
34 c
61
113
115
75
135
177
99
119
185
211
54
25
34
38
120
22
102
133
191
109
78
86
S 1.451 10
1.242 30
849 93
1.371 64
7,196 76
1,299 08
921 35
480 25
1,603 12
1,200 50
991 58
1,050 32
1.036 50
1,281 81
953 58
1,699 86
563 17
424 96
1,999 45
1,254 16
120 92
829 20
625 36
614 99
1.119 17
1,337 08
200 39
469 88
922 49
1,060 69
614 99
1,181 61
1.205 80
1,226 52
1,280 81
1,775 78
1,727 50
701 36
238 39
504 43
411 15
1,267 98
345 50
1,071 05
1,178 15
1,540 93
1,261 08
1.029 59
601 17
$ 5,558 05
Brady
4,076 29
1.679 81
Buffalo
2.633 00
28,086 10
3.360 56
1.605 59
1,378 57
3,172 21
Clav
2,692 50
Clearfield. . . .
1,935 13
3.021 12
2.573 77
3.235 27
2,072 88
5,259 52
2,082 96
874 64
Fairview township
4.224 15
2.O05 66
Franklin (Ind.)
990 62
1,719 03
1,832 64
1,907 31
2,983 66
2,943 90
Jefferson Centre (Ind)
444 12
910 95
2.466 88
1,943 06
1,685 64
4,178 81
4,759 01
3,015 40
Oakland
2,614 98
4,233 34
Penn
3,414 90
1,401 21
436 46
4,552 60
1,368 79
2,843 46
681 42
2.229 55
2,000 75
3,903 74
Winfield
2,249 58
Worth
1.954 57
Zelienople
2,137 68
295
7.17
140
220
6,747
6,381
$55,435 38
$151,293 84
While the total is large, it is far from representing all the money expended
on education within the county. The stranger in Butler, beholding the large
buildings devoted to Catholic education, is inclined to ask if that sum of $151,-
293.84 is not fully twenty-five per cent below the actual expenditures for com-
mon and denominational instruction.
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL LAWS. 101
Besides the opportunities afforded by the public schools of the county for
the instruction of the children of her citizens in the ordinary English branches,
the cause of education has been still further advanced by the maintenance of other
schools, academies and colleges of either a secular or denominational character.
All of these are noticed in the various chapters devoted to the townships and
boroughs of the county. Among the more prominent may be mentioned the
Butler Academy, Witherspoon Institute, St. Peter's and St. Paul's Catholic
schools, and the Orphans' Home, at Butler; St. Mary's College, in Summit town-
ship ; the academies at West Sunbury and North Washington; the select and
Manual Labor schools at Harmony; the select school, academy and Orphans'
Home at Zelienople, and the Normal School carried on under the auspices of the
State at Centreville.
All of these various schools, academies and colleges are eloquent witnesses
of the interest taken in the cause of education by the people of the county- The
large, costly and beautiful buildings erected by the Catholic congregations of
Butler and by the fathers of .St. Mary's Monastery, are evidences of the willing
sacrifices made by the people of this faith to have their children educated in
accordance with their religious convictions. In the Normal School at Centre-
ville provision is made by the State for the education and special equipment of
voung men and voting women for the work of teaching in the public schools of
the State, while in the other academies and colleges students are prepared either
for entrance into the higher educational institutions of the country, or for the
practical work and duties of every-day Hie.
SCHOOL REMINISCENCES.
"Old Times at No. 3," was the text for Col. Archibald Blakeley's discourse,
at the Happy Day Convention, held in Penn township, September 21, 1877. The
discourse was simply a word painting of his school-teaching days at Number 3,
when the brick building, with its shingled roof, was the pride of Middlesex and
the envy of all the other townships of Butler county. After describing many
things leading down to his engagement as teacher, he dwelt on the subject proper
as follows :
There was but one room in it, a parallelogram; there was but one door and that at
the south side, and a window on each side of the door, three windows on the opposite side
and a fireplace in each end, the chimneys so arranged that when one drew up the other
drew down. The g'irls sat in the west end and the boys in the east end, except where
they met in the middle. This school house, take it all in all, was one of the largest and
best in the country at that time and stood down the valley from the Old Adam Brown
house on the left side of the run. near the intersection of the farms then owned by Rob-
ert, Adam and John Brown: as owned in 1877 by Nathan Brown, William Brown and
Samuel Riley. I need not tell you of the disappointments and sorrows of that
beginning.
One of the most difficult thing's was to learn the names and relationships of the chil-
dren, and this led me to the names and relationships of the parents. To illustrate, com-
mencing- with the Browns: there was Old Adam, Joe's Adam. Johnnie's Adam, and
Adam's Adam: there was Old Joe and Adam's Joe; Squire Robert, Squire Robert's Bob
and Adam's Bob; Squire Robert's Nathan, Adam's Nathan; Joe's Billy and Adam's
Billy; Uncle Johnnie and Adam's Johnnie. Then I came to the Douthett's and here I
192 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
found Old Alex, Alex's Alex, and Ben'> Alex: Old Benjamin, Young Benjamin; Alex's
Ben, Joe's Ben, and Young Dave's Ben; Benjamin's William, and Major Dave's William;
Major David Joe's David, and last, but not least. Young David, which la.-t was a clear
case of misnomer. I commenced on the White family and found that plain old Johnson
White had been compelled to name one of his sons Brown White.
The nomenclature of the female portion of these families was a most intricate study:
the Clarissas, Esthers, Sarahs, Agneses, Nancies. Marthas. Elizabeths, Janes, Tabithas,
Matildas, Ruths and Rutheses. I had not time to unravel these feminine mysteries and
turned the subject over to my brother William, and I am impressed with the idea that he
succeeded. To me, a stranger, the labyrinth of names was marvelous and sorely
reminded me of Jim McGeorge's recitation of the geneology to Dr. Guthrie — '"and Abra-
ham begat Isaac and Isaac begat Jacob and Jacob begat sons and daughters" — until
Jim's memory failed him, when he cried out in despair — "and after that they begat one
another." Then there was Young David Douthett, and when I saw him first he looked
old enough to be the identical David who slew Goliah. Squire Robert Brown was the
only Robert: all other Roberts were Robs and so on to the close.
A debating society was organized, which evidently drew into it.^ angry vortex all
the contentious spirits around the country-: — Simeon Nixon, Thomas Robinson, the
Whites, the Browns, the Douthetts, the Irvins, the Slater.-,, Samuel Critchlow, Irwin
Boggs, Andersons, Streeters, Evans, Hunters and others. Had it not been for the dom-
inating, centripetal forces of Young David Douthett, Captain Martin, Squire Robert's
Robert, Joseph Douthett. Hamill Hartzell and John Smith, I verily believe that these
young wranglers would to-day. be whirling-, in ever widening circles, through infinite
space. Well do I remember the night these giants debated the Fugitive Slave Law till
the cocks crew in the morning. Well do I recollect the resolution: — "Resolved. That the
Democratic party has done more than the Whig- party for the welfare and development
of the country." At the stroke of 12, on Saturday night. Captain Martin adjourned us
by a thump of his immense fist on a writing desk, sixteen feet long, which split it from
end to end.
Many other reminders of the Fifties were brought vividly forward on the
occasion of that Happy Day Convention, but none gave greater joy than Colonel
Blakeley's reference to " Old Number 3."
^S^yf/lSf/
CHAPTER XIV.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
Introduction— First Public Road— Petition of Detmar Basse Mui.i.ek— The Pitts-
burg and Butler Turnpike Company— Public Road Meetings— Ebensburg and
Butler Stack Line— Canal Convention— Pittsburg and Erie Mail Stack Line
—The First Steamboat— Butler and Freeport Post Route— National Road
Convention— The Allegheny and Butler Plank Road Company— Other Plank
Road Companies— First Railroad Survey— First Railroad Meeting— The
Northwestern Railroad Company— A Bitter Disappointment — The Allegheny
Valley Railroad Company— The Western Pennsylvania Railroad Company —
Completion of the Railroad From Freeport to Butler— Burial of the Old
Stage Coach— Later Railway Enterprises.
WHEN civilization first looked in through the forests of this region, not
even a path was visible to the Caucasian travelers. For fully a half
century after the French touched the shores of the Allegheny, where the river
flows by the eastern corners of this county, the white visitors could not rind more
than the Indian trails, which connected the villages of the aborigines : — one run-
ning northwest from the mouth of the Big Buffalo and one running northeast
from Logstown, on the Ohio. Indeed from the year when the first pioneers of Butler
county located in the wilderness, to 1802, when the first road was authorized, this
county had no better highways than the Indian trails.
The first mention of roads in connection with this county is found under date,
November 6, L802, in the transactions of the commissioners of Allegheny county.
Under date December '.), 1802, mention is made of the first road — "Isaac Voris'
to Sam Findley's," as viewed by John McCurdy. This road was opened from
Voris' cabin in Deer township, Allegheny county, to Findley's cabin in the
original township ot Middlesex.
The second road viewed, was that from Isaac Voris' house in Deer town-
ship, Allegheny county, to Robert Galbreath's house on Big Buffalo creek,
viewed in June, 1803. The third is mentioned under date, November o, 1803,
when David Gilliland and four others received $15 for laying out twelve miles of
road from the east line of Butler county to the seat of justice.
The transactions of the commissioners, in the matter of public roads, from
February, 1804, to May, 1*12. are recorded in an uncovered book, now in posses-
sion of the commissioners. In that time, ninety-five petitions were considered,
the first being for a road from Butler to Freeport on the Allegheny river, and the
last for a road from the point where the Pittsburg and Freeport road crossed the
Butler-Allegheny line, to the line between Butler and Armstrong counties, near
the mouth of Buffalo creek. The petitions were not all granted, but a sufficient
194 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
number of roads to open up the county to immigrants and connect the principal
settlements with the county seat were authorized.
The following is a copy of the petition presented to the commissioners'
court, in 1805, by Dr. Detmar Basse Muller, the founder of Zelienople :
Would Humbly Show, that your petitioner labors under great disadvantage for
want of good roads to and from the town of ZelU naple. I would further state that I have
been at great expense in cutting roads and making large improvements for the best to
this settlement. That I procured for this country with great difficulties Spanish sheep,
which cost 100 dollars per head 700 miles from this place, also, the best breed of English
cattle in the United States, and that it would be necessary to have roads for me to
accomplish my enterprises as well as for the public in general as a people in this settle-
ment, which is now increasing very fast and probably will soon be a town of very con-
siderable circumstance. I have now a good sawmill built, and in case the road from Pitts-
burgh to Mercertown can be laid out, opened and made through Zelienople, I shall pro-
ceed to build a merchant mill and furnace. A furnace will be of great utility to this coun-
trv. as it costs as much to transport the iron to this country as it cost to purchase the iron
where it is made. Now it will not be possible to build these works without roads. I am
still willing to do myself more for the establishment of the road, by building a good and
substantial bridge across the Connoquenessing creek, opposite the town of Zelienople, at
my own expense in case the road shall be laid out and made from Pittsburgh to Mer-
certown through Zelienople. Now that the court will confirm this road or appoint some
proper persons to lay it out as the law directs, for this your petitioner will ever pray.
This document tells briefly of the first importation of fine sheep and cattle
and of the determination of the old physician to make Zelienople a business and
manufacturing center — and to make himself a stock-grower, miller, wood and
iron manufacturer and physician all at once. The script is very regular and
plain ; but some of the spelling illustrates the Doctor's battle with the English
language.
Prior to 1803, the agent of Robert Morris at Butler was instructed by his
employer to give much attention to roads and to help road construction finan-
cially. To the observance of these instructions is traceable the establishment, in
1S05, of the state and county road leading by Cemetery Hill. In 1821 the road
passed into the control of the Butler and Pittsburg Turnpike Company. In that
year the turnpike company selected an easier route and the State aided in con-
structing the road from Butler to Erie, making it one of the great highways
between the forks of the Ohio and the great lakes.
The officers of the Butler and Pittsburg Turnpike Road Company, elected in
1823, were William Wilkins, president ; John David, treasurer ; Dunning Mc-
Nair, John Waddle, Thomas Lyon, John Dunbar, David Boyle and John Bredin
managers, the last being also the secretary.
The original Pittsburg and Mercer road, called the Pittsburg and Mercer-
town road, in 1805, as shown by the Muller petition, was one of the famous
highways of pioneer days. From 1806 forward it was often selected by travelers
going to the northwest in preference to the roads leading north via Butler. The
election of officers for the Butler and Mercer Turnpike Road Company took
place May 5. 1823, when William Ayres was chosen president; Robert Scott,
treasurer; Jacob Mechling. John Negley, James McCandless, James McKee,
David Mc]unkin and lames George managers. John Bredin, who was secretary
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. I <J 5
of this company in 1822, served until the election of William Hagerty in April,
1820.
On January 29, 1825, a number of citizens assembled to consider the ques-
tion of connecting the Allegheny and the Susquehanna rivers. John Potts pre-
sided, with Jacob Mechling, secretary. A committee comprising John Gilmore,
John Bredin, John Gilchrist, John Neyman and William Beatty. was appointed
to draft a memorial to the legislature in favor of the project and a committee ol
correspondence was chosen. The latter comprised Gilmore and Bredin, named
above, with Jacob Mechling, Hugh McKee and William Gibson. Under their
names a long address on the subject was issued.
In December, 1825, W. W. Bell advertised the Ebensburg and Butler stage
line, as established in May of that year. Xot only did he contract to carry the
mails between the two points, via Indiana and Kittanning, in eighteen hours —
every Thursday to Butler and every Sunday from Butler — but he also guaranteed
passengers close connection at Ebensburg with the Pittsburg and Alexandria
stage, and assured them that the clay turnpike, over which his route lav. was
very much superior to the stone roads on the southern route.
In May, 1S26, William Ayres and Jacob Mechling represented Butler county
in the canal convention at New Castle.
The Pittsburg and Erie line of mail stages was operated in lSi'T by A.
McGill & Co. The fare from Pittsburg to Butler was $1.50; from Pittsburg to
Meadville, $4.00, and from Pittsburg to Erie, $(3.50. The stages left Stewart's
hotel at Pittsburg everv' morning, arrived at Butler the same evening, left Butler
for Meadville next morning at 4 o'clock, arrived at Meadville the second evening,
and at 4 o'clock, a. m., on the third day left for Erie, the time of arrival being
about noon. The return trip was made on the same schedule, thus avoiding the
dangers of night travel.
The Butler and Kittanning Turnpike Road Company was presided over by
John Gilmore in 1827, with William Hagerty, secretary. The viewers of that
road were John Gilmore. John Gilchrist, Francis McBride, James McCurdy and
William Beattv, while William Criswell and George W. Reed were employed
upon its survey. The completion of this road in 1828 made a large territory for
Butler's trade.
The first steamboat which ascended the Allegheny and announced a new era
to the pioneers, as the echo of its whistle reverberated through the hills and val-
leys of this county, was the " William B. Duncan,"' — a boat of eighty tons meas-
urement. On January 28, 1828, this steamboat landed at Franklin , Venango
countv, 150 passengers and thirty tons of freight.
The post route from Butler to Freeport was established in May, 1828; while
that from Harrisville to Whitestown, that from Lawrenceburg to Mercer and
from the mouth of Anderson's creek to Kittanning were established about the
same time.
In March, 1830, the " Allegheny,'' the first stern-wheeler, steamed up the
river to Franklin, where she arrived on the l^th of that month.
In October, 1859 the J. W. McKee line of coaches was placed on the Butler
1 96 HISTORY 01- BUTLER COUNTY.
and Freeport road, making connections at Freeport with the Allegheny Valley
Railroad and reducing the time of travel to Pittsburg to six hours.
The National Road convention, held at Butler January 21, 1844, was attended
by 500 delegates. Gen. John X. Purviance was chosen president, William
\\ alker, ol Buffalo township, Abraham Mover, of Connoquenessing, Richard
Br) son, of North Butler, Abijah M. Evans, of North Butler, William Me Junkin,
of Centre, and James Neal, of Slippery Rock, vice-presidents ; William Cunning-
ham, of Middlesex, James W. McCandless, of Connoquenessing, Thomas T.
Boals, of Middlesex, Robert Cunningham and William Haslett, of Butler borough,
secretaries. This convention favored the construction of macadamized roads from
Cumberland west and south to the Pacific and Gulf coasts. In 1845-40 conven-
tions were held here and the road subject was discussed in all its relations.
The stage line between Butler and Freeport was established in March, 1849,
by McElwain & Co., who placet! two four-horse coaches on the route. The
schedule arranged for arrivals and departures at Freeport in connection with the
Pittsburg packet boats.
The question of building plank loads was discussed in Butler in 1848, but
not until February, 1849, was a committee appointed to .provide for a charter for
a company authorizing the building of a plank road from Butler to Allegheny.
John Negley presided over the meeting, with John Duffy and John McKee, vice-
presidents, and James Campbell and Lewis Z. Mitchell, secretaries. John Bredin,
C. C. Sullivan, J. G. Campbell, R. McNair and George Miller were chosen mem-
bers of the committee. In May, 1850, the commissioner-- considered the matter
(under the act of April 5, 1849, authorizing the Governor to incorporate
the Allegheny City and Butler Plank Road Company), and at their meet-
ing, held on May 30, 1850, at Bakerstown, ordered bonks to be opened at
several points for receiving subscriptions to stock. In February, 1851, citizens
of Tarentum, Saxonburg and Butler worked for the enterprise, and by the close
of February the Allegheny and Butler Plank Road Company was organized, with
S. M. Lane, president; William Campbell. David Walker and T. II. Lyon,
of Butler, Charles F. Spang and T. W. Shaw, of Allegheny, managers, and
James Jones, of Allegheny, treasurer. Ground was broken June 16, 1851, by
contractor Walker and the era of plank roads was introduced. In Ma}', 1852,
John N. Purviance was elected president of this company to succeed Lane, and
Col. A. N. Meylert to succeed David Walker as manager. An act of the legis-
lature, approved in 1852, empowered the company to borrow money not exceed-
ing $30,000 at six per cent. In November, 1852, Dunlap McLaughlin was chosen
treasurer. The revenue from tolls for the year ending ( tctober 31, 1855, amounted
to $9,030.64. The receipts for the year ending October 31, 1 Sol',, amounted to
$13,069.55, and for 1857, $10,801.82. The indebtedness of the company on Novem-
ber 1, 1857, was $6,850.60, of which $3,284.24 were expended on the Butler
bridge.
The Browington and Perrysville Plank Road Company may be said to have
been organized March 8, 1851, when subscription books were ordered to be opened.
The signers of this order were Thomas II. Bracken, David Shannon, Jona-
than Ranson, M. F. White, Joseph McElwain, Henry Buhl, Samuel Marshall,
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. I <jj
Alex. Graham and John A. Fletcher. On July 2, Samuel Marshall was elected
president, and Thomas II. Bracken, vice-president.
The Butler and Callensburg Plank Road Company originated in the meetings
of .March. 1851, and in the Fairview meeting of March 24, 1851. The construc-
tion of the Zelienople and Perrysville plank road was authorized by the legisla-
ture in 1^52. and the company was empowered to borrow $20,000. The Centre-
ville and Xew Castle Blank Road Company was incorporated in 1S52. In Novem-
ber, Abraham Ziegler was elected president; Francis Wallace, treasurer, and John
l.e\ is. secretary.
As early as 1886, a survey of the Freeport and Xew Castle railroad was
made, the surveyors locating the line through Butler borough. Dr. Charles T.
Whipple was in chargeof the work, and performed his duties so wall that his field
notes were sought after in later years, when the North Western Railroad Com-
pany entertained the idea of building such a cross read.
In 1852, the agitation of the question of building a railroad from the Penn-
sylvania railroad through Freeport, Butler and New Castle, to connect with the
Cleveland and Mahoning road near the Ohio line, culminated in a meeting in
Butler, which was presided over by J. G. Campbell, Andrew Cams acting as
secretary. A committee on correspondence, composed of C. C. Sullivan, John
Graham, James Campbell, S. A. Purviance and G. W. Smith, was appointed.
The North Western Railroad Company was chartered February 9, 1853, and
the first meeting of the directors was held at Butler, June 1, 1853, when W.
Warner was chosen engineer. On August 1(3, the president was authorized to
produce the Lawrence county subscription of $200,000, and the Butler county sub-
scription of $250,000, the resolutions providing for the construction of the road
from Blairsville to Freeport . thirtv-five miles, thence to Butler, twenty-three miles,
and thence to New Castle thirty-one miles, a total of eighty-nine miles. On May
10, 1854, a contract with Malone, Painter, Clark and Gouder was made, which
bound them to complete the whole line for $8,800,000 before May 1. 1856; but
on June 1, 1856, the grading and ballasting of the first division, from Blairsville
to Freeport. was only completed This warranted the cancellation of the old
contract. The new contract was less favorable to the subscribers and, by the
close of the year, the subscribing counties were in revolution, for their bonds had
almost entirely passed out of official hands and there was little to show for the
great sums said to have been expended.
Before the close of August, 1 854, a showing was made on David Walker's
contract of the North Western railroad, four miles west of Butler. The big cut,
">,000 feet long and seventy-one and one-half feet deep, was in the hands of BIT
men. The "big shanty" sheltered 130 men. while twenty-one small shanties were
tenanted by the others. ( )n this section, eighty-four horses were employed, the
whole force being under the superintendence of Smith Agnew. In January,
1855, the Summit cut, five miles southeast from Butler, was being worked by con-
tractor Moorhead. In February, Col . A. X. Meylert resigned the treasurership
and D. Sankey, of Lawrence, was elected. In October, 1S54, the petition for an
injunction against the payment of the Philadelphia subscription to this road was
considered by the Supreme Court, in session at Erie. C. C. Sullivan and John
IoS HISTORY OF BUTLER C<U\TY.
Graham represented the railroad company and on their argument the petition was
dismissed. In November, 1855, the press of Butler county echoed the pent-up
discontent of the people.
Prior to March, 1858, a sequestrator had charge of the company's affairs,
and in March the anxiously awaited report was issued. It was far from being
satisfactory and mutterings of discontent were heard on all sides — the Democratic
Herald of March 3, 1858, closing a moderate editorial with this sentence:
"Under any circumstances, in our opinion, it would be a perfect outrage to
compel further payments towards this road, even if it could be done in law,
which we believe it cannot be."
The trial of the Butler County Bond Case — Jacob C. Curtis vs. County of But-
ler— was heard in the United States Circuit Court at Pittsburg, in May, 1S59; the
county was represented by J. X. Purviance. James Bredin and John Graham, of But-
ler, and T. M. Marshall and A. M. Brown, of Pittsburg. The point was made that
the commissioners of Butler county agreed only to pay interest on the bonds
until the railroad would be completed. The contract for construction, made with
Painter & Co., in May, 1854, was to be completed in June, 1856. Little or nothing
was done within the limits of Butler county, so that on .August 6, 1850, a new
contract was made, which provided that the contractors would return to the
company $331,000 in Butler and Lawrence county bonds, and take in lieu, cash
$50,000, $31,000 in the company's notes, and $250,000 in first mortgage bonds.
This extraordinary proceeding was denounced by the Butler men, matters went
from bad to worse, and Butler and Lawrence counties were compelled to pay the
bills.
As soon as the commissioners learned that there was no legal way left open
to them for avoiding payment of the bonds issued to the North Western Railroad
Company, amounting to about $65,000, thev offered to compromise with the
holders of such bonds, and this offer was accepted, the consideration being sixty
per cent, of the face value. In May, 1865, bonds valued at $13,000 of the
$65,000, were outstanding, and. all in all, the county was practically free from
debt.
The Allegheny Valley Railroad Company organized February 12, 1852, com-
pleted a road from Pittsburg to the mouth of the Kiskiminetas in October, 1855,
thus giving to the people of Butler county, though in a very limited way, for the
first time, the advantages of railroad connection with the outside world. Trains
were run on a very irregular time, and old patrons of the road yet living tell
remarkable stories concerning the wonderful slowness of the trains as compared
with "flyers" of the present.
The Western Pennsylvania Railroad Company, commonly called the "West
Perm," was incorporated March 22, I860, and works under that and the special
act of April 27, 1864, together with the supplemental acts of March '.I, 1865; March
22, isc,."): April 17. 1866; April 10. 1867; February 25, 1*70. and March 25, 1871.
The proviso in Section 3, of the act approved April 27, 1864, reads as follows : —
Provided, That the right to use. and operate, the road, by said Western Pennsyl-
vania railroad, between Freeport and Allegheny City, shall not be enjoyed until con-
tracts are entered into, with responsible parties, for the completion of a railroad, from
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 199
Freeport to the town of Butler: And provided., that said contract shall be entered into
within one year, and the road to be completed within five years.
Later, in 1864, when Col. Thomas A. Scott broached the subject of build-
ing a road to Butler, his attention was called to the above priviso by John H.
Negley, and his signature to it secured. Within six years after it was signed the
whistle of the locomotive was heard in Butler, and the disappointments of 1854
and 1856 forgotten amid the rejoicing that followed.
In September, 1869, twenty-one sections of the Butler Branch Railroad —
from Butler to Freeport — were placed in the hands of contractors. Shortly after
work began on the Freeport end; but not until the close of February, 1870, was
ground broken at Butler. In October, construction trains were run to Delano or
Wolf's Station.
The work was prosecuted with vigor and the road formally opened to the
public, January 18, 1871. The event was made the occasion of a great celebra-
tion, the festivities lasting two days. An excursion over the road was indulged
in, the number of excursionists leaving Butler being 180. The train was in charge
of conductor W. B. Thompson, and consisted of five coaches, a baggage-car and
locomotive. At Saxon station the number of excursionists was increased to 200.
On the evening of January 18, a banquet, or railroad supper, was given at But-
ler. It was gotten up by 184 subscribers. The proceeds, including the sum
realized from the sale of dishes, knives and forks, muslin, etc., was $622.98, the
expenses being $520.01. The remaining amount was distributed among the poor
by H. C. Heineman, the trustee appointed by the committee.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of these festivities was the mock funeral
of the Butler and Freeport stage-coach. D. S. Walker, the superintendent of
the old stage line, was the leading spirit in the affair. Many of the well known
citizens of the town assisted as mourners, and at the time set for the mock obse-
quies, six of them, as pall bearers, took their places inside the old coach, while
twenty others found places on top, all wearing silk hats and white gloves. The
coach was draped in black, while the trappings of the horses were of the same
sombre character. George, the old driver, surrendered the ribbons to Mr. Walker,
and the procession, headed by a brass band and escorted by the Butler militia,
made a round of the borough. The ceremony was regarded as a fitting close ot
the stage-coach era.
The cost of the construction of the twenty-one miles of this road, thus
auspiciously opened for travel and traffic, was $400,000. It was constructed under
authority of the act of April 27, 1*64, containing the proviso already quoted, the
work being undertaken and completed, and the road operated by the Western
Pennsylvania Railroad Company. It still forms a part of that company's important
system. The members of the General Assembly, Charles McCandless, senator,
and John II. Negley and William Haslett, members of the House, labored success-
fully in securing a satisfactory charter, with the results that, after many disap-
pointments, the people of the borough of Butler were at last able to boast a rail-
road outlet and look hopefully forward to a period of growth and improvement
of the town, which has since been realized, in a notable increase in population,
and in many other evidences of continuing progress and prosperity. On June 1,
200 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1SSS, the road was leased to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company for a period of
forty years, the rental being the net earnings.
On March 16, 1871, the first accident occurred at a point called Sandy
Creek. On August 16, 1889, a wreck occurred one mile west of Sarver's Station,
which resulted in the death of William J. Powers, of Pittsburg, and Katie, a four-
year old child nt Mrs. M. Farrell, of Butler. Twenty-four persons were injured.
among whom were George Spang. Mrs. David Gosser, foseph Gray and Mrs.
Helen Mcjunkin. The accident is said to have been due to the poor condition of
a bridge previously regarded as unsafe.
The bills chartering the Connoquenessing Valley Railroad Company and
the Bear Creek Railroad Company passed the House in March. 1865. Messrs.
Bredin and Kerr, of Butler county, were named among the corporators of the
Bear Creek road, which was to run from Sharpsburg on the Pittsburg & Erie to
Martinsburg in Butler county. In December. 1865, subscription bunks were
opened by the commissioners named in the act of March 22. namely: 1. G.
Campbell, J. N. Purviance, J. G. Munt/. E. Mcjunkin. R. C. McAboy, Thomas
Robinson, A. Lusk. J. Levis, A. Ziegler, W. Irwin. I. M. McKinney. W. G.
Rose, S. Griffith, Vance Stewart. J. R. Hanna, D. L. Imbrie. J. J. Cuthbertson,
J. Ferguson and }. W. Blanchard. The road was commenced in Butler
county in the fall of 1872, when the right-of-way for twelve miles was cut
through the forest .
The first meeting to consider the question of the building of a railroad from
Karns City to Parker's Landing, was held August '20, ls7l'. when S. ]). Karns
was elected temporary president. A company was formally organized and this
company held a meeting on August i'7. 187-, S. D. Karns presiding. The com-
mittee on stock reported a subscription of $2:?, 750. By May, 1878, the stock was
increased to $100,000, and the work of construction determined upon. In August,
1S78, the work of construction was begun and by October 1. li\e miles were
graded, while 500 Swedes were engaged on the remaining rive miles. The offi-
cers were S. D. Karns. president ; Charles I". Badger, superintendent : \V. C
Mobley, secretary: and they with Fullerton Parker. Robert L. Brown and Will-
iam Phillips, formed the directory. The capital of $150,000 had then been sub-
scribed and contracts made for rolling stock. The maximum grade was sixty-
three feet per mile, and the gauge three feet. The high viaduct, 1(10 feet long bv
seventy-rive in height, over the north branch of Bear creek, was completed in
December, and on Christmas Day four passenger trains were run smith to Mart-
insburg anil four north to Parker junction with the Allegheny Valley railroad,
stopping at Stone House, Donnelly's and Parker City. It was opened for regular
traffic November 15, 1876, Harry Karns being the conductor of the first train.
Riots marked the completion of some of the contracts on this, as on other roads.
On June 10, 1881, this short road was consolidated with the present Pittsburg
and Western system.
In September, 187l2, Alfred Pearce, Adam Endres and Dr. Amos Lusk wire
appointed commissioners in Butler for the Allegheny and Harmony railroad,
which, in time, took the title — Pittsburg, New Castle & Lake Erie Railroad
Company. It was incorporated under this name, September 7, 1877, and Austin
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 201
Pearce, General Negley and others pushed forward the enterprise. The new road
was completed as a narrow gauge to Zelienople in November, 1878, and formally
opened January 1. IS79. By April 1, 18S0, track was laid to a point within one
mile of Hazen's mill, and before the close of the year to beyond Wurtemberg.
Meantime the troubles, incidental to a new road, fell upon this, and. on
August 27, 1879, the sheriff laid his hands upon this promising property. Prior
to this affair, the service rose above its primitive form. Good coaches and agree-
able conductors and brakemen were making the road popular, and. in the lan-
guage of regular travelers, '-putting on style." Xo longer did the travelers ask
for '• Breakneck," " I!i_r Mill," " The Glades." " Pine Creek." and such pioneer
villages, for the train brakeman called out "Elfin Wild," ••Hiawatha.'' "Wild-
wood," "Hathorne," '" Cressdale," "Gibsonia," ••Evans City," "Eidenau," with
the vim of one familiar with such names for years. In July, 1879, the disagree-
ment between the directors and chief-engineer. Joseph Ramsey, )r.. culminated
in the trouble at Harmony and Eidenau, when conductor Myers was discharged,
and J. C. Lewis, the brakeman, appointed to til! his place. The superintendent,
local agent and other employes were put oft" the train, and General Negley took
charge.
The road was sold in 1^74 to Major A. M. Brown, as the representative of John
Dean. Subsequently Major Brown, James Callery and John M.Chalfant claimed
they were the owners of the property. In January. 1881, the Pittsburg and
Western Railroad Company, which, according to the Butler county newspapers,
bought the road with the money of the original stockholders, was threatened with
dissolution. The Baltimore and < )hio and the Pennsylvania Central Companies
were eagerly awaiting an opportune moment to secure possession of the property.
In the fall of 1881 it was a link in the Wabash chain, extending from Wurtem-
berg to Allegheny. In April. 1882, the old stockholders were offered, by Major
Brown and his friends, $10,000, or fourteen per cent of the actual moneys invested
by them. The offer was refused. The road is now operated by the Baltimore
and Ohio Railroad Company, though nominally under the control of the Pitts-
burg anil Western Railway Company, whose president, Thomas M. King, was
at the time of his election, in July. 1893, second vice-president of the former
company. His election completed the amalgamation of the two roads, giving
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company complete control.
The Pittsburg, Shenango and Lake Erie Railroad had its inception in the
charter of the Bear Creek Railroad Company, March 20, 1865. This name was
changed by legislative act April 9, 1S67, to the Shenango and Allegheny, which
it bore until February 11, 188S, when a re-organization occurred and the present
name was adopted. The road was originally intended as a coal feeder to the
Atlantic and Great Western, and was finished from Shenango to Pardoe in Octo-
ber, I860. In July- 1872, it was completed to Harrisville, and in January, 187(3,
to Hilliard, in Washington township, Butler county. .Several branches were
built in 1880, l^-s2 and 1883, tapping the coal fields in Butler and Mercer
counties.
In February, 1882, the Connoquenessing Valley Railroad Company was
chartered to construct a road from Butler northward to the Shenango and Alle-
202 HISTORY OF Bl'TLEK COUNTY.
gheny railroad. J. T. Blair, superintendent of the latter road, subscribed for
$100,000 stock, Thomas P. Fowler. $100,000, A. II. Steel, $100,000 in his own
name and $193,000 as agent. In August the contract for building the branch
from a point within a mile of Coaltown junction to Butler, was awarded to W.
W. Reed, of Erie. This link in the Shenango railroad connecting it with Butler,
was completed August 9, 1888. Though thirty laborers struck that day, a new-
force of men was pushed into the field and the work finished before six o'clock
the same evening. On August 27, an excursion train from Greenville arrived
over the new road, which was, that day. dedicated to travel and traffic. Among the
features of the celebration was the granting of the borough's freedom to the 900
visitors, the picnic in the grove and public games.
CHAPTER XV.
AGRICULTURE.
Pii'Nkkk Farming Methods and Machinery — Growth and Development ok Agri-
culture in Butler County — Agricultural and Farmers' Societies of the Past
and Present — Farm Statistics.
IT maybe said with truth, that in the United States, agriculture and agricul-
turists have found their proper sphere. Cincinnatus, retiring to his farm,
after saving Rome, did not bring with him to his tields a greater independence
of spirit or more self reliance than the pioneers of Butler county brought with
them into the wilderness. Agriculture, in pioneer days, required of its followers
physical strength, great endurance and sublime patience. The mother and the
children of the pioneer home in the forest had also to be possessed of these qual-
ities in a certain degree, for disappointments and obstacles were always present-
ing themselves.
Clearing the land of the primitive forest appears to men of the present time-
to be a herculean task. To the first settlers it was an ordinary duty of the hus-
bandman. Felling the trees in windrows and firing the fallen giants appear to
have been play for those sinewy men, who opened Western Pennsylvania for
the thousands who now occupy it. When the lire had done its duty, the work of
cultivation was begun. The primitive wooden mold-board plow, and the harrow
or drag were brought on the scene, and the sowing of the potato, wheat, corn and
oats commenced without ceremony. Nor should the buckwheat be forgotten.
From 1796 down to the present day this county has been famous for her tields of
buckwheat. The three-cornered berry of Butler, which creates such placid dreams
of griddle-cakes, grows here in perfection, not indigenous, itis true, like the sham-
AGRICULTURE. 203
rock in Ireland, or the thistle in Scotland, or the lily in France, or the olive in
Spain, but rather like the tlax in northern Ireland.
Harvesting was a serious time in pioneer days. There were no harvesting
machines then to be called upon as aids to the farmer: for the sickle was the
reaper until the cradle was introduced. Corn husking and shelling methods have
not much improved. It was laborious work then and it is now. even with the
sheller at the disposal of the farmer. Threashing was performed with ordinary
flails, but, at times, horses or oxen would be utilized to tramp out the grain and
this system obtained until the threshing machine was brought here. The winnow-
ers came next. Sometimes four persons would hold a sheet on which a bushel or
so of grain was placed. By a sudden uplifting of the fabric, the grain was raised
upward and the wind carried off the chaff. Another system was the sieve, tilled
with grain, in well balanced hands. Holding the sieve at an angle, the grain
flowed out as water out of a dishpan, the bree/.e caught the chaff and the grain
fell in a golden heap below. These methods gave way in time to the fan-
ning mill.
In 1840 more modern ideas of farming won attention here. It was a year
when the turning point was observed in manners and customs and methods. Many
young women and indeed many old ladies, if there were any who acknowledged
seniority then, were inclined to cast aside the linsey-woolsey dress and to look
with contempt on the products of the home spinning-wheel and loom.
In May, 1856, the new mowing and reaping machines, of Dietz & Dunham's
patents were advertised in the Butler papers. These machines were constructed
without cogs or cranks, were very light and adapted for broken as well as level
lands. They were not exhibited, however, at the fair of 1850. The Wood mow-
ing machine was sold by W. & J. G. Campbell of Butler in 1860, who had one
at work on their farm in July of that year.
Stories of the railroad and of the telegraph finally penetrated the settlements
and suggested ideas of travel. This was a period of awakening, in which the
past was a dream and the future an extraordinary picture of progress, when
machinery would accomplish everything and man would merely direct it. How
far all those things have been realized is patent. Fine farm houses, substantial
schools and churches, well cultivated fields, modern machinery, large orchards,
tine horses and cattle and swine tell unmistakably of the wonderful progress
during the past fifty years. From that early day, when I). B. Muller of the Har-
mony district, brought Merino sheep a distance of 7<*(> miles, to introduce sheep
farming in the Connoquenessing valley, great strides in the science of agriculture
and stock growing have been made. The county has been converted into a
fruitful field for the husbandman, where he may reap the rewards of his own
enterprise and labor.
AG11ICULTU1! A L SOC I Ell F. S.
The first movement toward forming an agricultural society in this county
dates back to April 7, 1880, when a society, for the promotion of agriculture and
domestic manufactures, was organized at Butler. William Ayres presided, with
John Parker and John Ziegler, vice-presidents, and Alexander McBride ami
James Bovard, secretaries. On resolution, the name, "The Butler County Agri-
204 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
cultural and Domestic Manufacturing Society" was adopted, and, for its govern-
ment, a committee was appointed to pit pare by-laws. A committee of twenty-
eight persons, two from Butler and two from each township, was appointed to
secure members and 100 subscribers were enrolled to assist the president in push-
ing forward the interests of the society. The local committee men were : John
Gilchrist and Hugh McKee, of Butler borough: Sylvanus Aggas and Alexander
Hagerty, of Centre township: John McNees and David Mcjunkin, of Slippery
Rock ; Abraham Ziegler and Barnet Gilliland, of Connoquenessing ; John Boston
and Robert Glenn, of Muddy Creek : John Dodds and Arthur McGill, of Middle-
sex; William Walker and Robert Elliott, of Buffalo: Matthew Smith and Will-
iam Robb, of Donegal : Edward Graham and John Paiker, of Parker: Benjamin
1. owe and John Bollock, of Venango : Samuel McMurry and James Harris, of
Mercer, and John L. Maxwell and John McQuistion, of Butler.
The Xorth Butler Agricultural Club was a well ordered association of
farmers organized in 184(5, and the successor of the old agricultural organization.
The Butler Comity Agricultural Society. — The question of organizing an
agricultural society was discussed in the spring of 1 S5f?, and on March 17, that
year, decided in the affirmative. The meeting to organize, held at the house of
Henry Kohlmeyer, was presided over by Samuel Anderson, of Venango township,
with John Say. vice-president, and Henry Kohlmeyer, secretary. A constitution
was submitted by Samuel Halderman and T. J. Layton, in which the name. " But-
ler County Agi icultural Society." was used. This was adopted and signed by
the following original members: John Craig, John Say. Samuel Halderman,
Samuel Anderson. John Martin. J. X. Bollock. A. J. Halderman, J. McKee,
A. <i. Say. R. 1*. Anderson, John Anderson. William Anderson, Henry Kohl
meyer, T. J. Layton, Samuel Leason, A. B. Grant. James Milford, Abel Grant
C. C. Hoover, David Grant, William Clay, W. L. Anderson, Thomas Stewart,
Simon Williams, John Bollock, William Meal- and II. Dicus. The election
which ensued resulted in the choice of Samuel Anderson, president, and John
Craig, Samuel Halderman, John Jack. Joseph Cummins, George Parker, Samuel
McMurry and John Scott, vice-presidents. This organization accomplished very
little, except to arouse an interest in the matter.
The Butler County Agricultural and Horticultural Society was founded.
March 30, 185-5. on the ruins of the former one. John Murrin was chosen pres-
ident ; Samuel M. Lane, treasurer; Archibald Blakelev. William Campbell and
Thomas Bracken, correspondents, and C. E. Purviance, secretary. The vice-presi-
dent- were William Campbell. Joseph Douthett, William Jack, John Thompson,
W. C. Adams. John Jack. Samuel Halderman. George Barker, John Kerr, David
Stewart, Rev. W. P. Breaden, William Moore. Robert Bampson, Edward Ken-
nedy, T. IL Bracken. A. II. Ziegler. Samuel Boyd. John Thompson (Middlesex),
Jonathan Walker. Daniel O'Donnell, R. S. McCoy. John R. Harris, David Mar-
shall. Henry Wolff, William Bastian and E. Maurhoff.
The prizes awarded bv this society, at the first fair, held at North Washing-
ton, October 18, 1858, are given as follows : — For Durham cattle, to Isaac Hilliard,
John Craig, G. T. Fra/.ier and Samuel Halderman. For National cattle : Will-
iam Christy. <;. T. Frazier and John Jack. Forhorses: — Robert Henry, Joseph
AGRICULTURE. 2O5
Flick, Henry Kohlmeyer, John Mechling, Samuel Halderman, John Jack, Joseph
Cummins, A. Campbell, George Parker and \V. C. Adam-. For swine : — Sam-
uel Halderman, John Craig, James Moore and E. Christy. For a seed planter: —
G. II. Mellinger. For butter : — William S. Jack. For Indian corn crop : — John
Craig. For best fruit display : — Abel Grant. For winter pippin-: — Isaac Mill-
iard, and for yellow pippins, John McKee. To William Biers or Byers, was
awarded a prize for best blacksmith work ; to Piatt Sutton for best shoemaker
work ; to J. McMahon for best band of music ; to Miss McConnell for best bed-
quilt, and to Mrs. Grant for next best quilt. W. C. Glenn, Joseph Jack, S. X.
Moore and John Jack were awarded pri/.es for special cattle, John Mechling for
blankets, and Hugh Gallagher for grain sowing box.
The second fair was held at North Washington, in September, 1854, and, in
one or other of the northern boroughs, fairs were held in 1855 and 1856. The
fifth annual fair was held at North Washington, in September, 1857. The society,
in November, 1857, elected Robert Ray, president; Allen Wilson, treasurer;
Henry Kohlmeyer, correspondent ; William C. Adams, recorder ; and S. G. Meal-,
librarian. It struggled on some time, but the societies at the county seat won the
battle for precedence.
The Semiconan Agricultural Society held the first annual exposition at
school-house Number 1, East Connoquenessing, October 19, 1852. John Martin
was then secretary. In 1853 the second fair was held, and in October, 1S54,
Prospect was honored with the third annual meeting. Soon after, the society
merged into a broader organization.
The Butler Agricultural Association was organized in March, 1856, a- the
Fair Society, with John Anderson, president ; James G. Campbell and George
W. Crozier, secretaries; Archibald Blakeley, recorder; Eugene Ferrero, corres-
pondent; James Campbell, librarian, and thirty-seven vice-presidents. This
society held its first fair at Butler in September, 1856, and in December, Joseph
Douthett was elected president, and J. B. McQuistion secretary. Henry Buhl was
elected president in December. ls."J7, and in 1858, Samuel Marshall was chosen.
The people of Butler borough and their friends of the southern township-
held their second annual fair at Butler in September, ls57- In 1858 a successful
meeting was recorded. John L. Maxwell was elected president in December,
1859 ; Tohn Purviance, correspondent ; Herman J. Berg, recorder ; and I. J. Cum-
mings, treasurer. John Negley was elected president in December. I860 ; John
B. McQuistion, recorder, and William S. Jack, correspondent. During the war
there was little attention given to such matters, so that from 1861 to 1863, inclu-
sive, no fairs were held. The sixth fair was held October 4 and 5, 1864. At that
time, Thomas McNees was president; Thomas Robinson, acting secretary; and
R. C. McAboy, treasurer of the association. In April, 1865, \V. O. Breckenridge
was elected president. John W. Forrester was elected in Match, 1S66, with
James Mitchell, Milton Maxwell and Samuel Marshall, vice-presidents; C. E.
Anderson, treasurer ; and John B. McQuistion, secretary. The name of the society
in November, 1866, was the "Butler County Agricultural and Stock Associa-
tion." James Bredin was president, and H. C. Heineman, secretary, who held
that position three or four years, or until its end.
206 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
In 186(5 the association leased five or six acres of the Thomas Stehle farm,
where fairs were held for several years or until twenty-one acres, near the present
fair grounds, were purchased and fenced in. Fairs were held there for several
years until the old societv dissolved and the land was sold bv the sheriff. Dur-
ing the hey-day of this association, farmers' horses were entered for races, but no
other horses were permitted to run. For several years there was no organization,
and indeed, until lS7T, there was no society.
Prior to 1857 trotting horses were not considered in the community, although
horse racing took place at intervals. It was the wild gallop in which the people
delighted and on this gallop bets were offered and taken. The era of trotting
matches in this county was introduced in May, 1S57, when Thomas Fawcett, of
Birmingham, and John Yensel, of Clarion county, bet $300 each on their respect-
ive horses, " Bobb and Jack." The course was the plank road from Stewarts-
town to Zimmerman's inn (now the Willard), at Butler, a distance of twenty-
seven miles, and the time made was two hours and ten minutes. This extraordi-
nary race drew the attention of the people to trotting matches, and scarcely a
year has passed since in which races of this description have failed to draw a
large crowd.
The Emlenton Agricutural Society was organized March 27,' 1858, by citi-
zens living in the northern part of the county, assisted by their friends in Ven-
ango, Clarion ami Armstrong counties. Its supporters comprised many of those
who belonged to the old Butler County Agriculural Society of 1853. Henry
Kohlmeyer. of Butler county, was elected president, and among the long list of
vice-presidents were the following from Butler county : John Murrin, J. F.
Layton, John Mechling, and George Parker. The first fair, held at Emlenton in
the fall of 1858, was successful, but interest in the project then subsided and the
organization disbanded.
The Butler County Colonization Society was organized January 25, 1860,
with Rev. Loyal Young, president ; Rev. Isaiah Niblock, and Rev. William A.
Fetter, vice-presidents; and John Graham secretary. Robert R. Reed, agent of
the State Colonization Society, was the organizer, and the object was to obtain
an appropriation of $5,000 to be applied to the colonization of free negroes in
Pennsylvania, which it was believed would benefit the agricultural interests of
the State, as well as the negro.
The Wool Growers' Association of .Slippery Rock township, was organized
in April, 1866, with David McKee, president; Dawson Wadsworth, vice-president;
John Bigham, secretary, and Lewis Patterson, treasurer. In 1867, Thomas Moore
presided, with John T. Bard, secretary. This organization merged into the Agri-
cultural Society and lost its identity.
The Butler County Farmers' Club held its first meeting in April, 1869,
when the following named officers were elected : John Q_. A. Kennedy, presi-
dent; John Q. A. Sullivan, recording secretary; Edwin Lyon, corresponding
secretary; Hugh Morrison, treasurer, and W. II. Black, librarian. The vice-
presidents then chosen were : Herman J. Berg, of Butler township; John Martin,
of Connoquenessing ; David McKee, of Slippery Rock ; W. H. Graham, of Wash-
ington; James I). Anderson, of Perm ; John B. McLaughlin, of Clearfield ; H. C.
AGRICULTURE. JO/
McCoy, of Cherry; Abraham Moyer, of Lancaster; Samuel Marshall, of Adams;
and Tosiah M. Thompson, of Brady. The following year this organization was
merged into the Farmers' Institute.
The Farmer/ Institute held its first fair at Butler in September. 1870.
The Institute succeeded the Farmers' Club and the officers were simply the men
who would have been selected by the Club had it continued its organization.
Tohn Q. A. Kennedy presided in 1870, with Herman J. Berg and A. Cuthbert,
vice-presidents; W. II. H. Riddle, secretary ; Edwin Lyon, correspondent ; Hugh
Morrison, treasurer, and G. W. Shaffer, superintendent. The Institute has,
through the passing years, grown into a profitable and most deserving organization.
It i> an educational societv, important in its aims and successful in its working'-.
Meetings are held at stated intervals to which all agriculturists are invited, and
at which ideas relating to farms and farmers are expressed and discussed. \Y.
II. II. Riddle is the founder of the Institute in this county. In November, is1,):!,
D. B. Douthett was elected president; A. D. Weir, Christie Robb, James Steph-
enson and Benjamin Douthett, vice-presidents, and J. A. McCafferty, secretary.
The Connoquenessing Valley Agricultural Association was organized in 1S74,
with Abraham Moyer, president; Dr. Amos Lusk, secretary; Ira Stauffer, treas-
urer; S. M. Weihl, John N. Miller, Adam Endres, Abraham Schontz, John
Enslen, James Smith, George Eicholtz, Martin Sitler, Joseph S. Lusk, Daniel
Achre, L. P. Hazlett. 11. M. Ziegler and Jacob Hyle. For many years lairs
were held regularly, and at length the association dissolved.
The Patrons of Husbandry ruled in this county during the Seventies,
attaining great strength in 1876-77. At that time Pomona Grange, the name of
the countv organization, claimed the following named officers: — James Porter,
of Portersville, master; John Q. A. Kennedy, of Butler, secretary; Robert
McKee. of Butler, overseer; A. J. Hutchison, of Coultersville, chaplain ; John
Book, of Jacksville, lecturer: William J. Hutchison, of Butler, steward; Alfred
Aggas, of Coultersville, assistant steward ; William R. Patterson, of Butler,
treasurer: A. T. Pearce. gate keeper; Miss Lizzie Hutchison, ceres; Mrs. Mollie
A. Pearce. pomona (all of Butler); Mrs. Mary McMurry. of Slippery Rock,
flora; Leah A. Book, lady assistant steward; John Stevenson, J. D. Stevenson,
Alfred Aggas, Robert McKee and William F. Campbell, executive committee;
Tohn Stevenson, chairman, business manager and deputy for the southern town-
ships, and D. W. Forrester, deputy for the northern townships.
The local granges with the names of masters and secretaries are given as fol-
lows : Thalia Grange, 636, of Fairview. Samuel Barnhart and R. W. Barnhart ;
Prospect, 126, N. S. Grossman and D. W. Forrester: Mt. Chestnut. 13:5. J. M.
Dunn and T. S. Dodds ; Mt. Olive, 143, of Clay, Alfred Aggas and E. S. Flee-
ger ; Good Intent, 183, of Slippery Rock, Abner Seaton and R. A. Hartley ;
Eureka, 244, of Butler, H. II. Bryson and Levi A. Bryson ; Cherry, 315, Levi
Stewart and Levi B. McCoy: Bloomfield, 355, of Lancaster, Thomas Allen and
J. D. Lytle; Forest, 370, of Brady, J. M. Thompson and N. H. Thompson;
Worth, 409, James Porter and John Humphrey ; Forward, W. S. Waldron
and Joseph Art; Oakland, 578, T. A. Templeton and M. H. Ney-
man; and Perm, 542, J. Q. A. Kennedy and Simeon Nixon. North
208 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Hope Grange, organized about 1872, with Samuel Smith, master, and David F.
Campbell, secretary, did not exist in 1 sJT, and Concord, another earl)7 organiza-
tion, had also dissolved. It is related by George W. Campbell, of Butler, that the
secretary of Concord grange mailed an order to Pittsburg for ten barrels of salt.
It appears that he wrote it "ten barrels of salts," and, without question, the enter-
prising merchant shipped him ten barrels of epsom salts. It was a most disagree-
able consignment, so far as the secretary was concerned, and was a standard joke
long after the grange had dissolved.
The Butler Driving Park Association was organized October 15, ls77,
with the following named officers : G. J. Cross, president ; Joseph L. Purvis,
James H. Tebay and G. A. McBride, vice-presidents; P. XV. Lowrv, recorder;
W. P. Roessing, correspondent; Joseph L. Purvis, treasurer; L. M. Cochran, G.
A. McBride, W. II. II. Riddle, and the president, treasurer and correspondent,
directors. In October, 1S77, this society leased a tract of twentv-three acres,
just east of the old fair grounds, from Mrs. Nancy Bredin and transformed it into
an excellent race track. In June, 1878, a race meeting was held, and a fair in
the fall. The officers named, with J. IS. Campbell and R. P. Scott, were the first
stockholders. In December, 1878, G. J. Cross was elected president; R. P.
Scott and J. II. Tebay, vice-presidents; John S. Campbell, treasurer; \V. P.
Roessing, recorder and correspondent; G. A. McBride, superintendent, and J. H.
Tebay director, vice Roessing resigned. Under date, June 5, 1879, a motion
providing for a fourth day races, and such telling references as " Dan Mace's
Hopeful to beat 2 :1S for $500," are recorded. Later in June, a resolution to hold
a fair in the fall was carried, and the original idea of confining the business of
the corporation to racing and trotting, without regard to farm exhibits, showed
signals of distress.
In November, 1ST'.), \\". P. Smith, of Centre town-hip, was elected president ;
E. A. Helmbold, Samuel Bolton and G.J. Cross, vice-presidents ; W. P. Roessing.
secretary, and John S. Campbell, treasurer. The success of the fall fair and the
election of a farmer as president, abolished the original idea, and. in May, 1880,
the association was re-organized.
The Butler Agricultural Association adopted a constitution in May. 1880,
but there is no minute of the election of officers. The fact that \Y. P. Smith was
president, Joseph L. Purvis vice-president, and John S. Campbell, W. H. II.
Riddle, J. II, Tebay and W. P. Roessing directors, shows that changes were
made in the board of the old association. In September, Joseph L. Purvis was
elected superintendent of grounds, and in October, J. D. Anderson and R. D.
Stevenson are named among the directors. In December, President Smith was re-
elected, with \\". P. Roessing, secretary; John S. Campbell, treasurer, and
W. II. II. Riddle and Alexander Hunter, vice-presidents. In December, 1SS-2. W '.
M. Brown was elected to succeed Alexander Hunter, while the other officers were
re-elected. A. D. Weir replaced Brown in December, 1883, this being the only
change in officers.
The election of December, 1884, resulted in the choice of George W.Camp-
bell, vice-president, and XV. H. H. Riddle, secretary, the other officers being
re-elected, and again elected in December, 1885. In 1886 the 'administration of
£?t\ rc^T^.
AGRICULTURE. 200,
affairs was so satisfactory that the old board and officers were continued. In L887
Alexander Hunter took A. I). Weir's place as vice-president, George W. Camp-
bell being reelected ; but Mr Weir was elected to Hunter's place in 1888. In
December, 1889, W. P. Smith was elected president; George W. Campbell and
A. D. Weir, vice-presidents ; Joseph L. Purvis, superintendent: XV. P. Roessing,
secretary, and John S. Campbell, treasurer. The lease of five acres from Charles
Duffy and seven" acres from II. C. Heineman was reported. The lease of rive acres
from the Thomas Stehle heirs, with the other leases, form the present grounds.
The officers named were re-elected in L890; but in December, 1891, W. II. H.
Riddle was chosen president: George W. Campbell and A. D. Weir, vice-presi-
dents; XV. A. Clark, Joseph L. Purvis, R. D. Stevenson, D. H. Sutton, J. M.
Lieghner, J. II. Troutman and W. P. Roessing, directors; John S. Campbell,
treasurer, and Ira Mcjunkin, secretary. These officers were re-elected in 1892,
and again in 1893.
The total amount of premiums paid out in 1880, was $945.70; in 1881,
$1,128.57; in 1882, $1,182.06; in 1883, $1.600.50 ; in 1884, $1,478. 37; in 1885,
$2,552.89; in 1886, $2,205.67; in 1887, $2,294.32 ; in 1888, $2,581.29 ; in 1889,
$2,506.22; in 1890, $2,211.70. The total fair receipts from 1880 to 1890, inclusive,
amounted to $46,548.59, and expenditures to $46,160-50. The premiums paid
in bsOl amounted to -$4, 1 48 ; in 1n9l\ $3,852, and in November, 1893, there were
about $3,700 paid in premiums and a further sum of $2,900 expended in improve-
ments.
The officers of 1893 were re-elected for 1894, except Mr. Roessing, whose
place was taken by John S. Campbell. The directors are Robert Stevenson, J.
S. Campbell. D. H. Sutton. J. H. Troutman, J- L. Purvis. J. M. Lieghner and
Wr. A. Clark ; and the officers of the board, president, XV. H. H. Riddle; vice-presi-
dents, A. D. Weir and George W. Campbell; treasurer. John S. Campbell : super-
intendent. J. L. Purvis, and secretary, W. P. Roessing, vice Ira Mcjunkin,
whose duties as district attorney made it necessary for him to resign the secretary-
ship. The last fair was held in September, 1S94, and was fairly successful, though
it was handicapped by the general business depression and the remarkable drought
which prevailed in western Pennsylvania for several months prior to its open-
ing day.
Millcrsto-.cn Fair Association, organized February 29, 18.S4. was chartered
to "The Millerstown Driving Park and Agricultural Association, Limited,"
April 7, 1884, with seventv-four members, and a capital stock of $5. TOO, divided
into 500 shares. The permanent organization was effected March 11, 1884, with
S. D. Bell, president; Henry Moorhead and W. A. Dennison. vice-presidents;
H. T- Myers, acting secretary; P. A. Hell, permanent secretary; H. J. Hoyt,
treasurer; C. H. Johnson, J. C. Nevills, Dr. Foster, Owen Brady, J. J. Wester-
mann, R. K. Sutton. S. F. Showalter, H. C. Litinger and W. P. Turner. The
grounds, fourteen acres, were purchased from Owen Brady and Fetzer & Myers,
at forty dollars an acre. The tract was improved at once, and a fair held that
fall. The last fair was held in 1890, and the last races in 1891. Dr. Bell pre-
sided in 1885, W. P. Turner in 1886, C. II. Johnson in 1887, and as chairman in
1888, of the reorganized fair association, over which C. F. Pierce presided in
14
2IO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1889, and J. J. Westermann, from 1890 to 1894. P. A. Bell was secretary in 1885
and 1886, but J. C. Gaisford has filled that position from 1887 to the present day.
There are now twenty-four stockholders.
The Farmers' Alliance is a modern association, partaking somewhat of the
charge of the Patrons of Husbandry. Its branches are found in a few townships
already and organizers are engaged in the work of propagating its principles and
establishing new alliances.
FARM STATISTICS.
In 1840 there were in Butler county 7,962 horses and mules; 26,051 neat
cattle ; 51,191 sheep ; 40,145 hogs, and poultry valued at $22,759. Of farm pro-
ducts there were produced 254,914 bushels of wheat; 2.742 of rye; 629,179 of
oats; 91,261 of buckwheat: 125,097 of com: 286,158 of potatoes: 22,990 tons
of hay: 3,831 ponnds of sugar; 76,267 pounds of wool ; 2,199 pounds of hops;
1,810 pounds of wax: while orchard products were valued at $23,114, and daify
products at $76,492.
The statistics of 1870 show 273,128 acres of improved land ; farms valued at
$18,230,848; productions, betterments and additions to stock, at $3, 125,482 ; value
of live stock, $2,467,001; number of horses, 1 1,521 : 16,078 milch cows ; 262 work-
ing oxen; 07,831 sheep, and 23,775 swine. There were 703 bushels of spring
wheat: 293,761 of winter wheat; 179,577 of rye; 453,894 of Indian corn;
oats, 1,099,163; barley, 4,037; buckwheat. 113,994, and potatoes, 187,984
bushels. The number of pounds of wool produced were 225,220: of butter
1,447,093, and of cheese, 2,695 pounds.
The statistics for 1880 credit the county with 341,459 acres of improved land,
divided into 5,384 farms, valued, with improvements, at $20,644,143. Farm im-
plements and machinery were valued at $784,767; live stock at $1,893,307, and
farm products at $2,244,838. The estimated cost of fences, built or repaired, was
$146,248, and of fertilizers, $9,700. There were produced 192,843 bushels of wheat,
1,095.012 of oats. 773.333 of corn, 150,508 of buckwheat, 612 of barley, 117,627
of rye, 473,513 of potatoes and 223 of sweet potatoes ; with 229 pounds of hops,
4,224 pounds of tobacco and 49,623 tons of hay- There were 12,841 horses, 210
mules and asses, seventy-five working oxen, 19,388 milch cows, 21,038 head of other
cattle, 50,669 sheep and 33,123 hogs. The wool produced amounted to 240,897
pounds; of butter, 1,929,790, and of cheese, 1,143 pounds, while the yield of milk
was 72,3311 gallons.
In 1893, there were 5.354 farms in Butler county, — a smaller number than in
1880. 'The owners leased their lands to oil operators and betook themselves to the
boroughs. The estimate of population, at the close of 1893, does not, appreciably,
change the figures of 1890, but the movement toward the county seat, has been
carried on on a larger scale than at any period since 1877. The centralizing
power of the principal borough is as manifest in the county as that of New York,
Chicago and Philadelphia is in the Nation.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE.
An Original Petition to Regulate Taverns— First Temperance Societies— Pio-
neer Temperance Agitation— Sons of Temperance— Good Templars — The
Woman's Crusade — Temperance Associations — The Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union — Local Unions — Young Women's Christian Temperance
Union — Work Accomplished — Secession of 1889— The Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Alliance— Non-Partisan Union— Review of Temperance Agitation.
THE first movement in Butler county for the regulation of the liquor traffic
took place soon after its organization. Among the old documents in the
prothonotary's office is an original petition presented to Judge Moore, in Febru-
ary, 1804, and endorsed by him : "Continued under advisement to next May
sessions. J- Moore." Here is the humble prayer of the petitioners :
To the Honorable Jesse Moore and his associate judges, now composing- a court of
general quarter sessions of the peace and common pleas for the County of Butler. The
humble petition of us the subscribers, inhabitants of Butler county. Your petitioners
conceive it is in the power of the honorable court to set a stipulated price on the provisions
for man and horse, and liquors, in the taverns of said county. As they conceive that 25
cents for a meal of victuals and 12 cents for a half pint of whiskey is rather an extortion,
as whiskey has been purchased for 40 cents per gallon, pork from 3'j to 4 cents per lb.,
and flower for two dollars per cwt., and as our county is now organized and will be increas-
ing in population we thought it prudent to petition the honorable court to redress the
wrongs and advantages we conceive is committed bv the tavern keepers in said county.
And we, your petitioners, as in dut}' bound will ever pray, &c, etc.
[Signed] Michael Martin, James Leaird, Henry Evans, James Colwell, James McKee,
John Mitchell, John Currithers, William Martin. Abuer Coats, James Martin, William
Pile, James Lloyd, John McLeoud, John McDonald. Joseph Evans, John McCandless.
John Carson, Henry Montooth. Thomas McGaghy, Joseph Hudson (per order), Matthew
Thompson. Joseph Crawford, Charles Maginness, Mordecai McLoud, William McLoud,
Colin McDonald, Andrew McGowan, Henry Evans, Robert Kennedy, Henry Kennedy,
Martin Kennedy, John Ray, Isaac F. Curry, John Carson, David Moore, Thomas Dickey,
W. Evers, John Elliott, Jacob Ross, William Balph, F. McGowan, Wm. McBride, Isaac
Evans, James Hughes, John Seali, Johannas Buechle and Peter Buechle.
The beginning of temperence agitation in this county dates back to February
9. 182',*, when a county temperance society was organized at Butler with Rev.
John Coulter as president. Another was organized the same year at Mt. Nebo,
which was presided over by Rev. Reid Bracken, with Robert Walker, secretary.
and Matthew McClure treasurer. The committeemen were Alexander Hays,.
Thomas Cratty, Samuel Riddle and Thomas Bracken, and they with the twenty-
four members enrolled on April 28, 1829, pledged themselves against supporting
any man for office who was known to be an habitual drinker of liquor.
An anti-intemperance societv was formed in Concord township, August "21 r
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1829, with Andrew Christie, president, and John Christie, secretary. The move-
ment gained votaries in every township before the close of 1830 : while the Theo-
bald Mathew idea of temperence, as inculcated in Ireland, spread rapidly through-
out the counties of this Commonwealth.
In 1831-32 William Campbell and Matthew S. Lowrie visited every house in
Butler and tendered the pledge, which was generally signed by the women and
children. In 1886 another pledge was presented to the people of the borough, a
majority of whom signed it. These recurring temperance waves continued
throughout many years of hope and disappointment. From 1829 to 1840 tem-
perance society succeeded temperance society- Each organization took a share in
teaching the wisdom of abstention from strong drink, and each was credited with
the accomplishment of much good. The political campaigns of 1840 and L844
led many to return to the old social ways, and in 184S the moralists had to resume
arms and again attack the evil.
Butler Division, Xumber 207, Sons of Temperance, was organized in April,
1*48, by Robert Carnahan, with the following named officers, in order of rank :
William Fowzer, Levi Thorn, Michael Mechling, James Glenn, Philip Bickel,
Wilson K. Potts, Samuel Bennett, William II. Johnston, James Campbell,
George W. Crozier, P. De P. Taylor and K. J. White. This was followed by
the organization of township and borough branches throughout the county, and
ultimately by the organization of the youth into temperance companies.
The Boys' Hope Section, Cadets of Temperance, elected officers in April,
1850, as follows : William 15. Agnew, W. A.; William Miller, secretary; M.
Rhodes, assistant-secretary; Joseph Midgely, treasurer, and Curtis Smith, assist-
ant-treasurer. The organization died out before the close of the year.
The Independent Order of Good Templars took up the work later and prose-
cuted it by secret methods. Several lodges were organized in Butler county and
contained a large membership. The Good Templers continued temperance work
for many years, and though the society accomplished much good, yet the liquor
traffic grew and prospered, from year to year, with little abatement of the evils
arising therefrom. Finally many of the earnest women of the county became
enlisted in the temperance cause and offered themselves as soldiers of the new
crusade, which had its inception at Hillsboro, Ohio, in December, 1873. The
"Woman's Crusade" led to the organization of the Woman's Christian Temperance
Union in 1874, which spread through Pennsylvania the following year, and six
years later invaded Butler county. Since that time the fight against the liquor
traffic has been carried on with zeal and unabating vigor.
TE M l'K II A N L E ASSOCIATIONS.
The pioneer branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union in Butler
county, at Harrisville, was organized July 22, 1880, with eleven members. On
November 23, 1881, the Butler County Woman's Christian Temperance Union
was organized in the Presbyterian church, of Butler, by Mrs. Frances L. Swift,
president, and Mrs. Ellen M. Watson, secretary of the State W. C. T. U, with
but seven members. Miss Mary E. Sullivan was elected president and Mrs.
Nannie D. Black, secretary, both of Butler ; while a vice-president was named
THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE. 2 I 3
for each township in the county. The work of organizing local unions was taken
in hand by the pioneer officers of the county union. The local Woman's Christian
Temperance Union of Butler borough was organized by Miss Alary E. Sullivan
in the United Presbyterian church, February 13, 1882, with fourteen members.
Miss Sullivan and Mrs. Black were elected president and secretary of the local
union. The women of the county having failed to respond as they should
have done to the first call, the county officers, at the close of the first year,
requested the state officers to send out a second call for a county W. C. T. U. con-
vention, to be held in Butler. In response to this call, about thirty women met
in the Presbyterian church, November 6, lSNi*, when the state organizer, Miss
Narcissa E. White, assisted by Miss Frances L. Swift, re-organized the county
auxiliary to the State W. C. T. U. Mrs. Elizabeth R. Dain, of Buffalo town-
ship, was elected president, as Miss Mary E. Sullivan declined re-election to that
office, but accepted the office of corresponding secretary. Mrs. Nannie D. Black
was re-elected recording secretary, Miss Aggie Shaw, of Harrisville, treasurer,
and Mrs. A. G. Brown, of Renfrew, vice-president. Butler county was first rep-
resented in the State convention held at Oil City, October 11 ami \2, INS:?, by the
following delegates : Mrs. N. A. Bryson and Mrs. Isaiah J. McBride. of the But-
ler Union, and Mrs. Chester and Mrs. Webster, of the Harrisville Union.
The work of organizing was continued, anil in the course of a few years
nearly every part of the county had been reached. Bruin Union was organized
in February, 1883, by Miss Narcissa E. White, with nine members. Brownsdale
Union was also established by Miss White, March 20, 1883, with thirty members.
Unionville and Myoma Unions were organized in 1883, and Holvoke in 1884.
Petrolia Union came into existence in June, 1885, with thirty members, being
organized by Mrs. E. R. Dain, and in September following Mrs. Mary W.
Douthett organized Connoquenessing Union with five members. In April, 1880,
Miss Mary E. Sullivan and Mrs. M. E. Nicholls organized Unions at Millerstown
and Karns City : while Mrs. Taggert organized one at Mars in June, 1886. Moni-
teau Union was started the same year, also one at Zelienople by Miss Mary E.
Sullivan. Fairview Union was organized May 26, 1886, with rive members, and
that at Eau Claire in May, 1887, by Miss Mary E. Sullivan. Hilliards, Middle-
sex and Plains Unions were all organized in the latter year. More than 500
members were enrolled in the Unions of the W. C. T. U. of Butler county in
1887, anil a vigorous warfare was waged against the traffic in intoxicants.
The South side branch, at Butler, was organized October 18, 1888, with Mrs.
James S. Henry, president ; Mrs. J. U. Negley. vice-president ; Mrs. A. Stewart,
corresponding secretary ; Mrs. L. L. Christy, recording secretary ; Mrs. D. L.
Aiken, treasurer, and Mrs. T. Steen, delegate to county convention.
The Central branch of Butler was organized December 4, 1SSS, with Mrs. M.
E. Nicholls, president: Mrs. Lizzie K. Ayres, vice-president : Mrs. I.J. McBride.
corresponding secretary; Airs. M. K. Byers, recording secretary, and Mrs. N. D.
Fisher, treasurer.
The Young Wometis' Christian Temperance Union, an auxiliary of the
Woman's Christian Temperance Union, organized its first branch in Butler county
at Harrisville. May S, 1884, with twelve members. Mrs. Marv B. Reese was
2 14 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the organizer. On March 7. 1885, Mrs. E. R. Dain organized a branch at But-
ler containing eighty-two members. The same year a Union was organized at-
Evans City by Miss Alice Wick, with twenty members ; one at Centreville with
forty-two members, and one at I'nionville, by Miss Mary E. Sullivan. In 1886
the Concord, Prospect, Bethel, Jacksville, North Hope and Millerstown Unions
were organized. The local temperance work was carried on assiduously by these
unions in every part of the county, and the object, of those engaged in the agita-
tion were partially achieved.
Mrs. M. S. Templeton. a well-known temperance worker of Butler, has
furnished us the following account of Union affairs from November. 1887, to
November, 1889 :
The sixth annual convention held in Butler, November 2 and 3, 1887, was presided
over by Mrs. Frances L. Swift, Mrs. E. R. Dain having- died June 11, 1887. Mrs. S. M.
McKee, of Butler, was elected president, and Mrs. J. B. Showalter, of Millerstown, corres-
pondent, as Miss Mary B. Sullivan declined re-election. Mrs. L. J. McKinney. of Myo-
ma, was chosen recorder, and Mrs. Lizzie K. Ayres, of Harrisville. retained as treasurer.
Vacancies in the departments were filled; in all others the superintendents were con-
tinued. The following- year, another campaign was pro.secnted against license with out
other result than the accumulation of a debt, the stirring up of local strife and the
crippling of the LTnions in means and influence. It was then thought better to
imitate the course of the Butler Union and relinquish all such attempts for the present.
The Butler County Union, had always, until the last two years, declared itself to
be non-partisan, but at the annual convention in November. 1888, a motion to revive
such action was defeated, owing to the desire on the part of many in both parties to keep
the disturbing question out of the convention, if possible. Mrs. Lucy H. Washing-ton,
of Port Jervis, New York, presided at the election of officers, at which time Mrs. J. B.
Showalter and Mrs. S. M. McKee chang-ed places, the former becoming president. Mrs.
M. J. Barhart was the delegate to the National Convention held at New York,
that year.
The vote on the prohibitory amendment was the event of 1889, and the women did
all in their power, finding- small scope for their efforts, as the campaign fell altogether
into the hands of the voters. In several places the Young- Women's Unions drilled the
Loyal Temperance Leg-ions and marched the children, singing- on the streets, and past
the polls: while banners and mottoes wereplaced wherever they were allowed. This agi-
tation led to a majority for the amendment in this county.
In 1889, nine delegate.-, were sent to the State Convention in Philadelphia, and Mrs.
N. C. Core was the delegate to the National Convention at Chicago, in November. At
the State Convention, in October. Mrs. F. L. Swift. Mrs. Ellen M. Watson and Mrs. J.
D. Weeks declined re-election, and the State Union by a large majority, passed into the
hands of those identified with Miss Willard's policy of endorsing- prohibition wherever it
mig-ht be found. This event and the subsequent adherence of the National Union to its
i. induced Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, the leader of the opposition, to withdraw from the
convention in Chicago, with thirteen Iowa women.
The convention held November 21, 1889, at Butler, was marked by the
secession of thirteen members, who did not agree with the position taken by the
National Union. The condition of the Butler County Union, prior to this dis-
agreement, is shown by the following figures: Number of Unions, thirty-seven;
paving members, 487 ; moneys raised, $1,607.37, and fourteen Juvenile Unions
organized with 604 members. The officers elected at the convention were Mrs.
Lillie 1. McKinney, president ; Mrs. J. H. Sutton, vice-president ; Mrs. S. M.
THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE. 2 I 5
McKee, correspondent ; Mrs. O. M. Phillips, recorder, and Mrs. A. M. Rice,
treasurer.
Mrs. Templeton says that in 1890 the county reported twenty-rive Unions,
with 4->5 paying members, and nine juvenile organizations, with 315 members ;
while $1,349.83 were raised for temperance purposes, 40,000 pages of literature
distributed, and all the freight trains on one line of railroad furnished with read-
ing matter.
In 1891 there were twenty-seven Unions reported, $963.81 raised, 30,000
pages of literature distributed, seventy-three public meetings held and seven dele-
gates sent to the State Convention at Bradford ; while the Loyal Temperance
Legion contained 569 members. The county convention was held at Mars, and
Mrs. M. M. Sutton was chosen president; Mrs. L. W. Zuver, recorder; Mrs. M.
S. Templeton, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. A. M. Rice, treasurer.
In 1892 twenty-five Unions were reported, twenty-three public meetings
held, six delegates attended the State Convention at New Cattle, and numerous
petitions were circulated for the anti-narcotic bill, for the signing of the Brussels
treaty, and for the closing of the World's Fair on Sundays.
In 1893 there were twenty-two active Unions in the county, $876.92 raised
for the temperance cause, and twenty-nine public meetings held. Petitions were
circulated for closing saloons on Memorial Day, for the local option bill, against
the repeal of local prohibitory laws, and for the Pennsylvania Sunday law. The
president and four delegates attended the State Convention at Lancaster, and
Mrs. A. M. Rice was sent as a delegate to the National Convention at Chicago.
The convention of September, 1893, was held in the Reformed church at
Springdale, and the following officers elected : Mrs. M. D. Dodds, president ; Mrs.
J. \Y. Orr, vice-president; Mrs. M. S. Templeton, corresponding secretary; Mrs.
L. C. Wick, recording secretary; and Mrs. A. M. Rice, treasurer. The presenta-
tion of banners to Unions showing a certain increase in membership was one of
the interesting features of this convention.
//A' Woman's Christian Temperance Alliance of Butler county had its
inception November 21, 1889, when a declaration of secession and principles was
signed by thirteen delegates of the Womans' Christian Temperance Union Con-
vention, then in session at Butler, and bv six other women. This declaration was
read in convention by Mrs. N. C. Core. and. from it, the following leading points
are taken : That while the society held a neutral position between Church and
State, its members were a unit in opposing intemperance. That for some years,
the original, central idea was being undermined by a political idea and that since
the convention appears to adhere to views which cannot be otherwise than dam-
aging to the best interests of the cause, it is necessary to organize a non-sectarian
and non-political association. The document, as read, was signed by Madams
X. C. Core, I. J. McBride, M. K. Byers, M. E. Nicholls, F. Bailey, R. I. Boggs,
I). Garrett. K. II. Miller, J. R. Miller, Cynthia Gilmore, I.. K. Ayres, and Patton
Kearns, with the Misses Mary E. Sullivan, Celia Cubbison and Margaret Wick.
After the reading Madams J. L. Henry, M. J. Fay, E. S. Barclay and Miss L.
E. Young signed the declaration. That evening Mis. M. F. Nicholls presided
over a meeting of twenty-seven non-partisan workers who organized a bureau of
2l6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
correspondence with Mrs. Nicholls, president ; Mis*. Young, secretary, and Mrs.
Byers, treasurer.
The actual organization of the Alliance was effected on September IS, 1890,
by Mrs. Ellen J. Phinney, president of the National Union. The officers then
elected were Mrs. Margaret J. Earhart, president: Mrs. J. B. Showalter, vice-
president; Mrs. M. E. Nicholls. corresponding secretary: Miss May Hopkins,
recording secretary : and Miss L. E. Young, treasurer. The title adopted for
this new association of temperance workers was '•Woman's Christian Temper-
ance Alliance."'
The second conference, held November 6, 1891, resulted in the choice of
Mrs. J. B. Showalter, president; Mrs. M. |. Earhart. vice-president; Mrs.
Emily Robinson, corresponding secretary; Mrs. E. J. Calvert, recording secretary;
and Miss Ella Young, treasurer.
The third conference, held at Millerstown in 1892, resulted in the re-election
of the president, with Mrs. E. 1>. Robinson, corresponding secretary; Mrs. U.
D. Fisher, recording secretary and Miss L. E. Young, treasurer.
The fourth conference was held at Butler in September. 1893, when the fol-
lowing named officers were chosen: President, Mi's. 1. |. McBride; Nice-presi-
dent, Mrs. N. C. Core: corresponding secretary. Mrs. J. E. Byers ; recording
secretary, Mis. U. I). Fisher; and treasurer. Miss L. E, Young, who are also the
present officers.
The Xon- Partisan Temperance Union of Butler was organized September
19, I SHO. as an auxiliary of the Alliance, by Miss Ella Beacom. Miss L. E.
Young was chosen president, Mrs. J. E. Byers, secretary, and Mrs. (J. D. Fisher,
treasurer. Since that year this organization has been extended to other parts of
the county, Millerstown, Karns City and Concord township having Unions.
In reviewing the work accomplished by the temperance women of Butler
county, we cannot but admire the wonderful persistence with which they have
pursued their object. In 1885 they assisted their co-laborers throughout the
State in having the "Temperance Education Law" enacted, and by their zeal lit-
erally compelled the court to close every drinking place in the county. In 1881
there were forty-five saloons or bars in Butler county, while in 1885 there was
not one. This was the result of womens work. The great Murphy meetings
and the license agitation of 1886-87 were also manifestations of their power;
while the gradual molding of public opinion in opposition to the liquor traffic is
principally due to their untiring agitation. Though the women of Pennsylvania
lost the battle on the prohibitory amendment in June, 1889, Uutler county gave a
majority of ^,423 votes in favor of the measure. It was largely through their
efforts that every drinking place in the borough of Butler was closed in the
spring of 1894, and that several other towns in the county met with the same
treatment. And it is their intention to never cease this warfare until llutler
county is "dry" throughout its length and breadth.
CHAPTER XVII.
EARLY MILITARY HISTORY.
Introduction — Veterans of the Revolution and War ok 1812 — Muster Rolls ok
Butler County Companies — Mexican War Veterans — Pioneer Militia Or-
ganizations— Muster Day Festivities — Butler County Militia Companies —
National Guard— Military Enrollment.
MANY of the sturdy men who became the pioneers of Butler county were
soldiers of the Revolutionary War, who after its close took up the work
of clearing the forest and establishing homes for themselves and their families on
what was then the western frontier. They proved no less true to every duty of
manhood in the pursuits of peace than they had in battling for liberty and inde-
pendence during the long struggle that followed the firing of the first gun at Lex-
ington. In 1812. when the encroachments of Great Britain made a second war
necessarv. these venerable veterans were among the first to offer their services in
defense of their flag and country, inspiring by their patriotic example those of the
younger generation to a quick response to the call to arms. It is needless to say
that among these men and their descendants have been found citizens that have
reflected honor upon Butler county. By their industry they have contributed to
her up-building ; and in every department of human effort have advanced her in
the direction of progressive and enduring growth, and have given her a high
place among the counties of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Among the Revolutionary soldiers who became settlers of Butler county
were the following :
William Harbison, served under Capt. James Leach, in Colonel Hand's old
regiment, later Brodhead's ; was taken prisoner; subsequently served under Cap-
tain Jack in the Eighth Pennsylvania regiment in 177U.
John Welsh served in Colonel Greer's Seventh Pennsylvania regiment, was
at Brandy wine, and Paoli, and was wounded at Germantown. He received an
honorable discharge after one year's service.
John Galbraith, a native of Ireland, who served in the Pennsylvania Line,
settled in Centre township in 1796-97, making his home there during the remain-
der of his life.
John Rankin served in William Huston's company of Colonel Watt's Rifle-
men, of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, from July 1 to November l.">, 177<i.
when he was transferred to Colonel Rollin's command, and a day later was taken
prisoner by the British at Fort Washington. He was held at New York until the
last of March, 1777, and was exchanged in November, 177*.
John Slator, a soldier in the army of Count de Rochambeau, arrived with the
fleet off Rhode Island in 178(1, served in the battle of White Plains ; was present
2l8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
at the surrender of Cornwallis and continued in service until discharged at Wil-
mington, Delaware, May 9, 1788. He was a pioneer of Donegal township.
John Johnston enlisted in September, 1777, at Boston, in Colonel Craine's
artillery command, and served until after the surrender of Cornwallis.
Samuel Porterfield, born in 1753, served eighteen months in the troop of
Lighthorse of the Second Pennsylvania regiment.
John Ranson enlisted in Captain Talbott's company of the Sixth Pennsyl
vania regiment in 1770, and served three years. In October, 1779, he was ensign
of the Seventh Pennsylvania regiment.
Andrew Dunn, seventy-six years, in 1S24, enlisted in Captain Morgan's
company of Virginia troops under Col. John Gibson, in 1777, and served until
discharged at Pittsburg, in 1783.
James Burnside enlisted in the Eighth Pennsylvania regiment under Colonel
Bayard, in Captain Lloyd's company, and served nineteen months. He was dis-
charged at Pittsburg after the surrender of Cornwallis.
Capt. John McCollough, an early settler of Fairview township, served as
captain of a company.
Hugh Murrin, an early settler of Venango township, served in a New Jersey
regiment.
John McLeod, of Connoquenessing township, served in Captain Patterson's
companv of the Second Pennsylvania regiment from 1777 to 17<s2. lie was
present at Germantown, at Monmouth, where he was wounded, and at York
town.
Daniel Graham, Sr., who w:is seventy-two years of age in 1820, enlisted in
the Tuscarora Valley, Cumberland county, in March or April, 1777, in Capt.
Francis Negley's company, of the Ninth Pennsylvania regiment, commanded by
Col. Richard Butler. He received an nonorable discharge at Trenton, New
Jersey, in 1781, which was signed by General Butler and countersigned by Gen.
Anthony Wayne.
Jacob Rudolph enlisted as a ranger in 1779, under Capt. Matthew Jack, and
aided in destroying the Muncy Indian towns in 1780. He subsequently enlisted
in another company for nine months, and was stationed at Kittanning. He
re-enlisted in the Eighth Pennsylvania regiment, in which he served twenty-one
months.
John Bell, enlisted in the Sixth Maryland regiment, under Captain Giesland>
in 1777, and served until the close of the war.
George Dobson, who was seventy-seven years of age, and a resident of Slip-
pery Rock township in 1839, entered the Continental army at Staunton, Virginia,
under Captain Yates, in October, 1777, serving until the close of November fol-
lowing. In April, 1781, he joined the Bedford County (Pennsylvania) Rangers,
under Colonel Davis, serving in Capt. David Walker's company until Septem-
ber, 1781. The command was employed against the Indians.
James Glover, one of the pioneer settlers of the county, served with the New
jersey troops during the Revolution, participating in many battles and enduring
the privations of Valley Forge. lie settled in Adams township.
Thomas McKee, another Revolutionary soldier, settled in Butler township
EARLY MILITARY HISTORY. 2IQ
in 1797, where he resided until his death in June, 1815. A biographical sketch
of him will be found in another chapter.
Peter Peterson was a survivor of the ill-fatedexpedition sent in 1755 against
the French, at Fort Duquesne, under command of General Braddock, whose
death and disastrous defeat are matters of history. He afterwards served in the
Revolution, and later settled in Butler township, Butler county.
Alexander Bryson, a native of Ireland, and a soldier of the Revolution, set-
tled in the northwestern part of what is now Butler township.
William Gill, a pioneer of Mercer township, served under Gen. Anthony
Wayne, and although wounded at Paoli, continued in the service until the close
of the war.
Andrew Cruikshank, who came from Ireland prior to the Revolution and
took a full part in that struggle, died in 1818. His death occurred on the day
that his son Andrew was to have started for the front as a soldier of the War
of 1812.
John Kennedy, who came from Ireland in Colonial days, served in the Rev-
olution and afterwards settled in Winfield township. His son James served in
the War of 1812.
Thomas Watson, a native of Ireland, served in the Revolutionary army until
taken prisoner at Brandywine. Escaping from the British, he found a home in
this State and settled in Clinton township, Butler county. His son James served
in the War of 1812.
John Green, a native of Ireland, enlisted in 1770, at Little York, in Colonel
Hartley's regiment of the Pennsylvania Line. After participating in the battles
of Brandvwine, Paoli, Germantown and Trenton, he was discharged at Sunbury
in 1781.
Nathaniel Stevenson, who was seventy-six years of age, and a resident of
Butler borough in 1827, enlisted December 27, 1775, in Captain Rippey's com-
pany of Colonel Irvine's Pennsylvania regiment. He served until April 20,
1777.
George Hyers, aged sixty-seven years in 1828, served in Colonel Cook's
Pennsylvania regiment from November, 177<'>, to 1779.
John Jameson, seventy years of age, and a resident of Parker township in
1820, enlisted at Ilannahstown, Westmoreland county, at Colonel McCoy's
Eighth Pennsylvania regiment. He was discharged at Pittsburg in 1779.
Peter Kinney, better known as McKinney. who was fifty-six years of age in
1821, served as a tifer in Captain Black's company of the Eighth Pennsylvania
regiment. He entered the army a mere boy and served for six years and six-
months.
Charles Sullivan, the ancestor of the Sullivan family in Butler county, served
under Washington in the Continental Line, and was with the army during the
terrible winter at Valley Forge. While in the army he made the acquaintance of
Miss Susanna Johnston, of Chester county, to whom he was married in 1785.
Philip Hartman. an early settler of Donegal township, Butler county, served
in Colonel Ogle's regiment.
John Harbison served under General St. Clair against the Indians in 1791.
220 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY. .
lie was noted as a scout and spy. His wife, Massy Harbison, was captured by
the Indians in 1 7'.>1?, and after terrible sufferings escaped from the savages.
John Pierce, who served in the New Jersey Line, settled in Butler township
in 1796.
Michael O'Hara, who served under (Jen. Anthony Wayne, was an early
settler of Butler county.
Andrew Orr, John Vanderlin. Patrick McDowell and lames Shields, early
settlers of the county, all served in the Revolutionarv War. Luke Covert,
another soldier, settled in Brady township. William Carson, one of the early
settlers of Marion township, saw service in the Continental arm v.
Among the other Revolutionary soldiers who became early settlers of Butler
county, may be mentioned James Critchlow; Joseph Snyder, who served in the
Pennsylvania Line, settled in Worth township and died in 1815; Thomas Martin,
a native of Ireland, who served from 1 77<) to 17M and settled in Middlesex;
James Byrne, who came to Butler county in 1800; Abraham Leasure, who
settled in Winfield township; John Allen, who settled in Allegheny township ;
Enoch Varnum. who served in St. Clair"s army, settled in Washington township,
where he died in his ninetieth year; Thomas Clark, St., who settled in Worth
township: John Moser. who settled ,n Oakland township; William Elliott,
who served two years in the militia and rive years in the Continental army;
David Russell, a pioneer settler of Butler county ; General Campbell, a pioneer
of Marion township; William Spear, who settled in Franklin township, and
Jacob Hilliard. who settled in Washington township.
In 1830, the Pennsylvania legislature refused a contribution to William
Elliott, mentioned above, although his claims to recognition were strongly urged
by William Purviance, then a member of the House. In 1852, the legislature
granted a pension of fortv dollars a vear to James McElwaine, a soldier of the
Indian war. and a like sum to Catherine Monks, the widow of another soldier of
that war. In 1S40 there were twenty-six Revolutionary pensioners residing in
Butler county.
THE WAR OF 1 S 1 1? .
Within thirty years after the thirteen colonies had wrested their independence
from the mother country, another call to arms resounded throughout the length
and breadth of the young Republic. England, smarting under the loss of so large
a portion of her American domain, had precipitated a second conflict, and had
sent her fleets and armies to our shores. The struggle that followed is familiar
historv. At its beginning the pioneers of Butler county were yet engaged in
subduing the wilderness to the uses of civilization. The " spirit of 'T(')." however,
yet lingered among them, and the call to arms found even the surviving soldiers
of the Revolution as ready to defend the Republic as they had been to aid in
establishing it. The sons, as patriotic as the sires, also took their places in the
ranks, and proved their value on manv a well fought field.
On July 19, 1813, the appearance of the British fleet off Presque Isle, evinced
a determination on the part of the enemy to not only compass the destruction of
the half-finished American fleet, but to invade the State itself. Commodore
Perry, appreciating the gravity of the situation and the necessity for prompt resist-
EARLY MILITARY HISTORY. 221
ance, sent a courier to General Mead, of Meadville, asking for reinforcements.
The next day General Mead sent the following circular into every settlement
within the Sixteenth Militia district :
CITIZENS TO ARMS.
Your State is invaded. The enemy has arrived at Erie, threatening to destroy our
navy and the town. His course, hitherto marked with rapine and fire wherever he
touched our shore, must be arrested. The cries of infants and women, of the aged and
infirm, the devoted victims of the enemy and his savage allies, call on you for defense
and protection. Your honor, your property, your all, require yon to march immediately
to the scene of action. Arms and ammunition will be furnished to those who have none,
at the place of rendezvous near to Erie, and every exertion will be made for your subsist-
ence and accommodation. Your service to be useful must be rendered immediately. The
delay of an hour may be fatal to your country, in securing the enemy in his plunder and
favoring' his escape.
David Mead, Maj. Gen. 16th D. P. M.
The response was prompt, Butler county furnishing her full quota of men,
and contributing to the notable naval victory that followed. In appreciation of
the valuable services thus rendered, Commodore Perry sent the following letter
to General Mead :
TJ. S. Sloop of War Lawrence,
Off Erie, August 7, 1813.
Sir: — I beg leave to express to you the great obligation I consider myself under for the
ready, prompt and efficient service rendered by the militia under your command, in
assisting us in getting the squadron over the bar at the mouth of the harbor, and request
you will accept. Sir, the assurance that I shall always recollect with pleasure the alacrity
with which you repaired, with your division, to the defense of public property at this
place, on the prospect of an invasion. With great respect I am. Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Maj. Gen. David Mead, O. H. Pekry.
Pennsylvania Militia, Erie.
Shortly after war was declared, Col. John Purviance proceeded to raise
a regiment for service, four companies of which were recruited in Butler county.
This regiment, known as the " Second Regiment of Infantry," formed a part of
the brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Adamson Tannehill, and saw service at
Erie and other posts in northern Pennsylvania. Under the call of July, 1813, the
men of Colonel Purviance's regiment re-enlisted. In 1851 his son, Gen. John N.
Purviance, .secured from the files of the war department at Washington, D. C,
a roster of the regiment. It was published July 2(3, 1851, in The Democratic
Herald, together with an offer of General Purviance to procure pensions free of
charge for the survivors of his father's regiment or for their descendants. From
this roster are taken the following names of those who enlisted from Butler
county :
Brinkcr s Compcuiv. — Captain : Abraham Brinker.
Lieutenant : William Balph.
Ensign : Robert Lemmon.
Sergeants : Reuben Ayres, Alexander McCandless, Abraham Maxwell and
Thomas McKee.
222 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Corporals: Henry Slator, Matthew Randies, Peter Henry and John
Moser. Jr.
Musicians : William Pillow, fifer, and Peter McKinney, drummer.
Privates : Philip Barnhart, Samuel Robb, Robert Hogg, Hugh McKee, Alex-
ander Wilson, Martin McCandless, Alexander W. Galbraith, John Dunbar,
Matthew Thompson, William Frazier, Andrew Porter. Arthur Frazier, Alexan-
der Scott, Samuel White, Samuel Fulton, Xorbert Foltz, Reese Evans, Alexan-
der Wright, William Johnson, James McCleery, Samuel Williamson, David
Delong, James Robb and John Warmcastle.
Storeys Company. — Captain : Robert Storey.
Lieutenant : Robert Means.
Ensign : Christopher Stewart.
Sergeants : Andrew Christy, William White, William Weakley and John
Ross.
Corporals: Thomas Martin, Thomas Anderson, John Gibson and Edward
Conan.
Musicians : John Bell, fifer, and William Bell, drummer.
Privates: Walter Bell, Isaac Hilliard, Samuel Wallace, John Stanoot. Will-
iam Martin, Samuel Crawford, Andrew Celeron, Pickert Taylor, Henry Addavit,
George Armstrong, John Jackson, David Stewart, James Porter, David Cross,
William Moore, Jesse Gildersleeve, Joseph Adams. Richard Taylor, Robert
Campbell, Henry Campbell, Signor Straign, John Brown, John Hartley, Robert
Waddle, Andrew Moore, Samuel .Sutton, George McDermott, John Wick, Jos-
eph Stinetorf, Joseph Studebaker, William McCannon, Solomon Beecher, Samuel
Black, Thomas Waddle, Andrew Bradley, Alexander McMurray, Samuel
Osborne, John Martin, Robert Sutton, Hugh Gilmore and Thomas Caruthers.
Thompson's Company. — Captain : Robert Thompson.
Lieutenant : Thomas Pearce.
Ensign : Charles Hunter.
Sergeants : William Beatty, David Pearce, Robert Harkins and E. T, Stone.
Corporals : James Gold, James Balph, John Mechling and John Critchlow.
Privates: Charles O'Donnell, John Harbison, William Elliott, Andrew Smith,
John McCall, Allen Flemming, William Gray, Joseph Kirker, James Morrow,
Robert Stewart, Peter Grucy, Robert Kennedy, James Johnston, Allen Bails.
James WTatson, Henry Hess, Thomas Cleeland, John Maiden, Malachi Sutton,
John Shira, David Strawick, Richard Martin and Robert Flemming.
Jordan's Company. — Captain: Samuel Jordan.
Lieutenant : Leonard Dobbins.
Ensign : William Tindle.
Sergeants : John Semple, Andrew Long, William Taylor and David
Wallace.
Corporals: Robert Patterson, David White, Nathaniel Hammil and Benja-
min Stubbs.
Privates: Michael Brennan, William Rodgers, William Gaston, William
Coleman, William Annom, Samuel Vennatta, Samuel Covert, Samuel Leslie,
Robert Lusk, Robert King, James Miller, James Moore, Joseph McCord, Joseph
EARLY MILITARY HISTORY. 22j
Sippoy, Joseph Shevar, Adam Whittenbarger, Thomas Hoge, David Houck,
David Martin, Daniel Boles, Daniel Termeans, John Lippey, John Clark, John
Truesdale, John Schendledecker, Stephen McConaghey, Christopher Strieby,
Charles Smith, George Bridgeman and Hugh Wilson.
Stewarfs Company. — Captain : James Stewart.
Lieutenant: John Scott.
Ensign : Jesse Morrow.
Sergeants: Thomas Burke, Isaac Robertson, John Frew and George
Ackles.
' Corporals : David Morrison, John Book, Jr., Matthew Murray and Abel
Harmon.
Musician : Abraham McCurdy, fifer.
Privates: William Hunter, Thomas Murrin, Michael Book. James Lutton,
Samuel .Stewart, Francis Leslie, Adam Connor, Caleb Piles. Thomas Hannon,
Alexander Chambers, William Murray, John Book, Sr., Justus Squires, James
Cubbison. William Lutton. Uriah Cairns. John Lewis, Jacob Hawk. Thomas
Morrison, Thomas Morrow, William Hawk, Andrew Hewitt, Robert Moore,
Jacob Lewis, William Wilson and John Motheral.
Martin's Co/iipanv. — Captain : Robert Martin.
Lieutenant : William Logan.
Ensign : Jacob Mechling, Jr.
Sergeants: Hugh Stevenson, John Gillespie, Elijah Anderson and Matthew
McCollough.
Corporals: Thomas Johnston, James Riddle. John Graham and William
Moore.
Privates: John Sullivan, Moses Sullivan, John Gallagher, kime- Cratty,
William Forrester, William O'Hara, James Bryson, William Gray, Samuel Rob-
inson, John Maiden, Mordecai Graham, John Love, Robert Mackev, George
Custard, Robert Hindman, Joseph White, lames Covert, Benjamin Davis, Eman-
uel Little, Abner Meeker, Samuel Critchlow, Archibald Critchlow. Moses
Meeker, John Compton, James McCandless, John Brown. lames Critchlow,
Richard Shorts, Joseph Flake, William Davis, William Bales, Alexander Mon-
tooth, Daniel Root, Daniel McDonald, Henry Pender, James Brandon and Rob-
ert McKinney. This roll is taken from the roster of Captain Martin's company,
dated January 18, 1814. It was then in the battalion commanded by Lieutenant-
Colonel Miller, known as the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth regiment.
In addition to the foregoing roster, the following names, obtained from their
descendants and other sources of information, are given of those who served from
Butler county, as well as of those serving from other counties, who afterwards
became residents of this county :
John Brandon and John Waldron, pioneers of Forward township. The lat-
ter served under Commodore Perry on Lake Erie.
James Mitchell, an early settler of Summit township.
Joseph Alward was wounded in one of the skirmishes with the British and
Indians. He afterwards taught school in this countv, until his removal to the
neighborhood of Tarentum.
2 24 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
James Hart ley, who came from Ireland in 1803, served nine months.
Francis Anderson, known as 'Squire Anderson, who settled in Butler county
in 1802.
Garrett Moore and Capt. William Walker of Clinton township.
Thomas Alexander, of Brady township.
Dennis O'Donnell and John Pontius of Donegal township.
Michael Emminger served as a lieutenant of a company.
Samuel and George Bell, Abraham and Isaac Hilliard and John Shira, all
early settlers of Washington township.
John Gibson, who served from Washington county, under General Harrison
in Canada, settled in Butler county in 1S2IS.
William, James and Thomas Welsh, of Connoquenessing township. James
Welsh, who died in 1878, was the last of these veterans.
William. James and John Dodds, sons of Thomas Dodds, who was born on
the Atlantic ocean while his parents were en route from Ireland to America.
Matthew and Samuel Irvine, sons of James Irvine, of Adams township.
John Morrison, a pioneer of Yellow creek.
Capt. Thomas Jolly, James and George Murrin, Levi Williams and John
Jameson, of Venango township.
James and Hugh McKee, sons of Thomas McKee, a Revolutionary soldier,
early settler, of Butler township.
William Cross, Samuel Weaklev, Samuel Barnes, Thomas Bigham, Jacob
S. Kiester and John Ralston, of Slipper)- Rock township.
George Daubenspeck, John and Samuel Gibson, sons of Levi Gibson, of
Parker township.
Joseph Graham, John Schobert, Isaac Lefever, Philip Burtner, and Alexander
and James Wright, of Jefferson township.
Elisha Wick, Jr., and Capt. John Glenn, of Clay township.
Samuel Stewart, of Lancaster township.
Joseph McCoy, William and Dunbar Christy, and Simeon and Benjamin
Grossman, of Cherry township.
William Hutchison, Daniel Whitmire, John McGinley, Robert Wilson and
John Christie, of Oakland township.
Henry Kneiss. a native of Maryland, served during a part of 1813—14, and
settled in Harmony in the latter year.
James Magee, of Jackson township.
William Redick, a pioneer of Allegheny township.
William Harbison, Sr., of Middlesex township.
Thomas, James, Robert, Jr., and John Waddle, sons of Robert Waddle ;
Joseph Porter, Joseph Kerr, and John Murtland, of Marion township. Thomas
Waddle died at Buffalo, of "Black Rock Fever,'' while in the service.
Henry Evans, of Centre township.
Matthew McCollough and James Cornelius, son of Isaac M. Cornelius, of
Worth township.
Robert Wilson, of Fairview township.
James and William Storey, sons of the pioneer, Alexander Storey. James
J
C7^^s &
EARLY -MILITARY HISTORY. 225
died in the service, and, in LS16, Hannah Storey, his widow, was granted a
pension of five dollars a month, so long as she shonld remain single.
John Hindman and James Wasson enlisted in 1813. When they reached
New Castle, the news of Perry's and Harrison's victories led to their being mus-
tered out.
Mathias Cypher, of YViniield township.
lames McGill served with the Kentucky riflemen.
Mannasses McFadden survived the war fifty years, dying in 1862.
Thomas Bartley, Robert Martin. John Gibson and William Harbison, of
Penn township.
William Graham and Morris Covert of Cranberry township.
John Emery, of Concord township.
Piatt Sutton, of Jackson township.
John Weir, of Buffalo township.
James Cratty, of Franklin township.
John Scott, of Lancaster township.
Henry Slator, Robert Murtland, Patrick McElroy, John Coyle and Henry
Rausel, also served from Butler county.
Owing to the lapse of years it is no easy matter to secure a complete list of
all who served from Butler county during the War of 1812. Many names not
given in the foregoing records will be found in the biographical sketches devoted
to the various townships. They include names not only of those who served
from Butler county, but those who served from other counties, and whose
descendants are now residents of this county.
A meeting of veterans of is 1:2. held at Butler. March 14, 18-30, adopted a
resolution asking Congress to place them upon the same footing, in regard to
pensions, as the veterans of the Mexican War. William Beatty presided, with
John Kennedy and John Gilchrist, vice-presidents, and John Sullivan, secretary.
This meeting, with others held throughout the State, had the effect of winning
for the veterans a small measure of recognition.
THE MEXICAN WAR.
No regular organization from Butler county participated in the Mexican War,
On June 13, 184(3, the Slippery Rock Guards, of Centre township, assembled
at Lieut. John M. Brackney's house in West Sunbury. A motion of Capt.
Samuel Loudon was adopted offering the services of the guards to the Governor
as a rifle company. On February 13. 1S47. the services of the Washington Cavalry,
of Butler, were also tendered. Owing to the fact that the quota of Pennsylvania
was already filled, these offers were not accepted.
Henry and Caspar Hartung, of Butler township, enlisted at Pittsburg and
served through the war.
In July, 1848, Andrew G. Marshall, George L. Glenn and Richard Crozier,
who served during the war, returned to Butler and were warmly welcomed by
their old friends and neighbors,
On July 31, 1848, E. G. Smith, a returning soldier, en route to Crawford
■countv, died on the Butler stage, and was buried at Butler with militarv honors.
15
226 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Lafayette Sullivan, aged twenty-two years, a sergeant in Company E,
Eleventh United States Infantry, of Gen. James Shields' brigade, died in Janu-
ary, 184S, in the city of Pueblo, Mexico.
fames Bredin, ex-judge of this district, served on the United States ship
Ohio, along the Mexican coast. He was present at Luspan and Vera Cruz.
James Reed, of Oakland township, served as government wagon maker.
Lafayette Kerr, of Slippery Rock, died on the field of honor.
Charles Hoffman and Charles Gallagher gained military experiences that
afterwards proved valuable to them in the War of the Rebellion.
Other men who came to Butler county in later days saw service in Scott's
and Taylor's victorious armies.
PIONEER MILITIA ORGANIZATIONS.
The military spirit was kept alive after the close of the Revolutionary War,
by the organization of militia in the various States, under laws providing for their
arming, equipment and discipline. They were to be ready to protect the fron-
tier against the Indians, or to take the field in the event of a foreign war or inva-
sion by a foreign foe. Regular muster days were appointed, when the citizen
soldiery of each district were required to meet, be exercised in the manual ol
arms and go through the evolutions usual to active service. These muster days
were great events in the lives of the early settlers of Butler county. Care was
thrown to the winds, and fun and merriment, hilarity and jollification ruled the
hour. They usually closed with a banquet, the tables groaning beneath the
abundance of good things to eat, with enough to drink, ready to hand, to enable
prompt and hearty responses to be given to the long list of toasts which formed
the principal part of the programme of each occasion. Although muster days
have long since been things of the past, they are pleasantly remembered by the
few now living, who, in their younger years participated in their duties and their
pleasures. Since thev ceased to be observed the country has passed through a
civil war which has added to her citizenship a large body of veterans whose mili-
tary experience was acquired on the hard fought fields of the South, and who in
their regimental reunions. State and National encampments, foster and keep alive
a patriotic and military spirit among the people.
At the time of the breaking out of the War of 1812, Butler county was
included in the Sixteenth Militia district, commanded by Maj. Gen. David Mead,
and her militia was called into service when the appearance of the British fleet
on Lake Erie indicated a purpose on the part of the enemy to invade the State.
In 1814 a general reorganization of the militia of the State appears to have
taken place. On August 1, of that year, John Duffy was commissioned captain
of the Third company of the Twenty-fourth regiment by Governor Snyder. This
commission is now in the possession of his nephew, Charles Duffy, ot Butler.
In December, 1820, in pursuance of an order of Col. Robert Martin, the
officers of the Twenty-fourth regiment met at Captain Beatty's house in Butler to
attend to regimental affairs. Capt. Robt. Storey and Capt. James McKee were
appointed to make a settlement of the quartermaster's accounts.
EARLY MILITARY HISTORY. 22/
On April 12, 1823, the Butler Light Infantry, commanded by Capt. Robert
T. Lemmon, assembled at Butler " for training."
In obedience to an order of Adj. Abraham M. Neyman, the volunteer battal-
ion commanded by Major Gibson, met in Butler. The " Centre Greens " met for
training at John Timblin's house, on May (i, 1823. In compliance with an order
of Major Jacob Mechling, the militia of the Second Battalion of the Twenty-
fourth regiment assembled for training at Butler, May 29, 1823. The Butler
Rifle Company met at Butler for training May 6, 1823, under Capt. William
Beatty. Samuel Power, the brigade inspector of the First brigade, .Sixteenth
division, Pennsylvania Militia, was present on the 28th, 29th and 30th of
May to witness the training at Butler. The " Butler Hornets" were from the
Prospect neighborhood. The " Harmony Blues" were commanded in 1823 by
Captain Goll; the " Connoquenessing Rangers," by Captain Davis, and the Rifle
Company, by Captain Boston.
The "Bonny Brook Light Artillery," organized early in 1825, completed its
organization, April 25, 1825, with Abraham Brinker, captain. At that time the
" Butler Light Infantry " was commanded by Captain Lemmon, with William
Criswell, orderly sergeant ; the " Butler Rifle Company " by Captain Beatty,
with John Sheridan orderly sergeant, and the "Centre Greens" by Capt. John
Glenn. These companies were leading attractions in the fetes of July 4, 1825, and
joined in the thirteen cheers by which the toast — " Our Militia and Volunteers —
the only safe bulwark of the Nation," was received at Neyman's, Brinker's and
Goll's banquet tables on that day. The "Harmony Blues" drank to several
toasts at Beam's tavern in Harmony; the '-Buffalo Rifle Company," at Philip
Burtner's, and the " Connoquenessing Republicans" at Martin's.
The appointments of officers for the Twenty-fourth regiment, First brigade,
Sixteenth division. Pennsylvania Militia, were made March 20, 1829, by Jacob
Brinker. colonel of the command. The staff comprised James Thompson, adjutant;
J. L. Maxwell, quartermaster; John N. Purviance, seargeant-major; George Linn,
surgeon; A. Spear and James Graham, assistant surgeons. The ten captains commis-
sioned were Alexander McBride, Jacob Doudhiser, Thomas Dodds. Johnson White.
Samuel Dodds, George Fraizer, of the First battalion: and Alexander Craig, John
Weir,Thomas Jolly, J. B. McConnell and George Wolf, of the Second battalion.
The first and second lieutenants for the same companies were commissioned at that
time, among whom were Eli Balph, Thomas Sullivan, James Sutton, Isaac Robb,
James Glenn and Edward Kennedy. In May following, the First battalion under
Major Graham assembled at Prospect for militia discipline; the Second battalion,
under Major Sumney met at Butler; and the volunteer battalion under Lieuten-
ant-Colonel Hagerty and that under Colonel Covert assembled at the same town.
Colonel Goll's battalion of the One Hundred and Fourteenth regiment drilled at
Harmony.
The Washington battalion, of which John Welsh was major, and Patrick
Graham, adjutant, assembled for training at John Davis' house in Middlesex
township, June 1, 1829.
The militia companies forming the First brigade of the Sixteenth division, in
1845, were the First Rifle battalion, meeting at Prospect; the Washington Vol-
22S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
nnteer battalion and the Lafayette Volunteer battalion, meeting at \Vrilliam
Logan's; the McDonald Volunteer battalion, commanded by Major Brewster,
meeting at "Shoemaker's old stand"; the Union Volunteer battalion, under
Major Harris, meeting at Harrisville ; the Second battalion of Second regiment
(formerly the One Hundred and Fiftieth regiment) meeting at Browington
Cross Roads; the Marion Volunteer battalion, commanded by Major Adams,
meeting at North Washington; the Second battalion of First (formerly Twenty-
fourth) regiment, the First [battalion of the First, and the First battalion of the
Second regiment, and the Jackson Volunteer battalion, meeting at Harmony. The
Portersville Volunteer battalion; the German Guards under Captain Wiseman ;
the De Kalb Greys under Captain Ziegler, and the Butler Cavalry under Captain
Evans, met at Butler.
Maj. George W. Reed was connected with the militia of Butler for many
years, first serving as captain and major. In 1835 he was elected brigade
inspector for Butler and Beaver counties, and in \s4'2 for Butler county alone. In
1848 he was chosen brigadier-general, and subsequently was adjutant and major
of the battalion.
The militia elections of June, 1854, resulted in the choice of fames B. Don-
aldson, of Xelienople, for the office of inspector of the First brigade, Nineteenth
division; Thomas McLaughlin, brigadier-general, and George W. Reed, W. C.
Adams, R. E. Graham, J. E. Cornelius and E. A. Helmbold, majors of the Butler,
the Marion, the Jackson, the Prospect and the Lafayette battalions, respectively.
The brigade, at that time, comprised the Saxonburg Light Infantry, the Butler
Hornets, the De Kalb Greys, Middle Lancaster Guards, Connoquenessing Whites,
Jackson Greys, Clearfield Blues, Centre ville Artillery, German Guards, Repub-
lican Blues, Portersville Guards, Marion Guards, Invincible Guards, Washington
Cavalry, Venango Blues, Middlesex Guards and the Slippery Rock Light
Infantry.
In May ami June, 1858, the Butler Scott Guards organized under the new
militia law.
The DeKalb Greys (new) was organized in June, 1859, with Samuel Coll, cap-
tain ; Joseph B. Mechling and Prof. A. J. Rebstock. lieutenants; J. A. Sed-
wick, ]ohn Lawall, John R. Denny and Benjamin W. Bredin, sergeants; Sam-
uel F. McBride, Hugh W. McBride, William Bowers and Enoch Fields, cor-
porals ; John Cress and George Bowers, ensigns, and William W. Glenn, band
leader. The companies voting for brigade inspector, June 6, 1859, were the Con-
noquenessing Whites, Prospect Guards, True Americans. Washington Ritles,
Portersville Guards, Sunbury Blues, lackson Greys, Venango Blues, Marion
Guards, American Guards, Fairview Guards, Centreville Artillery and Saxon-
burg Light Infantry. In September. 1859, a new company , known as the Butler
Guards was organized.
These organizations served to keep alive the military spirit among the peo-
ple of Butler county until the Rebellion, when they were merged into the volun-
teer commands that went forth in defense of the Union. The echoes of the war
had scarcely died away when the organization of militia companies was resumed.
On September, '2, 1865, the " Butler Greys" was organized with the following
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 2?9
officers: Captain, \Y. A. Lowry ; lieutenants, W. E. Moore and Thomas F.
Parker, and sergeant, J. T. Shirley.
Following such independent commands came the National Guard of Penn-
sylvania. In 1873 Company E, Fifteenth regiment, was organized at Butler and
is still in existence. W. T. Mechling, lieutenant-colonel of the regiment . is a
resident of Butler. Company E did service at Homestead, and is recognized as
one of the most efficient commands in the regiment.
The act of April 13, 1887, required the annual enrollment of every able-
bodied citizen of good reputation, between the ages of twenty and forty-five
years, outside the National Guard, who are subject to military duty if called upon
by the .State. This enrollment gives Butler county a militia army of about 8,000
men.
CHAPTER XVIII.
WAR OF THE REBELLION.
Introduction— The Firing on Sumter— Thk News in Butler--A Great Ltnion
Meeting— The Fresh Call For Troops — Butler County's Prompt Response —
Companies Furnished During the War — The Regiments in Which they
Served — Soldiers Who Served in Miscellaneous Commands — Surgeons —
How Those at Home Sustained the Men in the Field — The Drafts of
1S63 and 1864— Enlistments Encouraged by Bounties— Relief Tax— The
Baalam Association — Pittsburg Sanitary Fair — Butler County's Contri-
butions—Lee's Surrender — Jubilee Meeting — Lincoln's Assassination —
Memorial Meeting— Soldiers' Monuments — Conclusion.
WHEN tlie thirteen colonies, having wrested their independence from
England, after a struggle lasting seven years, took their place among
the nations of the earth as a free republic, under the name of the United States
of America, there entered into the very beginning of the national life, in the
form of African slavery, an element of discord, destined, after engendering bitter
controversy in the press, on the stump, in the halls of Congress, and even in the
pulpit itself, to bring on the greatest civil war in the world's history.
The South saw in the rapid growth of an anti-slavery sentiment in the North,
in the stubborn resistance to the spread of slavery in the territories, and in the
election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency in I860, a menace to its favorite
institution. The result was the pas>age of ordinances of secession by the slave-
holding states, and of the announcement of their intention to withdraw from the
Union, peaceably if possible, forcibly, if necessary.
The first overt act evincing a determination to carry this purpose into effect
by force of arms, was the firing on the "Star of the West,"' January 9, 1861, in
2^0 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Charleston harbor, by the batteries of Morris Island and Fort Moultrie, an account
of which appeared in the Butler newspapers of January 16, 1 S( j 1 . In the same
issue appeared the "Appeal to the People," setting forth the dangers threatening
the Union and the inability of the committee of thirteen to agree upon an
adjustment of the differences between the North and the South.
The months of anxiety which followed, culminated in the attack, bombard-
ment and surrender of Fort Sumter, and in bringing the people of the North
face to face with the fact that the South had determined to fight her way out of
the Union. Even then, however, it was difficult to believe that a general upris-
ing of the Southern people would take place, or that the firing upon Fort Sumter
was the beginning of one of the greatest wars of modern times. This feeling found
voice in the public pros, and in a general expression of a belief that a settlement
ol the differences of the two sections would be brought about without further
bloodshed. In closing an editorial in the issue of April 17, 1861, commenting on
the surrender of Fort Sumter, the Butler Herald said:
The intelligence that hostilities had commenced rilled everybody with the deepest
regret. It is to be hoped that the whole matter will be settled without loss of life and
that peace will be restored.
This hope was soon dispelled, and the people of Butler county realized,
when the first call for volunteers was made by President Lincoln, that the
struggle for the preservation of the Union had been transferred from the arena of
debate to the field of battle.
A great Union meeting was held at the court-house on April Is, which was
presided over by James Gilmore Campbell, United States Marshal, with fohn
II. Negley, George Miller, Herman J. Berg and Samuel G. Purvis, vice-presi-
dents; Patrick Kelly, S. P. Irvin, William Haslett, Edwin Lyon, John C. Coll
and James Balph, secretaries. Party spirit was forgotten, stirring speeches were
made, and resolutions adopted pledging Butler to send her last man to the front,
if necessary, to preserve the Union. A central committee of superintendence
was appointed, consisting of James Bredin, John M. Sullivan, Henry C. Heine-
man, William Campbell, Herman |. Berg and R. C. McAboy; and also a finance
committee made up of L. Z. Mitchell. C. E. Anderson, John M. Thompson and
Walter P. Graham.
Under President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men, Butler county's quota was
one company. The response was. so prompt that within a few hours after the
reception of tile news, the ranks of the company were full and it was ready to
proceed to the front. This company known as the "Butler County Blues" was
officered as follows: John N. Purviance, captain ; Alexander Gillespie, first
lieutenant: John G. Vandyke, second lieutenant; John B. McQuistion, first ser-
geant; Edwin Lyon, second sergeant; Oliver C. Redic, third sergeant; Samuel
Muckel, fourth sergeant: Thomas Campbell, Jr.. first corporal; Andrew Cams,
second corporal: John 1*. Orr, third corporal, and Joseph 1>. Mechling, fourth
corporal.
After reaching Ilarrisburg the company was mustered in as Company H,
Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. At the same time Captain Purviance was
made lieutenant-colonel of the regiment, and Jacob Ziegler elected captain of the
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 23 I
company. Captain Ziegler resigned on May 11, and First Lieutenant Alexander
Gillespie was elected captain to till the vacancy thus created. After serving
under General Patterson in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg and
Shepherdstown, the regiment was mustered out of service August ft, 1861, by
First Lieutenant John B. Johnston, of the Third United States Cavalry.
It soon became evident that the Rebellion had gathered too much force to be
put down with 75,000 men, and President Lincoln issued a second call, this time
for 200,000 men for three years' service. Under the first call. Capt. Samuel
Loudon had recruited a company known as the ••Dickson Guards," at West Sun-
bury, and Capt. William Stewart one at Evans City, and had them awaiting
orders. Thev were properlv officered and entered the service June 10, 1861,
becoming Companies C and D, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve. Thev
were assigned to duty in the Army of the Potomac, serving in the First and
Fifth Army corps.
In August, 1861, Capt. Thomas McLaughlin recruited a company, in which
a large number of those who had served in Company H, Thirteenth regiment,
re-enlisted. It was mustered in September 1, 1861, as Company II, One Hun-
dred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and assigned to duty in the old Sixth
Army corps.
In the same month also. Capt. James E. Cornelius recruited a company in
the northwestern and western part of the county. It entered the service as
Company C, One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers. This regiment, by reason
of its being largely made up of descendants of the "Round Heads" of the
English Revolution and of Scotch-Irish Seceders and Covenanters, was known as
the "Round Head" regiment.
In September, 1861, the fifth company to respond from Butler county was
recruited from around Butler borough, Harrisville, and other parts of the
county, by Capt. William S. Jack. It was mustered into the service in October,
1861, as Company II, Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was or-
ganized into a brigade with the Seventy-seventh and Seventy-ninth regiments
under command of Gen. James S. Negley. This command served in the western
army as a part of the Fourteenth Army corps.
The last companies organized in Butler county, in 1861, were recruited in
October by Capt. Samuel Martin and Capt. William Fielding. The former was
recruited in the southern and central, and the latter in the northern part of the
county. They were mustered in as Companies E and I of the One Hun-
dred and Third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers.
In 1862 the reverses met by the Union forces made it necessary for Presi-
dent Lincoln to issue another call for troops. Notwithstanding the large num-
ber that had already gone to the front from among her people. Butler county
promptly and patriotically responded to this call. In July and August of that
year four companies were raised in the county by Captains C. E. Anderson. A.
G. Riddle, William O. Breckenridge and Edwin Lyon. These companies became
Companies C, F, G and K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, and were assigned to duty in the Fifth Army corps. About the same
time Capt. G. W. Hays, in the southern part of the county; Capt. Henry Pil-
232 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
low, in the vicinity of Prospect, and Capt. Allen Wilson, in the northern part of
the county, each recruited a company. These became Companies I). F, and G,
One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. They were assigned
to dutv in the old First Army corps.
In 1862, also. Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth regiment drafted
militia, was raised in Butler county. It was commanded by Capt. John G.
Bippus.
The ninth company to be raised in this county in 1862 was recruited by Capt.
William II. Tibbies. It was raised in the southeastern part of the county and
assigned to duty as Company L, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. It became
a part of General Averill's command.
The raising, within a little more than a year and a half, of sixteen compan-
ies of men for service at the front, had taken from Butler county nearly all the
younger men capable of bearing arms. She had proved her patriotism by a cheer-
ful response to every call made, and stood ready to make still greater sacrifices,
if needed, to save the Union. When Fee invaded Maryland in August and Sep-
tember. L862, and threatened to make this State the basis of his operations, the
necessity for still greater effort*, not only to check his advance, but drive him
from the State, anise. A call for emergency men was issued and under it Capt.
James Gilmore Campbell raised a company in Butler count}', the tenth to be
raised during the war. This was Company G, Fourteenth Regiment Pennsyl-
vania Emergency men.
Another company, commanded by Capt. W. R. Hutchison, also responded
at the same time, thus putting eleven companies to Butler county's credit in 18G2.
This was Company C. Eighteenth Pennsylvania Militia.
When Lee came north again in 180B, another emergency arose, which was
met in Butler county by sending three companies of militia to the front. These
were Company F. Fifty-sixth regiment Pennsylvania Militia, commanded by
Capt. \Y. R. Hutchison; Company (t and Company 1. Fifty-eighth Pennsyl-
vania Militia, the First commanded by Capt. F. F. Gillespie, and the latter by
Capt. W. M. Clark. These companies volunteered for ninety days.
In 1864, Batteries A and B, Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, commanded by
Capt. W. R. Hutchison and Capt. (i. F. Braun, enlisted for one year.
The last company to go from Butler county was raised in the early part ot
LSI');") by Capt. Robert I. Boggs. It was enlisted for one year and was mustered
into the service as Company F, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers.
In addition to these twenty-five companies recruited and sent into the service
from Butler county, a large number of men from the county served in other com-
mands. They were to be found in the ranks of the Fourth, Seventh. Ninth and
Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry regiments ; the Twenty-third. Sixty-first, Sixty-
second, Sixty-third, Eighty-third, One Hundred and First, One Hundred and
Fourth, One Hundred and Fifth, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth, One Hundred
and Ninetieth, One Hundred and Ninety-first, and Two Hundred and Twelfth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and in the Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery.
From first to last nearly 500 men from Butler county paid the price of their
devotion to the Union with their lives. They died on the field of battle, in the
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 233
hospital and in the prisons of the South. Many more returned home maimed and
crippled by wounds or broken in health by disease. The list of the dead and the
surviving is a long and honorable one and bears eloquent witness to the patriotism
of the people of Butler county in the Nation's time of need.
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
This regiment was organized in response to President Lincoln's call for 75,000
men, issued immediately after the fall of Fort Sumter, and was mustered into 1 In-
service at Harrisburg, April 25, 1861. It was commanded by Col. Thomas Row-
ley. On the day the regiment was mustered in, Capt. John N. Purviance was
promoted to lieutenant-colonel. The other officers of the regiment were William
S. Millinger, major; Joseph M. Kinkead, adjutant, and James Robinson, surgeon.
On April 26, the regiment went into camp at York, Pennsylvania, where
it remained until June 4, when it moved to Chambersburg. On Sunday, fune
16, after passing through Williamsport, Maryland, it crossed the Potomac river,
by fording, being the first regiment of the Northern army to appear in that part
of Virginia. Shortly afterwards the portion of the army which had crossed into
Virginia was ordered back to the Maryland side, the Thirteenth and the Eighth
regiments being detailed to garrison Williamsport. While in camp here, those
members of the Thirteenth, who were printers, procured the use of the Williams-
port Ledger office and commenced the publication of the Pennsylvania Thir-
teenth, which, according to Bates' History, " was devoted to the patriotic senti-
ment of the camp, and to the more elevated tone of wit and humor prevalent in
the ranks. The first number was issued July 4, 1861, and was continued, at inter-
vals, until after the battle of Antietam, in September. lNI>2, a portable printing
press and materials haying been purchased and moved with the regiment. The
establishment was finally lost amid the confusion of that hotly-contested field."
After serving in Maryland and Virginia without engaging in anything more
serious than light skirmishing, the regiment was mustered out of the service
August 6, 1861. Most of its members soon afterward enlisted in other regi-
ments, but principally in the One Hundred and Second, recruited by its colonel,
Thomas Rowley.
Company H of the Thirteenth regiment was recruited in Butler, by lohn X.
Purviance, its first captain, and was known as the " Butler Blues." Upon the pro-
motion of Captain Purviance as lieutenant-colonel, Jacob Ziegler was elected cap-
tain. He resigned May 11, 1861, and the first lieutenant, Alexander Gillespie, was
elected to fill the vacancy. George W. Smith, who joined the company at York,
Pennsylvania, was elected first lieutenant, to succeed Alexander Gillespie. Smith
was afterward promoted to adjutant of the Nineteenth regiment in the regular
army, and again promoted to captain of Company II , Eighteenth regiment, reg-
ular army. H. A. Ayres, the first man to write his name on the company roster,
enlisted as a private and was promoted to corporal. He afterwards served as
captain of Company II, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers. The roster is
as follows :
Captains : John N. Purviance, Jacob Ziegler and Alexander Gillespie.
2 34 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Lieutenants : Alexander Gillespie, George W. Smith. Edwin Lyon and J.
G. Vandyke.
Sergeants: John B. McQuistion, Edwin Lyon, Oliver C. Redic and Samuel
A. Muckel.
Corporals: Thompson Campbell. Jr., Andrew Cams, Jr., John P. Orr,
Joseph B. Mechling and H. A. Ayres.
Musicians : Thomas A. Cunningham and William S. Dickson.
Privates: II. A. Ayres, Jefferson Allen, John Allen, A. M. Hanks, C. S.
Barclay, Jacob Bauder, Robert Bedillion, A. D. Brewster, Peterson Brown. A. J.
Burch, John Caldwell, Thomas J. Carnahan, Eli (i. Cratty, William Crooks,
William R. Crozier, George Daub, John Davis, William Dunn, John Fit/.sim-
mons, II. J. Fleming, Wallace Frick, John L. Glenn. Joseph B. Greer, Samuel
Graham, John Gregory, Demosthenes Ilagerty, J. D. Harbison, William S. Jack,
W. J. Jamison, David R. Kennedy, William Kennedy, Daniel II. Lyon, D. How
Lyon, R. W. Lyon, James Mackrel, James Marshall, D. Marshall, C. II.
McClung, James McCleary, Ethan S. McMichael, W. W. McQuistion, J. P.
Milford, Thomas J. Milford, Isaac X. Miller, A. W. Moore, George Moore,
W. J. Moore, Simeon Nixon, Christian M. Otto, David Parks, R. C. Pearce,
James Potts, Alfred (J. Reed, Lawrence Ruch, Adam Schindler, M. J. Schleppy,
F. R. Shakely, J. II. Shannon, J. A. Singer, George II. Smith, William II. II.
Step, J. C. Stewart, James B. Storey. Thomas M. C. Sykes, Jonathan Taylor,
Oliver Tebay, R. J. Thompson, Samuel Walker, George F. Wallace, Peter
Weisenstein, O. J. Wise, William Whitmire, George Wolf and Andrew S.
Ziegler.
Armstrong Rennison served as second lieutenant and Andrew \\ . Barnhart
as a private in Company C of this regiment.
FORTIETH REGIMENT ELEVENTH RESERVE.
This regiment contained two companies from Butler county, both of which
were organized under the first call, but were not accepted because the quota of
the county was ahead}- full. They preserved their organization and in Mav
made a second offer of their services, which was accepted, and they were mustered
in as Companies C and D, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve. Company C,
recruited at West Sunbury, was named the " Dickson Guards," in honor of Rev.
W. T. Dickson, principal of the West Sunbury Academy, who served as chap-
lain of the regiment from August 28, 1861, to November 28, 1862. Company D
was organized as the " Connoquenessing Rangers," by Capt William Stewart.
On June Id, 1861, these companies left for Camp Wright, near Pittsburg,
the mustering camp of the regiment. Regimental, Held and staff officers were
elected July 1. On July 21, the regiment proceeded to Washington, D. C, and
on July 29 was mustered into the service for three years. Its record of active ser-
vice began in October, when it crossed the Potomac river and look its place at the
front. During its three years of service it was present at or participated in the
following battles; Mechanicsville, Gaines' Hill, Charles City Cross Roads, Sec-
ond Bull Run, .South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Falling
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 235
Waters, Culpepper, Bristoe Station, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Wilder-
ness, Spottsylvania, North Anna and Bethesda Church. The regiment was
mustered out of the service at Pittsburg June 13, 1864.
During its term of service the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve lost in battle
196 officers and privates killed, and 485 wounded. There were 113 deaths from
disease, twentv-two occurring in southern prisons. In the severity of its losses
it ranks second among Pennsylvania regiments.
Of the 108 men whose names appear on the muster roll of Company C,
twenty-one were killed, forty-seven were wounded, three died in prison, three
died from diseases contracted in prison, and three from diseases contracted in the
service. Eighteen were discharged on account of wounds and thirteen on
account of disability. The following is a list of the commissioned and non-com-
missioned officers and the privates of this company during its term of sen ice :
Captains: Samuel Loudon and W. II. Timblin.
Lieutenants : Newton Redic*, George W. Fleeger, John C. Kuhn*, John II.
Sutton*.
Sergeants: W. J. Halderman}, G. W. Milford, James II. Christie*,
George A. Black}. John T. Kelly }, George W. Eba+, Michael Heckert and
William Priorf.
Corporals: Hiram Black*. John W. Campbell}, Samuel Conk}. J. H.
MuderJ, Robert S. Harper;., John S.Campbell}. Robert H. Ray}, and Will-
iam P. Black.
Musicians ; Jacob M. Varnum and Jackson Heckert.
Privates: David S. Allen, H. C. Adams. R. M. Anderson, David Birch,
John R. Black}, Samuel M. Bell}, Henry Brandau}, Samuel R. Beatty} ,W. A.
Bryan}, "Samuel Brunei-}, Uriah J. BlackJ, John Beam}f, Joseph C. Brewsterf,
John W. Borlandf, Ira Campbell, Milton Campbell*, Robert G. Campbellf, John
Cameron, H. F. Christy, Jonathan Dobson*, James Donaldson, II. J. Edgar};,
John Eshenbaugh, Eli S. Fleeger, Jacob Fleeger, Joseph K. Graham}, Lewis
Grossman*. John Ilalstead}, Samuel Hartf, John D. W. Henlen, Eli Ililliard*.
W. H. Ililliard, Washington Hilliard, R. S. Hindman, Edward Hoffman},
George Hyskell*, W. Kamerer}, W. Kautsch}, B. F. Kennedy, A. C. Kepler},
Robert Krause. Thomas P. Lardent, Francis Lindsey*, Jeremiah Livermore},
William Martin*. P. G. Martin, William A. McBride* Alexander McCall}, J.
V. McCaslin, Samuel E. McCleary}. Wm. B. McGill, Robert McElhaney},
Reuben McElvain}, James McKimmey-;, Samuel McMurry}, R. McMurry, J. 1'.
Milford, Isaiah Millerf, Samuel Miller. F. H. Monnie}, W. E. Moore}, Daniel
Malarky, II. B. Patterson, James M. Pearce}, R. C. Pearcef, A. J. Pettigrew*,
James R Porter*. W. Rinker}. Cyrus Rosenbery*. John Rosenbery*, George
Rothmire}, George M. Rhodes, D. H. Russell}, Oliver II. P. Russell*. William
Sloan}. Amos Seaton}, S. P. Shryock}, Hamilton H. Say}, Charles Schmidt*.
James H. Stevenson*. James M. Sheppardt, John L. Taylor, James Thompson*,
W. S. Thompson, and Allen White*.
236 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
There were 123 men enrolled in Company D from its organization in May,
1861, to its discharge June 14, 1NC>4. Of these twenty-three were killed in battle,
thirty-seven were wounded, and eleven died of diseases contracted in the service.
The roster of the command is as follows :
Captains : William Stewart*, Jacob BaiersI and James P. BoggsJ.
Lieutenants: J. S. Kennedy*. Jesse Donaldsonf, and J. O'Hara Woods*.
Sergeants : Wilson K. Potts. William C. Coleman. Robert Ash. John
Gansz, Samuel J. Christley*, Jacob B. Kinsell*, George W. McGaughev*. David
C. Steen. George Weber, James McClelland and James W. Greaves.
Corporals: John Dunbar*, Silas Amberson*. R. S. Gilliland, David P.
Stewart*. David S. Parks*, Joseph R. Moore, James B. Shafer, Daniel Graham
and Jesse Fay.
Musicians: Charles Minnemver and Alfred G. Nixon.
Privates : L. II. Addlemant. John McC. Brown. William Hoggs, Barnabas
C. Barron, Robert J. Brown, George Brunermer, John Beers, Jacob Burr,
Samuel Brenneman, Joseph Berchtold, John Reg^s, Samuel Beers, Peter Bedil-
lionj. John N. Beatty*. Charles Beltz, L. Cartwright, David Campbell, John
Cowan, John Corans. Daniel Cress, Adam W. Critchlowf, John W. Critchlow*,
Thomas J. Cornelius*. John Canders*, William F. Dodds, Jacob Deer, James G.
Devinney. Jasper P. Dodds*, John P. Elliott, T. II. Fleming, Michael Frail*,
William M. Frvt. Daniel W. Graham. Wilson Gilliland. Mark Gillpatrick, Israel
Gibson. D. W. Graham, James A. Greer, George W. Huselton, Samuel F. Ilas-
lett. Peter Hare. Joseph l>. Ilaslett. Oscar C. Ilovt. William Haslett, James B.
Johnstont, Vernon Johnstont, Alexander Kennedv. VV. II. II. Kennedv, Eckhart
Kalb. William List. Samuel A. Lyon*. James Leonard. Robert A. McNair,
Alexander Moreland, B. L. Mushrush. D. McDonald, Sr.. D. McDonald. Jr., B.
W. McAleer, Robert E. McBnde, James II. McComb, Edward Miller. Samuel
R. McCurdy, Joseph McKnight, Charles L. Moreland, M. F. McCollough*,
William Moore*. Joseph A. McKinney*. William R. McNeal*, John E. Xixon,
William C. Overdoff, Samuel C. Parker, David W. Pisorf,, Robert J. Pherson*,
Henderson Rodgers, William Richardson, James Robertson, Thomas G. Rice, S.
J. Rosenberryt, Lawrence Roachf, Samuel F. Smith. William M. Shearer, Ben-
jamin Stevenson. Alfred M. Snow, Andrew Shank, John Shank. Matthias
Silvers. John S. Stanley, William Sinott*, J. II. Summerville*, Albeit Teats,
R. W. Thompson, R. G. Thompson. Hugh Williamson! William Woods and
George Young.
SEV ENTY-EIGHTH REG IMENT.
The Seventy-eighth was recruited in August and September. 1861, and organ-
ized at Camp Orr, near Kittanning, under Col. William Sirwell, of Armstrong
county, the other field officers being Archibald Blakeley, of Butler county, lieuten-
ant-colonel, and Augustus Bonaffon, of Allegheny county, major. Rev. R. C.
Christy was appointed chaplain in ( )ctober, 1 86 1 • On ( )ctober 18 the regiment was
ordered to Pittsburg, where it was brigaded with the Seventy-seventh and Sev-
' Killed or mort.illy wounded. -Wounded. 1 Died.
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 23/
enty-ninth regiments and Muchler's battery under command of Brigadier-General
James S. Negley. This command immediately proceeded by boats to Louisville,
and thence by rail to Xolin's Station, on the Louisville and Nashville railroad,
where it was attached to Gen. A. McDowell McCook's division of the Army of
the Cumberland. From that time until August, 1862, it served in Kentucky and
Tennessee, guarding lines of communication with the front. It engaged in a
number of skirmishes with cavalry and guerrillas. In August, 1862, the Seventy-
eighth was assigned to duty in Gen. John F. Miller's brigade of Negley's division,
and detailed to do garrison duty in the city of Nashville, Tennessee, where it
remained until December 12, 1862. In the meantime, however, it was engaged
in a number of sharp skirmishes in the vicinity of the city. The most important
being at Lavergne, Tennessee, October 7, 1862, when Anderson's rebel camp was
attacked and routed by Generals Palmer and Miller. In this engagement the
Thirtv-second Alabama regiment was taken prisoners. On December 31, 1862,
and January 1, 1863, the regiment participated in the battle of Stone River,
losing 190 men. killed and wounded, including Capt. William S. Jack, of Com-
pany H, who was mortally wounded, and died in Nashville, February 5, 1863.
In this battle the flag of the Twenty-sixth Tennessee became the trophy of the
Seventy-eighth. Upon the death of Captain Jack, Hugh A. Ayres, who had
previously been promoted from second to first lieutenant of the company, became
captain. In April. 1863, Colonel Sirwell was promoted to brigade commander,
and Lieutenant-Colonel Blakelev took command of the regiment. On .September
19 and 20, 1863, the Seventy-eighth, belonging at the time to General Thomas'
command, distinguished itself by valiant service on the ill-fated field of Chicka-
mauga. On November 23, 24 and 25, 1863, it participated in the battles of Look-
out Mountain and Missionary Ridge. During the following winter it was
assigned to garrison duty on Lookout Mountain. In the spring and summer of
1864, during the Atlanta campaign, it participated in the engagements at Tun-
nel Hill, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Dallas and Kenesaw Mountain. On October
17, 1864, its term of service having expired, it was retired from duty ; but on its
way home through Tennessee it was mounted, and sent in pursuit of Wheeler's
rebel cavalry. Returning to Pittsburg, after an absence of more than three years,
it was mustered out November 4, 1S64. Many, however, re-enlisted and new com-
panies were recruited, among which wras Company E, raised in the southwestern
part of Butler county. The Seventy-eighth was finally mustered out on Septem-
ber 1 1, 1865, several months after the Rebellion-had met its fate at Appomattox.
Rev. Richard C. Christy, the brave and devoted chaplain of this gallant com-
mand, was from Butler county, where he was serving as pastor of St. John's
Catholic church, of Clearfield township, when commissioned to take spiritual
charge of the Seventy-eighth, in October, 1861. He was untiring and fearless in
the performance of his duties. Wherever the battle raged the hottest, there would
he be found ministering to the wounded and the dying, speaking words of com-
fort and consolation, and encouraging all by word and example. Because of his
courage and devotion, Father Christy became known throughout the Army ot
the Cumberland as the " Fighting Chaplain."' His portrait occupies a place of
honor in the hall of Encampment Number 45. U. V. L., of Butler.
238 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Company //of this regiment was composed of Butler county men, and was
recruited by Capt. William S. Jack, who was mortally wounded at t lie battle of
Stone River, January 1, 1863. The roster of the company is as follows:
Captains : William S. Jack* and Hugh A. Ayres.
Lieutenants: Joseph B. Mechling, Samuel J. McBride. Hugh A. Ayres and
Frederick F. Wiehl.
Sergeants : Samuel J. McBride, James A. Gilmer, Alfred G. Reed, Fred-
erick F. Wiehl, R. C. Borland, Albert 15. Hay, Henry A. Miller, Charles F.
Smith, Lycurgus R. Cummins and David II. Mackey.
Corporals : Hugh D. Martin, James McClearv, William J. Boyd, William
II. Black, fosiah Ililliard, John F. Denny, D. W. Humphrey. William J. John-
ston, George Schaffner, William A. Lowry, Harvey J. Miller, Benjamin W.
Truxall and William J. Moore*.
Musicians ; John F. Shirley and Benjamin F. Dean.
Privates: Gideon R. Allen, Jacob J. Angles, William G. Andersonf, R.
C. Borland, John C. Flack. William Birch, Joseph Brown, A. C. Braden. John
A. Black, John Birchf, William Christley, W. C. Christley, R. D. Campbell,
B. B. Cross, Stephen Cooper, Wyman Christley, James B. Clark, Thomas Cas-
sidy, T. A. Cunningham, John A. Cousins, Edward S. Crockerf, John W.
Dunlap, John Derrimoref, Joseph P. Eshenbaugh, Henry Forcht*. Edward
Frank, John Fitzsimmonsf, John Hoover, John Hoffman, C. Hinchberger, John
Kerr, J. C. Kidd, J. W. Lindsey, James C. Long, Horace Lake, John Lenkirk,
Robert Lemmon, John Long, David E. Lockef, Hugh Morgan, A. N. Murphy,
David Moore, R. C. Moore, James Myers*, Jacob Mechlingf, James McClearyJ,
David McQuistion, Jr., John K. McQuistion, George W. McCandless, Joseph F.
McCoy, David L. McNees, G. D. McBride, David McQuistion, Sr.f, William J.
Neyman, William Neeley, Elias Nelson, James < >. Nulph, A. B. Prosser, John
Parker, J. F. Patterson, S. J. Patton, Daniel Pattersonf, George Rose, John J.
Reiber, A. B. Richey, George W. Rothf, Peter K, Rumbaughf, James W. Run-
yan* Samuel Reedf, Robert P. Scott, John W. Shull, W. A. Smith, James L.
Stokeley, T. M. C. Sykes, W. C. Sykes, Adam Schindler, T. J. Stoughton, Karl
Schmidt, Patrick Sheehan, George W. Smith, John R. Shirley, II. II. Sagasser,
George II. Smithf, D. J. Thompson*, R. R. Thompson, J. S. Thornburg, John
R. Thornburg, Thomas Trimblef, George W. Travisf, W. P. Vogan, Milton
Welsh, John B. Williams, William Wallace, George W. White, James S. Wil-
son, Samuel Wallace, Sr.f, Samuel Wallace, Jr., David Wallace and Hugh B.
Walker.
As a large number of the members of this regiment re-enlisted, its organization
was continued, several new companies being recruited and added to it. Among
them was Company E, commanded by Capt. Robert I. Boggs, and composed of
Butler county men. Its muster roll is as follows :
Captain : Robert I. Boggs.
Lieutenants : Alexander Gillespie and Lewis Gansz.
* Killed or mortally wounded. t Died. X Wounded.
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 239
Sergeants: Charles Hoffman, John Kay, Samuel Beers, Frederick Burry and
Christy Robb.
Corporals : James Barton, Theophilus Graham, Nicholas Kramer, Samuel A.
Davis, Henry Davis, Frederick Pilgrim, John II. Muder, William Duncan,
Thomas R. Williams and Alexander T. Dunbar.
Musicians : D. P. Hoggs and Philip Kradel.
Privates : Joseph Armstrong, William M. Armstrong, Jacob S. Alexander,
Joseph II. Alexander, Jacob Augustine, Charles Bohn, Robert Bedillion, Irwin
Beckman, Frederick Bauman, William F. Behm, Lewis Black. Williamson
Bartley, N. F. Bartley, Washington Bartley, J. C. Crookshanks, B. F. Covert,
John C. Critchlow, William Dresher, John Dombart, Jacob W. Dershiner,
Daniel Dunbar, Henry Dresher. Philip Duncan, James Foreman, George W.
Frvf, John W. Gilliland, Patterson Grubbs, James R. Garvin, Lewis Goehring,
Samuel S. Gibson, William Graham. William J. Gold, George Hays, Amos
Ileckert, James Hays, James D. Horn, Erdman Heller, Adrian C. Ilamor J,
Martin L. Kirker, James Kuhn, J. Kaltenbaugh, Peter Kennedy, Reason L Kerr,
Lew is Lerner, John Lawall. John G. Lensner, Jacob Lutz, George Marburger,
Michael Mochel, Chris Michael, Edward Michael, Levi J. Miller, Francis
Maxler, Aug. N. Martin. John II. Morgan. William H. Martin. George Mclntyre,
John McGinley, Thomas Neely. Alfred G. Nixon, John Powell. Wilson Powell,
David E. Pearce, Joseph Phillips. James Potts. Charles Raabe, Alfred J. Roth,
Charles Redick, Christian Raabe, Charles Rogers. William S. Ramsey, Andrew
Ruby, Valentine Reuger, John B. Rice, C. Schroth, Edward Sefton, Gottlieb
Shuster. John W. St. Clair. George W. Shaffer, Martin Shelly. Josiah R. Spang,
George Shell, Francis Tomay, James W. Thompson. Samuel R. Thornburg,
Samuel Trimble, Milton Vandivoort, Valentine Whitner and John Zwanziger.
Company E was mustered out with the regiment September 11, ISC)").
The following members of Company F of this regiment also enlisted from
Butler county :
Corporals: Samuel Boviant, Daniel Iluey and Adam Ekast.
Privates : Michael Ash, John Bredin, James S. Cypher, W. II. Cypher, James
W. Denny, Dennis Duganf , Andrew J. Duff, George W. Gibson, Reuben A.
Haslett, James Henry'", John Ilogan*, Hiram Messich*, Strother McDonald,
John N. McLaughlin*, James M. Roney, James Regan, John Rivers. William
Smith, Benjamin Sarver, Lewis Sarse*, Conrad Sill. Coston Walters-)-.
ONE HUNDREDTH REGIMENT ROUND HEADS.
The One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers was recruited in July and
August, 1861, in the southwestern counties of the State. From the fact that it
was made up principally of descendants of Scotch-Irish Covenanters and of the
Round Heads of the English Revolution, it became known as the " Round Head
Regiment." It was sworn into the United States service at Camp Wilkins, Pitts-
burg, August 31, 1861, and soon after formally organi/.ed with the following
officers: Daniel Leasure, colonel ; James Armstrong, lieutenant-colonel ; David
* hilled or mortally wounded. % Wounded. t Died.
24" HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
A. Leckey, major; Rev. Albert Audley Browne, chaplain; II. II. Leslie, quar-
termaster; Horace Ludington, surgeon ; Abraham Maas, assistant surgeon; and
George Leasure, adjutant. On September 2, 1861, the regiment was ordered to
Washington, I). C, where Company L was transferred to the One Hundred and
Fifth regiment. The Round Heads were then brigaded with the Eighth Michi-
gan and the Fiftieth Pennsylvania, and Colonel Leasure made brigade
commander. The brigade as thus formed was soon alter strengthened by the
addition of the Seventy-ninth New York Highlanders, and was ordered into
active service as a part of the land and naval forces sent against Port Royal, South
Carolina. Its first engagements were the battles of Port Royal, November 7,
1861, and of Port Royal Perry, January 1, 1862. In June the regiment formed
a part of the forces that made the unsuccessful attempt to capture Charleston.
The Round Heads were ordered to Virginia in July. 1862, and subsequently was
attached to the Ninth corps. While with the Army of the Potomac the regiment
participated in the following battles: Second Lull Run, Chantilly, South
Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. In March, 1863, the Round Heads
were transferred to the Department of the Ohio, and in the following June were
ordered to Vicksburg, in the siege and capture of which they participated. While
in the western army the regiment also participated in the battles of Jackson,
Mississippi : Line Spring. Campbell Station and the siege of Knoxville, in Ten-
nessee. January 1, 1864, all of the regiment except twenty-seven men re-enlisted
for a second term of three years, and were granted a veteran furlough. Upon re-
turn to active service, the Round Heads were again assigned to the Army of the
Potomac, and participated in the following battles: Wilderness, Spottsylvania
Court House, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Mine Explosion, Weldon
Railroad, Poplar Grove Church, Hatcher's Run, Fort Steadman and the final
assault on Petersburg. The history of the regiment is a record of valiant service
and brilliant achievement, officers and men alike distinguishing themselves by
great personal bravery. After serving with honor for nearly four years, the regi-
ment was mustered out of seryice Inly 24, 1865.
Company C of this regiment was recruited in Butler county by Capt. James
E. Cornelius. Its roster is as follows :
Captains: James E. Cornelius,;, afterwards promoted to colonel, David
Critchlow and George W. Fisher.
Lieutenants : Philo S. Morton, Robert \V. Weller, Matthew Stewart, Isaac
W. Cornelius}, and William Smiley.
Sergeants : Joseph A. Craig, Henry W. Watson, Henry Ribb, Hiram Gill, Oli-
ver Tebay, Hiram X. Kelly, John P. Wilson, Phineas Bird, Elisha J. Bracken*,
Samuel L. Moore*, James McCasky*, Hugh Morrison^, William F. Monroe and
Addison Cleeland.
Corporals: William J. Redick, Robert J. Brown, John C. Marshall, Charles
Schwing, Andrew Leary, John Glenn, William W. McQuistion, Samuel F. Mil-
ler, Samuel A. White, Loyal C. Greaves, John C. Moore, Frederick Pettit*, John
J. Hoguef, Jacob Ake, Findley Brandon and John S. Watson*.
1 Killed or mortally wounded. {Wounded. t Died.
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 24I
Privates: A. \V. Aiken, William I'. Aubeny, fames \V. Aiken, fames Ash-
baugh, I"-. E. Aiken, David S. Aiken. Thomas Armstrong*, John Alexander*,
William A. Anderson*, Edward Boyer, John E. Burtner, Lllis Baker. F. Bauder,
Thomas Banes, William K. Brown, lames R. Brown*. William L. Braden, John
II. Brandon, 1 0I111 W. Coombs. Isaiah Coleman. Richard Currau, John Christ-
man, James F. Campbell, Marquis C. Christy, James C. Campbell, Joseph E.
Campbell*, Samuel II. Cleeland* Henry S. Campbell*. J. II. Devictor, Daniel
Daisey, Delorma Deitrick, fames Dalton*, Robert C. Dunwoody*, Reuben
Doutt*, George \\ . Duncan*. Henry Dillaman, Francis f. Durham, fohn X.
Elder, John R. Evans. Robert M. Eckles, George Evans, Russell Evans, fames
M. Eakin, facob Fuller, lames Forquer, Henry C. Freed, Stiles French, fohn
Fry, Benjamin Franklin, Robert f. Gorman, fames Gibson, William W. Gibson,
Jacob Gray, Henry S. Guy+, Alexander Gibb, John P. Hatch, David Hatch. ( ).
Hudson. Orange Holmes. Richard D. Holmes. Thomas Hastings-)-, Elias R.
Helikerf, lames Hanaghan, James Hoge. lames Irvine. Ewell Jamison, Thomas
fones, William James, Silas W. Kirker, Lorenzo K. Knapp, Thomas Ken-
nedy, Francis II. Kirker'. Martin Kelly, John W. Lint/. Hugh Leach,
Willard Logue, 1. Learv*. Robert Loganf, lohn T. Murray, lames
T. Murray. Benjamin Malaby. Jacob Means. Joseph Moore. John X.
Mo,, iv. Warren Masker, Samuel A. Moore. George W. Meanor. Samuel Mur-
ray!, Thomas X. Miles. Thomas M. Miller*. John C. Miller*. John F. Milest,
Hugh McCombs, J,,lln McLlwain. T. G. McClymonds, Henry McConnell,
Hiram W. McClure, II. II. McCune*. Robert McKissick* William MeGowant,
John McKaint. John McGinnis, John M. Ogdenf, William R. Pence, Eli B.
Phillips}. John Pisor. Gimsy S. Patterson. Smith Patterson*. Joseph R utter.
James Rutter, Benjamin Rhodes, George Rothmire. William Russell, Adam [.
Reckard, Alexander Rutter. John K. Rowef, William Rutter. George Riley.
John C. Rose. Lafayette Shaffer, Joseph Stewart. Frederick Suber, Levi
Shields, James Sullivan, John Shult/,. S. Straub. Daniel Sweitzer, David Spearf,
Alexander Spear*. William Sharp, Hiram Sterling-, Calvin Stewartf, John Shaf-
fer}. John Schmittf, Simp Sticklef, David M. Scottf, Archibald (i. Slater*,
Solomon W. Smithf. John Smith. Henry Silk. C. C. Thornburg, Robert Trus-
dale, Andrew Cilery*, John A. Vogan, Ernest Weyman, William White, James
W. White. Adam Wimer. D. W. Wilson. Thomas Wier. Clark Watson+, Mil,)
Wilson, William Wingert, John W. Wilhelm, George Winters. James Wilson,
Richard R. White, Adam Weber. Samuel S. Wright. Alfred X. Wick. John
Williamson. John E. Walton, Winans Watson*, William Wright \, Robert
Wimerf, Miller Wright*, Eli II. Wilson*, Hugh Wilson*, John C. Williams, A.
S. White, W. C. Winner. Alfred Wixson and John Weber.
Wilson E. Reed, of Butler, Sergt. George Maxwell, John W. and Henry
Ralston and Milton Campbell, of Slippery Rock township, and Thomas Cross
served in Company E, of this regiment, of which David P. Book, of Cherry
township, was captain. Milton Campbell was killed at the battle of the Wilder-
ness and George Maxwell severely wounded at Spottsylvania Court House. James
* Killed or mortally wounded i Wounded. t Died.
24- HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Martin served in Company F, and T. J. Cooper was a corporal in Company K.
Solomon W. Fisher, who was killed at James Island, South Carolina, George
Morrow and YV.illiam J. Morrison, a private in Company G, also saw service in
this regiment.
ONE HUNDRED AND SECOND REGIMENT.
Immediately after the Thirteenth regiment was mustered out, in August, 1861,
its old colonel. Thomas A. Rowley, began recruiting its members for the three
Years' service. lie wanted the old number " Thirteen" given to the new regi-
ment, but was unable to secure it. In the meantime, all the numbers below 102
were taken, and that became the number of the regiment. Company II of this
regiment was recruited in Butler county, by Capt. Thomas McLaughlin. The
first real service of the regiment began with the advance on Richmond in March.
1862. May 'J, 1862, in the advance on Fort Magruder, the regiment lost three
killed and thirty-eight wounded. It was afterwards engaged at Seven Pines,
Fair Oaks. Malvern Hill, Chantilly, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Marye's Heights,
Salem Church. Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Westminster, Funkstown, etc.
In the early part of 1864, the regiment veteranized, the members receiving thirty
days' furlough. In May, 1864, the regiment was again in the Held. It took
part in the battles of the Wilderness, losing heavily. Then followed Petersburg,
Opequon, Winchester, Five Forks. Sailors' Creek, and Appomattox, the names
of which all belong on the battle flag of the regiment.
The total losses of the regiment during its term of service were ten officers
and 171 men killed and a much larger number wounded. Eighty-two died of
disease, and 140 were reported captured or missing.
One night in January, 1862, while the regiment was in camp at Tennally-
town, District of Columbia, two members of Company I), named Garvin and
Young, became engaged in a quarrel which terminated in Garvin discharging his
musket in Young's face, killing him instantly. The musket ball, after killing
Young, sped on its course and buried itself in the heart of Lysander Robb, a
private in Company H, who was doing guard duty a hundred yards distant, thus
claiming two lives. Garvin was tried by court martial and acquitted, his plea as
to Young being that lie killed him in self-defense, and that the killing of Robb
was accidental.
The roster of Company II. which went into the service 113 strong, is as
follow. :
Captains: Thomas McLaughlin*, and Robert VV. Lyon.
Lieutenants: William Crooks, Charles S. Barclay*, Armstrong Renison,
Addison L Brinker and Isaac C. Stewart.
Sergeants: John Kaltenbaugh, James B. Storey*, Eli Conn, Lewis C.
White*. John C Storey*, James B. Carson*, Andrew J. Evans, Samuel E.Sulli-
van*, Adam Shira*, M. F. Darvainville, Benjamin L. Christy*, and William
Kennedy.
Corporals: F. M. Eastman*, Alfred G. Meals, S. V. Hutchison*. Joseph
Heyl, Joseph Ekis, Alexander Cameron, J. A. Wilson. William Storey*., Eli
. d. d. Wounded. ' Died
WAK (II- THK KHl'.l-LI.ION*. 243
Black, Samuel Critchlowt, John Exter, Jacob Emery, John F. Fithian' Michael
FairJ, W. Filny, P. J. GallagherJ, I. N. Hays, E. L. Hoon, Samuel Haslett, \V.
J. Lackey, J. 15. Martin, J. Redout, W. H. Cowan}, J. D. James}, A. A. Was-
son, James Adams*. Harry K. Critchlow*, Henry Korn, Thomas B. Storey*, and
Charles Sweidering.
Privates: J. C. Alexander}, A. II. Barclay, Samuel Burns, John Bulford.
George W. Borland, Samuel Blaneyt, John G. Brown}, Adam Barnhart*, D. B.
Bedillionf, Joseph Criswell}, A. Cramer}, W. F. Campbell}, J. ( >. Critchlow, II.
D. Critchlow}, J. F. Christy, John W. Cross*, John II. Carsonf, Alexander Crit-
chlow*. Samuel A. Creely*, John Campbell*, G. II. Daub}, David B. Douthett},
Josiah R. Dodds}, W. L. Daubenspeck}, James Dodds}, Jacob Daub}. Warren
Deer, J. D. Davis, Carson Dunbar, Samuel Dunbar}, Henry Dunlapf, William
J. Deer*. W. J. Dodds-f , S. L. Daubenspeck*, John Davis}, John R. Eshenbaugh*,
John Fithian, Jacob Fisher. William Fielding}, W. J. Fowzer}, G. S. Gibson},
William Gardner}, George R. Green, Jacob Glaze*, John Hetzel, P. Harbaugh,
John C. Ilamel, J. M. Hilliard}. Alfred C. Holmes*, M. P. Hays}, I. A. Hawk,
James Irwin, James Johnston*, Isaac Kaylor*, A. Katzf, L. C^_. Kneissf, Joseph
Lavery}, R. Love, J. M. Lowe, R. O. Lewis, G. W. Lester}, B. A. Lavery},
John Miller. J. D. Martin}. Walter L. Moser, Samuel P. Meals}. Alexander
Mahood}, David Martin}, George Miller}, John S. Murtland. Alfred Miller}.
O. H. Matthews}, J. G. Mahood}. William Martin, Samuel Meyers3. N. H.
Matthews*. R. L. Mayes*. J. II. Myers, Daniel McMillen, Thomas Mc-
Millen, T. W. McKinney}, A. McCollum, J. M. McCollough}, J. W.
McNaughton}, A. McCune, Josiah McKissickj, John McGill*, William J.
Noel}, William II. Norrisf, John P. Orrt, William II. Parker*, Robert Potts,
Daniel Pettit* A. J. Pettigrew*, W. II. Park*, Robert Riley, II. P. Rigby,
Matthew Riggles, John G. Renno, Joseph G. Redic*, F. Robbj, Lysander
Robb (accidentally killed), Isaac X. Ross*, S. R. Renfrew*, John K. Rea*.
John II. Randolph*, Thomas Scott, David Shira. W. R. Shryock}, W. A.
Smith}, John Sumney, John Shea, Daniel Smithson, W. .Stoops}, Harmon Sea-
ton}, Robert 0. Shira}, Amos Steel}, Cornelius Shorts}, R. Spence, David
Smith*, James II. Storey*, S. W. Shakeley*, Frederick Shakeley*, J. \\".
Stewartf, Jacob Smith, W. P. Thompson, James L. Taylor}, R. P. Thornburgf.
James Thompson!-, Samuel J. Trimble*, William Thornf, A. C. Walley, James
S. Walley. Adam Wiles, Xixon Wade}, John M. White}, W. II. II. Wasson},
Jacob Weller*, Frederick Wiles* and W. J. Young+.
Prom August 20, 1861, until June 28, 1865, the date of the mustering out of
the company, 200 men served in its ranks. Of these thirty-eight were killed or
mortally wounded in battle, seventy-two were wounded and twelve died of
disease.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRD REGIMENT.
This command, which embraced two Butler county companies, was organ-
ized at Harrisburg. with T. P. Lehman, colonel, and Wilson C. Maxwell, lieu-
tenant-colonel. In April, 1862, it participated in the siege of Yorktown; lost
244 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
eighty -four, in killed and wounded, at Fair Oaks ami in the entire Peninsular
campaign lost riftv per cent, of its original members. After Foster's expedition to
North Carolina, the command went into camp on the Neuse river, and next accom-
panied Wessell's brigade to Plymouth, where the Confederates attacked by land
and sea and ultimately forced the Federal troops to surrender. The horrors
of Andersonville and Florence followed, and of the 132 men of this command
who died in these prisons, many were Butler county soldiers. Three officers and
riftv privates of this regiment were killed on the field of battle. The regiment
also suffered very heavily in wounded, while one officer and Sol' men died of dis-
ease or in prison.
Company />', which was recruited in Butler, Armstrong, Clarion and Venango
counties, included in its roster the names of the following Butler county men :
Captain : Daniel L. Coe.
Sergeants: Robert M. Crawford and Daniel L. Rankin.
Corporals: Isaac Shakely, Samuel J. Gibson. James II. Crawford! and
James M. Carsonf.
Privates: Alfred Campbellf, John A. Crawford1. James Cumberland,
David Daubenspeck, Alexander Dunlapf, Lorenzo W. Frantz*, Gideon W.Gib-
son, Peter Hilliard, Jackson Hilliardf, John M. Hay-, Alexander C. Jackson.
Newton Joseph*. Richard Kelly, Robert McCleary, Conrad Pitzinger, James
Rankin. Benjamin Rankin. Hamilton Robbf, David Rossf. Uriah Sloan. George
YV. Shakely. Henry C. Shakely*. Alfred ( r. Shiraf. Daniel K. Shakely. am!
Presley Sloanf.
Company H of this regiment was recruited in Butler countv. Its roster is
as follows:
Captains: Samuel Martinf and Eli G. Cratty.
Lieutenants: Christian M. Otto. Robert R. Bryson and Peter Weisen-
stine.
Sergeants: \V. B. Sedwick, Charles II. McClungf, J. X. McCarrier,
Henry A. Wagner, W. H. Martin. Samuel Logan*, J. L. McCandlessf. and F,
A. Moodyf.
Corporals: Robert J. Thompson. Henry C. Croup, Louis Wolford, Jeffer-
son Burtner, N. N. Stevenson. J. H. Scott. James M. Byersf. Samuel Rothf and
Joseph B. Stewartf.
Musicians: Aaron P.. Hughes and John Meyers.
Privates: James R. Allison, N. K. Allison. John Albertf , Adam Bauner,
John M. Black, Henry J- Burns, George Barr, James M. Bracken. Robert P.
Blaek, Thomas S. Byersf , Edward Barkman, William Beighley, John Burnsf,
M. W. Benker, Cyrus Croup, John Cupp, John B. Campbellf, Dickson Christy f,
Gabriel Duffy, Samuel Davis, M. M. Davisf, William S. Dicksonf, W. W.
Davisf, W. W. Daniel, Thomas Eshenbaugh, Ezekiel Ekis, E. Emminger, Wal-
lace Frickf, P. J. Gallagher. P.. C. Grossman, John Gordon, Joseph Goldingerf,
Walter Goldf, Adam Grossman, J. Hockenberry. Thomas Hess. Richard J. Hou-
ton, Weston Hallf, George W. Henshewf, John Huseltonf, Andrew Johnson,
Killed 01 limit. Ulv wounded. I Died
WAK OF TIIK REBELLION. 245
John K. Jamison!. John Kennedy, 11. C. Kennedy*, Charles Lepleyf , William S.
Mechling, Joseph Mangel, Andrew Morrison, William Miller, P.O. Morrow, Isaac
A. Martinf, James Martinf, Thomas Mayerf, George W. Mushrushf, Milton
Myers!. Solomon Moserf, Samuel F. McBride, Hugh McElroy, S. B. McCand-
lessf, Patrick Norris, Harrison Pugh, Charles Prosser, Bredin Porter. J. II. Per-
kins!. James B. Rutter, James E. Ralstonf, David S. Ramsey, W. E. Stevenson,
1. I). Stevenson, John B. Shirley, Jacob Sipe. John Shannon*. James Sander-
sonf, Jonathan Taylor, George Troutman, Samuel Thompson, John D. Taggart,
David Taylor, John Yarlcyt, John M. Webb, Henry A. Wise, Oliver J. Wise.
Valentine Whitener, Henry Weberf, Thomas Wallace*, Seth Wallace!, Richard
C. Wick!, John Wilson f and Andrew Ziegler.
Company /, also recruited in Butler county, is as follows :
Captains: Wilson C. Maxwell and William Fielding.
Lieutenant-: W. C. McCrum, W. II. Kiester and G. K. M. Crawford.
Sergeants: Jackson McCoy, Michael Duffy, William McBride, John S.
Hodil, John C. Applegate, James McKain, William Gorman and J. S. Kiester-)-.
Corporals: John Kelly. A. J. McCoy. David McCoy. Alpheus Walker,
John McAnallen, D.S.Ramsey, JamesRangef, Herman Donaldsonf, James Har-
perf, A. G. C. Johnstonf, J. B. Porterf.
Musician- : J. X. Elliott. Daniel Albright. Oliver P. Harris.
Privates: Patton Bell. Joseph Blakeley, Samuel Berringerf, Arthur Craw-
lord. James Collingwood*, Charles Cochranf, William H. Croupf, James
Cowan. Nathan E. Davis, William I*. Dunlap, Major J. Davidson, Thomas J.
Dayf, Simon Duffyf, Samuel II. Dunlapf, David Eakin. S. E. Fiemming, John
Fielding, Samuel Gibson, William II. Gilmore, Joseph S. Griffin, George W.
Griffin*, John Griffinf . John Ghost!, I). M. Gallagher!. Alexander Hilliard. ( ).
P. Hardy, Philip B. Hovis, Thomas C. Hackett, William Hamilton . Christopher
Hendersonf, James Hamilton*. Henry Hobaughf, John S. Josephf, William Jos-
ephf, Uriah Kiester. Samuel Kelly, E. Kiesterf , James S. Lytle, A. G. May-
berry, William Majorf, Fowler Miller*, Thomas L. Morrisf, James M. Maxwell! .
John W. Miller. R M. McElphatrick, Thomas McCoy, John McGuirk, D.
McElphatriek, Joseph P. McAnallan, Samuel McNees, Helm J. McGillf , James
McSorly, C. McCoy*, E. II. McDonald*, Patrick McAnallen!. Matthew
McNeesf, J- K. McCleary*, J. P. McLaughlin!. James McGeef, Patrick Nolan*,
Francis Xattt, Thomas O'Connor*, James W. Orr, William Powers*. Samuel
P. Range*, William Reed. William Staff. Martin Staff, James Shinor, David
Stinetorf, Milo Sankey*, Samuel Sylviesf, Robert M. Seatonf, John A.
Thompson, John X. Thompson, John D. Taggart, Paul I.. Taylor, Richard
West, Samuel A. Walker. Richard Walter-. Hugh A. Weakleyt,and Alpheus
Walker.
Joseph B. Mew. irt. .1 Butler county man, served as a corporal in Company
A, of this regiment.
* Killed or mortally wounded. 1 ed
246 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT.
This regiment was organized at Camp Curtin, under a call issued in July,
1862, by Governor Curtin. for men for nine months' service, and was mustered in
in August following. The officers were: Matthew S. Quay, of Beaver county,
colonel; Edward O'Brien, of Lawrence county, lieutenant colonel; and John M.
Thompson, of Butler county, major. Colonel Quay resigned early in December,
and on the 8th of that month Lieutenant-Colonel O'Brien was promoted colonel.
Major John M.Thompson succeeded O'Brien as lieutenant-colonel, October 1,
1862, and Capt. William II. Shaw was promoted major. Alfred (j. Reed was
promoted from first lieutenant of Company C to adjutant, and February 17, 1863,
Cyrus E. Anderson was promoted from captain of Company C to major. Alfred
G. Reed, was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 18, 1862, and
died fourteen days later. Alfred G. Reed Lost G. A. R., of Butler, was named
in his honor. On January 1. 1863, George Purviance, sergeant-major, was pro-
moted adjutant to till the vacancy thus created. Fredericksburg was the first
battle in which the regiment participated, its loss being fourteen killed. 106
wounded and nineteen missing, many of the latter being wounded. It also par-
ticipated in the battle of Chancellorsville, losing forty-eight in killed, wounded
and missing. Among the killed was Capt. John Brant, of Company B. The
regiment was mustered out at Harrisburg, May 26, 1863. Its loss during its
term of service was thirty-eight officers and privates killed, and sixty-seven who
died from disease. Companies C, F. <i and K of this regiment were recruited in
Butler county. Following is the roster of Company C :
Captains : Cyrus E. Anderson and John F. White*.
Lieutenants: Alfred G. Reed* and Peter P. Brown).
Sergeants: George B. Bastian, Benjamin F. Swain, George L. Abdill*,
William C. Brown, William F. Campbell*, John T. Dalzell, W. C. Robb and
Isaac II. UmpsteadL
Corporals: Enos McDonald, Albert Roessing*. James Cypher*. John J.
Snodgrass*, Samuel Sykes, B. Brell, Simon Young, James R. McCleary, Adam
Johnston and Henderson Shannon L
Musicians; Nathan Brown and Samuel G. Hughes.
Privates: Lewis Allwine. Sylvester Allwine. L. M. Armor. James M.
Bortmass*, John C. Bortmass, Lewis Blakeley, William Brown. Joseph Bean,
Jr., Alfred livers j-, Robert R. Creek, Nelson Critchlow. Andrew Graham Camp-
bell, Allen Campbell, Charles M. Campbell, Newton Christy. John Craig, Eli
Campbell, James Clark. S. R. Dieffenbacher, William W. Dunbar, Alexander
Dunbar, John Derrimore, Jacob Daub. I. N. Duncan. John Duncan. Beriah
Duncan, Henderson H. Dick, David S. Dully. \\". T. Edwards. Andrew N.
Elkinf, W. F. Elkin, Solomon F. Forgeus, William Garvin, Joseph Grinnue.
Milton Garvinf. Sutton Harper, John IlanevN Robert M. Hill, C. C. Ilengerer.
Addis I-:. Hays. Edward Irvin. John Jamisonf, William H.Johnsonf, Rudolph
Kennedy, William Leonbergerf, II. II. Miller. Hugh Miller. Leland Miller.
Joseph Manny, John N. Mover. Albert H. Met/. John T. McCandless*. Thomas
* Killed 01 mortal!} wounded i Wounded t Died
WAR OF THE REBELLION'. 2^J
II. Mclhvain* James McCrumf, Thomas L. Patterson, William Reese, Sr.,
Charles D. Rhodes, Ed. V. Randolph, Adam Reebf, George II. Smith. Piatt R.
Sutton. John Shugart, William C. Smith. G. D. Swain. Jacob Stunt. Henry
Stout*. Conrad Schindler, Henry Smith, Felix B. Truxall, John Turner, I. E. XV.
Thompson, fames W. Watson, James D. Wise*. Peter WillwallJ, Lewis Wise-
ner, lohn |. West. John Young* and Amos Young.
Company F was recruited in Butler county, and mustered into the service
August 13, 1862. Its roster is as follows:
Captains: W. O. Breckenridge*. and Winfield M. Clarke.
Lieutenants : John J. Kelly. Samuel Billiard and James Timblin.
Sergeants : lames M. Book*, Francis M. Winter, Zarah C. Quillen*, Levi
Stewart and James McKnight.
Corporals: Henry A. Black*., John Wade. Thomas Armstrong, James
Clarke, Peter P. Hilliard*. Joseph B. Greer];, A. E. Carnahan, Stephen Hilliard
and George C. Stinetorf*.
Musicians : James M. Brant and W. P. Shull.
Privates: John II. Adams. Jefferson Allen, John W. Alexanderf, John G.
Book*. Joshua D. Bell, William II. Brown, Joseph Bullman, Charles M. Brown,
Matthew Brown, Henderson J. Brown, James Boyd, Ephraim Black. Andrew
R. Brown}, XV. E. Boydf , John B. Barnesf, Joseph A. Bell*. Moore Caruthers.
Josiah Christy, Thomas M. Christie, Andrew C. Christie, Harvey Christie. ( ). C.
Campbell*. George Curry. Garvin M. Christief, Garrett Campbell*, John C.
Corneliusf. Joseph J. Cummins, James XV. Douglass, Joshua Dunlap*, John
Duffy. D. P. Fithian, John F. Fithian. Michael Frantz, John Frazierf, J. G.
Grossman, George H. Gibson, Oliver Hilliard*, Amos Hall, Adam Hilliard*. Eli
M. Hilliard. David Hoover, Israel Hilliard, Isaiah Hockenberry*, Jonathan Hock-
enberrv}, J. T. Jamison. Jonathan II. Kelly, Thomas C. Kelly. Jonathan Long,
John A. Lewis, Levi Milhison, W. Morrow, James M. Maxwell. George E.
Miller, Lewis B. McCoy;.. William McConnell, James A. McNees, John
McQuistion. J. W. McClymonds*, James B. McQuistion, Isaiah Paftersonf, H.
C. Riddle, William S. Reichert*, Ebenezer Russell, John M. Studebaker*, Jos-
eph Shull. Henry Shull*, Charles C. Stewart. Zalotu- J. Stewart L Joseph M.
Seaton, John W. Strain}. Thomas Stewart}. William J. Thompson, George W.
D. Yogan, John C. Wasson, Robert Wallace*, Milton Wolford, James M. Wick.
Lewis Wick and Daniel Wassonf.
Company G. another company recruited in Butler county, is as follows :
Captains : Alfred G. Riddle and James M. Clark.
Lieutenants ; Sterns E. Tyler and James P. Hall.
.Sergeants: James H. Shannon, John B. Adlington*, W. B. Daubenspeck,
James G. Campbell *, David C. Roth and Aaron F. McGowanj-.
Corporals: Isaac Hemphill. James Forrester, Dunwiddie Marshall*,
William Burry, James II. Gibson, C. Daubenspeck and Davis Porter.
Musicians: Benjamin F. Winter and John C. Winter.
Privates: Isaiah Albert. Joseph Adams. William Bauder, John
hs
HISTORY OF BUTLEK COUNTY.
Burnsides. James R. Burnsides, John VV. Burr, A. W. Barnhart*, A. M.
Borland*, Daniel Beighley. Reuben Belli*. Joseph M. Campbell, John Campbell,
Levi Campbell, Isaac Cable, Lot Covert. Caleb Covert, John Cablef, James O.
Dodds, Jesse Dutter, John S. Dodds, S. L. Daubenspeck, James II. Doddsf.
Hugh Ekin. James V. English, Jackson Fulmer, James Glass, William A. Galla-
gher, F. W. Gallagher, William Georgef, Cornelius Hutchisonf, Samuel M.
Harvey, Archibald Huffman, James G. Hutchison, George \V. II. .ever, Henry
Hyles, David A. Holmes, Samuel Ilepler, Andrew Kennedy, Robert VV. Ken-
nedy, 1 oli 1 1 1'. Kennedy, [acob Kneiss, David Kissinger, Joseph Lehman, William
Lambert, Gann Linton, fames M. Lowe, George Moon*, James Mackey J, Charles
M. Moon, James McKean, John J. McGarvey, Andrew McCollough,S. W. McCol-
lough, George 1!. McDonald, Curtis McClelland, James McMahan, A. C.
McGillf,John 1". Oliver, W. II. Parker*, John B. Painter, George W. Patterson,
Thomas Ray, Jeremiah C. Ralston, R. C. Ralston, Abner J. Kiddle, Samuel
W. Roberts, Nelson Riddle-; Daniel Ruby, William Redick, John Rosenbaugh,
Samuel Rosenbaugh*, William S. Ralston, James C. Reed f, Ezra A. Sleppy,
Daniel 1.. Shakely, (anus Smith, Andrew F. Spear, Conrad Shanor, Daniel M.
Wimer, William A. Wilson, William Wimer, Scott S. Wright and John
Weber*.
Co in pa it v A was also reel nil ed in Butler county. Its roster is as follows :
Captains: Edwin Lyon;] and William 0. Campbell.
Lieutenants: |. A. Millinger*, Daniel McMillan and William B. Lyon.
Sergeants: fohn Thornburg*, George M. Bredinf, Abraham F. Elder,
William Gillespie, William Campbell and George Purviance.
Corporals: Thomas II. Hays*, F. W. Walker. Alexander Russell, Joseph
B. McMillan. George M. Burns. Augustus Mardorf, George Bauer, William
Kirkpatrick, Arthur Hays and '/.. W. Wilsonf.
Musicians. Lewis Winneal ami Rudolph Barnhart.
Privates: Robert Bedillion. Jacob Barnhart, John Bickel*, Alexander
Baxter. Abraham Black, Aha Bigley, Lewis II. Barnhart, William B. Brinker,
Michael Cannon. Joseph Crofts, John Crofts, Nicholas Cramer. Thomas Comp-
ton, Hugh Deer. Warren Deer. Simon P. Devat, John Donaldson, William Eshen-
baugh, John Extel, Jacob Etzel. John Englehart, Samuel Fleming. Joseph-
Friend. John ( diver. Thompson Harbison, William J. Hutchison*, Jacob Ilil-
finger, Frederick Harley, John D.Harbison, John Johnston. Samuel Jackson,
John Kerr, I). Harper Lyon. William Logan, Denny Logan. Henry S. Lagasser,
James S.Marshall. Aaron H. Moore, Lewis W. Miller, George Miller, John
Myers, Frederick Mathay, J. Conrod Miller. Thomas C. McAllister. W . M. Mc-
Millan. William B. McBridef, David Newell. Jonathan Nelson, William Parker,
David Powell, Calvin Potts*, James Potts, Jacob Rifley. Frederick Rifley, John
W. Shryock, William J. Spence, Wittus Shugart, II. E. C. Spencer, George
Sleppy, Samuel Stewart, David A. Semplef , Curtis S. Smithf, John Thompson,
W. J. Timblin, Jesse S. Thornburg, Ilcniy Wagoner, Adam VVallsmith, C. T.
Wolf, William Wilier, James W. Young, Jacob Youkers, and Jacob Zimmerman.
illy wounded ! Wounded. I Dii .1.
WAK OI-" THE REBELLION.
H9
John Boozel, William Curry, Robert Richeal and William J. Stoner+, of
Company 15, II. W. Koonce, of Company H, and J. N. Forrester were Butler
county nun and served in this regiment.
ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT.
This regiment, in which there were three companies I rum Butler county,
was organized at Camp Curtin, August 22, L862, with the following field officers :
Henry M. Bossert, of Clinton county, colonel; Joseph B. Kidder, of Allegheny
county, lieutenant-colonel: and Charles W. Wingert. of Clinton county, major.
It entered active service September 12 as a member of Smith's division of Man-
cock's brigade, and soon after was engaged at Crampton's Gap, in the South
Mountains. At Antietam it was present, hut not engaged. Alter the battle it
assisted in burying the dead. Later it was sent in pursuit of |. I". B. Stuart,
the rebel cavalry general, who had made a raid into Pennsylvania. It took part
in Burnside's second campaign, and at its close went into camp at Belle Plain.
April 23, 1863, it crossed the Rappahannock, at franklin's crossing, under a
heavy artillery tire. It was present at Chancellorsville, when- it was assigned to
the extreme right of the line. Before it was ordered into position, however, the
battle was practically over. < >n May 25, 1863, its term of enlistment having
expired, it was ordered to Harrisburg, where it was mustered out on June 1.
During its term of service one officer and fifty-eight men died ot disease. Com-
panies D. F and G of this regiment were from Butler county. The roster of
Company D is as follows :
Captain : George W. Hays.
Lieutenants: William Harvey, John 15. McNair and Matthew X. Greer.
Sergeants: William II. Rasely, John P. Barker, John M. Greer, William
Park. Robert Elliott, William S. Thompson and Andrew W. Haysf.
Corporals: Hugh Gilliland, Joseph I). Logan. William Bicket, Samuel A
Purvis, Joseph I. Wilson. Harrison McCandless, James Harvey, Robert J
Miller, John 15. Hummelf, ami G. W. Clendenninf.
Privates: John Allen, lames Allen. Newman Barr, Hiram A. Bricker
Jacob C. Brandon, Benjamin S. Birch, Nelson A. Borland. Lewis Bepler, lames T
Borlandj, John Biddlef, Joseph Cashdollar, Criner Clendennin, Samuel II
Cooper. R. S. Cooper, Joseph 15. Conchy. lames Cashdollar, J. I!. Cunningham
Jacob E. Cooper*, James A. Dodds, William A. Drain. William P. Dodds
Daniel Dunbar, Henry Davis, Ananias I 'miliar. Benjamin Davidson. Chronce Duf
fordf, William Da\ isonf.R. II. Elliott. George Fisher,William Freeman, Samuel P
Forsyth, Robert L. Galbreath, John Grinder. Theophilus Graham, Henry Grimm
Stephen B. Hemphill, Joseph Hemphill. Pollard Hemphill, Peter Hartwick
William Haslett, William Johnson. Robert Kidd, Alvin B. Kat/., Michael Kelly
John Kirkpatrickf, James List. John S. Love, James T. Lambie, Samuel L
Myers. William 15. Matthews. John 15. Marshall. John Mitchell. Patrick
McChoney, James McMurdy, R. J. McCandless. George Nicholas. David P
Purvis, Henry Pitsinger, William Parkerf, Thomas Petersf, Lemuel Rigdon
25O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Peter Redfox, Albert II. Rea, John Riddlef, Charles Seitz. John Staples, Cor-
nelius Shorts, Jonathan Shannon, John S. Snowf, fames T. Wheeler, Charles
Whitehouse, Jacob Wade, Thomas M. Walker and George Yeager.
Company F of this regiment was recruited in Butler county by Capt. Henry
Pillow. It contained the following officers and members:
Captain : Henry Pillow.
Lieutenants: Origen G. Bingham +, Cyrus O. Kingsbury and John Lemmon.
Sergeants: Thomas Kerr. William Shuler, Greer McCandless, George T.
Atkinson and Robert Moore.
Corporals: John A. Bolander, David Dodds, Curtis 1. Christley, Fred
Schefenocker, Henry Ziegler, Daniel Keefer, William Stewart. Robert M.
Young and I). W. Harbaugh.
Musicians : Peter F. Sowa-.li and John Warmcastle.
Privates: Robert M. Anderson, Isaiah Aiken, James T. Armstrong^ ,
lame-. F. Brown. George Bovard, 1. C. Bovard, James Billingsley, John Bovle,
Joseph Billingsley, George Beighley, William T. Beall, Richard Braden, Aaron
Beighley, William Coleston, William II. Curran, Samuel Coulter, Sylvester E.
Covert. John W. Covert, John Carnahan, William Carnahan, Washington
Campbell, John W. Dickey, lames E. Dodds, William II. Dunn. John Dilliman,
Joseph Double, fames M. Duncan, Ephraim Erb, Isaiah English. William M.
Elliott. Harrison Garvey, Samuel Graham, Robert L. Gallagherf, J. Q. Heckert,
Harvey Hogg, Peter Hilgzer, John Irvin, Matthias Johnsonf, Alexander Kerr,
Lewis Keefer, Jacob Lutz, Henry Lepley, William Morrow, Hiram Morrison,
Newton Mortland, Henry G. Mechling, Uriah McGinnis, William Mclntire,
Samuel Mclntire. James P. McQuistion, Robert McKissick, David McKee, John
G. McClymonds, Samuel C. McDevitt, Thomas McCormick-f, Peter Neeley, James
L. Pisor, John D. Roth, John Ray, David E. Richelf, Romoneus Shafer, Will-
iam F. Shoene, Charles G. Taggart, John Thomas. Elam Thomas, Thomas R. M.
Taylor. D. W. Vandykef, William Weise, Newton White. Andrew Weise, Clark
Watson, Thomas Wier, Archibald Wimer, John A. Wimer, George W. Weller,
J. Milton White and Francis Wrightf.
Company G, commanded by Capt. Allen Wilson, was also a Butler county
company. George H. Graham of t His company was promoted to quartermaster
August L'S, 1862. The roster of the company is as follows :
Captain: Allen Wilson.
Lieutenants : Robert Storey and David Conn.
Sergeants : John Walker, Addison J. Brinker, Benjamin W. Bredin, Thomas
K. Scott, Newton Kennedy and Samuel Prior.
Corporals: McAllister Kuhn. Samuel Glenn. Thomas R. Hoon. Thomas J.
Milford, Gilmore C. Maxwell, Hugh C. Graham, Thomas H. Banks and Alonzo
Timblin.
Privates; Thomas C. Allison f, Samuel H. Brown, Matthew Brown, John
L. Beatty, John Barr, Jacob W. Barrf, Harvey Campbell, Joseph Campbell,
lames F. Campbell, Asaph X. Cranmer. James L. Conn. John F. Campbell},
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 25 I
William J. Deer. John B. Donaldson, Jacob Daabenspeck, Joseph Davis. Charles
Ellenberger, Robert H. Fleeger, Hugh W. Fleming, Henry M. Fleeger, John
Goodyear, George Greenwood, Henry Greenwood, George K. Graham, David
II. Grahamf, George II. Graham, Benjamin Haines, Henry James. John Kinser,
Joseph Kiskaddon, Charles M. King, Freeman Kirk. Robert A. Kinser. John
Dowry, John Mangel, Japhia McMichael, Ethan S. McMichael, Perry McElvain,
Robert McCall, Neal McDevitt, John II. Niblock, James A. Patterson, John
Price, Henry Parker, John Portman. James Rumbaugh, William Rosingstell,
Shadrach R. Simcox, Fulton M. Schroder, Thomas A. Shyrock, John VV. Storey,
John A. Turk. Josiah Thompson, Michael Thompson, Peter Thorn, Stephen
Troutman, Amos Timblin, William P. Turner. William Wilson, James Wilson,
Thomas B. Walley, George Washington +, Jeremiah X. Wick, John T. Wick,
William Weigle and Elisha F. Wick.
W. II. McCandless served in Company B of this regiment.
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTV-XIXTH REGIMENT l'OURTEF.XTH CAYALISY.
The Fourteenth Cavalry was recruited in August and September, 1862,
and organized as a three years' regiment, November 24, with James M, Schoon-
maker, colonel; William Blakeley, lieutenant-colonel; Thomas Gibson, Shadrach
Foley and John M. Daily, majors. At the close of December the command
camped on the Charleston Pike, as the advance post of General Kelly's division,
in the Shenandoah Valley. From that period to June 11. 1865, when it was
ordered to proceed to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the regiment rendered most
valuable services in Virginia. After reporting at Fort Leavenworth, it was
consolidated into a six-company battalion, and five companies were mustered
out August 24, and Company Aon November 2, 1865. Its losses during its term
of service were two officers and ninety-seven men killed, and over 200 wounded ;
296 died of disease.
The regiment consisted of twelve full companies, Company L being recruited
in Butler county. It was the largest company that went from the county. Its
roster is as follows :
Captains: William II. Tibbies, R. M. Kiskaddon and Samuel D. Hazlett.
Lieutenants; David C. Beale and Robert Wilson.
Sergeants: Robert W. Hunter, James M. Rhoney, Robert L. Galbreath,
William H. Boyd, John W. Barclay, Alexander English, William Plain, Matthew
N. Greer, Jacob Bush, William G. Rhoney, Charles Bovard and David Rhoney.
Corporals : Barton S. Robinson. John W. Shryock, William F. Edwards.
Peter 1'. Brown. Thomas II. Banks, Lewis Hazlett, Johnston Matthews, Levi
Campbell, William V. Seaman, Amos Pfabe, William 15. Matthews, J. Milton
Hill, Henry Franz, James W. Geary, William C. Younkins, Valentine Bucher,
and Charles Vantine.
Bugler: Isaac II. Hall.
Blacksmith : Robert Porter.
Farriers: John M. Brown. Isaac Dickey ami Jacob B. Kerr.
252 . HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Saddlers: Jonathan Grinder and |olm Bullman.
Privates: William Akerf , Minor F. Adam-. William Bonner, John A.
Brown, [saac Bouch, Thomas S. Beatty. Harvey C, Boyd, Eli Black, Corby
Barrack ma n. Jeremiah Burfordf, Abram C. Boyd, Robert Bonner, John F.
Barnett, Hezekiah Barnett, Andrew Bullman, Henry Bullman, Joseph
Bickwell, Titus Baarf, John Beamer, John M. Brown, Samuel W.
Burford. Abner Brenneman+, James C. Barnett, James C. Craig, Daniel
Crise. Edward Camp. Samuel M. Clark. T. F. Craig. Charles K. Castle.
James W. Campbell, Joel Collier, Conrad Ceiner, John Clough, Andrew Coll,
John A. Dehaven,John M. Deets, John Deets. Henn Dean, Jonathan Dunlap,
John H. Duffy!, Michael Duffy, John Davis. John Deer, George W. Davis,
Abraham Emory, Edwin Edwards, Jasper C. Fox, fe.sse Fisher, Benjamin Fogg,
Joseph Fairf, Jacob Fox-f, John (.. Freeling. John Fritzelbach, John F. Fran/.,
John W. Gillen, Henry C. Gruner, John (.arret. John Carver, Silas Gibson,
William Gibson. Michael llawton. James M. Harrison, David Heisner, John
Hartung, William C. Haines. Joseph II. Hill. John Helper. James Henry.
James B. Hill. George W. Hoover, limn Irwin, David Jackson. James
L. Jackson, James S. Jack, Thomas Johnston, Daniel D. Kepple. Josiah Kis-
kaddon + , M. A. Kinsonf, John Kennedy, Michael Kelly. H. Kilgore, Andrew
S. Lowman, Joseph W. Linton, William Lags. James Lockwood, John Lewisf,
David Landis, John W. Miller. Elijah Myers, Samuel Mock. John Minteer, A.
J. Mularkey, James W. Malone, Joseph Milliganf. John L. Miller. John A.
Matthews. James \\ . Monroe, Edward Milligan, Samuel Murphy, Adolphus
Meeker, George S. Matthews, John J. McGarvey, George W. McLain, W. S.
McGarry, Robert D. McGarryf, Henry McManney. Michael McFadden, Patrick
McBride. Isaac II. Xeff, Oliver Parker. Thomas II. Park. Albert II. Rea, Adam
Reght, George W. Keep, David Rumbaugh. Isaac Rudolph. George Rhodes,
John M. Redd, Francis A. Rogan Charles L. Reynolds, James II. Reyborn,
William L. Seaton, Nelson Smith. I). M. Swisher. Henn Skxles. Elmer Snyder,
II. Schweidering, Adam Snvder, Henry Sherar, William Sturgeon. George
Sloan, John II Smith. William Stepp, Hiram Shaffer. Samuel Southworth, II.
Steele Smith, William C. Scholts, John D. Sourwine, William Smith. Samuel
C. Snowf. Israel Shaffer. George Stumpf, Thomas W. Seaman. Jacob H. Slack,
John Saville, Philip Troutman, William Todd, W. H.Vandyke. Nathan L. Van-
dyke. David L. Wilson, David A. Weaverf, Amos Woodman. Martin Walters
and John Yale.
Peter Whitmire. ol Company P> ; Adam Kanierer. of Company C : John F.
Yockey of Company, K; and Joseph Campbell. John D. Kamerer and Andrew
II. Eshenbaugh, were Butler county men.
ONI. HUN'DUED \ \ li SIXTY-XIXTH REGIMENT.
The organization of this regiment was completed November 28, I86-, with
the following field officers: Lewis W. Smith, of Allegheny count v. colonel :
Emanuel M. Wickenshaw, of Allegheny county, lieutenant-colonel, anil William
WAR OH THE REBELLION. 253
Smyth, of Butler county, major. It was called out for nine months1 service, and
was mustered oul fuly 21. 1863. The roster of Company E, which was organ-
ized in Butler county, is as follows :
Captain : lohn ( i. Bippus.
Lieutenants: Frederick Burry and fames M. White.
Sergeants: Henry Dresher, lle/.ekiah Covert, William Martin. Michael
McGinley and Frederick Shakely.
Corporals: Samuel |. Patton, David L. Kirkpatrick, Philip Gruver, James
P. Sloan Michael Graham, Michael J. Kelly, Edward W. Little, John Smith
and Henry May.
Musicians: William Gilliland and Ezra Likens.
Privates: Henry Alstadt, Irvin Beckman, Peter Barnhart, Henry Beltz,
Hiram Becker, John Byers, Barry Barron. George Bishop, Peter Breel, Herman
\V. Bauman, fohn Barnhart, facob Bremer, Clarence Bailey, William Bigger,
M. |. Covert. George Coleman, Peter Carner, George Cassiner, John Cochran,
George Carner, Michael Deiter, fames Dougherty, lohn Eichenauer, Alexander
English, Nicholas Eichert, Frederick Elwarner, Adam Frishcorn, Gottleib Flem-
ing. John Graham, William Giesler, John W. George, Henry II. Halstead, Jacob
I lulling, Isaac C. Hill, William A. Hulsinger, Joseph Ilartman, James Hemp-
hill, Jehu Harris. John Heverling, John W. Hait, Richard James, William Kis-
ler, lames Kirkland, William Kennedy, Henry Lensner, Henry Leisey, Henry
Lambert, John R. Lloyd. Henry Mickley, William Mass, Christian Mattier,
Edward Miller. Frederick Mover. James A. Milliliter. John Magerstadt, Peter
Miller, James Mackerel , James E. Miller, John McKeeverf, Thomas McMarlin,
Michael McGarvey, John McDevitt, Thomas McMillian, Thomas Neely, Connell
O'Donnell, James Peoples. Job Rube, Christ Rassman, Samuel C. Redickf, John
Reeth, Augustus Roenick.. William Rape. Thomas Sloan, James Spence. Barry
Spencer, Abraham Slator, Henry Switzer, William Tints-man. Abraham Wolf,
Matthew F. White, George Wilson, Frederick Weiglejohn Weigle, Frederick L.
Warner, John B. Young and Fred Zeig.
James P. McCamant served as a private in Company A of this regiment.
I'U" HUNDRED AM) TWELFTH REGIMENT SIXTH ARTILLERY.
This regiment was organized in August and September, 1804, its rendezvous
being Camp Reynolds, near Pittsburg. The organization was completed Sep-
tember 15 by the selection of the following field officers: Charles Barnes.
colonel; Joseph P>. Copeland. lieutenant-colonel ; Robert II. Long, Joseph R.
Kemp and Frank II. White, majors. On September 17 the regiment left Pitts-
burg for Washington, D. C, where it was assigned to the Second brigade of
De Russey's division. September 29 it was detailed to guard the Orange and
Alexandria railroad, over which supplies were transported for Sheridan's army.
In November it was ordered back to Washington. Up to this time it had served
as infantry, but was there instructed in heavy artillery drill, and was afterwards
detailed for duty as an artillery regiment. It served at Forts Marcv, Reno,
,;i
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Craig, Ward, Albany, Lyon and others, and was mustered out at Fort Ethan
Allen June 13, 1865. It lost two men killed, while forty-four died from disease.
Batteries A and I? of this command were made up almost entirely of Butler
county men. The roster of Battery A is as follows :
Captain: William R. Hutchison.
Lieutenants : Thomas II. McElvain, William II. McCandless, James Har-
vey and Milton Wolford.
Sergeants: lames I). Wise, John Grinder, George W. Hays, Alexander B.
Brower, John Brown. Josiah M. Thompson, Leslie T. Fulton and Alexander
Mitchell.
Corporals: Allen Campbell, William P. Hemphill, Henry C. Thompson.
Cyrus J. Anderson. Isaiah J. McCandless. William Logan, Nicholas Rilley.
Robert McCall. Albert S. Strader, Alfred Aggas, John A. Criswell and Eli
Moore.
Buglers: George II. Love, Oliver J. Walker and Archibald (i. Stewart.
Artificers : John C. Riddle and James Blackstock.
Privates : Sylvanus Aggas, James Aggas, Francis Anderson, Daniel Albert.
Thomas M. Anthony, John Balmer, Joseph E. Burkhart, John Byers,
William Bander, James I). Brooks, Isaac Bennett. John Blair, George
Bole, Robert R. Criswell, Gilbert T. Cochran. Loyal Y. Cochran,
Robert Cooper, Thomas Chantler, Alexander Cunningham, William Clee-
land, William J. Cleeland, George Curry, Michael M. Carothers, John II.
Davis. Joseph A. Douthett, John Donaldson, David English, George
W. Fair. Samuel T. Fulton. JesseFulton, Joseph Flick, James F. Flick, William
D. Frazier, James G. Frazier, Andrew J. Fleming, John A. Forsythe, John
Guyer, James S. Glenn, Robert II. Gibson, R. P. Grey, David Hay, George P.
Harvey, W. II. Harvey, James Ilammil. John Hunter. James F. Harbison,
Joseph Hemphill. Rtfbert Harvey, W. G. Ilovis. L. Ilarnish. J. C. Ilvle, Henry
Horn, (j. B. Ilain, Adam Johnston, Herman Knoch, J. P. Kirkpatrick, William
Kellev, Michael Kulm, William Love, Robert Lardin. David Milford, William
J. Miller. Harvey J. Mitchell. Hugh C. Miller. John Martsoff, Samuel Mont-
gomery, Samuel Murray. W. S. Marshall, S. II. Marshall. Henry Miller. 1-]. S.
McMichael, Francis McMillan. W. II. II. Mcllvain, William McElwain, W. T.
McCandless. M. J. McCollough, T. U. McClymonds, S. G. McAllister. W. J.
McAllister. R. II. McQuistion, II. McGeary, H. A. McCandless. S. K. McCand-
less. X. W. McCandless, R. T. McCall, S. R. McCall, R. X. McCandlessf, David
Newell, Edward Phillips, David Prindle, S. B. Rider, R. M. Russell, Sr., Josiah
Russell, Houston Russell, James E. Russell, William M. Ramsey. R. M. Russell,
Jr., Charles S. Stoner, Thomas Stewart, Hugh Sproul, Obed Seston, A.J. Snow,
Daniel Swart/,, John X. Swart/., Daniel Snow, T. C. Snodgrass, Allen Springer,
William Swartzf, Martin Thompson, W. P. Thompson, W. M. Thompson,
Samuel M.Turk, John M. Tebay, Joseph F. Timmony, George R. Wester-
man, Thomas Wood, James C.Welsh, Daniel Walter. John Walter, Thomas
Wiley, and Robert II. Young.
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 255
Battery B was also recruited in Butler county. Its roster is as follows :
Captain : Gustavus L. Braun.
Lieutenants: W. II. II. Wasson, John M. Kelsy, Robert O. Shira, and
William C. Rudyard.
Sergeants : W. II. Hutchison, Thomas Bonner, James M. Maxwell,
Robert S. Temple, William McMillan, David M. McDonald, William A. Shuler,
Greer McCandless, and Joseph B. Martin.
Corporals : William B. Lenhart, George W. Reed, Milton Sleppy, Benjamin
Harlin, William J. Robb, George K.Graham, John C. Wasson, Archibald Daugh-
erty, Eli M. Hilliard, John S. Dodds, Robert J. McCandless, John B. Dodds,
Samuel D. Christy, and Thomas R. Armstrong.
Buglers: Henry Sprattley. W. P. Shull and J. F. Manny.
Artificers: James J. Stevenson and Moses M. Bennett.
Privates : Dominick Allwine, Robert Armstrong, Samuel Adams, Amos
Altman, William Alhouse, Joseph Bishop, William P. Bratton, Matthew Black,
Henry Behm, Joseph B. Brvson, Robert T- Badgerf, Forrester Brownf, Wash.
Cropper, John Covert, John Cooper, Oliver Clark, William Campbell, C. A. Christ-
ley, John S. Critchlow. J. B. Caldwell, William Cox. James R. Campbell. Isaac
Cable, George Cress, Willliam B. Curry, James N. Campbell, Isaac Donaldson,
Ebenezer Dodds, Samuel Duff, R. X. Emory, Hance J. Farr, Richard Fisher,
William B. Fleeger, Hiram Grubbs. L. George, James Grossman, Hugh Gross-
man. Joseph Grubbs, D. W. Graham, William J. Gillespie, Henry Gold, J. W.
Gibson. T. M. Hess, J. M. Hosack, T. S. Hutchison, Joseph Hoffman, Isaiah
Hall, Caleb B. Henry, Jeremiah Hilliard, Abraham Hilliard. George W. Hus-
elton. W. II. Haslett. Jacob Helringer, Theodore Haler. George Ilankey, Chris-
topher Hoover, George R. Hoover, Marion T. Hipplef , J. F. Jones, Y. E. Kinser,
T. D. Kennedy. D. C. Kirkpatrick, Francis Lavery, William Lang, A. M. Lias,
William Matthews, (i. W. Moser, W. G. Muller, j. B. Miller. W. II. Morrison*,
Samuel Morrow. R. C. McCarahan, Daniel McGeary, Reuben McQuistion, Rob-
ert McCurdy, T. B. McClymonds, John McCurdy, William McCall, R. M.
McCall, Francis Neptune, Josiah Neyman, Peter II. Nolf, John L. Neyman, W.
J. Plants. Theodore Potts, Zachariah Phillips, John A. Pugh, Ephraim C. Park-.,
Joseph Richard, Jeremiah Ralston, Samuel Rohrer, H. S. Rider. William Rals-
ton, W. A. Randolph. W. (i. Robb, Henry Redinger, Samuel Steele. John Spell-
man, George Staff, Thomas Spence, Robert W. Stew art, Samuel Smutz. George
W. Stewart, George Shoup, Robert ( ). Shira, Samuel B. Smith, John Shoup,
Philip W. Sampson, Levi Silvisf. Robert Thompson. John N. Thompson, Will-
iam W. Turk, Conrad Taylor, Daniel Updegraft, Robert Wallace, George Wil-
son, John A. Woodward. Thomas Wilson. Philip II. Went/., James G. Walker.
Edward D. Wigton, Christopher Wimer, John Whitmire, William Whitmire,
Samuel Wright, David Wagner. James Wright, John Young and (i. W.
Zimmerman \.
Among those from Butler county who served in other batteries in this regi-
ment, w-ere the following: Reuben Campbell. Battery C : James Atkinson, Felix
* Accidentally killed at York. Pennsylvania, June 15, 1865 Died,
25G HISTORY 01 Bl iLER COUNTY.
1L Xegley. Gottfried Reinhold, Sumuel Schaffner and William Watson, Battery
I>. John W. Brown. Battery II: William Lutz and Alexander C. Weller, Bat-
tery 1. and John Day, Battery K ■ Amos McCamant, John A. and Robert
Hutchins also served in this regiment.
FOURTEENTH MILITIA KEGIMEXT.
Tin- threatened invasion of Pennsylvania bv the armies of Gen. Robert E.
Lee, alter the second battle of Bull Run. created an emergency making neces-
sarv the calling into service, tor such a period as might be necessary, a Ion.- of
tin Mate militia sufficient to assist the troop- already in the field in repelling the
invader. The response ol Butler county was prompt. A company mustered
into the Fourteenth Militia regiment as Company G was one of the first to
report itself readv for duty. This companv was organized in Butler, many of
the leading citizens ol the borough beiii'4 enrolled as members. By reason of
the large number ol lawyers who joined, it was known as " The Blackstone
Guards." Two Butler men were also numbered among the field ami staff officers
of the regiment. These were Major Charles McCandless and Assistant Surgeon
Newton J. McCandless.
The Fourteenth regiment was organized September 12-16, its colonel being
R. B. McComb. It was immediately sent to the front to perform such service as
might be demanded of it. The battle of Antietam, fought on September 16 and
17. resulting in the defeat of Lee, and his retreat into Virginia, relieved Penn-
sylvania from the danger that threatened, making further service on the part of
the Emergency Men unnecessary, and they were accordingly mustered out. Sep-
tember I'l'i-i's. The roster of Company G is as follows :
Captain : fames Gilmore Campbell.
Lieutenants : Ebenezer Me funkin and Charles Duff v.
Sergeants: Isaac J. Cummings, John B. McQuistion, Joseph J. Elliott,
Samuel Schaffner. Clark Wilson and Walter L. Graham.
Corporals: Abram McCandless, John W. Mitchell, David II. Mackcy,
Arnold Rosenthal, Joseph L. Purvis, Gottlieb Langbein, James A. Shaner ami
William S. Ziegler.
Musicians: Abraham Fleeger and Henry Dickey.
Privates: John Agnew, Isaac Ash. James A. Ralph, John Berg, Jr., Cal-
vin Beatty, James M. Bredin, lames Bredin, Edward M. Bredin, William Bart-
ley, Harvey Colbert. John C. Coll. John II. Cratty, Obadiah Cratty, Theodore
Crowd. Gabriel Etzel/ Joseph Flick, Jacob Faller, Robert Graham, Alfred G.
Glenn, James Haslett, Richard Hughes, Jr., Daniel A. Heck, Thomas A. Hutch-
inson, Samuel P. Irvin. Davis W. rohnson, lames W. Kirker, George Knittle.
Joseph Liebler, Jacob Laux, George P. Miller. Henry C. Moser, Alexander Mitch-
ell. Harvey J. Mitchell. WilliamF. Miller, James C. McCurdy, Simon S.Mechling,
Thomas Mechling, lohn C. Moore. Samuel Morrison, fames C. Miller, Henry
Miller. Gabriel Moser, J. David McJunkin, C. A. McJunkin. D. Harper
McQuistion. James T. McJunkin. Llisha C. McCurdy. J. Linn McAboy, W. W.
McQuistion, Robert McClung,John II. Negley, Alfred (i. Negley, John P. Orr,
Horace Pearce, Joseph Portman, John N. Purviance, John Potts, |r.. Samuel
y^^V r/^ 7^*U*/
C
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 25/
Patton, Abner Patton, Nelson P. Reed, John C. Redick, Christian Schwille,
John A. Sedwick, John McQuistion Smith, J. Newton Stewart, George W.
Stewart. David Scott. Adam Schreiber, James Stephenson, Robert D.Stevenson,
Samuel L. Sedwick. Samuel \V. Stewart. Conrad Smith, |ohn (^_. A. Sullivan,
Herman Schweidering, James Spence, A. 11. Troutman, Cassimer Wise, John
Wareham, George Walter, Eli Yeter ami Michael Zimmerman, Jr.
EIGHTEENTH MILITIA REGIMENT.
This regiment was also organized to meet the emergency arising from Lee's
threatened invasion of Pennsylvania, It was with the army at .South Mountain
and Antietam, though not actively participating in those battles. It was mus-
tered out September 27, 1862, the defeat of Lee at Antietam and his retreat into
Virginia rendering further service unnecessary. Company C of this regiment
was raised in Butler counts. Its roster is as follows:
Captain: William R. Hutchison.
Lieutenants: John Brown and Henry Flick,
Sergeants: Leander Wise, John Kay, Joshua M. List, William Bicket and
Wilson David.
Corporals: James M. Hay, Matthew Williams, Thomas II. MeGahey,
Robert B. Hoon. Hugh C. Miller. John C. Norris, Thompson Harbison and
Robert 15. Dickey.
Privates: John S. Hartley, James Bedillion, William A. Beals, Robert
Brown. John Baker, William A. Caldwell. Hugh Cunningham, John Dunbar,
Joseph Davis, John Denny, George W. Fulton, Samuel T. Fulton, Leslie T.
Fulton. James Fulton. Jacob B. Flick, Dance M. Frazier, Archie Glascow,
Joseph Hunter. Joseph Henry, Joseph Heckard, William J. Hays, James Higgin-
botham, William Higginbotham, Robert Harvey, Freeman James, George C.
Kennedy, George H. Lowe, Robert Lowe, John Logan, William J. Leslie, II. N.
Logan. James Lawhead. John W. Mauks, Thomas K. Mahood, William G.
Miller, James T. Main. Allen R. McMahan, John Mc. McKibbin, George Mc-
Guckin, Samuel B.McNeal, James A. McMarlin, Daniel McElwain, Kizer Ncal,
Thomas Parks, Samuel A. Pierce. Edward T. Phillips Robert P. Sloan, Adam
Stewart. Obediah Sefton, Edward Sefton, David Scott, Nicholas Sleif, John R.
Sloan. William M. Thompson, Elijah Thompson. Allen Tuttle, James Trimble,
Henry Thompson, Thomas VanVay, Jeremiah L, Wilson. John W. Wilson,
George R. Westerman. Thomas Welsh, Thomas W. Welsh. James W. Welsh.
George Welsh and Samuel Waddle.
FIFTY-SIXTH MILITIA REGIMENT.
This regiment formed part of the Emergency and State militia called out
June '.I, 1863. It was mustered in June i'7 and July 5, 1863, for the defence of
the State against the second advance of Lee's army, and served until August 13,
1863, when the command was mustered out. Company F, recruited in Butler
county, was organized in June, heing among the first to respond to the call. Fol-
lowing is its roster :
Captain: William R. Hutchison.
17
2 5'S HISTORY OF BUTLEK COUNTY.
Lieutenants : Baxter Logan and John Brown.
Sergeants: Henry G.- Mechling, Linus Craner, William T. Edwards. John
S. Hartley and James M. Hay.
Corporals: Albert L. Schrader, Hance M. Frazier, Samuel L. Coulter. Will-
iam J. Leslie, Robert Anderson, Samuel B. Gamble. James C. Welsh and Alfred
Mauihoff.
Privates: L. Allwine. Albeit Barclay, James Bedillion, John Burtner, E. J.
Burtner, John B. Caldwell, William J. Chandler. John A. Cochran, Loyal Y.
Cochran, Daniel A. Crealv. fohn Denny, Jacob Deer. John 15. I)a\ is, William
Gardner, Jonathan Grinder, John Hunter. James (). Harbison. Robert Harbison,
Joseph Henry. Joseph Hickman, Levi Heidrick, Alexander Johnson, George
Kennetlw John Logan, William Love, Thomas 11. Lyon, Louis R. Mechling,
Christian Mechling, Thomas Mahood, Andrew |. Malarkey, McQuade Mushrush,
James II. McCandless, Howe McGeary, KizerNeal, John Park. William J. Puff.
Joseph Phillips, Adam W. Snyder, Thomas W. Seaman. Theodore Tomai, Will-
iam Tuttle, James Wright, Samuel Wilson, Nathan White. James Williamson,
Ferdinand A. Winter and Henry Young.
FIFTY-EIGHTH MILITIA REGIMENT.
This command was organized in July, 1863, and mustered in the same
month under Col. George II. Bemus. < >n July -1 the regiment, with others, was
ordered to hold the turds on the Ohio between Steubenville and Wheeling, the
Fifty-eighth occupying LaGrange, opposite Wellsville. The watchfulness ol
this command, led Morgan's cavalry to seek escape by way of Salineville, where
the Michigan cavalry attacked them, killing, wounding or capturing about :',oo nt
the famous guerrillas. Later, when Morgan's command was captured, this regi-
ment took charge of the prisoners until they were placed in the Ohio penitentiary.
After danger disappeared the command returned to Pittsburg, where it was
mustered out August 14-15, 1863. Company (i. of" this regiment, was raised in
Butler county. Its roster is as follows :
Captain : Alexander Gillespie.
Lieutenants : James G. Guthrie anil Joint S. Brown.
Sergeants: Beriah M. Duncan, (ieorge Xeely. Ebenezer Kidd, Isaiah X.
Duncan and John Nelson.
Corporals : John Duncan, John English. Sr.. James BoggS, William Pierce.
Joseph English and J. L. Jones.
Musicians: Charles A. Smith and John 15. Garvin.
Privates: William Anderson. D. P. Boggs. Joseph Blackstock, Martin
Brown, Patrick Burns, John Betekever, Henry Baker. Thomas J. Carnahan,
John Carr, Enos (i. Duncan. Samuel Davis, (ieorge Demer, Joseph K. Duncan.
George Drew. John English, Jr., Frederick Beighley, William Egan, James
Freeman. Frank Freeman, Barnet G. Guthrie, Hugh Glasgow, John Grim,
Jonathan Grubbs, Lester Gibson, William Hughes. Joseph E. Hall. Frank John-
ston. Samuel Kidd. James P. Miller, William Mowry, John Moore. Aaron II.
Moore. John Macdowell, Samuel Morrison, Alexander McLucker, William
Neeh . Timothy O'Brien, Charles Osburne, Thomas Pierce. George Strawbridge,
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 2 yj
Enos Shannon, Samuel Saddler, Polk Sample, Thomas Wilson, John Walters.
Frank Wills, Peter Warner and II. A. Wilkinson.
Company I of this regiment was also raised in Butler county. Following
is its roster :
Captain : Winfield M. Clark.
Lieutenants : William E. Moore and S. L. Daubenspeck.
Sergeants: George W. Halderman, Thomas F. Christlev, Henry 1). Tim-
blin and George W. Reed.
Corporals : Francis M. Hilliard, Augustus X. Martin. Charles Harley,
George H. Dodds, Jonathan II. Kelley and Henry E. Miller.
Musicians : Howard McElvain and George W. Dunlap.
Privates : William J. Adams, George W. Beattie, John C. Breaden, Hubert
F. Campbell, Plummer Christy, Ephriam S. Dobson, William G. Daubenspeck,
William F. Dunn, Joseph S. Fithian, Adam Fogle, John Grossman. Hugh Gross-
man, Hiram Gallagher, David Hoon, William II. Johnston, Thomas Kelly,
Oliver Kelly. Adam Kord. William Miller, Samuel W. Morrison, John P.
Mcjunkin, John II. McQuistion, Abner McCallen, William McCall, John M.
McCollough, Andrew McMurry. William McGill, William McCauley, Hubert
Potts. John Howe, James M. Ramsey, Albert Ruff, Daniel Shanor, James C.
Scott. William Shrvock. William Smith, Thomas Wilson and Adam Wiles.
MISCELLANEOUS COMMANDS.
In addition to the foregoing companies and parts of companies of infantry,
cavalry and artillery credited to Butler county, a large number of her citizens
and young men. claiming the county as their home, enlisted in other counties of
Pennsylvania, and in regiments raised in other States. So far as ascertained, the
names of these are as follows :
Michael Long, Third Pennsylvania Volunteers. John II. McQuistion,
Company D, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. Samuel B. Fry, William |.
Miller and Michael Tracy, Company I> : Ephraim Brown, Company
E, and John Bulford, Company K. Eight Reserve. Baxter Burkhart,
Company K. Ninth Reserve. Joseph Graham, Company L, Twenty-
eight Pennsylvania Volunteers. John McElhaney, Company I), Forty-
second Pennsylvania Volunteers. James ]. Sutton, Amos Campbell, and
Sergt. Thomas F. Christlev. Company B; Solomon S. May and Michael
Myers, Company F; John Thompson and Richard Kelly, Company G, and Sam-
uel F. Milford, Company II, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. William J.
Cleeland Fifty-second Militia. Samuel F. Sloan*, Company C, and Samuel S.
Jolly, Fifty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers. James C. Hughes, Fifty-fifth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers. John A. Black, lieutenant-colonel, Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania
Volunteers. Joseph W. Kiester, Company F, and Thomas J. McBride, Fifty -
seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. Thomas Baker, John H. Denny. Corp. William
Fulton, wounded at Spottsylvania, Corp. Samuel A. Leslie, Baxter Logan. John
Logan and William Piatt. Company 15; Sergt. Samuel Tintsman,' Company F
* Killed or mortally wounded.
260 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and Roberl Hide*, Sixty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers. Peter Kalert, Company
I ); Sergt. William Ransall*, and William Storey, Company E; Samuel E. Brown,
Charles M. Campbell, James E. Campbell, Oliver M. Christy, Jeremiah W. Harper
and GeorgeE. Miller, Company G ; J. L. Anderson*, Company 11 ; fames Blake,
Robert Duff f and John C. McCollough. Company K,and Sebastian Smith*, Sixty-
second Pennsylvania Volunteers. Harvey D. Thompson, Company A, Sixty-third
Pennsylvania Volunteers. Levi Porter, Company K, Sixty-fourth Pennsylvania Vol
unteers. George K. Baker and Thomas R. Hoon, Company I . Sixty-seventh Pennsyl
vania Volunteers, fohn W. Crooks, Company A, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvanh
Volunteers. Hugh McKeeKidd and fames Kidd, members of Company C, Seventy
ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers were both killed at the battle of Perrysville. Corp
Jacob T. Grove, and Arthur K. Cleeland, Company F. Eighty-third Pennsyl
vania Volunteers. Thomas Adams, Company K. Eighty-fourth Pennsylvanh
Volunteers. Philip II. Cluse, Company II, Eightv-seventh Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers. Alexander Bell, William J. Hutchison, William Martin and Robert
Martin, Company A, and N. Hinsberger, Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
fames (i. Graham, Company I). Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Corp.
fohn Blain and Andrew Lemmon, One Hundred and fourth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers. Lieut-Col. W. W. Corbett, James A. Redick, John C. McCollough,
George Shaw, Charles Gallagher and Oliver C. Redic, promoted lieutenant-colo-
nel. May II, 18(35, One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Peter Oes-
terling, Company B; |ohn Fredley, Company C; John Emerick, Company F,
and Alfred II. Monnie. One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Robert II. Harbison, Company E Newton Black and William A. Black, Com-
pany I; Aaron Beighley, Company F, and Levi Logan, One Hundred and Twelfth
Pennsylvania Volunteers. Josiah I?. Black, Company II. One Hundred and Six-
teenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Joseph Welsh. Company O. One Hundred and
Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers. Robert W. McKee, Company C; Nich-
olas Amnion. Company E and William Reiber, Company K. One Hundred and
Thirty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, F. B. Stiver, Company K. One Hundred
and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. William Minser and foseph Rockenstein,
Company I), One 1 1 mulled and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Wilson N.
Clark,\orporal, Company C. and Levi Sturdevant, One Hundred and Fiftieth
Pennsylvania Volunteers. Sergt. Philip A. Drain, Company C; Capt. Samuel
Walker, Company F, and fames L. Campbell, Company (i. One Hundred and
Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers. Dr. Adam Weiser, Company F; and John
Dindinger, Company G, One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers. Carlisle McFadden, Company E, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Penn-
sylvania Volunteers. Ephraim Brown and fohn Bulford, One Hundredand Nine-
ty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers. William F. Trax, Company E, and Charles
Cowan/Companv K. One Hundred and Ninety-third Pennsylvania Volunteers.
Capt. John G. Bippus, George Bartlett, Peter Fennell and John Irvine. Company
II. One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers ; and D. R. Rodgers,
Erie regiment .
The Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, organized in October. 1861, and which
• Killed or mortally wounded f Wounded t Died.
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 26l
served until July 1. 1865, had in its ranks a number of Butler county men. Dur-
ing its term of service, tins regiment lost ninety-eight men killed, while 260 died
from disease. The following is a list of those who served from Butler county :
Quartermaster sergeant : Enos G. Duncan.
Corporals: Beriah M. Duncan. 1. \. Duncan and John Duncan*.
Privates: George Byers, Henry Brown, William I'.arr. John VV. Carr, Joel
Donaldson, William W. Dunbar, Alpheus Dunbar, Alfred Dunbar, Josiah
Donaldson. Eli S. Fleeger, Hiles Fleeger+, Jacob Fleeger, Francis Freeman.
George Graham, II. A. Hamilton*, James M. Marshall. Preston Mcjunkin, Hugh
Miller*, Henry Miller. Henry M. Miller*, Samuel Miller, Samuel M. Seaton.
Ja«ob Stoutf, John Walters and Benjamin F. Walters*.
Lewis livers, who served in Company I, Levi Porter, who served in Com-
pany K. and Corp. William A. Seaton. and James G. Hamilton, who served in
Company L, were also from Butler county.
Among those from Butler county who served in other cavalry regiments
were James A. McMarlin. Company A. First regiment. John Whitmire. Com-
pany 1>: Samuel Seaton. Company C, and Francis and William Whitmire, Com-
pany M. Sixth regiment. Casper Sherman. Company 1. and George T. , and
Thomas W. Frazier, Company K. Seventh regiment. John Sherman, Company
E, Ninth regiment. Lieut. Aaron Sullivan. Company E, Ninth regiment, killed
at Tompkinsville, Kentucky. July 'J. 1862 Amos Seaton. Company D, and Har-
mon Seaton , Fifteenth regiment, and John Montgomery, Company F, Eighteenth
regiment. John A. Watson served in Company A, Fourth United States Cav-
alry; John and Thomas A. Plain. Company I); keid G. Bracken, Company K,
ami Sergt. Simeon Nixon. Companv (i, Sixth United Slates Cavalry.
The nanus ot those from Butler county serving in miscellaneous artillery
commands are as follows: William Giesler, Jesse Barto, ami John M. Greer,
Battery P; Robert Harbison, Battery E; Newton Mortland, Battery F; Henry
Young, Battery 1. and James A. McMarlin. Battery L, Second Artillery. J.
Walter Hartley. Robert McClung, and Gabriel Neff, Battery K, and William
Blain, Battery M. Fifth Artillery. Benjamin S. Rankin, served in the Fourth
United States Artillery, and Henry H. Halstead in Battery F, Independent
Light Artillery.
The following named persons, either residents of Butler county, or claiming
it as their home, served in regiments raised in States other than Pennsylvania:
Patrick N. Harvey, First Maryland Cavalry; R. A. Dennison and James A.
Stewart, Battery A. First Ohio Light Artillery; S. S. Forrester, Batter) D, First
Ohio Heavy Artillery; George Trimbur, Company D, First West Virginia Vol-
unteers: F. I!. Stiver. Second West Virginia Volunteers: W. B. Dodds, Com-
pany A. Tenth Illinois Cavalry; Elder Crawford. Company C, Fifth, and Com-
pany G, Thirteenth ( )hio Cavalry ; Isaiah Black, musician. Sixteenth Illinois Vol-
unteers ; William M. Black, Company K, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers ; James
H. Black. Company II, Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteers; Joseph C. Camp-
bell, killed at Chickamauga, Company C, and Robert J. Kissick, Companv <i.
♦ Killed or mortally wounded. % Wounded. I Died.
2()2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Thirty-first Ohio Volunteers; James C. Black, Thirty -fifth Illinois Volunteers ;
Lieut. John B. Butler, Company G, Forty-first Illinois Volunteers; S. A. Pur-
viance, Company li. Forty-second Illinois Volunteers; Robert M. Black, captain
of Company I!, and William McLaughlin, Seventy-eighth Illinois Volunteers.
S. S. Forrester, One Hundred and Seventeenth Ohio Volunteers. George Reiber
served in a Missouri infantry regiment. Henry (i. Crispin, a printer formerly
employed in the Herald office, enlisted in a New York regiment and was killed
at the battle of Hull Run. Among those whose commands we have not obtained
are the following named soldiers: Lieut. W. D. Ewing, Thomas Cooper. Joseph
D. Fowler, Charles Hoffman, who also served in the Mexican war. Charles p.
Smith and Nicholas Portman.
Col. James Cooper McKee, M. D., of Butler, was appointed and commis-
sioned assistant surgeon of the United States army in 1S;>S. At the second bat-
tle of Hull Run he served as assistant medical director of Pope's army, and at
Antietam as assistant medical purveyor of the Army of the Potomac. In 1863 he
was promoted to captain in the regular army and placed in charge of Lincoln
United States Hospital at Washington, I). C, in which position he continued
until the close of the war. After the war he was transferred to Mew Mexico,
serving there as chief medical officer of the army, and afterwards as medical
director of the Department of Arizona. lie also served in the same capacity at Van-
couver Barracks, Department of Columbia. In 1891 he was retired from active
service, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, by reason of injuries received in the
discharge of his duty.
Dr. Samuel Graham, of Butler, after serving three months in Company 11,
Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, completed a course of medicine in Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, and entered the service as assistant surgeon of the
One Hundred and Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was subsequently
appointed surgeon of the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers.
When Butler county responded to President Lincoln's call for 75,000 men,
after the fall of Port Sumter, in April, 1861, her citizens shared in the belief pre-
vailing throughout the country, that the war would be an affair of but a few
months, and that soldiering would be anything but serious business. Few, if
any, dreamed that with the fall of Sumter there had been ushered in the great-
est civil war in the world's history, destined to last four years, to dot the entire
South with battlefields, to call into service over two millions of men in the North
and in the South, to cost hundreds of thousands of lives and the expenditure of
thousands of millions of dollars, and to have the final triumph of the Union
armies shrouded in the sorrow that followed the assassination of Abraham Lin-
coln, under whose administration the Union bail been preserved and perpetuated.
In those early days of the war. therefore, patriotism ran high in Butler county
and enlistments were rapid. Later on, though there was no diminution in the
patriotic spirit, the burdens of war began to be heavily felt. The county was
drained oi its young men, and extraordinary taxes were levied in order that the
war might be prosecuted to a successful issue. The men in the field had to be
encouraged and made to feel that the people at home were back of them, and
that the calls fur more troops would be promptly responded to. In short, those
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 263
at home* had a work of vital importance to do, demanding many sacrifices and
much patriotism in order that the county might acquit itself with credit to the
State and with honor to the Union cause.
As the ranks of the young men thinned out it became necessary to encourage
enlistments by the aid of bounties and other inducements. In 1862 a relief tax,
amounting to $3,154, was collected, and in 1863 $9,752.18 paid in bounties.
Under the draft of July, 1863, the county furnished 323 men. Many of those
drafted furnished substitutes. The plan adopted in Butler appears to have been
for a number of those subject to draft to subscribe to a fund to pay substitutes, and
after the requisite number of substitutes had been secured, to divide up the surplus
amount, if any, among the subscribers.
January l'0, 1X(34, Capt. Henry Pillow, United States recruiting officer,
announced the extension of the time for paying bounties, and asked for volun-
teers. About this time the quotas required from the counties comprising the
Twenty-third district, were published, showing the quota of Butler county to be
316, to be secured from the 2,320 men of the first and 1,317 men of the second
class. The borough of Butler, haying furnished her quota of fourteen, was clear
of the draft. In order to accomplish this object the local committee collected
$8.1170, of which $1,771) was paid for the fourteen substitutes. The sum of
thirty-five dollars was charged to expenses, leaving $1,265 to be returned to the
subscribers. Under the call of February 1, 1864, for 500,000 men, Butler bor-
ough filled its quota February (*>, 1864, and had a surplus of money to return to
the subscribers.
Under the call for 200,000 men, March 15, 1864, the general bounty was
paid until April 1, 1864. On April 14. 18<>4, an act providing for the payment
of bounties in Butler county was approved by the Governor. Power was given to
the school directors to levy a tax sufficient to pay a bounty of $300 to each volun-
teer enlisted and credited to the school district making the levy. They were also
empowered to levy a per capita tax, not exceeding twenty-five dollars from each
taxable citizen subject to the draft, and to repay to subscribers moneys advanced to
aid in raising volunteers.
The response to the call of March 15, 1864, was so prompt that when the
draft was made June 3, 1864, only nine districts were behind with their quotas;
in those ninety-one men were called out by provost-marshal. A supplemental draft
was ordered for June l'7, when sixty-five men were called out. Ten of the ninety-
one drafted June 3, failed to appear ; forty-four paid a commutation of $300 each ;
thirty-three were exempted, and two were reported dead. Another draft was
made September 19, 1864, under the call of July IS. 1864. November 30, 1864,
the number of men subject to draft in Butler county was placed at 2,780, but a
large number of soldiers who had served two years or more in the service and
had received their discharge were included in this estimate.
One reason for the recourse to drafts was that during 1864 especially the terms
of a large number of those who had enlisted in 1861, for three years, expired,
and it became necessary to secure new men to take their places. It should also
be borne in mind that a majority of these men re-enlisted in the field, and that
volunteers were constantly coming forward in every township in the county.
264 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The drafts, therefore, were only resorted to in order to complete the quotas of the
several townships within the time required by the different calls under which
they were ordered.
While the soldiers at the front were battling for the preservation <>i" the
Union, there arose a necessity lor those at home to care for the dependent wid-
ows and orphans of those who tell in battle, and also a necessity to care for -ick
and wounded in the hospitals and in their homes. For the former purpose, in
addition to voluntary contributions, a relief tax was ordered. For the latter pur-
pose an organization known as the •■Balaam Association" was organized in IS64.
In April of that year it was represented in the different townships by the follow-
ing named collectors : Thomas Marshall. J. X. Pollock, H. W. Grant. George
Walter, J. G. McClymonds, W. D. McCandless, Adam Black. Dr. Frank Ham-
ilton. John Love. Alex Kuhn. Peter Ray, Joshua Garvin, Henry Gumpper, Major
Adam's, Alex. Walker. R. 1. Boggs, Russell Boggs, James Wright, P. Scheide-
mantle, William Smith, William Morrow, Calvin Potts. Reuben Shanor, Lieuten-
ant Mellinger, J. M. Boal. Leander Wise, William Crocker. John Murrin, P.
Hilliard, John Keever and Firley Balph. For Centreville, A.J. Bard was col-
lector; for Harmony, lames Guthrie ; for Zelienople, George 11. Bastian ; for Sax-
onburg, John Carson, and lor Butler. Joseph Elliott ami II. D. Timblin. Captain
W. M. Clarke was "Thistle," or secretary of this association.
In the spring of 1864, the people of Butler county became liberal contribu-
tors to the Pittsburg Sanitary Fair Association. Committees to solicit subscrip-
tions of money, provisions and clothing were appointed in each township in the
county. The responses were prompt and liberal, the collections up to June 1.
1864, amounting to $2,606.51 in cash, including $160 received from the Balaam
Association. Clothing and provisions were also contributed valued at $736.14,
bringing the total amount up to $3,342.65. Later contributions of money,
clothing and provisions considerably increased this amount. The chairmen of
the various township committees were as follows: Samuel Marshall, Adams;
fames Kiskaddon, Allegheny; J. M. Thompson. Brady; A. 1). Weir. Buffalo;
Newton Maxwell. Butler; Dr. Josiah McCandless. Centre: II. C. McCoy. Cherry;
Rev. W. P. Breaden. Clay: James Morris, Clinton ; J. H. Christy, Concord ;
Rev. Jamison, Connoquenessing; William Dick. Franklin: James ( i. Wilson. Jack-
son ; David Logan, Jefferson; Rev. J. F. Boyd. Mercer; Rev. J. < i. Barnes.
Middlesex; John Forrester. Muddy Creek: Isaac Kohl., Oakland; J. (>.. A.
Kennedy. Perm ; T. Stephenson, Slippery Rock: William L'mdsey, Summit;
R. A. Mifflin. Washington; William Stewart. Wintield and Thomas McNees,
Worth. The chairmen of the borough committees were R. C. McAboy, Butler;
John T. Bard, Centreville ; Alfred Pierce, Harmony: James Kerr. Harrisville ;
Rev. W. A. Fetter, Millerstown ; A. W. McCollough, Prospect, and Mrs. Anna
Harbison, Portersville.
The fall of Richmond and the surrender of the Confederate forces under
Gen. Robert E. Lee, announcing as they did the final triumph of the L'nion
armies and the return of peace, caused much rejoicing throughout the entire
Xorth. The people of Butler, among the first to respond to the call for troops,
were also among the first to rejoice over the success of the "Boys in Blue in
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 2(>5
saving the Union from disruption. This rejoicing took the form of a "Jubilee
Meeting," held at the court-house in Butler April 7. 1865. This meeting was
presided over by Hon. Lawrence L. McGuffin. The vice-presidents were Capt.
Samuel Loudon, William Campbell and William Stoops, and the secretaries, Col.
John M. Thompson, Capt. George W. Fleeger, Jonathan Clutton and lames
Bredin. After a number of patriotic speeches were delivered, t he following reso-
lution, offered by John II. Negley, was adopted :
Resolved, That we learn with irrepressible joy of the success of the armies of the
Union: the downfall of the rebel capital and the surrender or capture of the rebel hosts.
Victory and peace have come through war, and, God be praised, the Republic lives.
In the midst of the general rejoicing that followed the close of the war and
tlie return ot peace, the entire country wras plunged in profound sorrow 1>\ the
assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Flans and banners that had been flying to
the breeze to celebrate the last great victory of the Union armies, were placed at
half-mast and draped in mourning, and the emblems of a people's sorrow every-
where met the eye.
For the purpose of giving fitting expression to their sorrow, a meeting of the
people of Butler borough was held on the afternoon of Wednesday, April lit,
1865. Gen. John X. Purviance was chosen president ; fames Gilmore Campbell.
William Stewart, Charles McCandless, E. Mcjunkin and E. M. Bredin, vice-
presidents, and W. S. Ziegler. Thomas Robinson and James Bredin, secretaries
of t he meeting. In calling the meeting to order, General Purviance delivered a
brief address, the closing portion of which i> as follows :
Abraham Lincoln lived to see the Rebellion ended and the promised land of peace.
The 'possession is the heritage, we may confidently hope, of a free and Christian people,
who love liberty and hate slavery.
A committee on resolutions was appointed consisting of William Stewart,
James Bredin, Dr. D. W. Cowden, Col. John M. Thompson ami L. '/.. Mitchell,
and a committee on organization consisting of Capt. W. O. Brackenridge, f. A.
Sedwick, James G. Campbell. II. C. Heineman and W. Stoops. Addresses in
English were delivered by Revs. White, Tibbes, Niblock and Limberg, and in
German by Rev. Mieser. William Stewart, the chairman of the committee on
resolutions, reported the following preamble :
"Know ye not that there is a Prince and a great man fallen in Israel?" The
chosen head of this mighty Nation: the beloved of the people: the hope of the poor and
down-trodden; the friend of mankind; the devoted lover of his country, has fallen,
stricken down by the hand of an assassin. In the middle of his life and usefulness,
while bending all his energies "to gather again into one " the broken fragments of our
divided and hostile section: when he hoped very soon to see our distracted and desolated
people folding up their banners of war. sheathing the sword of slaughter, and again
embracing each other as brothers of a common country, his life is suddenly taken, sac-
rificed for his stern unbending fidelity to his duty as the preserver of the Nation's life.
Among the resolutions adopted, expressive of general sorrow was the fol-
lowing :
Resolved, That President Lincoln, by his strict adherence to his conceptions of right;
his straightforward honesty of purpose; his kindness of heart; his tender and for-
giving disposition, shown by his advocacy of all conciliatory and merciful measures
266 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
toward those who, without cause, rebelled against the mildest and most beneficent gov-
ernment, as administered by the mildest and most beneficent rulers, has justly endeared
himself, not only to the people of this land, but to the virtuous and enlightened, as well
as the oppressed of all climes; and his name shall live throughout all ages among the
highest on the scroll of martyrs in the cause of human freedom. Millions yet unborn
will do homage to his memory.
so i. ducks' monuments.
Soon after the close of the war and the return to their homes anil to the pur-
suits of peace of the war-worn defenders of the Union, a monument to the mem-
ory of those of their comrades who had fallen in battle, or died in hospitals or in
the prisons of the South, was suggested. For lack, however, of organized effort,
the matter failed to take a practical form, notwithstanding repeated efforts on
the part of patriotic citizens, until September 1"), 1892, when at a meeting of sol-
diers and citizens, previously called by Col. John M. Sullivan, a board of direc-
tors was appointed and steps taken to secure the success of the long-delayed
undertaking. In order to give this board the proper authority, it was duly incor-
porated as the Butler County Monument Association, and a board of directors
elected of which (i. D. Swain, of Harmony, was made chairman ; I, 1. McCan-
dless, secretary, and Charles Duffy, treasurer. This board named committees in
every voting district in the county, and the work of securing the funds needed
was earnestly carried forward. Reports made to a meeting held in Decerrtber,
L893, showed that collections had so far advanced that it was deemed safe to
advertise for bids and the presentation of designs. This was accordingly done.
After the design had been agreed upon, the contract for the erection of the mon-
ument was let to Campbell & Ilarrigan. of Pittsburg, for $3,500. The monu-
ment was completed, placed and ready for the dedication by July 4, 1894. The
dedicatory ceremonies, which took place on that day, were appropriate and
impressive, and were participated in by old soldiers and citizens from all parts of
the county. An address, turning over the monument to the old soldiers and to
the people of the county, was delivered by (J. I). Swain, of Harmony, president
of the Butler County Soldiers' Monument Association. The address accepting
the monument was delivered by Capt. George W. Fleeger. In the course of his
address, Mr. Swain said :
Let me say that in raising this shaft we awaken a deeper interest in the minds of the
young of this county in their country's welfare and its free institutions, and as
they pass under the shadow of the monument they will be strengthened in their respect
and devotion for the flag and all that it represents, and as they grow to manhood and
womanhood they will uphold its principle, perpetuate its glory and hand it down to
future generations more bright and more glorious as the centuries grow old. *
When this generation shall have passed away, and the children of another generation
shall ask their parents what means this monument? then will they relate to them the
heroic valor, the untold suffering and the true devotion of those which this monument
represents. They will also tell them of the bitter anguish, the fervent prayers, the
scalding tears of wives and mothers, all endured that the government might live. To
the mothers who are present to-day I would say: As you gather your little ones around
you and teach them to lisp their infant prayers, as they kneel at your side teach them,
too, that next to their religion and their God, they should love their country and the stars
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 2()~
and stripes, the emblem of our liberties, and as they grow into the love of the God of
the universe, so they will also honor the land of their birth and the flag' of their country.
In his address accepting the monument, Captain Fleeger said :
This monument which we to-day dedicate is to the memory of all who gave up their
lives for our country during- the war; it matters not whether they served in a Butler county
organization or in an organization outside the county, whether they fell amid the smoke
and storm of battle, or whether with fevered brow and parched tongue they gave up
their lives in the hospital; this monument is for them, for all who died for our country.
Money spent in memorials to valor of devotion to duty and country is not spent in
vain. There is something' in such a monument that touches the heart, that awakens and
' stirs all the nobler and better qualities of our nature. What teachers of patriotism such
monuments are! Who can look upon them with indifference? Who can estimate what
Bunker Hill monument has been to us as a nation? And what it has been to us as a nation,
this monument will be to us as a county — a teacher of patriotism for all the future; there
all our patriotic impulses can gather, and around it can cling-; and should the hour of
danger and trial come, as come it may; should our sky darken, as darken it may. then
this monument will be more eloquent in its voiceless appeal to patriotism and duty than
the words of any orator.
The monument is of Barre granite, twelve feet square at the base and forty-
eight and one-half feet high. The shaft is surmounted by an infantry soldier in
full dress, standing at ease. On the side of the shaft are emblazoned crossed
muskets, sabers, cannon and one anchor representating the four branches of the
service, and at the base are the words, " Our Silent Defenders." It is one of the
first objects that attract the attention of the visiting stranger and is worthy of
the praise and admiration accorded it as a work of art.
Ilic Soldier* Monument at Evans City, a beautiful and shapely shaft, was
dedicated August 1".), 1804. It was erected to the mi'inory of the brave nun who
went into the service from Jackson, Forward, Connoquenessing, Lancaster, Cran-
berry, Adams, Middlesex and Penn townships, who sleep in unknown an 1
unmarked graves. The project was started by Capt. William Stewart l'ost .
Number 578, of Evans City, in 1892, and solicitors appointed to collect funds.
Sufficient money was obtained to warrant the appointment of a committee, con-
sisting of D. B. Douthett, John Rohner, Dr. William Irvine. Edward Dam-
bach. Enos Barkey, Capt. J. P. Hoggs, II. C. Boggs and George Marburger, who
were authorized to let the contract and superintend the erection of a monument.
This committee organized by the election of D. B. Douthett. chairman ; Captain
Boggs, secretary, and John Rohner, treasurer. On December 6, 1893, the con-
tract for the work was let to J. B. Evans, of Evans City, and cost when com-
pleted about $1,400.
The monument stands in the center of a plot donated to Stewart Post, (i. A.
R., by the Evans City Cemetery Association. It is of Quincy granite, is nine-
teen teet and three inches high, and is surmounted by the figure of an eagle
standing on a globe. On one side is a wreath and crossed swords, and on the
four sides of the die are inscribed the names of the dead whose memory the
monument is designed to perpetuate. They number forty-five in all. There is
also inscribed on one side in plain and enduring letters these appropriate lines;
268 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The muffled drum's sad roll has beat
The soldier's last tattoo:
No more on life's parade shall meet
That brave and fallen few.
On fame's eternal camping-ground
Their silent tents are spread,
But glory guards, with solemn round.
The bivouac of the dead. '
CONCLUSION.
The record made bv Butler county during the war was one of unfaltering
patriotism. The first call for troops. found her people absorbed in the pursuits of'
peace. Her hills and valleys resounded to the song of the husbandman; her fac-
tories and workshops were tilled with busv workmen, and her stores and offices
with men devoting their energies to business a flairs or to professional duties.
All, whether laboring with head or hand, were doing their share toward devel-
oping her great natural resources and keeping her abreast of the procession of
progress. The happiness that follows well-rewarded and prosperous industry
reigned in her homes, which were the abodes of content, comfort and culture.
The only reminders of wars that had passed, were a few venerable men who had
served in the War of 1812, and a few middle-aged men who had served in the
Mexican \\ ar. The only suggestions of the possibility of wars to come were a
tew companies of militia, organized to keep alive the military spirit, and to
parade on holiday occasions. Few dreamed of the possibility of their ever being
called upon for more serious service.
The startling news that Sumter had been fired upon and had fallen, changed
all this, and brought the people of the North face to face with the realities
ol war. The call to arms resounded in every part of the land. Fathers, hus-
bands, sun^, brothers and lovers, made prompt and patriotic response, ami, leav-
ing home and kindred behind, marched to the front to do battle for their country's
Hag and win tor themselves imperishable fame on many a hard-fought
field. The battles came quick and fast . victories anil reverses following each
other in rapid succession. There was mourning for fat hers, husbands, sons,
brothers and lovers slain. There was scarce a family circle in the North from
which a loved one was not missing. Every battle also added to the number of
maimed and crippled heroes, '['he crutch and the armless sleeve became familiar
sights. Each was a sad reminder of the fearful price that was being paid to
preserve the Union. Others, wasted bv disease or weakened by starvation in
southern prisons, came back with pallid features, hollow cheeks and sunken eves
to linger awhile and die. When the last battle had been fought, the last shot
had been tired and the last grand review had been held, the bronzed and battle-
tired veterans, who had saved the Union from disruption, returned amid patri-
otic rejoicing to resume again the duties of citizenship ami the pursuits of peace.
lint the sacrifices were not all on the side of the men who dared and died
tor the Hag. Their mothers and wives, daughters, sisters and sweethearts
exhibited a devoted, unselfish and unfaltering patriotism. They endured with
fortitude tearful partings from loved ones; mourned for those who fell, glorying
THli BUTLER OIL FIELD. 269
in their valor and their bravery; encouraged those in camp and field bv messages
breathing love and patriotism ; sewed for the sick and wounded, anil tenderly
nursed them back to life and health; looked alter the widows and orphans, and
in more ways than can be enumerated exhibited a patience, fortitude and patriot-
ism such as entitles them to share in the honor, the fame and the glory won in
the field by Butler county's valorous sons.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD.
Discovery and Early Usks of Petroleum— Ancik.vt Oil Vats — First Shipment
ok Crude Oil — Distilled Petroleum— Coal Oil Lamp Invented— An Exca-
vated Well — First Drilled Well — First Producing Well — Butler Oil Com-
pany Organized — Early Wklls in Butler County — Form of Oil Leases
Early Consignment of Oil to Europe — Beginning of Oil Production in But-
ler County — Rapid Development— Discovery and Development of the Fourth
Sand — Phenomenal Wells — Phillips and Armstrong Gushers — Armstrong
Number Two Described Statistics of Oil Production — Average Price of
Pipe Line Certificates— Pipe Link Companies— How Fortunes Were Missed
— The Pumper and His Signals— Torpedo Invented — Oil Pooling — Cost of
Drilling Wells — Mysteries and Surprises — Discredited Prophets.
THE discovery of petroleum within the present boundaries of the United
States, dates back to 1627 or 1629, when the Franciscan, Pere Joseph de
la Roche D'Allion, described A? fontainc debitume, at Cuba, in Allegheny county,
New York. Almost a century later, Charlevoix wrote an account of an oil spring
in the Allegheny valley, from particulars received of Captain [oncaire ; while
during the advance of Brodhead's division of General Sullivan's army against the
Senecas in lTT'.K signs of oil were" reported in many localities, as stated in Moore's
diary of the Revolution. Nor were notices of the existence of oil wanting
between the discoverv of the Franciscan, and that of the soldier; for, in 16U4.
Eele Hancock and Portloch made " oyle " out of peculiar rock and obtained
patents for their methods; while Lewis, in his Materia Medica, of 1761, states
that oils were distilled from bituminous shale for medical purposes.
The existence of oil in the Butler-Armstrong- Venango held is first officialh
noticed by the French officer, Contrecoeur, in despatches to Montcalm, about the
year 175< >. Let his reference thereto form the introduction to the story of the
development of the Butler field :
I would desire to assure you that this is a. most delightful laud. Some of the most
astonishing- natural wonders have been discovered by our people. While descending' the
Allegheny, fifteen leagues below the mouth of the Conewango and three above the
2 JO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Venango (French creek) we were invited by the chief of the Senecas to attend a religious
ceremony of his tribe, ffe landed, and drew up our canoes on a point where a small
stream entered the river. The tribe appeared unusually solemn. We marched up the
stream about a half league, where the company, a band it appeared, had arrived .some
days before us. Gigantic hills begirt us on every side. The scene was really sub-
lime. The great chief then recited the conquests and heroism of their ancestors. The
surface of the stream was covered with a thick scum, which, upon applying a torch at a
given signal, burst into a complete conflagration. At the site of the flames, the Indians
gave forth a triumphant shout that made the hills and valleys re-echo again. Here,
then, is revived the ancient tire-worship of the East; here then, are the Children of
the Sun.
( )n the west side of Oil crock, near Titusville, are many reminders of ancient
oil operators. Hundreds of pits have been found there in the flats within .m
area of 500 acres One would think at first sight, that the place was once a great
tan-yard, the vats being about seven feet long by six deep, and four in width.
the clay excavated, making a mound near each. The pits were clay bottomed,
and were walled with loos, halved and closely fitted. Modern explorers learned
that when these catch-basins were cleared of the debris which filled them, water
entered, and on top of the water gathered a thin coat of oil. Who the operators
were has not been ascertained. They were there beyond Cornplanter's knowl-
edge of the location; Frazier never mentioned them, though he lived on the site
of franklin, and the French officers, in their reports, so far as searched, do not
refer to them.
In the American Universal Geography, published at Charlestown, Massa-
chusetts, in 1789, by Jedediah Morse, there is a description of Oil creek given
and reference made to the oil found there in the following words: —
Oil creek, in Allegheny county. 100 miles above Pittsburg, issues from a remark-
able spring, which boils like the waters of Hell Gate near New York. On the top of the
water floats an oil similar to that called Barbadoes tar. Several gallons may be gathered
in a day. It i» found very serviceable in rheumatism, in restoring weakness in the
stomach, and in curing bruises and sore breasts. When drank, the water of the -spring
operates as a gentle cathartic. .It is g-athered by the country people and Indians, boiled,
anil brought to market in bottles, and is deemed a most valuable family medicine.
In 1806, Nat. Carey found oil on Oil creek, on which he bestowed the title—
•■ Seneca Oil," and sold it on the reputation given to it by Red Jacket, a Seneca
chief. Subsequently, General Hays, of Franklin, shipped three barrels of this
oil, by wagon, to Baltimore; but the consignment was so odd, the ignorant mer-
chant had the oil emptied into the Chesapeake.
From 1810 to 1817, Hecker & Mitis, of Truscovitch, Austria, distilled petro-
leum, and as late as 1838, the oils of Starunia were claimed by the government as
mineral products. In 1853 one Schrenier used it first for illuminating purposes,
but Toch, the Austrian, who built the refinery at Tarentum for Peterson A Dale,
was the first to teach the Austrians the method of refining. The offer of S. Kier
of $1,000 for the discovery of a lamp which would burn the obnoxious oil and
the enterprise of N'evin and McKeown, in 1857, had much to do in making it an
article ol commerce; for ultimately, the oil from the Irvin A Peterson well was
successfully used as an illuminator. In 1858, the I. M. Williams well in Canada
was excavated, by pick and shovel, to oil sand, and, the same year. T. W. Xevin
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 2' I
& Company drilled 400 feet at Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Their failure kept
the honor of being the pioneer producer for Colonel Drake, who in 1859 drilled
the first well on Oil creek, in Venango county. Williams was the first man on
this continent within the historic period to dig down to the petroleum, T. W.
Nevins was the first to drill expressely for it, and Colonel Drake the first to
drill for it with success. John Smith, who assisted his brother in drilling the
Drake well on Oil creek, resides in Winrield township, Butler county, and has
in his possession the temper screw used on that occasion.
The success of the Drake well and the extraordinary activity in the neigh-
boring county of Venango, bred up a spirit of enterprise here ; for if there were
oil fountains in Venango, why not in Butler? On February 11, I860, the Butler
Oil Company was organized to drill for oil in the vicinity of Butler. The mem-
bers of this organization, as well as the veteran editor of the Herald, kept the
project very quiet, for they did not wish to sink their money in anything uncer-
tain or to bring upon themselves the ridicule which would certainly follow their
discovery of a dry hole. The oil spirit was not, however, confined to them.
Every day an alarm of Butler oil was carried to the county seat and each gained
some credence, until John O. Jack announced that there was oil on his farm in
Centre township. That settled matters, so that no one cared to carry new-, of
local discoveries to Butler, until August, I860, when John Gallagher informed his
friends that there was oil on his Clearfield township farm. \\\> seriousness won
some respect, as did the report of September 7 that oil was discovered on the Archi-
bald McMillen land, four miles southwest of Portersville, at a depth of eight feet
below the creek level. By that time the developments on Oil creek had won the
attention of the world, and Butler men had determined to pry into the sand- and
rocks far beneath their town.
On January 19, 1861, a meeting was held at Zimmerman's hotel. Butler, to
organize a company to develop the oil sand in the Butler neighborhood; William
Campbell presided, and J. G. Muntz acted as secretary. A committee to draft
articles of association and one to select anil secure the site for beginning work,
were appointed. John H. Negley, E. Mcjunkin, K. C. McAboy, Capt. Jacob
Walter and John Berg were members of the first, and Christian Otto, John C.
Coll and Patton Kearns of the second. On February 5, 1861, operations were
begun on a lot near the brewery, southwest of the borough, by the Butler Pioneer
Oil Company, and a depth of MID feet reached without striking oil.
The following lease, one of the very first in this county, was made on that
occasion :
Articles of agreement made this 25th day of January. A. D.. 1861, between John
Negley of the first part and Christian Otto, W. S. Boyd, Jacob Walter. E. Mcjunkin and
J. G. Muntz. acting- for and as board of managers of the Butler Pioneer Oil Company,
as party of the second part. Said party of the first part agrees to let and lease to said
party of the second part as aforesaid, a lot of ground partly in the borough of Butler
and partly in Butler township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, and adjoining property of
Walter & Grohman on the south, the Connoquenessing creek on the west, other property
of said Negley on the north and Water street on the east, running on and along- said
Water street fifty feet and thence west in a parallel line with said Walter A Grohman's
lot to the Connoquenessing creek, said lease to be for the period of two years if neces-
272 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
sary to said company, for the purpose of boring- for oil, salt, etc., and in event of .-.aid
company being- successful in their enterprise and experiment, to sell and deed said lot to
them on their securing to him, the said Negley, his heirs or assigns, at least two shares
of the stock of said company, free of all cost or charge — and, in case said company are
unsuccessful, then said lot to revert and this lease to expire and be of no effect and the
said parties of the second part to have the privilege of removing their fixtures, etc.. as
witness our hands and seals date above written.
John Negley, C. Otto, J. G. Muntz, W. S. Boyd, Jacob 'Walter and E. McJunkin.
The Enterprise Oil Company was organized in 1862 at Prospect, with Rev.
A. II. Waters president, and A. W. McCollough secretary; the unofficial stock-
holders beingj. K. Kennedy, John W. Forrester, I). C. Roth, (.. B. Warren and
Mrs. Ann Bredin, all of the Prospect neighborhood, with E. McJunkin, Jacob
Ziegler and James T. McJunkin. of Butler. This company drilled three wells at
Harris' ford, on Slippery Rock creek, one of which had a good showing of
heavy oil, but as they were drilled " wet," they failed to pan out and were
abandoned.
In 1863, II. Julius Klingler and John Hero; shipped 1,(10(1 barrels of crude oil
to Pittsburg, thence to Piladelphia by rail and by clipper to Liverpool. This
was one of the first shipments of American petroleum to Europe. The consign-
ment was made to Boult. English cc Brandon, of Liverpool, who bought the oil
by the ton.
The first oil well remembered by George II. Graham, in the upper field, was
that drilled on the Joseph Meals farm in Washington township, now the Dr.
Hoover farm. It was drilled by hand to a depth of about 300 feet, when a flow
of artesian water was encountered, which put a stop to further operations.
Within seventy-five feet of the old well is a producer, drilled about 1889 for Dr.
Hoover, of Butler, and not tar away are the new wells of 1893-9-1 on the Shira,
Clark, Bell, Miller and other farms.
The pioneer oil well in the Millerstown field was "put down" in 1861, bv a
number of residents, to a depth of 250 feet ; but like the Butler companies, they
were from 900 to 1 loo feet short in their calculations and of course missed the
object.
Under date, November 30, 1864, The American Citizen referred to the But-
ler oil field for the first time. The editor was pleased to learn that the oil busi-
ness, which languished for a while, was revived. While not at liberty to men-
tion names, he was assured that many of the pioneer oil operators of Butler
•' were in a fair way to get back the large sums expended in experimenting in
this risky business."
The oil discoveries on Slippery Rock creek in January, 1865, where Dr.
Egbert, the oil operator of Franklin, leased thousands of acres, caused immense
excitement. On February 2, the well on the Butler county line, near Harlans-
burg, was completed, and yielded a barrel of oil every thirty minutes. This led
men to think that in 1 Sutler county the greatest oil field in the country was yet to
be developed, and dreams of wealth, railroads and pipe lines took possession of
the people. In March, the Campbell well on Slippery Rock creek was a sort of
mystery, some claiming it to be a 100 barrel producer, others a 200 barrel well.
This was known for a while as the '•Smith and Collins well." A heavy pro-
^L—
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 2JT,
ducer, for the time, was struck on Muddy creek, and one l>v the Clark Company
near the village of Wurtemburg. In May, ISO"), the well on the Robert Glenn
farm, in Marion township, then owned by Robert Vanderlin, was drilled ; while
a well was being put down at Buhl's mill in Forward township.
The officers of the Butler County Oil Company, in August, ISOij, were
Jacob Ziegler, president ; William Campbell, vice-president ; 1. J. Cummings,
treasurer; L. Z. Mitchell, secretary; John Berg, W. ( ). Brackenridge, Charles
McCandless, John X. Purviance and Milton Henry, directors, and H.J. Klingler,
superintendent. James Bredin, Dr. Stephen Bredin, John M. Thompson, Alex-
ander Lowry and James Campbell were also stockholders. Thcv leased 12,000
acres of land between Martinsburg and Millerstown, anil, indeed, came to control
the lands from Millerstown to Herman. Five wells were commenced by this
company, but not one was driven to the Butler sand, and thus, in an ocean of oil,
they found only disappointment. The companv dissolved, a new one organized
and a second failure was recorded for the Butler men. This did not deter them,
for in later days the names of all these men are found identified with successful
operations.
A well was drilled at West Sunbury immediately after the Civil war, and
the Sunbury Oil Companv made their first sale of oil at Pittsburg in September,
1866, receiving $1,100 for the first product of their two wells in Butler county.
C. D. Angell who. in L867 was operating on the ••Island Property.'" at Srub-
grass, cast his eyes over other fields. lie found at Foster, northeast of Srub-
grass, the same conformation of soil and rock as on the " Island Property." In
a southwestern direction, he found every indication of oil on a line extending
to Harmony, through Bull valley anil Prospect, and in a western direction on a
line between Raymilton and Slipperv Rock.
In 1868 the Butler borough men re-entered the field, under the name of
Jacob's Oil Company, so called in honor of Capt. Jacob Ziegler, who never for a
moment lost faith in Butler county as an oil field. The members of this company
were Herman J. Berg, William Vogeley, James Bredin, R. L. Black, William
Campbell. J. C. Redick, A. M. Xeyman, Mrs. Judge Bredin, Rev. Laughlin,
L. Z. Mitchell, Edward Lyon, J. Q.. A. Kennedy. J. B. Storey. Mrs. E. Lyon,
Milton Henry, X. S. Thompson, I. J. Cummings, Robert Black. Sr., and Jacob
Ziegler. In February, 1869, oil responded to the drill in the Martinsburg well,
but they did not observe a little sign like that and went down LOO feet below the
producing sand. Time solves everything, and. in this instance showed the super-
intendent that the pump was far below the sand. Gradually it was lifted until
three barrels a day were produced, when the tools were removed and the well
shot. A flow of sixty barrels rewarded the energy and industry of this com-
pany, gave to Butler county her first paying well and demonstrated the fact that
she possessed oil fields worth cultivating. In 1ST-. Robert Black purchased the
lease and well for $4,000, and it continued a small producer until ISM).
The first well at Parker's Landing, known as Clarion Number 1, was
pumped for the first time October 25, 1865, and yielded eighteen barrels a day
down to 1869, when it became a twenty-five barrel producer. In July, 1869,
there were twenty-five producing wells in the Parker's Landing oil field, yield-
2J4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ing 310 barrels daily. At the close of that month there were twenty-two wells
rigging and eighteen wells drilling. so that the total in August was sixty-tour.
Before the close of August the old town of Lawrenceburg was invaded by the
vanguard of the drillers, and many citizens of Butler went thither to share in t he
work and profits. Oil agreements were printed in the newspaper offices of Butler
and everything pointed toward busy days. Bv the middle of November, 1869,
there were 1,058 wells in the Parker and Lawrenceburg field. The first tire was
reported November 21, when the Enterprise Well, above the Landing, was
destroyed. It was the property of J. W. Christy. John M. Thompson, Allen
Wilson. \V. K. Potts and other Puller men. With the exception of the I. E.
Brown well at Parker City, >s7'd feet above ocean level, and the Sulpher Water
well on Thorn creek, 942 feet above ocean level, the well mouths ranged from 1,086
feet at the -'Parsons" near Farrentown, to 1,490 feet above ocean level at the
Columbia Number 3, on the Redick farm.
The Valley well at Church run. on Fullerton Parker's farm, was completed in
January, 1870, for M. E. Adams, John Scott, John M, Thompson, George Pur-
viance, B. C. Huselton and William McClung. The Barnes and Terrell well near
bv. and the new well on Bear creek, above its mouth, were completed also in
January, 1870. Before the close of the month, a five-barrel well was struck at
Martinsburg, and excitement existed on account of discoveries on Thorn creek.
The Berg well, on the Farren farm, owned bv S. D. Karris. Herman L Berg, Dr.
Bredin, J. C. Redick, Louis Roessing, Martin Riesenman, John Dougherty, Mrs.
Stein and C. P. Lippert, and the Atlantic well in that neighborhood, owned by
Patrick McBride and others, were reported in February, 1870.
The Thorn Creek Oil Company was organized February 2, 1870, with Harvey
Osborn, president; Francis Laube. secretary; E. A. Helmbold, superintendent ;
E. F. Adderhold, treasurer; J. M. Dowler and II. T. Mcrkel, auditors, and R.
M. Douthett and James Gribbcn. business managers. The " Maple Shade."' near
Risk village. 1,319 feet above ocean level ; the Isabell, on Thorn creek ; the " Wal-
nut Shade," on the Fox farm, near Emlenton, and the •■Church Run,-' on the
Marshall farm, above the Valley well, came in in March. 1870. Then followed
the " Golden Gate,'' owned by Butler men. and the " Shepard," near Lawrence-
burg; the •• Wyona,"' mi the Farren farm, and the " Number 12." south of Bear
creek, the " Northwest.'' the " Cataract," the " Eclipse." and others.
In April. 1870, oil was discovered on the Aaron Beery farm, in Middlesex
township; the wells on the Anchor farm, near Powder run, owned bv lames Sut-
ton and other Butler county men ; the " McClelland," on the Farren farm, owned
by Dr. McClelland and the Karns Brothers ; the " Youghiogheny," near Law-
renceburg, and the Smith and Stewart well on the Fowler farm, came in early in
April. The ( ilade Run and Cherry Valley < >il Company was organized that month.
The ••Dingbat.'' near the old furnace ; the "Hoover," and the " California," on Bear
creek; the 300 barrel well at Brady's Bend, drilled 1,264 feet : the -'Rush." the
'• Washington" and the ••Turk and Shira." came in during the first half of
1870. In July, the •' Cannon" well, on Great Pear creek; the " Dingbat " and
the •■ McClintock," were promising properties. In August, the Parsons Brothers
struck oil near Farrentown, on the Martinsburg road, their '•Maggie.'' "Armstead"
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 2/5
and ■' Parsons " becoming fine producers. The " Millbrook," on lease Number
7, Conley farm, was owned by Dr. Guthrie and William Gill, of Butler ; the
" Estella," on the Logue farm, was owned by Dr. Cowden and Jacob Ziegler ;
while " Eudora, Number 2," on the Bailey farm.' was owned by Dr. Cowden, S.
II. Bailey and Newton, of Portersville. The "kNancy Adams." on the John B.
Leonard farm, in Parker township, and the •'Mullen,'' or "Glory Hole," were
twenty barrel producers in October. 1870.
The McGee & At well well known as "Ida May," on the Farren farm ; the
"Oak" on the Robinson farm, owned by General Purviance, and the "Olive,*'
on the same farm, came in October, L870. In drilling the Cherry Valley well,
in Venango township, down to 650 feet in November, 1870, the same sands were
discovered as exist at Parker's Landing. The Wolf Creek Oil and Salt Testing
Company, presided over by C. O. Kingsbury, of Centreville, began operations
late in 1870. The Thorn Creek Oil Company had drilled to 800 feet, striking a
heavy flow of gas.
The Wolf Creek well Number 1, drilled in 1870, for a Centreville syndicate,
was abandoned at a little oxer 800 feet, the tools being stuck, the fishing tackle
lost, and the heavy How of gas driving back the workers. On one occasion a
column of water was raised 1()0 feet above the derrick ; so that Number 1. though
a financial disappointment, was at that time, a phenomena worth the expense.
In 1 S7 1 the same company drilled at a point in the hollow, near the creek,
two miles northwest of Centreville. After the drill passed through six feet of fer-
riferous limestone, slate, shale and sand were encountered down to 425 feet,
where a thirty-five feet bed of sandstone was stuck. At 835 feet, a red rock
eight}' feet thick, was penetrated, then a shallow sandstone, and next a 231 feet
bed of slate, with a show of oil at 1,080 feet. Grey sandstone was found at 1,132
to 1,152 feet, then ninety feet of slate, eighty feet of red slate and a 101) feet of
black slate, brings the record down to 1,422 feet of the 1,423 penetrated. Beyond a
slight flow of gas, this venture was only productive of geological knowledge.
Some years prior to the opening of the Bald Ridge oil field, or as early as
1870, a well was drilled on the Muller farm, near Zelienople, to a depth of 825
feet : but nothing further was done to develop this section until the eighties.
A man named Whann made a second attempt to find oil at Millerstown in
1870, but, in the language of the Daily Sand Pump, " he got no farther than to
have the rig partly built, when a two-inch plank, falling on the head of the con-
tractor, put a quietus on operations for two years."
The "Preston," the "Overly," the -'Antwerp.'' ami " Island King, Num-
ber 2," proved producers in January, 1871; in May, the Adam Ritzert well in
Oakland township, drilled in 1866, showed the existence of oil and this discovery
led many to predict that Butler county would yet prove an extensive oil field.
Striking sand-rock near Buffalo furnace, at a depth of 1,400 feet, and the drilling
of new wells round Martinsburg, in August, 1871, showed that the time for pre-
dicting was past and that oil reservoirs existed in many places throughout the
county.
In October. 1871, the "Borland" well on the Robert Black farm; the " Ben-
nett " on the Stone House farm, in Parker township : Badger & Karn's two wells
2J<> HISTORY c»F BUTLER COUNTY.
at Stone House; the "Heiner'' on the Say farm; the " Lambing" on the
Fletcher farm, and a new well on the Martin farm, marked the progress in the
Martinsburg field. At that time the Thorn Creek well was down 1,345 teet. the
last forty feet being in pebbly rock or stray sand.
The Campbell farm became the front of operations in November, 1871, when
a sixty-five-barrel well responded to the drillers industry. Then the well on the
adjoining Walker farm, which in May, 1872, was purchased by 15. B. Campbell
and Walker Brothers, became noted as a producer. These wells were really the
beginnings of the village of Argyle. Within six years the R. I). Campbell farm
and the A. L. Campbell farm were celebrated for at least a dozen of great wells,
with openings from 1,156 to 1.171 feet above ocean level.
Early in the spring of 1872, A. W. McCollough completed the " Maple
Shade." on the Widow Hutchison's farm in Parker township, just south of Bear
creek. It started off at 10* ► barrels a day and for a time was known as the
greatest producer south of the creek.
The •• Lambing" well on the Sheakley farm, the " Lib," the " Walnut," the
'• Fannie.'' the " Collins Number 2," and the " Milford." on the Milford farm, and
the wells on the Jamison farm were all producers in January. 1*72. The Colum-
bia ( >il Company meeting success on the Redick farm and others on the
Hutchison farm, such as the " Maple Shade," already mentioned, north ot North
Washington, pointed to the extension of the field.' In February the Wilt farm,
the Campbell farm, the Shepard farm, the Matthew Cannon tract, the Martin
farm, and the lands around Martinsburg were literally invaded by the oil men
and soon covered with rigs. James Say leased his 100 acres at $200 per acre and
one-eighth royalty, while other farmers were equally fortunate in the possession of
oil lands. In April the Lambings struck a 100-barrel well on the William Gibson
farm near Fairview, and the McPherson well, also on that farm, proved a paying
property. Around the new oil town of Argvle. of which A. L. Campbell may
be called the father, land was sold from $500 to $1,000 per acre. The principal
operators were the Lambing Brothers, B. B. ami A. L. Campbell. J. B. Findley,
Angell, McKinney & Xesbitt. and McPherson and Blaney.
In Cherry township, on fohn Smith's farm; in Washington township on the
farms of David Stewart and Rumbaugh ; in Clay township, on the J. II. Hind-
man farm; in Fairview township, on W. C. Campbell's farm; in Concord town-
ship, at Ralston's mill ; in Donegal township, at Millerstown, ami on the Forquer
farm; at Boydstown ; in Summit township, at Tames Stephenson's mill, and along
Thorn creek, wells were being drilled and the scouts of the oil army were locating
lands. Fain iew made great advances; in April the ' • Fannie Jane " was struck, and
in May, the village ot Petrolia sprung up. On May 31, 1872, oil was found in the
S. S. Jamison well, two miles north of Boydstown, the well extending down 1,085
feet to strav sand-rock. This was the first oil discovered on the Connoquenessing.
In June, the " Bonny Brook," near the old Brinker mill, was drilled anil many
wells in the West Sunbury neighborhood were commenced. The burning of SOU
barrels of oil, in tank on Bear creek, was one of the first big oil tires in the
Butler field.
The McClvmonds farm, now the site of Karns City, became famous as an
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 2JJ
nil field in 1^72. In December, 1871. the Cooper Brothers leased fifteen acres of
land from Hugh P. McClymonds and fifteen acres from Samuel L. Riddle. The
first well was located in the valley near the west line of McClymonds' farm, and
was named the "Shasta."' In June. 1872, it was producing 120 barrels a day.
On May 29, S. D. Karns had leased fir a bonus of $200 an acre and one-eighth
oil royalty, the entire 214 acres of the McClymonds farm, the owner reserving the
Cooper lease and fourteen acres surrounding his farm buildings. On [line 1. Mr.
Kanis aKo leased on the same terms. 204 acres from Samuel L. Riddle, who
reserved the lease given to Cooper Brothers, and ten acres about his farm build-
ings. Oil was then selling at four dollars a barrel. The new strike attracted
greal attention, and a tierce contention arose among the operators for the posses-
sion of the McClymonds farm. This was finally compromised and on lime 18,
ls72, McClymonds sold his farm for $60,000, reserving his farm buildings and
the surface of fourteen acres. The purchasers were O. G. Emery, S. D. Karns.
William Thompson. William Parker and John II. Haines. Soon afterwards.
Karns City, named in honor of S. IX Karns, sprang up, and became the seat and
center of the enterprise and excitement. The fields around the new town, as well
as around Petrolia, Fairview. Millerstown and Boydstown, were tilled with busy
men.
The Morrison well, drilled on the farm of S. S. Jamison, north of Boydstown,
by his son-in-law, David Morrison, came in on August 22, 1872, when a tremen-
dous flow of oil and gas responded to the drill. Three hours later the rig caught
tin.- and about 200 barrels of oil were consumed. Bv four o'clock in the evening
a tank was in position and the estimated flow was about 700 barrels a day. This
soon dropped to 300, then to 200, and by August 80, to 150 barrels. Greece
City sprung up as if by magic, the surrounding country was soon clotted with
derricks, and several gushers came in later. This was then believed to be a
Third sand well, but later developments proved it to be the first Fourth
sand well developed in Butler county. The Oilman s Jonr?ial of August 31,
ls72. referred to the ••large oil strike" near Boydstown. Clark Wilson, the
editor, recognized the fact that the theories of "Uncle Take'" Ziegler concerning
the Butler oil field were correct, and that the Morrison well should lie regarded
as the beginning of Butler county's new oil development.
( )n the Troutman farm, at Modoc City, a very tine well was struck, March
23, 1873, which also tapped the Fourth sand, though this fact was then unknown.
So much has been said and written in regard to the discovery of this sand in the
vicinity of Petrolia and Karns City, and so man}- conflicting claims made as to
whom the honor is due. that we here give the opinion of lion. A. L. Campbell,
of Petrolia. In a letter written us on t lie subject, lie savs :
In the latter part of the summer of 1873, Foster Hindman, William Banks, Charles
C. Stewart and John H. Gailey drilled a well on the Seotts heirs farm, near the corners
of the McEleer and J. B. Campbell farms, west of Karns City, and when deep enough,
as they thought, there was but little show of oil. Tack, Morehead & Company had fin-
ished Number 1. McEleer, near by where I was superintendent of the farm and part
owner, and had kept a record of the stratas as the well progressed. Charles C. Stewart
was around frequently when I took samples of the stratas, and he claimed that in their
well they did not finish in the same sand as we had in McEleer, Xumber 1. which showed
j;S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
for a fair producer. Gailev & Company concluded they were down and dry. all agree-
ing to that opinion except Mr. Stewart, and. on a proposition todrill deeper. Mr. Gailey
refused to pay any more expense. Stewart and Banks came to my office at Argyle with
their measurements and consulted my registry and the samples I had taken at Number
1, McEleer. From the calculations and investigations made that day. it was decided
their well was not deep enough. Drilling was begun again, and before oil was obtained
all the others had sold their interests to Stewart. After drilling- to some depth, sixty-nine
feet I think, oil was struck in what afterwards lens called th Fourth sand. West of this well a
short distance, we were drilling Number 2. McEleer, and soon were finished in the Fourth
sand. We then pulled out Number 1. McEleer, and drilled her down. All three wells
flowed largely. We paid S100 to each of our men to say nothing about Fourth sand,
but it was not main' days until Mr. Jennings and all others in the neighborhood began
drilling their wells deeper. The man that first risked his nione}' in the enterprise is
entitled to the credit, and he was Charles C. Stewart, now of Brady township. Butler
county. I believe.
Though there may be an honest difference of opinion as to whom credit is
due lor t he discover)" and tir- 1 development of this sand, there is certainly no conflict
as to the wonderful influence they had in stimulating the oil business. The
Fourth sand lexer raged throughout the district affected, and nearly every operator
hurried on the work ot deepening his old wells and drilling new ones. Around
Petrolia, Karns City, Troutman, Modoc and Greece City, the excitement con-
tinued to grow, and perhaps there never were so many large wells struck in so
short a period and limited an area. The autumn of. 1873 and the year 1S74 wit-
nessed some suprising developments in the fourth sand, and wells ranging from
100 to 4,000 barrels a day came in rapid succession.
In Parker township the " Long Range " well on the Anchor farm was
struck August 16, 1872, and during the fust week yielded forty barrels a day,
Timblin. Wick & Conley, the owners, declared it to be the best well developed on
that farm up to that period.
The first well in Washington township was a contemporary of the first at
Greece City. Three months after striking sand, the owners thought of tubing it.
when it yielded seven barrels a day. One hundred and fifty rods southwest of
tlu old well another was drilled into a closer sand, which produced five barrels
a day, or 1,400 barrels prior to its abandonment. On the David Shira farm, east
of the Rumbaugh farm, a four-barrel well was struck by James Frazier, fames
Monroe and other drillers. A. Seheidcmantle drilled a well on the Alfred Shira
farm, and other parties one on the Alexandei Clark farm and one on the D. F.
Campbell farm. These were the pioneer developments in this township.
The Evans well. 2,600 feet above Buhl's bridge in Forward township, where
a small creek enters the Connoquenessing, was drilled early in the seventies to a
depth of 626 feet; but, beyond the knowledge of the strata obtained, the expen-
diture of time and labor was profitless.
The Wallace well on the Grant farm, owned by J. A. Sedw ick. Thomas L.
Wallace, Robert McCoy, B. Singerly, John Mine- and Stephen Corbett was
drilled into the Third sand. before the thirty days suspension, when a flow of 100
barrels per day was recorded. In October, 1872, it produced 100 barrels per day.
The well on the Denny lands in Wintield township was drilled in Novem-
ber. 1872, in the valley of Buffalo creek. David Morrison and Curtis Jamison.
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 2J'J
who were connected with the older well on the famison farm, with Daniel
Denny and William Stewart, were the projectors and owners.
Several wells in the Millerstown neighborhood were being drilled in the fall
of 1ST-. The Preston-McKinney well, drilled to a depth of 1,000 feet, proved a
dry one, while the Lincoln well on the McClvmonds farm the Carpenter Broth-
ers' well, the Brown & Stoughton well on the W. C. Adams farm, a new well
on the Banks farm ami Preston & Xesbitt's well on the Smith farm, proved to be
fair producers. Near Fairview, Angell & Company's second well yielded L25
barrels a day, and near it. on the Wilson farm, Xesbitt's well proved profitable.
The Euresco Oil Company, composed of 1 )r. Findley, William Yates, Thomas
McConnell, Sr., Dr. Taylor, F. S. Golden and others, began the development of
the Peter Miller farm oil wells southeast of Petrolia, and of the McGarvey farm,
one mile east of Petrolia, in December, 1872. A well on the Boyd farm, in Clear-
field township, was commenced, and one on the Stephen McCue farm, across the
line in Armstrong county, was completed.
Before the close of 1S7l', the following named wells were recognized pro-
ducers : The Grace and Barton on the Widow Erwin's farm on Bear creek, the
Adams and Parker on the John B. Campbell farm, the John Vanausdel well on
the James Wilson farm between Fairview and Petrolia, the Stoughton, Brown,
Bruce, McFarland and McQuistion wells on the Adams' farm, the Richard Jen-
ning's well, the McCleary well, the William Morgan 300-barrel well on the W.
A. Wilson farm, near Petrolia. the "Mary Ann'' on the Riddle farm, the Dough-
erty well near Petrolia, the ■•Monitor" on the Fronsinger farm, the Preston well
on the Widow Smith's farm near Petrolia, the well of Templeton & Foster on
the Jamison farm, that on the Storey farm, one mile east of Buena Vista, and
several others.
Early in January, 1873, a well at Bonny Brook was drilled to a depth of
1,040 feet, when a heavy tlow of salt water was struck. On the [. B. Campbell
farm, near Petrolia, a 500 barrel gusher appeared to supplement the old Morrison
well, which was then yielding 175 barrels. There were nine producing wells on
the Blaney farm, while on the Ashback farm, a number of drillers continued their
labors on anew well. The Given's well, on the Sheakley farm, which for over
a month was a marvelous producer, fell to si\ barrels in January. The [ones
well on the Dixon Barclay farm, near Martinsburg, drilled over 1,400 feet, was
non-productive ; but dry wells were the exceptions in the Held. The Spider well
on the McCleary farm, between Petrolia ami Fairview, five rods from the older
Jennings well, introduced itself in February. L873, as a 150 barrel producer. The
Karns well, forty rods east of Karns City, was yielding 140 barrels per day in
January and February, 1873, though experts had pronounced the venture to be too
far east.
The oil linn of II. L. Taylor & Company, who began operations in Butler
county in 1871, and owned 300 wells, among them "The Boss" of 1874, on the
Parker farm near Criswell, which yielded 2,000 barrels a day, sold their forty
producers in the Petrolia. Karns City ami Millerstown fields, for $100,000. The
•■ Old Divener '' of 1S7;',. which yielded 1,400 barrels a day at the beginning, and
700 barrels a day for a long period, was the cause of the Millerstown stampede.
280 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The Bonny Brook well in Summit township, owned by Berg & Lambing,
reached a depth of 1,500 feet in February, 1873, without .striking oil.
The Donnelly .V Butler well on Thomas Donnelly's farm, on Bear creek, in
Parker township, was completed February 15, 1873, and yielded forty barrels per
day, at first, increasing to seventy barrels and proving the leading well struck
between the mouth of Bear creek and Martinsburg.
The wills cm the McGradv and Boyd farms in Clearfield township were com-
menced in February, 1873.
The old Rumbaugh well, two miles northwest of North Washington, was
drilled in 1878, and in March of that year struck oil at 1,265 to 1,865 feet, in a
loose pcl>l>lv sand. For weeks it produced seven barrels per diem: but the price
did not warrant the expense of freighting the product to Parker, and the
well was abandoned alter it was probed to a depth of 1 .GDI I feet . In 1876 or
]X~i7. Trumbull & Croll drilled west of the old well on the same farm, and found
a four-barrel producer, the price then making a small well a valuable property.
Drilling on the Thompson ami Billiard farms and along the south branch of Slip-
pery Kock creek, merely showed dr\ holes.
The Shreve well on the Adam Stewart farm. Donegal township, was owned
by A. W. McCollough, A. L. Campbell. Charles Hewens, and Kingsley & Shreve,
the two last named being the contractors. It was the pioneer well in that sec-
tion, and opened the famous " Millerstown District " in April, 1873. It yielded
130 barrels a day and was sold to to Clark & Timblin for $20,000. To that date
must be credited the beginning of development in this rich oil field. The enter-
prise of Kingsley cc Shreve was sharpened by the faith of Dr. J. Michael in the
field, and to him, in great measure, is due the honor of discovery. The well on
the Thorn farm, owned by McFarland & Company, the ••Roadside'" well on the
Barnhart farm, by Parker, Thompson & Company, and the "Forquer" by
James M. Lambing, came in in May. 1873, while southward were the " Greens
on the Johnson tract, the '•Gillespie " operated by 1. Burchfield, the Hemphill
tract wells by McKinney, Gailey \ Company, the wellson the Egbert lease and on
the Widow Hemphill's farm, controlled by Duffy, McCandless. Stoughton and
others, all tended to change Millerstown from a wayside village into a bustling
oil town.
The Ziegler-Meylert well at Greece City struck Third sand on June, 7,
1^7::. The oil and gas. rushing forth, caught tire, the flames catching two
industrious men — James Wherry and James Crowley — who received burns which
caused the death of one that evening and the other next day.
The oil well at Butler, near the old distillery, was drilled in 1873 by Hart
and Konkle, 1,750 feet, but the enterprising owners were unrewarded by the
genii of the oil field. It proved the best gas well in the vicinity of Butler.
Charles E. Hart, who kept the record. refers to a blood-red slate rock or munch chunk
shale, extending from the 1,550 to the 1,750 feet level, but Andrew W. McCol-
lough states t hat t he red shale was not over fifteen feet in depth. When this
well was completed and found to be unproductive, the owners offered it to
Colonel Thompson and others for the cost of the casing. They refused the offer
and thus lost one of the largest gas producers in the Butler field.
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 2b 1
The Mead wells, numbered 1, 2 and 3, near St. foe, on the Now farm, were
drilled in 1875, to an average depth of 1,565 feet. The opening of Number 1
was 1,294 feet; of Number 2, 1,385 feet, and of Number 3, 1,390 feet above
ocean level. The Bulger well, on the same farm, was opened at a point I .o(i^
feet above the ocean . At a depth of 345 feet ferriferous limestone was dis-
covered, the first sand at 1,135 feet ; the second sand at 1,270 feet ; a stray third
sand at 1,500 feel and the Third sand at 1,555 feet.
A well on the McClymonds farm finished December I. 1875, lor Mattison
and McDonald, was opened at 1,244 feet above ocean level, and drilled to a
depth of 1,490 feet, or twenty feet into the Fourth sand. The Third sand was
found at L-,390 feet ; the second at 1,165 feet, and the first at Toll feet. This well
produced an amber-green colored oil at the rate of seventy-five barrels
per day.
The three Woodward wells, also on the McClymonds farm, were drilled in
1875, for George G. Stage, J. K. Woodward and James Sheakley. One of the
wells yielded 1,900 barrels a day and the others were good producers.
Ford well Number 1. at old Carbon Centre, yielded Kid barrels per day.
when first opened in 1*7;"). but declined to twenty-five barrels, though the drill
did not go below the Third sand.
The Gibson and Fcock well on the Fronsinger farm opened about 1,382
feet above ocean level, struck a fifteen feet bed of limestone at a depth of 285 feet;
mountain sand at 5(38 feet; first sand at 825 feet ; second sand at 1, Kill feet and oil
sand rock at 1,402 feet, through which the drill penetrated sixteen feet, bringing
the exploration to 1,418 feet, or thirty-six feet below ocean level. The record of
this well, made by Edward Casey, is one of the most minute and precise records
of a boring ever made in the oil field.
The Columbia Oil Company's well on the Redick farm, two mile-, northwest
of Parker, in Allegheny township, was completed January 1Q, 1876, when the
drill entered a pocket at l.l!77 feet and dropped to 1,280. The elevations on this
farm average 1,485 feet above the ocean, while the Third sand was found at a
depthof 1,250 feet, extending twenty-seven feet from the soapstone to the slate
bed, at 1,277 feet. The well yielded fifteen barrels per diem for some months,
from the 1,259 feet level; but decreased to three and one-half barrels of green oil
by August, 1876.
The year 1876 witnessed a crude oil advance from $1.55 to four dollars per bar-
rel; saw the market threatened by the new 125 barrel well at Greece City, and
beheld the consolidation of oil-refining interests and activity in every part of the
field. During the year ending December 31. 1*77. there were 1,002 wells completed
in the Butler-Armstrong oil field, while 171 dry hides were struck, the total pro-
duction being 9,904 barrels a day.
The "Ghost" well on the Mrs. Kaylor farm, drilled in 1878 by George II.
Graham and Samuel Banks, near the east line of Fairview township, originated
the Eastern Belt theory. The owners sold it at a good price; but the buyers
made a poor bargain.
The Prentice well on the James Higgin's farm in Venango township, near
the second coal bank, was drilled 1,600 feet, the drill passing through a thick
282
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
bed of limestone, which was found forty feel below the level of the coal hank.
Oil was pumped, but not in sufficient quantity to pay expenses.
In the Six Points neighborhood many wells were drilled in 1S77-7* In
1871, tin- pioneer well, on the Chamber's land, two miles east of Six Points, was
drilled to sand, without obtaining oil. In the wells of ISTS. a mountain sand,
200 feet deep, resting on a twenty-five feet loose-grained salt-water rock, was
discovered, while the Third sand was fully 1,200 feet below the ferriferous lime-
stone. The oil produced by the " fifty-foot " was lighter in color, but of a greater
gravity, than that by the Third sand, which was decidedly green in color.
In July, 1880, Reiber & Huselton leased 780 acres in the Bald Ridge district,
and steps were taken to drill a well at the intersection of the Angell " 22-^ degree
line" on the Robert McKee farm, and the "Greece City line" near Bald Ridge
Number 2. W. C. Neeley contracted to drill the proposed well at one dollar per
foot and hold one-fourth of the thirty-two titty -dollar shares of stock. Owing to
the scarcity of water the location was changed to a point on the Smith farm. 1,100
feet south, and September 1. 18S0, drilling commenced. Reaching a depth of
1,600 feet, Neeley complained, and the stockholders agreed to allow him five dol-
lars per foot. At 1,620 feet oil was struck ; but the boring was continued to the
depth of 1,750 feet ami the work was finished as a six barrel well. March S,
1SS1. In April, 1881, the Bald Ridge Oil Company was incorporated, the stated
capital being $16,000. In June. 1881, well Number 2,. was commenced, and by
October 1. reached 1,692 feet. After being shot. Number!' became a sixtecn-har-
rel well. In November, 1881, their Number 3 was drilled on the Crowe farm, in
Forward township. On November I, 1881, Simcox & Myers began drilling on
the llamil farm, — Inning already completed a well near Renfrew, — and. on
March I'D, 1882, struck a 101) barrel producer. Up to December 19, 1883, lorty-
seven wells were drilled in this held, of which thirty-seven were producing 642
barrels a day. Early in 1882, the McCalmont farm of 1,100 acres was purchased
by Agnew & Egbert for $ 104,000; the forest Oil Company purchased a tract
from Simcox & Myers; A. Scheidemantle completed a well on the Weber farm
in July, 1882; Yeagle ec Campbell, on the Smith farm in August. 1883, and P.
Smith finished a well about the same time.
The Bald Ridge Oil and Transportation Company was chartered May 24,
1881, the charter being signed by Governor Hoyt and Secretary Quay. The
capital stock, $16,000, was divided into 320 shares of fifty dollars each, all of
which were held by J. D. Mcjunkin, John S. Campbell. Ferd Reiber. S. II.
Peirsol, \V. I). Brandon, \V. II. Hoffman, W. II. Ritter, R. P. Scott. G. \Y.
Fleeger, John N. Patterson. 1). A. Heck, II. A. Krug, Jr., George Krug, Henry
Bauer, Philip Bauer, I!. C. Huselton, M. Reiber. St.. Harvey Colbert. II. Eiten-
miller. Jacob Reiber. J. A. Hawk. ( >. I). Thompson, Simon Yetter, II. L.
Westermann and \Y. C. Neeley. the last named being the holder of fifty shares.
In August, 1882, they sold their leases, wells and equipment to Phillips Broth-
ers tor $160,000. After this sale the pipe line was extended south from Petrolia
to the new field, ami the homes of the farmers were invaded by speculators seek-
ing leases of lauds. About the same time. Simcox & Myers sold a half interest
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 283
in their Bald Ridge leases, for $75,000, to the Forest Oil Company and R. Jen-
nings & Son.
This field may be said to have been really opened in the summer or fall of
1881 by the Simcox & Myers 100-barrel well and the Scheidemantle 600-barrel
well. A year later, the first was producing eighteen barrels and the second
thirty barrels ; the Schmick, ten barrels, and. Number 6, of the Bald Ridge Oil
Company, forty barrels. In December, 1882, the Forest Oil Company com-
pleted a sixty-barrel well; the new Scheidemantle, on the Weber farm, was
down 1,125 feet ; the Forest Oil Company's two new wells were down 1,300 feet
each; the Bald Ridge Oil Company had struck a great flow of gas -and salt water
at a depth of 1,200 feet ; Charles Sullivan's well was down 1,250 feet ; while the
Phillips Brothers' well, on the Wallace faun, northeast of Bald Ridge, was down
1.451) feet.
In March, 1882, John Johnson, of Templeton, sold seventy acres at the
junction of the Butler Branch and Pittsburg and Western railroads, for $6,000,
the purchasers intending to establish a town at that point and drill for oil.
Early in the spring of 1 882 the drillers on the Stewart farm, in Wintield
township, struck the greatest gas vein discovered in the county down to that
date. On the Mahood farm ami on the W. Brown farm, wells were drilled in
the fall of 1882. The well on the Weber farm, near Evans City, yielded over
2,000 barrels in the twelve days, ending August '.). 1882, and the field still contin-
ued to furnish surprises.
In December, lSSo, a company leased L>, ()(>(> acres in Cranberry and Adams
townships and adjoining counties, south of the Butler line, and, early in 1S84,
began drilling near the William Thieleman saw mill.
After the drilling and operation of the extensive oil belt, reaching from Par-
ker's Landing to St. Joe, south of Millerstown ceased, operations for oil in this
county were neglected in a large measure for McKean county, until 1881, when a
small well was struck, about six miles southwest of Butler, in Penn township, in
what became known as the Bald Ridge field. Thomas W. Phillips, who had oper-
ated for and produced oil on an extensive scale in what was known as the Bullion
held, in Venango county, as the pioneer in that field, and who did not join in the
general exodus to the McKean field, conceived the idea that oil in large quantity-
would be found near the Bald Ridge well. and. in 1881, began leasing on an
extensive scale, southwest of Butler, on Connoquenessing and Thorn creeks. The
first wells he drilled were not large, but the character of the wells and the rock
rh which they were found confirmed his theory that a rich deposit was near, and
on August 16, 1884, he was rewarded by striking a well on the Bartley farm,
which when fully completed, proved to be the largest well found down to that
time. It began producing at forty barrels an hour. By deeper drilling it increased
to ISO barrels per hour, and as its greatest day's production (lowed fully four
thousand barrels. This well made a great record as a prolific producer. The
striking of this well created a great excitement and led to immediate and exten-
sive operation- in this field by Mr. Phillips and others and the total production
of the field soon reached 16,000 barrels per day. Special excursion trains were
run from Pittsburg and other places to the well.
284 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The Semple, Boyd and Armstrong, Number 2, on the Marshall farm, the
greatest gusher recorded in the country, down to 1884, was drilled through the
sand. October l'">. 1884; but owing to the quantity of salt water present, it made
no show of oil. The owners did not expect much from this part of the field SO
that the flowof water was not disappointing to them. They refused an offer for the
wellfrom Mr. 1'hillips and went right along with their work. When the well was
shot, it began flowingat the rate of from lot) to 500 barrels per hour, and. for
six hours, the want of faith on the part of the owners was punished by the loss
of over 1'. KM) barrels, which flowed over the ground. It is said that, at one time
during that day. it was (lowing at least 500 barrels an hour, or 12,000 barrels a
day, but there were only saved from the production 7,500 barrels. A safe esti-
mate of one day's production of this ^reat Thorn creek well is from 9,000 to
10,000 barrels. It- decrease was gradual but decided; so that when it fell to the
500-barrel a day level, the men who knew it in its imperial days, began to look
upon it as a mere ordinary well, scarce worth consideration.
The shooting of the Semple. Boyd & Armstrong well Number 2, on October
27, 1884, near the brick school-house and the telegraph offices in the Thorn
creek field, was a scene worthy of the day- of the Irish Druids or of the eastern
fire-worshippers. In Taylor's oil work for 1884, it is thus described:
When the shot took effect and the barren rock, as if smitten with the rod of Moses,
poured forth its torrent of oil, it was such a magnificent and awful spectacle that no
painter's brush or poet's pen could do it justice. Men familiar with the wonderful sights
of the oil country were struck dumb witli astonishment, as they gazed upon the mighty
displaj- of Nature's forces. There was no sudden reaction after the torpedo was
exploded. A column of water rose eight or ten feet and then fell back again and some
time elapsed before the force of the explosion emptied the hole and the burnt glycerine,
mud and sand rushed up in the derrick in a black stream; the blackness gradually
changed to yellow; then, with a mighty roar, the gas burst forth with a deafening noise:
it was like the thunderbolt set free. For a moment the cloud of gas hid the derrick from
sight and then, as this cleared away, a solid, golden column, a half foot in diameter, shot
from the derrick floor eighty feet through the air till it broke in fragments on its crown
pulley and fell in a shower of yellow rain for rods around. For over an hour that grand
column of oil. rushing swifter than any torrent and straight as a mountain pine, united
derrick, floor and top. In a few minutes the ground was covered several inches deep
with petroleum; the branches of the oak trees were like huge yellow plumes, and a stream
as large as a man's body rushed down the hill to the road, where it filled the space
beneath the small bridge at that place and, continuing down the hill, spread out upon
the flats where the Johnson well is. In two hours these Hats were covered with a flood of
oil, the hillside was as if a yellow freshet had passed over it, heavy clouds of gas almost
obscuring the derrick, hung low in the woods, and still that mighty rush of oil continued.
Some of those who witnessed it. estimated the well to be flowing 500 barrels per hour.
Dams were built across the stream, that its production might be estimated: but thedams
overflowed .no! were swept away before they could be completed. People living- along
Thorn creek packed their household goods and lied to the hillsides: the pump station.
one and one-half miles down the creek, had to extinguish its fires that night on account
of the gas and all tires around the district were put out. It was literally a flood of oil.
It was estimated that the production was 10,000 barrels the first twenty-four hours. The
foreman, endeavoring to get the tools into the well, was overcome by gas and fell under
the bull-wheels; though rescued immediately and medical aid procured he remained uncon-
scious for two hours. Several men volunteered to undertake the job of shutting in the
largest well ever struck in the oil region; the packer for the oil-saver was tied on the
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 285
bull-wheel shaft, the tools placed over the hole and run in, but the pressure of the solid
stream of oil against it, prevented it going lower, even with the suspended weight of the
two thousand pound tools. The addition of 1,000 pounds overcame the force, when the
cap was fitted, the well closed, the casing connected and the tubing lines laid to the
tanks.
The enterprise of the Phillips Brothers in drilling six new wells on the
Bartley farm and also on the Dodds farm, was noticeable in November, 1884.
In the last week of October the Armstrong Number 2, on the Marshall farm,
which began with a phenomenal production created a furore in oil circles. On
November 10th, it was flowing at the rate of 102 barrels an hour, and produced
75,000 barrels within the three weeks ending November '.I. 1SS4. The Christie
Brothers had eight wells; while Bovd & Semple, Conner & Fishel, Greenlee &
Company, Gibson & Company, Fisher Brothers, Bovd & Company, Lappe &
Company, and smaller operators were engaged in developing the field. By
December 1, there were twenty-four wells completed, including three dry ones, on
the Wallace, Marshall, Bartley, Dodds, Henderson, Brown and Weber farms, while
twenty-nine new wells were commenced on these farms, as well as on the Pat-
terson, McCandless, McCormick, Kennedy, and adjoining lands. The Fisher
Oil Company began operations on the Mc Junkin farm; C. A. Eliason on the
Liebler farm ; Showalter & Hartman in rear of the Butler fair grounds, and, in
all directions, the Bald Ridge field was extended.
The well on the Williamson Bartley farm reached fourth sand, October 11,
1884, and began at forty barrels per hour. On the 13th the drill was answered
by a loO-barrel flow, and on the 14th it was yielding 250 barrels an hour, or
6,000 a day. Henderson W., C. G., and Thomas G. Christie were the owners,
having leased twenty-eight or thirty acres adjoining the great oil lease of the
Phillips Brothers.
The great McBride well in the Bald Ridge field, was shot December 12,
1884, when a flow of 200 barrels an hour followed the torpedo. A flow of salt
water, increasing in force until the stream reached far above the derrick, presaged
the coming flow of petroleum, and the telegraph carried the tidings of a new
gusher to the great oil markets of the country. Before the close of the month
the Producers' Association purchased the leases of McBride & Campbell, Christie
Brothers and Phillips & Simpson.
The " Grandmother," a mile west of Saxonburg, was drilled in 1884 to a
depth of 1,768 feet, for Bolard, Greenlee and Smith. It became a great gusher
anil was the foundation of Golden City.
The uncertainties of the oil field were made clear in August. 1885, when the
once busy towns of Phillips City and McBride City fell into decay and Hooks
City, in Parker township, began to boom. In the spring of that year, the Ilook^
Brothers drilled a well on the Kelly farm. They did not find sand in the pro-
ducing rock ; but found oil in the boulder rock, which, on being torpedoed,
became a 100-barrel well. By the beginning of August, 1S85, there were four-
teen wells at Hooks City, yielding 500 barrels. The depth to the sand was found
to be 1,800 feet, and the cost of a well not more than $2,500. On the Dauben-
speck, Smith, R. 11. Campbell, and Cannon farms, prospectors were at work.
286 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
At the close of September, 1885, the Ott farm, east of Millerstown, was the
most active place, the Westermann & Company's well being found to be a 1(H)
barrel producer. On the O'Brien farm and the Joseph Ilartman farm, drillers
were busy and the Millerstown held was assuming some of the importance of
earlier days. < )wen Brady began developments southeast of Millerstown about
this time
The shooting of the Conners & Fishel well on the Mangel farm, in the
Thorn creek held took place May IT, 1385, but no oil answered the effort. The
well was then cased to shut off the salt water, tubing and sucker rod- were
inserted, and for a few days salt water was pumped. On May 21, oil began to
tlow at intervals through the casing and shortly after a llow of sixty-five barrels
per hour was recorded. It became a thousand-barrel well. The Phillips Num-
ber 1, on the Bartley farm was Yielding. 2.0(10 barrels a month.
In June, 1885, there were 117 producing wells in the Thorn Creek field,
among them being the Greenlee Number l' and 4. Id-") barrels a day; Connors &
Fishel, 120 barrels; McBride Number 8, 120 barrels: Murphy Number 5, sixty
barrels; Murphy Number 1, ninety-live barrels; Markham, ninety-two barrels;
Kelly ..N: Company's well, thirty-six barrels and McISride's Number 2, forty-five
barrels. The Armstrong Number 1. was still Yielding about 1 .000 barrel- per
month, while near Whitestown, a well was drilled to a depth of 1,700 feet, with-
out a show of oil. At the close of July,T885, the decrease in production of the
Thorn creek field was noticeable, the total being i'.SOO barrels a da v.
The Leidecker well or "Midnight Mystery," reached its most guarded stage
September 10, 1885, having been then closelv housed for fully twenty-one days.
Scouts could not learn whether this new well in the Winfield district was a
a gusher or dry-hole, but later found it was a small producer. A week later this
mystery of Rough run, Yielded thirty-five barrels in nineteen minutes, the oil
being clear amber of a gravity of fifty-four degrees. Many tracts were leased in
the new field and extraordinary price- paid for lands by the Phillips. Fisher- and
other operators.
In November, 1885, a well was drilled in Middlesex township, for Dr. Mc-
Candless, Charles Neeley and others — following the example set on the Mahan
farm — which is to-day a small producer. The Pittsburg Producers' Company's
well on the John Balfour farm, in Adams township, reached a depth of 1,450
feet , in November, 1885, when an amber oil began to tlow. One of the owners
forgetting the danger of file, struck a match and caused an explosion of gas
which inflicted severe burn- on several visitors.
In 1885, the well on the William Mayer farm in Brady township, was drilled,
for John Phillips, to a depth of about 1,400 feet. It was a dry hole, but produced
a small supply of gas.
Early in 1886, Simcox& Myers leased a tract of 1,000 acres in Centre town-
ship ami began drilling a well on the John Byer's farm.
The Extension Oil Company, composed of R. P. Taylor. O. K. Waldron,
Loyal S. Mcjunkin, YV. P. Roessing, J. A. McMarlin and others, drilled a well
on the W. J. Welsh farm, in Jefferson township, in May, 1886, and found oil to
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 287
the extent of 100 barrels a day, for a short period, and afterward struck good
producers on that farm and others.
Thomas W. Phillips, thinking the belt from Thorn creek would extend
nearly east and west , leased a large body of land embracing about fifteen thous-
and acres extending east to the Armstrong count)- line, drilled wells to test his
theory and was rewarded, after the end of the Thorn creek extension was reached,
by finding only small wells. Retaining this body of leases when the Thorn creek,
field began to wane, he returned and sought for a southwest extension of this
field, and. in August, 1886, struck a well on the Critchlow farm which produced
125 barrels a day, and opened up the Glade Run held. This deposit increased in
richness to the southwest , and in 1887 he struck a number of wells producing over
100 barrels per hour. His largest month's production in this field averaged about
six thousand barrels per day, and his production that year from this and other
fields reached 1.1(10,0(1(1 barrels, notwithstanding half of his production was
•• shut in " for the last two months of the year. The number of his wells in this
tield reached 125, and these wells with about 7,500 acres in leases he sold in June.
1890, and then turned his attention to the development of the large body of
leases which he retained east of Thorn creek. In that year, in this held, he
obtained some fairly paying wells and in January, 1891, struck a well on the
Fisher farm, north of Jefferson Centre, which flowed 135 barrels per hour, and
after obtaining a number of good wells to the north-east in July, 1892, something
over a mile from the Fisher farm well, struck a well on the Wolfe farm, which
started flowing at forty barrels an hour and by deeper drilling produced 125 bar-
rels an hour. The following month, he drilled in a well on the Barr farm adjoin-
ing, which began flowing at fifty barrels an hour. In June, 1893, he struck a
well on the Eichenlaub farm, near Herman Station — a mile and a half northeast
of the wells on the Wolfe ami Barr farms. — which produced forty barrels an
hour. In this field and in the McCalmont — where he owns a tract of 1,000 acres
in fee — Brownsdale and other fields of this county, he has drilled, since the sum-
mer of 1890, and now owns and operates about lOO oil wells, having a very large
production and also a number of <_jas wells.
The Glade Run field may be said to have been opened in 1886, as a south-
western extension of the Thorn Creek field, when the 125-barrel well on the
Critchlow farm was completed by Mr. Phillips. Since the acquisition of the
field by the Forest Oil Company, in 1890, it has shown its wonderful productive-
ness, and has become a veritable oil center. Great wells followed the Critchlow,
some of which are said to have produced over 100 barrels per hour. It was the
most interesting of the new fields of Butler county, at the close of 1886. When
the Lappe well on the Boehm farm. one-se\enth of a mile west of the railroad
tunnel, was completed, it was known that there existed at least fifty-seven feet
of sand. The wells on the Critchlow, Spitbaler, Heid, Marked. Widow Croft
anil other farms followed, some of which produced 350 barrels a day.
'J he phenomena of the Reibohl field in 1887, occurred on September 11,
when the Boehm well Number 6, was in the sand. About the middle of the after-
noon the well yielded ten barrels an hour, when the drill was twenty-lour feet in
the sand, six barrels of which came from the Hundred Foot. At three o'clock.
»88 HISTORY OF BL'TLEK COUNTY.
:i flow of 120 barrels an hour was recorded, and at five minutes past three, four
feel of screw had been " let out," when the force of the flow lifted the tools, the
temper screw striking the beam. At forty minutes past three, the well' was
yielding 140 barrels an hour. This well is 600 feet west of Number 5, which
was producing 85 barrels per hour when Number li was commenced. PeitTer's
Number 2, Coast & Company's Number 2, Root & Johnson's Number 4 and
T). ami the Phillips wells were producing then about 9,000 barrels a day, seven-
ninths of which represented the yield of the Phillips wells. On the Brown
farm, a mile and a half west of the Slator firm, seventy-two feet of sand marked
the Leidecker well.
The dry hole on the Riott farm, near Herman, was drilled in 1886 to a
depth of 2,641 feet.
The development of October. 1887, on the Henry Lonitz farm, one and one-
half miles west of Saxonburg, was one of the immense surprises of the oil-field.
The first well on the farm, completed September 1. 1SST, for Bolard, Smith &
Greenlee, yielded at most, sixty barrels per diem. Golden & McBride's well, com-
pleted in October. 1887, which yielded 20(1 barrels, and then Bolard, Smith &
Greenlee's gusher Number 2. with its 2.. ".(HI barrels a day. ami a depth of 1,767
feet, came to electrify oil men. By November the 18th it resolved itself into a
fifty-barrel well.
The Stage development on the Nancy Adams farm, in 1887, was the first
extension of the Hundred Foot field up Glade run and the first demonstration
of how to handle water wells. The first, known as the great water well, is now
being controlled.
The mystery of Albert ami Morrison, on II. D. Thompson's farm in Centre
township, won much attention in June. 1887, when it was learned that, on strik-
ing sand, the hole filled up to a depth of about Til It I feet with oil. It was a hope
well for Centre township.
The principal developments in Butler county in 1892 were confined to Jeffer-
son, Cranberry, Lancaster and Penn townships, the Brownsdale field being
opened in the last named township, while the Phillips well, hereafter mentioned,
created new hopes. The discovery of oil in this field led many leaseholders to
examine their leases, and as nearly the whole field was covered by agreements, it
followed that claims had to be introduced into the courts for settlement. In
January, 1898, the field yielded 753 barrels every twenty-four hours, the wells
being the Johnston, Numbers 1. 2 and 3; Susan Anderson, Numbers 1. 2 and
3; Mrs. Blair, Numbers 1 and 2; Marsh. Number 1; the Critchlow and the
Warner: Ileckert, S. Thompson, William Thompson, Numbers 1 and 2; Cowan
and Mary Cowan ; the Beers & McKee well on the Cowan farm, ami other wells,
were promising producers.
The Sutton well, on the Hemphill farm at Zelienople, completed in Novem-
ber. 1891, was yielding twenty-five barrels a day. It was considered the index
to an extension of that pool. The Niece well on the Cunningham farm was a
400-barrel producer.
Henshaw & Co.'s Barclay well, a half mile southwest of trTe Ripper farm
^NY,$OW^
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 289
pool, was yielding forty barrels in November, 1891, being then considered the
largest well ever .-truck in the Muddy Creek field.
The production of the Harmony and Zelienople fields January 20, 1892, was
no less than 5,000 barrels a day, with twenty-one strings of tools running and
eight new rigs. The O'Donnell well, five miles southwest of Zelienople ; Beggs'
Number 1, on the Knauff farm; Cunningham's, on the Island; Patterson's Num-
ber 1, on the Home farm ; McKinney ( HI Company's Number 1, on the Fanker
farm, and other less pretentious wells, testified to t he fact that Butler county
could supply new pools at the will of the operators. In what is specifically
known as the Harmony field. Golden & Company's Number ii, on the Schiever
farm, finished in November. 1891, was making 400 barrels a day early in January,
1892, while their Number 2 showed a record of 250 barrels. The Evans City Oil
Company and Kennedv & Company's wells, on the Eichholz farm, were also fair
producers.
In 1893, the Garvin district, south of Evans City, showed that the enter-
prise of the driller was not sleeping. In Adams township, on the R. J. Conly
farm, a well, which was abandoned in 1890, was cleaned out for Burk cS: Com-
pany in September, l,s<,).">. Gibson and Gahagan's well on the Robert Anderson
farm, was drilled through the "Hundred-foot" to a lower sand in September,
1893, but without success in either the Third or Fourth sand. A dry hole was found
on the Wagner farm in the Brownsdale field, about the same time; while the wells
of T. VV. Phillips and the McCalmont wells proved to be fair producers. In
Washington township, new wells were drilled on the Alexander Bell. R. O.
Shiva, George Meals and Samuel Shira farms. A show of 100 barrels was made
by the Bell Brothers' well from ten feet of stray sand. The Forest Oil Company
worked an extension of the old Petersville " Hundred-foot " field and engaged
also in new enterprises at Mars station. The well of 1892, on the Reiber farm,
and the Reiber & Bradner on the Knauff lands, northwest of the Thompson farm,
were fair producers.
In October, 1893, the Grocer's Oil Company, Stewart & Company and Mat-
thew Bowers had fair prospects on the Sanderson and the Clymer lands, east of
Greece City ; while Charles Haslett drilled on the Jacob Schiever farm, a mile
south of Whitestown, with a hope of finding the northern outlet of the " Hund-
red-foot" field, without success. In the vicinity of Hendersonville, on the E.
Goehring farm. P. C. Frederick struck a fair producer. On the Byers farm, east
of Millerstown. and on the Pontius farm, new wells were completed.
The Tebay well, near North Washington, two miles in advance of develop-
ments and in a line with the old field of Byrom Centre, was completed in
December and proved a paying one. Purviance & Company's well on the
Shorts farm in Connoquenessing, a half mile from the first well drilled some
years ago by the Bald Ridge Company ; the new wells on the Eiehenlaub anil
Oertell farms at Herman, drilled by the Phillips Company; with the ventures in
Concord township and on the William Polhemus farm, in Centre township, form
strong evidences of the recuperative power of the Butler field and of the spirit
of enterprise which rules her oil men.
The Brownsdale field in the Hundred Foot district is one of the best pro-
2QO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ducing territories of later years. It takes its name from the hamlet of Browns-
dale in I'enn township. Many (if the leading oil operators in the county are
interested in this field, the wells (if which continue to maintain a good average
production. Its development southeastward and the successful outcome of Reiber
cc Bradner's venture in Middlesex township in IS93— 94, in what is locally called
the Cooperstown field, brought t his territory into wide prominence. After a long
and continuous effort, under very discouraging conditions, this firm developed a
rich tield on their lease in that township for which it is said they were offered in
September, 1894, the sum of $250,000, which they refused. This fact illustrates
the bonanza that sometimes falls to the lucky operator and is one of the accidents
of the producing business. Scores of operators Hocked into this territory and by
October, 1^91. the quiet village of Cooperstown exhibited the boom and activity
of oil towns of bygone years. Operations spread into Adams township, where
some line wells were developed ami the most sanguine expectations of operators
more t han realized.
The well completed January 7, 1894, on the Widow- Brown farm in the
Brownsdale field, reached a depth of 2,750 feet, only to prove a dry hole. At
2,675 feet the Speechley sand of the Venango group, was struck, with a show of
oil and gas. A red sand was also explored for the lirst time in this tield.
The deepest producer in the county is the Mc Junkin-Brandon well, drilled
in January, 1894, on the Campbell heirs farm, in the Brownsdale field, to a depth
of 2,005 feet. The drill was in the Fourth sand at that depth and the well was
producing about 120 barrels a day. It proved a revelation in the Pennsylvania
field.
The Fisher ( >il Company's well. Number S, on the Eichenlaub farm, the
Steichner northward, on the Leech farm, and tin fisher Oil Company's Number
3, on the John Smith farm, all creations of March, 1894, point out possibilities
undreamed oi even in 1893. This old company has been a long time in the held.
but -still finds wells worthy of its enterprise.
The production of crude petroleum in Pennsylvania, including 7,055,000
barrels in the Allegany county (New York) tield, from the beginning of the
industry down to December 31, 1882, was 210,083,000 barrels of forty-two gallons
each. Of tin- the Butler-Armstrong field gave 8 1 ,1 11 >( l barrels down to the close
of 1809 and 39,934,000 barrels down to the close of 1882. The production of this
field in 1805 was 1,000 barrels; in 1860, 5,000 ; in 1867,8,000; in 1868, 25,000; in
1809, 45,000; in 1870, 900,000; in IS71, 1,100,000; in 1872, 1,700,000; in 1873,
4,400,000; in 1874,5,200,000; in 1875, 1,050,000; in 1876,4,700,000; in 1877,
5,500,000; in 1878, 4,500.000; in 1879, 2,800,000; in 1880, 1,700,000; in
1881, 1,400,000 and in 1882, 1,300,000 barrels. The returns of production,
given in the Tenth Census, show the total, down to December 31, 1880, at
37,342,978 barrels. The average production of the county, from the beginning of
1883 to the close of 1894, has been 10,000 barrels a day. or about 3,600,000 bar-
rels a year.
The average price of pipe line certificates from 1865 to 1892 is given as fol-
lows: In 1865, $6.59; 1860,13.74; 1807,12.41; 1808, $3.02; 1S69, $5.63; 1870,
$3.84; 1871, $4.47; 1S72, $3.95: 1873, $1.7:1; 1874, $1.18; 1875, $1.25; 1876,
THE BUTLER OIL FIE] D. J'H
$2.51; 1877, $2.39; 1878, $1.16; 1879, 88 cents ; [880, 94^ cents ; 1881, 85J cents;
L882, 78J cents; 1883, $1.06f; 1884, s3:; cents: L885, 88^ cunts; 1880, 7l-j
cents; 18S7, 96f cents ; 1888, 87 cents ; 1889, 94 cents ; 1890, 86-J- cents ; 1891,
96| cents, and 1892, 55 cents. The price of oil in 1893 ranged from 58 cents
to Ml cents; while in 1894 it reached a higher point than at any time for four
years, with bright prospects for a still further advance.
The Union Pipe Line Company extended their branch from Parker to the
Stone House farm in the " Seventies," and thence to Argyle in the fall of 1871,
and subsequently to each of the fields in this county. It was afterward known
as the " Empire Line.''
The Fairvicw Pipe Line Company was organized in 1872, witli Messrs.
Satterticld, Vandergrift, Taylor and Forman, members. .V line was built to
East Brady and before it merged into the United Pipe Lines Association, built
other lines.
The Butler Pipe Line was completed early in January, 1 S 7 • > , from Greece
City to the tanks near Parker, and inaugurated by William Parker. The time
for the first run of oil from the wells above Boydstown to the receiving tanks
was five hours and thirty-five minutes.
The Allen <f- McConnell Pipe Line, from the Grant farm to Parker, was
completed in February, 1873.
The United Pipe Lines Association, first known as the Fairview Pipe Line,
was organized byj. J. Vandergrift and George V. Forman and incorporated April
29, 1874. Into it were subsequently merged the Antwerp. Oil City. Clarion. Union
or Empire. Conduit, Karns, Grant, Pennsylvania, Relief, the Clarion and
McLean branch of the American Transfer, the Prentiss, the Olean, the Union
Oil at Clarendon, the McCalmont, and others.
The first trunk line was placed in 1875 from Carbon Centre, in Butler county,
to Brilliant, near Pittsburg, a four-inch pipe being used. The line from Bear
creek, in this count)', to the first pumping station at Milliards — a six-inch pipe,
and that from Ililliards to Cleveland — a five-inch pipe — making lit). T'. * miles,
followed the construction of the Carbon Centre line. The McKean and Phila-
delphia, 234.88 miles, with Baltimore branch, 65.80 miles; the Olean and Buf-
falo, 56 miles; the Olean and New York, 762.01 miles; the Rexford and Bay-
onne, New Jersey, 288.7-") miles; the Morgantown. West-Virginia, and Phila-
delphia, 364.29 miles; the Mellon from Greggs to Linwood, 267 miles, and the
United States Pipe Line from Titusville to Athens, 360 miles, constituted the
National Transit Company until the new name was adopted.
In the fall of 1885, the National Transit Company offered ten cents per bar-
rel above the market price for Butler county oil. This liberality on the put of
the Transit Company was credited to the fact that the Pittsburg Pipe Line Com-
pany was taking- away the immense product of the Thorn Creek and Bald Ridge
fields. From 1^78 to ls7s, when the Standard people had stern competitors,
producers received good prices ; but so soon as competition was removed, the
price fell.
The United States Pipe Line Company, or Producers' Line, organized in
1892, began the transportation of petroleum through pipes early in 1893. This
292 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
company was the first to prove- the fallacy of the idea that refined oil lost its color
when sent through iron pipes in hot weather. Since July. 1893, the company
has transported millions of gallons through their iron lines to the seaboard with
satisfactory results.
'I'lic Producers' and Refiners Pipe Line Company, organized in 1892, fol-
lowing the organization of the Producers' Oil Company, constructed new lines
into the Butler fields in 1892 and 1893, and entered into actual competition with
the National Transit Company.
Ike McBride and Sheriff Hoffman, with another operator, built a rig many
years ago on Rough run. near the White & Company wells of 1893. At the
wrong moment the third party objected to further expenditures, and the venture
ended there. Shortly after McBride started a well in the Bald Ridge tield. lost
the tools, incurred an expense of about $6,000, anil found a six-barrel well ; while
in sight of the derrick, the great Phillips gusher was subsequently drilled. The
White well, on the lames Campbell farm, was struck in the Third sand May 9,
1893, when the oil flowed with great force. The territory was previously known
as the Hundred-Foot, this being the first Third sand encountered. Many other
instances might be adduced of the uncertainties of the oil field and examples
given of how a few experts in the business have devoted half a life-time to t he-
exploration of a string of dry holes, others to a chase after new developments.
and others — the oil dreamers, to visions of oily oceans waiting to be tapped.
The pumper is by no means the sleepy fellow one would picture him. He
is an inventive genius, and possesses some rude sense of music. To make his life
endurable, the pumper has made steam his advance guard or picket line; tor,
with steam, he has arranged a signal for each well in his charge, a signal as true-
as that given by nature to the infant to notify the mother of its wants. These
signals are of several tones and are as familiar to the pumper as are the notes of
the caged canaries to their owner. One says " toothache." " toothache," day in
and day out. so long as steam is supplied. The strength or feebleness of the song
announces to the pumper what is being done in some distant part ol the field.
Another signal for another well is pitched in some higher or lower key. to sound
another word, and thus, as the calls of the cuckoo tell of the meadows in the sum-
mer and fall, so do these tell-tale words of steam speak of producing oil fields
and watchful pumpers. Prior to the adoption of this system, pumpers hail to he
as lively as lamp-lighters. Their travels, too. were attended with danger; for it
is related t hat an experienced pumper visited a well near Fairview one night, and,
stretching forward his lantern to make observations, fired the escaping gas and
this, in turn, tired the tanks, resulting in the destruction of thousands of barrels
of oil.
The part taken by the torpedo in oil well operations should not be over-
looked. In 1862, Col. E. A. L. Roberts conceived the idea and in November,
1864, appled for a patent. On January 2, 1865, Roberts attempted to test the
torpedo at Titusville, but not until the 21st did Captain Mills permit him to
make a trial. The result continued his own opinion of the invention, tor the
'■Ladies' Well." answered by an immense flow of oil and paratine. Later trials
were even more satisfactory and the inventor's fortune was assured. When the
THE BUTLER OIL FIELD. 293
United States Supreme Court was subsequently asked to confirm his claims, his
petition was granted, and in the decision the following particulars relating to the
torpedo were contained :
The patent consists in sinking to the bottom of the well, or to that portion of it
which passes through the oil-bearing rock, a water-tight flask containing gunpowder or
other powerful explosive material, the flask being a little less in diameter than the dia-
meter of the bore, to enable it to slide down easily. This torpedo or flask is so con-
structed that its contents may be ignited either by caps with a weight falling on them
or by fulminating powder placed so that it can be exploded by a movable wire or by elec-
tricity, or by any of the known means used for exploding shells, torpedoes or cartridges
underwater. When the tlask has been sunk to the desired position, the well is rilled
with water, if not already filled, thus making a water tamping and confining the effects
of the explosion to the rock in the immediate vicinity of the flask, and leaving other
parts of the rock surrounding the well not materially affected. The contents of the flask
are then exploded by the means above mentioned, and, as the evidence showed, with the
result in most cases of increasing the flow of oil very largely. The theory of the
inventor is that petroleum, or oil taken from the well is. before it is removed, contained
in seams or crevices, usually in the second or third stratum of sandstone or other rock
abounding in the oil regions. These seams or crevices being- of different dimensions
and irregularly located, a well sunk through the oil-bearing rock may not touch any of
them, and thus may obtain no oil, though it may pass very near the crevices; or it may
in its passage downward touch only small seams or make small apertures into the neigh-
boring crevices containing oil; in either of which cases the seams or apertures are liable
to become clogged by substances in the well or oil. The torpedo breaks through these
obstructions and permits the oil to reach the well.
The system of " pooling oil " was observed throughout the various fields in
the fall of 1872, the object being to keep crude oil up to a stated price, which
would leave a profit to the producers. The well owners designated tanks in
which the oil could be stored, and the council kept their agent posted on the
quantity ready for shipment. The first lot of oil tanked was shipped on the first
order, the payment therefor was lodged to the credit of the owner in a designated
hank, and there he could present his certificate ami draw the money. At that
time oil was selling at $4.50 per barrel. The shut-down of October, 1872, left
4,000 wells idle, and removed from competition with the producer no less than
800,000 barrels of oil in stock and 500,000 barrels of non-production. This move-
ment checked the designs of refiners for the time: but they reorganized and, pur-
chasing a charter from the Pennsylvania Legislature, made a second attempt to
control the market. The action of S. D. Karns, James M. Lambing and other
members of the Producers' Council of the second district, checkmated the refiners
again ; for, in December. lS7l\ the Union agreed not to start new wells until
March 1, 1873, and to urge the unions in the first and third districts to follow
their example.
In the earlier days, before invention, skill and experience had brought the
work to its present perfection, the drilling of an oil well was a costlv undertak-
ing, sometimes involving an expenditure of upwards of $10,000. Carll. the well
known geologist, gives figures showing the cost to be nearly ten dollars a foot in
1865, and about !t>r>.7r> a foot in 1872. These estimates are regarded as excessive,
and much above the average cost of wells in the Butler field. The records of
ISM) make the following showing : For rigs, about $300 per well ; labor drilling
2<)4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
about $500; boiler and engine, about $500; pulleys, ropes, etc., about seventy-five
dollars; casing and tubing about $400, a total of about $1,775. While many
wells in the Butler field have been-kept down to the total given, a greater num-
ber cost in the neighborhood of $2,500, and several exceed the $4,000 mark.
In January, 1873, when the price of oil fell to $2.35, or $2.10 below the
current price mi November 15, 1872, one of the drillers wrote eight verses on the
condition of the market, one ol which is as follows :
I've niver known the likes, bedad,
Since ile was struck before,
That you and all the children had
Sthamps plenty by the schor.
But now the very divil's to pay,
Wid workin' men and all.
For ile's increasing every day
An shure the price must fall.
There have been only two or three mysteries, in this county, each of them
unimportant, so tar as the nil market was concerned: but interesting, locally, as
novelties in the field. The surprises of the field have, however, compensated for
the want of many interesting mysteries, and. better still, taught the geologist and
the driller to be careful in expressing opinions . The history of the wells is really
a history of accidents ; fur. in thousands of cases dry holes have been found within
a few rods of famous producers, and famous producers have been found here in
fields which were not considered worth exploring, until the operators grew tired
of other fields. Prophets id' decay have been in the field since its beginning, yet
oil wells multiply and every day sees some new venture rewarded by production.
Butler is not now the field it was in ls77; but it is questionable, if the same
prices reigned now as then, her celebrated oil men would not raise the produc-
tion to the figures of that year. Old operators have faith in the field, anil one of
them gives, very concisely, the following opinion ot the prophets who have
expressed their ideas since 1865:
They have been predicting the failure of the supply periodically for twenty-
tive years. At one time there was a line drawn north of Tidioute. where the oil
rock ran to the surface, and a line in Butler county near the south line of the county,
where the rock dipped so much that it would be below sea level and would only produce
salt water. An estimate was made of the oil that had been taken out and of the amount
still remaining- in the rock that could be taken out. The production since that time has
far exceeded the estimate. Subsequently the great Bradford field, many miles to the
north, and Allegheny county, Washington county, in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and
( )hio to the south were opened up. This prediction was as far from the facts as many of
the predictions that have been made in recent years in regard to the production of
natural gas.
Indeed, it may be said that no man knows the origin of this fluid, no one
knows the source of supply or fountain bead, and no one can tell but greater oil
springs than the " Phillips," or the •■Armstrong," may yet respond to the drill-
er's industry in this county, and fields, a- bounteous as Petrolia, Karns City and
Bald Ridge were, come forward to create new riches and turn the wheels of
progress faster.
CHAPTER XX.
THE BUTLER GAS FIELD.
Introduction — Discovery and Uses — Early Gas Wells — The Campbell, Harvey
and Burns Wells— A. W. McCollough's Enterprises— A Deep Test Well —
Other Natural Gas Producers.
THE knowledge of the existence of natural gas in Butler county antedates
by many years its use for heating and lighting purposes. It was encount-
ered in t lie drilling of early oil wells, its force often being such as to render a
continuation of the work impossible. After it was once brought into subjection,
however, and a practical demonstration of its utility and value for manufacturing
and domestic purposes made, its general use quickly followed, and the gas well
immediately took rank with the oil well as a source of wealth, and as an import-
ant factor in the manufacturing industries in which it is row so extensively used
instead of coal. It has, also, proved a no less important factor in domestic econ-
omy, supplying a cleanly, convenient and economical fuel, anil greatly reducing
the labor of the house-wife.
Like the popular ideas of the origin of petroleum, the popular notion of the
origin of natural gas is varied. From what is generally accepted as fact, the posi-
tion and quantity of gas, depend, in the first place, upon the porosity and the
homogeneousness of the sand rock, which is its reservoir; in the second place, on
the compactness of the strata above or below the sand ; in the third place, on the
dip of the sand and the position of the synclines and anticlines; in the fourth
place, the proportion of water, oil and gas, ami in the fifth place, the pressure of
the gas before being tapped.
An old producer, speaking from experience, savs. that in nearly every instance
where an oil district has been found, there has invariably been a corresponding gas
field discovered not faraway. ( >il and gas were undoubtedly formed and placed in
the sand rocks by the same agency. The process that rilled the oil rock also rilled
the gas rock They run parallel, and. therefore, gas will be found as long as oil
is found. Many gas wells in Butler, Warren, Venango and Washington counties
have been producing gas ever since wells in the same locality have been produc-
ing oil. Gas wells were often abandoned because the pressure had so decreased
that they couldnot force their product through the lines as against wells of higher
pressure. The gas pump will in the future make it profitable to deliver the gas to
consumers. To abandon a gas well when it ceases to be strong enough to force
its way through its pipe lines, would be like abandoning an oil well because it had
ceased to flow.
The celebrated gas well near Fairview, on the W. C. Campbell farm, was
drilled for oil in April, 1872. It proved a gasser, and was a source of supply for
2< )d HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ten years. The force of the fluid at the mouth of the tubing was such that when
it was accidentally lighted, the flames rose to a height of seventy-five feet and
roared like- a whirlwind, the sound of it being heard in Parker, ten miles away.
T<. extinguish it the contractor spent $500. The plan adopted was to smother
the blaze with clay, and to accomplish this a ditch was excavated and the clay
thrown inwards so as to form a cone. For days the work was carried on before
a mound was raised over the casing of the well and the flames subdued. After
being brought under control, the gas from this well was used for the lightingand
heating of Fairview, Petrolia, Karns City and Argyle. It also furnished fuel for
forty wells and eight pumping stations, and power for driving many wells. In
the fall of 1873. a pipe leading to the towns named was connected with this great
gasser.
The celebrated Harvey well, near Lardin's mill in Clinton township, was
tapped in November, ls74. and gas struck in heavy quantity at a depth of 1,145
feet. At 420 feet, the drill reached the "Blue Monday" and -'Lightning
Rock." It required six week- to pas- through the 100 feet of this hard, white
limestone. Sandstone and gas showed at 1,115 feet. As described by signal service
officer, 1 . Cunningham. of Tarentum. w ho \ isited the place in February, 1875, it was
certainly a wonder. Located between abrupt hills, in a valley about MOO feet wide,
this self-feeding furnace sent up its flames. The gas was conveyed a distance of
150 feet, in a six-inch iron pipe, from which it discharged with the force of
steam. Mr. Cunningham arrived near the well after darkness had set in. being
drawn hither by the great light which had illumined the sky on many a previous
night. When he came within its immediate influence and saw the trees wrapped
in light and their trunks and branches silvered to their tops by this great torch,
the scene was incomparable. The hundreds of interested laces, the great mass
of line white flame, with its intense heat and brilliancy, the terrific noise of the
escaping fluid, as it leaped into the atmosphere, fifteen feet wide by forty feet
high, was a sight not soon to he forgotten. The >,';h pipe line from this well
crossed from summits before the head of Pine creek was reached, and then
down the valley to Sharpsburg, or. in all. about seventeen miles.
The Burns gas well on the Duffy farm, near St. Joe, was drilled to a depth
of about 1,600 feet, in 1875, by John P. urns. Its mouth was ] ,298 feet above ocean
level. It was cased with five and five-eighths-inch pipe and fitted witha cap into
which were screwed live two-inch pipes. When the small pipes were closed,
the pressure rose to 300 pounds, and. to prevent the lifting of the casing, the
gas was allowed to escape. The fluid lor heating was twenty-five percent bet-
ter than bituminous coal. The gas was piped to Freeport through a two-inch
pipe, the pressure at that place being Il.'~> pounds per square inch. The output
of the well averaged 12,000,000 cubic feet of gas per day.
The Delamater well was an oil producer so long as the owners did not go
below the Third sand. When they did they lost a ten-barrel well and struck what
appeared to be an inexhaustible reservoir of gas. the pressure being such that
tools weighing 1,600 pounds could be drawn by hand, although the volume of
gas was not so large as that of the Burns well half a mile distant.
The Denny wells, in the northeastern comer of Winlield township, were
, - .
THE BUTLER GAS FIELD. 29/
drilled for oil, but became great gas producers. William Stewart was interested in
these wells with the Denny brothers.
The Saxon station gas well, drilled early in 1874, to a depth of 1 ,857 feet,
struck a strong flow of gas at 1,150 feet.
The J. B. Mahan well, one and a halt' mile- from Glade Mills, in Middlesex
township, was drilled below the 1,930 feet level, in 1875. From [,420 to 1,480 feet
a thick bed of white sandstone showed a product of the barrels of amber oil.
and from 1,732 to 1 ,745 feet it proved a ten-barrel well with a heavy How of
<;;is. At the 1,880 feet level blood-red slate was found, and this strange confor-
mation, the first of its kind discovered below the oil sand, extended to 1,930 feet.
when drilling ceased. The first oil sand, fifty feet deep, was struck at the 1,350
feet level.
Two miles south of the Jefferson township line, in Clinton township, Chant-
ler Number 1 was drilled to gas ^t 1,340 feet. This gas was piped to the Etna
furnace, near Pittsburg, as well as from a gasser just south, on the Westermann
farm, where «as was found at 1,340 feet in the First sand, and oil and <4'as at a
level of 1,495 feet, in the Second sand.
The well on the Criswell farm was drilled by Klingensmith for the Standard
Plate Glass Company to a depth of 3,500 feet.
The gas well on the Robert Thompson farm, two miles south of St. Joe. at
old Carbon Centre, in Clearfield township, was drilled in 1ST"), to a depth of
1,558 feet, its mouth being 1,162 feet above ocean level. Soft limestone, fifteen
feet thick, was found at 215 feet ; sand and sandstone below 300 feet ; salt water
at 530 feet; salt water and gas at 840 feet; corn meal sand at 1,446 feet: third
sand oil at 1,456 feet, and gas at 1,558 feet. For four months it yielded eight
barrels of oil a day; but after it was drilled to the Fourth sand, the oil flow made
way for the gas. This liquid caught tire and burned the rig; but when the flame
was controlled the gas was turned to account as fuel for the boilers in that sec-
tion of the Donegal field.
The Jack well. 2,600 feet south of North Washington, struck gas in the Fourth
sand at a depth of about 1,500 feet, or 1,300 feet below the top of the limestone
bed. Within a year the volume of gas decreased fifty per cent, though this hole
was considered to be the sole vent of the reservoir.
A gas well drilled on McMurry's run, in Marion township, presented the
same phenomena as that on the Jack farm, both wells dating to 1S77. This well
was drilled near the mill by Emerson & Bronson with the hope of finding oil.
Their enterprise was rewarded by a flow of gas and water, the latter produced in
a column reaching about thirty-five feet above the derrick.
The discovery of gas in the Phillips Brothers' well, on the Mcjunkin farm,
in September, 1882, at a depth of 1,000 feet, and within one and a half miles of
Butler borough, promised to the citizens a cheap and clean fuel. It may be
looked upon as the pioneer gas producer of the borough, the introduction to the
newer wells on Cemetery Hill.
In February, 1886, the Mahoning Gas Company's well on the Shield's farm,
near Harrisville, was drilled to a depth of 925 feet, when a great gas reservoir
was opened. It was the fifth successful drilling within a radius of two miles.
298 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The well on the Caspar Fruhling farm, in Winfield township, drilled in 1889,
was considered the greatest gas producer then existing in the county, though,
when compared with the McCollough wells in the adjoining county of Arm-
strong, it was insignificant. In 1888, A. \Y. McCollough. of Butler
secured a block of leases in the Winfield, Clinton and Buffalo fields, on
what is known as the Brady's Bend anticlinal. There the Pittsburg Plate Glass
Company drilled a dozen or more wells in their search for natural gas, and on
the Fruhling and Cruikshank farms, completed in 1889, the greatest gas wells
ever struck in this county — the (low being found in the lower member of the
Hundred-foot, or the " Venango First Sand," or the " Second Sand " and Fifty-
fool " of the Talker held. Two large pipe lines were laid from this held to the
plate glass works below Kittanning, at Ford City, while two more lines were
laid to Butfer borough by the Home Natural (his Company and The Standard
Plate (ilass Company. This was the greatest gas reservoir ever opened in But-
ler county. Statistics relating to it are given at the close of this chapter, where
comparisons are made with the old gas wells on the Duffy farm in Donegal
township.
The deepest test for gas ever made in this county was that on the Robert
Smith farm, in Winfield township. This extraordinary exploration was made by
the Pittsburg Plate Glass Company under the direction of A. W. McCollough, in
1891 . The well mouth is found at the top of the lower member of the Mahoning
sandstone, 1,851 feet above ocean level. The ferriferous limestone is reached at
a depth of 175 feet ; the mountain sand, or " Big Injun." at 852 feet ; the bottom
,if mountain sand at 1,035 feet ; the top of Butler gas sand at 1. oil' feet, and the
top of the ■• Hundred-toot," or Venango first sand, at 1,514 feet. A good flow of
gas was struck in the lower member of the " Hundred-foot." and through it an
eight-inch hole was drilled, which was cased with six and a quarter-inch casing,
connected so as to carry off the gas into the Ford City pipe line, thirteen miles
distant.
Meantime a six-inch hole was drilled through tile lower strata of the Venango
sands, which were marked by broken sand shells. The drill passed on through
the interval of the ■■Warren" group, the " Speechley," the " Bradford," the
■■ Kane" and the -'Wilcox." deep into the Chemung, without encountering gas
or oil or finding a matrix for either. The last 1,500 feet were drilled through
easily, only a shell being struck at intervals, until a depth of 4,000 feet was re-
corded, when the exploration was suspended. The bottom of this well is 2,649
feet below ocean level, being almost 500 feet deeper than any well ever drilled
within the boundaries of Butler county.
The Guckert & Steele gas well on the Beighley farm, a mile and one-half
northeast of the Harmony pool, was struck on January 23, 1893, at the top of the
sand, showing a pressure of 150 pounds the first minute. Several wells in that
neighborhood and in the Breakneck. Glade run. Thorn creek and other districts
evidence the fact that the searcher for oil often finds gas in great volume.
The Phillips well on the Campbell heirs' farm, showed a pressure of 300
pounds to the square inch. The Citizens' ( his Company's well, on the Baldaui
farm, near Herman, proved a good Fourth sand gasser, in November, 1893; while
BUTLER BOROUGH. 299
the Brown & Brewster wells, on the Alexander Brewster farm, in Centre town-
ship, showed the value of that new gas field. The second well on that farm,
completed in October, LS93, had a rock pressure, it is stated, of 1,600 pounds.
With other later developments, it proves that Butler county is one of the great-
esl gas fields in the United States, and still has plenty of new territory to increase
the supply.
CHAPTER XXI.
BUTLER BOROUGH.
Robert Morris and the Cunninghams— Original Owners of the Site — The Town
Laid Out — First Sale ok Lots and Names of Purchasers— Early Ski 1 lers and
First Births — The Town Incorporated — First Borough Officers, Elections
and Transactions ok Councils — Lot Owners ok 1821 — First Quarter Century—
Taxables of 1828 — Interesting Petitions and Ordinances— Burgesses and
Councilmen — Justices and Postmasters— Pioneer Merchants— Old Time Inn-
keepers—Lafayette's Visit to Butler— Taverns and Hotels of Tin: Past and
Present — Suburban Growth.
IX the beginning of the Nineteenth century the site now occupied by the thrifty,
progressive and beautiful borough of Butler, was a wild and uninviting
spot covered with hazel flushes and tangled vines. At that time no one enter-
tained the idea of founding a town on these rolling hills, or even imagined for a
moment that one ever would be built here. But the whirligig of time often
suddenly brings to the surface unexpected conditions, and what i> termed " specu-
lation " frequently develops results wholly unlooked for.
Robert Morris, the patriot, as well as one of the most remarkable men of
Revolutionary times, had become the owner of more than three-quarters of a
million of acres of land in this section of Western Pennsylvania, over seventy
thousand acres of which laid in what afterwards became Butler county, and also
held the warrant for the land on which the borough of Butler is built. James
Dunlap, the well-known surveyor, in a memorandum recently found among his
paper,--, says : "Stephen Gapen was the deputy surveyor tor Allegheny county
after the passage of the famous act of the legislature of April ;!. 1792. He
received of Robert Morris and located Ml 1 warrants in Cunningham's old district
of ' Depreciation lands,' on which the borough of Butler is located." This seems
conclusive that Morris once owned the land.
Whatever praise, glory or honor — and there is a great deal — may belong to
Morris for what he accomplished as a financier during the dark and perilous days
of the struggle for liberty, he became, after the restoration of peace, imbued with
300 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
an irresistible desire to accumulate wild lands and be recognized as the owner of
magnificent estates. He was not content to own a few thousand acres in West-
ern and Northern Pennsylvania, and South-western New York, but he aspired
t<> be the owner of millions. This strange desire became the consuming ambition
of the closing years of his life, and made him what may not inappropriately be
termed the colossal land fiend of the last days of Eighteenth century. His inor-
dinate land-grasping propensity, as a logical result, leel to his financial ruin, and
lie closed his brilliant career in sadness, sorrow and gloom.
Through his agent, fames Cunningham — who was also the surveyor of what
is known as "Cunningham's District of Depreciation Lands" — Morris had war-
rants laid on lands which finally became part of Butler county. The war-
rant embracing the land which finally became a part of the site of Butler had
originally been taken out in the name of John Tressler and Andrew Reichert,
but in time passed into the hands of fohn and Samuel |. Cunningham, but they
did not receive the patent for the Tressler tract until the 13th of May, 1805. It
sets forth that it was granted on consideration of moneys paid by John Tressler
into the receiver-general's office, at the granting of the warrant, and of the sum
of $158 paid by Samuel |. Cunningham, and also, in said Samuel |. Cunning-
ham having made it appear that he made, or caused to be made, an actual settle-
ment, and continued residence agreeable to Section 9, of the law of 1792, on a
tract of land called "Butler," for the purpose of promoting t he settlement of
the country.
Many of the warrants for the lands afterwards owned by Morris were made
out in the names of residents of Lancaster county. The Cunninghams hailed
from that county, having been born and raised on the Conestoga, probably near
what is now the city of Lancaster. They evidently were active men of the period
ami keenly alive to the importance of the early acquisition of lands. But not-
withstanding the fact that their names were associated with the origin ol Butler,
no descendant remains to represent them. One brother, David C. Cunningham,
was a member of the bar in the infancy of the town, but what became of him
is unknown.
The brothers evidently were aware, or at least expected, that a new county
would soon be erected. This, probably , was the reason why they were so anxious
to acquire lands in this vicinity and then make a determined tight tor the
location of the seat of justice. In the meantime another man, Robert
Graham made his appearance, and settling upon a tract, in lT'.'T, adjoining
the Cunningham land on the north, became in time its owner, and therefore
interested in the county seat project.
As an evidence of the knowledge possessed by the Cunninghams of what
was going on with regard to the formation of the new' county, it may be men-
tioned that when the act was passed authorizing its creation (March L2, L800),
it was provided that the place for holding the courts should be fixed at some point
not more than four miles distant from the center of the county. From this fact
it appears very clear that they had some knowledge of the proposed boundary
lines of the new county, and thev shrewdly acquired lands upon which the county
seat could be eligibly located.
IH'TI.KK l'.oKOl'CH. 3°'
As soon as the act was signed by the Governor the struggle for the seat <>t
justice commenced. Other locations were proposed and strenuous efforts made in
their behalf, but it was evident that the Cunninghams had the advantage in more
ways than one. When the commissioners appointed to examine the sites and
make a selection came upon the ground, they met the claimants and heard their
pleas. One of these commissioners, under date of June 7, 1802, writes ot the
lands proposed by the Cunninghams for a county seat in these words :
The situation is beautiful, being- on an eminence which descends in all directions;
the land scarce of timber, but sufficiently dry, and large bodies of meadow land near the
seat. This site will have the advantage erf the creek, with sundry good springs of water
and coal banks near, limestone and freestone quarries partly adjoining- the site. The
ridges all pointing into the little valley, will be convenient for roads from every
direction.
From the foregoing it is evident that at least one commissioner was favor-
ably impressed with the location, and this good impression was further strength-
ened by an evening's conversation. He says in his diary :
We parted that evening, Messrs. Weaver, Hamilton and Lane lodging at the mill
house, Mr. Morton and myself returning with Mr. Robert Cunningham to the Salt Lick
place, where that young man keeps bachelor's hall in a nice cabin building.
The commissioners readily saw the advantage this site possessed over the
others. That night they were the guests of the Cunninghams — three of them
lodged at the " mill house,'' which was the home of John and Samuel J. Cun-
ningham, and the other two, as stated, stopped with their brother Robert in his
"cabin." The mill, which became an important landmark, had been built about
two years before the visit, or in the very beginning of the century.
That night became memorable in the history of Butler. It marked a new
epoch, as it were. The Cunningham brothers, in conjunction with Robert Gra-
ham, proposed to lav out in town lots 300 acres of land, five acres of which should
beset apart for the use of the county of Butler, providing their location should
be made the seat of justice. This offer, which was better than any other received,
settled the business of the commission, and they retired from the field and pre-
pared their report to the secretary of the Commonwealth. That it was favor-
able to the site offered by the Cunninghams is shown by the following section of
a bill passed by the legislature on the 8th of March, 1803 :
Section 1. Be it enacted, it,:, That John McBride, Esq., William Elliott, Esq., and
John David, be and hereby are appointed trustees for the county of Butler, and the
said trustees, or a majoritv of them, are hereby authorized and required to survey, or
cause to be surveyed, three hundred acres of land situate on the north side of Conno-
quenessing creek, near Samuel J. Cunningham's mill, agreeably to a description given of
the situation and boundary thereof expressed in the grant and obligation of Samuel
J. Cunningham, John Cunningham and Robert Graham, made by them to the Governor for
the use of the county of Butler, and the said trustees are hereby authorized and required
to lay out a convenient lot or lots of laud within the said three hundred acres not exceed-
ing five acres, whereon the public buildings shall be erected for the use of the county of
Butler, and the surplus or residue of said three hundred acres of land, which shall
remain after the sites for the public buildings are set apart and determined, shall be laid
out for a town, with suitable town lots, at the discretion of the trustees, witli necessary
^02 HISTOKY hi BUTLER COUNTY.
reservations for a quarry*, streets, lanes, alleys and roads or highways; provided, how-
ever, that no outlots shall exceed rive acres, and the town hereby directed to be laid out
shall be called Butler.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, etc., That it shall be the duty of the said trustees,
or a majority of them, to sell by public .Miction the said town lots and outlots at such
times as they may judge most advantageous to the county, which sale shall be held at
the said Cunning-ham mill, in the said county, previous to which the said trustees shall
advertise the same three times at least in one or more newspapers published in Pitts-
burg, Greensburg and Washington one month before the day appointed for such sale;
provided, that before the said commissioners proceed to the discharge of the duties
herein enjoined and required, they shall demand and receive from the aforesaid Samuel
J. Cunningham, John Cunningham and Robert Graham sufficient deeds in fee simple of
the above described 300 acres of laud in trust for the use of the said county of Butler,
agreeably to the grant thereof heretofore made to the governor for the use of the county
of Butler by the said Samuel J. Cunningham, John Cunningham and Robert Graham, and
shall procure the same to be recorded in the office for recording of deeds in Allegheny
county, and when the said trustees shall have so done they shall have authority, and it
shall be their duty, to make out and grant sufficient deeds in fee simple for the town and
outlots by them sold in pursuance of this act.
Immediately after the passage of the act preparations were made 1" lay out
the town, and in August, 1803, it was consummated. The plat contained seventy-
six acres and seventy -nine perches. The deed for the ground, as required by the
act, was executed to the trustees for the county, and preparation for the sale oi
lots was begun. The town was named Butler, in honor of Gen. Richard Butler,
the distinguished patriot and soldier, a very full sketch of whom appears in a pre-
ceding chapter. As the town was to he the seal of justice of the new comity, peo-
ple were naturally filled with great expectations of future prosperity and wealth,
and there was al once a rush to the new town to buy lots either for speculative or
business purposes.
In the meantime [ohn Cunningham became involved through his business
operation-, and. judgments were entered against him. But in order to remove all
uncertainty as to the validity of title in the conveyance of lot-, hi- creditors
residing in Philadelphia executed a deed of release under the belief that this pro-
cedure would facilitate the sale of town lot- and, therefore, enhance the value of
his land outside of the town, which was covered by their judgments. This
curious deed may he found in Book 1. Page 1, of the Butler county records.
These creditors were Simon and Ileyman Gratz, William Wistar, John Price,
[ohn Wistar. Joseph Karrick, Joshua Percival, and Thomas Ryerson, all of Phila-
delphia. The closing clause of the deed reads :
And whereas.it appears that the lieu of .-aid judgments on the said land- may obstruct
the further saleof the lots laid out thereon, and prevent the permanent establishment of
ription aci ompanying a historical map oi Butler, prepared by James Dunlap several years ago.
I "i unningham and Low. r\ i i nveyi -1 originallj 176 ai n - and ry perches -I land in 1805 i >1
this land 76 acres and 79 perches were taken off the north end of a tract containing 300 acres warranted in the name
of John Tressler, patented to Cunningham, and called 'Butler.' Lowery reserved a small strip of land between the
creek and lots Numbers 70 to 79. Tins strip is now a pan ,-1 the borough, improved and built on, and lies on both
sides oi Watei street The trustees having laid out the town ol Butler northward beyond the limits of the deed of
Curiningha n the southern en. I of a tra t containing ;i"i acres, warranted in the name of Adam Reichert, and
patent! I i Step! i wi ry, and - ailed ' Warren Point, he conveyed it to the commissioners in trust for the town,
February It, 1810 The ' (Juarrj Reserve laid on this land. The 1 ugh was first extended b> act of I860, and
lastlj b) ... i ol 1870 An a 1 -J.M a
BUTLER BOROUGH. 303
the county' town of the county of Butler aforesaid on the said lands [Cunning-ham's],
and thereby greatly lessen the value of a large extent of laud belonging to the --aid John
Cunningham adjacent to the said tract of 300 acres whereon the town of Butler is laid
out, which adjacent land is equally bound by our judgments, in consideration whereof
to increase the value of our security or interest in this land, to encourage purchasers of
lots within the said 300 acres and promote the permanence of the county town thereon,
we do covenant and agree with the said William Elliott, John McBride and John David,
trustees for the county of Butler, and their successors, and with each of the purchasers,
their heirs, etc., free and unmolested and unincumbered by any judgment or debt.
The deed was executed in Philadelphia, October 5, 1803, and recorded
January 23, 1804, in Butler.
The first sale of lots in accordance with tiie provisions of the act, commenced
August 10, ISO") — nearly two months before the execution of the deed of release —
and was continued on August 11. Ill and 18, 1803, and August 1 1. 15 and 16,
1804. The term-, at the first sale were one-third of the price when the lot was
struck off, one-third in nine months, and one-third in nine months from date of
second payment.
One hundred and thirty lots sold on the 10th, 11th. 12th, and 13th of
August, brought $5,409.50, and of this sum $1,803.16| were paid. On the 14th
of August, 1804, sixteen outlots were sold; on the loth, fourteen lots, including
one lot (Xo. 150) for cemetery purposes; and on the 16th, twenty-seven lots,
including one (No. 151) for use as a cemetery. The sales on the 14th, 15th and
16th, realized $1,612.25, and so on to the close. From 1806 to 1828, the sales of
original lots by the trustees were slow : but transfers were numerous on account
of the owners becoming discouraged and wishing to depart.
The record of the first sale of lots, printed herewith for the tirst time, took
place at the Cunningham, now the Walter mill, on the Connoquenessing. The
names of purchasers, number of lots and auction prices, are given in order to show
the beginnings of the settlement of the tow 11 of Butler:
August in, 1S0S.
Alexander Hill 2
Ephraim Harris 3
William Evans 5
James Ritchey 6
Joseph McClurg 7
Ebenezer McGufhn 8
Joseph McClurg 9
John Negley 11
Abraham Brinker 13
14
Matthew Thompson 15
James Bovard 16
William Kearns 18
William Brown 61
Andrew McCollough 62
41
100
90
1 21 1
90
William B. Young- 54
John Elliott 53
Samuel Ewalt, Esq 52
John Elliott 60
Henry H. Haslett 59
Henry H. Haslett 58
Maj. William Campbell 57
Francis Kearns 56
Jacob HatTa and W. B.Young 55
William Ayres 24
Jeremiah Murray 23
August 11, 1S03.
William Elliott, Esq 22
Joseph Davis 21
William Ayres 20
Alexander Hill 19
44
130
71
3°4
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John McBride 108
Ephraim Harris 25
William Neyman 110
George Armstrong, Esq.... 27
James Fryer 26
David Dougal 109
Samuel A. Rippey, Esq 128
John Negley Ill
David Sutton 67
George Brown 68
Alexander Logan, Esq 69
David Sutton, Sr 49
■• 5(1
Samuel Murphy 51
Archibald St. Clair 36
John Clowes 37
Joseph McClelland 112
William Bradley 113
Francis Boyle 127
Peter Fryer 126
James Thompson 125
David Dick 114
Robert Stewart, D. Dougal.. 79
John Elliott 105
John Elliott 106
William Hutchison 28
Samuel Murphy 129
William Hall 20
James Patterson 30
William Bradley 107
John McBride. Esq 104
John Cunningham 86
87
John Rea (weaver) 66
John McGinnis 64
John McLure 65
Joseph Thorn 35
Philip Empy 34
August 13, 180J.
John Fowler, Esq 73
John Huey 72
" 70
Henry Evans, Esq 71
James Ferguson 74
James Carson 75
William Thompson 77
John Cunningham 78
John Elliott 85
130
James Moore 131
James McCurdy 132
44
38
44
43
30
26
28
30
55
..I
42
45
4S
41
io
30
2 ^
31
29
John Fisher 133
John Musser, Sr 134
James McKee 123
Thomas McCleary 124
James Carson 116
Alexander Hamilton 115
Francis Kearns 122
William Kearns 117
Samuel Murphy 88
80
90
James Moore 91
James Scott, Jr 92
Robert Lemmon 121
Robert Scott 120
Thomas Humphrey 135
John Elliott 136
George Scott 137
David Dougal 98
William Elliott, Sr 143
John McCurdy 31
John Cunningham 142
44
John Turk 99
John Elliott 141
David Scott 140
William Elliott, Esq 139
Francis Kearns 109
James Scott, Jr 48
Samuel Scott 47
John Boyd 46
Joseph Evans 93
John McCleary 102
S. Williamson 45
SI
August 13, 1SU3,
Robert Irwin 38
George Dougherty 39
43
John McGowan 40
William McDonald 41
James Ferguson 42
Samuel Dunbar 103
James Fryer 101
Joshua McElfish 100
William McDonald 97
John Carson 94
Abraham Brinker 95
Robert Scott 118
Benjamin Rimbev 81
$ 20
37
53
41
47
31
52
63
17
19
14
11
11
$ 28
21
12
11
19
20
32
24
21',
18
14
10 U
21
pi^^i^uJ /^^^c^W
&fyt~ ts£/ (ki^^j^L^t,
BUTLER BOROUGH.
305
On August 14, 1804, t he trustees made the terms of sale more liberal, giving
one year for second payment, and two years for third payment. Under this rule
fifty-seven lots were sold August 14, 15, and 16, 1804. the total sum realized
being $1,012.25.
The record of outlots sold August 14 and 15, 1804, is as follows :
George B( <wers 1
Abraham Brinker.
Robert Campbell
Maj. William Campbell.
Samuel A. Rippey
James Thompson
Ephraim Harris 11
John Negley 12
E40
00
37
00
43
Hi)
42
111)
33
00
28
50
23
50
65 50
32
00
41
50
42
00
Joseph Davis 13 $44 00
James Thompson 14 40 00
William B. Young- 15 52 00
John David 16 47 00
William Elliott 17 30 00
Alexander Addison 18 41 00
George Bowers 19 52 00
John McLure 20 31 00
31 22 00
William B. Young- 32 12 00
John McCandless 33 43 00
The town lots sold on August 15, are recorded as follows
James Findley No. 144
John McCandless 145
146
Valentine Preamer 147
Valentine Preamer.
148
$21 50
22 00
22 00
16 00
14 00
James Brown
John Cunning-ham, A
Brinker and others
for the use of a grave
vard.
$13 00
The outlots sold on August, 1(5, 1804, were as follows
John McCandless No. 24 $4100
Joseph Davis 26 56 00
William Campbell 27 49 SO
28 61 00
James Blashford 23 15 25
Andrew Allsworth 30 20 25
William Fulyard.
David Dougal. . . .
James Thompson
Samuel J. Cunningham
$37 00
40 00
24 00
33 00
20 50
34 00
The town lots sold on that day were purchased by the following named per-
sons :
John Cunningham, A.
. Brinker and others
for cemetery No. 151
James Brown 152
William Clark 153
George Bowers 154
Samuel J. Cunningham 155
156
157
$10 00
13 25
12 50
16 00
16 00
12 00
13 50
James Martin
John Thompson
Phillip Sutton
Samuel J. Cunning-ham
Ambrose Kennedy
Joseph Robbius
Lawrence King-
160
8 25
161
12 00
163
9 25
162
9 00
H)4
9 25
158
5 75
Lot Number 152, purchased August 11, 1804, by James Drown, for $13.25,
was not paid for by him — his note lor $4.41£, and cash per Negley, $8.83^, being
credited; a deed was made to John Negley, April IS, 1811.
306 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
After the excitment attendant on the first sale of lots was over, a calm followed,
and the work of building the town was not prosecuted with much vigor. The coun-
try was new and sparsely settled, improvements were few and the outlook was
neither encouraging nor bright. A few log houses or cabins were hastily erected
on the new town site, small shops were opened and an attempt made " to do busi-
ness on a small scale." To James Thompson belongs the credit of erecting the first
blacksmith shop, which stood near the Diamond. William Young built the
second, William Neyman the third, Abraham Blinker the fourth, and Jacob Funk
the fifth, on a lot which was long afterwards occupied by lion. Jacob Xici,rler.
Other houses, all of a very primitive character, were built soon after by John
Empy, George Powers, Stephen Crawford and John Potts. These men were
the first settlers within the original limits of the borough of Butler. John Neg-
ley had settled in 1800 south of the creek, opposite the Cunningham mill. There
the Cunninghams had lived, or in that vicinity, since 1797. So also hail Robert
Graham on his warrant near the northern limits of the town. His son, William
Graham, born in 1803, was the (irst child to see the light of day within the pres-
ent limits of Butler. The next birth was Sarah, daughter of John and Jane Potts,
born in March, 1805, who afterwards became the wife of Robert Carnahan.
Campbell E. Purviance. born in 1806, was the third, and James Dunlap, born
April IS, 1807, the fourth child born on the site of Butler.
The early settlers were patriotic, however, if their comforts were few and
the times hard. This is shown by the names they gave the original streets in
the village. Main street was the central or meridian line running north and
south. On the east side and parallel therewith was McKean street, so named in
honor of Governor McKean: on the west side came Washington street, named
after the illustrious '-Father of his Country." Running east and west , and crossing
the others at right angles, were : Mifflin, in honor of the Governor; Jefferson fol-
lowed next, because he was a prominent man at that time ; then came Cunning-
ham, out of respect to the founders of the town, and lastly Wayne, as a mark of
respect to Gen. Anthony Wayne, a hero of the Revolution and the avenger of
St. Clair's defeat. These were the original streets — there are many more now —
and whilst their names were prompted by patriotism, they were also appropriate.
However plucky the people may have been, they were forced to endure
many hardships. The winter after the town was laid out (1803-4) was a long,
cold and dreary one. The only road communicating with the outer world was a
bridle path leading straight over the hills to Pittsburg, whence they were com-
pelled to go for t heir scanty groceries. The mill, originally erected by the Cun-
ninghams on the creek near by, furnished (lour, but for their meat they largely
depended on name, which abounded in the forest.
In his " Recollections of the West," Henry M. Brackenridge, son of Judge
II. II. Brackenridge, who was appointed clerk to William Ayres, the first pro-
thonotary of Butler countv, says that he passed the winter in this "new outpost
of civilization." He notes his coming from Pittsburg in these words :
On my arrival at Butler there were a few log houses just raised, bat net sufficiently
completed to be occupied. It was not long- before there were two taverns, a store and a
BUTLER BOROUGH. 307
blacksmith shop. It was then a town. The country around was a howling' wilderness.
with the exception of a few scattered settlements as far removed from each other as the
kraals in the neighborhood of the Cape of Good Hope.
If the winter hail been hard, (he people were determined to have some
pleasure and social enjoyment when the spring and summer came. The first
social and festive assemblage was held on the 4th of July, 1804, when the natal
day of American independence was celebrated in a very patriotic manner. The
meeting was held at the Federal spring, and a preserved account of the affair
informs us that '"a long table, say 100 feet, supplied with the best the country
afforded, accommodated the eating and drinking part of the occasion. After
dinner William Ayres was appointed president and John McCandless (then
sheriff) vice-president. Patriotic toasts, general and volunteer, suited to the
occasion, were read by the president at the head of the table, and repeated bv
the vice-president at the foot. Then followed the drink, the huzzas and firing of
musketrv, and music of drum and fife playing — playing the old Revolutionary-
tunes of ' Yankee Doodle ' and ' Hail Columbia.' "
THE TOWN' INCORPORATED.
Almost a decade and a half elapsed before the inhabitants began to think of
taking a step forward by aspiring to a corporate government. Finally the cpies-
tion was brought before the legislature, and Butler was incorporated as a borough
by an act entitled "An act to erect the town of Milton, in the county of North-
umberland, and the town of Butler, in the county of Butler, into boroughs."
which was read February 0, 1817, and passed February 2Q of the same month.
The charter was issued May 2, 1817, by Governor Snyder, and Butler laid aside
its swaddling clothes as soon as a new outfit could be procured. The section of
the act relating to the incorporation of Butler is given herewith :
Section 16. And be it further enacted, etc., That the town of Butler in the comity "1
Butler, shall be and the same is hereby erected into a borough, which shall be called the
"Borough of Butler," and contained within the following metes and bounds: The origi-
nal plat or draft of the town of Butler, beginning at a black oak on the bank of the
mill dam; thence north seventy-eight degrees west seven perches; thence south fifty-two
degrees west eight perches; thence south eleven degrees west seven perches south, three
degrees east ten perches south, thirty-six degrees east eight perches south seventy-three
degrees west eleven perches north ten degrees west fourteen perches north, ten degrees
east fourteen perches north fortv degrees west twelve perches west sixteen perches south
fifty-nine degrees, west twenty-three perches; thence south eleven degrees west thirteen
perches south twent}--five degrees east five perches south twenty degrees west fourteen
perches; thence south eighteen perches; thence south fifty-two degrees west twenty-six
perches south forty-one degrees west six perches south sixty-one degrees west thirteen
and one-half perches south fifty-seven degrees west seven and one-half perche- to a
hickory; thence leaving the dam north seventy-seven degrees west nine perches; thence
fifty-seven degrees west fifty-nine perches to two hickories on the bank of the creek;
thence north fifteen degrees west forty perches north three degrees west 152 perches and
five-tenths; thence north eighty-seven degrees east 173 perches, and thence south, three
degrees east 133 perches and two-tenths to the place of beginning.
Thus was the borough brought into corporate existence, and as such it has
continued for a period of over seventy-seven years. Under the act of April 8,
308 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1851, it was re-incorporated by order of the court of quarter sessions, issued
January 15, 1858.
Section seventeen of the act cited above provided that the inhabitants of the
borough entitled to vote for members of the legislature, having resided within the
limits of the borough at least six months preceding the election, should, "on the
Friday immediately preceding the third Saturday of March next," have power
to cast their votes between the hours of one and five in the afternoon, for one
chief burgess, one assistant burgess and seven citizens to be a town council;
also one high constable.
The records inform us that the first election of borough officers was held
May 30, 1817, at the primitive dwelling of Adam Funk — long since disappeared —
but subsequent elections for years were mostly held at the house of Jacob Mech-
ling, who himself was chosen one of the first councilmen to aid in shaping the des-
tinies of the infant borough, and who for many years afterward'-, from time to
time, was locally honored by his fellow citizens.
That the new borough officers were prompt to organize and discharge their
functions, is shown by the fact that they entered upon their duties the very day
they were elected. The first minute upon the first book of the borough council,
still in a good state of preservation, opens under date of May 30, 1S17. with the
following words :
William Ayres, Esq., duly elected chief burg-ess, and John Gilmore, Esq., duly
elected assistant burgess, — William Campbell, John Potts, Dr. George Miller, Hugh
McKee, David Dougal and James Stephenson, duly elected members of the town council
for the borough of Butler, met at the house of Adam Funk and severally took and sub-
scribed the oath of office before Robert Scott, Esq., a justice of the peace, as directed
by the Act of Assembly, passed 26th of February. A. D. 1S17, creating the town of Butler,
in the county of Butler, into a borough. John Potts was, on motion, duly elected presi-
dent; John Bredin was appointed town clerk; James Hill was appointed borough treas-
urer; Maurice Bredin was appointed collector of the borough taxes.
Jacob Mechling qualified as councilman on July 7, and voted with the others
for levying a borough tax co-extensive with the road tax assessed by the town-
ship supervisors, as well as for the adoption of the seal of the circuit court as
the seal of the borough.
In April. ISIS, repairs on the market house, such as " boarding-in " below
the benches, were ordered, and t\vc dollars granted to Potts " for the bridge made
by him." At the annual meeting of 1819, Hugh McKee was appointed treasurer,
and Joseph McQuistion, collector. An ordinance establishing market days was
adopted and rules for preventing sheep and swine from running at large and
persons from galloping on the streets ordered to be enforced. In 1820 William
Gibson succeeded Bredin as clerk, James Stephenson was appointed treasurer and
William Campbell, collector. David Scott was then high constable and McCleary's
house was the place of meeting. The tax levy was four mills on the dollar, —
enough to meet the expenditure for fitting up a '•pound or pen" on William
Beatty's lot for hogs, ami a place in Eli Skeer's stable for keeping sheep. The
alley between West and Cunningham streets was ordered to fie cleared and
repaired and a stone bridge oyer the run below the graveyard was authorized.
BUTLER BOROUGH. 30Q
The report of the sale of the market house was made in September, when
eighteen dollars for brick were paid into the treasury.
Jacob Mechling, Jr., was appointed clerk in L821, Simon Mechling, collector,
and William Beattv, treasurer. In December the street commissioners, William
Hagerty and Joseph McQuistion, were ordered
To cut the Diamond as much as may be neccessary to render the side-walks and diamon d
level or nearly so with the turnpike, and that West street be dug- and filled, so that the
ascent thereof will not exceed seven degrees with a horizontal line.
In September the meeting was held at Jacob Mechling's house, when an
order to sell the market house was issued. In October an attempt to rescind
this order was made only to fail, and the same month McKean street was author-
ized to be opened as far as the inlots extended.
The first vote recorded by the borough of Butler for State and county officers
was that of October 14, 1817- William Findlev received twenty and Joseph
Iliester sixteen votes for governor; John Gilmore twentv-nine and Walter Low-
rie, eight for senator ; Samuel Douglass twenty-seven. William Marks twenty-
seven, John Wilson ten, Andrew Christy twenty-one, William Avres twenty-
nine, William Wilkins sixteen, John Robison nine, and John Ross nine, for
representatives in legislature; Francis Fryer twelve, Abraham Brinker fourteen,
David Dougal eight, and Moses Hanlen three, for county commissioners; John
Bredin thirty-six and David Dougal two for auditor; Jacob Mechling twenty-
three, John Galbraith thirty-six and Thomas Lyon thirteen, for trustees. Samuel
Glass was inspector, Robert Scott judge, and Moses Sullivan and J. Williamson
clerks of election in the borough.
LOT OWNERS IX 1821.
The assessment list of 1821 shows that the following persons were owners of
improved or unimproved lots within the borough limits in that year : William
Avres, Maurice Bredin, John Bredin, Kennedy Beatty, Mary Barnhart, William
Beattv, Patrick Briceland, John Cully, William Criswell, William Campbell,
Owen Callan, Robert Carnahan, Henry Duffy, John Dunbar, David Dougal,
John Devine, Henry Evans, John Empy, Norbert Foltz, Adam Funk, Patrick
and William Hagerty, Samuel Johnston, Stephen Lowrey, Robert McQuistion,
Joseph McQuistion, Christopher Meyers, Jacob Mechling, Hugh McKee, Hugh
McLaughlin, Thomas McCleary, John Miller, Bernard McGirr, Patrick Mc-
Farlin, Thomas and Patrick McHenet, George Mechling. James McPherson,
Isaiah Niblock, John Potts, James Reed, John Reed. Thomas M. Sedwick.
James Thompson. James White, John Sheridan, Moses Sullivan. Alexander
Scott, John Sullivan, Eli Skeer, David Scott and Robert Scott.
The vacant in-lots of the borough were assessed against the following
reputed owners: Robert Campbell, John Cunningham, Samuel Cunningham,
John Elliott, William Elliott, Abraham Fryer, Xeal Gillespie. Ephraim Har-
ris, W. M. Hutchison, Alexander Hill, William Kearns, Alexander Logan,
Andrew McCollough, William McDonald, Samuel Murphy, John Negley,
Samuel O'Nuth, James Patterson, James Robbins, Samuel Scott, Philip Sut-
310 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ton, David Sutton, John Sent, John Turk and James Will. Out-lots were
assessed against Robert Campbell, Ephraim and John Weigle. The assessment
list also showed that there were but thirty-four houses in the borough in that
year, not including the county, school and church buildings.
In early times more importance was attached to the office of high constable
than at the present day. At a meeting of council March 10, lSl'l', "it was
resolved that Samuel Johnston, high constable, give security in $100 for the
faithful performance of his duty." Adam Funk became his bondsman. With
the duties and responsibilities of the office increased a hundred fold, all the
security demanded now is $200!
At the same time loseph McQuistion was appointed treasurer, and the own-
ers of homes on Main street, who desired to construct sidewalks in front of their
property, were ordered to make such walks nine feet wide. In 1823, John Reed
was elected high constable, — ]ohn Negley signing his bond — John Welsh was
appointed clerk and Samuel Johnston, collector. The cutting of a street paral-
leling McKean street, the building of abridge at Gibson's lot, repairing a bridge
on the road to Scott Lick and leveling the Diamond and sidewalks formed the
principal work of the council.
At a meeting held April S, 1824, a resolution was introduced by Mr. Rredin
directing that "a committee of three be appointed to draft an ordinance to
employ an artist to fix the corners of lots, streets, ami alleys." David Dougal,
the famous surveyor, evidently was employed as the " artist," for a later entry on
the minutes informs us that during that year he re-surveyed the town, re-estab-
lishing corners and lot lines.
In 1825 a motion that the sum of twenty dollars be appropriated toward
the erection of an engine house on the public square, and toward furnishing it
with engine, hooks, ladders and buckets, was voted down, the precociousness of
the proposition being too much for the borough fathers.
In July, L825, tlie commissioners advertised that the outlots in the northern
and eastern additions to the borough of Butler would be sold at public vendue
August 16, 1825. Early in 1826 an ordinance regulating the sale of coal and one
relating to the sinking of wells were passed, and with this work the borough
council rested.
In Tilly, 1827, the county commissioners agreed to assign to the borough
council a "judgment " to be applied on the purchase of an engine ami other
tire apparatus. On the 28th of that month Mr. Gilmore reported that he pur-
chased an engine for $400, of which half was to he paid in six months and half
in twelve months. The report was agreed to and an order to build an engine
house in the rear of the court-house, was entered. This building was erected
bv R. Strain for the contract price — $60.
In January, 1828, lot 152 was transferred by Norbert Foltz to the bor-
ough for cemetery purposes, and measures were adopted for fencing in this
lot with the old cemetery.
The records for this year also show that Samuel Gilmore, the clerk, was
voted eight dollars for his services. In April. ISl'9. John X. Purviance sue-
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY. 311
ceeded him as clerk. In 1835 the salary had been advanced to $15.00 per'
annum, and in 1894 it was $250.
Many little things appear on the records of those early days which sound
odd to readers of the present time. In August, 1828, an ordinance was
introduced and passed "to prevent ball playing against the court-house and
to prevent the throwing of stones against any of the public buildings, and to
prevent the firing off of nuns within said borough."
On the 6th of August. 1828, an ordinance to repeal an ordinance to estab-
lish a market house in the borough was reported; also one to repeal so much
of an ordinance which was intended to prevent sheep and swine running at
large, was introduced and passed.
FIRST QUARTER CENTURY.
In 1828, twenty-five years after Butler had been laid out and settled, con-
siderable improvement had been made, when we take into consideration the prim-
itive condition of the times. The population numbered between four and five
hundred. As early as 1824 the citizens had begun to build brick houses, and in
1828 there were twenty-one in the town, and the whole number of dwellings was
about seventy. At first brick houses were looked upon as an innovation by some
of the early settlers, but the laws of custom gradually asserted themselves and
the log cabin was forced to slowly give way to modern improvements and
greater comforts.
It may bo interesting, therefore, at the end of the first quarter century, to
look over the names of the taxable inhabitants and see who they were — then run
down the years to the present day and see how many of their descendants are
here to represent them. There were ninety-seven names on the tax list of 1828,
as follows: William Ayres, David Albright, Maurice Bredin, John Bredin,
[a cob Brinker, William Beatty, Abraham Brinker, William Bryan, Joseph
Brandt, Joseph Bateman, Robert Elliot Brown, Daniel Catney, O. G. Croy,
William Criswell, William Campbell, Robert Carnahan, Daniel Coll, Milton
Carnahan, Timothy Cannon, Thomas Dickey, Dr. Henry C. De Wolf, David
Dougal, John Duffy, Michael Denny, Francis Dobbs, Norbert Foltz, Adam Funk,
David Funk, John Gilmore, John Gilchrist, James Gilmore, Samuel Gilmore,
Benjamin Gregg, William Gibson, James Glenn, Solomon Gregg, Robert Gilchrist,
William Hagerty, Daniel Hydron, Samuel Harris, Matthew Harbison, Samuel
Johnston, Patrick Kelley, Isaac Kinzer, Jacob Kelker, John Harper, Walter Low-
rie, Dr. George Linn, Jacob Leckey, Jacob Leasure, John McCollough, Joseph
McQuistion, Christopher Myers, Mark McCandless, Jacob Mechling, Samuel
McPherrin, John McQuistion, George Miller, Hugh McKee, John McLaughlin,
Clark McPherrin, Andrew Marshall, Francis McBride, John Martin, Henry Mc-
Ginnis, John Marshall, Hugh McLaughlin, John McClelland, Daniel Moser. John
Negley. Isaiah Niblock, William Neyman, Eleanor Neyman, John Potts, Camp-
bell E. Purviance, George Potts, George Reed, Malachi Richardson, John Reed,
James Spencer, Andrew Sproul, Robert Strain, Alexander Scott, John Sullivan,
Eli Skeer, Robert Scott, William Stewart, Joshua J. Sedwick, Mathias Sed-
312 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
wick, David Strawick, G. W. Smith, foseph Sterrett, Lewis Tucker, James
Thompson, John Thompson. John Welsh, George Wolf.
A correspondent of the Sentinel writing in May, L829, says the borough
then contained three blacksmiths, tour shoemakers, three tailors, two tanners,
two saddlers, two potters, two plasterers, two bricklayers, three cabinet-makers,
four carpenter-, two farmer-, two hatters, one wagonmaker, one painter, one
cooper and one chairmaker. The professions were represented bv seven lawyers,
two physician-, two resident clergymen and four school teachers, and two or more
editors. Trade was represented by fourteen merchants, and printing by two offices,
each publishing a newspaper, the total circulation being about 1,200 copies
weekly. The public and semi-public buildings comprised the court-house and
jail, the Butler Academy, and the -tone churches owned by the Catholics and
Presb) terians.
The "' city fathers1' were also impressed with the importance of looking after
the morals of the inhabitants, for at a meeting on the 14th of August, 1828, it
was •• resolved that the bell he rung from the 1st of April to the 1st of October,
on the Loid's day, at the hours of nine and eleven A. M., and one t\ M., and at
no other hour on that day. Al-o from the 1st of October to the 1st of April to
be rung at the hours often and twelve A. M., and at no other time."
The paving of the sidewalks along Main street, leveling the Diamond, enclos-
ing the graveyard, and other necessary measures, were carried out before the close
of L829. A tire engine and court-house alarm bell, unknown in 1S24, existed in
1829, showing that there was a -low but steady advance in improvement.
In 1^:1(1 the question of water supply was presented to the council, and Dr.
De Wolf. Francis McBride and Hugh McKee were appointed a committee to
inquire further into the subject and examine the springs adjacent to the bor-
ough. Paving, grading, the removal of fences off the streets and public
grounds, opening streets and alleys and such routine work occupied the atten-
tion of the councilmen.
The people were not unmindful of the necessities ot education. At a
meeting of citizen- held June 29, 1835, with Gen, William Ayres presiding,
and William Stewart acting as secretary, it was, on motion of John Bredin,
"resolved that the sum of $250 be levied on the borough of Butler in addi-
tion to the sum already levied this, year (1835) for school purposes, to be
applied by the directors according to act of Assembly." After some months of
discussion, the action of the meeting was officially laid before the council
March '.), 1836, and at a' subsequent meeting on the 11th, '"the clerk was
ordered to add ^l'oO to the duplicate." hong deliberations anil small results
were the order of the time: nor was trouble with the public building con-
tractor avoided; for the council kept Strain to the strict letter of the law in the
erection of the sixty-dollar engine house.
In March, 1836, William Stewart signed the records as secretary. At
that time a levy of $250, in addition to the ordinary school tax was ordered,
the whole to be applied to educational purposes by the school directors. In
March, 1838, a petition was presented, praying the council to pass an ordinance
"to prevent boys from annoying the citizens on the Diamond with noise."
BUTLER BOROUGH. 3 I
It seems that some of the good citizens ilid not like to have their nerves
disturbed by the ringing of the blacksmiths' anvils, and they petitioned coun-
cil to have the shops removed from the central part of town. They claimed
the right of petition ami the law-making branch could not ignore it. Accord-
ingly at a meeting of the council held March l'4, L838, " G. \V. Smith, from
the committee to whom was referred the petition of sundry citizens on the
subject of erecting blacksmith shops within sixty feet of High street, or the
Diamond," made the following report :
That after a careful examination of the subject referred to them, the committee
are decidedly of the opinion that the citizens have a right to construct upon their own
property any building- or construction they may deem proper, being responsible to any
person or persons they may annoy in the enjoyment of their own property; and that is
a subject over which the town council has no control, but would respectfully recommend
to the citizens generally not to construct shops, or any other improvements, so as to
disturb their neighbors or retard the improvement of the place.
This report seems to have ended the complaint about blacksmith shops, for
nothing more regarding them appears on the minutes.
The old question of water supply, which had dwindled into insignificance,
was revived in 1888, when the council authorized " the cleaning-out and walling-
up of the Federal Spring." In January, 1839, the original quarry reservation
was vacated and the survey of the ground into town lots was authorized — the pro-
ceeds of sale of such lots, between Washington and McKean streets, to be appro-
priated to the aid of the Female Seminary, should the legislature agree to such
a proposition.
In 184(5 an ordinance to prevent the quarrying of stone on the reservation
was passed, but in January, 1S47. permission was granted the building committee
of the Catholic church and Samuel Lane, the contractor, to take out stone for the
foundations of the new church and parochial residence, the condition being that
the committee should till up the space and make the street level between Duffy's
and opposite properties.
During the ensuing ten years the care of the streets and alleys appears to
have been the principal work of the council, although in December, 1856, it is
of record that the borough had to be watched on Hallowe'en night to save it
from the practical jokers of that period !
The organization of a fire department in 1859, and the joint celebration in
February, 1861, of Washington's birthday, the fall of Fort Donaldson and the
capture of IS, 000 Confederates, must be credited to the patriotic impulses of
council.
In 1864 the petition of II. C. Heineman, S. G. Purvis, A. Flannagan, S. C.
Sullivan and others, asking that the suburb in which they resided be annexed to
the borough, was received and considered.
In May, 1865, the system of council committees was adopted and appoint-
ments made. The new addition to the borough was made in 1869, the limits
changed to take in the annexed territory and a survey and map of the same were
made by James Dunlap. A petition presented in October, 1869, demanded the
314 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
erection of lamps along Main street, and the council appointed Etzell and Keek
to ascertain the cost of lighting the street.
In December, L869, a special meeting of council was called to consider Colonel
Sirwell's proposition to put up twenty lamps in the boreugh at thirteen dol-
lars each (all ready to light), and take charge of such lamps, find the oil, light
anil extinguish them at ten cents per lamp and two dollars per day tor services.
His second proposition to furnish the lamps for thirteen dollars each and the oil
at twenty-live cents per gallon was also considered ; hut as the stated cost would
exceed the whole tax levy for borough purposes, the subject was disposed of sum-
marily and the borough remained in darkness. R. M. McLure was elected secre-
tary in 1864 to succeed James M. Bredin, and served until the close of 1871,
when Livingston McQuistion was elected secretary. A. j. McCafferty was
secretary in 1875 and S. P. Miles for a short period in lS7t'>. In Centennial
year, Jacob Ziegler was clerk and served until succeeded by Joseph C. Vanderlin.
In February, 1876, George C. Roessing and Dr, Stephen Bredin, a committee
appointed by the citizens, asked the council to approve their action in construct-
ing aniron fence around the old cemetery. No appropriation was asked for. In
November, ls77, the proposition of II. C. I Ieineman , manager of the Butler Gas
Company, to place burners on lamp posts and keep them lighted each evening,
as the council determined, at a cost of three dollars ami fifty cents per lamp, was
accepted, and on December 8 of that vear the street were lighted.
In 1878 Henry Billow was elected engineer; L. Z. Mitchell, lire-marshal ;
William Kichey, high-constable; Martin Reiber, treasurer; John Vinroe, J. B.
Storey, George C. Roessing, William Campbell and Harvey Miller, members of
the board of health, and Joseph C. Vanderlin, clerk. In April. 1879, Frank
M. Eastman was chosen clerk and served until March, 18SS, when J. I). Mar-
shall was elected.
In 1885 the council considered the question of natural gas supply, and the
ordinance, regulating the laying of gas and water pipes, of lanuarv 26, 1885,
resulted. In February, however, the council ordered the supply of natural gas
to be shut oft".
In March, 1890, Lewi M. Wise was chosen secretary, and served until the
election of T. M. Baker in ISOl1. In IS1.):! II. E. Coulter, the present secretary,
was elected.
BURGESSES AND COUN'CILMEN.
As much interesting history has been gathered from the records of the bor-
ough council from 1817 to 1894 — a period of seventy-seven years — showing the
trials and struggles of the local lawmakers, it may be of some interest to the
reader of to-day to know who they were, therefore the names of the burgesses
and councilmen are herewith submitted. The list is believed to be as nearly com-
plete and accurate as it is possible to complete it from the existing records. It is
as follows ;
1817 — Chief Burgess, William Ayres; Assistant Burgess, John Gilmore ;
Council, William Campbell, Joshua Potts, Dr. George Miller, Hugh McKee,
David Dougal, James Stevenson, Jacob Mechling.
BUTLER BOROUGH. 315
1818 — Chief Burgess, William Ayres ; Assistant Burgess, John Gilmore ;
Council, Jacob Mechling, Peter Stevenson, John Gilchrist, fames Stevenson,
John Empich, William Campbell, Dr. George Miller.
1819 — Chief Burgess, William Ayres; Assistant Burgess, John Gilmore;
Council, Jacob Mechling, William Campbell, John Gilchrist, James Stevenson,
John Empich, Patrick Hagerty.
1820 — Chief Burgess, John Bredin ; Assistant Burgess, John Galbraith ;
Council, Hugh McKee, Thomas McCleary, Joseph McQuistion, William Beatty,
John Potts, Robert Scott. Eli Skeer.
1821 — Chief Burgess, John Bredin; Assistant Burgess, Walter Lowrie;
Council, Jacob Mechling. Maurice Bredin, David Dougal, Patrick Hagerty
Thomas M. Sedwick, John Sullivan, Xorbert Foltz.
1822 — Chief Burgess, John Potts; Assistant Burgess [no record] ; Council,
Jacob Mechling, Norbert Foltz, Patrick Hagerty, John Sullivan, John Bredin,
David Dougal.
1S23 — Chief Burgess, John Bredin; Assistant Burgess, Robert Scott; Coun-
cil, Hugh McKee, James Thompson, John Potts, John Sullivan, John Sheridan,
John Gilchrist, William Hagerty, Eli Skeer.
1824 — Chief Burgess, John Sullivan; Assistant Burgess, Hugh McKee;
Council, William Ayres, William Campbell, William Beatty, Patrick Hagerty,
David Scott, Xorbert Foltz, John Bredin, John Welsh.
1825 — Chief Burgess, John Potts; Assistant Burgess, Jacob Mechling;
Council, Walter Lowrie, John Sullivan, John Bredin, William Hagerty. Joseph
McQuistion, Robert Carnahan, Robert Scott.
1826 — Chief Burgess, John Bredin; Assistant Burgess, William Campbell ;
Council, John Gilmore, David Dougal, Jacob Brinker, Joseph McQuistion, John
Gilchrist, Alexander Scott, Robert Carnahan, Xorbert Foltz.
1827 — Chief Burgess, Jacob Mechling; Assistant Burgess, Adam Funk ;
Council, William Ayres, John Gilmore, Jacob Brinker, William Campbell. Xor-
bert Foltz, Andrew Sproul, William Hagerty.
1828 — Chief Burgess, William Campbell; Assistant Burgess, Adam Funk;
Council, John Duffy, Hugh McKee. William Ayres, Francis Dobbs, Daniel
Coll, Joshua J. Sedwick, John Gilmore.
1 829 — Chief Burgess, Robert Scott; Assistant Burgess John Bredin ; Coun-
cil, John Gilmore, Jacob Brinker, William Campbell, Andrew Sproul, Xorbert
Foltz, William Hagerty.
1830 — Chief Burgess, Jacob Mechling; Assistant Burgess, John Bredin;
Council, William Ayres, William Beatty, H. C. De Wolf, John Duffy, Francis
McBride, Hugh McKee, S. A. Gilmore.
1831 — Chief Burgess, Jacob Mechling; Assistant Burgess, John Bredin;
Council, William Ayres, William Beatty, John Sullivan, Samuel Gilmore, Hugh
McKee, Joseph McQuistion, Francis McBride.
1832 — Chief Burgess, Jacob Mechling; Assistant Burgess, William Camp-
bell; Council, William Beatty, S. A. Gilmore, Hugh McKee, M. Richardson,
George Linn, S. A. Purviance, William Stewart.
1833 — Chief Burgess, John Bredin; Assistant Burgess, John Potts; Coun-
3l6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
cil, William Ayres, William Beatty, Jacob Mechling, William Campbell. Hugh
McKee, Jonathan Plummer, Patrick Kelly.
1834 — Chief Burgess, John Bredin; Assistant Burgess, Daniel Coll; Council.
John Gilmore, William Ayres, William Campbell. William Beatty, Hugh
McKee, Jonathan Plummer, Jacob Mechling.
1835 — Chief Burgess, John Bredin; Assistant Burgess, Daniel Coll; Coun-
cil, William Ayres. William Beatty, John Gilmore, William Campbell, Jacob
Mechling, David Dougal, Hugh McKee. (William Stewart was elected to
(ill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr. McKee).
1836 — Chief Burgess, John Bredin; Assistant Burgess, [no record] ; Coun-
cil, William Ayres, William Campbell, William Stewart, John Gilmore, Jacob
Mechling, Daniel Coll.
1837 — Chief Burgess, John Duffy; Assistant Burgess, Patrick Kelly;
Council, William Ayres, John Gilmore. Jacob Mechling, Daniel Coll, William
Campbell, Robert Carnahan. George Potts.
1838 — Chief Burgess. Jacob Ziegler ; Assistant Burgess, [no record] ; Coun-
cil, Joseph McQuistion, Jacob Mechling. John Gilmore, George Potts, Robert
Carnahan, (i. W. Smith, George Miller
is;3'.) — Chief Burgess, Jacob Ziegler; Assistant Burgess, Patrick Kelly, Jr.;
Council, John Gilmore, Jacob Mechling, Robert Carnahan, Andrew Cams,
John McCarnes, Jacob Brinker, John X. Purviance.
1S40 — Chief Burgess, S. S. Beatty ; Assistant Burgess, Patrick Kelly ; Council.
John Gilmore, Jacob Mechling, Jacob Brinker, John McCarnes, John Sweeny,
Daniel Coll. Samuel A. Gilmore.
1841 — Chief Burgess, George W. Smith; Assistant Burgess, John N. Pur-
viance ; Council, S. S. Beatty, Jacob Mechling, Thomas McNair, William Balph,
George W. Reed, Samuel A. Purviance, Patrick Kelly.
1842 — Chief Burgess, George W. Smith: Assistant Burgess, Daniel Coll;
Council, William Beatty, William Campbell. George W. Reed, John Gilchrist.
Joseph McQuistion, S. A. Purviance. Patrick Kelly.
1843 — Chief Burgess, George W.Smith; Assistant Burgess, Daniel Coll ;
Council, Jacob Mechling, G. W. Reed, Samuel A. Purviance, Jacob Ziegler,
Samuel M. Lane. A. S. McBride, Patrick Kelly, Jr.
1844 — Chief Burgess, George W. Smith; Assistant Burgess, Daniel Coll ;
Council, William Beatty, John McCarnes, Andrew Cams, I. Ayres. Patrick
Kelly, John Michael Zimmerman, Alexander Ilcnrv.
1845 — Chief Burgess, John Gilmore; Assistant Burgess, William Campbell,
Jr. ; Council, William Beatty, David Dougal, John Pollock, Andrew Cams,
George W. Smith, Jacob Walter, Samuel M. Pane.
1846— Chief Burgess, Harper Mitchell; Assistant Burgess. William Balph;
Council, William Beatty, David Dougal, George W. Smith, Andrew Cams,
Jacob Walter, William Balph. Samuel M. Lane.
1847 — Chief Burgess, George W. Smith ; Assistant Burgess, Daniel Coll ;
Council, Jacob Mechling, David Dougal, S. A. Gilmore, C. C. Sullivan, Samuel
M. Lane, William Balph. Jacob Walter.
184s— Chief Burgess, Dr. II. C. De Wolf; Assistant Burgess, William Cris-
BUTLER BOROUGH. 3 I J
well; Council, Jacob Mechling, William Campbell, David Dougal, William
Beatty, George W. Smith, Samuel M. Lane. Samuel G. Purvis.
1849 — Chief Burgess, Jacob Mechling, Jr. ; Assistant Burgess, Patrick Kelly,
Jr. ; Council, Jacob Mechling, Sr., W'illiam Beatty, William Balph, George W.
Crozier, Jr., David Walker, Jacob Walter.
1850 — Chief Burgess, Lewis Z. Mitchell; Assistant Burgess, Ebenezer
Mcjunkin ; Council, Jacob Mechling, Samuel G. Purvis, Jacob Walter, Samuel
M. Lane, Charles C. Sullivan, James Glenn, Michael Emerick.
1851 — Chief Burgess, Lewis Z. Mitchell ; Assistant Burgess, J. L. Bredin ;
Council, Louis Stein, William Balph, S. C. Stewart, Philip Mechling, Jacob
Walter, Patrick Kelly, Jr., John Michael Zimmerman.
1852 — Chief Burgess, W. B. Lemmon ; Assistant Burgess, William Ziegler ;
Council, John H. Xegley, Jacob Mechling, John Michael Zimmerman. Michael
Emerick, David Dougal, Samuel G. Purvis, John Martin.
1853 — Chief Burgess, John B. McQuistion : Assistant Burgess, Henry Dickey;
Council, George W. Smith, Jacob Mechling, Samuel G. Purvis, S. C. Stewart,
James T. Mcjunkin, P. Bickel, Jacob Walter.
1854 — Chief Burgess, John Miller; Assistant Burgess, James T. Mcjunkin ;
Council, George W. Smith, Samuel G. Purvis, E. Mcjunkin, P. Bickel, Jacob
Mechling, S. C. Stewart, Jacob Walter.
1855 — Chief Burgess. John Graham ; Assistant Burgess, Valentine Feigel ;
Council, J. G. Campbell, Peter Duffy, George W. Smith, P. Bickel, E. Mcjun-
kin, Charles C. Stewart, Jacob Walter.
185(3 — Chief Burgess, John B. McQuistion; Assistant Burgess, William
Balph; Council, J. G. Campbell, Peter Duffy, J. G. Muntz, Patton Kearns, S.
C. Stewart, Samuel G. Purvis, John Michael Zimmerman.
1857 — Chief Burgess, Lewis Z. Mitchell ; Assistant Burgess, John B. Mc-
Quistion; Council, William Campbell, A. C. Martin, S. G. Purvis, Frederick
Miller, Peter Duffy, Patrick Kelly, John Michael Zimmerman.
1858 — Chief Burgess, John B. McQuistion ; Assistant Burgess, Francis
Eyth; Council. William Campbell, Patrick Kelly, Peter Duffy, George Reiber,
William Balph, A. C. Martin.
1859 — Chief Burgess, Henry Eitenmiller ; Assistant Burgess, George W.
Schaffer; Council, Lewis Z. Mitchell, John Michael Zimmerman, William Camp-
bell, Patrick Kelly, Peter Duffy, George Reiber.
18(30 — Chief Burgess, Stephen Bredin; Assistant Burgess, Adam Troutman ;
Council, Lewis Z. Mitchell. John Graham, William Campbell. Patrick Kelly,
George Reiber, John Michael Zimmerman.
18(31 — Chief Burgess. William S. Ziegler; Assistant Burgess. John B. Mc-
Quistion; Council, John Berg, Lewis Z. Mitchell, William Campbell, Patrick
Kelly, George Reiber, John Michael Zimmerman.
18(32 — Chief Burgess, R. M. McLure ; Assistant Burgess, Jacob Reiber;
Council, Conrad Smith, George Reiber, William Campbell, Lewis Z. Mitchell,
John Berg, Patrick Kelly.
1863 — Chief Burgess, Joseph J. Elliott; Assistant Burgess, Jacob Keck:
Council, same as in 1862.
3 1 8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
L864. — Chief Burgess, A. N. McCandless ; Assistant Burgess, Charles Wise-
man; Council, I. f. Cummings, John Lawall, John Berg, George Reiber, Con-
rad Smith. Lewis Z. Mitchell.
L805— Chief Burgess, Joseph J. Elliott; Assistant Burgess, Jacob Keck;
Council, same as in 1864, with the exception of John Frazier in place of Conrad
Smith.
lstjti — Chief Burgess, George Reiber; Assistant Burgess, Louis Bishop;
Council. James Bredin, John Frazier, Lewis Z. Mitchell, George Reiber, John
Lawall. I. J. Cummings.
1867 — Chief Burgess, William A. Lowry ; Assistant Burgess, John Lawall;
Council, Jacob Keck, Charles Duffy, John Lawall. James Bredin, George Reiber,
John Frazier.
1868 — Chief Burgess, D. II. McQuistion ; Assistant Burgess, Martin Reiber ;
Council, William M. Rheinlander, Gabriel Etzel, James Bredin, Jacob Keck,
John Lawall, George Reiber.
1869 — Chief Burgess, John B. McQuistion ; Assistant Burgess, George L.
Rose; Council. John Frazier, James Bredin, John Lawall, Jacob Keck, Gabriel
Etzel, William M. Rheinlander.
1870 — Chief Burgess, O. C. McQuistion ; Assistant Burgess, Fred K.
Gauter ; Council, W. A. Lowry, T. S. McNair, James Bredin, John Frazier,
William M. Rheinlander, Gabriel Etzel.
1871 — Chief Burgess, Alexander Baxter; Assistant Burgess, W. W. Mc-
Quistion ; Council, same as in 1870, with the exception of George Walter in place
of William M. Rheinlander.
1872— Chief Burgess, A. X. McCandless; Assistant Burgess. Archibald
Frazier; Council, Walter L. Graham, William Ziegler, W. A. Lowry, T. S.
McNair, Gabriel Etzel. George Walter.
1S7-! — Chief Burgess, Jacob Keck; Assistant Burgess, Casper Rockenstein ;
Council, John M. Thompson, Joseph Elliott, Gabriel Etzel, William Ziegler,
Walter L. Graham, George Walter.
1874 — Chief Burgess, S. II. Peirsol; Assistant Burgess, Casper Rockenstein ;
Council, Martin Reiber, George Bauer, Walter L. Graham, John M. Thomp-
son, Joseph Elliott, William Ziegler.
1875 — Chief Burgess. Jacob Keck; Assistant Burgess, Andrew Fitzsim-
mons ; Council, John Lawall. Frank Fisher, Martin J. Reiber, George Bauer,
Joseph Elliott, John M. Thompson.
1876 — Chief Burgess, J. B. Butler; Assistant Burgess, George W. Schaffer;
Council, Joseph L. Purvis, F. M. Eastman, Joseph J. Elliott. Martin J. Reiber,
Frank Fisher, John Lawall.
1877 — Chief Burgess, Jacob Keck; Assistant Burgess, James Convery ;
Council Philip Bauer, M. J. Reiber, F. M. Eastman, John Lawall, Frank Fisher,
Joseph L. Purvis.
1878 — Chief Burgess, Jacob Ziegler; Assistant Burgess, A. L. Reiber; Coun-
cil, Philip Weisner, L. M. Cochran, F. M. Eastman, Martin J. Reiber, Joseph L.
Purvis, Philip Bauer.
1879 — Chief Burgess, G. C. Roessing; Assistant Burgess, Grower Bauer;
BUTLER BOROUGH. 3 19
Council, George Schaffner, J. N. Patterson, Philip Weisner, L. M. Cochran,
Martin J. Reiber, Philip Bauer.
1880 — Chief Burgess, A. L. Reiber; Assistant Burgess, A. Baxter ; Council,
G. C. Roessing, Martin J. Reiber, J. X. Patterson, L. M. Cochran, Philip Weis-
ner, George Schaffner.
1881 — Chief Burgess, A. Baxter ; Assistant Burgess, Philip Crouse ; Council,
Casper Rockenstein, John Frazier, John N. Muntz, John N. Patterson, G. C.
Roessing, George Schaffner.
1882 — Chief Burgess. George W. Ziegler ; Assistant Burgess, Harry Kearns;
Council, George Walter, George Schaffner. Jacob Ziegler. John X. Muntz. John
Frazier, Casper Rockenstein.
1 883 — Chief Burgess. John C. Manny; Assistant Burgos. Alexander Bax-
ter; Council, Jacob Keck, Alexander Russell, John Frazier, Casper Rockenstein,
George Walter, John X. Muntz.
1884 — Chief Burgess, John S. Campbell ; Assistant Burgess. B. Kemper;
Council. II. J. Klingler. Casper Rockenstein, Jacob Keck. Alexander Russell,
George Schaffner, George Walter.
L885 — Chief Burgess, A. L. Reiber; Assistant Burgess, B. Kemper; Council.
George Walter, M. Riesenman, II. f. Klingler, Alexander Russell, facob Keck.
Casper Rockenstein.
1886 — Chief Burgess. A. L. Reiber ; Assistant Burgess, B. Kemper; Council,
George D. Harvey, W. T. Mechling, II. J. Klingler, Alexander Russell. Jacob
Keck, Casper Rockenstein.
1887 — Chief Burgess. A. L. Reiber ; Assistant Burgess, 1!. Kemper ; Council.
George Walter, M. Riesenman, W. T. Mechling, G. D. Harvey. D. A. Heck,
Peter Schenck, H. J. Klingler. Alexander Russell.
1888 — Chief Burgess, A. L. Reiber; Assistant Burgess, James B. Mitchell;
Council, Harvey Gibson, E. W. Kirk, Philip Crouse, G. D. Harvey, Joseph Rock-
enstein. Adam Hoffner, W. T. Mechling. Peter Schenck. D. A. Heck.
1>MI— Chief Burgess, A. L. Reiber: Assistant Burgess, James Mitchell;
Council. Thomas Alexander. Philip Crouse. E. W. Kirk, W. A. Forquer, K. S.
Nichols, Charles Duffy, George Walter. George Schenck, Peter Schenck. John S.
Campbell. Adam Hoffner, Joseph Rockenstein, W. T. Mechling. A. P. Stewart.
D. A. Heck. This year the borough was divided into five wards, and three council-
men were elected from each ward.
1890 — Chief Burgess, John X. Patterson; Assistant Burgess, D. L. Aiken;
Council, W. A. Forquer, Philip Crouse, J. E. Byers, A. P. Stewart. Peter
Schenck, W. G. Hays. J. P>. Black, Thomas Alexander. George Schenck. R. S.
Xichols. George Walter. lames Borland.
1891— Chief Burgess, J. Q. A. Kennedy; Assistant Burgess, D. L. Aiken;
Council, J. II. Harper, L. D. Perrine, J. George Stamm, J. B. Mcjunkin. Adam
Hoffner, George W. Ziegler, James Borland, John W. Yogel, Peter Schenck. J.
S. Campbell. W. T. Mechling. J. P.. Byers, W. A. Forquer, Thomas Alexander.
1892 — Chief Burgess, R. C. McAbov ; Assistant Burgess, D, L. Aiken; Coun-
cil, E. E. Kirk. L. D. Perrine. J. II. Harper. C. A. Ilite. John E. Byers, John
320 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
\V. Vogel, J. \. Patterson, Peter Schenck, J. George Stamm, Robert Storey,
J. I".. Black* Adam HorTner. John Lefevre, James Borland, George W. Ziegler.
1893 — Chief Burgess, George \V. Ziegler; Assistant Burgess, John McClearj :
Council, Stephen Markham, J. II. Harper, I). II. Sutton, John VV. Vogel, C. A.
Mite, Harry Grieb, |\ George Stamm, |. X. Patterson, John Lawall, Adam
Hoffner, Robert Storey, J. I'.. Mcjunkin, John Lefevre, Wilson E. Reed, David
Sypher. Mr. Reed having died, W. II. Morris was elected by council to lill the
\ acancv.
1894 — Burgess, C. E.Anderson (1>\ act of 1893 the term of burgess was
extended to three years, and the office of assistant was abolished. Mr. Anderson,
therefore, was the Hist burgess to he benefited by the new law) ; Council, I). II.
Sutton. Stephen Markham. John S.Jack. C. A. Ilite. Harry Grieb, Thomas J.
Shufflin, 1. George Stamm, J. N. Patterson. John Lawall. Robert Storey, Daniel
Younkins. George VV. Miles. John Lefevre, David Sypher. John F. Lowry.
JUSTICES A \ I) I'os I MASTERS.
The first justice of the peace lor the town of Butler was Samuel Cunning-
ham. The records show that in 1808 he united Walter Lowrie and Miss Amelia
McPherrin in marriage. In 1809, one year after his marriage, Mr. Lowrie was
appointed a justice. After him came Abraham Brinker, Reuben Ayres .aid
Robert Scott. The latter died early, and was succeeded by Hugh McKee. About
this time |ohn Duffy became a justice. lie was followed by John Sweeney and
Patrick Kelly, |r. These justices were appointed by the respective governors.
After the adoption of the Constitution of 1838-39 the office became elective. From
1840 to 1894, the following have served : Patrick Kelly, 1840 ; Robert Carna-
han. L841-45-50-55; Samuel C.Stewart, 1841 ; Samuel G.Purvis, 1845-50-55-60-
<;.""); James Glenn, 1840-51 ; George C. Roessing, 1856-61 ; James McXair. 1865;
William S. Ziegler, 1866; Jacob Keck, 1869-74-79-80-81-86-91 ; Robert McLure,
1869; J. G. Muntz, 1871-70; John B. Butler, 1875; Henry Pillow. 1878-79;
Lewis P. Walker. [880-86; John Black, 1881 : Samuel P. Irvine. 1882; John W.
Brown, 1885; J. P. McQuistion, 1886 : R. C. McAboy, 1888-91 ; Cyrus E.
Anderson, 1891.
The first mail route from Erie to Pittsburg was established in 1801. Four
years later the mail carrier visited Butler ever} two weeks, and subsequently
once a week. The mail was carried on horseback for main years, and it is said
tin' mail was often so small as lo he easily stowed away in the pockets of the
canier. The mail pouch was thrown across the back of the carrier's horse, but
later lw<> horses were needed, and finally a horse and wagon became necessary to
transport the increasing correspondence. In lSlSa semi-weekly mail was estab-
lished through Butler, from Pittsburg to Erie; a tn-wceklv in 1824, and a daily
in h'sl'T. The stage coach came In 1821, and the mail Was carried by the stage
lines until the advent of the first railroad in 1871.
The following list of postmasters of Butler, with dates of appointment, was
obtained from the postoffice department, Washington, D. C, and is therefore
authentic-. William B. Young, October 1, 1805 ; |ohn Potts, JuL I,1807;Will-
*-t
c^d^
BUTLER BOROUGH. 32 1
iam Gibson, Decembers, 1813; Jacob Mechling, Jr., April I, 1816; James 1'.
Howard, February Id, 1817; John Gilchrist, January 24, 1824; Peter Duffy,
December 10, 1830; James Potts, December 1, 1832; William B. Lemmon, ]ulv
1(), 1841; David A. Agnew.May 16, 1845; Joshua J. Sedwick, March 26, 1849;
Daniel Coll, April 28, 1853; Joshua J. Sedwick, June S, 1861, re-appointed
March 2, 1867; Frank M. Eastman, April 21, 1869; Thomas B. While, April
3, 1871, re-appointed March 15, lN7-~>: Sallie A. Robinson. March ;.'7, 1879,
re-appointed June 26, 1883; Frank M. Eastman, May In, 1888 ; John T. Kelly,
May 20, 1892.
The letter carrier system was introduced in 1890, by the appointment of five
carriers and one substitute, and it is still in successful operation.
PIONEER MERCHANTS.
The first merchant was fohn Potts, who continued in business until bis death,
in 1838, except when representing his constituents in the General Assembly.
His store was located on the southeast corner of Main and Cunningham streets.
Maurice and John Bredin kept store on the south side of the Diamond about
1820. David Dougal had a small store on a lot which he purchased at the first
sale in 1803. Then there were William Purviance and Samuel Hill, on the south
side of the Diamond, which seems to have been the center around which the
business houses of early times clustered. Adam Funk was also a pioneer mer-
chant. Walter Lowrie did business at the west end of the square. He was suc-
ceeded by John Sullivan about 1827, who carried on a business until 1831, when
Clark McPherrin succeeded him. Robert and James Cunningham appeared
about 1832. Their store stood on what is now the site of the Butler County
National Bank.
John and Peter Duffy were also among the merchants on the Diamond, hav-
ing commenced business as early as 1823. In 1840, when John Duff'v became an
associate judge, he retired from the mercantile business. The store was carried
on by his brother Peter till 1863, when bis eldest son, Charles, succeeded him.
and is still a prominent merchant.
Oliver David opened a store about 1828, on the Diamond, and subsequently
on South Main street, and it was Continued in succession through the firms of
David iV Lane, David & Campbell, and others, when it ceased. Daniel Coll,
another old time store-keeper, carried on business on the corner of Cunningham
and Main streets from about 1830. William Hagerty was an early merchant on
Main street, as were also Harry Mitchell and Parker & Donnelly, whose place of
business was on the site of Stein's dry goods store. James Frazier and Jonathan
Plummer conducted a store opposite the Lowry house at quite an early day.
In 1835 William Campbell, Esq., engaged in general merchandise, going in
partnership with his sons, James Gilmore and William, under the firm name of
William Campbell & Sons. At the end of ten years the father retired, leaving
his sons in control of the business. They continued as J. G. & W. Campbell,
when some years later they changed the general character of the business to farm-
ing implements and hardware. This store is still carried on by the grandsons of
its founder. .
32 2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
James Campbell, who married a daughter of Oliver David, one of the old-
time merchants, became his partner, and the firm was known as David & Camp-
bell. When the senior member retired the firm was changed to Campbell & Yct-
ter. Finally Campbell retired and went to Allegheny, whence, after being engaged
in business several years, he returned to Butler and died. He bore no relation to
the family of William Campbell. Sr. Mr. Campbell accumulated a handsome
competence through the mercantile business.
In early days the hatting business was regarded as very important. The first
hatters were John and Robert Gilchrist, who carried on the business on Main
street for many years, commencing early in the twenties. Isaac Colbert began
the manufacture of hats in Butler township in 1835, and the following year
moved into the borough, where he carried on the business until his death, in 1ST-.
His sons. William R. and Harvey, followed the same business.
Thomas Stehle and John Berg. Sr., may also be classed among the early
merchants. The former came to Butler in 1832, and for more than fifty years
was successfully connected with the mercantile growth of the town. Mr. Berg
came here in 1835, and was one of the prominent business men of the borough
until his- death, in 1884, and the founder of the banking house of John Berg &
Company. His brother, Herman J. Berg, who is yet a resident, was associated
with him in business for several years.
houis Stein and Bernard Roessing opened a general store in the spring of
1840, and the linn of Roessing & Stein carried on business for more than thirty
years.
Anthony Rockenstein came in 1811, and opened a merchant tailoring estab-
lishment. The tailors prior to him were John Welsh. James Glenn, Mark
McCandless and David A. Agnew.
Another successful merchant of this period was William S. Boyd, afterwards
the founder of Springdale. He first commenced business as a druggist, on the
Diamond, but early in the forties started a dry goods store on the corner of Jef-
ferson and Main streets, which he carried on for a quarter oi a century. He
erected the first three-story brick block in Butler, laid out Springdale. ami pos-
sessed commendable enterprise and public spirit.
Joseph McQuistion was one of the pioneer shoemakers of the town, and in
1840 Philip Bickel and Adam Schenck opened a shoe shop on Jefferson street.
Francis X. Grieb opened a jeweler's shop in 1849, and three years later pur-
chased the property on North Main, now owned by his widow, remodeled the
building and established the lirst regular jewelry store in the borough, which he
carried on until his death, in 1865. His son, Henry, has since conducted the
business.
T. J. Sedwick was one of the pioneer harness-makers, and later came William
Criswell. Maj. George W. Reed and others indifferent linesof trade who deserve
mention among the early business men, but in the absence of records and the
lapse of years, their names have laded from the memories of the present gen-
eration.
The early stores of Butler bear no comparison with those of to-day, which
are magnificent in their internal arrangement and equipment, and well tilled with
BUTLER BOROUGH. :!-.:.
all kinds of goods in their line. Their show windows, in the taste displayed in
their trimming, are bazaars of beauty under the brilliant glare of electricity which
attracts the admirationof street pedestrians. The early merchants had to exchange
their goods for "country produce" and peltries, as money was rare anil seldom
seen ; the merchants of to-day would be dumbfounded if they were suddenly
transported back to the primitive times of eighty years ago, when cash registers
and " change railroads'' were unknown in the transaction of business.
OLD TIME INNKEEPERS.
Brackenridge in his reminiscences informs us that when he came to Butler
in the winter of 1S03-4 there were only two taverns in the village. He does not
give us the names of those who kept them, but at the February sessions of the
court for 1804, he says that licenses were granted to William Ayres and James
Thompson to keep public houses. As he was clerk to the prothonotary his
statement should be good authority. We therefore infer that these two were the
first regularly authorized landlords.
Evidentlv the outlook for the tavern business was considered good at that
time, for at the May term following licenses were granted to John Moser,
Robert Graham, George Bowers, and William Brown, to keep public houses.
Thus, in the second year of its existence, Butler had six taverns.
From that time to the present there have been many persons engaged in the
business. The names of all have not been preserved, but many have, and it ma\
revive old memories of the past to recall some of them. Among the oldest maj
be mentioned Adam Funk, who kept a primitive log tavern facing the Diamond.
for which he got a license in 1805. In his house, it is said, some of the early
sessions of the court were held. Facing the square from the north — near where
the Park Hotel is now located — was the famous public house of early times kept
by Patrick Kellv. A statelv buck, with branching antlers, was conspicuously
painted on the sign, and the tavern was known as "The Buck." It was famed
for good cheer and superb Irish whiskey. Kelly was a noted host, a gentleman
of polished manners, faultless in dress, and unexcelled as an entertainer. His
house was a favorite place for the militia — and often while drilling the company
would suddenly adjourn to allay their thirst. In him the}- found a soldier in feel-
ing as well as appearance, and always fared well at his bar. Political meetings
were held at The Buck, state questions were discussed, and amusing incidents
were of frequent occurrence.
David Scott, founder of what is now known as the Arlington, was a noted
character in his time. His sign bore a Rising Sun in all the radiance of beauty.
Noted for his kindness of heart, his guests sometimes took advantage of him. ( )r>
the 4th of November, ls:20, he suggested to some of his non-paying guests that
his patience was exhausted, and if tliev did not come forward and settle he would
be compelled to try the efficacy of Justice Campbell's court. He says :
I will give no longer indulgence to those who have flattered me. They wished to
throw a penny in my road; but alas! they threw my whiskey down their throats and
324 HISTORY OF r.l/TLEK COUNTY.
have not thrown the penny yet. But it is not too late to do well; if you throw, I will
receive: if you will not comply with these terms, I will put costs on from six and one-
fourth cents and upwards.
There is nothing to show how this influenced the debtors, beyond a stronger
notice, which appeared in 1823-24, reminding those who swallowed his whiskey
to come up like men and pay for it.
Scott was succeeded by Abraham M. Xeyman. The latter, with his son
Thomas, was killed by the falling of a tree April 12, 1827, and John Gilcnrist,
the postmaster, succeeded to the tavern in that year. Samuel Marquis followed.
and George Derr came next and he made some radical changes in the sign by-
having bis own name painted on it in German letters. In 1828 it appears that
there were only seven taverns in the town, a gain of but one since 1804. Deri-
was succeeded by Tohn Michael Zimmerman about 1838—39, and he by William
Vogelev. This was in 1847-48 and the old Rising Sun came to be known as the
Vogeley House, and the new proprietor kept it for upwards of twenty years. After
his death William H. Ensminger, Jacob Fiedler, George W. Campbell. Beck cc
Fauble, and C. Snodgrass, were lessees. In July, IN1.):!, the house was purchased
from Mrs. William Vogeley by Capt. Herman Liebold, and in the spring of 1893
Mr. Liebold took charge and changed the name to The Arlington.
Returning to the Diamond, we note the Mansion House, which was erected
by Abraham Brinker soon after the town was laid out'. It was a log building,
stood on the site of the Citizen and Record offices, and was a noted landmark
for many years. He was granted his first license in 1805. Mr. Brinker kept the
Mansion House until 1809, then sold it to Jacob Mechling, and removed to a
farm on Bonny Brook, where he erected a grist-mill and carding-mill. Captain
Brinker commanded a company in the War of 1812. He was noted for his polite
manners and accommodating disposition.
His successor as landlord of the Mansion House, Jacob Mechling, was a
representative man of bis time, always neatly dressed, very polite, and honest
and careful in business. His wife was a favorite with the juveniles of the twen-
ties, as she had the kind habit of giving them large pieces of molasses taffy on
every recurring Christmas day. His old account book, beginning with the year
1810, which has been preserved, contains charges against many of the pioneers
and the leading residents of that time. It is in the handwriting of Mr. Mechling,
and is a curious and interesting relic.
It was at the Mansion House where Lafayette tarried during his memorable
visit. June 1. 1825, while en route from Pittsburg to Erie and Canada. Here he
dined, and met the leading citizens of Butler, who came in large numbers to bid
him welcome. The occasion was one long to be remembered, and marked an
epoch in the history of the borough. The Butler Sentinel of fune 4. 1825,
describes the visit and ovation in these words:
On Wednesday last General Lafayette, on his way from Pittsburg- to Erie, passed
through this borough. On the evening preceding, a meeting of the citizens was held in
the court house and preparations made for receiving and accommodating him in a suit-
able and respectable manner. A committee of six was appointed, of whom two were to
go out to meet him and escort him into town, two to prepare necessary accommodations
BUTLER BOROUGH. 325
for liis entertainment while here, and two to accompany him as far as Mercer. ( In Wednes-
day morning two triumphal arches were erected, one in each end of the town, decor-
ated with laurel and other evergreens, and on the summit of which were hoisted Ameri-
can flags. From the center of each arch was suspended a tablet with " Welcome Lafay-
ette" in large and legible letters and encircled with wreaths of flowers and roses. When
it was ascertained that the General was near, the citizens of the borough, with a numer-
ous concourse of people from the surrounding vicinity, who had assembled to get a sight
of the " Nation's Guest," formed in regular order and marched to the southern extremity
of the town; here arranging themselves in single file, on each side of the road, they
waited his approach and greeted him as he passed; after which they turned in and
marched in regular procession after the carriage, up the main street to the public
square. The General alighted at Mr. Mechling's inn. where a sumptuous entertainment
was prepared for his accommodation. After dinner he walked out among the people,
and was introduced to all, indiscriminately, who requested that honor.
The General appeared highly pleased during the short time he remained, and, being
introduced to some old Revolutionary soldiers who had shared the toils and perils of the
Brandywine battle with him, it is said that he distinctly recollected their features, and
conversed familiarly upon subjects that transpired at the battle. On taking his leave,
he bid them an affectionate adieu, and exclaimed, "Farewell, my friends, this is the last
thia you will xi, in, ."
He stayed but a short time, but it is presumed, that during his stay he shook hands
with not less than four hundred people. About four o'clock he departed, carrying with him
the good wishes of the multitude, and was escorted by the committee of arrangements.
He arrived in Mercer about one o'clock next morning.
One of the first taverns was built by William Brown on the site of Miss
Sarah McQuistion's residence. South Main street, her house being the rear part
of the original building. Brown was granted a license in May. 1804, and ran the
business until succeeded by Samuel Marquis and Rudolph Kelker and John
Michael Zimmerman. Bennett Dobbs came later, and converted it into a tem-
perance house, the first in the town. His oval sign in front of the tavern bore
a hideous hydra-headed serpent, with blond-shot eves and darting tongues,
intended to illustrate the poisonous effects of intoxicants, and the evil tendencies
of the toper. The old building was finally purchased by John Negley, and the
front portion torn down. The Herald was published in the part yet standing
from 1855 to 1858, by Joseph 1'. Patterson, and his successor, John H. Negley.
The site of the Willard Hotel was dedicated to tavern purposes early in the
century, when a log building was erected there, and a place of entertainment
opened. We have been unable to learn the name of its first landlord, but Jacob
Brinker, son of Abraham Brinker, erected the old brick building more than sixty
years ago, and carried on the house a long period. He inherited the patriotic
spirit of his father, and took a deep interest in military affairs, but was unlike
him in personal appearance, being a large, stout man. It was afterwards kept
by John Pollock, and in 1848 was purchased by John Michael Zimmerman, and
the name changed to Pennsylvania House. The sign was a stage coach drawn by
four dashing steeds. The new proprietor conducted it till lSGs, when he sold ii
to Benjamin Jack, and he carried it on till his death, in ls77. Robert Barron
then bought the property and ran the house a short time. It finally came into
the possession of W. J. Reining, who remodeled and rebuilt the structure, using
a portion of the old building. His widow still owns it.
526 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The Black Horse was a noted hostelry at one time. It stood on the corner
of Cunningham and Main streets, and was owned by Patrick Hagerty before
1826. His son-. William and Alexander, were also identified with it. How long
they kept it cannot now be determined with accuracy, but in course of time it
passed away, and the substantial Reiber block now marks the spot where it stood.
Another of the famous taverns of what might be called the intermediate
period, was the Beatty House, founded by William Beatty, also one of the lead-
ing men of his day and generation. This house, which stood on the site now
occupied by the Troutman Block, was in the full tide of successful operation as
early as 1828. The sign was a magnificent American eagle, with extended
wings, surrounded by thirteen stars, copied from the device on the silver coins of
the period, and emblematic of liberty. In some respects '-The Eagle" was the
leading public house of its day. The stages stopped there, prominent visitors
" put up" there, and it was Democratic headquarters for many years. Count
Leon and his retinue of titled dignitaries, when on their way to Economy in
1832, were guests of The Eagle over night. It was a well regulated and well
governed house. Mr. Beatty would allow no disorderly characters about. He
would stand behind the liar, which was easily seen from the street by all passers
by. and wait upon his customers. There were no stained glass windows or doors
to hide them from view in those days. He represented the district in Congress,
and was noted for his firmness and tenacity of purpose, dignity, and high integrity.
He died in 1851.
In 1848 Mr. Beatty sold the hotel to Jacob Reiber, and in 1850 Col. Alex-
ander Lowry became the owner and conducted the house until 1863, when he
sold it to Benjamin Jack. Previous to coming here Colonel Lowry had kept the
American House, Hollidaysburg, for rive years. He is now the oldest living
representative of the old time landlords of Butler. It is only within the last few
years that this famous hostelry was removed and another landmark swept away
by the ever rolling wave of progress.
More than seventy years ago a log building, afterwards clapboarded, stood on
Jefferson street . near the corner of Main, which was dedicated to tavern purposes as
earlv as 1820 bv Col. Francis McBride, and known a- the United States. A frame
addition was afterwards erected on the corner. Iu the earliest days of its exis-
tence it is related that occasionally two or three deer, pressed by hunger, would
come up the path from the thickets in the hollow below, and peer through the
small windows at the guests seated at the table. A few scraps were thrown the
shy denizens of the forest, which they greatly relished, when they gracefully
glided back to their native fastnesses.* This story serves to illustrate the pristine
condition of the town at that day, as well as to show that deer had not then
learned that man was their most deadly foe.
Marcpjis & Kelker then leased or bought the property; Benjamin Niblock
was afterward proprietor, and in IS Id Samuel M. Lane became the owner. lie
was succeeded by Martin Reiber, whose brother Jacob conducted the house until
'Thomas Mechling, born in 1816, in tile Mansion House, says that he has seen wild deer, when he was a boy,
run across the Diamond.
BUTLER BOROUGH. 327
the lot and improvements were sold to II. Julius Klingler in 1849, and lie ran it
until 1852, when he tore away the old log and frame building and erected the
first three-story brick hotel building in the borough. In 1864 Mr. Klingler .sold
to 1'lummer Jack, who, after keeping it a few years, sold to Col. Alexander
Lowry, who gave it the name it now bears, and with his son, John F. Lowry,
carried it on several years. Other parties also were connected with the house,
when Lowry sold to Cross & McOmber. In a short time they resold to Lowry.
He then built an addition to the house, and in 1890 sold the property to Thomp-
son & Brown. These parties built another addition and made improvements
involving a total expenditure of about $20.< X >l >. It is still called the Hotel Lowry,
is ample in size and modern in style. Messrs. \Y. ]. McCafferty and I). F. McCrea
are the lessees, and took charge of it August 1, 1V'.I4.
Much more in the way of reminiscence might be said about the old-time tav-
ern keepers of Butler, but the foregoing must suffice. Since their time great
changes have taken place in the method of doing business. The name " tavern,"
is no longer applied to a public house ; such places are now only known as hotels.
And in their equipment and style they are far superior to those of fifty ami sev-
enty-five years ago, but it is doubtful if there is any more good cheer dispensed
to-day, or a guest received with more genuine cordiality, than he was by the inn-
keepers of old.
In the transition from the tavern to the hotel, Butler has not suffered. Her
modern hotels have kept pace with the improvements of the town, and take rank
with those of cities of larger and more pretentious conditions and surroundings.
They are enumerated as follows: The Lowry, Willard, Arlington, Park. Butler,
VVaverly, Wick, and last but not least, the Nixon Home.
SUBURBAN GROWTH.
What is known as Springdale, or the First ward, lies in the southeastern part
of the borough, and is an attractive district especially for private residences.
The Connoquenessing creek separates it from the older portion of the borough.
As a suburb it, was laid out in 1N72 by William S. Boyd, who purchased a farm
of 15D acres — which included the greater part of Springdale proper — from Sheriff
McBride in 1839. Originally the land was a portion of a large tract owed by
John McQuistion, whose primitive log house was built at an early day where Mr.
Boyd afterwards erected his residence.
Before laying out Springdale, however, Mr. Boyd purchased of Mrs. Mackey
thirty-seven and a half acres lying between his first purchase and the town, and
leaving her a piece of land on the Freeport road, between his purchase and the
Connoquenessing. It was his intention to lav out a separate village, but the
land being included in the borough boundaries in 1871, the allotment became an
addition to Butler. Many comfortable dwellings were erected by Mr. Boyd,
between 1872 and 1S74. and about one-half of them were sold. In 1873 he put
up a large building opposite his residence for a temperance hotel, and. in 1^74,
Springdale Hall. After the subsidence of the first oil excitement it could no
longer be carried on profitably as a hotel, and it was used for other purposes,
serving in 1880 as a young ladies' seminary. The building is three stories in
328 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
height, handsome in design and spacious. For many years it was used by a large
and well conducted mission Sunday school and also as the headquarters of the
first Y. M. C. A. in Butler Afterwards it was transformed into a private resi-
dence and is now occupied by Harvey II. Boyd. Mr. Boyd died on Septem-
ber 8, 1884.
Within recent years Springdale has grown rapidly and now contains some of
the handsome homes of Butler. The residents are justly proud of its picturesque
and healthful surroundings and pure water supply7, and never fail to point out its
advantages for the location of quiet homes.
Institute Hill is an eastern suburb, built upon an elevated plateau and deriv-
ing its name from the Witherspoon Institute, erected there in 1S77— 7s, though
the addition had been platted several years before, The land was owned origi-
nally by Archibald McCall and the heirs of Stephen Lowrey. The former built
the old part of the Orphan's Home for a summer residence, while opposite were
the lands of Mrs. Sarah Collins and her daughter. Mrs. Valeria Evans, who sold
it to the parties who laid out the tract in town lots. On the latter is located the
old Catholic cemetery, and here was built the first Catholic church in Butler.
Duffytown is a western suburb, and had its inception in June, 1885, when
Charles Duffy sold the first lot. Soon after he employed James Dunlap to sur-
vey the addition, which finally included 300 lots, nearly all of which have been
built upon. Duffvtown is a desirable location and bids fair to have a steady and
substantial growth.
CHAPTER XXII.
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED.)
Churches, Religious Societies and Charitable Institutions — Presbyterian —
United Presbyterian — St. Peter's Catholic — St. Paul's Catholic — St. Peter's
Protestant Episcopal— St. Mask's Lutheran— English Lutheran — Grace
Luther an — Methodist Episcopal — Baptist— St. Paul's Reformed — Bethany
Reformed — Church of God- Free Methodist — Bible and Other Societies — St.
Paul's Orphan Home.
THE Presbyterian church is the oldest congregation in Butler. The records
of the church, however, post-date its organization twenty years and the
settlement of Presbyterians here by at least thirty-three years. In 1836-37 Rev.
Loyal Young, acting on instructions of the .Synod of Pittsburg, compiled an his-
torical sketch of the origin and growth of the local church down to 1833. This
sketch forms to-dav the introduction or preface to the minutes of the session, and,
as stated by Mr. Young, is " as accurate as any data, in possession of the writer,
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 329
will admit." A few years before the close of the Eighteenth century, there were
found among the settlers within the hounds of what are now called Butler and
Concord congregations, a few individuals who, though ridiculed by the world,
maintained the domestic ami social worship of God and were members oi the
Presbyterian church, though not yet regularly organized as a congregation.
Among these were James McCurdy, John Lorimer, Alexander Hamilton and
Andrew Christy, who met every Sabbath in the capacity of a prayer-meeting.
They met in their own dwellings, the distance between the extremes of their four
homes being twelve miles. It is thought that Rev. Mr. Gwinn was the first
minister of the gospel who preached to them, in the fall of 1797. Rev. Mr.
Moorehead preached here in 1798, and he was followed by Revs. Samuel Tait,
William YVylie, Robert Lee, Mr. Cummins, John Boyd,Elisha McCurdy, Joseph
Stockton, Mr. McClear. and perhaps some others. These men preached during
the season of the " Bodily Exercise," which prevailed throughout the country,
and to some extent in this place, particularly in 1808 and 1804. The gospel was
now preached, for the most part, at Thorn's tent and Russell's tent — the former
within the bounds of Butler congregation, near the house where William Kearns
resided (in 1837), and the latter was within the bounds of the Concord con-
gregation.
The church of Harmony was organized in 1805, by Rev. John McPherrin, with
William Neyman, Mary Neyman, Alexander and Rachel Hamilton, Robert and
Sarah Graham, James and Margaret McCurdy. Robert and Prudence Thorn,
James and Catherine Moore, Peter Peterson, James Roy, John Roy, and Richard
Miller. The new congregation had been called Thorn Ridge congregation, then
Salt Spring congregation; but at organization was called ''Harmony," with
house of worship five miles north of Butler. When the first sacrament was held
Rev. Samuel Porter assisted Mr. McPherrin.
On April 7. 1813, Rev. John McPherrin was installed pastor of the churches
of Butler and Concord by the Presbytery of Erie. He began preaching in the
court-house at Butler, to the newly organized church of this borough, devoting
three-fourths of his time to it and giving one-fourth to the church at Concord. In
1815, a stone meeting-house was erected, on the site of the present building, and
in it the pioneer preacher held regular services until his death, February 10. 1822.
In the fall of 1814 the movement to erect a house of worship was inaugu-
rated. On December 1:2, of that year, Rev. John McPherrin, William and John
Neyman, James McCurdy, John Gilmore, Alexander Hamilton, David Mcjun-
kin, Robert Thorn, William Beattv. Robert Scott. Andrew Spear, John McQuis-
tion and James Martin, signed a document binding themselves to pay the
trustees whatever balance might remain due the contractor. John Xeyman, John
Potts, and William Campbell were chosen trustees, and to John Xeyman the
contract was awarded for $1,500.
Rev. John Coulter was ordained and installed pastor of the united churches
of Butler, Concord and Muddy Creek September 10. 1823, — giving one-half his
time to Butler. In the spring of 1833, he resigned the Butler charge, and in July
of that year Rev. Loyal Young commenced preaching at Butler, and was
ordained pastor, December 4, 1833. He found on the list the names ot 105
330 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
members. The ciders prior to that time were Robert Graham, Alexander Ham-
ilton and William Neyman ; while between 1833 and 1837, Robert Wallace,
lame- McCurdy, John Neyman, David Mcjunkin and Malachi Richardson were
enrolled among the elders.
The list of members in 1833, gives the following names: William Wright,
lane, his wife, Mary, Agnes and Daniel Wright, Joseph Wright and his wife,
Margaret, II. and Agnes Cunningham, James and Agnes Mitchell. Mary Coch-
ran, James and Margaret McCurdy. Rebecca Ann McCurdy, Peter, Peggy and
Betsy Peterson, Patrick Graham, Rosanna Martin, Rachel Scott. Robert and
Prudence Thorn. lane. Joseph and Sarah Thorn, John and Prudence Campbell,
Nancy Spear, Mary Neyman, John Thorn. John and Mary Neyman. William
and Priscilla Mcjunkin, John L. and Polly Maxwell, William and Mary Max-
well, Alexander and Rachel Hamilton, David and Elizabeth McElvaine, John
and Mary Pearce, John Pearce, Jr., Polly Black, Job and Mary Pearce, John
and Harriett Rowe, Mary Sullivan, Walter Lowrie, Robert and Sarah Carnahan,
David and pme Walker. James II. and Francis Graham, Dr. George Linn. Mary
Welsh, Barbara Peterson, William Brown, B. Grennis, Simon Marks. Robert
and Sarah Graham, Mary Graham, William and Jane Campbell, Martha Miller,
Silas Pearce, Oliver and Anne David, J. and Sarah Plummer, Elizabeth Conrad,
Abram Stevenson, Thomas Plummer (son of Nancy), Elizabeth Plummer (daugh-
ter of Nancy), lane Sedwick, John and Mary Smith, 'Mary Sumney, Margaret
1. Moore, fohn and Sarah Graham, Rachel Scott, Malachi Richardson, George
and Polly McCandless, Samuel. Isabel and Jane McCurdy, Priscilla Maxwell,
Elizabeth Purviance, Martha McCandless, Catherine and Sarah Ann Peterson —
deceased in Is:',:; — Polly Gilky, and Nancy Plummer (who belonged to Plain
Crove church), Robert Wallace. Andrew Mitchell and John and Jane Wait.
In 1823 when the second building of worship was suggested, Walter Low-
rie, John L. Maxwell, John Gilmore, Robert Scott, William Campbell and John
Sheridan were trustees. Ten years after, in 1833, the suggestion was carried out,
and $3,200 expended on a house tit to accommodate the large congregation.
A constitution was adopted June 30, 1823, and on the 8th of January, 1824,
the congregation was incorporated. The charter members were as follows :
Walter Lowrie, John L. Maxwell. John Gilmore, Robert Scott. William Camp-
bell and John Sheridan, trustees. A second charter was obtained in 1S54,
which is now the law of the church.
On November 29, 1833, John and Juliet Gilchrist and Elizabeth Patterson
were admitted members, and the next day Jane Campbell, Mary Campbell,
Martha Thorn, Rebecca Maxwell. James Maxwell. Samuel M. Lane and Robert
Stevenson were admitted. An incident of this session was the statement of
David Walker, "that he feared the cause of religion would suffer " in conse-
quence of having kept several persons at work oh his brick-kiln on a Sabbath in
September, 1833. He explained the causes and the session was satisfied, provided
the explanation would be read to the congregation the following Sabbath. The
absence of elder Robert Wallace from several meetings suggested an investiga-
tion in January, 1834. This action appearing to him to be too radical, led to his
resignation and his demand to be dismissed from membership. In September,
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 33]
1834, William Mcjunkin, Robert Thorn and Jonathan Plummet- were ordained
elders, and they, with Messrs. Hamilton, Graham, McCurdy and Richardson,
formed the board when the congregation was divided into seven districts, in Sep-
tember,1834. In December, celebrated resolutions against the theatrical meetings,
then held at Butler, were adopted, and the elders exercised the closest supervision
over members of the congregation, calling on many of them to confess and reform.
In 1836, the question of betting on elections was presented, and one member was
suspended because he -would, "under similar circumstances bet again." Walter
Lowrie became a member of the board of ciders that year ; while on January 20,
1839, David McElvaine and Thomas Welsh were ordained, Samuel M. Lane and
Oliver David, elders-elect, declining ordination. Henry M. Boyd, who died
August 4, 1845, and William Campbell, Sr., were chosen elders in De-
cember, 1841. From that period until April 15, 1846, Elders McCurdy,
Thorn. Graham, McElvaine, Welsh. Mcjunkin and Campbell were the active
members of the session, and gave close attention to the affairs of the church.
Record book. Number 2, closes on the last date given.
The second book of records begins with the session held October 1, 1845.
From that date until September 8, 1849, the style and nature of business vary but
little from that of the older record. On the last date given, the death of Robert
Graham (the last of the elders.ordained when the church of Butler was organized),
was recorded. In November, the new elders: — William Maxwell, William S.
Boyd, John Campbell and James Mitchell were ordained. 'In March, 1858,
Thomas II. Bracken. Dr. R. L. McCurdy and Samuel Martin were installed eld-
ers, they, with James McCurdy. William Maxwell, John Campbell, William
Campbell. W. S. Bovd, James Mitchell and Robert Thorn, forming the board of
elders. In December, 1858, Elders Boyd. Martin and Graham were appointed a
committee to secure a lot for a church building, south or southeast of Butler, tor
the accommodation of members living distant from the town in the direction
indicated. In January, 1859, the committee of elders reported that an acre of
land was secured from Joseph Robinson for twenty dollars, the location being
five miles southeast, on the Saxonburg road, and that funds for building to the
amount of $350 were on hand.
On June 24, 1859, the ruin caused by the great frosts of June 5 ami 1 1 was
recorded, and the last day of July was made one of fasting and prayer. In May,
1861, the session discussed temperance work. In October, 1862, the death of
Samuel Martin, captain in the One Hundred and Third regiment, was noticed. The
years 1862 and 18(53 are noted for the erection of a new church building.
April 28, 1868, Mr. Young's relation with the church was dissolved. Of the
large number of members, named in 1833, when he became pastor, there were
only seventeen on the roll, when he closed his pastorate, namely : Elder
McCurdy. Jane Thorn, Robert Thorn, William Maxwell, Mary Maxwell, John
Campbell. Betsev Martin, Priscilla Mcjunkin, John L., Maxwell, John Rowe,
Mary Sullivan. Robert Carnahan, Sarah Carnahan, Silas Pearce, Jane Sedwick,
John Graham and Sarah Graham. In all, there were 229 members enrolled on
the day the pastoral relations were dissolved. During his pastorate of nearly
thirty-five years, he preached in the bounds of the congregation 2,920 times.
332 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
besides deliveiing addresses at prayer meetings, funerals and other occasions,
lie married 203 couples and baptized nearly 7»'<> infants and about seventy adults ;
and during his ministry nearly 450 persons united with the church and several
revivals of marked interest occurred. Witherspoon Institute owed its existence
to him more than any other man. The work of calling the convention which
brought the school into existence, of preparing the charter, of raising money and
of starting the school, devolved principally upon him, and he was its principal
for a considerable period.
In May, 1868, Rev. W. 1. Brugh was stated supply. He was installed pastor
November 2, 1869, and resigned in April, 1871. On January 23, l^Tl', Rev. C.
II. McClellan was installed pastor. Three years later, George A. Black was
elected elder, ami was appointed vice-superintendent of Sabbath school — J. C.
Redick being appointed superintendent. In 1 > 7 7 . Elder Black was clerk of the
session, and continued in this position until April. 1881, when \V. I). Brandon,
the present clerk, signed the minute- for the first time. In l>-77. Mr. Brandon, J.
C. Redick, James I). Anderson. James Stevenson and George A. Black formed
the board of elders; and a year later, when Mr. McClellan resigned the pastoral
charge, several of them were active members of the board.
Rev. \V. T. Wylie accepted a call from this church in April, and was
installed pastor in June. 1879. The death of Elder Black is of record in the
minutes of lulv '.'. 1881, and the resignation of Mr. Wylie under date December
2;"), 1881. In June, 1S82, Rev. W. E. Oiler was elected pastor; in December,
W. D. Brandon was chosen superintendent, and Joseph S. Gray assistant of the
Sabbath school.
In September, 1883, Alfred Wick and John F. Anderson were elected elders.
The death of Elder Boyd was noticed in February, 1885. Some time in October,
1888, Mr. Anderson, choir leader, resigned, and Mrs. Emma K. Colbert was
chosen leader: while in November Messrs. Brandon and Gray were re-elected to
the positions in the Sunday school for which they were chosen in 1882. Resolu-
tions on the death of Rev. Loyal Young were adopted in December. 1890, but
beyond this the minutes, to the close of Book Number 3, March 3, 1892, deal only
with the ordinary affairs of the board of elders.
The fourth book opens with a record of the session of April 8, 1892. Rev.
W. E. Oiler, pastor, with Elders William Campbell, James Stevenson, J. C.
Redick, \Y. I). Brandon, Alfred Wick and John F. Anderson ; and Trustees W.
J. McKee, William Campbell. Jr.. E. II. Anderson. P. W. Lowry, J. E. Byers
and Ira Mcjunkin. January 1, IS1.):'., the elders-elect were Thomas B. White,
Robert A. White, I). L. Cleeland, Clinton B. Conway, Robert M.Anderson and
C. N. Boyd.
The list of 1833 shows 105 members. From the coming of Mr. Young to his
going, there were about 600 members admitted, the great majority on examina-
tion. The roll of members in November. 1890, contained no less than 544 names,
being an increase of 269 over the list of 18S2.
1 'he church was remodeled in 1863, and dedicated December 9, of that year,
when $643.50, were received, the collection being $263.50. R. C. McAboy was
then treasurer. The resolution to build was adopted June 14, 1862, when J. S.
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 333
Campbell, William Campbell and R. C. McAboy were empowered to enter
into a contract with S. G. Purvis for wood work and material at a cost of $2,725,
and with William Fowser, for stone and brick work and material, at a cost of
$1,700. The extras in the first case brought the sum up to $2,856, and in the
second, to $1,895. George Crozier, the painter, received $470, and other sums
made the total cost, $6,205.39.
The present church is simply an extension of that erected in 1862-63, the
work being accomplished in 1S74-7-"). With the exception of the court-house and
Jefferson street school, it occupies the finest site within the borough limits. Its
high, symmetrical spire springing from a central tower, gives to the rather plain
Gothic building an attractive appearance. The contract for the whole work was
awarded to John Martin and Malcolm Graham, on their bid of $11,771, but the
extras with repairs and painting brought the total expenditure up to about $16,000
before the close of 1880.
One of the most interesting features of the church is the Bible Class con-
ducted by Col. John M. Sullivan. It was organized under his instruction, February
5, 1888. and now comprises a class of fifty, consisting of professional and busi-
ness men. The youngest member is twenty-rive and the eldest sixtv-five years
of age. The class meets every Sunday morning in a separate room of the church.
The leader, who is a close student of the bible, is noted for his zeal in the work,
and his short lectures are always instructive, and exercise a healthy moral influence
over the minds of his hearers.
The church is in a prosperous and flourishing condition. The membership
in 1894 numbered 650, and there were 457 scholars in the Sundav school. The
superintendent, W. D. Brandon, i:- assisted by thirty-two officers and teachers.
United Presbyterian Church*. — This is the second oldest church organization
in the borough of Butler. At a meeting of the Associate Reformed Presbytery of
the Monongahela. held at " Yough Meeting House,'" June 25, 1804, a petition was
presented for " supplies of gospel ordinances " from the congregation of " Butler-
town." So far as any records that are extant show, this was the origin of the
present United Presbvterian congregation of Butler.
Doubtless the number represented by this petition was not large, for we
learn that very few persons had settled within the bounds of Butler county up to
1803, at which time the town of Butler was laid out.
It was during the fall of that year, and only a few months before this peti-
tion was presented, that the first houses were built in Butler. While we cannot
give the names or tell the number of these early petitioners, we may judge from
this one act something of their character. They were men and women who had
come from Christian homes — some of them from neighboring counties, as Alle-
gheny and Westmoreland, and some from Ulster and Caledonia across the sea.
They were brought up under the influences of the stricter sect of the Presbyterian
faith, who sought for themselves ami their children not only a home and a
fortune in the new land, but the privilege and blessing of the christian religion.
They must have pressed their petition very earnestly, and the Presbytery
•This history of the church was compiled from the Centennial discourse of the Rev. .1. s. McKee.
J 34 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
must have regarded Butler town as no unpromising field, lor the petition was
promptly granted and Rev. Joseph Kerr, a young man who had just been ordained,
was appointed to supply on the first Sabbath of August, 1804. It is presumed
that he fulfilled this appointment, and on that day ninety years ago the lir^t ser-
mon by a minister of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian church was preached
in Butler. As to the sermon we can only judge it by the record afterwards made
by the man who delivered it. For twentv-one years he served faithfully and suc-
cessfully a- pastor of St. Clair congregation, and at the time of his death lie was
pastor of the Second church, Pittsburg, and Professor in the Associate Reformed
Theological Seminar v.
It is evident that the congregation of Butler town was well pleased with the
young minister, for we find them three weeks after hearing the first sermon pres-
ent ;!t a meeting of Presbytery, either by commissioners or petition, asking " for
supplies of preaching." Again in the following spring a similar application was
made by the congregation of " Butler town."
In the statistical table submitted by the Presbytery on .May 15, 1805, we find
Deer Creek, Glade Run and Butler town all in Butler county, joined by a
bracket and marked by a sign which is explained at the foot of the page to mean,
"nearly ripe for a settlement."
The second sermon, so far as the record shows, that was preached to this
congregation was by another young man who had just been licensed. Rev. Mungo
Dick. lie was appointed to preach in Butler on the second Sabbath of July,
1805. At the following meeting of Presbytery Mr. Dick reported that he had
filled his appointment. September 3, 1805, the Presbytery " received a petition
from the congregations of Butler town ami Deer Creek praying to be united and
have as frecptent supplies of .sermons as can be afforded." This petition was
granted and these two congregations declared "one united congregation."
On April 9th of the following vear a call was presented from Butler and
Deer Creek addressed to Rev. Mungo Dick, the voting licentiate who had
preached for them during the previous summer. It was to the disadvantage of
Butler congregation that Mr. Dick had received other calls. For after due con-
sideration he decided to accept the call to another charge. Although disappointed
in securing a pastor the congregation of Butler did not become discouraged.
They continued to ask and to receive "supplies of gospel ordinances." The
statistical table of 1806 has Butler and Deer Creek marked, "ripe for settle-
ment."
On March 27, 1811, a call was laid on the table of Presbytery for Rev. James
McConnell from the congregations of Butler and Deer Creek ; but for some rea-
son the Butler branch of the charge did not prosecute this call, and it was returned
to the congregations without being presented. At this meeting a paper was
read '■ from the society of Butler praying for the dissolution of their connection
with Deer Creek and the establishment of a connection with Slippery Rock." The
Butler congregation with its new partner at once put forth an effort to obtain a
pastoral settlement, and on April 10, 1811, a call was presented from Butler and
Slippery Rock addressed to Rev. George Buchanan. But again the expectations
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 335
of this persevering society were doomed to dissapointment, for on presenting the
call to the candidate, "he would not accept."
Although the Butler society had been referred to from the beginning of its
history as a congregation, vet so far the records show it was not a fully organized
congregation until March, 1812, when Rev. David Proudtit, by appointment of
Presbytery, installed Thomas Dodds, and ordained and installed Hugh McKee,
as ruling elders in Butler congregation.
On June 25, 181;"), a call was presented from Butler and White Oak Springs
for Rev. Robert Reed, then settled at Erie. At a meeting of Presbytery held on
the 27th of the following September, after hearing Messrs. Hugh McKee and
Samuel Findley in support of the call, it was resolved by a unanimous vote that
it was inexpedient to translate him from Erie and Waterford toButler and White
Oak Springs. Again this persistent congregation was disappointed and made
dependent on supplies.
At length the prayers of this people were answered, and their persistent
seeking rewarded. On May 17, L819, Rev. Isaiah Niblock, a licentiate from the
Presbytery of Monaghan, Ireland, presented credentials, on the credit of which
he was received as a probationer under the direction of Presbytery. He was at
once given appointments in the vacant congregations, and preached at Pigeon
Creek, Mifflin, Harmony, Shenango, White Oak Springs, Brush Creek, and
other places. Xo record is given of a Presbvterial appointment to preach in
Butler, but it is learned from another source that he arrived in Butler two days
before Christmas, and preached in the court-house on the last Sabbath in the
year. It was a very boyish looking young man, with a slender form, a large
head, and intellectual face, that Stood before the Butler congregation. But the
sermon made such an impression on the minds of the hearers, that on May 5,
181'.), a call from the united congregations of Butler and White Oak Springs for
Rev. Xiblock was presented and accepted.
June Id, 181'J, at Robinson Run church, Mr. Nibltck delivered his trial dis-
course for ordination, which was well received. The next meeting of Presbytery
was appointed to be held in Butler on the third Wednesday of November, at
which time it was agreed that Mr. Niblock should be ordained and installed. It
was the 17th of November, 181'.), when for the fir.st time the Associate
Reformed Presbytery met in Butler. It was a meeting long to be remembered,
marking, as it did, an important epoch in the history of this congregation. There
were present : Revs. Matthew Henderson, John Riddel!, Mungo Dick, James
McConnell, Joseph Kerr, Moses Kerr, George Buchanan, Allan B. Campbell, A.
Craig, ministers, and John Drenman, John Orr, Hugh McKee and John Findley,
ruling elders. Mr. Xiblock was solemnly ordained and installed pastor of the
Butler and White Oak Springs congregations.
The congregation was small, two elders and nine or ten members, with a
few adherents, and Butler was a village of perhaps twenty houses; the country
around was thinly settled and only a small portion cleared for farming purposes.
There was no church building. Services were held in the groves, private houses,
and the court house.
The first communion service was held in the valley just south of the North
336 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
cemetery. It was the first service of the kind conducted by the young minister,
and the tirst time the congregation of Butler was permitted to receive the sacra-
ment at the hands of their own pastor. The occasion was a memorable event.
The young pastor entered at once upon the active work of his ministry.
The first couple he united in marriage was Mr. James Phillips and Miss Margaret
Allison, whose son, Zachariah Phillips, is still living. His labors, which involved
missionary tours, were arduous. Many interesting incidents in his ministerial
career might be related if space permitted. lie organized a Sundav school, but
the exact date is unknown ; but it was evidently the first held in Butler, for
while conducted by the Associate Reformed congregation, members of other
denominations were among its officers and teachers. In an old minute book is
the record of " a meeting of the congregation of the Reformed Associate church
held at the court house on Sabbath, the 11th of May, I*--), for the purpose of
appointing officers and teachers to superintend the Sabbath school. William
Ayres, Esq., was appointed president, ami Jacob Mechling recording secretary."
For siime years after the advent of Mr. Niblock the congregation labored
under the disadvantage of having no church building. For a time services were
held in the court house, but as other denominations met there, appointments often
conflicted. Arrangements were then made to hold services in the ravine below
the cemetery, where the first communion was held. Hugh McKee obtained per-
mission and the congregation hauled logs and put blocks under them, and on
these rough hewn pews they sat for hours listening to the word of life.
In 1824, a deed was given by Robert Campbell and Jane his wife to John
Potts in trust for the Associate Reformed church of Butler, for lot IMS on which
the church now stands. It cost fifty dollars. May 14, 1825, proposals were solic-
ited, by advertisement, for ''building a brick meeting-house." The contract was
secured by the Bryson Brothers ; the brick were made at the old race ground ;
the lumber was sawed at Moses Sullivan's mill ; and most of the stone for the
foundation was quarried by Mr. Warmcastle out of his father's lot. The glass
and nails were a donation from friends in Pittsburg, and the pine lumber for
sash and pulpit was obtained in the same way from Freeport. Thus was the
building erected. While it was wanting in architectural beauty, it was among
the best and largest church buildings in its time. It was an oblong square-cornered
brick building costing four or five thousand dollars. The ladies of the church
came nobly to the help of the pastor and building committee. Thev spun large
quantities of woolen yarn and flax which the pastor carried to Pittsburg and con-
verted to cash, with which he purchased necessary hardware and other finishing
material.
"The old church,'' savs Rev. Mr. Niblock, '•forms a distinct picture in my
mind. High up on the wall was the little old-fashioned red box pulpit with its
closed doors. The pews were large with doors to each ; and every seat was occu-
pied by one or more families. The gallery ran around the three sides of the
church, and was comfortably seated. The church was generally filled with wor-
shipers, and on communion Sabbaths, which were always high days, a large audi-
ence crowded the building to over-flowing."
In addition to the onerous duties of the pastorate, Mr. Niblock was appointed
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 337
county treasurer by the commissioners in 1826. At the close of the year we find
published a full report of his receipts and expenditures amounting to $5,785.23.
March 27, 1828, Mr. Niblock was married to Miss Rachel Alexander, and
she proved a helpmeet indeed to the young pastor, not only sharing his joys and
sorrows, his comforts and privations, but by her wise counsel, and hopeful, joyous
spirit opening the way out of many a difficulty, and lightening many a burden.
She was his almost constant companion in his pastoral visits, and her memory is
affectionately cherished by the older membersof the congregation and community.
After eighteen years of arduous service Mr. Niblock was, at his own request,
released from White Oak Springs branch of his charge, October 23, 1835. This
was due to ill health and inability to perform the duties of so laborious a charge.
In 1839 additional seating accommodations were required, and pews were placed
in the gallery of the Butler church at a cost of $153. In 1845 an arrangement
was entered into between the Butler and Union congregations by which a por-
tion of Mr. Nibloek's time was given to them. This arrangement continued
until 1853, after which this congregation became a separate pastoral charge. In
1840 the charter of the congregation was amended by reducing the number of
trustees from nine to three. Some time in 1851 a portion of ground south of the
borough, containing one and a half acres or more, was given by John McQuis-
tion to the trustees in trust for the congregation, to be used as a burying ground.
In 1858, the degree of doctor of divinity was conferred on Rev. Niblock by
Westminster College. That this honor was worthily bestowed is evident from
the estimate in which he was held in the community and throughout the church.
At the opening of the year 1804. Dr. Niblock, who had never been a very strong
man, began to show signs of failing health, being afflicted with a disease of the
throat. His last sermon was preached January 31, from I.Corinthians. 15:57.
On Wednesday afternoon, June 2'.), 1864. be peacefully entered into heavenly rest.
It is difficult to form a proper estimate of such a ministry, extending over a
period of more than forty-five years. During that time there was added to the
church at Butler, White Oak Springs and Union — the field of his pastoral labors
— about 1,100 members. The fifty-five families and 150 members which consti-
tuted the congregation of Butler at the time of his death by no means indicates
the ingathering to this congregation alone during his ministry ; for many families
had gone out to form neighboring congregations, and many more whose influ-
ence has been felt extensively in building up flourishing congregations in the
great west.
Dr. Isaiah Niblock, who was always noted for great zeal and earnestness in his
profession, was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in 1794; studied theology at
Glasgow, was licensed to preach in 1817, and came to the United States the same
year. Greatly honored and respected through life, his memory will ever remain
green in the hearts of those who knew him.
The congregation remained without a pastor for nearly two years, when Mr.
John Gailey, a licentiate under the care of Monongahela Presbytery, was called.
He was ordained and installed April 24, 1866. Soon after his installation the
question of either erecting a new church or enlarging the old one. was agitated.
It was finally decided to enlarge the budding, and July 25, IS67, the contract
338 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was given to S. G. and J. L. Purvis for $5,800. The work was completed during
the winter following. In 1 s7 1 an addition of twenty feet was made to the east
end of the church at a cost of about $3,000.
After a pastorate of nearly six years Rev. Gailey was released at his own
request, December 26, 1871, to accept a call to the Fourth United Presbyterian
church, Pittsburg. The congregation only remained without a pastor a few
months. Mr. George McCormick, of the Allegheny Presbytery, received a call
on March 27, 1872, the day of his graduation from the Seminary, ami he was
ordained and installed ( )ctober 22nd following. This pastorate was of short dura-
tion, lie resigned to enter upon missionary work in the far west, and was
released April 22. 1878.
A vacancy oi one year followed, when the congregation was fortunate in
securing the services of Rev. R. <i. Ferguson. He commenced his work July 1st
and was installed January 18, 1875. On July 8, 1884, he was released to accept
the presidency of Westminster College. During his pastorate of exactly ten years,
the congregation increased in membership from 195 to 231.
The present pastor, Rev. John S. McKee, was called July 29, 1S84, just
three weeks from the date of Dr. Ferguson's release. He began his work here
October 1st, and was installed January 20, 1885.
As the church increased in strength from year to year, the old house became
too small to accommodate the worshippers. As far back as 1878 the project of
building a lecture room had been discussed, but owing to depression in business
and other causes it had been postponed from time to time. A building fund,
however, had been started in the meantime and money collected with the view
of future improvement. As time wore on the old church edifice became greatly
dilapidated. To repair it would cost heavily and in the end it would be unsatis-
factory. Finally, on March 8, 1891, the matter was brought before the congre-
gation, and on the following Sabbath, after an interchange of views, it was unan-
imously voted to build a new church. A committee, composed of C. G. Christie,
J. F. Armstrong and J. L. Purvis, was appointed to prepare plans and specifica-
tions and look after the matter. -V piece of ground fronting fifteen feet on
McKean street and extending one hundred feet back, was purchased for $1,200,
in order to give more room. The plan as finally settled on was for a stone and
brick building in the Romanesque style of architecture, comprising an audience
room sixty-nine by seventy-six feet, with a lecture room forty-nine by fifty-four
teet. ( >n July '.), 1891 , contracts were made for the construction of a building to
cost a little over $20,000. Sunday, July 12, 1891, the last service was held in the
old building, and on the following Monday the pews were removed to Reiber's
Hall, and on the 20th the work of demolition was commenced and such progress
made that on August 12th the corner-stone was formally laid. December 27,
1891, the lecture room was occupied for the first time, the congregation haying
worshipped twenty-three Sabbaths in Reiber's Hall. The building was com-
pleted January 8, 1894, and on the 22d of February of the same year it was ded-
icated. Itpresentsa tine appearance both externally and internally, the acous-
tics are good, ami the total seating capacity of both rooms is about 1,200. The
cost, including fixtures, was $26,153.28.
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 339
The membership of the congregation has increased from 'J'-'A on October 1.
1884, to 449 in 1894. During this time 195 persons have been added to the
church on profession of faith, and 253 on certificate. In the .Sunday school there
are twenty-two officers and teachers, and 220 scholars. The Ladies' Missionary
Society has thirty-eight members, and the Young Peoples' Christian Union an
enrollment of eighty-five.
Si. Peters Catholic Church. — The first Catholic church in Butler was
erected by the English-speaking Catholics in 1822. It was the old St. Peter's,
was built of stone, and stood upon the hill in the eastern part of the borough,
where the old Catholic burial ground is now located. The building committee
were John Duffy, Norbert Foltz and William Hagerty, the last mentioned being
also the contractor. Prior to the construction of the church, Rev. Charles Ferry
came here in 1821, and organized the congregation. The first bishop to visit the
church was Francis Patrick Kenrick, of Philadelphia, in 1834, when it was dedi-
cated. It was superseded by the present German church, which was erected in
1849, on Franklin street. On the occasion of the laving of the corner-stone, Hon.
James Buchanan was among the strangers present. He was on a visit to Butler
at the time as the guest of Hon. William Beatty. The church was dedicated
October 14, 1849, by Right Rev. Bishop O'Connor, of Pittsburg. The old stone
chapel was taken down in 1853, and the English-speaking Catholics erected St.
Paul's church in 1866.
As early as January 15, 1829, Mrs. Sarah Collins deeded to the Right Rev.
Henry Conwell, D. D., bishop of Philadelphia, in trust for the members of the
old St. Peter's Catholic church, one acre and seven perches, together with right
of way from this land to the Butler and Kittanning turnpike. This deed was
granted for a valuable consideration and for the encouragement of the congrega-
tion in Butler to the trustee named and his successors in trust for St. Peter's
Catholic church. It was part of a tract called " Newry," patented by the State,
April 22, 1807, to Stephen Lowrev and bequeathed by him, November 29, 1821,
to his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Collins. The only reservation in the deed of 1829,
was that which preserved to her and to her heirs the right of burying, in the
Collin's tomb, deceased relatives by blood or marriage.
The instrument made May 2, 1834 by E. R. Evans, of Butler, and the Right
Rev. Francis Patrick Kenrick. of Philadelphia, sets forth the following interest-
ing facts relating to this church :
Whereas, Sarah Collins did grant to the members of the Holy Catholic church of
St. Peter, of Butler, a lot of ground near the borough of Butler, and whereas, on a sur-
vey made, the ground so granted to the members of said church was not large enough
and the said Sarah Collins had by deed dated the 2nd day of May, A. D., 1830, con-
veyed the whole of the balance of the tract of land, to which said grant belonged, to her
daughter, Valeria Evans, and whereas the said Valeria Evans and her husband. E. R.
Evans, in order to carry into effect the intentions of said Sarah Collins in making said
grant, did on the first day of September, 1830, enter into a parol contract with the mem-
bers of said church and give to said members a piece of ground adjoining said grunt on
the south and east on condition that the members would finish the chapel, already built
on the said grant of Sarah Collins, and should clear out and fence the whole of said land
given by Sarah Collins as well as that given by Valeria and E. R. Evans, and whereas
34° HISTORY OK BUTLER COUNTY.
such conditions were observed and that Valeria Evans died before a deed was made out
for. -.aid tract, I, E. R. Evans, on my own right, etc.. etc., forever quit claim to Francis
Patrick Kenrick, Bishop of Philadelphia, all rights, etc., all title, etc., the whole tract
within the fence, adjoining- lauds of said Valeria Evans on the east and south, lands of
Brinker and Bredin on the west, and an alley on the north, containing- two acres and
100 perches, and including what was granted by Sarah Collins as well as what was
granted by E. R. Evans and his wife, Valeria Evans.
Rev. Charles Ferry was pastor of St. Peters from 1821 to 1825; Rev. P. P.
O'Neil from 1826 to 1834. He was succeeded by Rev. P. Rafferry, who served
until 1837; then Revs. Gallagher and Joseph Cody up to 1840. Rev. John
Mitchell followed and was pastor until 1846. After him came Rev. Joseph Cree-
don, who served as pastor until 1848. For several years after this the Benedictine
Fathers had charge of the church and furnished pastors from time to time. They
were succeeded by the Carmelite Fathers, who remained in control until the fall
of 1880 when Rev. Jacob Rummelfanger became pastor. lie has served the con-
gregation for the past fourteen years. In 1889 the church was enlarged at a cost
of .$8,(100, and is now ample in size for the needs of the congregation, which
numbers about one thousand souls, and embraces a flourishing Sunday school.
.S7. Paul's Catholic Church. — On January 1, 1866, lot Number 147, in the
borougn of Butler, was deeded to the Right Rev. Bishop of Pittsburg, by Ellen
McKeown, Alice Schoonmaker, Mary Gillespie, Bridget Torbett, Anne Duffy
and Peter Duffy, the consideration being $450. This is the same lot which,
under legislative act of March 16, 1848, was conveyed by Bishop O'Connor to
John Duffy-, August 7, 184S, and bequeathed by said John Duffy in his last will,
dated February IS, 1862, to the grantees of January 1. 1866.
The erection of the church, which fronts on McKean street, was begun in
April, 1866, and in the month of February, in the following Near, it was dedi-
cated by Bishop Domenec, of Pittsburg, assisted by a large number of the
diocesan clergy.
The original members of this church were among the first Catholic settlers
of the county, and before the present church was built worshiped in St. Peter's,
which they in no small degree helped to erect. A strong tide of German Cath-
olic immigration to this place set in. and in a few years after, the original mem-
bers of St. Peter's found themselves largely outnumbered by the German ele-
ment. It was not long before a German priest was placed in charge of the
church, and ultimately it came about that nearly all the sermons ami instructions
were given in the German language.
Urged by this condition of things the English-speaking members determined
to build a church for themselves. The initiative in this work was taken by PSter
Duffy. He not only contributed largely to the erection of the chinch, but i^ave
the building ot it his personal supervision. The other members likewise con-
tributed according to their means.
The membership of St. Paul's, although at hist small, has been gradually
increasing. The first priest who assumed pastoral charge of the parish, was the
Rev. .Stephen M. A. Barrett. He came in February. 1SC>7. when the church was
dedicated, and remained about one year. Rev. Daniel Devlin, who succeeded
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 341
him, only remained thirteen months, when he resigned on account of illness, and
died soon after. Rev. Joseph Coffev, who followed in October, 1868, left the
following December. The next pastor was the Rev. James Nolan, who began
his labors in January, 1869, and was transferred in June of the same year toMc-
Keesport. He was succeeded by Rev. Francis J. O'Shea, who took charge of the
parish in June, 1869, and continued until March. \*~i'J. His successor was Rev.
Francis McCarthy, who remained only three months. Rev. Columba McSwee-
ney was the next in succession. He became pastor in July, 1872, and remained
till November. 1876, when he resigned on account of physical infirmities. Rev.
William Ambrose Nolan succeeded him, as missionary lector, and assumed
the pastoral charge November 111, 1876, and continued in that* relation until his
death March 27, 1891. Father Nolan was born in Ireland July 18, 1884. He-
was an active, public-spirited man, very zealous in his church work, and greatly
respected by the community. It was largely through his efforts that St. Paul's
Catholic Parochial school was established, and the new cemetery incorporated.
Father Nolan was succeeded immediately after his death by Rev. Daniel
Walsh, the present pastor. The church, which is neat and attractive, occupies
a convenient position on McKean street, opposite the old graveyard, where
repose the ashes of the first settlers of Butler. Its membership embraces about
1,000 souls, and its prosperity evinces harmony and zeal in the cause of religion.
Several societies and a prosperous Sunday school are connected with the church.
St. refers Protestant Episeopal Church. — Some time in 1818 the Rev. Jack-
son Kemper (afterwards bishop) visited Butler as agent for the Society for the
Advancement of Christianity in Pennsylvania, and held Episcopal services in the
parlor of Hon. John Gilmore, after which a number of children were baptized.
But it was not until lSl'4 that the Protestant Episcopal church of Butler was
organized. The first officiating minister was the Rev. Robert Ayres. and the
membership at that time consisted of but few families. When the first meeting
was held to organize and take steps toward the erection of a church building, the
members present in the court house were Hon. John Gilmore and wife, Hon.
John Bredin, Maurice Bredin, John B. McGlaughlin, James Bredin and wife,
Benjamin Wallace, Moses Hanlen, Samuel R. Williams, Campbell E. Purviance,
William Dixon, Samuel A. Gilmore, Tohn N. Purviance and wife, Mrs. Ann
Anderson, Miss Susan Bredin. Mrs. Hugh McGlaughlin. Mrs. Thomas Collins
and others. The Right Reverend John II. Hopkins, then rector of Trinity
church, Pittsburg, and afterwards bishop of the diocese of Vermont, presided.
The first matter of consideration after divine services was the procuring of a suit-
able lot of ground on which to erect a church. Judge Bredin proposed and did
donate a lot located on East Jefferson street, on which the building was finally
erected, and there the congregation have worshiped to the present time.
When subscriptions were solicited Bishop Hopkins contributed $100. and
others followed according to their means, when it was found that $1,000 had
been secured. This sum was deemed sufficient with which to begin the erection
of the building. It was at once put under contract. Prior to its completion ser-
vices were held in the court house, Rev. Ayres officiating as rector.
The first pastor of the new church was the Rev. M. P. Bonnell. He began
342 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
his work in 1S24, holding services for a time in the court house, and served about
three years. lie was succeeded by the Rev. William G. Hilton, who remained
about six years, when he resigned. Rev. Thomas Crumpton followed and served
about six months, when he was succeeded by the Rev. B. B. Killikelly in 1833,
who remained until 1837, when the Rev. William White, 1). I)., began his labors,
and continued until 1877, a period of forty years. He then resigned and was
succeeded by the Rev. Daniel I. Edwards, who took charge January S, 1878.
The latter remained until the 13th of April, 1.SS0, when he tendered his resigna-
tion to take effect June 1st, following. An interregnum of a few months fol-
lowed, when a call was extended to the Rev. Edmund Burke, who accepted, and
took charge as rector December 1, 1SS0. He remained until August 8, 1882,
when he was succeeded by the Rev. S. II. S. Gallaudet. He served as pastor
until 1884, when the Rev. John Landon came, and remained until August 30,
1891. On the loth of September, 1S92, he was succeeded by the Rev. Miles S.
Ilemenway, the present rector.
The total number of actual communicants, as shown by the report of 1894,
is 177; entitled to the communion as recorded in parish register, 198. During
the past year there was a total gain of tifty-one. The Sunday school has a mem-
bership of ninety, with ten teachers, and there are 100 volumes in the library.
The church property, including the rectory, is valued. at $9,000. It is contem-
plated to erect a new church on the site of the old building at an early date, and
as the location is commanding, the improvement will add much to the appearance
of this part of East Jefferson street. It is a source of some pride to the com-
municants of St. Peter's that their church is the fourth oldest in the dioce.se of
Pittsburg.
St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church is one of the oldest church
organizations in Butler. Official records of ministerial acts among German
Lutherans date from 1813. The first entry in the church book is the baptism of
Samuel Bernhard, son of Philip and Mary Margaret Bernhard, August 29, 1813,
by Rev. Jacob Schnee. This minister continued his missionary visits, preaching
occasionally in a carpenter shop, to the close of 1817, baptizing in the meantime
a large number of German residents.
Early in November, 1821, Bishop J. C. G. Schweitzerbarth, a scholarly
divine hailing from Stuttgart, Germany, took charge of the interests of Luther-
anism in this place, attending for a series of years from his headquarters in
Zelienople to eleven stations in Butler ami adjoining counties. He invariably
wore a clerical robe when on his ministerial journeys about the country. He
preached every four weeks in the old court-house, whilst for communion services
he availed himself of the courtesy of the United Presbyterian church. When lie
came here he found but six members. June 3. 1821, he first administered com-
munion to the congregation, having the day previous confirmed his first class of
catechumens and effected a preliminary organization. The officials chosen were
Jacob Mechling, John McCollough and John Henshew. In addition to these,
the first communicants were : Joseph Moser, Henry Young, Isaac Yetter,
Jacob Baht, Henry Steinmann, A. Buechle, Mrs. Elizabeth Shaner. M. McCol-
lough, Magdalena Henshew, Catherine Moser, Louise Brinker, Anna Young,
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 343
Mary Yetter, Elizabeth Traushu, Elizabeth Beselit and Mis-, Helen Henshew.
The catechumens were: Jacob Shaner, Philip Grub, I'eter Pflueger, David
and Abraham Henshew, Catherine Grub, Elizabeth Braun, Sarah Baht, Mary
Buechle, Elizabeth Henshew, Elizabeth McCollough and Magdalena Young.
Such was the beginning of semi-organized existence. Ten years later,
says Rev. E. Cronenwett, from whom these facts are gathered, steps were taken
to draft a permanent constitution, to secure a charter, and build a church. The
application to the legislature for an act of incorporation was signed November
25, 1837, bv the following council: T. C. G. Schweitzerbarth, pastor; facob
Mechling, Jacob Shaner, Jacob Walter, Isaac Yetter, Peter Nicholas. John Sar-
ver, David Henshew. Dr. Carl Eichholtz, John Dull, John Oesterling and John
Michael Zimmerman.
The charter became a law April 13, 18-41, and according to its provisions
the foregoing council, or their successors in office, are constituted a corporate
and body politic in law and in tact, to have continuance forever by the name,
style ami title. " The Ministers, Trustees. Elders and Deacons of the German
Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of St. Marcus Church in Butler."
In the meantime preparations for building the new church had steadily been
going on. It was to be of brick, forty by sixtv, with an annex of twenty-two
feet, with a basement of eight feet for school purposes, the whole surmounted by
a belfrv. The site was on the corner of Wayne and McKean streets, and I he
corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies July 8, 1840. It was
dedicated September 26, 1841, by the Revs. J. C. G. Schweitzerbarth, I). Roth-
acker, and II. Melsheimer, respectively the president, secretary and treasurer of
the '• Eastern Districts of the Evangelical Lutheran Toint Svnod of Ohio and
other States," of its sixth convention, then being held in Butler.
As the cost of the building was about $4,000, the members, then numbering
200 communicants, discovered that they had overestimated their financial strength,
and the church council got themselves individually into sore straits. To redeem
their personal property from attachment, as well as to save the church from the
hammer, they severally, after exhausting their own resources, made journevs else-
where to solicit aid. Sufficient success attended their efforts to tide the congre-
gation over t lie sorest need, and the church was saved. Prosperity began again
to smile upon the congregation. In 1847 a small organ was bought, and soon
after a burial ground was purchased.
The congregation originally hail among its numbers a sprinkling of Amer-
ican born people. Some of these, together with others, were, through Key. G.
Bassler, organized into an English Lutheran congregation on the 16th of Jan-
uary. 1843, and for a few years they held service in the German church. This
drew off the English element, and in consequence St. Mark's congregation
remained purely German. Bishop Schweitzerbarth's pastoral relation with the
congregation continued till April, 1 S 10 , a period of nearly twenty eight years.
During the latter part of this time Rev. Frederick Illiger was called, but after
serving a few months, he died March 23. 1848.
On the 8th of April. 1840, Rev. William A. Fetter became the first resident
pastor. He remained till the summer of 1863, when he removed to Millerstown,
344 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and died Julv 10, 1SG5. During the interval which ensued the congregation was
temporarily supplied by Rev. |. X. Wolf, and others, till January. 1864, when
Rev. G. F. II. Meiser was secured as pastor. During the time of his service a
comfortable parsonage on Wayne street was secured, and a large pipe organ for
the church purchased. Having received a call from another church Rev. Meiser
resigned and was succeeded in January. 1869, by Rev. C. II. \Y. Luebkert, lie
retired in 1>7<'>. when the congregation extended a call to Rev. E. Cronenwctt,
which was accepted in January, l>-77, and he has remained as pastor to the pres-
ent time, a period of over seventeen years.
The prosperity of the congregation as to its future development called for
the introduction of the English language in the public services: this was accord-
ingly done on Sunday evenings with gratifying results. The movement was
timely and marked the dawn of a new era in the congregation.
The debt of the church had gradually been increasing, while the building
erected in 1841 was becoming too small, as well as time worn. An effort was
made to cancel the debt, which proved successful, when the members made bold
to express their preference for a new building in a more desirable locality.
Accordingly, in the spring of 1S7K a spacious lot was secured on the corner of Wash-
ington ami Jefferson streets for $3,000. Preparations to build were at once set
on foot and the work progressed so rapidly that the cornerstone was laid August
IT). 1878, and t lie dedication of the new building took'place September 7, 1 ST'.'.
Rev. Meiser delivered the farewell address at the old church, and Revs. Cronen-
wett, Feldman, and Tranger, spoke in the new. The pastor led the dedicatory
exercises.
The style of architecture is mediaeval-Gothic, with corner tower and strong
buttresses. The material is brick with stone trimmings. The exterior dimen-
sions are fifty-eight feet across the front : extreme length. 100 feet. The basement
story, used for lectures and school room, is twelve feet high ; the auditorium
above has a height of eighteen feet at the sides and thirty-four feet in the middle
angle, exposing to view the ceiling timbers. The interior dimensions, including
the gallery, and arched recess, are forty-seven by eighty-eight feet. Although
becoming time worn, the building presents a stately appearence and attracts
attention. The inscription stone of the old church has been preserved as a relic,
and is inserted in the inner front of the new. The cost of the entire property,
site, structure, sheds, fencing, pavements, etc.. amounting to about $18,000, has
all been successfully met.
During the past sixty years St. Mark's Congregation, in addition to the usual
loss of members by death and removal, has suffered several more extensive drains
through branch organization of its membership. Out of it grew, in some measure,
the English Lutheran church, of l>utler ; then, largely, the so-called " White
Church," some four miles west; next an effort at an Evangelical church in town,
which turned out German Reformed, and then became extinct; and lastly, at the
close of 1870, the German Lutheran church of Summit township, some four
miles east. The territory of the congregation still extends in its extreme limits
from five to seven miles in all directions from Butler. At this writing (Septem-
ber 1, 1894) it numbers 550 communicants. The German Sabbath school, which
J?. J^^UC. J&.&
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 345
meets in the morning, has a membership of seventy-five, with George Schenck
as superintendent ; the English Sabbath school, which convenes in the afternoon,
has 175 members, with J. H. Troutman as superintendent, assisted by the requisite
number of officers and teachers. During the eighty years of its existence the
pastors of St. Mark's have baptized 1,875 persons ; confirmed 1,162 members;
married, 105 couples, and buried, 552 persons. In addition to his pastoral duties
in Butler. Mr. Cronenwett has charge of two chapels in the country — one east,
the other west — where lie tills appointments, alternately, Sunday evenings.
I-'irst English Evangelical Lutheran Church. — The first meeting of those
favorable to the organization of an English Lutheran church was held in the Ger-
man church of the same denomination on the 16th of January, 1843. At this meet-
ing Jacob Mechling served as secretary and Rev. Gottlieb Bassler as treasurer, and
the proposition was very fully discussed pro and con. It was finally decided to
enter into the movement, a church constitution was adopted for the guidance of
the organization, and at a subsequent meeting the first chifrch council was
elected, consisting of Jacob Walter. Sr., and John Negley, Sr., elders, and John
Dull, Jr., and Daniel Kreidler. deacons. Mr. Negley subsequently resigned and
John McCollough was chosen in his place. The officers were installed February
11, 1843, ami Rev. Bassler, who served as pastor, conducted the first sacramental
services June IS, following.
From a sermon preached by Rev. Enoch Smith, January 15, 1893. on the
occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the church, it is learned
that the constitution was signed by forty-five individuals, twenty-two male-- and
twenty-three females.
In 1848 the question of building a church was revived. Two offers of a
location were made — one by John Xegley and one by Michael Emerick. After
a full and fraternal exchange of views relative to the advantages of the respective
sites, it was resolved to accept the offer of Mr. Emerick. He gave the lot in fee-
simple upon which the church still stands (though now owned by the Reformed
congregation) and assisted largely in its construction. The building was begun
in 184'.) and completed and dedicated in September, 1850. For twenty-seven
years it served the congregation as a place of worship. In 1852 a charter was
obtained for the association and the future outlook was flattering. The labors of
Rev. Bassler covered a period of about eleven years, from 1843 to 1854, with a
brief interregnum.
Early in 1876 negotiations were entered into for the purchase of the property
of the Witherspoon Institute building, which is still owned and used by the
church. The changes and improvements made cost about $1,700, and the total
cost of remodeling anil purchase was about $7,700.
During the period of the Rev. Bassler's ministry the ordinance of baptism
was administered to fifty children and upwards of seventy adults. Among the
adult baptisms was that of an Indian who bad been convicted of murdering a
woman andseveralof her children. lie was known as Samuel Mohawk, and was
confined in the jail awaiting execution. During this time he was converted by
Mr, Bassler, his spiritual adviser, and the baptism was solemnized at the prison
February 28, 1844.
346 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
It was while Rev. Bassler was pastor, about a year after the organization of
the church, that the Pittsburg Synod was organized, and it was in Butler that
the preliminary conference was held for the purpose of making arrangements for
the organization of the Synod. The place ol meeting was in a little building mi
Washington street, which had originally Keen the jail, but which was at that
t ime a private dwelling.
Those who followed the Rev. Bassler as pastors of the church are sketched
by Mr. Smith in his sermon as follows: Rev. A. II. Waters labored here from
sometime in the year 1855 until 1861, when lie resigned and was succeeded by
Rev. |. II. Fritz, who remained a little over eight years. He resigned in 1869,
when the congregation was without a pastor for about ten months. On the 1 1th
of August, 1870, the Rev. L. II. Geshwind, who had been called, entered upon
his work.
Steps were taken during this pastorate to secure a better church, and some
subscriptions were made, but upon Rev. Geshwind's resignation in 1874, the
work was temporarily dropped. Again the congregation was without a minister
tor almost a year, when the Rev. J. Q. Waters was called. lie began his work
in 1 ul v . 1875, and continued it till August, 1884. Soon after taking charge the
question of securing a better and more desirably located church was again agi-
tated, and the result was the purchase of the plat of ground and buildings now-
owned by the church.
In November, 1884, Rev. Waters was succeeded by the Rev. I). L. Roth,
and he continued his work until October, 1888. Under his ministrations the
church became quite prosperous, but in the height of his usefulness he resigned
to accept a call to Albany, New York. He was at once succeeded by the Rev. G.
E. Titzel, who came the same month Rev. Roth departed, October, 1888. Rev.Tit-
zel served until November, 1891, and his labors were blessed with adding to the
congregation 1 10 members. When the latter retired he was succeeded by the
Rex. Enoch Smith, who served as pastor until his death May 22, 1894. On
November IS. 1894, Rev. D. L. Roth was again chosen pastor, and is the present
incumbent.
Grace Lutheran Church is a branch sanctioned by the General Synod, and
was established here in 1892. The Rev. Eli Miller is the pastor in charge. Serv-
vices are regularly held in a hall on West Jefferson street. Recently the congre-
gation purchased a lot on Mifflin street for $1,400, on which they propose erect-
ing a house of worship soon.
Methodist E piscopal Church — As nearly as can be ascertained the first soci-
ety or class of the Methodist church in Butler was organized about 1825. Among
the fust members were Andrew Sproul and wife, Bennett Dobbs and wife, David
Albright and wife, Mrs. Patterson, Mrs. John Negley. Elijah Burkhart, and
Caleb Brown, the first class leader.
In 1826, Rev. John Chandler was appointed as preacher in charge, at which
time Rev. William Swarzie appears to have been presiding elder of the district.
In 1827, Caleb Brown, the class leader of the preceding year, by the vote and
recommendation of the society, was licensed as an exhorter. and in the fall of
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 347
the same year was placed in charge of Meadville circuit as a supply, in place of
Rev. J. Leach, whose health had failed.
From 1S28 to ls:;o the records are missing. But from the organization it
was one of the regular appointments of the Butler circuit up to August '.), 1851,
when, by a vote of the quarterly conference, it was set off as a station, having
sixty-two members. George C. Roessing, John Millinger, Daniel Moser and
William Derrimore were elected stewards. It remained a station for only one
year, when it was again united witli Butler circuit.
The tirst church building was a plain, but substantial, brick edifice of one
storv, erected, as nearly as can be ascertained, about lSi'7, in the southwest part
of the town, on lot Number 67, purchased from John Xeglev, Sr. The consid-
eration was $125, and the deed was executed July 111, 1837, to William Stewart,
Andrew Sproul, Henry Carsner, lames McNair, John Wagley, Joshua J. Sed-
wick, Andrew Cams, John Howe, and James Miller, trustees.
January 26, 1833, James McNair and William Stewart were class leaders.
April 24, 1841, the membership was reported at seventy-nine. The Sunday
school in 1842 consisted of seven teachers and fifty scholars, and there were 306
volumes in the library. In 1813 the circuit was composed of eighteen appoint-
ments, with a total membership of 522.
The society had its misfortunes as well as its drawbacks. During the pre-
valence of a terrible storm April 19, 1856, a considerable portion of the brick
walls of the church were blown down, and about $1,000 was required to repair
the damage.
On the 15th of December, 1860, the Methodist Episcopal church oT Butler
was incorporated, George C. Roessing, Joshua J. Sedwick, Isaiah E. Thompson,
C. E. Anderson, and Lewis Z. Mitchell, being the trustees named in the articles
of association. From this time there has been a gradual increase in membership,
In 1805 Butler circuit was composed of four appointments, viz : Butler.
Brownsdale, Petersville and the Temple, which imposed much hard work on the
pastor in charge. To reduce the labor Butler appointment was set oil as a circuit
in the spring of 1867, with Rev. J. D. Legget as preacher in charge; James
McNair, local deacon; Thomas Huselton, S. R. Diefftnbacher, C. E. Anderson,
S. E. W. Thompson, and Jesse M. Jones as stewards, and S. R. Dieffenbacher
and C. E. Anderson as class leaders.
On the 5th of November, 1S6S. the church decided to erect a new house of
worship, as the congregation had become too large for the old building, and Rev.
Legget. Theodore Huselton, and C. E. Anderson were appointed a committee to
seleet a suitable site. After looking around for some time the present location,
on the corner of McKean and North streets, was purchased April 1, 1 S7-1 , for
$3,51 m t, and the old church property was sold for $2,500. Preparations were at
once made to erect the present brick church building, which was completed in the
spring of 1874, at a cost of $16,000. The furnishings cost $2,000. In 1882 the
church had a membership of 250 and aJlourishing Sunday school of 300 scholars.
Owing to the loss of some of the early records it is impossible to make up a
complete list of the ministers from the beginning, but from 1831 to 1894, the
appended statement is believed to be as nearly complete as it is possible to make
34^ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
it. The conference period docs not date from the beginning of the years, but
takes in or includes parts of two years. The list of ministers is as follows:
From 1831 to 1882, James Gilmore : 1832-34, William Carroll and Harry
Bradshaw; [834-35, Abner Jackson ; 1835-30, Abner Jackson, E.J. Remey,
and I). K. Hawkins; 1836-37, William C. Henderson and L. Whipple ; 1837-38,
J. McClean; L839-40, Peter M. McGowan ; 1840-41, Peter M. McGowan and
William Cooper; 1841, Joseph Kay and Janus Patterson; 1842, Joseph
Ray and Jacob S. Patterson: 1842-43, Peter M. McGowan and Jeremiah Phillips;
1843-44, C. C. Rest and G. M. Maurice (from 1844 to 1847 the records
are missing); 1848, J. K. Miller and P. Hamilton; 1850-51, Alfred G.
Williams and Samuel Baird ; 1851-52, A. <i. Williams and John (iil-
liland; IS52, A. (i. Williams, stationed as pastor; 1852-53, A. Huston
and W. A. Locke; 1853-54, A. Huston and J, 1). Knox ; 1854-55, James Bor-
bridge and R. Morrow ; 1855-56, the same ; 1856-57, J- Ansley, and Henry
Neff ; 1857, the same, with I). Baker as assistant : 1858-59, Samuel Crouse and
Levi J. Keagle ; 1859, H. Mansell; 1860, Thomas Storer and H. Mansell, with
R. G. Heaton as supply; 1861, Thomas Storer and E. II. Baird; 1862, A. J.
Rich and A. Baker; 1863, A. B. Leonard; 1864-65, W. H. Tibbies: 1865-67,
J. D. Leggett; 1868-69, W. I). Stevens: 1870, J. F. Core ; 1871, A. P. Leon-
ard; 1872-73, D. M. Hollister; 1874, James M. Swan ; 4875-77, J. J. Mcllyar;
1878-79, M. J. Montgomery; 1879-81, W. P. Turner; 1882-83, Homer J. Smith.
He was succeeded by Rev. S. II. Nesbit, who served until 1889; then came Rev.
S. M. Pell, who remained until 1893, when he was succeeded by Rev. J. F.
Jones, wh,, died December 27, 1894. November 18, 1894, Rev. E. M. Wood
became pastor and is the present incumbent.
The congregation embraces about 650 members, and the Sunday school 350
scholars, with William Walker as superintendent.
The First Jiaplist Church was organized April 29, 1S76, at Boyd's Hall,
Springdale, with about six members. A number of persons who afterward
joined the church participated in the exercises of organization, but as they did
not have their letters could not unite at that time. Meetings were held every
Sunday, anil led by P. II. Osborn until a council was called to recognize the
church. November 8, 1876, and by its act the association was recognized as a
regular Baptist church. Prom that time the Rev. T. H.Jones preached for the
society about half the time, ami Mr. Osborn conducted the alternate meetings.
Application was made, and a charter granted, March 13, 1877. on petition
of P. II. Osborn, W. M. Farnsworth, William Watson. C. Morse and Adolphus
Ilaberlin, as directors and trustees. The object of t he association, as expressed
in its constitution, is "the spread of scriptural holiness throughout the world."
On the 16th of June, 1 S77, the society purchased the German Reformed
meeting house for $1,500, which they immediately occupied, and had services and
preaching every Sunday. After a thorough renovation and material improve-
ment the church was dedicated November 4, of that year, the Rev. |. P. Jones
officiating. His pastoral charge continued until April or May, 1878, when he
retired ami the church was without a pastor until April. 1882, when Rev. W. II.
McKinney took charge. He remained until 1884 when he retired, and the church
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 349
was without a regular pastor for about tour years, having to depend on supplies.
In 1888 Rev. Rowe became the pastor, but he only remained one year. Again
the little congregation had to depend on supplies until 1892. This year Rev.
Miller took charge as pastor, but he only remained one year. In 1894 Rev.
Henry Collins was assigned to the charge as pastor. The church has a member-
ship of fifty-eight, and the Sunday school numbers seventy-five pupils.
Si. Paul's Reformed Church. — In 1877 the Rev. T. F. Stauffer commenced
preaching to a few members of the Reformed church residing in the borough of
Butler, and meeting with success a church was organized on the evening of
August '22, 1878, the following male members being present: Abraham Mover,
Henry W. Nicholas, Henry Biehl, Conrad Biehl, ( )scar L. Schultz, G. L. Dufford,
C. M Rodgers and Henry Blough. An election for officers resulted in the choice
of the following -. Elders, Abraham Moyer ami Henry W. Nicholas ; deacons,
Henry Biehl and G. L. Dufford. The old Evangelical Lutheran church was pur-
chased, refitted and dedicated to the service of God on the 25th of August, l^TS.
The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Thomas. J. Barklev, of Grace Re-
formed church, Pittsburg; the pastor performed the dedicatory service, and was
assisted in the other attending services by Rev. \Y. F. Lichliter, of Woodstock,
Virginia ; Rev. J. W. Alspach, of Armstrong county, Pennsylvania; Rev. Joseph
Hannabery and W. B. Landoe. of Butler county. The organization was effected
in connection with and by the permission of Allegheny Classis of the Pittsburg
Synod of the Reformed Church of the United States. The congregation remain-
ed under the pastoral care of Rev. Stauffer until September 1, 1882, when he
was succeeded by the Rev. D. N. Harnish. In the meantime a movement was
inaugurated to build a new church in Springdale and remove thither. This cul-
minated in the erection of a fine brick edifice on Walker avenue, which was ded-
icated in June, 1800. The Rev. Harnish still officiates as pastor. The member-
ship numbers 175, and the Sunday school has SOU pupils. Prof. E. Mackey is
superintendent of the Sunday school.
Bethany Reformed Church was formed of members of St. Paul's congregation
who were unwilling to remove to Springdale with the parent congregation. It
was organized in 1890 by Rev. II. E. Snyder, the pastor now in charge. He is
gradually building up a good congregation and the future outlook is promising.
The Church of God is located on Second >treet, Institute Hill. It is a
frame structure, forty by fifty feet in size. On the west corner a tower sur-
mounts the building, seventy feet in height. The total cost of the house was
$3,noi). The audience room will seat about# 400 people, and is nicely furnished,
making :j pleasant room for worship. The history of the church is necessarily-
brief. In October, 1892, Elder J. W. Davis and his son, George W. Davis,
rented the Institute building on First street, and began a series of meetings.
Much success attended their labors, and as new converts demanded a church
home, an organization was effected January l. 1893. The rapid growth demanded
a church house. In March a building committee was ^elected to plan and build.
The names of the committee are: F. M. Ilewit. T. N. Gahagan, A. I. Avey,
T. Dickey. R. M. Thompson, II. Greenawalt, J. Q. Bailey, Theodore Leibert,
John Starr, H. Y. Winterstein, J. W. Davis, Richard Boles and Breaden Gil-
350 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
christ. A board of trustees was chosen, resultingin the election of J. W. Davis,
F. M. Hewit and A. J. Avey. The building committee gave the building into
the hands of trustees and it was dedicated September 17, 1893. Rev. George
W. Davis has been pastor up to the present. The official board consists of the
elders, F. M. Hewit, A. J. Avey and 11. V. Winterstein ; the deacons, R. M.
Thompson, H. Greenawalt, T. NT. Gahagan, Theodore Leibert, J. Q. Bailey, and
the trustees. The membership is now 125, with a large congregation and an
interesting Sabbath school.
The Free JMethodist is one of the youngest church organizations in the borough.
It was founded in 1893, and the Rev. R. II. freshwater is the pastor in charge.
Their place of worship is on Spring avenue. Good progress is being made in
building up a congregation.
BIBLE AXD OTHER SOCIETIES.
The Bible Society of Butler county was organized August 12, 1828, by Rev.
Mr. Joice, agent of the Philadelphia society. John Potts and Rev. Reid Bracken
were elected presidents ; Revs. Isaiah Niblock. John France, Robert Greer, S.
St ought on, John Coulter, J. C. G. Schweitzerbarth, Thomas McClintock and Rob-
ert Brown, vice-presidents: John Bredin, secretary, and Robert Scott, treasurer.
The board of managers comprised John Sullivan, Hugh McKee, Hugh Gilliland,
Robert Martin, Barnet Gilliland, Henry Muntz, David Mcjunkin, William
McMichael, John Christy and James McCurdy. In each of the thirteen town-
ships, two agents were appointed and two also for Butler borough, who were to
assist in the circulation of the Bible without note or comment. Walter Lowrie
presided over the meeting, while John Bredin acted as secretary.
The Butler County Sabbath School Association adopted a constitution May
7, 1867, and elected Rev. Loyal Young, president; Rev. J. II. Fritz and William
R. Hutchison, vice-presidents; C. E. Anderson, secretary; H. T- Klingler, treas-
urer; Dr. A. M. Xeyman, George A. Black, I. [. Cummings, George Yogeley
and Theo. Huselton, executive committee.
The Christ ia/i Endeavor Union of this county was organized in 1892 with
Rev. Air. Miller, president. The second annual convention was held at Centre-
villein September, 1893, when thefollowing officers were elected for the ensuing
year; President, P. W. Lowry, Butler; vice-president. Prof. M. A. Sutton,
Evans Cit}*; recording secretary. Miss Vina McCollough, Millerstown; correspond-
ing secretary. Miss Lotta B. White, Butler; treasure!', C. II. Maybury, Centre-
ville. Reports were given by the local societies which showed advancement had
been made during the year. Miss White, district secretary, gave a retrospective
and prospective view of county work, showing twenty-eight societies with a mem-
bership of about, 1,000, representing seven denominations.
The Butler County Sabbath Association was organized in February, 1893,
with Rev. S. M. Bell, president; Revs. P. C. Prugh.X. B. Tannehill, W . E.
Oiler, J, R. Coulter and Mrs. 1). B. Campbell, vide-presidents ; Rev. D. X. Har-
nish, secretary; Rev. John S. McKee, corresponding secretary, and J. A. Clark,
treasurer. The object was to oppose the publication of Sunday papers and Sun-
day work in general. This is practically a continuation of the " Lord's Day Union,"
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 35 I
organized in December, 1891, of which D. N. Harnish was president, \V. E.
Oiler, secretary, W. D. Brandon, J. M. Galbreath ami E. Mackey, vice-
presidents.
'Jlie /hitler County Childrerfs Aid Society was organized in November,
1886, as an auxiliary society of the western branch, formed at Pittsburg in
November, 1885. The president of the new branch was Mr*. J. N. Bolard; vice-
presidents, Miss Mary E. Sullivan and Mrs. S. M. McKee; secretary, Mrs. M. S.
Templeton. and treasurer. Miss Etta Prugh. The board of managers comprised —
Madams Dr. Nevman, 15. C. Huselton, J. L. Purvis. C. D. Greenlee, John
Lowrv. A. E. Cratty.M. II. Negley, J. F. Balph, C. G. Christie, John M.Greer,
W. A. Stein. Dr. John-ton. M. E. Nicholls, Belle Purvis and Levi O. Purvis.
The ladies named were assigned to a committee on decision of cases, home relief
and finance It is a charitable organization to take charge of children from the
ages of two to sixteen years, who were removed from the almshouse- under the law
of 1883. In 1887 the president and secretary were re-elected, with Mi-. B. C.
Huselton. assistant secretary ami Miss Belle Purvis, treasurer, Madams J. P. Pur-
vis and C. D.Greenlee being chosen vice-presidents. These ladies were re-elected
in 1888, and in June, 1889, Mrs. J. D. Mcjunkin was elected secretary, vice Mr-.
Templeton, resigned. In December, 1889, the officer- were re-elected: but
Mrs. Templeton was subsequently chosen secretary vice Mrs. Mcjunkin. trans-
ferred to the advisory board. The elections since 1889 have generally resulted in
the choice of the officers named in 1887. The work of the society is c.-.rried on
zealously and many children have been cared for.
}'. M. C. A. of Butler. — At a meeting held in the Presbyterian church in
Tune, 1886, under the auspice- of the Y. W. C. T. U., for the purpose ol con-
sidering the most effective means for doing Christian work. W. D. Mcjunkin
suggested the plan of instituting a special line of woik for young men. The sug-
gestion was at once taken up by the speakers a- an excellent one, and a time was
set to hold a meeting for the consideration of the proposition. In the meantime
announcements were made from the pulpits, and when the meeting assembled it
was found that there was a good attendance, and that much interest was mani-
fested. It was conducted by Col. George Woodford, and a committee, con-
sisting of A.J. Ilenny. W. I). Mcjunkin, Gilbert Walker. W. II. Miller, and Ira
Mc lunkin, was appointed to take -teps looking toward- permanent organization.
After due consideration a constitution was adopted under the title ot the 'A . M.
C. A. of Butler." and a board of fifteen directors chosen, when the following tem-
porary officers were elected: Dr. E. W. Leake, president; Ira Mcjunkin, sec-
retary : Prof. E. Mackey, treasurer.
At a subsequent meeting, held August 16, 1886, the directors resigned, and
the following board was elected : Capt. Jacob Ziegler, Col. John M. Sullivan,
II. C. Heineman, John II. Neglev, Joseph L. Purvis, William Campbell, Jr.,
Dr. E. W. Leake. VV. D. Brandon, Charles S. Bailey, James M. Gallreath, Eli D.
Robinson, Prof. E. Mackey, Fred J. Klingler, Aaron E, Reiber and William G.
Krug. The directors then chose the following officers from among their number :
Dr. E. W. Leake, president: Ca'pt. Jacob Ziegler and John II. Negley, first and
second vice-piesidents, respectively : Ira Mcjunkin, general and recording secre-
HISTORY ol" BUTLER COUNTY.
tary. An organization having been effected, the association was incorporated in
November. 1886, and effective work lias been steadily going on up to this time.
Many changes in officers have taken place during the eight years of its existence,
but there has been no abatement of zeal. While a lot has been purchased on the
northeast corner of the Diamond, and means are being raised to erect a permanent
building thereon, the association occupies temporary rooms in the Reiber block.
The officers for 1894 are: I'rof. E. Mackey, president ; William Cooper, first
vice-president ; A. E. Reiber. second vice-president ; C. X. Boyd, treasurer; W.
J. Heineman, secretary; J. 1!. Carruthers, general secretary. The active mem-
bership is about 150.
st. Paul's orphan home.
This Home is situated on a beautiful hill, on the east side of Butler,
and within the borough limits. The main building, three stories high, is large,
and contains parlors, library, boys and girls' reading rooms, rooms for superin-
tendent and other officers, teachers and help, rooms for the girls, sleeping
apartments and bath rooms, dining rooms and kitchen. The other buildings are :
Roys' play room and dormitories, printing office and a large school house, with
three well-furnished school rooms. With but two exceptions, these buildings are
substantially built of brick, well arranged, and stand in the midst of a beautiful
lawn, surrounded by thirty acres of land, with a capacity to accommodate well
165 children. The home was dedicated December 10, 1867. Rev. George B.
Russell, D. D., presided, and performed the act of dedication. The addresses
were delivered by Rev. T. J. Barkley, F. K. Levan and William M. Landis.
It was chartered by the State March 23, 1868. This charter grants the
privilege of receiving orphan children of all denominations of christians, and also
the children of deceased soldiers and sailors who were citizens of the Stateof Penn-
sylvania, and served in the war of the Rebellion. The Home was founded
bv St. Paul's Classis of the Reformed church, but the purchased title was subse-
quently transferred to the Pittsburg Synod of the Reformed church in the
United States, and is under the general management of a board of sixteen direct-
ors, four of which are elected annually by said Synod.
The Rev. C. A. Limburg was elected its first superintendent, and held the
position until 1871, when he resigned. During his term of office, the entire pur-
chase indebtedness was paid and the institution brought to a good degree of
usefulness and prosperity. After his resignation Rev. J. 15. Thompson was
elected superintendent, and entered upon the duties of his office June 1, 1871,
continuing therein until the year 1876, when he resigned, his resignation taking
effect April 1, 1 S77. At a meeting of the board of directors, held Xobember 21,
1S76. Rev. T. F. Stauffer was elected to the office of superintendent and entered
upon his duties April .">, 1S77. During his term of office a new north wing was
added to the main building so as to make it sufficient for the accommodation of a
larger number of children. He resigned his position at the annual meeting of
the board in lime, which resignation was to take effect September 5, 1882.
At the same meeting of the board, Rev. P C. Prugh, D. D., of Xenia, Ohio,
wis elected superintendent, and took charge of the Home September 5, 1882, and
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 353
remains in office at the present time. During his term, large additions and improve-
ments have been made. A full third story was placed upon the main building, addi-
tional dining rooms, dormitories, store houses, bath rooms, and a large brick chapel
and school house were erected, and all at a cost of $13,000. The present value
of the Home is $50,000. The largest number of children at any one time during
this period was 190, 165 of which were soldiers' orphans. During this time the
school became noted for its efficiency, having received the highest commendation
by the State Board of Soldiers and Sailors Orphan Schools.
The object of the founders of this institution was to provide for the main-
tenance and christian training of orphan children, principally of the Reformed
church ; and also for others for whose support payment is made by guardians and
friends. Applications tor admittance are made through the superintendent to
the board of directors, and children are received by indenture. This enables
the authority of the Home to again indenture them, when su' table christian homes
can be found, and retain the guardianship over them until of age. The govern-
ment of the Home is mild and parental. The importance of self-government is
earnestly impressed upon the minds of the children, with encouraging success.
One leading thought is to help the children build up for themselves a true manly
and womanly character. The Home is in a most prosperous condition, and will
long continue to bring comfort to many fatherless and motherless children.
CHAPTER XXIII.
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED).
The Butler Academy — Witherspoon Institute— Public Schools — Catholic Schools
— Banking Institutions — Building and Loan Associations— Insurance Com-
panies— Manufacturers of the Past and Present — Railroads — Telegraph
Offices — Water Supply — Fire Department — Light and Fuel Companies —
Secret and Benevolent Societies — Public Buildings— Soldiers' Monument —
Graveyards and Cemeteries — Old and New Butler.
THE beginnings of education in Butler go back to the first decade of its his-
tory. The Butler Academy was founded under the act of February (5, 181 1,
which provided for the election of six trustees and appropriated $2,000 toward
sustaining such an institution, $1,000 of the amount to be expended on the build-
ing and apparatus, and $1,000 to be invested, the interest on which was to be
applied toward the payment of teachers and the education of rive poor children.
The organization of the trustees of the Academy was effected May 27, 1811.
when lots were cast for terms of service. Jacob Mechling and Walter Lowrie
were to serve one year, Samuel Williamson and Tohn Gilmore for two years, and
33
5 54 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John McQuistion and Robert Graham for three years. John Gilmore was chosen
secretary and signed an order on the State treasurer for $1,000 in favor of Will-
iam Purviance, for the purpose of erecting a building and purchasing books for
the use of the Academy. Two days later, the board loaned to John Negley,
$1,000, from the " productive fund," secured by his house and lot in Butler and
his mill near the town. Mr. Negley paid a heavy interest and also donated $150
to the Academy fund. On July 5, 1811, John Purviance was awarded the con-
tract for building the Academy, the price being $7M8. Jacob Mechling was chosen
treasurer and Walter Lowrie, librarian. In August, 181:2, the building was com-
pleted, Mr. Purviance being paid, in additon to his contract, fifty dollars for
extras, and Williamson fifty-six dollars and fifty-nine cents for carpenter work.
William Campbell was then a member of the board. In May, 1813, donation
lot Number 13, consisting of 5()0 acres, patented to the Academy. March 25, 1813,
was sold to Arthur and George Frazier for $750, to be paid in three installments.
In the meantime the Academy had been opened and Samuel Glass employed
as teacher, in 1812, at a salary of sixty dollars per annum, besides which he
charged each pupil an extra fee for tuition. Mr. Williamson taught about the
same period, and later came Adam Kuhn who conducted an English and Latin
school. Hamon Smith and and Olney Davidson taught in the Academy in 1821—
22, and in 1823 Joseph Sterrett was the teacher. In 1824 Alexander S. Sherran
was employed at a salary of $100 per annum, and the trustees reserved the right
to have him instruct five poor children free, in harmony with that provision in the
charter. Rev. Moses P. Bennett taught for a short period in 1827, and was suc-
ceeded by I. W. Scott, of Jefferson College, who was paid $100 a year, together
with whatever amounts he might collect from his patrons. In 1828 Andrew D.
Livingstone taught here, and then came Samuel Douthett, then David O. Walker,
in 1830, and later Alexanders. Sherran, who resigned in October, 1831.
Rev. Isaiah Niblock and Dr. James Graham were next appointed teachers for
the first and second floors of the Academy, respectively, the latter appointment
being urged by the people of the borough. The board discussed the qualifica-
tions of a classical teacher in October, l,s;;2, and resolved that, " no one should
be received as such, who cannot teach, at least, the Latin and Greek languages,
and algebra and surveying." Thomas Mehard, who appeared to possess such
knowledge, was appointed teacher. In 1834 Rev. Loyal Young was chosen to
teach in the Academy, and filled the position several years in a very satisfactory
manner and to the lasting benefit of the community. Calvin C. Sackett was
an assistant in 1836-37.
In August, 1,838, W. G. Candor was engaged at a salary of $400 a year, for
teaching twenty-five scholars, and twelve dollars for each additional pupil. Later
the annual tuition fee was reduced to eight dollars for the classical department
and two dollars for the English department. In 1840 Mr. Hays taught here, and
later came John B. Perkins, Ross Stevenson and a Mr. Lewis. In .September,
1843, DeParke Taylor was hired as principal, and a year later his annual salary
was placed at $1,000- In 1847 L. F. Leake and John Chambers were employed
as teachers, and the price of tuition fixed at four dollars for the course in classics
and mathematics, and three dollars for the common English course. Rev. Will-
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 355
iam White and A. M. Neyraan were employed to teach in 1848, and the former
served as principal down to April 23, 1860, when he resigned and Rev. A. II.
Waters was appointed teacher and librarian. In February, 1862, Dr. Hamilton
was in charge, and next came Asa Waters and Rev. J. Q. Waters, which closes
the list of teachers who presided in the " Old Stone Academy."
During the existence of the Academy the board of trustees embraced many
of the leading pioneers of Butler. As already told, the first trustees were Walter
Lowrie, Jacob Mechling, John Gilmore, Samuel Williamson, John McQuistion
and Robert Graham, all well remembered names of pioneer days. William
Campbell, Sr., Hugh McKee, Dr. (ieorge Miller and John Bredin were on the
board during the Wrar of 1812, and later William Ayres and John Galbraith. In
1817 Mr. Galbraith was librarian, the library then containing seventy-nine vol-
umes. From this time down to 1866 the names of the trustees chosen are as fol-
lows : John Potts, ISIS; Robert Scott and Moses Sullivan, 1820; Dr. Henry
C. De Wolf, 1821 ; John Neyman and William Gibson, 182-1; John Coulter and
Joseph Buffington, 1825; Alexander Hagerty, 1827; John Sullivan and Dr.
George Linn, 1828. In ls:S:i the board was composed of Rev. Isaiah Niblock.
Jacob Brinker, M. S. Lowrie, George W. Smith, S. A. Gilmore and Dr. Henry
C. De Wolf. Then came De Wolf, Ayres and Brinker, again; R. Cunningham,
David Dougal, Joseph Neygant, Jacob Ziegler ami Dr. Haseltine, all prior to
1840; Dr. James Graham, 1843; Dr. Agnew, Rev. T. W. Kerr, David Walker,
and Jacob Mechling, 1845-46. Samuel G. Purvis and William Balph were serv-
ing on the board in 1850, and took an active part in renovating the building that
year. Dr. Josiah McCandless, E. Mcjunkin, W. S. Boyd, anil the Revs.
Niblock, Singer, Fritz and Hutchison were the most prominent and active mem-
bers of the board from 1860 to 18(36.
The question of consolidating the Butler Academy and the Witherspoon
Institute was suggested to the board, March S, 1865, and a committee was
appointed to consult with the Presbytery of Allegheny. Among the members
were W. S. Boyd and E. Mcjunkin, who signed the articles of consolidation in
June, 1865, and in November the conditions presented by the Allegheny Presby-
tery were accepted ; and on August 20, 1866, the last act of the Academy trustees
was recorded, viz. : The conveyance of the real-estate, buildings and funds of the
Academy to the common school directors of the borough of Butler, subject to the
restrictions given in the act of April 11. 1862.
From reminiscences of the "Old Stone Academy," contained in a letter,
dated July 15, 1887, addressed to Rev. William White, D. D., by J. D. Mc-
junkin, upon the fiftieth anniversary of his pastorate, references are made to his
fellow students of 1856, and the following names given : Isaac Ash, of Oil City :
John Berg, Elliott, Stewart, Yanhorn and O'Neil ; Foster McBride, George M.
Bredin, deceased; Rev. Robert Edwards, of Philadelphia ; Dr. George Purviance,
of Cincinnati, Ohio ; Rev. James Duffy, of Albany, New York, and Hon. John II.
Mitchell, of Portland, Oregon. Many of the leading men of Butler to-day were
educated at this old school, and many who honor the professions and trades out-
side this county received liberal instruction within its walls.
The Academy stood on the site of the High School building, and faced J ef-
356 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ferson street. It was built of dressed stone, was two stories high, and had one
room on each floor. The door to the lower room was in the center of the build-
ing, and two windows on each side of the door lighted the interior. The upper
floor was reached from the north side by a wide, massive stone stairway on the
outside of the building, leading to a broad landing at the entrance to the school
room. This room was well lighted by five windows on the south and four on the
north. The broad, substantial steps and landing were favorite resorts for teachers
and pupils during the warmer months of the school period. This old, historic pile
was removed to make way for a more commodious and modern building, but the
memories of many of the older inhabitants of Butler still linger around it, as its
history takes them back to childhood's happy days.
WITH Eli SPOON INSTITUTE.
A convention of Presbyterians assembled at Butler February (3, 1849, to con-
sider the project of establishing an academy within the bounds of the con-
gregation of Butler. Rev. J. M. Smith presided, with Rev. Newton Bracken,
secretary. A resolution in favor of the project was adopted, and the following
named appointed a central committee to raise a fund of $5,000: Charles C. Sulli-
van, William Campbell, Jr., Thomas Campbell, James Campbell and Samuel M.
Lane. Township, borough and church committees were also appointed at the
same time. The project was successful, and December 14, 1849, a literary and
religious institution was incorporated by the following named persons: John
Coulter, Loyal Young, James M. Smith, L. F. Leake, Robert B. Walker, New-
ton Bracken, Ebenezer Henry, Ephraim Ogden, John Redick, William F. Kean,
Lewis L. Conrad, William Morrison, Joseph Glenn, Thomas Mifflin, Samuel
Jack. Robert Thorn and John Martin.
Other meetings were held at intervals until April 10, 1850, when the Presby-
tery of Allegheny established the school at Butler, and gave it the name of
"Witherspoon Institute." Rev. Loyal Young was appointed principal, and
David Hall assistant. The school was opened May 18, 1850, in the basement of
the Presbyterian church. The terms for tuition were one dollar per month for
the common English branches and two dollars for the classical branches.
In July, 1851, Rev. Martin Ryerson succeeded Mi'. Young as principal; but
in the fall of 1852 Mr. Ryerson resigned because of failing health, and Mr.
Young was again elected principal, with J. R. Coulter assistant. The latter
succeeded to the principalship in 1853, and filled the position until the autumn
of 1855, when Rev. John Smalley became his successor and served until the
following year. From 1850 to 1858 Rev. Loyal Young was principal, with Rev.
J. S. Boyd and Thomas Balph assistants. Mr. Boyd became principal in April,
1859, with Mrs. Lida S. Boyd assistant; while Mr. Balph presided over the
normal department. Mr. Boyd tilled the principalship six years. In the fall of
1865 Rev. William I. Brugh was appointed principal, and served as such until
1 S 7 7 , except for the short period Rev. J. W. Hamilton tilled the position.
Professor Creighton followed Mr. Brugh, and he was succeeded in 1878 by Rev.
H. Q. Waters, with Prof. H. K. Shanor assistant. The previous year the old
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 357
Institute property was sold, and the new building on Institute Hill was erected
and dedicated to the cause of education.
In April, 1879, Witherspoon Institute was opened as a non -sectarian school.
by Prof. P. S. Bancroft, and the following September, J. C. Tinstman became
associated with him. Under Prof. Bancroft's direction the school flourished.
until in 1882 it boasted of 17- students and a corps of seven teachers. Prof. Ban-
croft conducted the Institute until the fall of hSS7. when a lack of patronage
induced him to close it and open a private school. During the time he had charge
the winter terms were held in a leased building nearer the center of the borough,
because of the difficulty experienced in properly heating the Institute, and com-
plaints of students of its distance from their homes in town. Its loss of patronage,
however, was principally due to the higher prices charged students for board in
Butler than in other towns where academies were conducted.
The first Institute building was erected in 1851, on Main street, to which
north and south wings were added in 1864, the Commonwealth granting $2,500
toward the expense of the improvement. This property was sold, in 1877, by the
trustees of the Institute to the English Lutheran church for $6,000. Rev.
Mr. Brugh was the leading spirit in the project to found a college on Institute
Hill. Four acres were purchased on that commanding site, and a building erected
and occupied. The Presbytery, however, finally withdrew its support from the
enterprise, the property was sold to W. II. II. Riddle, and passed from the
ownership of the Presbyterian church. In March, 1889, it was purchased by
Charles Duffy, who still owns it.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
During the first quarter century the Butler Academy supplied the principal
school facilities for the youth of the town, though an occasional spasmodic effort
was made to carry on a common school on the subscription plan. Nearly all of
the pioneer schools were supported in this way ; but little is remembered about
them, as no records were kept from which to obtain information. In the winter
of 1834 Joseph Sterrett taught such a school in a room of the old Academy building,
which was liberally patronized. A reference to the transactions of the borough
council, will show a special levy of $ 250. in addition to the ordinary school tax of
1836, to have been authorized in aid of this school district.
In l83fs John Gilmore and John Bredin, a committee of the school directors
of Butler borough, applied for a lease of part of the Academy grounds, for the
purpose of erecting a school-house thereon. The application was granted and a
lot fronting sixty feet on Jefferson street, and 180 feet in depth, running to the
alley near the old Academy, was leased for ninety-nine years. In 1841 the girls
department of the common schools was located in the Academy building ; for we
find the board of trustees of that institution urging its removal that year. The
public schools, however, continued to occupy a part of the Academy until 1850.
Thomas Berry was employed as teacher, in 1S3*, for school Number 1.
Eugene Ferrero came later, and took charge of the common schools. Extraordi-
nary efforts were taken in 1854 to build up the system, but for twenty years not
much progress was made, though the teachers employed were generally compe-
35'^ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
tent. A. J. Rcbstock was one of the early educators, and was re-appointed in
September, 1859, while James A. Balph, also an old teacher, was reappointed to
take charge of the medium school and Mrs. 11. N. Butler of the primary depart-
ment. The latter had conducted a private school on South Main street as early
as 1850. Mr. Balph resigned the office of counts' superintendent in 1859, and
Mr. Ferrero succeeded him. R. P. Scott, George R. White. John II. Cratty,
A. J. McCafferty, James B. Matthews, J. J. Sharp, J. B. Mechling and E.
Mackey may be placed among early teachers of the public schools.
The tirst school buildings were primitive affairs, and prior to the completion
of the Jefferson street building, there were only two small school houses in the
borough — one where the Methodist church stands, and the other the small brick
building immediately east of the High School on Jefferson street. In 1860 the
trustees conveyed the real estate, buildings, funds, etc.. belonging to the
Academy, to the directors of the public schools.
The large and imposing school building on Jefferson street was completed
in 1874, at a cost of $33,000. It was the index to modern Butler, telling the res-
ident and visitor that times had changed and that ideas had expanded. The plan
pursued for raising the sum named and the additional sum of $11,000, necessary
in purchasing more land and in furnishing the new building, was well laid and
well carried out. The act, approved May G, 1871, authorizing the survey of the
" Quarry Reserve"' (that part of the commons between Washington and McKean
streets, south of the laid out lots to the old southern limits of the borough) into
lots, the sale of lots and the appropriation of part of the proceeds toward school
building purposes, was only one point. The sale of one of the old school-houses and
lots, was another; while a special tax levy and the State appropriation of $15,000
formed a third. The building was designed by Levi O. Purvis, of Butler, and
Barr cS; Moser, of Pittsburg, and erected by Valentine Feigel & Son, under the
superintendence of Jacob Keck, on the original lot, leased from the Academy
trustees, in 1838, for ninety-nine vears. There are two annexes to this building,
one a two-story frame of two rooms, on McKean street, and the little old brick
school-house immediately east of the main building. One principal and four
teachers are employed in the High School department , and one principal and
eleven grammar school teachers in the main building and annexes.
The substantial brick school building on McKean street, begun in June, 1885,
was completed early in November of the same year. It was constructed by
William Feigel at a total cost of $10,088, and contains eight school rooms, and
a large recitation room on the the second floor, with two additional rooms in the
mansard attic. Eight teachers and a principal are employed in this building.
The well located Springdale school is another evidence of modern progress.
It was erected in 1889 bv the Schenck Brothers, and the rooms on the first floor
finished that year. In 1890 the upper floor was completed. It contains eight school
rooms, with two large recitation rooms and a room for the principal, in all eleven
rooms. It is heated and ventilated by the Smead system, and the total cost of
building, grounds and heating apparatus was about $22,400. One principal and
eight teachers are employed in this school.
The Mifflin street school is a frame building of four rooms. It is contemp-
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 359
lated to erect a new brick building in the near future to better accommodate the
children in that part of the town. Four teachers have charge of this school.
The High School had its inception in 1885, when the first class was gradu-
ated ; but it was not until 1888 that it was formally organized, by Prof. E. Mackey,
under whose efficient management the school has attained gratifying success.
The people of Butler exhibit a justifiable pride in its growth and development.
In his report for 1892 Prof. Mackey says :
Sixty pupils completed the grammar school course, and sixteen the high school, the
largest classes yet graduated from each department. Our programme for commence-
ment week was the most varied and attractive we have ever had, and helped to make our
schools prominent in the thought and interest of the community for at least one week in
the year.
In the same report he refers to the Alumni Association in the following
words :
Our Alumni Association is somewhat unique in its aims. Its object is not merely
to revive happy school day associations, but to promote the educational interests of the .
community. It is the nucleus of a rapidly growing, thoroughly organized body of men
and women who love our schools, and will make zealous efforts to promote their welfare
and increase their efficiency. It is a loyal effort on the part of graduates to stimulate
undergraduates to more and better work, to welcome each class of graduates to the
after-school world, to bring the public schools and higher institutions of learning into a
union as close in sentiment as it is in theory. Even in the brief period of the first year
of its existence it has accomplished much good. More pupils complete the course of
study. The value of the diploma is enhanced. The pupils are more anxious to make a
record, they are more loyal and appreciative. These are occasions and incentives for
our graduates for literary work.
The new school book law came into effect in August, 1893, and on the 9th
of that month the board of directors accepted the report of their committee on
text books and appropriated $4,200 for books and supplies. Between five and
six thousand text books were purchased for use in the schools. Labels were
printed and one pasted in each book by the teachers and scholars on the first day
of school. The expense incident to the innovation cost Butler about $4,000.
Probably quite as large a sum would have been expended for books by parents
and guardians during the term had not the law been passed ; besides it popular-
izes education by making it absolutely free.
The total value of the school property of Butler is estimated at $75,000, and
the number of pupils enrolled is about 1 ,800. Thirty-nine teachers are employed in
imparting instruction to this youthful army and training them for the duties of
life. Superintendent Mackey, a zealous, progressive and able educator, took
charge of the schools in 1881, and under his guidance and direction they have
had a prosperous career.
The school directors of the borough from 1854 to 1894, are as follows :
William Balph, 1854-56 ; Charles Cochran, 1854-55 ; Andrew Cams, 1854-56 ;
William Henry, 1854-55; S. C. Stewart, 1854; Samuel G. Purvis, 1854; G. W.
Crozier, 1855-64; J. G. Muntz, 1855-56; Isaiah Xiblock, 1856-59; John Graham,
1857-1860; Jacob Walter, 1856-59; A. C. Martin. 1857; Charles Prosser, 1858-60;
G. C. Roessing, 1858 and 1864-67; William A. Fetter. 1859-1863; William
360 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Balph, 1860-62; I. J. Cummings, 1860-67; James Bredin, 1861 to 1870;
Louis Stein, 1861-67; Lewis Z. Mitchell, 1863 to 1880; W. S.
Ziegler, 1865-66; II. J. Klingler, 1867-69; Alexander Lowry, 1S67, resigned
1871 ; Charles Duffy, 1868-70; Jacob Ziegler, 1868-70; Harvey Colbert, 1871;
James A. Negley, 1871, resigned 1873; J. Q. A. Sullivan, 1869, resigned 1S71;
George Walter, L871-75 ; Jacob Keck, 1871-73; Ferd Reiber, 1*71 ; James Dun
lap, 1871-77; S. Bredin. 1871-1881; II. C. Heineman, 1872-75; J. C. Redick.
1873 (resigned) ; Adam Troutman, 1873-1884; William Campbell, 1874-76; S.
P.Irvine, \S7?>-7S; Eugene Ferrero, 1876-78; George Webber, 1878, resigned
1880; J. G. Muntz, 1878-79; Joseph L. Purvis, 1879-81; Frank M. Eastman.
1880-86; S. Graham, 1880-1892; Livingston Mct^uistion, 1881-84; Joseph L.
Purvis, 1882-88; Philip Weisner, 1882-85; J. Q. Waters, 1883; (J.M.Zimmer-
man, 1887; J- M. Galbreath, 1887-90; R. II. Pillow, 1888-1891 ; John W. Brown,
1888-92; J. S. Miller, 1888; John Findley, 1888; J. E Campbell, 1889; George
Ketterer, 1889-90; CM. Heineman, 1889-92; John II. Negley, 1889; W. E.
Reed. 1889; L. O. Purvis, 1889-92; E. X. Leake. 1889; George W. Shiever,
1889-91 ; S. F. Bowser, 1889-92; Thomas Robinson, 1890; II. J. Klingler, 1890;
Alexander Mitchell, 1890; Ira Mcjunkin, 1890-93 ; John Findley, 1891; J. F.
McCandless, 1891 ; H. H. Goucher, 1891; James H. Pringle, 1893 ; Joseph H.
Harvey, 1893 ; Thomas F. Niggel, 1893; J. A. Bonner. 1893, and Edward M.
Bredin, 1893. The directors elected in February, 1894, were C. M. Heineman,
S. D. Purvis, John Findley, K. II. Pillow and George W. Shiever.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS.
St. Peter's Parochial school was opened in 1858, in the present convent
residence north of the church. During the late war a one-story brick building
was erected south of the church, to which the school was removed. It was
taught by lav teachers for several years, ami was then placed in charge of the
Sister* of St. Francis, who have since been succeeded by the Sisters of Mercy.
The present school building, east of the church, was erected in 1889, at a total
expense of about $7,000. It is a substantial two-story brick structure, with base-
ment, contains four school rooms, and was opened in the fall ol 1889. The
attendance is about 125.
St. Paul's Parochial school owes its origin to the munificent bequest of Mrs.
Margaret Dougherty, of Butler, who donated the sum of $15,000 towards its
establishment. Father Nolan then took the project in hand, purchased from
Herman L Berg a site of four acres on the corner of Monroe and Locust streets,
and on May l!7, 1888, laid the corner st»ne of the building. It was completed
the same year, and is one of the finest school properties in the county. The
building is a handsome brick structure, two stories high, with basement , contains
eight rooms, and is finished and furnished in the most approved style of modern
school architecture. The convent was erected close by, the same year, and is the
home of the several Sisters of Mercy who have charge of the school. The total
cost of ground, buildings, etc., was about $30,000. The average attendance is
about 2()0. The curriculum of the parochial schools is the same as in the public
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 36 1
schools, besides which the children are daily taught the fundamental principles of
religion and Christian doctrine.
BA NKING INSTITUTIONS.
This county was without a banking institution until IS;")!. Prior to that
year the merchants gave extensive credits, and several men were engaged in loan-
ing moneys on judgment notes or mortgages. The scrip of Pittsburg banks
would be purchased at a large discount and turned in to the bank of issue as cash.
in the shortest possible time. A good deal of uncertainty surrounded dealings
with outside banking concerns; so that, in 1854, James Campbell, James Bredin,
Samuel M. Lane, Dr. Isaiah Mcjunkin and A. N. Meylert determined to found a
bank here. James Bredin was selected as president or manager, and Isaac J. Cum-
mings as cashier. A year later, Mr. Cummings became sole owner, and continued
so down to 18(34, when the First National Hank was organized. Together with
attending to his duties, he was financial editor of the Butler newspapers and cor-
rected the bank-note list weekly.
The First National Bank of Butler was chartered January 27, and organized
February 2, 1864, with James Campbell president: I.J- Cummings, cashier;
John Berg, Jr., Louis Stein. John N. Purviance, II. Julius Klingler, James
Bredin, E. Mcjunkin, John M. Thompson. R. C. McAboy and James Campbell,
directors. Charles McCandless, Thomas Stehle, Charles DufTv, Jacob Ziegler,
Mary A. Reed, John Michael Zimmerman, John A. Graham, Christian Seibert,
Jacob Walter, and William Campbell were unofficial stockholders. The directors
named carried on the institution with marked ability, in the old building, later
the property of Thomas Stehle, until 1875, when the bank was removed to their
new building, which they had erected on the coiner of Main and Jefferson streets.
Some years prior to this event Charles McCandless succeeded James Campbell
as president, and filled that position until 1878, when he was appointed chief
justice of New Mexico, and Charles Duffy was elected president. He was suc-
ceeded by W. II. H. Riddle, who filled the office when the bank closed its doors.
Several years before the new bank building was occupied, Edwin Lyon succeeded
1. J. Cummings as cashier, and he in turn gave place to John Bug, Jr. In 1870
Alexander Mitchell, who had been teller of the bank for six months previous,
was elected cashier, and served in that capacity when the bank was closed by
Examiner Hugh Young, July 18, 1879. Henry C. Cullom was appointed
receiver, and served until January. 1880, when John N, Purviance succeeded him.
Notwithstanding depreciation of securities, Mr. Pun iance won for the depositors
a large percentage of their money.
Tlic Producers' Bank of Butler County was established here in May,
1873, and a branch opened at Greece City about the same time. ]. W. Irwin
was president; J. E.Ray, cashier, at Butler; II. Howe, assistant cashier; J.
Stamhaugh, James Adams, William Miller, Samuel A. Woods, H. McWalters,
Lewis P. Walker and the president and cashiers were the directors. In 1S75. J. W.
Irwin appears to have purchased the stock and to have entered the Butler
Savings Bank as a stockholder.
yohn Berg d- Company's Banking' House was established in 1870. bv John
362
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Berg, Sr., and John Berg, Jr.. and was carried on by them until 1884, when
the senior partner died. By the terms of the will the title and system of
business were to be observed for five years, or until 1889. In that year the
company was reorganized, with John Berg, Henry A. Berg, and Louis Berg
partners, under the style and title of John Berg A: Company. Their first
banking office was at the corner of Main ami Cunningham streets. In 1883
the firm purchased the First National Bank building, on the corner of Main
and Jefferson streets, where, for the past eleven years, they have transacted a
large and always increasing business. The personnel of this linn of bankers
adhere closely to the business principles of the founder of the bank, observ-
ing all the laws of conservatism which render banking safe and profitable.
The Butler Savhigs Bank was formed January 29, 1868, and organized
February ;{, that year, with lames Bredin, president; Edwin Lyon, cashier;
Adam Troutman, 1. C. Redick, Eugene Ferrero, William Dick, E. A. Helm-
bold, Gabriel Etzel, R. A. Mifflin, David Kelley and Samuel Marshall, trustees.
The stockholders embraced the officers named, with William Campbell, Herman
). Berg, W. ( ). Breckenridge, Theodore Huselton, Milton Henry, George Reiber,
James A. Negley, J. B. Clark. Allen Wilson, Harvey Osborn, Benjamin Jack,
Hugh Morrison, Charles A. Sullivan, Susan C, Sullivan, James B. Story, George
Weber, H, L. Westermann, John M. Thompson, L. Z. Mitchell, II. J. Klingler.
Nancy Bredin, Joseph Bredin, H. E. Wick, W. G. Stoughton, H. C. Heineman.
William Vogeley, George Vogeley, Martin Reiber, John Carson, and Josiah
McCandless. This banking company received a State charter by special act,
May 20, 1N7 L and, under that charter, John M. Thompson was elected president,
October 30, 1871, to serve until the election of his successor, which took place,
February 21, ISTT, when William Campbell, Sr., was chosen president. He
served until February, 1880, when J. W. Irwin was elected.
William Campbell, Sr., was again chosen president January 12, 1886, but
resigned December 27. 1887, when Joseph L Purvis was elected to fill the
vacancy. Since that time Mr. Purvis has filled the position. Edwin Lyon
resigned the office of cashier February 6, 1871, and William Campbell, Jr., was
chosen cashier. The fact that he has held that responsible office for almost a
quarter of a century, is the highest testimony to his ability as a financier. The
bank was rechartered, January l'.l, 1891, for twenty years, to date from May 20,
1891. The officers in 1894, were Joseph L. Purvis, president; J. II. Troutman,
vice-president ; William Campbell, Jr., cashier ; Joseph L. Purvis, W. D.Bran-
don, W. A. Stein, J. II. Troutman anil John S. Campbell, directors. Louis B.
Stein has been teller of the bank since February. 1885.
The bank statement published November 30, 1894, gives the following
statistics :
RESOURCES.
Cash S 64,353 15
Due from hank-, 163,297.82
Loans and discounts, 588,098.45
Real estate 16.458.76
$832,208.18
LIABILITIES.
Capital S 60,000.00
Surplus and profits 77.496.90
Deposits 694.711.28
£832,208.18
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED).
363
For several years past semi-annual dividends of six per cent have been paid
to the stockholders, and the business has been conducted on a safe, conservative
basis. The bank building is neat and attractive, and the interior architecture
reflects credit on the builder's and decorator's art.
77/t' Butler County National Bank. — Believing that the banking facilities
were not adequate for the rapidly increasing business of Butler, several bankers
and capitalists proposed from time to time the organization of a national bank.
No definite action was taken, however, until early in 1890, when J. V.
Ritts, a banker well known in western Pennsylvania, representing a num-
ber of prominent business men, joined R. B. Taylor, E. E. Abrams, C. D.
Greenlee, I. G. Smith and O. M. Russell, who promoted the enterprise and held
a formal meeting in the office of Mr. Abrams, on April 1, 1890. The
title selected was " The Butler County National Bank," and upon application to
the comptroller of the currency, a charter was granted July 19, 1890. The sub-
stantial three-story brick building on the southwest corner of the Diamond and
Main street, having been purchased by the bank, was improved and tastefully
fitted up for banking and office purposes.
On August IS, 1890, the bank was opened for business under the following
organization: R. B. Taylor, president; J. V. Ritts, vice-president; David
Osborne, cashier, and Charles A. Bailey, assistant cashier. Including the presi-
dent and vice-president, the directory was composed of \V. S. Waldron, Leslie
P. Hazlett, E. E. Abrams, O. M. Russell, C. D. Greenlee, I. G. Smith, C. P.
Collins and Henry McSweeney. Mr. Taylor having resigned the presidency on
September 3, 1890, Mr. Ritts assumed that position until the election of Hon.
Joseph Hartman on September HO following. Since that time there have been
few changes in the officers, the most important being the promotion of Mr. Bailey
to the cashiership and John G. McMarlin to the position of assistant cashier.
The present board of directors is : Joseph Hartman, J. V. Ritts, YV. S. Waldron,
E. E. Abrams, I. G. Smith, Leslie P. Hazlett, John Humphrey, Dr. N. M.
Hoover, Henry McSweeney, C. P. Collins, M. Finegan and \V. Henry Wilson.
With a paid-up capital stock of $100,000 and a list of stockholders comprising
capitalists having wide business influence, and men prominent in public affairs,
the success of the institution was soon established; while the steady growth of
the business shows the continued confidence of the people. In addition to the
several dividends paid to the stockholders, the sum of over $50,000 has been accu-
mulated as surplus and profits. The repoi l made to the comptroller of the cur-
rency on Tuly 18, 1894. is as follows :
RESOURCES.
Loans 5428,507 27
U. S. bonds and premiums 28,000 00
Banking- House, F. & F 16,795 94
U. S. Treasurer 1,125 00
Cash and due from banks 132,547 03
$606,975 24
LIABILITIES.
Capital $100,000 00
Surplus 40,000 00
Profits 12.117 79
Circulation 22,500 00
Deposits 432,357 45
$606,975 24
364 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
State of Pennsylvania, County of Butler, ss.:
I, C. A. Bailey, Cashier of the above-named bank, do solemnly swear that the
above statement is true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
C. A. BAILEY, Cashiek.
Subscribed and sworn to before me t/ii.i eighteenth day of July, 1S94.
Alex. Mitchell, Notary Public.
Correct — Attest: Joskph Haktman, i
N. M. Hoovhk, [-Directors.
J. V. RlTTS, ^
The following complete list of the stockholders, embraces well-known busi-
ness men, farmers, oil producers, bankers, merchants and professional men : Hon.
George A. Jenks, Capt. J. J. Vandergrift, Hon. Joseph Hartman, Hon. Thomas
W. Phillips, Hon. S. S. Mehard, James M. Galbreath, J. V. Ritts, Noah F.
Clark, John Humphrey, David E. Dale. C. F. Blakslee, E. E. Abrams, Thomas
B. Simpson, Hon. W. S. Waldron, Dr. X. M. Hoover, J. B. Henderson, John W.
Brown, Leslie P. Hazlett, Jacob Boos, O. M. Russell, Casper Fehl, Wiiliam
Walker, J. I. Buchanan, J. B. McJunkin, C. A. Bailey, Henry McSweeney, Hon.
G. W. Fleeger, B. Masseth, Dr. S. D. Bell, M. Finegan, W. Henry Wilson, N.
C. McCollough. James Wm. Thompson, Samuel A. Beam, J. E. Russell, Thomas
L. Templeton, Herman 'Frankel, James Tonks, Glenn T. Braden, J. J. Leidecker,
E. W. Bingham. C. A. Hite, I. G. Smith, Albert Loebman, Morgan Davis, W.
H. Larkin, John G. McMarlin, C. B. Collins. W. A. Ashbaugh, J. D. Downing
and E. J. Blakslee.
BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS.
The Building and Loan Association of Butler, organized March 4, 1876,
and incorporated March ;51 , 1876, received bids as high as forty per cent for loans.
When the panic of that period wasover, the association began buying stock, and
continued this policy until November, 1881, when some dissatisfied stock-holders
applied to the attorney general to have the legal status of the institution defined.
The stated number of shares at the beginning was 2, .">()(), valued at $200 each.
The first officers were G. C. Roessing. president ; G. Etzel, vice-president; J. S.
Campbell, secretary; Louis Roessing, treasurer, and John M. Miller, solici-
tor. The directory comprised H. C. Heineman, J. M. Miller, Jacob Ziegler, Jacob
Boos, Dr. Stephen Bredin, Casper Rockenstein, Joseph L. Purvis and William
Ensminger. The effect of the petition of 1881 was simply to hasten the dissolu-
tion of the association.
The Peoples' Building and Loan Association was organized April C, 1886,
with G. Wilson Miller, president; Charles M. Heinemen, secretary; Joseph S.
Gray, treasurer, and Williams & Mitchell, solicitors. The directors were Charles
Rehbun, A. Park McKee, S. D. Purvis, Dr. G. M. Zimmerman, Jacob Boos,
Peter Schenck and Frank Shephard.
The Eureka Building and Loan Association was incorporated in May,
1886, with W. G. Hays, Jacob Ziegler, Dr. George M. Zimmerman, A. Frank, J.
W. Ziegler and R. C. McCurdv, directors.
The Citizens' Building and Loan Association was organized in 1890, with
G. Wilson Miller, president; L. S. McJunkin, vice-president, and C. M. Heine-
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 365
man, secretary. The directory comprised J. D. Jackson, S. D. Purvis, Frank
Shephard, L. F. Ganter, Jacob Boos and Peter Schenck. Ira Mcjunkin was
treasurer, and Williams & Mitchell, solicitors.
The Mechanics' Building and Loan Association was organized in Feb-
ruary, 1889, when 1,000 shares were subscribed. The officers were Dr. Samuel
Graham, president ; O. M. Russell, vice-president ; C. A. Abrams, secretary, and
L. W. Zuver, treasurer. David E. Dale succeeded Dr. Graham as president in
1892, and J. N. Moore succeeded Mr. Abrams as secretary in 1893, when the last
named was elected treasurer.
The Workingmens* Building and Loan Association was organized, as
successor to the Workingmens' Equitable Association, in February, 1S92, with
F. M. Renno, president; Jacob Keck, secretary ; Joseph Rockenstein, treasurer,
and A. T. Black, solicitor.
Chautauqua National Building and Loan Association was organized Octo-
ber 25, 1893, with D. Carmody, president; G. M. Zimmerman, secretary-treasurer;
John West, Joseph Niggel and J. W. McDowell, appraisers, who formed the
board of directors, with William Kesselman, Jr., William Harkless, Joseph
Low and J. F. Jewell. W. C. Findley was chosen solicitor.
INSURANCE COMPANIES.
Butler County -Mutual Insurance Company was organized September 5,
1853, with Samuel A. Purviance, president ; John T. Bard, S. M. Lane, J.
T. Mcjunkin, J. G. Campbell, Francis Mcl>ride, Emil MaurhofT, William Has-
lett, A. X. Meylert, Herman J. Berg, Ebenezer Mcjunkin, Andrew Cams and
John M. Sullivan, managers; Ebenezer Mcjunkin, secretary; Andrew Cams,
treasurer, and Emil MaurhofT, general agent. The company ceased work prior
to 1859.
The Butler County Mutual Tire Insurance Company was incorporated
by the legislature in April, 1859. In May, Samuel G. Purvis was elected
president; I. J. Cummings, treasurer; Edwin Lyon, secretary; William Camp-
bell, E. Mcjunkin, Dr. W. R. Cowden, James Campbell, Abraham Ziegler,
Jacob Walter, E. Kingsbury, E. MaurhofT, W. S. Boyd, and John Murrin,
directors. Henry C. Heineman was elected secretary in 1860, and has held the
position down to the present time. After the death of Samuel G. Purvis,
George C. Roessing was elected president, and served until his death, when
James Stephenson was elected to fill the vacancy and re-elected annually since
that time.
The Farmers' and Breeders' .Mutual live Stock Insurance Association was
organized in 1883, with A. D. Weir, of Buffalo township, president ; Thomas
Hays, of Fairview, vice-president; R. D. Stephenson, of Butler, treasurer; Dr. J.
E. Byers, of Butler, secretary ; James Stephenson of Bonny Brook, James S.
Hays of Butler, John A. Clark of Prospect, Isaac Lefevre of Saxonburg, and
Bartholomew Nebel of Herman, unofficial members. This association dissolved
within six or seven years without loss to stockholders, although a large sum of
money was paid out for injury to cattle.
366 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
MANUFACTURERS.
The lirst manufactory in the borough of Butler is what is now known as the
"Walter Mill." The original mill was a log building erected in ISO:? by the
Cunningham brothers, and it may he mentioned as a historical fact that the title
can be traced back to Robert Morris, of Revolutionary fame. The Cunninghams
sold it in ISO') to John Negley, one of the Butler pioneers, who came here to take
charge of the mill. John H. Negley, in his" Recollections of Butler Fifty Years
Ago," published in the Citizen in 1891, says that his father owned and carried it
on for nearly thirty years. During this time he added to it a large woolen mill,
which was operated by his brother-in-law. Malachi Richardson; also a cabinet
making shop. At this time the mill was the center of business for the town.
Settlers in different parts of the county, miles away, came here to get their small
grists of wheat and corn ground. Between 1816 and 1826, Mr. Negley lived in
the house which had been built bv the Cunninghams. The primitive mill was
rudely equipped, but it served the settlers well in its time. In 1833 Mr. Negley
sold the mill and three acres of ground to Robert McNair and brothers, who car-
ried it on for twelve or fifteen years. It was torn down and the first steam mill
built in 1840. In 1S42 it was destroyed by fire, but the flouring part was
immediately rebuilt, which is part of the present structure. In 1848 it became
the property of William Beatty, who in turn sold it to John McCarnes, who
carried it on between 1850 and L856. In 1857 the interests of McCarnes and
Beatty were conveyed to Jacob Walter and John C, Grohman, who carried it on
until the death of Mr. Walter, in IS65. It then had a capacity of about forty-
barrels per day. Mr. Walter was succeeded by his son, George Walter, and the
firm became Grohman & Walter. In 1872 Grohman sold his interest to Jacob
Boos, and the firm was changed to Walter cc Boos, and in 1890 Mr. Walter
became the sole owner of this noted mill, which is now operated by George Walter
& Sons. The present building is forty-four by sixty-six feet, four stories in
height, and steam and water are used, the engine being sixty -five horse power.
The roller system is used, and the mill has a capacity of fifty barrels of wheat
flour per day, 300 bushels of buckwheat and 800 of chop.
The Reiber Grist Mill was built in 1842 by Archibald McCall. a wealthy
Philadelphia merchant and land agent. lie sold it to Thomas Frazier, who ran it
a short period, and the property then passed into the hands of Clymer & Meylert.
In 1856 it was purchased by George Reiber, who has since owned it. He has
remodeled and improved it three times, and besides the buhr system, it contains
the full roller process, and has a daily capacity of 100 barrels of flour. The mill
is now operated by George Reiber & Sons. Mr. Reiber also carried on a distillery
near the mill a few years, and later erected a distillery closer to the railroad,
which he operated until 1S7-1.
The Oriental Mills are the successors of the mill erected on Mifflin street
in 1867, by II. J. Klingler, and known as Klingler's Mills until remodeled in
1883-84, when the present title was adopted. The capacity of the first mill was
sixty barrels per day. Since that time the mills have been rebuilt and remodeled
several times, and in 1884 the entire roller system was introduced. The present
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 367
building is forty by forty-five feet, three stories, with cupola and iron roof, and
an annex twenty-eight by eighty feet. An engine of 125 horse-power drives the
machinery, and the capacity of the mill is 150 barrels per day- In 1886 the firm
became H. J. Klingler & Company, Harry S. and Fred J. Klingler becoming
partners. The same firm built the Specialty Roller Mills in 1889, near tin- West
Penn depot, and have since carried on both mills very successfully.
The tanning business was one of the early and leading industries of Butler.
The pioneer tannery was located on the corner of East Jefferson and Franklin,
and was started soon after the town was laid out. The second tannery was
established by Hugh McKee on the site of Berg's bank. It was quite an extensive
plant for those days, and the largest manufacturing institution in the town for
many years. Conrad Roessing opened a tanyard on North Washington street in
1841, which he conducted forty-five years. William McQuistion operated a tan-
nery for many years on the same street near the corner of Jefferson. About the
same period Abdiel Martin carried on the tanning business, ami continued it up
to the Civil war; while William Mardorf commenced the same business in the
seventies, on Cunningham street, where he ran a large tanyard for several years.
More than sixty years ago (). G. Croy and George VV. Smith operated a
woolen, fulling and carding mill on the north side of Jefferson street between
Main and McKean. It was the first of the kind in the borough, and the power
was furnished by a horse treadmill.
In 1S4l' William John Ayres erected what was long known as the Union
Woolen Mill. After conducting it a few years he sold it to William P. Mackey
who utilized a part of the building for a grist mill. John H. Thompson was the
next owner. In 1861 the plant was purchased bv Hugh Fullerton, and the busi-
ness was carried on by him until his death in 1892. His son continued to operate
the mill for about a year after Mr. Fullerton's death, and finally sold the building
to J. B. Sherman in the summer of 1894. The latter converted it into a machine
shop.
The pioneer founderv was established by John and Alfred McCarnes, as
early as 1840-41, who carried it on until 1847, when J. G. & W. Campbell pur-
chased an interest, and five years later became sole owners of the plant. It is still
owned and operated by the Campbells, and is located on the Connoquenessing,
near the foot of Main street.
Cams & Mcjunkin started a foundry some years later, which was pur-
chased in 1859 by H. J. Klingler and Martin Reiber. It passed through several
ownerships until it finally ceased operations early in the seventies.
A white lead factory was established by Campbell E. Purviance, prior to
1840, at the foot of West Diamond street, on the bank of the Connoquenessing.
He afterwards became associated with his uncle, William Purviance, in the man-
ufacture of powder in Connoquenessing township.
The manufacture of wagons was commenced in 1848 by John Lawall. Sr.,
on West Cunningham street. In later years he removed to the corner of Wash-
ington and Cunningham, and in 1872, began the manufacture of carriages and
buggies on quite a large scale. He died in 1S77. His sons succeeded him in the
business, which they conducted until 1883. The Thompson Brothers were also
368 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
pioneers in the same line, opening a factory on West Cunningham street in L857.
The plant was purchased by George C. Roessing, in lSljl), who continued the man-
ufacture of all kinds of buggies, etc., for many years. The growth of great
carriage factories, supplied with the most improved machinery, rendered the
manufacture of wagons and carriages by the old process an unprofitable business,
and destroyed the industry in the smaller towns.
The manufacture of brick was a pioneer industry and at one time a very
important one. As early as 1823 William Hoi land established a brickyard on the
site of the present Stamm yard, and made the brick used in the erection of the
first brick houses in Butler.
The second yard was opened by the Brackneys on the property of Moses Sul-
livan. The brick used in the old United Presbyterian church, erected in 1827, as
well as in several other early buildings, was made in this yard.
The third yard was opened by John Graham, on the corner of North Main
and Fulton streets, and finally superseded the Borland and Brackney yards. It
was carried on quite extensively for many years, and supplied the necessary brick
material for Butler and vicinity.
David Walker was the next to embark in the buisness. His yard was on
Mifflin street, and was a very large and successful one. Mr. Walker conducted
the business for a long period, and was succeeded by his brother, Nathaniel
Walker, in 1S47, who continued the industry down to recent times. The Walker
yard was the most extensive one in Butler county.
The Fishers carried on brick-making, first on Cunningham street and
later on Penn, for some years, and was the next in order of time.
J. George Stamm began the manufacture of brick in 1881, on the site of the
old llorland yard, at the corner of Pillow and Willow streets. His yard covers
seven and three-fourths acres of ground, and four kilns are operated. One brick
machine, with a capacity of 30,000 brick per day, is in use; two dry houses
with a daily capacity of 20,000, and the heat is furnished by natural gas. The
machinery is driven by a forty-horse power engine ; the pits are connected with
the building by a railway run by steam. Eighteen men are employed.
.V. G. Purvis d- Company operate one of the largest manufacturing indus-
tries in Butler. The planing mill was established in 18(37, and two years later the
lumber business was added. In ls7'.> they commenced the manufacture of sash,
doors and blinds, since which time they have gradually increased their business
to its present capacity. The plant is located on the corner of Franklin and North
streets, and the buildings are in harmony with the large business carried on.
The machinery is of the latest and most improved kind, while 125 hands are fur-
nished employment.
The Hamilton Bottle Works had their beginning in the fall of 1882, when
Dominick Ihmsen established an eight-pot furnace on the site of the present
plant. About a year later the Butler Flint Bottle Company. Limited, was
organized, embracing ten glass workers, and the Ihmsen plant purchased. The
company was composed of the following persons : (). Ihmsen, president ; W. J.
McKee, secretary and treasurer; Conrad Smith, John Smith, John Farrel, James
J. Hayes, John W. Yogel and A. P. McKee. In June, 1888, the works were
'^e?<
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 360
burned, and on August 30 following, the Butler Glass Company, Limited, was
organized. Charles Duffy was president and Thomas II. Gallagher, secretary.
They, with JohnW. Vogel, James J. Haves, Peter Vogel, John F. Lowry, Jacob
Faller, Michael Buechle, Mrs. E. Grieb, William Aland. Alberl Hannen, Frank
Zimper, John Kiehn, Peter Kiehn, fohn Kappler and ]. II. Troutman. were the
stockholders. A building was erected on the original site and the works were
carried on about one year and then sold to the Hamilton Brothers, who have
since operated the plant very successfully. In October, 1893, the buildings were
partially burned, but they have since been rebuilt and equipped in first class
order. The works contain one twelve and one eight-pot furnace, and all kinds
of flint prescription bottles are manufactured. The fuel used is natural gas, sup-
plied by the linn's wells in Centre township, whence the lluid is piped to the works.
The Standard Plate Glass Works were opened July 30, |SS7, when the
first pot was taken from the furnace and cast into the molds. Ten plates, each
nine-sixteenths of an inch thick, twelve feet long ami six feet wide, were cast
and tempered; and, within the ensuing week, twenty pots were rolled and temp-
ered daily, a force of 1 10 men being then employed. The first large plate pro-
duced here was purchased by D. H. Wuller, for the window of his store.
The local stockholders and originators of this great industry were 1. II.
Shields, II. J. Klingler, Rev. William A. Nolan, W. A. Stein, J. II. Troutman,
William Campbell, |r., and fohn Kirkpatrick ; while R. C. Schmertz, W. A.
Schmertz, A. F. Chandler, James A. Chambers, II. S. McKee, Simon Cameron,
Morton McMichael, and B. K.Jamison, were the non-resident stockholders in
April, 1889. J. H. Shields, who introduced the industry to the notice of the
Butler people, and A. C. Boyd, the former manager, were also stockholders. The
officers were H. J. Klingler, president ; R. C. Schmertz, vice-president, and Dr.
A. F. Chandler, secretary and treasurer. 11. Brockman, whose father introduced
glass grinding machinery in France, was manager, and under his direction
there were 400 workers from France, Belgium and Germany.
Since the inauguration of this industry many changes have been made in the
official board. James A. Chambers succeeded Mr. Klingler as president, within
a year, while J. T. Hamilton was elected in January, IS1.):',, and re-elected in
1894. One change has been effected in the secretary's office. E. J. Howard, the
present secretary, succeeding A. F. Chandler in 1890. Mr. Chandler was the first
treasurer, and served until succeeded by W. A. Schmertz, the latter being succeeded
by J. II. Troutman. Prior to the division of the dual office of secretary and
treasurer, in 1888, Mr. Chandler tilled both positions. The office of manager was,
at first, filled by A. C. Boyd, next by R. Brockman, and subsequently by D. E.
Wheeler, Edmund Brown and II. A. Tilton in succession, the last mentioned
being the present general manager. In 1891 the office of superintendent was
abolished, being merged into that of general manager.
The machinery includes twenty-six polishers, fourteen grinders, thirty-six
brick ovens, between MOO and 400 pots, three furnaces, one 1,700 horse power
engine, used in running eighteen English polishers, fourteen engines for the
grinders, and a complete electric light plant, with a capacity of 300 incandes-
cent, four arc, and 200 mogul incandescent lights. In addition, the company
3JO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
operates eight pumping engines, having a capacity of 800.000 gallons of water a
day, and two engines at the works near Milliard's station. At Milliard's are two
sand plants, known as the Beatty & Holland, where the sand rock is ground
suitable for grinding the glass. About thirty-five men are employed there, and
the sand thus obtained is shipped to the works to take its part in the process of
glass manufacture.
The railroad privileges enjoyed by the company are all that can be desired.
Tracks lead to every large building, where machinery for handling and delivery of
raw material and loading the finished product is of the most modern design.
Fourteen gas wells are owned by the company, some of which were drilled by
themselves, and some purchased. One of the deep explorations in the neighbor-
hood of Butler was drilled under the company's direction. Some of their wells
show a pressure of 800 pounds. All of the wells are piped to the works, insur-
ing an abundance of fuel, all of which is natural gas. except where slack is
required for the bottom of pots.
At the beginning of the industry the lire clay for the manufacture of the
pots was obtained from Missouri, while the melting sand was taken from Maple-
ton, Pennsylvania. To-day all the melting sand is procured in this State. The
pot clay, brought from near St. Louis, averages about (300 tons annually: emery
brought from Turkey, about forty tons; gypsum or plaster, from Ohio and
Michigan, 4,000 tons; while soda ash. salt cake or sulphate of soda, are princi-
pally procured at Syracuse, Xew York, and seventy-two tons of arsenic are
annually imported from England. When the works were first operated the
buildings covered three and one-half acres. To-day the plant covers a much
larger area. The number of men employed ranges from 400 to 500. The expert
glass workers are three-quarters foreigners, from Belgium, France, England and
Germany. The importance of this great industry in the development and pros-
perity of Butler cannot fie overestimated.
A large distillery was built on the site of the bottle works in the seventies,
and during its existence it was one of the most extensive distilleries in Western
Pennsylvania.
William Kesselman ill- Company, established business here in 1881, for the
manufacture of drilling and fishing tools, heavy forging and the repairing of
engines. Their main building is thirty-one by eighty-seven feet, witli a machine
shop twenty-eight by forty-eight feet. An engine of fifteen horse power is used,
and twenty-two men are employed. The pay roll aggregates $300 per week.
Larkin <& Company. — This establishment, now grown to be one of the lead-
ing industries of Butler, was founded in 1885 by Thomas and W. G. Hays.
Their business consisted of the manufacture of drilling and fishing tools, as well
as dealing in oil well supplies. In 1887 the Hays Brothers sold their interest to
Larkin, Warhus & Company. Mr. Warhus disposed of his interest to his part-
ners in 1890. The firm of Larkin & Company is now composed of W. II. Lar-
kin and John Feigle. A general manufacturing business is carried on. The capi-
tal invested is $30,000, and twenty-two men are employed. The manufactory is
located in Springdale, has excellent railroad facilities, and is a valuable industrial
acquisition to that ward.
BUTLER HOKOUGH (CONTINUED). 3/1
The Butler Boiler Works, situated on Etna street, were first established by a
Mr. Kane several years ago and were afterwards opeiated by James Median. In
1891 they were purchased bv the Hughes Brothers, and their plant is now one of
the most valuable industries of the borough. It is supplied with the requisite
machinery for the work in which they are engaged. They manufacture boilers,
stills, and oil tanks. About twenty-six men are employed.
The Butler Manufacturing Company. Limited, was established in June,
1888. The capital stock was placed at $20,000. The plant is located on Look-
out avenue, and the present officers are: J. W. Mclvce, president ;, II. S. Gib-
son, secretary and treasurer ; directors, I). \Y. Younkins and J. E. Russell. They
manufacture engines and boilers, and do general machine and foundry work.
Their buildings are ample in size, and two steam engines furnish power to drive
the machinery. The blacksmith shop is equipped with steam hammers. .Some
years ago the plant was removed here from Bradford. Its capacity is two
engines per day.
Masseth if- Black, manufactures of oil well supply tools of all kinds, com-
menced business here in bSS',). Their shopsare located on West Wayne street, and
are provided with all necessary machinery in their line of business. They are also
the sole owners and manufacturers of the Gordon and Masseth gas well packers ;
also fishing tools, steam and gas pumps. They employ twenty men. Benjamin
Masseth, the senior member of the firm, has followed the fortunes of the oil fields
from Pithole in 1862, to Butler in 1889. D. W. Black, the junior member, is a
practical machinist and inventor, anil bills fair to beco ne a leader in mechanical
pursuits.
F. II. Bole, established in 1884, corner of McKean and Quarry streets, man-
ufactures drilling and fishing tools, and does all kinds of repairing. Mr. Bole,
besides being an expert machinist, is a pattern and model maker, and personally
looks carefully after the quality of work turned out of his shop.
The Star Iron Works are carried on bv Sherman & Johnson, who purchased
the old woolen mill building in 1894, moved their machinery from Karns City
and placed it in position therein. They have three floors, sixty-six by thirty-five
feet, with an addition of forty by thirty-five feet. An elevator capable of lifting
four tons is one of the equipments of their shops. They manufacture brass goods,
engines, pumps, casing cutters, fishing tools and engine fittings of all kinds, and
employ from five to ten men as occasion demands.
John Goctz erected a planing mill on Spring avenue in 1883, and has since
carried on a general contracting and building business.
RAILROADS.
The railroad system of the county will be found fully described in the chap-
ter on internal improvements. The first railroad to enter the borough was the
branch from Freeport, which was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company
and formally opened for travel January 1:2, 1871, by an excursion to Pittsburg.
The occasion was a memorable one for Butler, as it placed the town in quick
communication with the outer world. Some 300 persons participated in the
excursion. At the Union Station, in Pittsburg, a repast was served and a number
3/2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of speeches made in response to toasts. lion. Ebenezer Mcjunkin responded
to the toast — " Railways ; the bonds of civilization " ; Gen. John N. Purviance to
"Old Butler awakened to new life, and made a citizen of the world"; Thomas
M. Marshall to " The old stage coach — it could not long survive Arthur McGill";
Samuel A. Purviance to " The old circuit court — Butler, Clarion and Armstrong.
The court now travels bv rail, but justice prefers the mud road.'" Other toasts
were drunk and responded to.
Early in the afternoon the excursionists started on their return to Butler,
accompanied by a number of Pittsburgers. The people turned out at the various
stations to greet them ; at some places cannon were tired, and the joy evinced
amounted almost to an ovation. When the party arrived at Butler station it was
met by a great throng, which was present to welcome the incoming train. Here
again a substantial repast was served, toasts were drunk, responses made, and
everybody shouted and rejoiced.
During the evening occurred the mock funeral of the old stage coach, which
had so long rattled in ami out of Butler, but which had now been superseded by
the iron horse. One of these cumbrous vehicles was draped in black and hauled
by horses decorated with crape to the cemetery, where a travesty of the funeral
service was gone through with, for the purpose of illustrating that its days of
usefulness had ended. When the ceremony was over the jovial throng, accom-
panied by D. S. Walker, the old stage proprietor, and a number of Pittsburgers,
returned to town, and further evinced their joy by marching through the streets
blowing trumpets and whistles, and shouting. It was a great evening in Butler,
and marked the beginning of an era of improvement which is still going on.
In the course of a few years other railroads came. The first to follow was
the Pittsburg and Western, and next the Pittsburg, Shenango and Lake Erie.
TELEGRAPH OFF ICKs.
In 1S61 the first telegraph office was opened in Butler. It was a crude
affair. The line ran from Pittsburg to Franklin, and a box was fixed on one of
the poles in Butler, and a repair man — Henry Zimmerman — tested the current
daily. The first regular office was opened in 1862, in the Lowry House, and
David Potts was placed in charge of it. This was not only the first office
in the town, but also in the county. Since that time the development in the
telegraph business has been great. The Western Union now employs four
operators, three in day time and one at night, with W. A. Ilauck, manager,
and the receipts have reached as high as $6,000 in a year. The office is a repeat-
ing station between New York, Chicago and St. Louis, which adds greatly to
its importance. Dynamos are used to keep up the electrical current on the
wires.
An office of the Postal Telegraph Cable Company was established here in
1884, and is still in successful operation. The line is worked in connection with
the Mackay-Bennett cable, and messages are forwarded direct to Europe. Two
operators are employed.
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 373
WATER SUPPLY.
The Butler Water Company was chartered November I, 1S77, with a capi-
tal stock of $49,000 divided into 980 shares of fifty dollars each. Charles Duffy
and Samuel G. Purvis were the prime movers in the project, the former taking
892 shares of the stock. The company contracted with James McCullough, Jr.,
of Kittanning, to construct the plant for the sum of $49,000, payable partly in
cash and balance in bonds and stock of the companv. lie thus became the prin-
cipal stockholder, and the stock is now owned by Kittanning and Butler citizens.
A dam was built on the Connoquenessing above the Reiber mill, from which the
water is pumped to a reservoir constructed on the hill north of the Orphan's
Home, with a capacity of 8,000,000 gallons. The town was piped in 1*77-7<S.
and in the fall of the latter year the water was turned on for the first time. The
plant embraces twenty-five miles of pipe, and seventy fire plugs give ample pro-
tection to the borough. The officers are W. D. Brandon, president ; W. B. Mer-
edith, general superintendent, and J. II. Conard, manager, the last of whom has
filled his present position since May, 1882.
Springdale has its own water water works and is independent in that
respect. In 1891 a company called the Butler Mutual Water Association was
organized for the purpose of sinking wells and building a reservoir. The capital
stock is $12,000, and the board consists of three trustees and nine directors. There
are two wells, and pure water was struck at a depth of 250 feet. The reservoir
has a capacity of 3,000 barrels. Two hot air pumps are used for raising the
water, and the cost of running them is about three dollars each per month. The
company now have in use about two miles of six and four-inch iron pipes,
and have sixty-five water takers. The cost for ordinary family use is one
dollar per month. A metre is used for registering. It is contemplated to
erect plugs soon for use in case of danger from fire. The present officers are :
President, Prof. E. Mackey ; secretary, John Findley.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
As early as February 19, 1825, the council considered plans for fire protection,
by appointing John Potts, Jacob Mechling, Maurice Bredin, William Beatty,
Abraham Maxwell and William Hagerty, a committee to obtain subscriptions for
buying a fire apparatus. At the same meeting, John Gilmore, John Bredin and
Robert Scott were appointed as a committee to draft a constitution for a fire
company. All arrangements having been completed, a fire engine was bought bv
the council from the Allegheny Fire Companv in 1827, for $400, and an engine
house was built the following year. This was the beginning of the fire system of
Butler. The old engine did service until worn out. In 1812 a small engine was
in use for a short time. Then came a period when the citizens had to depend on
the "bucket brigade " incase of fire. In 1870 a Hook and Ladder Company was
organized, and H. C. Heineman and J. J. Elliott, per instruction of the council,
purchased a truck of the Columbia Hook and Ladder Company, of Allegheny, for
$400. Of this sum $800 was appropriated by the council, and the balance was
raised by subscription. This apparatus met the needs of the time* until better
3/4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
means were provided. Mr. Heineman, who is regarded as "the father of the fire
department," was ever alive to the importance of having a good service, and never
relaxed in his efforts to have it provided.
The first regular organization was effected August 31, 1878, when the First
Ward Hose Company was founded, largely through the efforts of Henry C.
Heineman. Thirty-three members signed the article of agreement and they chose
the following officers : Henry C. Heineman, president; Jacob Boos, vice-presi-
dent; A. T. Black, secretary; C. W. Coulter, treasurer. Although still bearing
the original name, the company is now located in the Second ward, and has a
membership of forty. Since that time the following companies have come into
existence :
(iood Will Hose Company, the second organization, is located in the Second
ward. Of the original and active members of this company, W. II. Ensminger is
the only one now remaining.
John S. Campbell Hose Company is accredited to the Fourth ward, and was
organized in 1889. (ohn S. Campbell was the first president.
The Springdale Hose Company, First ward, was established in 1891.
Markham Hook and Ladder Company was formed in 1890. It also belongs
to the first ward.
Sypher Hook and Ladder Company is the sixth tire organization. It was
established in 1893, and is accredited to the Third ward.
These companies have an aggregate of 2,250 feet of hose. Xo engines are
needed, as the pressure is sufficient to throw water over the highest buildings.
Another feature of the fire department is what is known as the Running
Team, an association of seventeen young men belonging to the First Ward Hose
Company. They are agile in their movements and are quick to run at
tournaments and make hose connections. The test of quickness is to run 200
yards, connect and lay fifty yards of hose, break couplings, and attach the nozzle.
In a competitive test in Corrv in 1893, thev made a record of thirty-five and two
fifths seconds ami won the honors. In a test at home in September. 1894, thev
broke the record by executing the movement in thirty-two seconds, the lowest ever
made by a professional or amateur team. They are classed among the champion
runners of the country. The people of Butler are justly proud of their fire
department. It is composed of excellent citizens, and thev are ever on the alert
to discharge the onerous duties which they have voluntarily assumed, and by
their conduct thev have made themselves worthy of the high esteem in which
they are held.
LIGHT AND FUEL COMPANIES.
The Butler Electric Light and Power Company was first chartered July 21,
1885. The applicants were: R. II. McBride, John S. Campbell, Charles H.
Taylor, W. C. McCandless and A. H. Daniels. Thev organized by electing the
following officers: President, R. II. McBride; secretary and treasurer. John
S. Campbell; superintendent, W. C. McCandless. The power house, located on
Washington street, was started running October 4. lNS.">. Capital stock, #10,000.
The original plant was operated a number of years, when it was sold to the
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 375
present company, which was chartered March 7, 1890, under the title of the
Butler Light, Heat and Motor Company. The charter members were : John S.
Campbell, J. H. Troutman. \V. D. Brandon, William Campbell, Jr., L. R.
McAboy and B. H.Jack; capital stock, $50,000. The plant is located in a brick
building on the corner of Cunningham and Monroe streets, and the machinery
is driyen by two engines of 300-horse power. There aie 1,000 Edison, 1,800
Thomson and Houston, and fifty arc lights, of 2,000 candle-power, in use. There
are thirty miles of Edison and Thomson and Houston wires and fifteen miles of
arc light wires in use.
Home Natural Gas Company. — This company was first organized by A.
Kirk and was called the Home Mutual Gas and Fuel Company. It was pur-
chased by H. J. Klingler, in 1890, who obtained a charter under the present
name, and had for its officers: II. J. Klingler, president ; H. Troutman, William
Campbell, F. Reiber, H. H. Clark, directors. In 1892 they sold to the present
company, composed as follows : George B. Foreman, president ; Mr. Barse.
vice-president ; H. T. O'Neil, secretary ; David Sypher, superintendent. Capital
stock, $153,753.
The Independent Natural Gas Company was organized on February 1,
1888, with Henry Reiber, president; George L. Reiber, treasurer, and Edward
Reiber, secretary. It was the first natural gas company incorporated in Butler,
and the gentlemen named have owned it up to the present. This company has
about fifty miles of pipe, supplied by seventeen gas wells located within a radius
of ten miles of Butler. It has a fair share of the local patronage, and claims to
have furnished gas at a lower rate than any other home company.
T/ie Peoples' Gas Company had its inception in the fall of 1890, when Blair
Hook purchased a gas well from the Standard Plate Glass Company, located on
a lot in Springdale which he had previously bought, ami obtained a permit from
the council to pipe that part of the borough. In the winter of 1890-91 he sup-
plied some forty families with fuel and light. He subsequently drilled another
well, and, in 1892, organized the present company, composed of Blair Hook,
Otto Limburg and William Larkin. The company continued to put down more
wells and extend their plant, and now supply over 400 stoves, besides several
manufacturing plants.
The Citizens'1 Gas Company was organized at a meeting held on December
14, 1892, by the election of the following officers ; Peter Sehenck, president ;
H. H. Goucher, vice-president ; Joseph Rockenstein, treasurer, and F. M. Baker,
secretary. The board of directors consists of five persons, including the president
and the capital stock is $10,000.
SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES.
Connoquenessing Lodge, Number 278, I. O. O. 7\.was instituted December
1 1, 1*47. the charter having been granted on November 8. The charter members
were Jacob Ziegler, Alfred Gilmore, John Graham and Dunlap McLaughlin.
The first members admitted at the same meeting were John H. Negley, William
Balph, Cornelius Coll and Thomas W. Wallace ; while the first officers elected were,
Alfred Gilmore, N. G.; Jacob Ziegler, V. G.; John Graham, secretary, and Dun-
376 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
lap McLaughlin, treasurer. The second meeting was held on December 23,
1847, in the court house. This old lodge has been quite prosperous during its
existence of nearly half a century, and lias embraced in its membership many of
the leading citizens of Butler. Its present membership is 1(35.
Ziegler Lodge, Number 1039, I. O. O. /-'.is an offshoot of the parent society.
It was instituted April 23, 1892, with twenty-four charter members. The first
officers were: Dr. G. J. Peters, N. G. ; J. H. Conrad, V. G. ; S. M. Swartz-
lander, secretary ; A. M. Borland, assistant secretary, and Dr. X. M. Hoover,
treasurer. The lodge prospered from the start, and has now a membership of
190. The lodge room is on Center avenue in Springdale.
Butler Lodge, Number 272, F. & A. .1/., was granted a charter March 7.
1853, and instituted August 3 following. The charter members and first officers
were : James Bredin, W. M. : David A. Agnew, S. W. : Felix C. Negley, J. \V. ;
William Criswell, treasurer; George W. Crozier, secretary ; foseph P. Patterson,
John McCarnes, J. J. Sedwick, Hugh McKee and Andrew Fitzsimmons. From
this lodge were organized several other prosperous lodges in Butler county. Its
long list of officers from 1853 to 1894 contains the names of many well-known
pioneers, as well as others prominent in the business and professional life of the
borough. The hall is in the Reiber block, and the present membership is I US.
Butler Chapter, Number 273, R. A. .1/., was chartered December 27, 1890,
and constituted March 24, 1891. The first officers were as follows: William C.
Thompson, M. E. 11. P.; Charles N. Boyd, K. ; Francis M. Cole, S. ; Josiah B.
Black, treasurer, and Newton Black, secretary. The membership is sixty-seven.
Butler Lodge, Number 94, A. O. U. II '., was instituted January 18,1876,
with the following charter members: L. P. Walker, S. R. Diffenbacher, T. A.
Templeton, A. L. Reiber, T. 15. White, D. Cupps, A. Mitchell, II. Gemper, E.
Robb, T. S. Green, D. A. Heck, C. Rehbun, Samuel Walker and John F. Lowry.
The lodge embraces in its membership some of the best citizens of the borough
and can boast of a line library of carefully selected books.
A. L. Reiber Lodge, Number 679, A", of H., was instituted June 22, |N77.
with twenty-nine charter members, embracing many well known citizens of the
borough. It has a steady, substantial growth and is now fairly prosperous.
Butler Council, Number 219, R. A., was instituted May 3, L880, with
sixteen charter members. This is largely a benevolent and insurance society,
and has accomplished a great deal of good in every town where it has been estab-
lished.
Butler Lodge, Number 732, A. L. of /I., was instituted September 30,
1881, with twenty-five charter members, including several leading business men
of the community. This society has held its own among the fraternal associa-
tions of Butler anil has had a fairly prosperous career.
Ilutler Tent, No. .!Jt, A" O. T. .]/., was first organized in 1>S87, and dis-
banded in 1889. It was reorganized on December lit, 1890, with a large member-
ship. The first officers were: I). L. Aiken, P. C. : David E. Dale, C. ; J. C.
Snow, L. C. : A. F. Gable, R. K. ; William Cromm, F. K. ; A O. Eberhart, C. ;
Dr. Samuel Graham. P. ; George Kerstetter, S. ; T. W. Crawford, M. at A. ;
Robert Turner. M. F. of (i. ; 11. W. F. Graham. S. M. of G. ; G. A. Billingsley,
■^*tcri
&* KP*Jr(r>
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). ^J
S. ; W. Martin, P. For the first two years the membership averaged about
eight)-, but at present some ISO names are on the rolls and the tent is in a pros-
perous condition.
Butler Lodge, Number 170, B. /'. O. B., is one of the later but most
flourishing societies in Butler. It was chartered and organized July 10, 1890, by
J. B. Black, VV. T. Mechling, F. M. Cole, J. D. Northrup, E. W. Tibbals.
William II. Reihing, E. E. Kelly, I. G. Smith, and Dr. Lysander Black. The
first officers were: J. B. Black. E. R. ; W. T. Mechling. E. L. K. ; F. M. Cole,
E. L. K.; J. D. Northrup, E. L. K. ; E. W. Tibbals, secretary, and I. G. Smith,
treasurer. The lodge grew rapidly and within two years had fifty members. By
the close of its fourth year 125 members answered the roll call. This society
prides itself on the fact that it;- lodges usually contain a large per cent of the lead-
ing young men of every community in which it finds a home. It is purely a
social and benevolent order, the underlying principle being charity. The lodge
room is in the third story of the Butler County National Bank building.
Branch Number 56, C. M. B. A., was organized March 16, 1889, with the
following charter members: Joseph Rockenstein, Bernard Kemper. Jr., A.
Rockenstein, Joseph Niggel, Henry Grieb, Norbert T. Weser, Ed McShane,
Albert Frank, Andrew Liebler, John Kappler, John Garber, Casper Eyth,
Thomas H. Gallagher, Henry C. Plohr, J. N. Harvey, Thomas J. Moran, Charles
McCarthy, J. C. Wagner, Fred J. Morall, Theo. 1). Fape and W.J. McCafferty.
The successive presidents of the branch have been as follows : Joseph Rocken-
stein, Bernard Kemper, Jr., Henry Grieb, John Kappler, John W. Yogel, Joseph
Manny and Bernard Kemper, Jr. The organization was effected through the
efforts of Bernard Kemper and W. II O'Brien, the latter having previously
belonged to the branch at Oil City. The present membership is over ninety, and
the hall is above Joseph Rockenstein's store on North Main street.
Branch Number !>-', L. C. />'. A., was organized September 17, 1891, bv
supreme deputy, Mrs. J. A. Royer, of Erie, Pennsylvania, with seventeen charter
members. The presiding officers have been Lena Grieb, M. C. Rockenstein and
Amelia Schaffner. The present membership is over thirty.
Among other secret organizations of the borough are Butler Council, Num-
ber 242, Jr. O. U. A. M. ; Lodge Number 211, K. of P. ; Circle Number 22, F.
H. C, and Keystone Camp, Number 8, W. of W.
A. G. Reed Post, Number 10.',. G. A. R., was organized on May 12, 1881,
and named in honor of the brave and gallant Alfred G. Reed, one of Butler's
patriotic sons, who fell on the bloody field of Fredericksburg. The charter mem-
bers were as follows : George W. Fleeger, Wilson E. Reed, James R. Story,
Joseph Kelly, William A. Wright, C. E.Anderson, A. B. Richey, Henry Korn.
George W. Johnston, H. A. Ayres, Daniel Beighley, Casper Sherman, S. G.
Hughes, Alexander Russell. Ferd Weigand, A. G. Williams, D. S. McCulloch.
John L. Jones. John K. Fleming, James Graham, Samuel P. Shryock and )<>lm
Kennedy. The successive commanders of the Post since its organization have
been as follows: George W. Fleeger, W. A. Wright, Newton Black, A. G.
Williams, John T. Kelly, John M. Greer, C. E. Anderson, Alexander Russell,
378 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
R. P. Scott, W. A. Lowry, Joseph Criswell, 1. J. McCandless and A. 15. Richey.
The I. ( ). O. F hall on the corner of Jefferson and Washington streets has heen
tin- meeting place since the beginning. The present membership is 192, a gain
of forty-three since January, 1894, which is an indication of its prosperous con-
dition. Connected with the Post is the Woman's Relief Corps, Number '.17,
which contains some twenty members.
Butler Encampment, Number '/■'/, / . I '. L., was chartered on Tune 2<>, 1889,
with nearly seventy members, who were mustered in on June 27 and 2'.), follow-
ing. The tirst officers were as follows: Robert J. Phipps, colonel; (). C.
Kedic, lieutenant-colonel; \V. A. Clark, major; Jefferson Partner, chaplain ;
D. M. Ward, adjutant ; II. Z. Wing, quartermaster; R. S. Nicholls, officer of
the day, and Casper .Sherman, officer of the guard. In July. 1889, another mus-
ter in took place when nearly eighty additional names were placed on the rolls.
Every member must have seen active service and veteranized, for, as the title
indicates, it is a " Veteran Legion." and admits none but veterans to its ranks.
The hall is decorated with stirring battle scenes, intended to keep green the
memories of war times, reminders of the trials and sufferings of bygone days.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The tine court house is one of the public buildings of Butler to which its citi-
zens point with pride as an evidence of the county's prosperity. Its history is
given in a previous chapter. The main' line church buildings of the borough are
also described ; while in the preceding pages of this chapter the several substan-
tial school buildings find generous mention. The Armory Building, also known
as the Park Theater, on the south side of the Diamond, is the only one of a pub-
lic character remaining to be spoken of. It had its inception on March 11, 1891,
when the Armory Building Association was incorporated by the following gen-
tlemen: John W. Brown, president ; John L. Black, vice-president; W. T. Mech-
ling, secretary; S. II. Huselton, treasurer, and Ira Mcjunkin. The building
was erected the. same year, but ere the interior was commenced ,the old opera
bouse on Mckean street was burned, and the company was solicited by many
leading citizens to convert a part of the Armory Building into a theatre. This
was accomplished by the erection of an addition to the rear, and thus it serves
the double purpose of an Armory and opera house. The latter is on the first
floor; the second floor is devoted to offices, and the third floor is occupied as an
armory by Company E, Thirteenth Regiment, X. G. P. The total cost of the
building and theatre was about $50,000. On July 30, 1894, the " Park Theatre
Company of Butler" was granted a charter with a capital stock of $45,000, with
the following officers : John W. Brown, president; George Schenck, vice-presi-
dent ; W. T. Mechling, secretary; Peter Schenck, treasurer; Ira Mcjunkin,
George Ketterer and W. II. O'Brien, directors.
In addition to the public buildings, the handsome monument on the Diamond,
dedicated on July 1, 1894, to the memory of "Our Silent Defenders," deserves
mention here, though its history is given in the chapter on the War of the
Rebellion. It is one of the most attractive and beautiful objects in the borough
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 3/9
— a substantial evidence of the patriotic spirit which animates the people of But-
ler county — and a fitting memorial to the brave men who defended the Hag in the
dark days of civil strife.
GRAVEYARDS AND CEMETERIES.
The first burial place in Butler was the old graveyard north of the imposing
Jefferson street school building. It will be remembered that at the public sale of
lots, August 15, 1808, lot Number 150 was sold to " John Cunningham, Abraham
Brinker and others, for the use of a graveyard," for ten dollars. On the 16th lot
Number 151 was sold to the same parties at the same price, for the same purpose.
Lot 152 was purchased in hH28 from Norbert Foltz, for fifty dollars, and added
to the cemetery, whicli made it complete. In this lot John Cunningham, who
died in 1805, was buried, and years ago it was said "no man knew his grave."
Charles McGinniss, who died in 1800, at the age of eighty-six years, was the
second one to find a resting place in " God's acre."
When it was set apart for a burial place it was far removed from the center
of business, and likely its founders never dreamed that the sacred spot would ever
be surrounded by dwellings. Native oaks grew there then as they do to-day ami
spread their branches as protecting arms over the graves of the dead. In course
of time a massive stone wall was built around the enclosure, in accordance with
the custom of a hundred years ago. It remained as a protection lor many
years, when more modern and advanced ideas demanded its removal, and it
was taken down more than thirty years ago. The plot now serves as a park
and is in good repair, but the tombstones of about 120 dead still dot its grassy
surface. Hundreds of the early settlers and their descendants were buried there.
It was finally abandoned as a burial place more than forty years ago, and
other cemeteries further from the center of population selected, whither the
remains of many were removed.
The effort to condemn the old graveyard and appropriate it to school
purposes, aroused oppssition and developed litigation. Col. John M. Sullivan in
referring to the difficulty of removing the remains of the earliest buried there
savs :
The location of the graves of whole families are unknown. The dust of one of the
founders of Butler has laid therefor nearly ninety years. There lie the remains of a
venerable Revolutionary soldier, the ancestral head of the McKee family. He served
his country bravely and faithfully, and after fighting- his last battle, laid down in But-
ler to rest. There lie the remains of the first christian minister who ever preached in
Butler county, buried there over seventy years ago. There is the grave of the wife of the
Hon. Walter Lowrie, one of Butler county's most highly honored sons, who readied the
exalted position of a seat in the Senate of the United States. His wife has been buried
there for over sixty-one years. There one of the earliest Methodist minister.-, has a grave
to be cared for by those who have followed him in the ministry in Butler, and there it
has been undisturbed for two-thirds of a century. Those venerable pioneers of Butler
county, the father and mother of Hon. John Brediu and grandparents of Hon. James
Bredin, sleep in this old graveyard. A few years since an attempt was made with loving
hands to disinter the remains of these loved ones, but it was found to be impossible, and
so it would be with regard to several hundred others.
38O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
.SV. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, the second burial place in Butler, was laid
out in 1830, on ground deeded for the purpose by Sarah Collins, a daughter of
Stephen Lowrey. An addition was made to it in 1834, of ground deeded to the
Catholic church by Valeria Evans, a daughter of Mrs. Collins, and her husband,
E. R. Evans. It is located on East Jefferson street, and was used for burial pur-
poses until within a few years, when interments were discontinued. Many of
the Catholic pioneers are buried in this old graveyard.
77/(- South Cemetery is owned in common by the German and English Luth-
eran and the United Presbyterian congregations. In lsr>() John Negley deeded
land to the German Lutherans, and subsequently to the English Lutherans, and
still later the McQuistion heirs made a deed of a small tract of land adjoining upon
the south, to the United Presbyterian church. The enclosure, which occupies a
commanding position, now comprises nearly seven acres. In this cemetery lie
the remains of many of the pioneer settlers of Butler. Jacob Mechling, Sr., who
died in I860, aged ninety years, is buried here, together with his wife. Magda-
lena, and others members of his family. fohn Negley, who succeeded the Cun-
ninghams as owner of the old mill property, is also an occupant, and on a sub-
stantial monument is given a short record of his life. An inscription on a marble-
slab tells in brief the story of the life of Rev. Isaiah Xiblock, D. D., the venerated
United Presbyterian minister who for forty-six years faithfully served his people.
Inscriptions tell that members of the Walter family are here interred; and another
stone informs the visitor that beneath it repose the ashes of John II. Agnew,
who died near the middle of of the year 1851, at the ripe age of eighty-one years.
He had scarcely emerged from the infantile state when the thunders of the Revo-
lution shook the land, and he was a small lad when the American Nation was
born. Here too are the graves of John McQiiistion and wife, and several mem-
bers of this pioneer family ; whilst all around are obelisks and granite tablets
telling of those who not onlv preceded, but followed him The Reiber family
have here a beautiful lot and fine monuments. John Michael Zimmerman, John
Oesterling, George Lutz, John Lawall. the Vogeleys, McCandless, and members
of many other well-known families are buried in this cemetery.
The Butler Cemetery Association was chartered by act of March 24, 1851,
the incorporators being as follows : Rev. William White, D. D., Rev. Loyal
Young, D. D., Rev. Isaiah Niblock, D. D., Rev. William A. Letter, Charles C.
Sullivan, William Beatty, Samuel A. Purviance, John Bredin, George W. Smith,
William Campbell, William S. Boyd, Dunlap McLaughlin. William Timblin,
fames Campbell, George W. Reed, Robert Carnahan, David Walker, Dr. Henry
C. De Wolf. James T. Mc Junkin. Andrew Cams, Samuel M. Lane, John Gil-
christ, John Negley, Jacob Mechling. Jr., John L.Maxwell, James Mitchell,
John Graham and William B. Lemmon. Seven acres were purchased from
Ebenezer Graham, lying on the north line of the borough, overlooking the town,
and immediately after the association was incorporated steps were taken towards
laying out the ground in lots. The borough council also passed an ordinance
forbidding any more interments in the old graveyard, and since that time it has
been one of the principal burial places of the borough, though it is being gradu-
ally filled up, and finally a new cemetery became a necessity. The present
BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED). 38]
officers are : Col. John M. Sullivan, president ; Maj, Cyrus E. Anderson, secre-
tary; R. C. McAboy, superintendent and treasurer; and Dr. A. M. Neyman,
Dr. Samuel Graham, Hon. John M. Greer, Lewis Z. Mitchell, Cyrus E. Ander-
son and R. C. McAboy directors. Many prominent and well-known early settlers
are buried in this cemetery, and scores of graves are marked by handsome
monuments.
North Side Cemetery Association was chartered July 2, 1887, and thirty
acres were purchased of Charles Duffy adjoining the old cemetery on the north.
John S. Campbell was the leading spirit in the enterprise and worked hard to
carry the project through. The first officers were as follows : John S. Campbell,
president; Harvey Colbert, secretary and treasurer ; Joseph L. Purvis, W. I).
Brandon. E. D. Robinson, Alfred Wick, E. Mackey, C. G. Christie, A. G. Will-
iams, Clarence Walker and John S. Campbell, directors. W. H. II. Riddle and
L. S. Mcjunkin succeeded Messrs. Mackey and Walker in 1893, but no other
changes have occurred since the organization. Many substantial and costly
monuments have been erected during the past seven years, and several ot the
pioneers have found their last earthly home in this cemetery. D. S. McCol-
lough, who has rilled the position of sexton of the old cemetery since 1856, suc-
ceeding his father, John McCollough, is also sexton of North Side cemetery.
Though there are two separate and distinct associations, the old and new grave-
yards are virtually one, and are so regarded by the people of Butler.
Calvary Cemetery Association was incorporated July 9, 1887, by Rev. Will-
iam A. Nolan, Charles Duffy. George Schaffner, William H. Reihing, David and
Thomas F. Niggel, Willliam G. Vinroe, Patrick Kelly, Daniel McLaughlin, N.
J. Criley, D. H. Wuller, John McCune, P. A. Golden, Hugh D. McCrea, Jacob
Faller, Joseph J. Lavery and Charles F. Kane. Thirty-five acres were purchased
from Charles Duffy, immediately north of North Side cemetery, twenty ot which
belong to St. Paul's congregation and fifteen to St. Peter's. The grounds are
rapidly assuming shape, and in a few years will be a beautiful burial place. The
monument marking the grave of Father Nolan is a fine tribute to him as a man
and servant of the Master. Those erected over W. H. Reihing and Francis X.
Grieb, are also fine specimens of the sculptor's art. The burial plot of the Duffy
family contains the remains of its members who first settled in Butler county, as
well as those who died in more recent years, and the monuments are solid, sub-
stantial and striking in their simplicity.
This combination of cemeteries, in one enclosure, and dedicated to the uses ot
all denominations, embraces seventy-two acres. The location is admirably
adapted for the purpose to which it has been consecrated, and in time must become
a beautiful city of the dead.
OI. D AND NEW BUTLER.
We have traced the history of Butler through its various stages down to the
present time. From an obscure hamlet of less than fifty inhabitants more than
ninety years ago, it has grown into a thriving, substantial and modernized borough
of 9,000 population. Since the Butler Palladium appeared in 1818, under the
guiding hand of John Galbraith, no backward step has been taken. To-day there
382 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
;ire five weekly papers and one daily published in the town*, which is now recog-
nized as the social, commercial, and educational center of a rich and populous
county.
It is true that for many years the borough languished and gave but feeble
signs of life. The streets were unpaved, sidewalks poor, and the buildings typi-
cal of the backwoods period. But a better day dawned upon the town and peo-
ple when nature developed her vast stores of wealth which had been so long
concealed beneath the rugged surface. The discovery of oil and gas soon made
tin- county an inviting field for investment and speculation, and the town profited
immensely from these sources of \yealth.
An era of improvement and building set in. Fine business blocks took the
place of " tumble-down shanties,"' the boundaries of the borough were enlarged,
new streets were opened, stone sidewalks, both natural and artificial, took the
place of dilapidated board walks, and comfortable houses, constructed in themod-
ern style of architecture, beautified the streets and avenues. This was the result
of the activities of the seventies. But as extremes often followed each other, a
period of depression came, only to be followed by renewed activity in the eighties.
This movement begat a greater spirit of enterprise, which cluminated in 1891—92
in a complete sewerage system and the laying of brick pavements as follows:
Main street, 1,600 feet; Jefferson, 3,800; Pearl, 2,200; Central avenue, 2,000 ;
making a total of 12,600 feet, or within a fraction of two and one-half miles.
These splendid improvements gave the town new life and vigor. The electric
light, both incandescent and arc, make the streets and dwellings all that could be
desired at night, whilst natural gas, cheaper than coal, warms the homes of all.
A drive over the undulating hills which surround the town on nearly all sides,
reveals many charming and picturesque views, which never fail to impress one
with the beauty and grandeur nature has so lavishly displayed here.
The Butler gas and oil fields are among the best in the State and a boon of
incalculable wealth to the people. Appreciating the value of the blessing, excel-
sior has become the watchword of the people of the borough. Improvements are
still being made, streets opened and attractive dwellings erected on the many
eligible sites found on the slopes and plateaus. Industries are constantly spring-
ing up and the hum of machinery increases with the demands of trade. In a
short time an electric railroad to Pittsburg will lie built, and as the surveyed
route is only thirty-two miles, the Iron City will be brought into closer commun-
ion with the new Butler on the Connoquenessing.
* For a history of the newspapers of Butler see chapter on The Press.
CHAPTER XXIV.
BUTLER TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Changes of Boundary — Physical Features — Pioneers— An Oi.n
Cemetery — Early Mills — Population — Justices — Churches.
BUTLER township originally occupied an area of about eight miles
square, and was organized in 1804, when the county was divided into
thirteen townships. Some years later it was subdivided into North and South
Butler, by a line running from the center of the western boundary to the Conno-
quenessing creek, and thence northeasterly along that stream to the eastern
boundary line of the township. This subdivision continued in force until 1854,
when the township was established within its present limits, which embrace an
area of about five miles square. The Connoquenessing creek, which, with its
tributaries, drain and diversify the surface of the township, is fed, near the
northeastern corner, by the Kearns and Bonny Brook branches. It flows
centrally through the township in a southwesterly direction, receiving the
waters of Smith's branch. Butcher's run, Sullivan's run, Rock Lick run, and
other smaller streams. The Little Connoquenessing flows through and drains a
small area in the northwestern part of the township. The general surface of the
township is hilly, the numerous streams breaking it into valleys. The soil varies
from a stiff clay to a light sand. The township, notwithstanding its billy surface,
has a fair proportion of tillable land, winch is not only well cultivated but highly
productive. The Upper Freeport coal, which underlies the eastern part of the
township, was mined at an early day on the William Kearns farm. During more
recent years, it has been extensivelv anil profitably developed, especially in the
neighborhood of Butler and along Butcher's run and its tributaries.
PIONEERS.
The honor of being the first actual settler in the township is said to belong
to William Kearns, a native of Ireland, who came here from Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania, in 1795. He entered a large body of land.
nearly 1.000 acres, in what is now Butler and Summit townships, building
his home within the limits of the former township, a short distance northeast of
the town of Butler. His sister, Jane Kearns, who came here with him, exercised
her settler's right by selecting 100 acres of land in her own name. She married
John Potts, who came to the township in 1799, and who afterwards engaged in
business in Butler as a merchant. The first graveyard in the township was
located on the land selected by her. It became the resting place of many <>1 the
old pioneers, among the first of whom was a Mr. McCurdv, who was cof-
384 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
lined in a hollow log, as were many other early settlers, for lack of lumber to
make coffins. Harmon Neyman, the great grandfather of Doctor Neyman of
Butler, was buried here, as were also Jacob Rudolph and a Mr. Thorn. The site
of the cemetery is now overgrown with woods, the only things left to mark it
being the rough uninscribed headstones above its well-nigh forgotten graves.
James McKee, eldest son of Thomas McKee, a Revolutionary soldier, came
to Butler township, from Ligonier, Westmoreland county, in 1795, and settled on
a tract of land three miles west of Butler. His father, Thomas McKee, with the
remainder of the family, came a year later and settled on an adjoining tract, now
occupied by the William Barnhart farm. Thomas McKee died in June, 1815.
John Pierce, another Revolutionary soldier, came here in 1796, and settled on
land near the center of the township. He built a cabin, and leaving his young
wife, whose maiden name was Jane Venate, alone in the wilderness, returned to
his former home at Turtle Creek for supplies. He died in 1846.
John McQuistion, a native of Donegal county, Ireland, came to Butler
county, from Philadelphia, in 1796, and purchased 500 acres of land southeast of
Butler. He erected a large tannery, which he operated for a number of years.
He was a man of energy and enterprise and became a prominent and influential
personage among the early settlers. Among others who came in 1790, or earlier,
were James and Andrew Moore, who located on land west of Butler.
Robert Graham, a native of of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, came here in
1797, and purchased a tract of l()0 acres of land. This he afterward sold to the
commissioners, who laid out a portion of the town of Butler thereon. He then
purchased 400 acres of land outside the town limits on which he resided until his
death. William Wilson came in 1797 or 179.S, but removed to Indiana in the
early part of the present century. John Morrow located in the western part of
the township in 1798. About the same time came Peter Peterson, who, as a
member of the Colonial forces sent against the French at Fort Duquense, partici-
pated in that ill-fated battle known as " Braddock's defeat." He was in the
hottest of the tight, and was one of six survivors out of a company of eighty. He
afterwards served in the Revolutionary- yvar.
In 1800, John Burkhart came from Allegheny county and settled on a tract
of land in the southeastern part of the township. He was noted as a hunter and
tor his general knowledge of woodcraft. He died in 1855, in the ninetieth year
of his age. Robert Maxwell and his son, Abraham, came here from Maryland,
in 1800, and settled on a tract of land just west of the village of Butler. Abra-
ham Maxwell, about 1814, leased his land for three years to Samuel Robb, who
came into the township in 1800, and settled in Butler. In the fall of 1815, while
an attempt at the instigation of Stephen Lowrey was being made to evict Robb,
Abraham Maxwell was shot and seriously wounded by some one unknown. He
recovered, however, and afterwards became one of the early sheriffs of the county.
He died in 1841. Adam Fryer, another noted hunter, settled in the western part
of the township about 1800 or 1801. He died in 1840. John Bailes, known as
"Little John" to distinguish him from the John Bailes of Connoquen-
essing township, settled about 1800, in the western part of the township.
In 1801, Lawrence King settled four miles west of Butler, coming here
s/v
c,
BUTLER TOWNSHIP. 385
from Eastern Pennsylvania. Alexander Bryson came about 1800 anil set-
tled on the Little Connoquenessing creek near the northwestern part of the town-
ship. He afterwards removed to Ohio where lie died. His sons Richard and
Joseph remained upon the old homestead, which is still the property of their
descendants.
Paul Bratton, a hatter by trade, came soon after 1800 and settled on 100
acres of land south of Butler, where he afterwards set up a shop. He married
Hannah Pierce, their marriage being the first solemnized in the township. In
ISO.") Alexander Hamilton settled on a trad of land in the northwestern part of
the township. Among the settlers in the township at this time, besides those
already named, were fames Borland, William Drown, William Burbridge, William
Bovce, Twines Boyd, John (.'ratty, Samuel Dunbar, Josiah Crawford, John
Dougal, William Freeman, Joseph and Henry Evans, Thomas Fletcher. Charles
McGinnis, William Flowers. George McGuffy, William Martin, Matthew Skeer,
and others. Of these, John Cratty ran a distillery, while William Freeman
owned a saw-mill.
Col. Robert Lemmon. a native of Ireland, came to the county in L796, and
located in the village of Butler soon after it was laid out. During the War ot
1812 he served as a sergeant. After its close he settled on a farm southwest of
Butler, afterwards the home of his son Andrew. In 1815 Leslie Maxwell, who
married a daughter of Alexander Hamilton, located in the western part of the
township. Jacob and Henry Dufford came in 1817. The latter soon afterward
moved to Indiana. Henry Young came from Lu/.erne county in 1824. David
Mcllvaine settled here in 1N25. Joseph Bernhart Sliker and wife came here from
Baltimore in 1830. Francis Criley, another German, came direct from the
'■Fatherland" to Butler county in 1831, and settled on Three Mile run. He
bought his land from John Negley at four dollars an acre. The Cunninghams,
Mechlings, Xeglevs, Brinkers and ether pioneers who settled in Butler are men-
tioned in the chapters devoted to that borough.
Among the earlier enterprises in the township, in addition to those already
noticed, were the two saw-mills erected by Moses Sullivan, on his home place,
known as " Solitude," a short distance northwest of Butler, on Sullivan's run.
These he operated for a number of years. In 18-37, George. Jacob ami Martin
Reiber erected a distillery on the site of the upper mill, and carried on the manu-
facture of whiskey there until a recent date. About 1850, William Ralston, Sr.,
built a grist mill on the Little Connoquenessing creek, just south of the Butler and
Prospect road, in the northwest corner of the township. It is now owned and
operated by John Cranmer.
The population of the township, in 1810, was 45:1 ; in lSi'0. 472: in 1830,
768; in 1840, 1,380; in 1850, 2,622 ; in I860, after the division of the township.
1,198; in 1870,984; in L880, 1,007, and in 1890, 1,297.
The justices of the peace elected in the township for North and South Butler
previous to 1854 are as follows: North Butler — David Walker, 1840; Hugh
Stephenson, 1813; William Jamison. 1845; Hugh Stephenson, 1848; Robert K.
Hunter, 1849, and Robert McKee. 1854. South Butler— Robert McNair, is 10;
Anthony Faller, 1843; Henry Rishaberger, 1845; John Kennedy, 1847; James
386 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
McKinney, 1848; Elijah Burkhart, 1849, and Joseph Patterson, 1853. The fol-
lowing have been elected since 1854: Peterson Pierce, 1856; Nathaniel Walker,
1858; John Huselton, 1861-66-71; Robert McKee, 1863-68-73-78-83-88;
Anthony Hoon, 1872; Samuel Schaffner, 1877; William C. Kelly, 1883; John
C. Kelly, 1888 and 1893; S. L. Rasely, 1889, vice Robert McKee, who removed
into the borough, and Sebastian Peck, 1894.
CHURCHES.
The Zion Reformed Church, whose house of worship is located in the west-
ern part of the township, near the junction of the Meridian and Harmony
roads, was organized in 1845, at the Henshaw school house, by Rev. Samuel
Miller of Westmoreland county. Among the original members were Frederick
Barickman, Henry, Jacob and Samuel Dufford, Abram, Eli and John Henshaw,
George Sleppy, Henry and Gideon Schlegle and Henry Sarver. The elders
were Frederick Barickman and Henry Dufford. The deacons, Abram Henshaw
and Philip Dufford. In 184(3 the congregation, having increased in number until
the membership in October of that year numbered eighty-two, determined to
build a house of worship. Committees to solicit subscriptions, purchase a build-
ing lot and superintend the erection of the edifice were appointed. The work
was prosecuted with such vigor that on May 28, 1847, the corner stone was laid,
and the building was dedicated in the following December, the ceremonies being
conducted by Rev. Samuel Miller, assisted by Rev. L. D. Leberman and Rev. M.
Hoffman of Westmoreland county. It was named Zion Reformed Church.
In 1848 the pulpit was supplied by Revs. Leberman and Hoffman. In L849
Mr. Miller returned and continued as pastor until 1852, when he was succeeded
by Rev. Joseph Miller, who remained until 1854. From 1854 to 1859 the pulpit
was supplied. In 1859 Rev. F. W. Deehand became pastor, remaining until
1803. The pulpit was vacant until 1S6(3, when Rev. W. M. Landis was installed.
He continued until the fall of 1870, in June of which year he organized an Eng-
lish society under the name of St. John's Congregation, both societies using the
same building. From the fall of 1870 until January, 1874, Rev. F. A. Edmonds
served both congregations. In May, 1873, the German congregation, which,
with the church at Harmony, had constituted one pastoral charge, was united
with those of Butler and Prospect, the three being known as the Butler charge.
The Harmony congregation was then made an independent charge. In January,
1874, Rev. C. A. Limburg was called as pastor. He remained until 1877, when both
congregations united in calling Rev. Mr. Sandoe. In November, 1877, the Ger-
man congregation was constituted an independent charge, known as the Henshaw
charge. November 20. 1880, Rev. Josiah May became pastor, serving both con-
gregations.
After this the German congregation dwindled in numbers, while the English
congregation increased. The former being too weak to maintain a pastor and
hold regular services, the latter undertook to gain possession of the church prop-
erty. This resulted in both congregations becoming incorporated in 1887. The
German congregation retained possession of the property. In 18S9, their pulpit
being vacant, they requested Rev. E. Cronenwett of St. Mark's Evangelical
CONNOQUENESSING TOWNSHIP. 387
Lutheran church, Butler, to preach for them at stated periods. He consented,
holding service every fourth Sunday. This led to the members — to the number
of nineteen — uniting themselves with St. Mark's church, and to the Reformed
Zion church passing out of existence. Rev. Mr. Cronenwett still preaches in the
old church every fourth Sunday.
Si. John's Congregation of Zion Reformed Church was organized fune 111,
L870, by Rev. Mr. Landis, at that time pastor of Zion Reformed church. The
original members were John J. Dufford, Eli Ilcnshaw , Michael Dufford, Samuel
Dersheimer, John Fry, Peter Gruver and Francis Heckart. The elders were
Eli Ilenshaw and Francis Heckart; the deacons, Samuel Dersheimer ami John J.
Dufford. In the fall of 1870 the congregation united with that of Zion Reformed
church in calling Rev. F. A. Edmonds as pastor. He remained until January,
1874, when Rev. J. B. Thompson, superintendent of the Orphan's Home, at But-
ler, became pastor of the new church, which in 1^70 numbered eighty-two mem-
bers. In 1S77, both congregations — Mr. Thompson having left the charge —
united in calling Rev. \V. 15. Sandoe, who resigned September 1. 1880. On
Xovember 20 following Rev. Josiah May became pastor. In December, 1886,
Rev. D. X. Harnish, who has also charge of St. Paul's Reformed church, Butler,
was installed. The legal title to the old building remaining in the German con-
gregation, the new society concluded to erect a house of worship for its own use.
A lot was secured near the old church and a frame building erected upon it, at a
cost of $1,500. It was dedicated in February, 1889.
CHAPTER XXV.
CONXOOJL'EXESSIXG TOWNSHIP.
Origin of Name — Original and Present Area — Drainage — Physical Features —
Coal and Limestone— Pioneers — Population and Statistics— Early Elec-
tions and Justices of the Peace — Mills — Schools — Churches — Villages —
Societies.
THIS township takes its name from the Indian word Connoquenessing, mean,
ing "For a long way straight,"' applied to the creek bv the Indians. It was one
of the four original townships of the county, and embraced the present divi-
sions known as Cranberry, Jackson, Lancaster, and Muddy Creek, ami parts of
Worth, Brady, Franklin. Connoquenessing, Forward and Adams, all within the
Depreciation lands district, in Jones', Nicholson's and Alexander's surveys. In
1804, the township was reduced to nine miles square ; in 1842, it was divided into
East and West Connoquenessing, and in 1854 reduced to its present area.
Connoquenessing township is drained in its southeast corner liv a half dozen
388 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
little feeders of the main stream. Crab run rises above Whitestown, flows
along the west line and enters the Little Connoquenessing just west of the town-
ship line. This last named stream receives the Semiconon almost in the center of
the township, and the two creeks drain the northeast quarter, the Center of the
south half, and the southwest quarter. West of the Butler and Petersville road,
the township is hilly, its inclines being very decisive. For this reason, it is easier to
drive from Butler to Whitestown via Prospect, or from the White Springs neigh-
borhood via Petersville and the old pike road, than cross the hills, which in some
places rise 450 feet above the creek bottoms. Withal it is a fine farming country
and possesses many first class agriculturists. Xear the Lancaster line, the old coal
banks of Daniel Cable, in the Gallitzin coal, were worked for years ; while a simi-
lar coal was found in the McCandless bank and the Muder bank on the opposite
side of the Little Connoquenessing. At the mouth of the Semiconan, it is found
on the Graham farm, and farther up, in the Wilson bank, the Edmondson mine,
and above and below the old mill, as well as on the Galloway lands near Allen's
mill, now operated by Finerty & Son, and along Crab run, east of Whitestown.
Below the mill dam, a brecciated Freeport limestone has been quarried for building
and burning, and Freeport coal is also found.
PIONEERS.
The settlement of Peter Kinney, commonlv written McKinney, in Forward
township, in 1792, and his transfer to a point at or near Petersville, shortly after,
are noticed in the chapter on The Pioneers, and as a veteran of the Revolution is
also spoken of in the chapter on Early Military History. Petersville, where he
resided until his death, in 18-49, was named in his honor, and a thousand reminis-
cences of olden days cluster round the pioneer's tavern and shoemaker's shop.
Dunning McNair, the land speculator, erected a cabin in 1795, on or near
the lames McCandless farm and laid claim to large tracts of the Morris lands.
He induced five or six Scotch families to leave Westmoreland county and settle
in this township. They trusted the man and paid him for their lands : but when
the legal owner appealed, they had to pay again. John Ekin came hither in
17'.).""). erected a cabin, and in 1796, brought his wife. Agnes, from Westmoreland
county, and located near the site of Whitestown, where this pioneer wife died in
1838, and her husband in 1837. Leonard Shannon, who came witli Ekin in 1795,
and erected a cabin here, did not bring his family to their new home until 1799.
His son David, born in 1791 in Westmoreland county, became publisher of the
Repository at Butler, built a mill on the Semiconan and was a sterling citizen.
Daniel Graham, a soldier of the Revolution, moved from Braddock's Field
to Connoquenessing township, in 1796, where he died in 1839. When the
Reformers got possession of Scotland about 1587, the Graham's found a refuge
on the Isle of Lewis, and to that island they look as the cradle of the family. In
1803, Daniel Graham, known as " Little Dan," Daniel Graham, known as " Big
Dan," John, Malcolm, Angus, Matthew and William, who came from Ireland in
1801, owned 3,300 acres of land in this township. Angus served in the Revolu-
tion and his sons in the War of 1812.
Mordecai McLeod came in 1796, and in 1803 owned two tracts of 400 acres
CONNOQUENESSING TOWNSHIP. 389
each: while Norman owned three cows; William, 100 acres; John, 400 acres,
and Angus, a single man. 400 acres. Colin McDonald's land was taken possession
of, in his absence, by one John Bailes. In 1803, the family was represented here
by Colin, Daniel, John, a single man, John Jr., and William, all owning 1,600
acres.
John Beighley and his brother Henry arrived in 1 TOG, and Peter, George
and Jacob came a year or so later, each of the three first named being a land
owner in 1803; while Jacob had 400 acres in Clay township. John brought
his family hither from Westmoreland county in 1798, and resided here until
his death in 1840. Henry died in 1836. They were descendants of the Palatin-
ates who were shipped to Maryland and Pennsylvania, from England, about the
middle of the Eighteenth century. Francis Sandford came in 1796, purchased
400 acres of land and was one of the progressive farmers of pioneer times.
Nicholas Muhleisen. another descendant of the Palatinate shipments, arrived
in 1796 and settled near the Beighleys. He was a weaver, cooper, carpenter,
tinner and general fixer, and saw here a chance for his handiwork before
bringing his family from Westmoreland county. David Moon, another Palatin-
ate, had 200 acres which he worked with a yoke of oxen for eighteen hours
a day.
William Campbell, the bear hunter, may be credited with settlement in
1796. He had 300 acres of land, but he devoted his time to hunting rather
than to agriculture. James Plummer. a settler of 1796, sold his four hundred
acres on Crab run to George Matthews, in 1813, and moved to some other
part of the county. Abdiel and Andrew McClure located here in 1796. Both
were natives of Ireland and the former a soldier of the Revolution, while
Robert, his son, was a wagoner in the War of 1812.
Charles McGinnis, Sr., and Charles, a single man, with John McGinnis,
Sr., were here prior to 1800, Charles Sr., owning 100 acres, three cows and
one horse in 1803. Stephen and Joseph Crawford located 750 acres near John
Ekin's cabin in 1796, and brought their families into the wilderness. Israel
Gibson, who married one of the Girty girls, resided south of the site of Whites-
town, due west of Mt. Nebo cemetery. His wife died, it is said, in 1801,
and was among the first tenants of that cemetery. Thomas Gray located
among the pioneers, where he had 400 acres of land, two horses and three
cows in 1803. John, Thomas and Ann Girty, said to have been related to
the Scotch-Irish renegade and traitor, Simon Girty, who was in the employe of
the English during the Revolution, resided in a cabin on what is now the Shiever
farm, south of the forks of the Harmony and Evans City roads. It is said that
Ann was shot and killed as she stood in the cabin door, and that burial was denied
the body by the elders of Mt. Nebo church, or the cemetery managers or owners.
Thomas Girty's wife was buried at Mt. Nebo, and he was known as a single man,
residing on his 400-acre farm in 1803. Alexander Bryson located 400 acres on
the Little Connoquenessing about 1800, and built a grist-mill on that stream in
1805. He moved to Ohio after the county was organized, to teach school, and
there died.
John Welsh, a native of Ireland, and a veteran of the Revolution, came to
3<JO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
this township about 1800, from Westmoreland county, bringing his family with
him. Some of his sons served in the War of 1812. Andrew Baker, whose farm
passed into the hands of (Jen. William Ayres, left about 1810. Ayres rented the
lands to George King, who brought the wagon he used, as wagoner in the War
of 1812, here in 181 4. lie- built a large frame barn, which is still standing. In
that structure the seceders from Mt. Nebo church held meetings until the White
Oak Springs church was completed. Thomas Dodds, born on the Atlantic,
while his parents James and Wary Dodds were en route from Ireland to the
United States, settled south of Mt. Chestnut in 1800, and died there in 1842. He
served this county as commissioner. In ISO!!, Thomas and William Dodds had
(550 acres of land and six cows.
Matthew White, whose name occurs so often in the early history of the
county, came from Allegheny county, in May, 1799, ami located 400 acres on the
site of Whitestown, where he established a tannery and tavern. His infant son
John, who died in August, 1801, was the first tenant of Mt. Nebo cemetery ;
Moses Richardson, who was accidently killed, in 1801, being the second, and one
of the Girtys the third. Matthew White died in 1813. John Richardson, an
Irish emigrant, purchased 400 acres in 1800 and built his cabin the same year,
where he carried on the trade of weaver. His wife, Ann Pillow, was a daughter
of Col. Henry Pillow, who came from Ireland the same year. William Martin.
Sr.. William, Michael, John, Daniel and Robert Martin, Sr., came from Ireland
with his parents, William and Elizabeth Martin, in 1801 , and located on Yellow
creek, but selected other lands subsequent to 1803. Robert was a single man
then; but he married Keziah McClure in 1 SOS, and raised a large family. Mrs.
Martin died in 1843, and Robert in 1847. He tilled several township and county
offices and served as a captain in the War of 1812.
Robert Hays, who had 400 acres of land, two cows and two horses, in 1803,
also carried on a distillery. Samuel, his son, established a store on the farm,
near the west line of the township, in 1S22, and carried it on until 1834, in con-
nection with peddling; but tor over thirty years prior to his death, in 1873, he
was an agriculturalist. William Purviance, born in Washington county,
came to the Petersville neighborhood in 1810 and purchased the William Camp-
bell farm and mill. For forty-nine years he was a survevor, served two terms in
the legislature and was county surveyor for three terms.
lames Stevenson, who was a cooper at Butler in 1811, came here in 1825;
Thomas Alexander came from Ireland prior to 1820, and was one of the useful
pioneers; George Co wan, a native of Ireland, came in 1821 ; Harrison Dyke, a
millwright, came in 1824; Peter Nicklass settled at Harmony in 1832, then
moved to Donegal township and afterwards located here; James C. McCandless,
Jacob Dambach, Thomas C. Allen. Daniel Cable and others came in after 1830.
The original township had a population of 1,284, in 1810; reduced to 977, by
cutting off territory, in 1820 ; increased to 1 ,01 1 by 1830; to 2,692 by 1840; reduced
to 2,518, owing to cutting off territory, by 1850; and reduced to 1,098 by 1860,
six years after the general resubdivision of the county. In 1880, the population
was 1,191, and in 1890, 1.55:;. The assessed valuation, in 1894, was $298,004 ;
the county tax levied, $1,192.01. and the State tax, $401.99.
CONNOQl'ENESSING TOWNSHIP. ^Cil
EARLY ELECTIONS AND JUSTICES.
The first election held in Connoquenessing township, alter its organization
as one of the thirteen original townships, was that of October 14, L806. There
were seventv-six votes cast for congressional candidates, 140 for sheriff, seventy-
three for coroner and seventy-four for commissioner. Matthew White's house
was the polling place. Robert Martin was inspector; Moses Bolton, Leonard
Shuman and Robert Boggs, the judges, and Andrew McClure and Thomas Xis-
bit, clerks.
The first election for county officers was held in East Connoquenessing town-
ship, October 11, 1842, when John Shearer was judge, and Henry Buhl and f.
W. McCandless, inspectors. One hundred and fifty-one votes were cast for the can-
didates for Assembly; John R. Harris, one of the candidates for sheriff received
118 votes, and James G. Campbell, the other, forty-one votes.
The first election for county officers in West Connoquenessing township was
held October 11, 1842, Christian Buhl being judge, and John Lexis and John
Boyer, inspectors. The vote cast was 161 for William Balph, candidate for
register and recorder, against seventy-five recorded for his opponent, William
Walker. Abraham Moyer received the highest vote, being 186, against fifty-
seven for John Shaffer, they being the candidates for commissioner.
The justices of the peace for Connoquenessing from 1840 to 1804 are named
as follows: Daniel Graham, 184(1; Henry Umpstead, 1840; Thomas Fletcher,
1841 ; Abraham Moyer, 1841 ; David Shannon, 1845. 1850 and 1855 ; John M.
Graham, 1845; Thomas Cratty, 1846, 1851 and 1^56; James S. Kirker, 1846 and
1851; Jared F. Phillips, 1851 ; William S. McKinney, 1800 and 1805; Samuel
Reed, 1866; Isaiah N. Graham, 1869 and 1875; Jacob Fry, 1870 and 1877 ; James
McKinney, 1872; Alexander Stewart, 1876, 1881 and 1886; C. A. McKinney,
1881; Thomas Graham, 1880: Rudolph Barnhart, L891 : W. II. Alexander, 1891
and Daniel B. Weize, 1892
In 1805 Alexander Bryson built a small grist mill on the Little Connoque-
nessing creek, a short distance south of Mt. Chestnut. After he removed to Ohio
the mill became the property of his son, Richard, who operated it until 1828,
when he sold it to his brother, Joseph. In 1837 a new mill, begun in 1835, on
the site of the old one, was completed. In 1831 Joseph Bryson erected a saw-
mill near by, and ran it in connection with the grist mill. Mark Hammer, who
had previously worked at Brinker's mill, was the first miller. He came in 1831.
Numerous changes of ownership have taken place during the intervening years,
the mill also having undergone repeated repairs and improvements. The present
proprietor is O. W. Eagle.
William Campbell built a grist mill on Powder Mill run, near Petersville, in
1807. About 1810 William Purviance purchased the property and converted it
into a powder mill. Campbell E. Purviance built another powder mill in 1840,
which he operated until 1854.
The Crab Run grist and saw mills were erected in 1811, by Henry Beighley,
who carried them on until his death, in 1880. The Shannon grist, carding and
392 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
sawmills, on the Semiconan, were built in L818 by David Shannon, who came
into the Semiconan valley in 1799, when a child. lie named the creek, consid-
ering it as half the Connoquenessing. In 1849 William Allen built a new mill
on the site ot the grist mill. Hugh Gibson erected a grist mill on the Semiconan
in 1827 or 1828. Time and competition led to its demolition, and upon its site,
the most romantic spot in the valley, James McKinney erected a larger mill,
which he carried on successfully until 1865, when it was purchased by R. S. I lavs.
The first school-house in Connoquenessing township was that built one and
one-half miles west of Whitestown on John Beighley's farm. Nicholas Mtihlei-
sen, the pioneer teacher, taught German there for many years. The first teacher
of English was Mr. Irvine, who had a school at Ekin's, east of Whitestown, in
1799. The second school building was constructed on the hill or divide between
the Connoquenessing- and Little Connoquenessing, on the trail from Fort Pitt
to Venango, about three miles north of Evans City. The Grahams, Welshs,
Magees and McDonalds were the builders, and a Mr. Evans was the first teacher.
George Lee was teaching here when drowned below Amberson's bridge. Near
the old Samuel Hays dwelling another pioneer school was erected, and there John
Sanderson presided as teacher. Rev. Reid Bracken preached here whenever he
would visit the settlement, until flic building of Mt. Nebo church. On the James
Hays farm, a fourth school-house was erected, in which John McKendry, W. W.
Brandon, Robert B. Walker, Griffith Owen. Robert Stewart. W. G. Bracken,
Robert McElvaine, Robert Hays and James McCandless taught successively.
There are now seven school-houses in the township. The children of school
age here, in 1894, numbered 157 males, and 144 females.
CHURCIIKS.
Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church was organized in 1805, by Rev. Reid
Bracken, with James Plummer and Joseph McPherrin, elders. Mr. Bracken
was installed pastor by the Erie Presbytery, April 21), 1808, and preached here
until 1844. Rev. Mr. Leake preached here from 1845 to 1848; Rev. Alexander
Cunningham, from 1852 to I860; Rev. William P. Harrison from July 7, 1863, to
June lit. 1867; Rev. Samuel L. Johnson from 1870 to 1882, and Rev. Jonathan
W. Miller from 1884 to 1887. His successor. Rev. Watson J. Young, is the
present pastor. Shortly after the installation of Mr. Bracken, a log church was
built near the site of the present brick building. On March 12, 1S^'7. an adver-
tisement appeared, asking for bids for erecting a stone meeting-house, which was
signed by Leonard Shannon, David Shannon, William Hays, Alexander Hays,
John Brandon, William Morrison and Robert Martin. A few years later the
stone church was completed ami sheltered the congregation for over thirty years.
On February 15, 1S59, an advertisement for bids for a church building at
Whitestown appeared. The building committee comprised M. F. White, Robert
Hays, Thomas Crafty. Jr., John Brandon anil James Anderson. Under their
direction a substantial brick building was erected, which to-day appears almost
as good as the day it was built. Long before the old log church was abandoned.
CONNOQUENESSING TOWNSHIP. 393
or about 1817, the introduction of "Watt's Psalms,"' in lieu of the psalms for-
merly in use, incited rebellion, as several members did not wish to cast aside
those with which they were familiar. The seceders went out in a body to the
Associate Reformed society, and the church at White Oak Springs resulted.
Articles of association of Mount Nebo Presbyterian church were examined by
the court of common pleas, January 6, 1847, and on the same day, a charter was
granted. The trustees were William C. Martin, Abdiel McClure and Thomas J.
Gibson. The list of elders embraces the names of Israel Gibson, R. Hays. John
Dick, John Brandon, James Welsh, Thomas Cratty, James Scott, Thomas II.
Bracken, Robert Hays, John Martin, James Anderson, Bryson Black, A. W.
McCollough, John Cratty, John W. Martin, Dr. William A. Clark, John Weigle,
Elliott Robb, John W. Brandon, James Brandon. Henry Welch. John A. Bran-
don, Reed Xesbit and R. B. Gibson. In 1893 there were 100 members reported
by J. A. Brandon, clerk of the session. The cemetery belonging to this church
dates back to 1801.
White Oak Spring's United Presbyterian Church was organized in 1818 by
Rev. Isaiah Niblock, of Butler, and Elders Thomas Dodds, Hugh McKee and
George Matthews, with a few followers of the church residing in that district,
and several seceders from Mt. Nebo Presbyterian church, making, in all, sixteen
members. From 1818 to the completion of a brick house in 1820, the members
worshipped in a tent. In 1862, the old brick church was removed and the pres-
ent building erected at a cost of about $3,500. After Mr. Niblock was released,
in 1884, the pidpit was vacant until 1881), when Rev. William Findley was called.
In 1853 orl854, Rev. Thomas Drennen came and preached here until Ids death.
In 1858, Rev. W. H. Jamison accepted a call, and remained until 1879. Rev.
T. W. Young succeeded him and Rev. J. B. Borland, the present pastor, fol-
lowed Mr. Young. There were 168 members reported in 1894, among whom are
many representatives of the pioneers who made its beginning in 1818, such as
the Dodds. Martins, Mahargs, Critchlows, Richardsons, Brysons, Ramseys, Mc-
Kees, Roses, Fultons, Gillilands, McLains, McLeods, Stevensons, Fraziers,
Wrights, Johnsons, Matthews, and others. In the cemetery may be found some
old headstones such as those raised over Thomas McKinney, who died January
26,1830; John Ilamble, April 25, 1833; Rachael Matthews, July 9, 1882: Nancy
Matthews, January 1, 1832; John Gray, October 18, 1839; Sarah Jane Balph,
January 16, 1851, and Jane McGinnis, January 15, 1844. The society was incor-
porated November 21, 1883, Henry Brunermer, William Shorts, (ohn M. Rose.
I. N. Duncan and Dr. J. L. Christie signing the constitution.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Petersville, organized March 15. 1858,
is noticed in the history of Forward township, where the building is located.
St. Paul's Reformed Lutheran Church was organized in 1865, with Peter
Rader. Nicholas Frishkorn, Jacob Ziegler and others named in the sketch of St.
Paul's church, of Petersville. The pastors were Rev>. Landis, F. A. Edmonds
and Scheel.
St. Paul's German Evangelical Protestant United Church of Petersville,
was organized .September 28, 1SS5, with Peter Rader, George Hartman, Adam
Hartman, Casper Fehl and Mrs. Peter ,Staaf, with others, named in the articles
394 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of association, as members. The society was incorporated March 16, 1887.
with Martin Flintier, Edward and Nicholas Miller. Andrew and William Fehl
and Casper Nolzheim, members. All resided at or near Reibold station. The
same year Rev. E. II. Otting, of Grace Reformed church. Harmony, became
pastor, a position he held until March 18, 1894, when he resigned the pastorate
of the Harmony church and others in his charge. The present building, a sub-
stantial frame house, thirty by forty-five feet, was erected in 1887 at a cost of
$ i ,000.
S/. John' 's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Petersville was formally organ-
ized September ~2~). 1886, by Rev. E. Cronenwett of Butler, who, before and after
that date, preached occasionally here in the Methodist church or in a school.
Organization was completed November 3, L 886, at the house of Conrad Nicklass,
who, with Rev. Cronenwett. George II. Burr. Isaac Burr. Philip Burr. Charles
Nicklass, John Burr and M. McKinney, were present. On September 4, 1887,
the corner stone of the present building was laid; on December It. the society
was incorporated, and April 22, L888, the house was dedicated. Rev. Louis
Wagner preached the dedicatory sermon. The resignation of Mr. Cronenwett
was announced September 11, 1889, and fifteen days later Rev. Louis Wagner
was chosen his successor. The membership in lS(.)4 was sixty-five. The officers
were Jacob Hutzly and Charles Nicklass, elders; Charles Spithaler and Adam
Nicklass, deacons: Milton Cress, Conrad Nicklass and Philip Burr, trustees.
Whitestotvn had its inception in 1700, when Matthew White settled there,
and started a tannery and tavern, although it was not platted until 1818, after
the death of the pioneer, when Edward, his son succeeded him as tavern-keeper
and had the land surveyed into town lots. Matthew White, a relative of the
pioneer and a son of Alexander White, carried on a tavern here down to 1831.
At that time the temperance movement was in full force and the temperance
party, having secured postoffice privileges for the place and established literary
societies, thought it was high time to boycott thirsty travelers as well as thirsty
residents. Edward White, the second tavern-keeper and first postmaster, from
1831 to 1830, was succeeded as postmaster by John A. Fletcher, who held the office
until 1870. Since 1879, Joseph Graham, George Graham, Samuel O. Wright
and J. II. Doutt, appointed in May. 1893, have tilled the office.
The first merchant was Alfred Pearce. who moved to Harmony and was there
elected justice of the peace. Joseph \V. Pollock and John W. Brandon were early
merchants. Samuel Reed kept store in the brick house, formerly Matthew-
White's tavern. It was built in 1859 to replace the old log and frame house.
Joseph Pyle carried on a tavern here for some years, and it is said that Andrew-
Spear, Jacob Cratty, Thomas Crattv and Andrew W. McCollough, carried on
business here at various times. Joseph Graham came in 1871; George Graham
and Dr. McConnell had a store north of the brick house. S. O. and J. C. Wright
and W. II. Alexander leased the brick building later and it is now owned by J.
H. Doutt and W. H. Alexander, who carry on a general store and postoffice
therein. The village is in the midst of one of the finest agricultural districts in the
CONNOQUENESSING TOWNSHIP. 395
county. 'Plie oil deposits have been but little developed. Coal of good quality
is found in the vicinity, and it is only a matter of a little time until natural gas
is introduced into the homes of this locality.
Petersville, named Petersburg in 1848, in honor of Peter McKinney, the
pioneer of Connoquenessing township, was surveyed in June. L849, into town lots,
near the site of William Campbell's old powder mill and Campbell E. Purvi-
ance's new mill, for William S. and C. A. McKinney. In 1812 old John Crowe
settled on the site, but afterwards moved into what is now Forward township.
Away back in the twenties the place was known as " McKinney's Tavern." The
pioneer merchant appears to have been Alexander Douthett, who seems to have
pursued a mercantile itinerancy for a time, appearing once a week atMcKinney's
tavern with a stock of goods, which he exposed for sale. He afterwards opened
a store and established himself in business as the first merchant in the place.
Thomas Critchlow used also to visit the place twice a week with a stock of
goods, before opening a store. About IsMT William and Henry Purviance bought
out Alexander Douthett. David Marshall opened a little store in 1888. and Hugh
Stevenson a tavern in 1849. At the sale of lots in the latter year, Thomas
Critchlow, Jesse Critchlow, George Brunermer, James McKinney, Evans Critch-
low. Henry Nicklas, and a few others, became purchasers. Thomas Critchlow.
who had been appointed postmaster in 1848, was the principal buyer.
The business established by Alexander Douthett and sold by him to William
and Henry Purviance, appears to have had many owners, among those who suc-
ceeded to it being David Marshall, C, A. McKinney. Thomas Critchlow. John M.
McKinney, C. E. Purviance, Thomas Short. Bryson & Woods, Robert Dodds.
John and R. Dodds. John Ferguson, Huselton & Crattv. J. W. Kaltenbach &
Company, James Boggs. II. P. Wilson. Dambach & Purviance. Nicklas ,V
Brothers. Peter Staaf and W. A. Purviance, who was the owner in 1876.
In that year there were seventeen families and a total population ot seventy
persons in the village. To day. the drug -tore of Dr. J. L. Christie and the gen-
eral stores af C. Xicklas. J. T. and W. A. Purviance. and Barnhart & Son. rep-
resent the mercantile interests: while the agricultural implement factory, estab-
lished in 1880 by P. W. Thomas, represents the manufacturing industries.
The postmasters from 1848, when Petersburg office was established, to 1885,
were Thomas Critchlow. George Brunermer, Hugh Stevenson, William S.
McKinney, Jacob Fry and Conrad Xicklas. In 1885 A. A. Vandling was
appointed, and May 7. 1888, Caroline Raselv. the present incumbent took charge
of the office. In ls7l the name of the office was changed to Connpquenessing.
Petersville Lodge. Number 864, Jr. O V . A. M., organized in 1891, has left its
charter and a few members here. George Thomas, the first councillor, is also the
present one. J. II. Miller is recorder, and Charles Ray, treasurer. The Knights
of the Maccabees had also to cast their tents in other fields, the lodge being re-or-
ganized at Renfrew in June, 1893.
Buttercup is the name of a postoffice established in the seventies, with J. X.
Stephenson as postmaster. Its history dates back about forty years, when the
first store was established here by George Ansley and P. W. Thomas. For about
sixteen years they carried on business in the original frame building, when Lai-
396 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
vin and Henry Dietrich succeeded them and continued for about five years, when
the store building became vacant and hi remained for about ten years, and was
then re-opened by Samuel L. Rasely. After three years R. VV. Barnhart bought
ids interests, but six years later sold out the stock. In 1892 R. S. Henry built
the present store, and has since carried on the business.
J. N. Stephenson, the first postmaster appointed, remained in charge until
he moved away. He locked the office and left the key with R. S. Henry. In
1884 the office was re-established, with Samuel L. Rasely in charge. In 1886
Presley A. Barnhart was appointed, and he served until lulv 1. 1892, when R. S.
Henry succeeded him. He resigned, and Isaac M. Dyke was appointed, but
after two months he, too. resigned, and Mr. Henry was re-appointed.
The Connoquenessing Vigilance Association, organized with the object of
mutual protection against horse thieves and the prevention of the crime of horse
stealing, was incorporated April 27, 1856. The directors named in the articles
of association were I.. P. Hazlett. president; Greer McCandless, secretary ; fohn
T. Cooper, Robert S. Hays, F. S. Dambach, VV. M. Humphrey, William Ander-
son, Jacob Dambach and John R Hover. Eighty-two members signed the con-
stitution. The present membership is eightv. the officers being I.. P. Hazlett,
president, and (ircer McCandless secretary.
77/i' Connoqitenessing Valley Agricultural Society was incorporated March
20, 1875, with 1P5 members. It has passed out of existence.
Eureka Grange, Number ,.''/.'/, P. of H., lias an active membership in the
township. Its purpose is to promote the interests of agriculture and foster a
fraternal spirit among the farmers.
CHAPTER XXVI
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
( >rgantzation — Physical Characteristics— Pioneers— Population and Assessment
— Harvest Home — The Harmonists' Estate — Early Industries Schools and
Jr. sticks — Villages.
JACKSON township was organized in 1854, and is situated in the south-
western part of the county, north of Cranberry and south of Lancaster
townships, its western boundary being the Beaver county line. The- Pittsburg
and Western railway runs through the northern part of the township, from south-
east to northwest. Connoquenessing creek flows westwardly through the town-
ship, about a mile south of the northern boundary line. Besides being a good
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 39/
agricultural township, it contains the old town of Harmony, where the Harmony
Society made their first settlement in America; the boroughs ol Zelienople and
Evans City, and the villages of Eidenau and Ramsdale. The township abounds
in coal, which has been mined from the pioneer days to the present, and in exten-
sive deposits of iron ore and limestone. The people of the township are thriftv,
industrious and prosperous.
PION EERS
The pioneer history of Jackson township is particularly interesting, on
account of the men and events connected with it- settlement, and because, within
its boundaries, there have been made extended ventures in agriculture, stock-
growing, milling, distilling and merchandising. Though the vangurd of the
pioneers were from the North of Ireland, t he main body was made up of Germans,
to whom credit must be given for the development of the township and the found-
ing and building up of Zelienople and Harmony.
James Magee, a native of Down county, Ireland, located here in IT'.tT, served
in the War of 1812, and died in 1846. William Martin, also a native of Ireland,
came about the same time, cleared some land, one mile west of the present bor-
ough of Evans City, and died there in lSoO. They were among the pioneers
who opened the way to the fertile fields of the lower Connoquenessing valley.
In 1800 came Thomas Wilson, who settled near Evans City ; Thomas Scott,
who located on the site of Zelienople and resided there until evicted by Dr.
Miiller: Michael Martin, a brother of the pioneer. William Martin; John Dunn,
an old soldier, who located in the Martin settlement, and who was killed while
returning to his former home at the forks of the Youghiogheny ; David Young,
James Donaldson and Joseph Morris. Christian Buhl, a German shoemaker,
came in 1802, located at Zelienople, and worked for Dr. Miiller. Morris Covert
hail L'ttn acres of land here in 1803, having made a location that year or in 1802.
Philip Covert had Kit) acres, but neither of them had personal property then.
Morris served in the War of 1812, and died in 1889. His widow died in 1841.
Daniel Fiedler located on the site of Zelienople in 1803. John Xixon. founder
of the family in Pennsylvania, came from New [ersev to what is now Jackson
township in 1812, then moved to Penn township. John Fleming, the teacher,
came in 1815, also Jacob Kelker and Samuel Beam. Abraham Ziegler set-
tled here in 1815, having purchased part of the Harmonists' propertv the year
before. Jacob Swain came from Westmoreland county in 1816, and died here
hi 1837.
Thomas II. Harper settled here in 1S20, but moved to Cranberry township
in 1843, where he died in 1876. Jonas Ilart/.ell started a wagon shop at Har-
mony in 1820, hut turned his attention toward agriculture in 1832. Lewis
Gansz and Jacob Dambach and wife came in about 1832; George Marburger,
witli his father and brother, Henry, came from Prussia in 1839, settling near
Zelienople; Henry Stokey came in 1846, and Dr. Adam Weiser in 1856. Det-
mar Basse Miiller. the Passavants, Buhls, Muntzs, Zieglers, Fiedlers, Wises.
Aliens, and many other pioneers of Zelienople and Harmonv are noticed in the
chapters devoted to the history of the two boroughs.
39^ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The population in 1860, was 1,117; in 1870— 1.137: in 1880, excluding bor-
oughs, I". 264, and in 1890 — 1,154. The assessed value of real and personal prop-
erty in 1803, was $323,050; the county tax, $1,292.20, and the State tax. $84.80.
IIAKVKSI HOME.
The Harvest Home, one of the three annual feasts of the Harmony Society,
was inaugurated herein 1805. A large barn was thrown open to the people and
the feast spread. This consisted of the products of the farm, with native wine,
whisky, beer, saurkraut, rice and ginger cakes. They interpreted Chapter
XXIII, of Exodus, as a warranty for the three feasts — the " Love Feast " in early
spring, the " Harvest Home " when the small grains were in, and the " Feast of
the Ingathering," when harvest was over. On February 15, each year, from
1806 to 1815, the Economites held their feasts, and the English speaking pioneers
were always welcome guests. After the departure of the Rapp colonists, the
feasts were observed, at intervals, by the successors in occupation; but after the
removal of the Nixons to Penn township, the Harvest Home was held there.
the harmonists' estate.
Detmar Basse Midler was the first true developer of this section. He came
here with wealth and ideas, and with the object of reigning like a feudal baron
over a large extent of country, lie sold his property, as related in tile history of
Zelienople, to the Rapps, and they continued its development until 181 !, when
George Rapp described it as follows :
SALE OF Till-: ECONOMITES' FIRST LAND.
With all its improvements, and about 0,000 acres of land adjoining-, on which are
three villages, in the tenure of GEORGE RAPP and Associates, is offered for sale.
H A RMON V,
Is situated on either banks of the Connoquenessing. Butler county, twenty- five miles
west of north from Pittsburg-, and eleven miles from the < >hio river, and contains about
130 building's and lots of ground, a number of which are brick, some frame and the rest
log. The principal .buildings are the tavern house of stone and brick, 54 by 32 feet, con-
taining- 12 convenient apartments, with kitchen, cellar, garden, and good stabling — a
storehouse of brick. 42 by 32 feet, with an arched cellar — a brick house for spinning and
weaving, 56 by 40 feet, with a cellar under the whole a brick house opposite the tavern.
44 by 33 feet, with an arched cellar — a brick house on the adjoining lot, 45 by 30 feet, with
a cellar — a brick house opposite the store, 44 by 30 feet, a cellar under the whole — a brick
house for carding- and spinning-. 50 by 40 feet, with a cellar — a large commodious brick
house for shearing and finishing cloth — a brick house calculated in best manner for dye-
ing— two brick houses. 40 by 30 feet each — a dwelling house, brick and frame, 50 by 30
feet — a brick church, 75 by 45 feet. Besides several other brick and frame dwelling-
houses, there are a number of buildings for different uses.
A frame granary, 80 by 40 feet, with four floors and machinery, well adapted to the
design of the building.
Two distilleries, one brick, the other stone, each calculated to distill, by steam, 18
bushels of grain per day.
Two grist mills, one first rate, on Big Connoquenessing, with one set of burrs, the
other a pair of common stones — a fulling mill, and convenient rooms for two sets of
wool-carding machines attached to it. The other grist mill is situated on a run, with
two pairs of common stones— an oil mill on Little Connoquenessing, together with a full-
JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 399
ing and hemp mill, and one set of cotton carding machines — two saw-mills — a large con-
venient tan yard with suitable improvements — a brick 3'ard — potash factory — rope walk
—brewerj- — a smith with four hearths — a nail factory— buildings suited to almost every
branch of mechanism— and the town well supplied with water, having- 10 wells with
pumps, besides three springs.
There are in the town of Harmony 4 large barns with stables underneath, and on
the premises 7 larg-e sheep stables, that will hold 5,000 sheep.
Adjacent to Harmony and on the premises are three villages — the first is Ramsdale,
half a mile north, containing about twenty log buildings, with convenient barns and
stables— the second is Eidenau, one and a half miles east, containing about the
same number of houses, barns and stables — the third is Oilbroun, two miles north, eight
or ten houses with barns and stables; besides several other single farms with necessary
buildings and handsome improvements. There are of the whole quantity of land about
3,000 acres remarkably well improved, and durably fenced; at least 500 acres of which
are meadow and of the first quality.
There are two principal orchards, containing about 2,000 bearing apple trees,
besides smaller ones in different parts of the farms. Two vineyards, one of 10 and the
other of 5 acres, have given sufficient proof of the success of the cultivation of vines;
the}' are made after the European manner, at a vast expense of labour, with parapet
walls and stone steps conducting to an eminence overlooking- the town of Harmony, and
its surrounding improvements.
There have been supported from the improvements and produce of Harmony, annu-
ally 3,000 sheep, 600 horned cattle and a number of horses, besides the grain to feed the
distilleries, and still affording large supplies to the country. There are quarries of good
limestone, building stone and stone coal, and good timber for building and other uses
abounding throughout the improved land.
The soil — the most extensive part of it, is of the first quality, on which are a num-
ber of good sugar camps, the situation level and rounding so as to form an agreeable
variety of surface. The ina,n of capital who may wish to purchase will, upon viewing
Harmony and its improvements, at once discover that he can not be better suited, for
the purpose of farming, manufacturing and every branch of mechanism.
Should no person or persons be inclined to purchase the whole property on or
before the first day of October next, it will then be divided and sold in such lots and
parcels as may suit purchasers.
The titles to all the above-described property are indisputable. Possession will be
delivered on the first of April next, and the terms made known by application to the
subscriber residing at Harmony, Butler county. GEORGE RAPP.
June 15, 1814.
EARLY INDUSTRIES.
The Midler saw mill near Zelienople was, undoubtedly, the first manufac-
turing industry in Jackson township. Established in 1804, it was a signal of
advancement which gave the pioneers courage and led them to hope for greater
things. In 1S06 Milller had a grist-mill erected, where the Seidel brothers have
their modern mill. The old mill was at one time left on an island owing to the
dam being swept away in a freshet. The Herr mill, erected by John Herr,
became the property of Albert Seidel and Joseph Schwartz in 1857. Just before
the war, Schwartz sold his interest to Seidel, who operated the concern until his
death in 1880, when his sons became owners. Harper & Keefer became owners
in 1889, and in 1892 Mr. Harper became sole proprietor.
The Economy grist-mill was erected on Scholar's run in 1806 or 1S07 under
the direction of George Rapp, The big mill at Eidenau, the oil mill, the full-
400 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ing and carding mill and the distillery on the Little Connoquenessing, above
Eidenau, were early and important industries. In lSi57 David Ziegler and
Arron Schontz converted the great barn of the Economites, northwest of the
Diamond, into a steam flouring mill, while later. Jacob Ziegler erected a distill-
erv near the big mill, above Harmony.
The Bassenheim furnace was carried on by Ditmar Basse Miiller from its
opening, in 1814, to his return to Germany, in 1818, with the exception of the
last two years, when P. L. Passavant was really director of the work. From
ISIS to 1824, Daniel Beltzhoover & Company were the owners, but in the latter
year they closed it down, and, by 1826, Beltzhoover was the proprietor of the
farm on which the ruins of the old furnace stood. Native ore was used and the
bellows worked by water power until the dam gave way, after which a steam
engine was introduced. John II. Hopkins, who later became a prominent
bishop in the Protestant Episcopal church, was a clerk in the old furnace prior
to 1818, and, it is said, served also in P. L. Passavant's store as salesman.
The Wilson salt work.-, established at Harmony in 181(3, were carried on in
conjunction with the salt well on Yellow creek.
There were several tanneries in the Harmony neighborhood, as well as dis-
tilleries, so that the early settlers of a wide section in Butler. Beaver and even
Armstrong counties, made this a point lor exchanging the products of the farm
for flour, groceries, whisky and leather.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
The first schools were introduced by the Economites. Subsequent to 1815,
John Fleming and the teachers named in the chapters on Zelienople, Harmony
and Evans City established subscription schools, which were carried on until the
common school law was adopted here in 1835. In June, 1893, there were 119
male and 169 female children of school age in this township. The total revenue,
for school purposes, was $2,983.66, of which the State appropriation was
$1,119.17.
The justices of the peace for Jackson township, from 1855 to 1894 are named
as follows: Thomas Wilson, 1855; Frederick Zehner, 1855, 1800, 1805 and 1875;
Lewis Gansz, 1860 and 1865; Henry Cooper, 1870. 1875 and 1876; Thomas I.
Wilson, 1879; Andrew Harper, 1880, 1885 and 1890; J. B. Knox, 1SS2 ; S.
Ramsey. 1887; Jacob Enslcn, 1891 ; G. W. Wilson, 1890; Charles Zehner, 1802;
W. G. Swain, 1893; J. H. Eichert, 1893, and Phil Snitzel, 1894. Prior to 1854
the township formed a part of Connoquenessing and Cranberry townships, and
prior to 1804 was a part of original Connoquenessing township.
Harmony, Zelienople, a part of Evans City, Eidenau and Ramsdale belong,
physically, to Jackson township. The first three are boroughs, and dis-
tinct municipal governments; while Eidenau is still within the jurisdiction of the
township officers. Ramsdale, like Oilbronn, in Lancaster township, long since
disappeared, and few, if any. of the present inhabitants have the slightest notion
that old Ramsdale. a half mile north of Harmony, was at first an Indian town and,
(Xuj^^ ^"^uW^
ZELIENOPLE BOROUGH. 401
in the first decade of this century, a Caucasian village of twenty log houses, with
as many log barns and stables. «
Eidcuau, in 1808-1814, was a town as large as Ramsdale, and there also was
the big mill, erected by the Economites, which afterward became the property of
Abraham Ziegler. On the flats north of the river was an old Indian town, which
was practically abandoned in 1792, but tenanted by the women and children of
the Red Hunters until the pioneers came into this section.
CHAPTER XXVII
ZELIENOPLE BOROUGH.
Origin of Name— Dr. Detmar Basse— "The Bassenheim "—A Beautiful Site-
George Rapp, the Bavarian — Public Square Controversy — Pioneers— Early
Taverns — Later Growth — Joseph Smith, the Mormon — Newspapers — Insur-
ance Company — Bank — Leading Merchants — Population and Statistics —
Postmasters and Justices of the Peace — Schools — Manual Labor School —
Zelienople Select School — Connoouenessing Academy— Orphans' Home —
Burgesses and Councilmen — Churches — Socif;ties.
THIS beautifully and picturesquely located little borough derives its name
from Zelie, the daughter of its cultured, scholarly and romantic-minded
founder. Dr. Detmar Basse, whose ample means, when he came here, in 1802,
from the City of Frankfort, Germany, enabled him to purchase a tract of 10,000
acres of land, lying in Butler and Beaver counties, lay out a village, and erect as
his own private residence, a three-story wooden castle, with towers, turrets and
battlements, to which he gave the name of "The Bassenheim." His idea
appears to have been to establish here in the wilderness of western Pennsylvania,
amid romantic and picturesque surroundings, a baronial estate, and thus become
a man of power and influence in this part of what was then the growing West.
The village which he thus founded, on the left bank of the Connoquenessing,
is in the midst of an area abounding in mineral wealth, as well as beautiful scenery.
Coal and iron ore are found here, while the petroleum and gas fields of later days
have been profitably developed. The elevation of the village is 985 feet above
the level of the sea, or 145 feet lower than that of Butler borough.
In 1804 Dr. Detmar Basse sold 5,000 acres of his tract to George Rapp, a
Bavarian, on which the purchaser founded the village of Harmony. In 1806 the
builder of " The Bassenheim " went back to Germany. but returned in 1807, accom-
panied by his daughter Zelie and her husband, P. L. Passavant. From that time
until 1818, when he returned to Germany, leaving his business affairs in the hands
of his son-in-law, the founder of Zelienople devoted himself to its upbuilding and
26
402 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
made the little town a scat and center of activity, enterprise and progressive life.
Although his real name was as given above, he came to be known as Dr. Miiller.
He built and operated a grist mill, and cither as an eccentricity or to designate
his calling, he used to sign his name " Detmar Basse Midler,'' or " the miller; "
hence, doubtless, the appellation thai displaced his real name. Whether his title
of " Doctor" was given him because he had some knowledge of drugs, or was
conferred upon him as a college degree by one of the educational institutions of
his country, cannot be stated with certainty. He was known as an educated and
polished gentleman, and a man of considerable intellectual ability. Before com-
ing to America he had been prominent in public life, having, during the Napo-
leonic eta. represented the free City o€ Frankfort as an ambassador to Paris. His
American castle. "The Bassenheim," was destroyed by lire in lsfl'. having been
purchased in ls:',('., with a tract of 4(H) acres of the Miiller lands, by Joseph Allen,
who replaced it with a dwelling which he occupied until his death, in 1865.
When I). 1>. Miiller disposed of the unsold lots in the original town of Zelien-
ople to 1". I.. Passavant for $1,400, and ceased to have an interest therein, the
public square, streets anil alleys were public property; but the new owner,
believing the public square or Diamond to be his property, sold the school-house,
an octagonal building, to three trustees, in 1816, anil for almost seventy years this
sale was unquestioned, until the subject of building the school-house of 1888 was
discussed. S. F, Bowser, who was chosen counsel for the school board, in April
L883, pointed out, not only the illegality of building on the Diamond in 1816,
but also cautioned his clients against repeating the error. The location of the
school created a good deal of ill feeling.
Philip I.. Passavant opened the first -tore on the town site in 1807, and car-
ried it on for about forty-one years, when he disposed of his mercantile interests
to his son. — C. S. Passavant. l'rior to the coming of 1'. L. Passavant, or in 1804,
Christian Buhl, the hatter, and Daniel Fiedler, the distiller and ferryman, had
their log cabins erected — the first on the town site — while Jonathan Maybury
worked at the furnace. Then came Andrew Diemer anil his son, masons by
trade, and then John George Munt/.. who moved to Harmony late in 18t)4orearlv
in 1805, as a member of the colony there. Andrew McClure, who had ISO acres
of land and a cow in 1803, sold them and moved into this new town, to become
i tavern-keeper, where the Grand Central Hotel stands; while Mclntyre, the
spinning-wheel manufacturer; Jacob I leberling, the third stonemason in the vil-
lage, and John Locke, the miller, had already made their humble homes here.
In 18J4 Charles Cist opened a small stock of goods; Jacob Hoffa, whose
wife was the school teacher in 1817, and David Arneal, men of all work, were
here as early as Cist, as well as I lungelmever, a carpenter. Robert Bolton and
Fred. Bentle, blacksmiths; John Boyer, a preacher; Vance Randolph, a mill-
wright, who came in 1Mb; John A. Beyer, a shoemaker, and Adam Goehring, II.
\\*. Goehring, John Lambert, Jacob Gross. Francis Pfeffer and George Hartzell
were residents prior to the close of this century's second decade.
The McClure tavern, established shortly after the first lo«; cabins were erected
ZELIENOPLE BOROUGH. 403
on the town site, stood on the present site of the Central Hotel. The house built
by John Randolph in the "Twenties," took in the old McClure House, and both
buildings united to form the Bastian House of later days. In 1888 IT. W. Stokey
purchased the old hotel, rebuilt it and named it, " The Grand Central."
The Eagle Hotel was built in the " Twenties " by Rudolph Kelker. For fifty
years it was an old-time caravansary, carried on by various landlords in the quaint
manner of the Mercer road tavern-keepers. In 1878 Henry Stokey moved here
from Evans City, in advance of the railroad, purchased the old building and intro-
duced modern hotel-keeping. Charles Stokey, his son, is now landlord. The
Eagle and the Central are to-day creditable houses of entertainment.
LATER GROWTH.
In 1826 there were fifty houses in Zelienople, including three churches. Of
the churches, a brick structure, also used for a school house, was erected by the
town. The others were the Baptist house of worship, a frame building, and the
new Lutheran church, a Gothic structure of rock-faced stone. Two tanyards,
one saw mill, two grist mills, two stores, one large distillery, and one hotel or inn,
with a number of blacksmith and carpenter shops, were in existence. Within
sight of the village, westward, was the Bassenheim farm, then owned by Daniel
Beltzhoover, and the Benvenue farm of George Henry Muller. The mineral
spring, a half mile from the village, was the resort of invalids, and Zelienople
and vicinity was the most prosperous and happy community within the limits of
Butler county.
About this time Joseph Smith, the apostle of Mormonism, came here to
search for the plates of Mormon. Beyond winning the love of a Harmony girl
and marrying her, against the will of her parents, he created little stir in the
village : but in later years, when his new religion was promulgated, he looked to
Harmony and Zelienople for converts, and, it is said, found a number who became
his adherents.
The Zelienople Recorder was published in L 847, being the pioneer journal
of the borough. The Connoquenessing Valley News, mention of which is given
in the chapter on The Press, was established by Samuel Young, and carried on,
since his death," by his son, J. R.Young. In 1890 Mr. Young published an
autobiography, which portrayed names and scenes connected with the Butler
oil field.
The progress of the town since January 1, 1879, when the first passenger
train rolled in. has been substantial and steady from every point of view. In
February, 1880, the American Union Telegraph Company established an office
here.
The German Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Zelienople was presided
over in 1<S71J bv F. Summer, with F. Zehner, secretary. The directors elected in
January, 1880, were John Sieg, Philip Snitzell, Joseph Ziegler. Jr., P. Herr-
man, Henry Mickley, Conrad Nicklas. Henry Miller, Jacob Pflug. Jr.. and
Jacob Burkhardt.
Nicholas Dambach established a bank here in March, 1882, which was pur-
chased the following year by Dr. Amos I.iisk .V: Son. After Dr. Lusk's death,
404 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
in L891, the bank was carried on by his son, Amos M. Lusk, and John A. Gel-
bach, until March. 1893, when the former retired from the firm, and was suc-
ceeded by Jacob Gelbach. The bank has since been conducted successfully by the
Gelbach Brothers, and is recognized as a convenient and safe institution.
The leading merchants of the borough in 1894, were Allen & Dambach,
John Dindinger, W. II. Ifft, C. S. Passavant, Wright Brothers, A. Winter and
11. Wild, general traders: D. (i. Bastian, Eichholtz & Uber, Fred Frishkorn. F. S.
Goehring and C . J. D. Strohecker, hardware merchants; John Bloom and H.
Kauffman, boot and shoe dealers : II. Householder, baker : Householder Brothers,
dealers in machinery: A. Harper, coal merchant; J. Ifft, lumber merchant ; E.
Zehner, furniture dealer, and F. Zehner, dealer in agricultural implements.
The population in 1870, was 387; in 1880, 497, and in 1890,639. The
assessed value of property on January 1, 1894, was $130,116; the county tax,
-t.")20.4(i. and the Slate tax. $395.54.
POSTMASTEllS AND JUSTICES.
The first postmaster was Andrew McClure, who was also a tavern-keeper.
In the first decade of the century he was appointed postmaster by the Federalists.
.i position he held until 1813, when his pro-British oratorv brought him into
trouble with the volunteers, who were en route to Lake Erie They tarred and
feathered him and. in revenge, he resigned the office to a citizen of Harmony and
left Zelienople minus postal privileges from 1813 to 1835, when John Fleming,
the poet and postmaster of Harmony, resigned, and turned the office over to
John Gottlieb Muntz at Zelienople. His successors have been as follows : Henry
Muntz, Philip L. Passavant, Francis Wallace. Rudolph Kelker, Francis Wallace,
John Levis, Robert Hay. Lewis Reed, George B. Bastian. John Dindinger,
Charles E. Reed. John W. Phillips. John Weigle, and Frederick Zehner. the
present incumbent.
The justices of the peace for Zelienople borough, from 1840tO 1S'.*4. are as
follows: Christian Buhl, 1840; John Levis, 1840-45 ; John Reed, 1845-50-55;
James lloon. 1847-52; E. V. Randolph, 1857-62-67-72-77-82-87; Ernst Schmidt,
I860; Joseph Hunter. 1863; Ferris Armor. 1870-76-8J : John F. Shaffer. 1 S-T : J.
II. Tebay. 1888; Jacob Gelbach. 1893, and H. G. McKim. 1893.
SCHOOLS.
The schools of Harmony, were, in fact, the schools of Zelienople until
1810, when an octagonal brick house was erected on the Diamond, forschool and
religious purposes. In 1816, as already set forth. P. L. Passavant claimed this as
private property and sold the building. In 1817 Jacob Hoffa's wife carried on
a primitive subscription school. She was succeeded by Mr. Brewster, who was
followed by Jacob Heberling. The common school law was adopted in 1835,
after much discussion The manual labor school of 1825, was established by
the Presbvterv of Pittsburg in The Bassenheim, and carried on until 1836, under
Superintendent Saunders. The average attendance was sixty pupils, who had
the privilege of working for their board and tuition. The Zelienople select
school was presided over by Rev. L. F. Leake in 1845, the price of tuition
ZELIENOPLE BOROUGH. 4O5
ranging from eight dollars to ten dollars per session of five months, and the
price for board and lodging of students, from one to one dollar and a quarter
per week. The Connoquenessing Academy followed, with Rev. (i. Bassler, C.
G. IIolls and Josiah R. Titzell, teachers. They charged, in April. 1856, from
three to six dollars for a term of eleven weeks. For almost half a century a pri-
vate school has been supported here, sometimes under the various titles of
"Academy," "High School" or "College."
In April, 1883, the school board of Zelienople elected S. F. Bowser their
counsel, to look after their application to the court for authority to issue bunds
for school building purposes. The question of erecting a new school building
in the center of the Diamond created a good deal of ill-feeling and the proposi-
tion was defeated. Another site was selected and the present imposing struc-
ture at the head of Main street was brought into existence. Dr. Amos Lusk, .1
master of languages and the possessor of a valuable library, was interested in
school affairs from his coming until his death. In June. 1893, the number of
school children enumerated was seventy-seven males and eighty-six females, or a
total of 163. The school revenue for that year amounted to $2,137.68, including
the State appropriation of $601.17.
orphans' home.
In 1852 Rev. \V. A. Passavant, P. D.. suggested the establishment of a
home for orphans, and, the same year, a tract of twenty-five acres » > t land was
purchased from Joseph Ziegler for $1,500. Subsequently LOO acre- were pur-
chased from Mrs. Passavant and 275 acres from the Passavant estate. In l^.">i!
the director's cottage was • completed and, cm July 1. 1854, contractor Sleppy
laid the corner stone of the Home. Before the completion of the building, eight
bovs from the Pittsburg Home were quartered herein a rented house, under Ke\ .
G. Bassler, who was director until his death in 1868, with Dr. Amos Lusk,
medical attendant. Rev. D. L. Debendarfer succeeded Mr. Bassler. and in 1878
Rev. James A. Kribbs succeeded Mr. Debendarfer. The Home was incorporated
in 18(31 and placed in charge of the Protestant deaconesses of Allegheny county.
On May 8, 1889, the main building was destroyed by fire, that being the second
time the institution suffered from burning, the original building of 1854 having
been burned in December. 1862. The rebuilding was generally carried out
on a larger scale, and the Home to-day is the best charitable institution connected
with the Evangelical Lutheran church in this country.
BURGESSES AND COUXCtLMEN.
The borough was incorporated in 1840, with Dr. Orrin I). Palmer, burgess:
Christian Buhl and John Levis, justices of the peace, and a lull quota of council-
men. The records from ls77 to 1894 show the following names of burgesses and
councilmen :
1 >77 — William Allen. Sr., burgess; Philip Milleman, John Nicklas, 11.
Kauffman. James Wallace. II. Miller, George Snyder and C. Koenig.
1878 — William Allen. Sr.. burgess: C. S. Passavant, Dr. Amos Lusk, Edwin
Zehner, James Wallace. P. Milleman. II. Kauffman and Conrad Koenig.
406 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
L879 — William Allen, Sr., burgess; C. S. Passavant, Edwin Zehner, Henry
Stokey, G. W. Phillips, E. Moeser, J. M. White and Julius Berg.
1880— E. Zehner, burgess; F. Wallace, P. Milleman, II. Wild, C. S. Passa-
vant, T- Oesterling, Jacob Kauffman and Dr. A. V. Cunningham.
L88I — J. M. White, burgess; Jacob Kauffman, Conrad Koenig, Henry Wild,
Tames Wallace, 1'. Householder and C. J. D. Strohecker.
1882 — George Snyder, burgess; Conrad Koenig, C. J. I>. Strohecker. John
Dindinger. C. S. Passavant, Henry Gelbach, Henry Wild and J. Kauffman.
1883— George W. Phillips, burgess ; James Wallace, C. J. D. Strohecker,
F. G. Kline, L. Sankey, W. H. Gelbach, A. V. Cunningham and G. House-
holder. Ferris Armor was elected clerk and E. V". Randolph street commis-
sioner.
L884 — Edwin Zehner, burgess; F. G. Kline, Fred Welty, II. Kauffman,
Henry Wild, Peter Frishkorn, C. S. Passavant and George Snyder.
1885— Jacob Kauffman. burgess; John Nicklas, Jacob Fogle and William
Ifft.
|SS(3 — Edwin Zehner. burgees; Henry Kauffman. C. F. Goehring and Henry
Wild.
1887 — Edwin Zehner. burgess; Jacob F. Shaffer, II. Kauffman and George
I louseholder.
1888— Edwin Zehner, burgess; Charles Stokey. II. Seaton and John Wood.
1889— Jacob Fogle, burgess; Jacob F. Shaffer. J. A. Gelbach and John
Nicklas.
1890— W. II. Ifft, burgess; Amos M. Lusk and John Ifft.
1891— John Woods, burgess; W. A. Goehring, II. A. Seaton. Jacob Fogle,
W. H. Ifft and Fred Zehner.
1892— John Woods, burgess; J. A. Gelbach and J. F. Shaffer.
1893 — Edwin Zehner. burgess ; Charles Young, Jv., and C. J. D. Stro-
hecker.
1894 — Amos M. Lusk, burgess; Harvey E. Seaton, Jacob Dambach, Charles
J. D. Strohecker, Charles Young, John A. Gelbach and Edwin Zehner.
S/. Paul's German Lutheran Cluircli was organized in 1822, with II. W.
Goehring, Casper O. Muller and P. L. Passavant, trustees; Jacob Gross, Daniel
Fiedler, Fred Peffer and Jacob Heberling, wardens; Christian Buhl. George
Hartzel, A. Goehring and John Lambert, vestrymen ; with Philip Jung, (i. Muntz,
F. Muntz. F. Wiehl, C. Kreidler, A. Beyrer, J. Reiss, Gottlieb Peffer and G. J.
Pflug, all of whom are deceased. Rev. J. C. <i. Schweitzerbarth, the first pastor.
served thirty years. Pastor Schwankovsky followed, serving four years; then
Pastor Theiss, who remained nine years, and lastly, Rev. J. (i. Put/., who came in
I 866, and is still in charge. The first stone meet ing house was dedicated June 10,
1827. The corner stone of this building was placed July 19, 1826, — Revs. J. C. G.
Schweitzerbarth. X. I laacke, J. Mechling, J . II. Hopkins, J. Winter, of Harmony,
and Rev. Isaiah Niblock, of Butler, assisting in the ceremony. The building,
erected by Jacob Heberling, contractor, is fifty by thirty-six feet, of a simple
ZELIENOPLE BOROUGH. 4O7
Gothic design, constructed of native sandstone. In 1893 a steeple was placed
on the tower. This exterior ornament, with the pipe organ and interior decora-
tion, are modern improvements. This church stands on one acre of ground,
donated by P. L. Passavant, in addition to the three acres donated by him for
cemetery purposes and the parsonage lot. Since 1*22 there have been 586 inter-
ments in the cemetery, and 2,674 baptisms in the church. Rev. Mr. Butz is also
pastor of the congregation at Middle Lancaster.
The English Lutheran Church was organized January 2 1 , 1843, under a
resolution adopted at a meeting held [anuary 7th. that year, by Rev. Gottlieb Bass-
ler, the first pastor. Henry Muntz, C. S. Passavant, Michael Liebenderfer,
Reuben Ileberling, John II. Allison and Conrad Sluitt. The first church, a plain
brick house, was completed and dedicated July 6, 1845. The new church, also a
brick structure, was completed and dedicated April 28, 1884. In celebrating the
fiftieth anniversary of organization, C. S. Passavant was the only original mem-
ber present. For fifty years he had served as treasurer. This religious society
was incorporated June 10, 1860. with the following named members: 0. Hau-
ler, Henry Muntz, Joseph Hunter. Michael Liebenderfer, Robert Hay, Jr.,
George Teets, C. S. Passavant, Samuel Swain. Jacob Sleppy, E. R. Bentle,
William Goehring, Reuben Heberling. A. A. Swain and Josiah R. Titzell. In
April, 1864, Mr. Bassler resigned as pastor, his new position as superintendent of
the Orphans' Home calling for all his time. Rev. Jonathan Sarver succeeded him,
and served until March, L866. In November following. Rev. G. W. Frederick
arrived, but closed his connection with the church in December, 1867. Rev. M.
L. Kunkleman was here in March. 1868, and again in March, 1870, but did not
come here as pastor until July, 1871. He left the [dace November 1, ls77, and in
February, 1878, Rev. J. A. Kribbs succeeded him. He resigned May 1. 1880,
and on January 1, 1881, came Rev. V. B. Christy, who remained until April (i,
1890. On August 1 of that year Rev. R. R. Durst, the present pastor, assumed
charge. He presides over a societv of 130 members.
The Prcsbxtericui Church was organized here by Rev. Lemuel F. Leake,
who reported the event October 21, 1845. Thomas Wilson and William Potter
were chosen elders, while Ferris Armor was elected in 1854. Until 1855 meet-
ings were held in the Baptist or Methodist church, and sometimes in the school-
houses of Zelienople and Harmony. In that year a church building was com-
pleted and Rev. Mr. Webber secured as pastor, lie was released about 1863,
and. in October, 1865, Rev. D. I). Christy accepted a call as stated supply. In
May, 187<l, Rev. S. L. Johnson came and remained until April. 1882. In
June. 1SS3. Rev. Rudolph C. Yates was installed. Among the elders of the past.
the names of C. B. Wilson, Robert Sample. E. L. Gillespie and R. S. Xicholls
occur. In more recent years, F. S. Wilson. Thomas Potter, Albert Winter. I).
P. Boggs and R. I. Boggs served as elders. There were 125 members in 1893.
Prior to 1845 the Presbyterians of this section would assemble at The Bassen-
heim, where their denomination had a school of manual labor, and there, from
1825 to 1842, a Mr. Williams or a Mr. Hayes would preach tor them.
Tin- United Evangelical Church, known as "The German United Evan-
gelical Protestant Congregation of St. Peter's Church of the Borough of Zelien-
408 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ople," was incorporated January 18, 1878, on presentation of petition and consti-
tution to the court of common pleas. The signers were : Rev. E. F. Winter,
pastor ; John Wurster, Adam Endres and Edwin Zehner, trustees; John Dam-
bach. Jacob Gerwig and Henry Lutz, vestrymen; Henry Kauffman and Daniel
Stamm, elders. The society was organized, January 1, 1859, with the petitioners
named above in addition to Wilhelm Lutz, Adam Dambacher, Philip Milleman,
Joseph Muller, Conrad Koenig, and Philip Sommer. Mr. Winter was pastor
from 1859 to July 1, 1879, and Rev. C. Scheel, from January 1, 1880, to the
present time. For two or three years after organizing, the United Evangelical
Protestants held services in the Presbyterian church. In 1861 a frame building
was erected at a cost of about $3,000, which has since been used as a house of
worship. There were 100 members reported in the fall of 1893.
Monroe Chapelof the Methodist Episcopal Church was incorporated March
-4, 1862, on petition presented in 1861, by A. Pearce, John Swartz, J. Roden-
baugh, Uriah Patterson, E. Pearce, E. Seaman, Joseph Swartz, Isaac Latshaw,
John Pearce. James Homi, S. T. Shanor and B. F. Covert. In 1880 the place
of meeting was removed to Harmony.
Harmony Lodge, Number 429, F. <('■ -I. .1/.. was instituted January 5, 1869,
with the following named members : — Loring Lusk, Joseph S. Lusk. Amos Lusk,
Elias L. Gillespie, Salathiel T. Shanor, Sidney M. Wiehl, W. C. Latshaw, James
Covert, James I). Lytle. Peter < )tto. R. II. Kirmear, J. W. Bowman Elias Ziegler
and Austin Pearce. Joseph S. Lusk, Elias L. Gillespie, Salathiel T. Shanor and
James D. Lytle have filled the office of Master of the lodge. In the fall of 1S93
the membership was forty-two. The Harmony Masonic Hall Building .Associa-
tion was incorporated June 14, 1871, on petition of A. G. Randolph. John
Bauder, ]r., Peter Otto, Peter Scheidemantle, John Bauder, Sr.. Austin Pearce,
Joseph S. Lusk, Elias Ziegler, E. L. Gillespie, Amos Lusk, J. W. Bowman, J.
D. Lytle. S. M. Wiehl, Rueben McElwain, S. T. Shanorand R. II. Kinnear. In
the fall of 1893 the place of meeting was changed to Zelienople.
Captain Wilson Post, Number 496, G. A. R., was organized March 23,1888,
when John Weigle, E. C. Green, Henry Pelt/. F. G. Kline, W. A. Prebble, Ern-
est Weyman, Noah Ziegler, C. E. Brown. Elias R. Boyer, Frank Lambert,
George Bishop and Dr. Weiser signed their names as applicants for a charter.
The meeting was presided over by E. C. Green, with John Weigle. secretary.
Major L. C. Brinton Camp. Number 221, Sons oj Veterans, was mustered
in at Zelienople in October, ls^, with J. F. Knapp, captain; Cyrus Ruby and
George Kradel, lieutenants: John W. Phillips, J. W. Ruby andW. II. Cunning-
ham, council: while John Dindinger, J. D. Marshall, Cyrus Harper. Geo. \Y.
Phillips and Phillip Kradel. of Wilson Post. G. A. K.. were chosen members of
the advisory council.
TIic IVomens' Christian Temperance Union was organized March 24, 1886,
with Mrs. F. G. Frishkorn. president; Mrs. C. S. Passavant, vice-president;
Eliza Bastian, secretary, and Mrs. II. M. Bentle, treasurer.
Zelienople Union. Number 870, E. A. £/.,was organized December 15, 1891,
'- 6>
-L*Sls4
Y
lUrAxyi^
HARMONY BOROUGH. 4O9
with thirty-nine charter members, the officers, in order of rank, being A. Kling-
ensmith, P. C. Frederick. A. Winter, Mrs. J. R. Young, W. B. King, A. Winter.
S. E. Ralston, Mrs. R. Q. Hoggs, Rev. R. C. Yates, Mrs. W. B. King. Mrs.
X. E. Weisz, D. A. Carr. Emma Boggs and Mrs. II. E. Pinkerton.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
HARMONY BOROUGH.
Founding ok the Village— George Rapp— The Harmonist Society — Sale of the
Property — Removal to Indiana — Return to Pennsylvania — Present Status —
Secular Harmony — Population and Statistics— Manufacturing Industries —
Hotels and Business Houses— Banks — Postmasters and Justices — Burgesses
and Councii.men — Schools — Churches— The First Cemetery — Secret So-
cieties.
THE distinctive character of many of the old colonies, handed down and per-
petuated even unto the present time, in the beliefs, dress and persona'
peculiarities of their descendants, is traceable to the fact that they came hither
from the other side of the Atlantic in search of that religious liberty and freedom
of conscience denied them in their native lands. It was this desire to escape from
intolerance and persecution that led the Pilgrims to Plymouth Rock, the Cath-
olics to Baltimore, the Quakers t>> Philadelphia, and the Harmonists to Butler
county, Pennsylvania, resulting, in the latter instance, in the founding of the
village of Harmony, in Jackson township, in theyear L805, by George Rapp and
his Harmonist disciples, who were associated together under the name ot " The
United Society of Germans."
George Rapp, the founder of this peculiar communistic religious sect or
association, was a native of Iptingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, where he was born
October 28. 1757- lie was the son of a fanner, vine-planter and weaver, the
recipient of a fair common school education, an ardent reader of the Bible in his
youth, and a literal interpreter of its text. This led him to take issue, in his
early manhood, not only with the rationalism and infidelity of the times, but with
the practices and forms of worship of the established church. From giving pri-
vate expressions to his views he took, when about thirty years of age, to assemb-
ling his friends in his home ami expounding the Scriptures unto them. He urged
not only a return to the primitive simplicity of the early Christian worship, but
a following of the example of the early Christians in the common ownership ot
property.
He soon hail a following, ami notwithstanding the opposition and denun-
ciation of the clergy, his disciples increased, until they numbered over three hun-
dred families, in 1803, when they resolved to seek religious freedom and an asy-
4IO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
lum from persecution in the New World. At their request, therefore, in that
%'ear. George Rupp came to America, accompanied by his son, John, and a few
others, in search of a new home for himself and his disciples. Thev landed at
Baltimore, visited portions of Maryland and Pennsylvania, even going as far
west as the Tuscarawas valley in Ohio. Finding this place too far from civiliza-
tion, they returned to Pennsylvania, visited the Connoquenessing valley, and
found amid its beautiful scenery a location that pleased them, and which George
Rapp secured lor the society by purchasing from Dr. Detmar Basse about 5,000
acres of his 10,000-acre tract, with twenty-four acres in the village of Zelienople.
The deeil for this property bears the date of October 17, 1804
I lis disciples in Germany were satistied with this purchase, and early in
1804, 800 of them sailed from Amsterdam, arriving at Baltimore |uly 1, of the
same year, where he met and secured temporary homes for them during the
winter, after which, taking with him a picked party of workmen, he returned to
Zelienople. The founding of the village of Harmony followed, and by the
ensuing February homes were ready for the members of the new colony. Six
weeks after the arrival of the first contingent in Baltimore, a like number, in
charge of Frederick Rapp, reached Philadelphia, followed soon after by the re-
mainder of the disciples. This latter body were nearly all persuaded to locate in
Lycoming county, by Mr. Haller, who had been sent by Rapp to meet and con-
duel them to the new settlement.
Of the three contingents, L35 families accompanied their leader to the Conno-
quenessing. February L5, ISO;"), the Harmony Society was organized, on a purely
communal basis. Money and goods all went into a common fund. A distinctive
and uniform style of dress was adopted; there were no rich and no poor; the
houses of all were nearly alike; and the new society sought, in its public wor-
ship and the lives of its individual member-, to conform as nearly as possible, to
what they conceived to be the practices and the usages of the early Christians.
At the close of 1809, notwithstanding the withdrawal, in the meantime, of ten
families, the community numbered ltd families, and was in a prosperous and
healthful condition. All worked together in concord and harmony, each line of
work being under the superintendence of a foreman, and all under the direction
of George Rapp, or of his adopted son, Frederick Rapp, or Reichert.
I luring the year ending in February, 1806, there were 150 acres of land
cleared, fifty log cabins, a grist mill, barn, machine shop and a house of worship
erected. At the close of the ensuing year. 600 acres had been cleared, a vineyard
of four acres set out. a distillery, tannery, brick yard, saw mill and large brick
granary added to the little town. Of the farm products there was a surplus of
600 bushels of grain, which with 3.O0() gallons of whisky was ready for market.
The year 1808 was equally satisfactory, while that of L809 surpassed all expecta-
tion, the products being 6,000 bushels of corn, 4,000 of wheat, 4,500 of rye. 5,000
of oat-, and 10,000 of potatoes, with 4,000 pounds of flax and hemp, fifty gal-
lon- of sweet oil. manufactured from the poppy, thousands of gallons of whisky,
with beef, mutton and pork far beyond the possible needs of the little commun-
ity. In 1810 a woolen factory was added to the communal industries. This
year no less than 2,000 acres of land were in cultivation.
HARMONY BOROUGH. 411
The Harmonists certainly formed a model industrial community. Under
Rapp's leadership they worked almost as one man. Whenever it was necessary,
for instance to harvest a field, they all joined in the work. As a rule, however,
each class was confined to the division of labor assigned to it. It was only in
emergencies that those of one department were called to assist in another.
Industry and frugality being practiced by all, prosperity was the result. Three
times a year the festivals described in the history of Jackson township were
observed. Provision was also made for daily recreation, Sunday being devoted
to a cheerful worship of the Giver of all Good.
It is difficult to state preciselv what the spiritual ideas of the Economites
were. George Rapp taught at first the doctrine of heaven for the just and hell
for the unjust; later, he believed that purgatory would be the refining place of
the majority, ami again, he was an Adventist, giving it as his opinion that in
1837 the world would he destroyed. He anil the majority of the colony taught
that celibacy, with fasting and praver, brought the creature nearer to God, and
agreed that sexual intercourse between its members should cease. The society
has practiced this doctrine up to the present.
In 1814 the colony advertised their property here for sale, and succeeded in
rinding a buyer in Abraham Ziegler, who purchased it for $100,00(1. In 1815
they removed to a new location on the Wabash river, in Posey county, Indiana.
Here they purchased 27,000 acres of land, on which they settled and remained
until 1S24. when becoming involved in pecuniary difficulties, they sold both land
and improvements to -Robert Owen, who was anxious to try a socialistic
experiment on a plan of his own. They then returned to Pennsylvania, located in
Beaver county, ami founded the towns of Economy and Harmony on the east
bank of -the Ohio river, seventeen miles northwest of Pittsburg. Here George
Rapp died, August 7, 1*47, being almost ninety years of age. His abopted son,
Frederick Reichert, who was a man of considerable ability, died in 1834.
On February 15, 1894, the Harmony Society celebrated its eighty-ninth anni-
versary at Economy. The old members have all passed away, 100 of their num-
ber lying at rest in the cemetery at Harmony in this county, around which a stone
wall was built in 1869. In May. 1894, there were only eighteen living members.
SECTLAU HARMONY.
The Harmony of the Zieglers is scarcely less interesting than that of the
Rapps. The transfer of the property, though voluntary, made it necessary for
the societv to seek a new home. Its individual members, had in the meantime
become attached to the place, where for ten years they had pursued quite, peace-
ful and industrious lives, and where their dead, loved in life, lay buried; and it
was not. without feelings of regret that they turned their faces westward, and left
Harmonv, with all its pleasant associations, behind them. The new proprietor, who
took possession in 1815, bringing his family hither, soon found himself embarrassed
to meet the unpaid balance of the purchase money and its accruing interest. He
accordinglv made a trip to New Harmony, Indiana, saw Rapp, and offered to
return the land and improvements to the Economites. There he learned, how-
ever, that they, too, were involved. Rapp urged him to hold the property, can-
412 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
celled some interest coupons, and agreed to pay fifty cents a pound for all the
wool which the new proprietor would produce on the old Harmony estate.
Returning, Mr. Ziegler entered at once on sheep fanning, and, within a few
years, he cleared the land of all incumbrances. In accomplishing this he was
aided by David Stauffer, John Schwartz. Jacob Swain, Samuel Swain and other
early settlers, who were to act as shepherds for him a stated time and receive a
certain area of land round their homes in compensation. The contracts were
faithfully carried out and all parties concerned reaped rich rewards.
In 1 S 15 Samuel Beam moved from the Bassenheim furnace and established
a blacksmith shop here. At the same time, Jacob KLelker took possession of the
Harmony tavern — not the hotel of 1806 — but one of the old log houses of the vill-
age ; John Fleming, an Irishman, taught school; the Stauffers, Latshaws.
Schwartz, and lien's, with Johann Ladenschlager, formerly an Economite; Baltzer
Gull, the butcher; John Roth, the blacksmith; Philip Xoss. the cooper: Joseph
Tinsman and Francis Bassler, also coopers; Jacob (im^. the weaver ; John Trin-
nells and John Scheely, freighters : John Boyer, the Mennonite preacher, and the
members of the Ziegler family, ma)' be accounted a-- the pioneers of 1815—1816.
The population in 1870, was 414: in L 880, 497, and in 1890,585. The
assessed value of property in 1893, was $106,737; the county tax, $426.95, and
the State tax, $93.60.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
The Schontz A; Ziegler flouring mill, north of the public square, was the
Economite barn of 1806, converted into a manufacturing industry in 1837. The
fire of 1852 swept it away, with the old houses in the neighborhood, inclu-
ding the original communal or manor house of George R.app, on the northwest
corner of the square. Schontz became owner of another of the original barns,
placed machinery therein and carried on the milling business until he sold to
John Pearce. Other owners or lessees followed until David Ziegler became
owner in 1872. Eight years after the concern was remodeled and new machinery
introduced. The SJedel mill, now known as the Harper mill, is more of a Zelien-
ople or township than of a Harmony industry, and therefore, finds mention in
the chapters on Jackson township and Zelienople. The woolen factors- of 1837,
like the flouring mill, was one of Schontz' enterprises. Ten years before the big
colony barn was burned, this factory became a prey to the flames ; but Sellout/
rebuilt on the same site, put in new machinery and carried on the industry until
1850, when Robert Sample became interested in the enterprise. In 186") John
Pearee purchased Schontz' interest therein and the new firm extended the indus-
try. In 1871 Robert Sample sold his half interest to Pearce. who subsequently
made his son a partner and raised the old woolen mill to a great industry Almost
thirty years before the Schontz factory was started, the Economites did a nourish-
ing business in flannel and cloth manufacture. II. M. Bentle & Company's
planing mills at Zelienople and in this borough, are modern manufacturing enter-
prises. Wagon and carriage shops ami other industries are plentiful round the
twin boroughs. Latshaw & Ziegler established a machine shop in 1866, and II.
VVeckbecker bought the foundry from William Latshaw some time later. Andrew
HARMON'. BOROUGH. 4 I 3
Ziegler's tannery may be considered the successor of the original Economite tan-
nery. He was followed later by T- Bowman as proprietor, but the business was
finally abandoned.
HOTELS AND BUSINESS HOUSES.
"In 1835 Samuel Beam, the blacksmith, purchased the frame inn-building of
1806 from Abraham Ziegler, the consideration being seventy-five cents a day for
ten years, or $2,737.50. The property was sold by the Beam estate, the building
torn down, and in 1862 Jacob Schoene built a large brick house on the site for
hotel purposes. The third story was subsequently added, ami in 1881 Beam &
Dindinger became the landlords. In Jacob Kelker's tavern the fourth of July
banquet, described in the general history, was served. Henry Shepard, who
gave up the trade of hatter to become a tavern keeper, was here in the " twenties."
and in 1825 James Mehard built the Welcome Inn — an old hostelry, in which
one or more of the Beams presided.
John Fleming kept the first store in the town after its sale to Abraham Zieg-
ler. Later, Henry and John Schwartz began business, and were followed by
George Howell. Alfred Pearce, Peter Otto, John and Isaac Latshaw, Reuben
Musselman, E. L. Gillespie, Peffer & Randolph, Enslen ec Haine, Peffer & Swain,
Swain & Moyer, Swain cV. Householder, Swain & Bentle and G. D. Swain ; also
Latshaw & Stamm and Milleman Brothers. These firms succeeded each other
with various measures of success. At the close of 1894, the general stores of G.
D. Swain and Milleman Brothers; A. Foehringer, tinner ; F. R. Latshaw, and
George Milleman ; the hardware stores of George Dindinger and the Oil Well
Supply Company ; the drug store of J. H. Huber ; the flour and feed store of F.
B. Stiver; the bakery of II. W. Bame ; the coal yard of A. Eppinger ; the lum-
ber business of H. M. Bentle & Company : the livery stables of Alfred M. Wise,
and the foundries, mills, machine, carriage, blacksmith and carpenter shops were
all doing a thriving business.
The Harmony Savings Bank was incorporated in 1867, and organized a few
months later, in 1868, with Alfred Pearce. president: R. II. Palmer, treasurer;
George Beam, John Enslen, Henry Goehring, Joseph Schwartz, J.C. Scott, and
the president and treasurer, directors. In 1,^77 Henry Goehring was elected
president and George Beam treasurer. They, with Messrs. Pearce, Goehring.
Enslen, Jacob Sleppy, David Ziegler, E. F. Winter and J. C. Scott were the
directors. William Wilson presided in 1882, with II. M. Wise, cashier, who
held the office from 187S to 1SS4. Ira and Abraham Stauffer. Alexander Stewart
and other stockholders have been on the directory, while Henry Goehring has
served as president of the institution.
The Harmony National Bank was organized in 1876, with W. II. II.
Riddle president, and H. J. Mitchell cashier. John Dindinger was one of the
organizers. In 1882 Edward Mellon was president. Butler men were for a
long time the principal stockholders and directors.
The Commercial Bank was established by S. E. Xiece, March 1. 1892. He
414 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was one of the early operators in this oil Held and a well known man in banking
circles. It lasted only a brief period.
POSTMASTERS AND JUSTICES.
Harmony and Zelienople have post offices now; but they were not always
so fortunate. In 1813 the old Tory postmaster of Zelienople. Andrew
McClure, was tarred and feathered, and tied to Harmony. He caused the post
office to follow him, and one of Rapp's men was appointed postmaster. After
Abraham Ziegler came here, John Fleming, the poet, was appointed, holding the
office until his removal to Zelienople, in 1835. The office followed him. and
Harmony people had to walk to her rival's office for letters for many years. After
the office was re-established, S. P. 1*. Young was appointed, and his successors
have been as follows : Jacob Stautl'er, H. 15. Weise,T. II. Wheeler, 1). 1'. BoggS,
and Adam Eppinger.
The justice.- of the peace for the borough of Harmony, elected from L840 to
1894, inclusive, are named as follows: Jacob Bear. 1840; John Seaman. 1840,
1851 and 1856; Jacob Covert, 1841 and L846; Isaac Latshaw, L845 and 1850;
Jonas L'mpstead, 1851, 1856 and 1861 ; Francis R. Covert, 1861-66-71-76-81-
86-91; Alfred Pearce, 1806: John Pearce. LS79 ; James I). Lytic. 1877-82-87
and 1889; G. F. Maine. 1883; G I). Swain. 1884; W. M. Grant, lssr,: VV. P.
Wild. 1890; Adam Eppinger, 1891, and Henry Niece, 1892.
BURGESSES AND COUNCILMEN.
The order to incorporate the borough of Ilar'monv was issued in 1838, ami a
charter election held, which resulted in the choice of William Keck for burgess.
Very little was accomplished by the old council- toward improving the town.
The record of elections on file give the following names of successful candidates
for burgess and councilmen from 1877 to 1894 ;
IS77— T. H. Wheeler, burgess; (J. D. Swain, W. II. Latshaw, J. C. Hyle,
R. M. McNair, A. H. Wilson and A. W. Ziegler.
1878— W. C. Latshaw, burgess; R. T. Covert. George Kline, B. F. Peffer,
A. Shaffer, A. H. Wilson and Joseph Rodenbach.
1879— J. C. Hyle, burgess; E. N. Knox. F. M. Mitchell, A. W. Ziegler,
John Pearce, II. J. Mitchell and G. I). Swain.
1880 — F. T. Shaffer, burgess; B. F. Covert, C. Hertzog, Joseph 1.5. Grover,
Jacob C. Hvle. John Pearce and William Roth.
1881— H. M. Wise, bur^ss; S. A. Beam, J. C Hyle. A. W. Ziegler. F.
Weigle and D. P. Boggs.
1882 — Henry Weckbecker, burgess; E. N. Knox. G. F. Haine. W. Latshaw,
John Pearce, D. M. Stamm and J. I). Lytic.
1883— F. T. Shaffer, burgess ; E.N. Knox. P.M. Mitchell. Jacob Enslen,
Walter Pearce, G. D. Swain and Thomas Wheeler.
IS.S4— E. N. Knox, burgess; James II. Hallstein. Jacob Enslen, II. Shaffer,
H. M. Butler. Joseph Rodenbach and G. D. Swain.
1885 — G. 1). Swain, burgess; F. M. Mitchell, B. F. Stiver, councilmen for
three years ; H. Weckbecker ami G Kline for two years.
HARMONY BOROUGH. 41 >
1886 — G. D. Swain, burgess ; H. M. Wise and F. Weigle.
L887 — G. D. Swain, burgess; F. VVeckbecker, and J. II. Hallstein.
Ig88 — G. D. Swain, burgess; X. Ziegler, E. \. Knox and F. T. Shaffer.
1889 — G. D. Swain, burgess; K. E. Redmond, S. P>. Meyer and S. A. Beam
[890 — G. I). Swain, bulges-; Fred Foehringer and I). M. Stamm.
189J — (i. I). Swain, burgess; F. T. Shaffer, and Joseph Rodenbach.
1892 — (i. D. Swain, burgess; II. M. Wise, and A. Eppinger.
[893 — G. D. Swain, burgess: Philip Kradel, and Sidney J. Mover.
[894 — E. N. Knox, burgess; S. J. Mover. H. M. Wise. A. Eppinger. Alex-
ander Miller, John Klopfenstine and Philip Kradel.
SCHOOLS.
The schools and teacher> from 1805 to the departure of the Economites, were
part and parcel of the community, like the farmers, weavers, vineyard workers,
dairy hands, etc. In 1815 or 1*16 John Fleming established a school, in which
the teachers named in the history of Zelienople taught subsequently, one of
them, Jacob Heberling, the mason, teaching where G. D. Swain's store now
stands, and William Huntzberger, where in later years stood theUmpstead build-
ing. The Harmony Collegiate Institute is the successor of a loiiLf line of select
schools carried on here since the forties, and has done good work in the cause of
education. Since the advent of public schools, I [armony has enjoyed similar advan-
tages to other boroughs throughout the county. In June. 1898, there were sixty-
seven male anil eighty-three female children of school age within the borough :
while the total revenue for school purposes amounted to $1,884.64.
CHURCHES.
The Mennonite Church is the pioneer religious organization of modern Har-
mony. For ten or eleven years before the Zieglers arrived, the Pietists observed
the teachings of George Rapp here, as well as in the pastoral towns of Eidcnau..
Ramsdale and Oilbronn. Rev. John Boyer was the tirst Mennonite preacher, and
Abraham Ziegler the principal supporter of the church from 1816, when a build-
ing was constructed, to his death, in lNi$t>. In 1825 he caused a stone buildingtobe
erected, which is to-day the houseof worship. Rev. Abraham Tinsman succeeded
Mr. Boyer, and Rev. Jacob Kulp came after Tinsman. Then Rev. Joseph Zieg-
ler became pastor, and for forty years preached to the little congregation. In
1816 the Zieglers and the families of David Stauft'er. John Schwartz and the
Wises formed the congregation. To-day. almost eighty years after its organiza-
tion, it embraces about the same number of members, though many of the grand-
children of the founders have joined other Protestant denominations.
Grace Reformed Church was organized in 1826, as a German speaking
societv, by Rev. John Koch, with the following named members: Conrad
Stamm, Daniel Shanor. John Rice, Samuel Mover. Abraham Moyer, Gottlieb
Burry. Andrew Ziegler and their wives, and Henry Muntz. The pastors, in
order of service, are named as follows: Revs. John Koch, 1826; Daniel
Rahauser. 1827; Jacob Daubert, 1835; E. F. Winter, is:;?: J. F. Dieffenbacher,
1839; P. P. Winter, 1843; Samuel Miller, 1845; L. D. Lieberman, 1848 ; Samuel
Miller, 1849 ; Joseph Miller, 1852 : II. F. Hartman, 1853 : Lucian Cort, 1857 ; F.W.
41 6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Dechant, 1858; William M. Landis, 1864; F. A. Edmonds. 1870; H.H.Sandoe,
1885, and E. 11. Otting, 1887. Mr. Otting resigned early in 1894, after having
brought the membership up to 260. The old brick meetinghouse of the Pietists,
built under the direction of the Kapps in 1805, lias been the meeting house of
this congregation since it > purchase from Abraham Ziegler in 1826. It has been
subjected to repeated remodelings, the last having been finished October 30,
1S(,):>. when the building was re-dedicated.
Tlic German Evangelical CliurcJt was organized in bs4ij, by Rev. Eli
Steaver, an itinerant of that denomination. For about ten years the little
society worshipped in the school house or in private houses; then a frame house
was purchased and transformed into a church, which was used for worship until
1868, when the little brick building was completed. It was the place of worship
until it began to fall to pieces.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at Zclienople, in 1842,
where a brick building was erected, which was used until 1S8U, when the con-
gregation moved to Harmony, by the advice of Rev. }. \V. Righter, who was
then in charge of the circuit. A church building was commenced and completed
and dedicated August 15, of that year, at a cost of about $2,000, exclusive of the
building lot.
The Baptist Church of Harmony, never a prosperous society, though own-
ing a building, is merely a reminiscence.
The Church of God was organized here by Rev. \V. 15. Long, who was pas-
tor at Benwood, West Virginia, in recent years. He secured a number of con-
verts, baptized them in the Connoquenessing, and sent them forth to bring others
into the fold.
The First Cemetery was the old burial ground of the Harmony Society, from
1805 to 1815, which was covered, in the last named year, with rock, to a depth
of several feet, so that the bones of their dead would not be disturbed, was
restored in 1869, by the representatives of the old community, who built a wall
around the graveyard, removed the rocks and marked the graves of those interred
there. The work was performed by Elias Ziegler, at an expense of over $7. 00".
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Kinnear Lodge, Number 648, ]. O. O. F., was chartered November 17.
L868, with Jacob Cooper, X. G. ; Jacob Schoene, V. G. ; Henry Cooper, sec;
Theodore Kersting, asst. sec, and Philip Diehl,treas. Robert Kinnear and Henry
Cooper, who were instrumental in organizing the lodge, the officers named, with
three other citizens, formed the roll of charter members. The membership rose
at one time to about 130, then fell to eleven, and again increased. The lodge at
Middle Lancaster now embraces many Harmony and Zelienople Odd Fellows.
Harmony Union, Number S7~>, E. A. U., was organized December 4, 1891,
with J. M. Camahan chancellor, and the following named officers in the order
of rank : Mrs. C. A. Blackman, Dr. D. W. Fiedler. Mrs. A. M. Kingsley. Mrs.
W. L. Davis, Jacob Weigle, D. P. Boggs, Jacob Enslen, Rev. E. II. Otting,
Mrs. J. Weigle, Mrs. C. S. Aimer. W. L. Davis, Maud Horibon, Jessie McGaffic
and C. H. Blackman.
:
\ 'H$
Z0£vo-?r<&~?/'
CHAPTER XXIX.
EVANS CITY BOROUGH.
Location and Early History— Population and Statistics— Pioneers — Hotels-
Manufacturing Industries— The Village of 1878— Postmasters— Merchants
and Banks— Schools— Councils and Justices— Churches and Cemeteries —
Secret Societies— Sketch of Capt. William Stewart.
EVANS CITY is the new name of an old settlement. It is situated on
Breakneck creek, on the township line, and is therefore partly in Jackson
and partly in Forward townships. Its site was for a long time a favorite camp-
ing ground of the Indians, who named the creek Big Beaver run ; while the
French knew it as Casse-cou-anse or Breakneck creek, — a name adopted by trav-
elers between Fort Duquesne and Fort Maehault, and by the English speaking
pioneers of the original township of Connoquenessing. From 1804 to 1886, the
location was often called Boggs' Mill, and in later years Evansburg. In 1880 it
was a little hamlet, credited with a population of sixty-eight ; in 1890, there were
637 persons enumerated, and at the beginning of 1894, it was generally credited
with a population of 1,000. The assessed value of property, January 1, 1894, was
$96,218, on which a county tax of $384.87 and a State tax of $180.93 were levied.
When Robert Boggs exchanged a mare for 400 acres of land in 1796, and
built a log cabin where now stands Boggs & Kline's store, in Evans City, in
which he later opened a tavern, Duncan's tavern, six miles distant, was the
nearest settlement, and Robert Burns' tavern, six miles from Duncan's, on the old
Franklin road, the next. Other settlers followed the pioneer, among whom were
John Dunn, John Rea and William and Michael Martin. The Boggs mill was
erected in 1804 and the Boggs wagon introduced. Like the mill, it was a crude
affair. Its four wheels were nothing less than four sections of a tree, sawn off
the end of a large log, banded with iron ; the wooden axle worked in these wheels,
and the two axles were kept in place by a stick of timber fastened to them with
wooden pins. In 1836 Boggs sold 200 acres of his farm and the mill to a young
man named Thomas B. Evans, who, with his wife, joined the community on
Breakneck creek. Evans built a new mill, in 1838, laid out a village and was
playing the part of a modern town builder when death called him away.
John Rea established the first store. He came from Ireland to Pittsburg,
and while there conceived the idea of moving to Evansburg. Doing well as a
merchant, he added a hotel to his business and became the favorite host of the
raftsmen of that day. He knew their taste for ham and eggs and whisky, and
provided a simple but bountiful table for the mountaineers. His son, William Rea,
of Adams township, was one of the early politicians of Butler county. He was
for many years prominent as a Whig and a Republican, but becoming dissatis-
41 8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
tied with the course of the latter party, he finally allied himself with the Democrats.
A progressive farmer, he bought a reaping machine. Taking it into the field for
trial, he fell on the knife, lost one leg, and died within a week. A daughter
married Benjamin Douthett ; a son, Samuel J., became a lawyer at Louisville,
Kentucky, hut later, settled at Philadelphia ; while another daughter, Christiana,
married a man named Ray anil with him moved west. John Rea, Sr., traded
the hotel for John O'Connor's farm, and the latter, failing to make hotel-keeping
a success, rented the house to William II. Johnston, who carried it on successfully
until his return to Whitehall, Xew York. He was a son-in-law of Michael Mar-
tin, who, like another old settler, Jonathan Ransom, kept a store at Harmony
before locating at Evansburg.
Thomas Wilson, known as "Uncle Tommy,'' was one of the first to build on
the town site, coming in from his large farm two miles distant. Samuel Davis,
his foster son. inherited the property, but diil not long enjoy it, and died minus
an acre or a dollar. William and Josiah Logan, brothers-in-law of Thomas
B. Evans, left shortly after the death of the founder of the town; while
Samuel Bishop, the shoemaker of the district , and his family also removed to
other parts. Thomas McQuoil, another shoemaker, resided here for many years.
Joseph Mcllvain, known to the early settlers as " The generous peddler,"' came
to stay as a merchant. For twenty-five years he made a trip weekly to Pitts-
burg, taking farm products to that market and returning with dry goods, notions
and groceries for his customers. He married a daughter of James Anderson,
who lived near the village, and who survived him many years.
" Big Dan " and " Little Dan " Mcintosh, the four McCune boys, grandsons
of Michael Martin, Joseph McAllister, the wheelwright, and Samuel Kirk, the
justice, who united so many happy couples in marriage, moved to Illinois. Turk,
who essayed to invent the system of driving machinery by sand, moved to Law-
rence county; the Balkams, one of whom, Jacob, married the widow of Thomas
B. Evans, soon after moved away with the three Evans girls, Jerusha,
Vestus and Virginia. James Wilson, the apothecary, and Kade Miller, the
school teacher, were important characters in those days. Thomas Reed, the
blacksmith, moved to Prospect. Jonas Bolander, the wagon maker, cast aside
his trade here and became a school teacher. He introduced the weekly spelling
match, and followed the profession here until he moved westward. Henry
Barkey established one of the pioneer stores here, and was the local preacher of
the "Church of God" until he moved to Venango county, in 1S51, where he
founded the town of Barkeyville. Abraham Huntzberger, who married Barkey's
daughter, Catherine, and became her father's partner, was reared at Harmony.
John Barkey, a brother, also carried on a store here, until he retired to his farm,
where he died.
Henry Mickley, who was a freighter and huckster, established himself in
the hotel business here sometime in the fifties. During the stirring times of
1S61-05, his house was the headquarters for volunteers and recruits. After the
war he received the few who returned with fatherly kindness.
John Kane, who opened a quarry near the Plains church in Adams town-
ship, was stone mason. It was he, who, in early years, cut the headstones and
EVANS CITY BOROUGH. 4-IQ
engraved them. After years of solitude, he moved to Evansburg and commenced
to build an air furnace. When it was completed, a moulder named Symmington
pronounced it practical and rented it. To the surprise of the skeptical rustics,
who watched the old Irishman's work, the air furnace met the inventor's aims
and Symmington carried on a fair business in plows, points, stoves and other
necessary farming and household hardware, until the Kane furnace was burned
out. James Harbaugh, a brother-in-law of Symmington, was a horse trader.
Joseph Harbaugh, a brother of James, was a most respected resident. For years
he was the leading blacksmith of the village until his removal to Harmony, where
he died.
Dr. Cornell was the first physician to settle in the village. Prior to his com-
ing, the settlers had to send to Harmony for a physician. He failed to build up a
practice and remained but a short time. Dr. William Sterrett came next, and
built up a lucrative practice. He sold his property to Dr. William Irvine and
moved to Talley Cavey, Allegheny county.
Major Reese Evans, a brother of the founder, should not be forgotten. As
millwright, he taught Thomas B. Evans the trade and worked here in the old
mill until 1820, when he built one farther east. In later years, he devoted his
time to the manufacture of churns, tubs, pails, chairs and such utensils, sum-
moning the young men to tramp the lathe when he would have a large amount
of work to produce.
The early inn-keepers have already been mentioned. In 1804 Henry Stokey
introduced the modern hotel, in John Randolph's old house, and carried it on
several years. In 1808 T- N. Miller, who was a shoemaker, entered the business.
In 1876 Mr. Miller built one of the best houses devoted to hotel keeping in the
county at that time, which has since been known as the Miller House. The
storm of August 19, 1880, made the new hotel a special mark for its fury, carry-
ing away the roof and doing other damage. The house was repaired at heavy
expense and, again, in the fall of 1893, it was subjected to a thorough restoration.
Mr. Miller was succeeded by his son Charles II. in 1891. In 1881, the Central
House, opposite the Miller House was opened by Henry W. Stokey, now of Zelien-
ople, who later purchased the Stokey House, which he ran till 1888. Jacob Hyle
is now proprietor of the old Central House, which is named the Hyle House.
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
The tirst mill at Evans City was erected in 1804 by Robert Boggs, a short
distance above the present mill. It was a rude log affair, even for the first years
of the century, but the two sets of buhrs were kept busy, and the miller was
satisfied. It is said that Andrew Boggs tore down the old concern and erected a
frame building for grist and saw-mill purposes upon the site of the present mill.
In 1838 Thomas B. Evans erected a better mill, shortly after William Purviance
surveyed a town for him at that point. The furnace, wood-working concern and
wagon shop of pioneer days have been described.
The Gansz tannery was established in 1S43, by Joseph Mclhvain. In 1844
he emploved Lewis Gansz, a native of German v, who had previously been fore-
man in the Harmony tannery, and also operated Magee's tannery on the Conno-
420 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
nessing. Gansz bought the tannery in 1849, and carried it on until succeeded by
his son, Lewis, who continued it for several years.
There is still another factory, of which the pioneers knew nothing, though it
existed in their days. It is the great oil factory, located fathoms deep under the
houses and churches and cemeteries of the town. Its development is still in
progress.
THE VILLAGE OF 1878.
In October, 1878, the railroad was completed to Evans City, a new boiler to
replace that which exploded in the Sutton flouring mill, being the first freight
received. The bank of J. Dambach cS: Son was in existence; the residence for
the pastor of the German Lutheran church, the Henry Young store and other
houses were completed, and the new railroad town showed si^ns of business
activity hitherto unknown on Breakneck creek. A council appears to have had
control of the place at that time, as mention is made of street improvements and
of the appointment of Z. T. Weise as chief of police; but the burning question
was the location of the railroad depot. Later the school question occupied the
attention of the people; the village was erected into a separate school district;
but the order of court did not provide for district officers. The Evans City school
building committee. Dr. Irvine. Dr. Kersting, Samuel Cooper, Robert White,
Robert Ash and James Sutton, presented a resolution to the school boards of Jack-
son and Forward townships in September, 1879, in which the former board
acquisced. It provided for a payment of fifty-six dollars per month for teachers
in the two schools here; but being unwelcome to the constituted school boards,
it was withdrawn and the schools were plaged under the control of the Jackson
township board.
POSTMASTERS.
Within a few years after the establishment of the village, and about the time
Thomas 13. Evans built his mill, postal facilities were offered, the mail being
brought from Zelienople, by William Liken, on certain days. How long that
system continued cannot now be ascertained, nor can the names of anti-bellum
postmasters be given authentically. Henry Mickley was postmaster before the
war and down to 1861, when Robert Boggs was appointed. Since this time the
following named citizens have filled the office ; James Croft, 1872 ; H. C. Boggs,
1875-85; Henry J. Ifft, 1885-89 ; H. C. Boggs, 1889-93, and J. M. White,
appointed in November, 1893.
MERCHANTS AND BANKS.
The mercantile interests in 1894 were represented by Boggs & Kline, David
Barto, R. Hudson, Henry J. Ifft, J. A. Ripper, W. D. Riggs, Smathers & Sut-
ton, J. M. White and D. Zeman, general merchants; L. N. Burry and Slump
Brothers, hardware merchants; the Oil Well Supply Company ; W. C. Douglass,
harness, etc.; Henry Young and J. W. Zinkhann. furniture dealers; J. and E.
Dambach, successors to Lutz & Dambach, lumber merchants; F. C. Buhl, agricul-
tural implement dealer; N. Allen, and Barkey Brothers, coal dealers; and Dr. J.
M. List, druggist. The Opera House is conducted or owned by George Ifft &
EVANS CITY BOROUGH 42 1
Son ; two pool rooms by Thomas A. Donaldson and the Keely Brothers, and the
two restaurants by Mrs. S. E. Homeland and J. M. White.
The Citizens Bank is the successor ot* the bank established bv Jacob Dam-
bach <y. Son in 1878, and carried on bv them until February 8, 1ND4. On that
date it became an incorporated institution with a capital stock of $50,000. The
officers are as follows: Edward Dambach, president; Daniel Markel, vice-
president, and John Rohner, cashier. They with Jacob Dambach, Zeno Markei,
W. Fowler, A. M. Fowler, W. II. Weir and P. D. Gelbach are the stockholders.
The old log school-house, a half mile west of the Evans settlement, was the
center of the old district, being two miles from the east and two from the west
line of the district. It was a low, one-story log cabin, twenty-four feet square,
with shingle roof. In the center of the earthen floor stood an " Egg stove." The
senior pupils sat on high benches, facing the walls, their desks being boards, fast-
ened to wooden pins inserted in the walls. The junior pupils sat on long, high
benches without foot or back rests or even desks. Thus arranged, it was common,
in winter time, to find a hundred hopes of the future coo'ped in that cabin, study-
ing everything from the alphabet to the rule of three. Among the pupils
were the children of the following named old families : — the Boggs, Wilsons,
Martins, Donaldsons, Mcllwains and Carrolls, as well as those of men who set-
tled there in the thirties and forties. The first of the pupils instructed there,
who engaged in school teaching, was Michael Liken, an exemplary youth and a
good teacher. He died in Venango county in 1875 or 1870. The great majority
of his school mates have also passed away.
In February, 1882, directors for the Independent School district of Evans
City were elected, the vote being as follows : F. B. White, fifty-three; W. S.
Waldron, forty-nine; L. Ilohnadle, twenty-two, and John Rahiser twenty. There
are now three school buildings in the borough. In June, 1898, there were eight v-
flve male and eighty female children of school age enumerated.
COUNCILS AND JUSTICES.
In 1882 Evans City was incorporated as a borough. At the charter election
held September 22, of that year, Edward Dambach was chosen burgess; Theo-
dore Kersting, A. Wahl, A. Drebert, William Duncan and H. C. Boggs, coun-
cilmen ; John Staaf, assessor; Jacob Shoup and Philip Gelbach, overseers of the
poor; H. Ifft, L. Hohnadle and William Martin, auditors; S. W. Hazlett, judge;
Ambrose Dunbar and Al. Ripper, inspectors of election, and Samuel Davis, con-
stable. The council was organized November 9, with Dr. Kersting, secretary.
The burgesses and councilmen elected since 1882 are as follows :
1883— Edward Dambach, burgess; A. Drebert, II. C. Boggs, Henry Ifft,
George Lutz, Philip Gelbach and Jacob Shoup.
1884 — Theodore Kersting, burgess; J. N. Miller, Lewis Gansz, Jr., William
Martin, Peter Ripper and Henry Mickley. The last named was elected secretary;
Lewis Gansz, treasurer, and A. Drebert, collector.
422 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1885 — John Rohner, burgess ; J. A. Kipper, S. \V. Hazlett and John Rahiser.
William Martin was chosen secretary. Lewis Gansz. treasurer, and F. V. Brooks,
clerk.
1886 — Leonard Ilohnadle, burgess; Henry J. Ifft, F. C. Buhl and William
II. Weigle. Henry J. Ifft was appointed secretary ; J. C. Rahiser, treasurer, and
A. Drebert, street commissioner. Secretary I n't resigned in Tune and S. W.
Hazlett was appointed to fill the vacancy. In .September Henry Mickley was
appointed treasurer vice J. C Rahiser. I. N. (iraham's name appears as street
commissioner and W. H. Lusk as attorney.
1887 — Dr. William Irvine, burgess; Calvin West and William Bishop.
Henry J. Ifft was appointed secretary, and F. C. Buhl, treasurer. In July John
Staaf was appointed high constable, combining this office with that of street com-
missioner to which he had been previously elected.
1888 — W. C. Douglass, burgess ; Michael Shoup, W. H. Weigle and John
Staaf. S. W. Hazlett was elected secretary; J. A. Ripper, street commissioner,
and John Rohner, treasurer. Upon Mr. Hazlett's resignation, in April, as sec-
retary, William Martin was appointed.
1S89 — W.J. Abrarris, burgess; Henry Young and W. A. Robinson. The last
named was appointed secretary; Mr. Young, treasurer; I. N. Graham, street com-
missioner, and J. 13. Gregory, high constable. Mr. Abrams resigned as burgess
and was succeeded, in June, by Adam Ripper.
1890 — John Rohner, burgess; A. M. Beers, Enos Barkey and S. W. Haz-
lett, who was appointed secretary; Henry Young, treasurer, and David Spence,
high constable.
1891 — Daniel Markel, burgess; Andrew Wahl and S. M. Groves. The sec-
retary was re-appointed and Enos Barkey chosen treasurer.
1892 — S. M. Iseman, burgess; Daniel Markel, J. P. Ripper and George
Bishop. The secretary was again re-appointed, and Cyrus Knox chosen street
commissioner.
L898— H. F. Eichholz, burgess; J. M. White and August Griesbach. Cyrus
Knox was appointed street commissioner, and J. M. White, clerk.
1894 — A. Douthett, burgess; August Griesbach. John Rohner and H. F. Eich-
holz. Fred PefTer was appointed secretary, and Ambrose Dunbar, treasurer.
In 1888 a city " lock-up" was erected. In May, 1889, steps were taken to
provide tire apparatus, the council authorizing the purchase of ladders, etc.
April, 1890, public lamps were ordered and Mr. Wahl was authorized to place
water pipes for supplying water to the borough. In 1892, the application of the
Kane Gas Company for permission to supply natural gas for lighting and heating
purposes was received. Later the John Marburger Company made application,
offering terms as equitable as the Kane company, and to it a permit to pipe
natural gas into the town was given. In August, after consideration and recon-
sideration of its former action, the council passed an ordinance, prepared by Levi
M. Wise, granting permission to the Evans City Natural Gas Company to lay
pipes and furnish gas to the citizens.
The justices of the peace since 1883 areas follows: David Mcllwain and
EVANS CITY BOROUGH. 423
William Irvine, 1883; Isaiah N. Graham and J. A. Ripper, 1884 and 1889; John
Rohner, 1890. and Isaiah N. Graham, 1894.
CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES.
Amana Baptist Church was organized March 22, 1820, with the following
named members: C. Meeker, Joseph Ash, Stephen Luse, David Morgan, Will-
iam Liken, the mail carrier, Jesse Knox, and their wives. Rev. Andrew Clark,
one of the constituting preachers, was the first pastor, and Rev. Nathaniel Tibbet
the second. In 1822 Rev. Samuel McMillen came; then Rev. Henry Frazier
and Rev. Samuel Stoughton ; but these ministers did not follow each other
promptly, for there were many long vacancies recorded during the first thirty
years of the society's existence. In 1850 the church at Breakneck and that at
Zelienople united as Amana church. In 1853 Rev. George Collins came as
pastor, and remained until 1855. From 1S57 to 1859 Rev. Gabriel Lanham
preached here, and in I860 John Temple — the deacons then being Stephen Luse,
James Critchlow, James Jones and William Liken. During the war the organiza-
tion almost ceased ; but Revs. Gideon Seymour and John Davis revivified it, so
that Rev. Gabriel Houston found a fair membership when he came in 1867. He
remained until 1870. Rev. E. Hovey arrived in 1872 and remained almost a year,
when Rev. Jacob Gessner came and staid until 1876. He was succeeded by Rev.
M. L. Busser, or Bowser, who remained until 1877- In May, 1878, Rev. J. P.
Jones left after one year's services. Then came Rev. W. H. McKinney, who
was here in 1878 and 1879, followed by Revs. Griffith, Adams, Mills, Tilton,
Ray, and the present pastor, Aaron Wilson, of Rochester, Beaver county.
Late in 1881 some thirty-three members withdrew to form an independent
Baptist church, and much trouble was experienced. In 1882, when the Evans
City Baptist church was constituted, the council of Amana Baptist church, com-
posed of its representatives and those of seven sister churches, decided that there
was not sufficient Baptist strength here to support two churches. It appears that
twenty-six members of the Amana society and seven, who were formerly mem-
bers, organized the new church.
The United Presbyterian Church was founded about the year 1837, by
Rev. Mr. Breaden and Elder Hall, of Portersville. Among the early members
were Samuel Kirk, Thomas Wilson, Joseph McAllister and their wives ; Thomas
Donaldson — single; John. Joseph and Benjamin Johnston and their wives;
James Wilson, Alexander Ramsey, and James Cooper and their wives; Cynthia
Johnston, Elizabeth Donaldson and her daughter, Jane Donaldson. Shortly after
the organization Thomas Dunn, John Donaldson, James and John Ramsey and
their wives; Mrs. Mary Lindsey, John Reed and wife, of Zelienople; Mrs.
Adaline Wallace, WTilliam Cashdollar, Wilson Johnston, William Johnston,
Isaac Ash, George Wilson and wife became members.
Services were held in the frame school-building in the old United Presbyter-
ian cemetery, until about the year 1842, when a brick house of worship was
erected, where the present church stands. The brick was hauled from Zelienople
and the lumber from Beaver, for Sylvester Ash, the builder and contractor. That
house was burned in 1854, during the dry summer. Rev. Thomas Mehard vis-
424 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ited here at intervals, and Professor Mehard filled the pulpit prior to the destruc-
tion of the pioneer church. Rev. William Drennan was here that vear, when
the second brick church was erected on the site of the old building. About 1859,
Rev. W. H.Jamison came and remained during the war, his extreme abolition-
ism recommending him to some while it was distasteful to others. Rev. Tohn F.
Martin followed Air. Jamison and served the church until about the year 1874.
A year or so later, Rev. Stewart Brandon was called, and was pastor until 1880,
although he left in 1879, and the pulpit was supplied by Revs. David Mustard,
John Morrow, William Irons, White. Anderson and others. Rev. J. M. Dight,
a graduate of the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary, of Allegheny,
received a call from this church in April, 1880. He was ordained in T«ne, and
has been pastor for the past fourteen years.
Owing to the age ot the old building and its unsafe condition, a new house
of worship was considered necessary and the present building was erected. This
is a frame house forty-five by sixty feet, well furnished, with pastor's study,
standing on the old church lot on Main street. It was dedicated in April, 1888.
The total cost was $4,000, not a dollar of which remained unpaid when Rev.
Ferguson, who preached the dedicatory sermon, concluded his discourse. The
parsonage at the head of Van Buren street was erected in 1890, at a cost of $2,500.
The enrolled membership is 196.
St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church is a contemporary of the " Ger-
man Lutheran and Reformed Congregation." In 1849 it was known as the
" Reformed Church,'" then united with the German Lutheran, and so continued
until August 2, 1853, when fifteen of the thirty families forming the united congre-
gation held distinct Reformed services in the church built in 1849-50. In 18(50 the
society received from former associates a share of the value of buildings and grounds
and erected the present church. The original members were N. Reeb, W. Frishkorn,
George Ifft, George Marburger, Jacob Burr, Henry Mickley, Philip Dillman, M.
Zinkhann, Henry Bollhorst, John Boehm, John Berringer, F. Enler, George
Kleinfelder, D. Pheninger, M. Boehm. John Enler and Fred Brunermer. Revs.
Muntz and Brecht were the pastors prior to the coming of Rev. Jacob Wilhelm
in 1868. In 1S74 Rev. E. Mahlberg succeeded him ; in 1875-76, Rev. G. E. Sylla
was here, followed by Rev. W. L. Bush, who came in 1876 and remained until
1881. Rev. II. W. Kropp was here from 1881 to 1885, when Rev. Louis Wag-
ner, the present zealous pastor, was appointed. The church embraces 102 fam-
ilies, or 320 communicants, and the territory extends from six to nine miles in all
directions from Evans City. The church council, in 1894, was made up as fol-
lows : Rev. Wagner, W. Thieleman, John Kauffmann, John Ehrmann, August
Werner, Peter Ripper, John Marburger, Ferd. Werner. John Lutz, Henry Wahl
and Philip Ripper.
St. Peter's Evangelical Union Church was formally organized in 1849, as
" The Evansburg Lutheran and Reformed Church," by Rev. Herman Muntz,
but the union did not last long. A contract between the members of the
Reformed and Lutheran churches of Evans City, was signed April 25, 1853. The
record is written in German. This contract was in force until August 2, of that
year, when the bodies divided. Mr. Muntz organizing " St. Peter's German Luth-
EVANS CITY BOROUGH. 4^5
eran Church,"' and taking fifteen families with him, who held the original build-
ing of 1850. The pastors since Mr. Muntz's time have been Revs. C. Schwan-
kovsky, 1854, K. W. Brecht, 1855; C. Waltburger, 1858; E. F. Winter, 1863;
Casper Scheel, 1880 and the present pastor, Rev. Henry Voegle, who came in 1890.
The church was chartered January 15, 1872, on petition of Rev. E. F. Winter,
Jacob Stroup, William Goehring, Zeno Markel, Peter Burr and other members
of the society.
The Presbyterian Church was founded in 1882 out of the old Plains church
congregation. Its first members were Andrew Boggs, Thomas Boggs, James
Sutton, Robert A. White, Mrs. Dorcas Sutton, Mrs. Anna White. Laura White,
Dr. William Irvine, Mrs. Elizabeth Irvine, Elizabeth, Bell, Henrietta and Mar-
garet Irvine, John Irvine, Alva Sutton, Elizabeth Sutton, Mrs. Mary Boggs,
Ella and Nellie Boggs, Andrew Boggs, Franklin White, Mrs. Maria White, Dillie
White, James Boggs, Mrs. Mellissa Boggs, Solomon Stamm, Mrs. Euphemia
Stamm, Calvin West, Mrs. Emily West, William Dunbar, Mrs. Margaret Dun-
bar, Mrs. Mary Dunbar, Ambrose Dunbar and wife, John Wilson, Mrs. Mar-
garet Wilson, Mary Wilson, Pet Wilson, Jonathan Wilson and David Barto.
Owing to the distance of the Plains church, this organization became a prime
necessity, and Rev. G. M. Potter, who was himself supply of the Plains
church, assisted in the organization, and in raising funds for the building of
the church at Evans City. The building committee, appointed in 1882, com-
prised Robert White, Franklin White, James Sutton and James Boggs.
Calvin West contracted to build the house for $1,800, and in January, 1883, he
had it ready for use. It was dedicated on the first Sabbath in January, 1883,
Revs. Dr. Swift and Potter officiating. The small debt remaining due after
the building was occupied was soon paid and it is now one of the few churches
which have no standing indebtedness. The present membership is over 100, and
the attendance at Sunday school ranges from eighty to 100. The trustees are
David Barto, Fred Peffer and Franklin White. The elders are James Sutton,
who was an elder in the Plains church, Hugh McCallum, Dr. William Irvine,
James Boggs, Alva Sutton and Greer McCandless. The lot on which the church
stands was donated by James Sutton.
St. yohn's United Christian Church was organized in August, 1888, with
the following named members : Conrad Wagner, Zeno Markel, William Goeh-
ring, Jacob Nicklas, August Griesbach, Daniel Markel, H. Young, George Dom-
bart, John Endres, Christ Dambach, Philip Gelbach, John C. Goehring, Henry
Spithaler, John Staaf, Martin Beam and their wives. Rev. E. H. Otting became
pastor April 1, 1889, and continued as such until his resignation of the Harmony
charge, in March, 1894. In 1888, a church building, sixty-four by fifty-five feet,
was begun, which was completed in 1889, at a cost of $7,000.
77/c Methodist Episcopal Church is a new organization. The old class at
Caleb Richmond's, in Forward township, later consolidated with the Brownsdale
class, claimed some members from the Breakneck region, as well as did the Dut-
hill class in Cranberry township. The society at length determined to build a
church at Evans City, and, on October 27, 1889, the members witnessed the dedi-
cation of their new edifice. Rev. John Howe is the present pastor.
426 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Cemeteries. — The several religious bodies had originally separate burial
grounds in or near the borough. In February, 1890, on petition of numerous
citizens, setting forth that the drainage from the German Union, German
Lutheran, United Presbyterian and Baptist burial grounds was towards the
populous part of the town, and dangerous to health and life, further interments
in those graveyards were prohibited.
Evans City Cemetery Association was incorporated January 7, 1891, with
forty-nine members. The directors named in the constitution are : Henry J.
Ifft, John Rohner, George Marburger, Enos Barkey and }. A. Ripper. An
eligible site was purchased ami laid out in lots, and this cemetery has since been
used by the people of Evans City and vicinity. It is gradually assuming beauty,
and contains many nice monuments, the soldiers' monument erected in 1S94 to
the memory of the unknown dead being the most noticeable.
SECKKT SOCIETIES.
Evans City Lodge, Number 189, A. O. U. IV., was chartered October 28,
1881, with the following officers in the order of rank: Rev. W. II. McKin-
ney, F. V. Brooks, J. W. Dombart, Henry C. Boggs, Edward Dambach, Robert
Ash, Joseph Ash, W. S. Ramsey, C. G. Watters and John Staaf. Besides the
officers named above, the following members signed the constitution : Jacob
Mathay, Jacob Haple, Henry Wise and Joseph Stiver. The lodge has been car-
ried on down to this time in excellent working order.
Capt. William Stewart Post, Number 518 — changed in 1894 to Number
573, — G. A. R., was chartered April 23, 1888. It was named in honor of Capt.
William Stewart, son of Andrew and Marv (Steen) Stewart. He was born in
Down county, Ireland, August 11, 1831, and came with his parents to Phila-
delphia in 1839, removing later to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1850 the family-
came to Butler county and settled in Adams township, where young Stewart
resided, assisting in the cultivation of the farm, until 1862, when he organized, in
Evans City, Company D, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. He went with
his company to the front, and participated in all of the engagements in which his
regiment took part until his death on the battlefield of Fredericksburg. He had
previously' requested that if he met his death in battle his remains should be
buried upon the field. This request was carried out, and the battle field of Fred-
ericksburg became his burial place.
The post was organized with the following charter members : Rudolph
Kelker, Edwin T. Greening, Samuel Beers, James P. Boggs, Lewis Gansz,
Henry Behm, Noah Bowen, David McCombs, David B. Douthett, L. J. Smith,
G. D.McFarland, W. II. Weir, John Watters, II. C. Boggs, John Zwanziger,
George Marburger. W. S. Ramsey, Andrew J. Evans, Samuel Davis and P. H.
Murray. On the records of the post the following names appear as having been
enrolled April 23, 1888 : Alpheus Dunbar, N. B. Stewart, James Irvine, John
McCarthy and John Miller. Peter P. Stroup, Nicholas Kramer, Israel D. Cun-
ningham, Frederick Mathay, Joseph Cashdollar, John W. Covert and William
Boundy have been admitted since 1888. Of the thirty-two men enrolled two,
James Irvine and David McCombs have died. James P. Boggs, the first com-
EVANS CITY BOROUGH. 427
mander, served two terms. His successors have been George D. McFarland,
John Watters, N. 13. Stewart and II. C Boggs, the present commander. The
following are the names of the adjutants: II. C. Boggs, John Watters, G. D.
McFarland and I. D. Cunningham. The membership of the post in October,
1893, was twenty-eight.
Evans City Lodge, Number 817, 1- O. O. F., was organized under the
chartc r of November 13, 1888, witli the following named members : W. S. Wald-
ron, Jacob Emmell, John P. Roll, D. 15. Wilson, J. N. Miller, A. C. Ramsey,
Fleming West, Jacob Cooper, Dr. F. V. Brooks, H. C. Boggs, W. C. Douglass,
J. W. Dombart, X. B. Stewart, Dr. Theodore Kersting, S. M. Wilson, Jacob
Crider and J. W. Cooper. The first officers in lodge rank were Jacob
Cooper, N. G; Fleming West, V. G. ; W. C. Douglass, secretary; 11. C.
Boggs, assistant secretary, and Dr. F. V. Brooks, treasurer. The three first
named officers filled the chairs in the order of rank. W. C. Douglass was
succeeded by X. B. Stewart in April, 1890. In October, G. A. Johnson
was elected noble grand. Owing to the removal of the noble grand, elected in
April, 1891, past grands were called to the chair. J. E. Holbein was elected in
October, 1891; J. H. Barbary, in April, 1892; G. A. Robinson, in October,
1892, and C. L. Cribbs and A. J. Douthett in October, 1893. The secretaries
have been : W. C. Douglass, II. C. Boggs, W. J. Stephenson, Fred Peffer,
George Glass, George McMillen and L. J. Spears. The number of members
enrolled since the organization has been 186, and the present membership is 165.
The hall of the lodge is used by all the other societies, who pay rent to the Odd
Fellows.
Evans City Enccunpmcnt , Number 817 ', I. O. O.E., was chartered July 26,
1892, and organized September 12, 1892, with the following named members: —
N. S. Waterman. W. C. Douglass, J. H. Barbary, J. A. Ramsey, Fred Peffer,
David Barto, officers in rank; and unofficered members — C. L. Cribbs, G. II.
McMillen, J- E. Beale, J. M. Greer, John H. Miller, W. H. Young, L. I. Nutt,
J. H. Ramsey, George A. Robison. W. J. Boundy, A.J. Douthett, F. A. Davis,
J. E. Lyon, Frank Goddard, J. W. Dombart. W. S. Waldron, J. W. McKee and
W. C. Curberson. After the institution of the encampment, W. C. Douglass
was elected chief patriarch, and J. II. Barbary, high priest ; J. A. Ramsey was
chosen senior warden, and A. J. Douthett, junior warden ; while Fred Peffer was
continued as scribe and David Barto as treasurer. The elections of September
11, 1893, resulted in the choice of J. 11. Barbary, J. A. Ramsey, A. J. Douthett,
Fred Peffer, Enos Barkey, and David Barto, chief officers. The trustees were J.
H. Barbary, J. A. Ramsey and H. F. Eichholz. J. W. Dombart, and N. S. Wat-
erman were elected vice Eichholz and Ramsey, and are the trustees at present.
The membership is sixty-two.
Evans City Council, Nutnber 264, jfr. O. U. A. M. The charter of this coun-
cil is dated July 17, 1889, when the following names were written as members :
A.J. Long, J. V. Myers, F. V. Waldron, W. B. Evans, W. W. Waters, A. L.
Smith, L. X. Burry, C. Ziegler, II. D. Anderson, M. Garvin, B. S. Buhl, X. S.
Rahiser, W. G. Evans, F. Rahiser, J. B. Evans, J. Watters. W. Martin, W. S.
Waldron, G. Bishop, A. Bishop and J. J. Helm.
^28 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Evans City Lodge Number 292, K. of P., was chartered March 26, 1890,
with the following named members: A. M. Beers, T- B. Gregory, F. V. Brooks,
Isaac G. Smith, Harry L. Heckman, W. S. McCormick, Joseph W. Radcliffe,T.
J. Bowen, J. W. Poorman, F. C. McNeal, G. A. Johnson, F. C. Cheers, J. J.
Stephenson, II. M. Culver, C. L. Tilton, A. Ileckert, G. B. Witherup, W.
Boundy, W. C. Douglass, W. II. Young. J. C. White, C. L. Brackney, J. C.
Heckman, A. E. Clay, N. B. Stewart. II. K. Powell, J. B. Kayler, J. E. Brown,
D. L. Dunbar, L. N. Burry, J. J. Spenee, A. J. Long. J. W. Dombart, Mike
Shoup, G. P. Warner and C. F. Burchard. The election which followed resulted in
the choice of the following officers in lodge rank : F. V. Brooks, W. C. Douglass,
J. W. Dombart, D. L. Dunbar, G. A. Johnson, A. J. Long, A. M. Beers,
John S. Spenee, Charles L. Tilton and N. B. Stewart. D. L. Dunbar was elected
chancellor-commander July, 18110; G. A. Johnson in January, 1891; L. N. Burry
in July, 1891 ; J. B. Kayler in January, and L. I. Nutt in July. 1892 ; A. M. Sut-
ton in January, and R. B. Steele in July, IS1.);?. The keepers of the records and
seals since July, 1890, are as follows: A. M. Sutton, two terms; J.J. Stephen-
son, one term ; and W. C. Douglass, four terms. The present number of mem-
bers is seventy-five.
Evans City Tent, Number 35, A. O. T. AL, was chartered February 9,
1891, with the following named officers: W. B. Stewart, T. W. Poorman, W.
T. Kelly, T. R. Helmbold, II. F. Eichholz, T. W. Dunn, B. F. Westerman, T.
Core, II. A. McAllen, G. B. Witherup, II. L. Heckman, J. C. Myers and A. E.
Clays.
Evans City Lodge, No. S71, E. A. U., was chartered November 25, 1891,
with the following officers in order of rank : J. C. Tintsman, Mrs. C. L.
McGregor, G. A. Johnson, Mrs. N. C. Core, W. E. Spencer, Mrs. G. W. Black,
I. M. Graham, Fred Peffer, Mrs. M. L. Knox, Samuel Spencer, M. Graham and
J. W. Dombart. The second election resulted in the choice of G. A. Johnson for
president and J. C. Tintsman for secretary. The president was re-elected in
1892 and again in 1893. C. L. McGregor became Tintsman as secretary in
1892 and in 1898 Mrs. X. C. Core became secretary. In the fall of 1893
there were forty-seven members. The name of Daniel Hoagland is the only one
on the mortuary list; while the total benefits paid amounted to $875.
CHAPTER XXX.
FORWARD TOWNSHIP.
Organization— Physical Characteristics— Coal Banks— Oil Wells— Pioneers-
Population and Statistics— Mills and Distilleries— Schools and Justices-
Churches — Postoffices.
FORWARD township was organized in 1854 out of territory embraced in
the original townships of Connoquenessing and Middlesex, and is one of the
best watered townships in the county. It is entered near its northeast corner by
the Connoquenessing creek, which after pursuing its winding way, and receiving
the waters of Glade run, near the center of the township, flows northwest into
Jackson township, a short distance south of the north boundary line. The sur-
face of the township is broken and abounds in beautiful and picturesque scenery.
Below the old Renfrew mill, sandstone is seen capping the hills at elevations
above the creek bottom of from 150 to 200 feet. The Upper and Lower Free-
port and the Butler coals were all found in the vicinity of the mill by Weaver,
while on the Critchlow farm and below it the Upper Freeport has been
mined. The Slater and Heid banks, and the opening above the old Evans oil
well, are all in the Upper Freeport, while the Marshall drift in the Upper Kit-
tanning coal below Buhl's bridge, presented thirty-six inches of excellent coal.
Some distance below that bridge, on the Knauff and Anderson farms, the Upper
Kittanning showed a vein of fortv-eight inches, and farther down, the Wahl
bank proved profitable. On Breakneck creek a good cannel coal was mined
some years ago. The Mahoning sandstone on the IiTt farm has been quarried,
and the Butler limestone on the Wahl lands has been burned. The oil produc-
tion of this township is noticed in the chapter on petroleum.
pioneers.
The first settlers of Forward township were Peter McKinney and his wife,
whose history is given in the chapter on The Pioneers, and to whom references
are made in the sketch of Connoquenessing township. William and James
Critchlow, natives of Westmoreland county, and soldiers of the Revolution, came
here to select homes in 1795, and to locate in 1700. William settled where the late
William Douthett lived, while James made his home in the same neighborhood,
James Amberson located here in 1796 to hold his claim, rather than to improve
it. He died there and was buried in the old cemetery. In 1S03 he paid taxes
on 1,400 acres, four cows and two horses. Enos McLeod, one of the Scotch
colony of Connoquenessing, entered four hundred acres here in 1796, part of the
tract being now the property of Mrs. Jane Marshall. Joseph Blakeley, a native
of Ireland, removed to this township from Allegheny county in 1796, bringing
his family with him. His wife died here about 1838, and himself twenty years
430 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
later. Robert Boggs, who located on the site of Evans City in 1796, is referred
to in the history of that borough, and also in the biographical department. David
Gilliland and his bachelor brother, Adam, were among the first settlers, and also
were the first in enterprise. Their saw and grist mills were boons to the pioneers.
Joseph Douthett came from Armagh county, Ireland, to Pennsylvania, with
his family, and about 1799 located west of the present village of Brownsdale.
William and Samuel Schillings came the same year, made substantial improve-
ments, but abandoned the place, so that John Crowe took possession of it in
1813. Archibald McAllister, a native of Ireland and the first school teacher of
this township, came from Washington count}' in 1801. He paid nine cents tax in
1803 for the luxury of keeping a horse. Later, he settled on what is now the
Berringer farm, where he died before the common school system was introduced.
His daughter Jane married Lewis Blakeley. Samuel, John, James and William
Minnis came about 1803, when Samuel established a carding and fulling mill on
the Connoquenessing. Daniel Martin, a Scotchman, came from Scotch bottoms,
near Pittsburg, in 1802 and located where the Stamms now reside. William
Martin, a native of Ireland, cleared the farm now owned by J. N. Miller and
worked at the carpenter's trade. Henry and Isaac Evans and, perhaps Joseph,
were here about 1802. Jesse Evans located south of Campbell's powder mill.
John Brandon and Thomas Brandon settled south of the present south line of
Connoquenessing. The former taught school in 180(3, or thereabouts, and the latter
had 100 acres of land, two cows and one horse in 1803. They were leaders in the
temperance movement of 1830. John Brandon served as county commissioner.
Adam Brown, who came from Germany with his father prior to the Revolution,
settled in Middlesex township toward the close of the Eighteenth century, later
moved to a farm near the site of Brownsdale, where he bought a settler's right.
He served on Lake Erie with Perry in 1813, and one of his sons was also in
the army. Joseph Ash, who died in 1813, located in this township in 1804.
He was one of the first mail carriers between Pittsburg and Erie. In his youth
he was made captive by the Indians, with two brothers, after killing the mother
and sister. The. savages split his ears and held him for two years, when he was
ransomed. Matthew Williams, a native of Antrim county, Ireland, came here in
1804, as a Covenanter preacher, but moved to Pine Creek in 1815, where he died
in 1828. His cabin stood on the farm where William Goehring now resides. John
McCollum built his cabin in the wilderness in 1804 or 1805, and raised a family
here, not one of whom is in Pennsylvania to-day.
The pioneers of the second decade of the century were John Crowe, a native
of Ireland, who in 1812 located at Petersville ; but soon after moved to a farm in
Forward. He aided in the establishment of the old Covenanter church. Archibald
Irwin, a blacksmith, settled in Forward township in 1810, and taught subscription
schools in that and other townships for years. He removed to Pittsburg in 1845,
and died in that city. John Hamel located south of the present village of Peters-
ville in 1814, and John Waldron, son of Samuel V. Waldron, who settled in
Wolf Creek township, Mercer county, in 1791, located in Forward township in
1S16. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving in Perry's victorious squadron.
He was one of the pioneer school teachers of the township.
FORWARD TOWNSHIP. 43 I
In later years, came Henry Gelbach, a Bavarian, who settled in Beaver county
in 1880, and removed to Forward township some years later. His son, Philip,
located near him soon afterward. Nicholas Behm and family, natives of Ger-
many, located here in 1880, where the father died in 1871. O. A. Rader came
from German}- in 1884, and four years later purchased the old Brinton farm in
this township. William Hunter and family came to this township from Tyrone
county, Ireland, in 1885. John Hazlett located on what is now known as the
James Sutton farm in 1830. Jacob Stamm, son of a pioneer of Beaver county,
located in this township in 1887. William M. Marshall, a native of Derry county,
Ireland, established a store on the site of Evans City in 1841. In 1844 he was a
merchant at Whitestown, and in 1848—49, settled on a farm in Forward town-
ship, where he also operated a coal bank.
The population in 180(1 was 1,020; in 1870, 1025; in 1880,1,188, and in
1890, 1,724. The extension of the oil field has necessarily increased the figures
of four years ago.
The assessed value of real and personal property in 1894, was $361,483; the
county tax levied was $145.93; the state tax, $855.61, and the total school reve-
nue, $2,905 50, including a State appropriation of .$1,254.10-
MILLS AND DISTILLERIES.
The early milling interests of Forward included the Gilliland grist and saw
mills; the Robbins brothers' grist and saw mills; the Adam Brown horse-power
mill ; the Reese Evans gristmill, and the old Minnis fulling mill. David Gilliland
built a grist and saw mill in 1802. In 1801—02 he purchased the old farm of
Peter McKinney and erected a log mill. Barnet Gilliland built a larger mill on
the site in 1827, which became the property of Adam Gilliland in the thirties,
and which he operated until the year 1850, when he moved to Michigan. In
1850 Henry Buhl purchased the old Gilliland mill, since known as " Buhl's
Mill." Peter and James Ray and A. J. Evans have operated the mill in later
days.
Brown's mill originated in the horse mill started by Adam Brown on his
farm early in the century. Later he became the owner of the mill on Glade run
erected by Maj. Reese Evans, which has since been known as Brown's mill.
After his death his son, Adam, in 1883, purchased the mill from the estate. He
tore down the old building and on its site erected a new saw and grist mill.
Sometime in the fifties this gave place to abetter one, which was destroyed by
fire in November, 1859. It was rebuilt and conducted by Mr. Brown until 1801.
Afterwards came R. II. Brown who continued as miller until 1880, when
Philip Gelbach became owner. In 1891 R. H. Brown resumed the ownership.
Moses and Brinton Robbins established a grist and saw mill on Glade run
subsequent to 1804. Lewis Blakeley established and operated a distillery on the
farm which Andrew Blakeley owned in later days.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
The first schools were taught by John Waldron and Archibald Irwin, the
pioneer teachers. Dr. Irvine, Archibald McAllister and Capt. Archibald Gray,
432 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
a mariner, who kept his pupils in deep water, and John .Supple, taught in
a log house which stood north of the present borough of Evans City. Two other
schools were carried on here in which some of the teachers named presided at in-
tervals, but of which Adam Bailes, Isaac Sutton, Samuel Kirk, William McKinney
and Zach. Sibbles were the accredited teachers. Near the Connoquenessing line,
William Thomas, James McKinney, Daniel Graham, Alexander Purviance and
David McDonald taught at various times, and thus the educational mill was kept
in operation until the common schools were introduced in 1835. In 1894 there
were 203 male and 276 female pupils of school age reported in the eight school
districts.
The justices of the peace for Forward township, from 1854 to 1894, are
named as follows: Caleb Richmond. 1854; Daniel Graham, 1855 ; Malcom
Graham, 1858; Aaron Bracken, 1859; John W. Martin, 1803-74; Robert McNair,
1864-69; Richard S. McKinney. L869 ; Thomas Graham, 1874; Rudolph Kelker,
1875; Thomas Martin, 1879; D. B. Douthett, 1872, 1888 and 1893 ; Nicholas
Kramer, 18S2 ; Levi Slater, 1883; Henry Buhl, 1884; Leslie P. Hazlett, 1885; D.
D. Dunbar, 1891, and F. Dambach, 1894.
CHURCHES.
The churches of the township are the Methodist church of Brownsdale and
that of Petersville, with the Covenanter church on the Crowe farm. At Browns-
dale, just across the line, in Penn township, the Presbyterian denominations have
buildings; while at Evans City, partly within the township, Lutherans, Baptists,
Presbyterians and United Presbyterians own buildings.
The Reformed Presbyterian Church of the Brown-Douthett neighborhood,
was organized near the present village of Brownsdale, on Straight run, in 1806.
In 1807 Rev. Matthew Williams was pastor of this church, as well as of Pine
Creek, the elders at that time being Benjamin and Joseph Douthett and James
Anderson. For fourteen years meetings were held in the groves near Browns-
dale or, in case of severe weather, within a tent. In 1820 the tent was moved
south to the site of the Union church, and meetings were henceforth held there
by Rev. Mr. Williams until his death in 1828.
Nortli Union Reformed Presbyterian Church may be said to date back to
1833, when the " New School " and " Old School " parties of the Union church
in Adams township separated. In 1835 the " old school" called Rev. Hugh
Walkinshaw as pastor. In April, 1843, he was succeeded by Rev. John Gal-
braith, who remained pastor until 1889. In 1861 a house of worship was erected
on David Crowe's farm, the elders then being Robert Dodds, John Magee, James
Anderson and Robert Purvis, and the trustees, William Douthett and James
Forsythe. The present frame building is the successor of the old brick church
taken down before the war. .Since Mr. Galbraith's retirement, in 1889, the pul-
pit has been variously supplied. David Crowe, John Forsythe, John Magee and
William Allen have been officially connected with this society for many years.
The Richmond Mctliodist Episcopal Church, west of Evans City, dates
back to 1827, when Caleb Richmond formed a class at his home, the members
being the class leader, his wife and family, the Widow Larrabee, Nathan Slater
^es&T^az, ^^o J7
7<-C^c^^^2y
FORWARD TOWNSHIP. 433
and Pereus, Seth, Barnet and Elijah Snow. Rev. Mr. Carr urged the organiza-
tion of the class during a preaching tour in the Brown settlement, but in Caleb
Richmond's house the western class adopted a constitution. Revs. Dr. Adams,
who ceased practicing medicine to preach the gospel, \V. C. Henderson, Charles
Thorn and Jonathan Holt traveled this circuit for some years, and at long inter-
vals preached here. In 1854-55 a meeting house was elected, which was the
house of worship for a decade, when it was sold to three Catholic families of the
district, and the Richmond class was consolidated with that at Brownsdale.
The Brownsdale Methodist Episcopal Church was originally a part of the
Wigtield class, which in early days assembled in the Wigfield settlement, six
miles distant from the present church, and of which Robert Brown was leader
for fully thirty years. It appears that a traveling physician, named Rev. Dr.
John Rathbun, organized the class at Robert Brown's house in 1839, the three
families of Adam, John and Robert Brown, and the family of Joseph Miller,
contributing the principal membership. Robert Brown may be called the father
of Methodism in the Brownsdale neighborhood, for in his house meetings were
generally held until the church building was dedicated, July 7, 1860, D. P.
Mitchell being then presiding elder. Rev. Mr. Stover, who was pastor in
charge at the beginning of the war, won many converts from the other local
churches.
The records of the Brownsdale circuit, in possession of the secretary, M. R.
Brown, date back to May, 1869, when D. L. Dempsey was presiding elder; J. A.
Danks, pastor; Samuel Riley, R. II. Brown, A. J. Evans, H. P. Wilson, John
Gamble, James Dixon, Robert Gibson, L. L. Lefever and Thomas Stewart, stew-
ards. Thorn Creek, Petersburgh. Middlesex and Brownsdale, then formed the
circuit. The names of Wendle Hickey, Daniel Walters. Robert Harbison, Nathan
Brown, class leaders, and B. S. Winner, superintendent of Sabbath schools,
appear in the record of 1869. In 1870, Washington Darby was presiding elder,
and the names of E. W. Kirk and William Kennedy appear as stewards. Rev.
Henry Long was pastor in 1872, followed in LS7-5 by Rev. T. B. Thomas; in
1874, by Rev. E. M. Eaton ; LS75, Rev. Nelson Davis ; 1877, Rev. P. W.Verdican ;
1878, Rev. S. Lane; and 1880, Rev. T. N. Boyle. At this time, Thorn Creek,
Knox Chapel, Brownsdale and Middlesex formed the circuit. Rev. T. W. Robbins
was pastor in 1881, Louis Croft and A. Gold being then stewards of the class of
the Middlesex church ; Louis Young and Mr. Wike, at Brownsdale and Knox,
and Robert Gibson, James Welsh and Joseph Criswell of the Thorn Creek church.
Rev. H.J. Altman was pastor in 1882; Rev. M. M. Hildebrand in 1883-86;
Rev. J. B. Caldwell, 1886; Rev. D. L. Johnson, 1887, and Rev. James L. Stiffy,
1888-90. In November, 1891, Rev. C. F. Bollinger was appointed pastor and
re-appointed in 1893.
77/c Methodist Episcopal Church of Petersville was incorporated March 15,
1858, with Alexander Bryson. who was class leader for a few years before, Henry
Ingraham, John Ferguson, Henry V. Winterstein and Robert W. Graham trustees.
Rev. John Ainsley was then pastor in charge, and was the first minister stationed
there. The church, erected in 1858, and dedicated January 13, 1859, bv Rev.
434 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Mitchell, is a plain frame structure, thirty-six by fifty feet, completed at a cost
of $1,250. The membership in 1894 was placed at seventy-five.
The Catholic Mission of Forward township owes its existence to a desire on
the part of the few Catholic families resident therein, in 1865, to possess a house
of worship in which religious services could be held at stated periods. On May
10 of the year named, as the result of previous negotiations, the building and
lot formerly the property of the Richmond Methodist Episcopal church, south of
the Richmond estate, was conveyed by John McNeal and wife, and Francis,
Thomas and Eliza McCafferty, by whom it had been purchased in 1864 from
Nathan Brown and Daniel Richard, trustees for the Methodist society.
The deed was made to Right Rev. Michael Domenec, bishop of Pittsburg, the
property to be held by him for the use of the Catholic congregation of Forward
township.
POSTOFFICES.
The postofiices of the township are Carr, Zeno,or Duffield's store ; Callery,
near the southwestern corner, in Adams township ; Connoquenessing, near the
north line, in Connoquenessing township ; Evans City, on the western line ;
Reibold, and Renfrew and Brownsdale just east of the eastern township line.
Zeno postoffice was established in [ulv, 1888, with Mrs. Best in charge ; and
Reibold came with the opening or extension of the oil field. At Zeno is M.
F. Duffield's store, and at Reibold A. Schilling's store.
CHAPTER XXXI.
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Reduction ok Area — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits —
Oil Production — The Pioneers — Earlv Industries— Population and Statis-
tics— Schools and Justices — Independence Day Celebration — Churches —
Villages — Associations.
CRANBERRY township was organized in 1804, and was one of the thir-
teen townships into which the county was divided in that year. Its area,
approximating eightv-one square miles, was retained until 1854, when, in the
general sub-divison of the county, it was reduced to its present limits. This town-
ship is situated in the southwestern corner of the county. Its surface is well
watered by Brush creek and its branches, and by the principal feeders of Break-
neck creek. It is one of the best agricultural townships of the county, and
abounds in well tilled and productive farms and in thrify and prosperous farmers.
The township also appears to be rich in coal and oil. Freeport coal, in a seam
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. 43 5
five feet thick, is found in the bed of Brush creek, near the northwestern corner
of the township, not far from Graham's mill, where it has been mined for many
years. Three miles farther up the stream a smaller coal has been worked, such
as that found in the Haine and the Emerick banks. It is slatey at the top and
bottom, but in the center contains a scam of very good coal, about tit teen or six-
teen inches thick. Across the creek the old Yandivort ami the Krebs banks were
operated, while on Coal run, one mile away, the Hartzell bank, and, farther up,
the Rowan bank were opened years ago. The Henderson, Garvin and Duncan
oil fields, as well as the Brush creek oil fields, have returned liberal profits to those
who have put their labor and money in them.
THE PIONEEKS.
The pioneers appeared in the Brush creek neighborhood as early as 1796,
when Benjamin Johnson and family, Matthew and William Graham, John Henry,
Alexander Ramsey, Paul Vandivort ami Samuel Duncan arrived. The mother
of the Graham brothers, then Mrs. Long, came in 1797. Benjamin Davis, a
single man, and George Stoolfire came about the same year. In 1800 came David
Garvin and family, including his eldest son, Alexander and family, who estab-
lished a tavern, — the only one between Pittsburg and Franklin — which in 181]
passed into the possession of his grandson, David Garvin, by whom it was after-
wards conducted. The Indian raftsmen used to make it their stopping place on
their way to Erie after their season's work on the river. In 1801 also, William
Henry Goehring arrived in the township, bringing with him his wife and family.
He died here in 1881. James Cooper, a native of Ireland, came in 1807. Jacob
Stout and his father arrived from Northumberland county in 1811.
In 1813 Matthew Graham established the Black Bear tavern on the Pitts-
burg and Mercer road. Prior to that year, however, he carried on the business
in a desultory way, and was well known to teamsters oyer the old trail, for the
road was then little more than the old Indian trail from Pittsburg to Erie.
James Rowan came from Delaware county, Pennsylvania, in 1825. John Hall
settled here soon after Mr. Rowan. Isaac Cookson located here in 1831 ; John
L. Roll, N. Allen and William Croft, in 1832; Jacob Dambach in 1835, and
Hartman Knauff in 1836.
Among the early industries of the township may be mentioned Samuel Dun-
can's saw mill, which was erected prior to 1803. He also ran a little distillery in
the early days, which obtained a wide reputation for the fine quality of the
whisky turned out. The Brush creek saw mill was erected by Matthew Graham
in 1831. Two years later he built the first grist mill on the creek, it being also
the first in the township.
The population of the township in 1810 was 543; in 1820, 765 ; in 1830,
1,046; in 1840, 1,N22; in 1850, 2,236; in I860, 931 ; in 1870, 945; in 1880. 988,
and in 1890, 909. The assessed value of real and personal property in 1894, was
$338,493: the county tax levy being .$1,353.97, and the State tax $107.24.
43^ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
The early schools in the township were conducted on the subscription plan,
the pioneer teachers being Job Staples, Andrew Dodds, of Connoquenessing
township, and Rev. Reid Bracken. The common school system was introduced
in 1835, the earlv teachers under it being Matthew Wright. Silas Miller and
John and Robert Cowan, all of whom were teachers under the old system. A
convention, or rather a combined exhibit of the Cranberry township schools, was
held in the Plains church on the 25th and in the Union Church, Evans City, on
the 2Gth of February, 1852. It was the first exhibit of the kind made by the
common schools of Butler count v. The number of children of school age in the
township in 1894 was 124 males and L06 females. The revenue for school pur-
poses included a county tax of $1,119.30 ami a State appropriation of $958.58.
The justices of the peace elected by the people of this township, since 1840,
are as follows : Joshua Stoolfire, 1840; John Henry, 1840; Samuel Marshall,
1845; Thomas Wilson, 1845-50; Thomas W. Boggs, 1850; David Garvin, 1854;
Thomas Stewart, 1854 ; Joseph C. Douthett, 1855; Ross Boyle, 1859; James
Semple 185'J ; Thomas Robinson, 1804 ; Alex. Gillespie, 1867 ; John Rowan, 1869;
John Rohner, 1872-79 ; N. Allen, 1874; D. B. Wilson. 1S77 ; Fleming West,
1882; Cyrus Harper, 1884; Isaac. M. Wright, 1887 ; Fleming West, 1889; Cyrus
Harper. 1890; Isaac X. Wright, 1892.
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION.
The July celebration of 1825 in Cranberry township was carried out by the
" Connoquenessing Republicans." commanded by Capt. Reese Evans, at the
house of Alexander Martin. Joseph Alward was elected president of the day,
P. E. Purviance, vice-president, and John Gillespie, secretary. The military com-
pany had a drill after the fashion of " Scott's Infantry Tactics," and then like all
good militiamen joined the crowd in the race for the banquet tables in Martin's
house. This material part of the celebration was succeeded by oratory, music and
drinking. The Declaration of Independence was read by Joseph Alward, and the
"Connoquenessing Republicans" tired several rounds in its honor. There were
thirteen regular toasts offered, followed by twenty-one volunteer toasts. To the
regular toasts, however, special attention was given. The program called for a
certain number of cheers, according to the importance which the master of cere-
monies attached to each toast. Thus " The Day We Celebrate," was given three
cheers; "The Constitution of the United States," four cheers; "The Governor
of Pennsylvania," six cheers; "Andrew Jackson — our next President," ten
cheers; "Our Representatives in Congress," received six cheers, while " The
Memory of the Revolutionary Heroes." and "General Lafayette, the early and
distinguished champion of freedom." received three cheers each.
CHURCHES.
The Presbyterian Church of Cranberry township dates back to the settlement
of the Coverts and Garvins in this corner of the county. The late James Garvin is
given by John Rowan as authority for the statement that the first minister of this
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. 437
denomination to visit the settlement was Rev. Reid Bracken, who came in 1806,
and in 1808 organized the church now known as the "Old Plains." The late
Josiah Covert, son of Morris Covert, a pioneer of Jackson township, was equally
positive that the organization was effected in 1806. The exact date is therefore
in doubt. Among the original members are Benjamin Covert and Morris Covert,
who were elders about 1812; Matthew and William Graham, and Robert Boggs,
and the elders, James McClelland. John Crawford, William Critchlow and John
Emmet t, and, in still later years, Mary Rowan, who settled near what is known
as Ogle.
Mention is made in a " supplication " to the Presbytery at Erie, at its first
meeting April 13, 1802, for preaching at Breakneck, which is thought to be the
settlement around the present Plains church. It is mentioned and referred to
under its present name in the minutes of the Erie Presbytery of 1807, in con-
junction with Mt. Nebo, as vacant. On April 20, 1808, Rev. Reid Bracken was
installed first pastor, and served until November 7, 1819. For a number of years
the congregation appears to have worshipped in a tent. Between 1820 and 1824,
however, a log building was erected on a lot donated by Benjamin Davis. It
occupied the site of the present church. After Mr. Bracken left, the church
appears to have been without a regular pastor for some years. It was visited,
however, from time to time bv Rev. John Andrews, who organized the Fair-
mount church, in 1822, and other ministers, and services held with some regu-
larity. From 1828 to 1831, Rev. John Moore was supply and pastor. As time
passed, the visits of ministers became less frequent, the pulpit being so seldom
filled that the old church may be said to have passed out of existence, although
Dr. Aaron Williams, who was a teacher at Zelienople, preached in and
around that village, and also in the vicinity of the Plains church. The members
were New Light Covenanters, Associate Reformed Presbyterians, and of other
beliefs, until the union on January 1, 1838. with the Cross Roads church in Alle-
gheny county, and the calling of Rev. L. R. McAboy as pastor, who took charge
in September, following.
At this time the following members of the " Plains" congregation became
members of the re-organized church : William Graham, Sr., William Graham, Jr.,
Elizabeth, David, Hannah, Matthew and Mary Graham, Jane Simpson, Jane
Wallace, Margaret Bowman, Eleanor Wilson, Rebecca Cooper, James andNancy
Garvin, Ann, John and Morgan Covert, Robert Boggs, Sr., Margaret, Samuel,
Jane, Andrew and Mary Ann Boggs, Ann McGregor, Margaret Dunbar, Job and
Susanna Staples, Joseph and Margaret Richardson, Mary Coats, Rebecca
Bolander and Mary Rowan. Among the new members admitted in the fall
were William, Nancy aud Phoebe Vandivort, Mary and Jane Hutchison, Martha
Goehring, Nancy Boggs, Eliza and Susanna Vandivort, Philip and Esther Covert,
Thomas Hamilton, Alexander and Margaret Parks, William and Emma Nesbitt,
Mary Croft and Sheldon Coats. Early in 183it, four elders were chosen to assist
the pioneer elder — Morris Covert. They were William Graham, Sr., Andrew
Boggs, James W. Garvin, and William Vandivort. In June, 1839, there were
admitted Jane McClelland, Margaret Evans, Andrew Wilson, John and Hester
Vandivort , Christian Goehring and Samuel and Anna Covert. Shortly after.
43'S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Morris Covert died. In 1839 a brick house was erected close beside the old log
church, by Matthew Graham, John Rea and other old members. The brick was
made on John Goehring's farm and Thomas Evans was the contractor.
The society was incorporated November 16, I Slit, the trustees being David
Garvin, James \V. Garvin and James Sample. In April, 1858, Rev. Newton
Bracken succeeded Mr. McAboy as pastor. Thomas W. Boggs, John Graham,
Josiah Covert and John Rowan were elected elders. Of all these men, who
guided the church in 1859 and for many vears after. John Rowan is the only one
living. Early in I860 Rev. Mr. Bracken left the church, and the old pastor, Rev.
McAboy, Rev. Milton McMillan and others preached here at intervals, until
L863, when Rev. John W. Potter was called as pastor. He died June 10, 1866.
At that time this society united with that at Fairmount in a call to Mr. Potter, and
the ''Plains" church was transferred from the Allegheny Presbytery, now But-
ler, to the Allegheny City Presbytery.
From June, 1866, to 1868, the churches were without a pastor. In the last
named year, Rev. Samuel R. Kerr received a call from the two churches, was
installed pastor and served until July 1 , 1869. Rev. Levi Risher came here in
November, 1869, but was not installed pastor until June 27, L870. In 1876
seventy-six members were admitted on examination and three on certificates, the
total membership being 215. Rev. A. G. Baker, an evangelist from Nauvoo,
Illinois, aided Mr. Risher in the revival services which drew so many new mem-
bers into the society. Mr. Risher was released as pastor October 31, 1876. In
November, 1876, Rev. Mr. McLean supplied the pulpit. In December Rev.
William Wilson was supply and preached here several Sabbaths. Rev. R. J.
Criswell came in April, 1 S77 ; was called as pastor, June 4, that year, and
installed June 20. In September, 1 S 7 7 , Andrew Boggs, Josiah Covert, John
Rowan, James Sutton, R. A. White, Thomas W. Boggs and James Thompson
are named as elders. In January. 1878, services were authorized to be held in
the Baptist church at Evansburg. In March of that year the question of build-
ing a new church was discussed and finance and building committees were
appointed. James Sutton, Samuel McClelland, J. M. Covert, James Thompson and
Samuel Graham formed the first, and Thomas Graham, R. A. White, B. F. White,
William Croft, John Staples, Nicoll Allen ami John Rowan, the second. The old
church was torn down in May, 1878, and the new church was dedicated November
3, 1879, Rev. W. II. Jeffers preaching the dedicatory sermon. On March 31, 1878,
there were 231 communicants reported and 160 attendants at Sunday school.
From January to June, 1880, Rev. George Scott filled the pulpit, while Dr.
Young, E. P. Louis. A. W. Lawrence, G. W. Stewart and G. W. Shaffer visited
the church from June to October, 1880. Revs. Shaffer, Junkin, Minton, Pollock,
McMahon and several others came to fill the pulpit until December, 1881, when
Rev. G. M. Potter began his labors as stated supply. The organization of the
church at Evans City was considered February 18, L883, and thirty-nine members
were dismissed from the old church to form the new one. Rev. R. C. Yates was
moderator in June. INS."). and continued to preside until June, 1888. On Octo-
ber 5, that year, Rev. G. M. Potter's name re-occurs as moderator, and on Octo-
ber S, Mr. Yates was elected pastor: but the minority being forty-four in a total
CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP. 439
vote of ninety-four, the choice was not pressed. John Rowan, Josiah Covert,
James Thompson, J. M. Covert, Matthew Graham, John Goehring and O. P.
Graham were the elders at that time. At the close of 1889 Rev. J. P. White was
moderator. The statistical report of April, L890, is signed by ). K. McKallip,
moderator; but in May of that year Mr. White's name re-appears. In June, 1890,
John Rowan was elected moderator, J. M. Covert, who was elected clerk of
session in 1888, signing the record. Rev. G. M. Potter presided October 25,
1890, John Rowan in April, 1892, Rev. J. P. White in May, 1892, Rev. McNees
in October, 1892, and Rev. A. J. Hetrick in May, 1893. The number of com-
municants in 1894 was about 135.
St. John's German United Evangelical Lutheran and Reformed Church,
formerly called "St. Daniel's church," in Cranberry township, adopted a consti-
tution, June 7, 18(59, at a meeting of members, presided over by Christoph
Kirschler, of which John G. Hoffman was secretary and Andrew Kirschler
treasurer — these three being the trustees. In the article providing for the gov-
ernment of the burial ground, it is written, " as long as a member remains in
connection with this congregation, that is from June 7, 1809, and has signed his
name on the church book, he has, for himself and his children the right of burial
in our graveyard, but for the daughters only as long as they go by the name of
their parents."
Dutillh Mctlwdist Episcopal Church, in Cranberry township, originally a
class of the Plains church of Alleghenv county, dates its distinct organization
from 1879, when the present church was erected under the direction of William
Lonsdale, Sr., Dr. Elder Crawford, Thomas Crea, Jacob Crider and Thomas
Robinson. The heads of families at that time were Mary A. Douthett, Daniel
and Ruth Emerick, Eli and Eliza Easton, Mary Emmell, John English and his
wife, Albert and Savila Graham, Maud Graham, Austin and Amanda Graham,
G. B. and Elizabeth Gill, Eliza Headland, Jacob and Libbie Headland, Charles
Headland, John and Sadie Headland, Eli Headland, Michael Headland, Lewis
and Jennie Hoffman, William and Hannah Hillman, Amelia Hoehn, Edward
Harper, Blanche Harper, Ida Kibler, John and Elizabeth Keshler, William and
and Jane Lonsdale, William F. and Jennie Lonsdale, Sarah Lambert, Jennie
Mulligan, Mary A. Murray, Harriet Pearce, Thomas and Mary Ann Robinson,
William and Estella Robinson, Anna Robinson, A. N. and Julia Richardson,
Lone Sherar and Mary Sherar, Lizzie Shannon. Robert and Nannie Trimble,
Josephine Vandivort and family, Sadie Wilson, Dr. Elder and Martha Craw-
ford, Thomas and Dora Crea, Jacob and Mary Crider. The stewards in 1879
were Dr. Crawford, Thomas Crea, and William Lonsdale. Thomas Crea was
class leader and Thomas Robinson was superintendent of Sunday school. Jacob
Crider succeeded Lonsdale as steward ; William F. Lonsdale succeeded Crea, and
Isaac Wright succeeded William Lonsdale, Sri The pastors of this church
since 1879 are Rev. Mr. Swann, followed by Revs. W. C. T. Weaver. Steven-
son, Freeman, McCurdy, J.J. Davis and William Medley, who was serving in
1894. The churches attached are Salem, in Alleghenv county, and Mars in
Adams township.
440 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
VILLAGES.
Ogle- is the local postoffice and village. For some time Thomas Robinson,
who was postmaster, had the office at his home ; but, when William Garvin was
appointed, the office was moved to the hamlet, since known as Ogle, where he
was the first merchant. John Frantz succeeded Mr. Garvin in 1885, and he carried
on the office in his store until 1889, when Mr. Garvin was re-appointed. In July,
1894, Mr. Frantz was again appointed postmaster at Ogle. The stores are con-
ducted bv William Garvin, J. A. Boggs, John Frantz and H. M. Johnston.
Hendersonville, the old postoffice of the township, was superseded by Mars,
in Adams township, whither many of the inhabitants went after the railroad was
completed to that point.
The Brush Creek Protective Association was organized in 187* with fifty-
eight members. The officers or directors, in March, 1870, were John Ziegler, S.
M. llazen, Charles Herman, Thomas Ferguson, John Snyder, James Alcorn,
Henry Knauff, Milo F. Rider, Jacob Gaebe, Henry Gardner, Henry Blinn and
Charles Goehring. The total risks at that time amounted to about $70,000. In
January, 1892, Thomas Ferguson was elected president and Milo E. Reader,
secretary.
The Patrons of Husbandry in Cranberry boast of one active grange.
To everv organization, whether local or general, promising benefits to agricul-
turalists, her citizens have been always friendly. The Farmers' Alliance has a
membership here; and Grange, Number 908, lias now no less than thirty-four mem-
bers. The first to join January 21, 1890, were Fleming West, Jacob Emmell,
John Leise, O. P. Graham, W. II. Ramsey, A. J. West, Edwin Ramsey and
Nicol Allen, the first officers in order of grange rank, with Madams West,
Emmell, Leise and Graham. The grange hall is on the Leise farm.
CHAPTER XXXII.
ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
Origin ok Namk- Organization — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits —
Pioneers— Population and Statistics— Schools and Justices — Churches —
Villages.
ADAMS township, named in honor of John Quincy Adams, the sixth
president of the United States, was organized in 1854, its territory being
taken from Cranberry and Middlesex townships. It is drained by Breakneck
creek, Little Breakneck and Glade run. They flow through broad, fertile val-
leys, and serve to diversify as well as beautify the scenery of the township.
Along the Breakneck, near the Forward township line, a four to six-inch layer
ADAMS TOWNSHIP. 44 I
of cannel coal is found, resting on about two feet of the Upper Freeport coal.
Both deposits were mined by George Marburger ; while on the hill above, fully
seventy feet over the cannel, Dunbar opened a bank in eighteen inches of what
is locally called the Brush creek coal. The Davidson and Hays banks above this,
show the Upper Freeport on each side of the river in veins fourteen to twenty
inches thick. In 1876 coal was discovered on the Park farm. The green,
crinoidal limestone found on a few of the higher summits, as on the Stoup and
Hill farms, has seldom, if ever, been utilized for lime or building purposes. The
red shale banding other summits is simply an ornament of nature. This town-
ship escaped the enterprise of the oil man for many years; but his industry has
at last gained him a foothold and created a new and prosperous section of the
Butler oil field.
PIONEERS.
The first settler of this township was James Glover, born in New Jersey, in
1753, a soldier of t lie Revolution, and a pioneer of Pittsburg. During his hunting
expeditions, he found, in what is now Adams township, a deer lick, and near it,
in 1792, he built a hunter's cabin. In 1705 he made a clearing, and the following
year claimed a tract of 400 acres round it. In 1700 he abandoned the cabin to take
possession of a log-house, which he had erected that year, and there resided until
his death, in 1844. Prior to the building of the log house, James Irvine, who
came from Ireland in 1770. to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and thence
to Butler county, erected a large house of round logs, in the center of his claim
of one hundred acres, where he died in 1880. He was one of the pioneer teachers
of the county. About that time, William McCandless, the tailor ; William Mc-
Candless, the distiller, and Robert McCandless appeared upon the scene. Adam
Johnson, who died at the age of 103 years, in 1827, came about 1796, accompanied
by his son, also named Adam, with Joshua and George Stoolfire, Moses Meeker,
who did not stay, Timothy Ward, a teacher, who moved to Ohio, and David Spear.
In 1798 William Criswell, a native of Ireland, came into the township, as did
William Roseboro, James and Matthew Park, Silas Miller, Isaac Covert, Joseph
and Thomas Means and one or more of the Gillilands, John Gilliland being born
here, November 25, 1798. The Davidsons were also among the pioneers, as prior
to 1803: James, Sr., James, Jr., and Peggy had 800 acres of land, with horses and
cows. John Richardson and William Forsvthe came about the close of the cen-
tury ; Andrew Barr with wife and three children came in 1818 and settled on the
old Roseboro farm, which the original owner called Edenderry. Thomas Ken-
nedy located here about the same time. Robert McKinney came in 1810, and
established a distillery in 1819 ; Job Staples, a farmer, preacher and school-teacher,
moved in from the Brush creek country, and the Coverts, Plummers, Orrs, Mc-
Marlins. Kennedys, Cashdollars, Kidds, Marshalls, Walters, Coopers and Halls
followed the pioneers and cleared the glades.
The township has never departed from its attachments to agriculture, and
hence the record of manufacturing industries is confined to Robert McKinney's
distillery, established in 1819, and Samuel Roseboro's grist mill, near Mars, built
in 1883, near the site of Matthew Park's old mill.
44- HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The population in 1860, was 866; in 1870, 973; in 1880, 1,156, and in 1890,
1,817- The last number has been increased, owing to the rapid development of
the oil field and general progress of of the township. The total assessed value of
property in 1894 was $415,840; the county tax $1,663.30, and the State tax
$415.28.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
Though the first log house for school purposes was not erected until 1805,
the children of the pioneers of Adams township were not lift without instruc-
tion, for a wandering teacher or some resident capable of teaching reading, writ-
ing and arithmetic, would convene a class and preside over it. After 1805, such
teachers as Timothy Ward, Matthew Wright and later Job Staples of Cranberry
taught in this township and prepared the way for the common schools. The first
building erected for common school purposes, was that in which Robert Hill
taught, in the McMarlin-Criswell neighborhood, on or near the old Davis farm.
Near the present village of Gallery, a log house was built in 1837. Samuel Hood
taught a school, in what is now Adams township, about forty-six years ago, in the
untenated house of Reuben Conaby, just south of the Robbins mill. It was the
first school in that neighborhood. Hood, with Joseph and Robert Cowan and,
it is said, one or two of the Douthetts, as well as John Irvine and Silas Miller,
were among the first teachers of the public schools. In IS1, 14 there were 230 male
and 209 female children of school age reported; the school revenue was $5,558.05
and the number of schools, ten.
The justices of the peace, elected in Adams township, since its organization
in 1854, are named as follows: William Rea, 1854-59 and '64; John S. Douthett,
1857-50; Francis H. Davidson, 1864; Samuel Marshall, 1865-70; Benjamin
Douthett, 18(H); Jacob Hutchman, 1N72-77-S2 ; James Barr, 1874-79; ThomasM.
Marshall, 1884; Joseph Cashdollar, L885 ; D. 15. Wilson, 1887; T. W. Kennedy,
1890; John Shannon, 1894, and W. J. Gilliland, -appointed in July, 1894, vice
Kennedy, deceased.
CHURCHES.
The United Presbyterian Church of Adams township, known as the "Union
church," was organized in 1806 near Brownsdale, as related in the history of For-
ward township. In 1S20 the place of meeting was changed to the point near
the present house of worship, and the tent was carried thither. In 1824 the
society purchased two acres from Robert McKinney, and in 1825 erected a log
building in which Rev. Matthew Williams preached until 1826, when Rev. T.
C. Guthrie, a licentiate of the Pittsburg Reformed Presbytery was installed pas-
tor of Union and Pine Creek churches, with William Criswell, of Glade Run
Associate church, and David Spear of the Pine Creek Reformed Presbyterian
church, additional elders. When the division took place the followers of the
"New School" section of Union church, held the property.
In 1839 the log house was abandoned, the " Old School" party purchasing
an adjoining lot and erecting a brick building on it, in which they afterward
worshipped. In 1835 the " Old Schools" had called Rev. Hugh Walkinshaw as
pastor, who served them until April. 1843, when he resigned. In the following
ADAMS TOWNSHIP. 443
June he was succeeded by Rev. John Galbraith, who remained until 1872, when
he accepted a call for his entire time from North Union church. Mr. Galbraith
was born in Donegal county, Ireland, April 6, 1818. He came to the United
States in 1832, graduated from the Western University at Pittsburg in 1838,
from the Reformed Theological Seminary of Allegheny City in 1S42, was
ordained in 1 S4S, and took charge of the Union church of Adams township the
same year.
On May 17, 1876, Rev. A. Kilpatrick was installed pastor of Union and
Pine Creek churches. In 1877 the congregation of Union removed their church
to Mars, two miles south of the old place.
The "New School" Presbyterians date their church building back to 1839.
The " Old School" Presbyterians having led the way in church building, the
"New School" people purchased a lot about one mile northwest of the "Old
School" building, and erected a large brick house, which now carries the name,
"Union Church, 1839," on a stone inserted in the gable. In 1840 an election of
elders resulted in the choice of John McGeorge, Samuel Boyd, John Waldron
and David Gilliland. About that time Rev. T. C. Guthrie resigned the charge,
and the pulpit was supplied at intervals until 1851, when Rev. Andrew Walker
was installed pastor of this and the Mount Pleasant church, as formed in 1850.
In 1854 his pastorate with these organizations ceased. The elders chosen in 1855
were David Dickey, William Anderson, Joseph Douthett and Jacob Stoup.
With the exception of 1857 and 1858, when Rev. Guthrie was stated supply, the
pulpit was vacant until after the society merged into the United Presbyterian
church. The members from the Brownsdale neighborhood withdrew in L859 to
attach themselves to a new organization there, and in June, 1859, the remnant oi
the Union congregation became allied with the United Presbyterians. The
elders elected in January, I860, were Joseph Johnston. Joshua Davidson and
Jacob Hutchman. About that time the application for transfer to the Butler
Presbytery was acquiesced in by the Allegheny Presbytery. Union and Browns-
dale churches agreed to unite in one charge, and in the summer of 1861 extended
a call to Rev. R. M. Patterson, who was installed as pastor November 11. 1861.
John Donaldson, an elder of the Evans City society, was installed an elder here
in 1864 ; John S. Douthett and John Martin were elected elders in 1867, and
Alexander Hunter, an elder of the Middlesex Presbyterian church, in 1875. In
1864 the Union and Brownsdale societies dissolved connection, and Mr. Patter-
son was allowed to devote his whole time to the Old Union church until
appointed by the Freedmen Missions' board school teacher at Knoxville. The
society was incorporated June 14, 1866, with Jacob Hutchman, Francis II.
Davidson and Samuel Orr trustees. In 1871 Rev. R. G. Young was called by
Union and Brownsdale. He accepted the call and remained until 1S75. In 1880
the two churches joined in a call to Rev. R. P. McClester, who was installed June
15 of that year. May ?,, 1881, J.J. Smith, a ruling elder of the United Presby-
terian church of Buena Vista, was installed an elder here, and on October 14,
1886, William A. Sloan and James W. Park were elected elders. On June 9,
1890, Mr. McClister resigned, since which time the pulpit has been vacant. The
session is made up of John Martin, J. J. Smith. William A. Sloan and Jacob
444 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Hutchman. The last named has been clerk of the session for many years. The
number of members in 1894 was 111.
Crest Vie-vo Presfytcrzan Church was organized in 1890, letters being
granted August 10, of that year, by the session of Plains church to the following
named members : John Staples, Mandana Staples, Nancy Staples, Susan Staples,
Maud Staples, William Staples and Seth P. Staples; Joseph, Maria, Fleming, Mar-
garet, Ida, Mary. Andrew and Annie L. West ; Nicoll and Nancy Allen ; Annas
and Mary Met/. ; Elizabeth, Alfred, Annie and Sarah Richardson; Joseph and
Jane Davis ; John Vandivort, and Tillie Goehriug. The petition, bearing the
above signatures was presented by Rev. R. C. Yates, and granted. The society
was incorporated February 15, 18'.)l!. with Nicoll Allen, F. C. McNeal and Alfred
Richardson, trustees.
The United Presbyterian Church of Mars, the early history of which is
related in that of Union church, was incorporated May 16, 1893, on petition of
Dr. John C. Barr, T. M. Marshall, John Davidson. John A. Caswell and Presley
Duncan. On January 20, 1894, the new church building was completed at a
cost of about $4,000.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Mars was organized with eight mem-
bers, Joseph Borland, one of the most zealous friends of the society, being
one of them. The church building followed organization. Rev. Mr. Hunter is
now the preacher in charge.
The Evangelical Association is a recent addition to the churches of this town-
ship. They have a church building, and fair sized congregation.
VILLAGES.
Mars, formerly Overbrook postofficc, is a stirring hamlet, the center of a
promising oil field. In 1S75 Samuel Park, the miller, was appointed postmaster
at Overbrook. When the Pittsburg and New Castle Narrow Guage railroad was
completed to that point, Frank Johnston built a small store, which he sold in
],S77_7S to W.ll. Walters and W. J. Gilliland. Two years later they sold to
J. B. Dickey, when Gilliland erected a larger building west of the railroad for
mercantile purposes, which Dickey also purchased. Oliver Pinkerton commenced
building the third store, when the report that the depot would be moved to Little
Breakneck stopped the enterprise, ami caused Dickey to sell his building to W.
H. Walters, who carried on business for a year, when Samuel and Andrew
Thompson became the owners. Then W. J. Gilliland purchased five acres of the
S. A. Kennedy tract and erected a building, now occupied by Thomas Marshall.
In the fall of 1883 W. J. Gilliland and D. G. Marshall erected the store and
depot, where they carried on business until 1884, the railroad office being removed
from the Thompson location. D. B. Wilson, who came from Hendersonville,
built a house, which he trailed for the Samuel Thompson store. Later he built a
second house, near the depot. F. P. Confer erected a blacksmith shop and
dwelling. The shop he sold one year after to John Conlev and the dwelling to
John Davis. Samuel Ziegler followed Conley as blacksmith. Mrs. Craney, J.
W. Davidson, Joseph Davidson, Samuel Crowe, J. E. Brown, Al. Shook, Margaret
Barr. Benjamin Douthett, Brice Owens, S. J. Marshall, Andrew Barr, G. H.
ADAMS TOWNSHIP. 445
McCaw, John Magee, W. J. Link. Joseph Borland, and the Methodist Episcopal
and United Presbyterian societies, were the builders of the village next to the
pioneers named.
The postmasters, in order of service, were .Samuel Park, W. II. Walters, J.
B. Dickey, J. F. Shannon. Samuel Thompson, Thomas Marshall, D. B. Wilson,
J. E. Boggs, and the present incumbent — T. M. Marshall. In November, 1882,
the postal authorities changed the name to Mars. The fire of September IS,
189:2, originated in the William Bowser building and destroyed that, with the
houses owned by T- B. Conlin, W. T- Gilliland and J. D. Marshall. The mer-
chants of the village are Dr. J. C. Barr, drugs; W. D. Boyd, lumber; J. E.
Graham, general stock; Irvine Brothers, furniture; Jordan & Company, general
stock; W. J. Link, coal; J. D. Marshall, general stock; and T. H. Miles, res-
taurant. The estimated population of the village in 1894 was 350, showing a
remarkable advance since 1890.
Valencia, a hamlet near the south line of the township, was surveyed for Dr.
S. O. Sterrett and named by him. It contains at present the general stores of J.
A. & W. F. Anderson, A. L Cooper and Dr. S. O. Sterrett, and the agricul-
tural implement store and coal yards of J. C. Barr.
Myoma is a small village, unpretentious in its buildings, but yet the center of
a rich agricultural section. The mercantile houses of H. II. Berringer and C. B.
Irvine, who took the place of J. C. Davidson ; W. W. Wilson's blacksmith shop;
Rev. Mr. Shimp's church and the school-house, with a number of dwelling
houses, constitute the village. The postoffice is administered by Mr. Berringer.
Dovmeyville is the name given to a hamlet in this township, near the
Allegheny countv line.
Callcry, at the junction of the Butler branch and Pittsburg and Western
railroads, was named in honor of the president of the railroad company and
dedicated as a railroad town. A postofhce was established in 1880. with A. M.
Beers as postmaster. His wife, Emma J. Beers, succeeded him, and then came
John F. Shannon in 1888, whose successor, J. M. Little, was appointed July 10,
1894. Before the close of March. 1883, William Gilliland sold several lots at
Callery, among the buyers being P. H. Murray, Alexander Blair, A. M. Beers,
T. M. Marshall and F. C. Meeder, who erected buildings there in April, even
before the railroad depot was completed. The Meeder House was opened in
July and the beginning of the village really made. The fire of October 29,
1892, destroyed the dwellings of L. Goddard, B. Beers. J- Cashdollar, Mrs. Hark-
less, A. Footz and T. Kane; the hotels of W. II. White, H. Maters and Van
Boise ; the stores of James Little and W. Shannon ; Murray's restaurant, and the
railroad depot and freight house, the total loss being placed at about $25,000. Of
this sum the Glade Mills Mutual Fire Insurance Company paid about!)! 7,000, and
other companies about an equal amount, so that, notwithstanding the protection
offered by insurance, the people of the town lost heavily in property and time.
The rebuilding was slow and sure. By the fall of lS9o several new buildings
were completed. The depot was about the first to rise out of the debris. The
business interests of Callery in 1894 were Carruthers, Peters & Company, ma-
chinists and blacksmiths; M. J. Goddard, coal; Tohn F. Shannon and J. H.
446 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Thomas, general stores, and II. B. Hunt, restaurant. Pool rooms, hotels and all
the trades that go to make up a little railroad town are found here. It is also the
center of a busy oil field, and quite an important shipping point.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Reduction ok Area— Physical Characteristics— Coal Deposits-
Oil Production— Population— Pioneers— First Election and Justices— Schools
and Churches— Cemeteries— Villages and Industries.
MIDDLESEX township was one of the four original townships into
which Butler county was divided before its territory was separated from
Allegheny county. With each ensuing subdivision of the county a reduction of
its area took place, until, in 1854, it was established within its present boundaries.
A narrow divide, between the Allegheny and Beaver valleys, is found in the
southeast corner of the township, sending the waters of Glade run north-
west and of Bull creek southeast. The green crinoidal limestone of Adams
township holds a relative position here. North of the Allegheny line, a fair coal
has been mined on the Mowry lands; while on the old Hays farm the Elk Lick
coal has been found at a depth of seventy-five feet, and the Bakerstown coal at a
depth of 189 feet. North of the closed Hays coal bank, the Gilliland bank was
opened in a shallow bed of the Bakerstown variety. Where Bull creek enters
Clinton township, the upper Freeport coal is exposeil in the creek bottom, and
again above the mouth of the East Branch of Glade run. In drilling the oil
well on the Mahan farm, coal was found at the 200 feet, the 290 feet and the 640
feet levels ; the first oil sand at 1,340 feet ; a heavy gas flow at 1,732 feet ; a ten
barrel well at 1,745 feet, and blood-red slate from 1,880 to 1,930 feet.
The oil development, which is an extension of the Brownsdale and Glade
Run fields, has been a great boon to the people of the township. The first well
on the Nancy Adams farm, completed for George S. Stage, June 6, 1887, struck
the Hundred-Foot sand at 1,356 feet, and penetrated it to a depth of 129 feet.
This well flowed between 4,000 and 5,000 barrels of water a day. Between
Glade Mills and Watters station there are many producers. The recent develop-
ments around Glade Mills and Cooperstown prove this to be a valuable addition
lo the oil fields of Butler county.
The population of the township in 181(1 was 538; in 1820 — 1,010; in 1830 —
1,231; in 1840—1,692; in 1850—2.259; in 1860— after new townships were
formed— 1,034; in 1870— 1,010; in 1880— 1 , 101, and in 1890— 1,078.
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP. 447
PIONEEHS.
Though the permanent settlements of this township do not date back quite
so far as those of Adams and Worth townships, its explorers and settlers may
justly claim pioneer honors. James Harbison, James Hall, Abraham Fryer and
William Hultz camped hereon the night of January 10, 1793, engraved their
names on some forest trees next day and returned to their homes. Early in 171)4
they revisited that camping place, selected lands, and built cabins. In IT'.'o the
quartette came to permanently occupy the cabins of 1794. They found, how-
ever, that Thomas Martin, who came from Ireland prior to the Revolution, and
who had taken an active part in the great struggle for liberty, had won from
them the honors of being the pioneer; for they learned that he made some
improvements in 179i5, then tied to the block-house near the mouth of the Alle-
gheny, but had resumed improving his clearing in 1795. He died in what is now
Jefferson township. A contemporary pioneer was George Hays, who began
clearing what is now known as the Wendel Hickev farm, where he resided until
his death in 1837. James Fulton, a native of Ireland, made a reputation as a
hunter here in 1793, and retained his home until his death in 1S2S5. Silas Mil-
ler, the school teacher of Cranberry, who died in 1831 from burns received while
trying to save a building, was one of the scouts of 1792, and a well known hun-
ter here from 1704 to the day of his death.
William Thompson was also one of the first settlers. His sons, John and
William, were born in the township in the years 1795 and 1797, respectively.
William Martin, who located here in 1796 with the object of gathering round
him a colony of rent-paying crofters, should not be forgotten. He did not suc-
ceed in his object; but nevertheless went on building " land-jobbers cabins," and
advertising the new land. Matthew Wigfield and his wife, Mary Ann Wilson,
a native of Ireland, located here in 179(3 with their large family. He died in
1816, and his wife in 1855. John Brown settled near Glade mills in 1796, and
Thomas Park, his wife and several children joined the settlement in 1798.
He died in 1832.
John and Rebecca David and family came here from Dauphin county about
the same peri xl. Their son Oliver was afterwards a leading merchant of But-
ler. Joseph Flick, a native of Berks county, who died in 1809, was a settler of
1801. Thomas Baker, a Nova Scotian, found his way to this fertile wilderness
in 1798, and found that his namesake, the itinerent tailor, introduced the name
two years before. Thomas Denny, who died in 1851, built a log house for school
purposes, in 1796, the same in which William Powell taught the ensuing winter
term. James McCallum, the first merchant, came in 1798, and in 1799 opened
a little store, which the settlers patronized in emergencies. Samuel Rippev was
appointed justice of the peace by Governor McKean, and was the pioneer law
giver of the township. The Linns, Lists, Lvons. Boyds, and others, forming a
company of pioneers, may be said to have located here before the end of the cen-
tury ; while James McBride, the apothecary and bone-setter came in 1800.
Absalom Monks came into the county in 1801, and the next year purchased
a tract of land in this township, upon which he built a cabin and began clearing
44^ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
off the forest. Here he spent the remaining years of his life, and when he died
left numerous descendants to perpetuate his name. The Trimble settlement was
made in 1807 by Thomas Trimble, who came from Ireland in 1790 and died here
in 1837- Samuel, his youngest son, died in 1855, aged fifty-eight years. John
and James Bartley, father and son, left Ireland in ISO!) with their families and
found a home in Middlesex. James served in the War of 1812. John Davis
settled here in 1812, and John Criner, Philip .Snyder and Samuel Crooks
about 1815.
ELECTION' AND JUSTICES.
The first election was held in the township October 25, 1805, the vote being
as follows : Thomas McKean twenty-seven, and Simon Snyder fourteen for
Governor: James O'Hara twenty-six, Samuel Smith thirteen, and Nathaniel
West two for Congress; S. Ewalt twenty-seven and J. Martin thirteen for Sen-
ator ; John McBride twenty -six, Jacob Mechling thirteen, George Robison, thir-
teen, Jacob Ferree fifteen, James Carothers twenty-six, Abner Laycock twelve,
and Francis McLure twelve for Assembly ; W. B. Young twelve, Abner Coats
twelve, David .Sutton ten, William Brown seven, and W. Johnston nine for
county commissioner.
The justices of the peace for Middlesex township, from 1840 to 1894, are
named as follows: James Fulton, 1840-45; Robert Brown, 1840; William Cun-
ningham, 1845-50-55 and '00; Johnson White, 1850 and 1870; Samuel McNeal,
1855; George Hays, 1800; Andrew Barclay, 1865; George W. Hays, 1865;
Robert Trimble, 1869, 1879 and 1884; T. H. Lyon, 1877 ; J. H. Starr, 1881 ; T.
R. McMillen, 1886 and '91 ; Samuel A. Leslie, 1889 and '94.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
The first school in this township was taught in 1796 by William Powell,
then over sixty of age, in a log school-house erected on the farm of Thomas
Denny. The building was an extremely crude affair. The logs were unhewn,
the floor constructed of rough pieces of timber, and the openings were plastered
with mud. Mr. Powell is said to have been a rather quaint and eccentric man,
very dignified before his pupils, and making much mystery of the learning he
possessed. Nevertheless many pleasant memories were retained of him by those
who acquired the first rudiments of an English education under his instruction.
In 1893 this township supported seven schools, the pupils numbering 133 males
and 135 females. The total receipts for school purposes, including a state appro-
priation of $1,181.61, was $4,178.81.
The Middlesex Presbyterian Church dates its beginning to the fall of 1800,
when Rev. Abraham Boyd, a Presbyterian minister, came into this township
and for two years preached in the open air. Within a few months after his com-
ing the church was organized, the first elders being Robert McCandless, Hugh
Gilliland and William Johnson. On June 17, 1802, Mr. Boyd was installed as pas-
tor and continued to serve the congregation until 1817. In 1803 a log cabin was
erected, north of Glade run, and used as a house of worship until 1817, when it
was replaced by a hewn-log building. This was used until 1842, when the pres-
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP. 449
ent brick edifice was erected on the site of the pioneer cabin. On September 28,
1820, Rev. Reid Bracken was installed as pastor, serving until April 1, 1834.
Rev. J. W. Johnston took charge October 12, 1836, and remained until April 3,
1839. He was followed by Rev. Thomas W.Kerr, who built the brick residence
above Glade Mills, and who served the congregation from January 5, 1841, until
his death, October 29, 1847. Xext came Rev. Ephraim Ogden, who was installed
November 14, 1848, and who continued as pastor for nearly forty years. The
present pastor. Rev. Willis S. McNees took charge December 16, 1890. The
congregation numbers 148 members.
October 3, 1*55, during Mr. Ogden's pastorate, the church was incorporated,
the following members being- named as trustees : William Thompson, Alexander
Hunter, James Welsh, Dr. Jacob Stewart and William Marshall. The present
trustees are W. T. Martin. W. C. Anderson, Harris Puff, Samuel Ekas and Wal-
ter Phillips. Among those who have served the church as elders since its organ-
ization, in addition to those already named, are the following: James and Will-
iam Critchlow, William Johnson, Jr., James Plummer, John Larrimore, John
Brown, John Gilliland, Johnson White, Thomas Welsh, Samuel White, F. McEl-
wain, Robert Patterson, Joel Kirk. W. S. Wible, Philip Miller, Robert Stewart,
William Brown, Alexander Douthett, Alexander Hunter, M. B. Rowan, Robert
A. Patterson and James Martin. The present session comprises George K. Gra-
ham, clerk, H. C. Miller, and James D. Anderson.
Glade Run United Presbyterian Church was organized about 1812, and in
the same year erected a log cabin for the purpose of worship. Before its dedica-
tion it was burned, but the little society, undaunted by this calamity, proceeded
to build another on its ruins. This was completed in 1815. The ground owned
by this church was acquired by a deed made by Stephen Lowrey, of Maryland.
March 25, 1820, conveying to the Associate Church of Glade Run, two acres, being
part of a tract conveyed by William Guyer to Robert Morris, and by the latter to
Lowrey, March 17, 1807. Prior to 1819, Revs. Bruce, Ramsey and Dunn visited
the settlement at intervals. In 1820, Rev. John France was installed pastor and
preached to 100 members. Under him a log house, twenty by twenty-four feet,
was built. The members of session comprised Andrew Duncan, John Crawford,
William Criswell, George Wallace, David Park, Barnet Gilliland, Joseph Logan,
William Dixon, Samuel Galbreath, John Donaldson and Robert Duff. Mr.
France remained until 1841, marrying his first wife here and burying her in the
first cemetery in 1831. For over twenty years he worked for an annual salary of
$400, then moved to Ohio, where he died in the fifties, aged eighty years, leaving
his second wife to survive him. Rev. W. Douthett was pastor from 1819 to 1854;
Rev. J. G. Barnes from 1862 to 1870; Rev. I. T. Wright from 1872 to 1881, and
Rev. R. E. Lackey from 1884 to 1888. Rev. David T. McCalmont, the present
pastor, came May 18, 1890. The present church building was erected in 1854,
and the society incorporated September 25, I860, with Edward Sefton, George
Wallace, George Greer, John Park and S. B. McNeil, trustees. The membership
at present exceeds 150 and the church is in a flourishing condition.
The Belviderc Community of Practical Christians, of which William
Hicks was leader, purchased what is known as the Westerman farm, in Clinton
45° HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
township, in 1843. Hicks' religious philosophy was a taking and pleasing one,
to all appearance, for many converts from other local churches flocked to his
standard. When the people learned that Hicks' Christianity did not provide for
pleasure in the future life, the society was shattered and the lands reverted to
Thomas Westerman.
The Middlesex Methodist Episcopal Church may be said to be contempor-
ary in its membership with the Presbyterian society of this township, though not
organized until 1870. Seventy years prior to organization, the gospel was
preached according to Wesley's ideas and meetings held in Matthew Wigfield's
house, which many attended. Those meetings were ultimately resolved into an
unorganized Union Church, which was acknowledged as such until the Methodists
were strong enough to establish a church of their own. Wendel Ilickey, Absalom
Monks, Thomas Stewart, Thomas Chantler, Levi Lefevre, and Alexander Leslie,
were the local leaders in the movement, while Rev. C. Danks was the zealous
prompter of and actual leader in the organization. In 1872 a frame building was
erected at a cost of about $1,200.
The Church of God, of which Rev. G. II. Richey is pastor, is one of the
new divisions of modern Christianity. The teachings of this new organization
led the people to call its adherents Winnebrenarians, which title its followers
repudiate.
CEMETERIES.
In the old cemetery lot on which the Middlesex Presbyterian church building
stands are many nameless graves. Some, marked by common sandstone monu-
ments, are made impressive by their simplicity. The greater number of graves,
however, are designated by old-time marble headstones, and many of them by
modern marble monuments. Among the dead who inhabit this silent city the
following maybe mentioned: Robert Linn, Sr., 1816 ; Edward Byrne, 1816;
Benjamin Linn. 1 S 1 7 ; John Reese, 1824; James Byrne, 1826; James Plummer
and Sarah David, 1828; Fanny Park, 1829; Sarah Campbell, 1830; A. McCaslin
and Margaret' C.Thompson, 1830; Joseph Welsh and Jane Linn, 1831 ; John M.
Brown, 1833; Sarah Linn, Is:;:',; Catherine Harper, Jesse Sutton and James
Critchlow, 1834; James Byrne and Elizabeth Flick, 1835 ; James Campbell, 183(3;
James Potts, 1837; Margaret Campbell and Martha White, 1838; David Burns,
1839; Henry Sefton, 1840 ; Margaret Campbell, 1841; Absalom Monks, 1842 ;
James Harbison, 1843; Elizabeth Lyon, 1844; Mary Norton, 1845; Thomas
Harper and Elizabeth David. 1846; William Kennedy, 1847; Hannah H. Brown,
1*4*; Catherine Brown, 1849; Sarah Welsh and Elizabeth Morrison, 1850;
George Boyd, 1851 ; John Lyon, 1852; Elizabeth Boyd, John Brown and Mar-
garet Campbell, 1853; Margaret Reese, Mary Thompson and Mary A. Luce,
1858; James Brown, 1859; Jane Sefton and William Hunter, 1861; Capt.
Edwin Lyon, 1862; Mary Harbison, 1865; Rachel Brittain, 1866; Hannah
Potts, l,Sf>7; Mary Brown, 1868; Path Lyon and John Dunbar, 1869; Ezekiel
David, 1871 ; and Jane David, 1872.
77/i' United Presbyterian Cemelerw below Cooperstown, was established
about 1821. Within its inclosure rest many of the old settlers of the township.
MIDDLESEX TOWNSHIP. 45 I
their children and grandchildren. From the headstones and monuments marking
their graves the following names have been taken: Thomas Denny, 1821;
Anne, wife of Rev. John France, 1831; Elizabeth Flick, 1835 ; Abram M. Flick,
1880; Robert Thompson, Jr., 1843; Samuel Trimble, 1855; Esther Thompson
and William List, 1856; Mary List and Joseph Flick, 1857; Robert List and
Martha Kennedy, I860; Margaret Ewing, 1862; Mary Denny, 1863; Rebecca
Parks, 1864; Margaret Denny and Sarah Boyce, 1865, and Clotworthy Ken-
nedy, 1868.
VILLAGES AND INDUSTRIES.
Glade Mills is an old hamlet in the valley of Glade run, and derives its name
from the grist mill built there early in the century by John Woodcock, who added
to it a saw mill, and for years monopolized trade in the two departments. In
1824, when the pioneers began to abandon their log huts in favor of frame dwell-
ings, the Woodcock saw mill ditl an immense business. After the original owner
retired, many operators came on the scene. In 1877 William .Starr and Julius
Baker purchased the property from William Campbell. In 1879 Baker sold his
interests to his partner, who carried on the mill and store until he sold to his
sons, J. II. and J. W. Starr, the present owners. In 1878 steam power was in-
troduced. It is still a buhr mill, with a capacity of 250 bushels of feed a day.
The store opposite the mill has been carried on successfully by W. J. Marks &
Brother since 1883. The mill, Marks' general store, a blacksmith shop and about
a dozen dwellings constitute the village of 1S1I4.
The oil development of 1893—94 made this part of the county one of the
busiest in the oil region. Many good wells were brought in, and the excitement
around Glade Mills and Cooperstown in the fall or 1894 was a reminder of the
palmy oil days of the seventies.
Among the old industries of this locality was Oliver David's tannery and
distillerv, in the vicinity of Middlesex Presbyterian church. Mr. David after-
ward removed to Butler and carried on merchandising many years.
In 1822 James Fulton established a carding mill. He invented a special
machine to be worked by horse-power. Fulton was also the coffin manufacturer
of this locality, which, coupled with his new industry, made for him a com-
petence.
The old Hays mill, and the Parks grist and saw mills, southwest of Coopers-
town, played an equallv important part with the Glade mills in the development
of the township.
Above Glade Mills, and not far from the toll-gate on the plank road, was
Crooks' tavern, where thirsty travelers found stimulants and refreshments from
1830 to 1861. True, the liquor, it is alleged, was not so tine as that sold in "The
Sign of the Buck,"' at Butler, but teamsters and other wayfarers said it was good
enough after creeping up the hill from the Glade run valley. William Crooks
purchased the place from Oliver David, and had little trouble in maintaining the
reputation of the old tavern.
GlaJc Mills Mutual Fire Insurance Company signed articles of association
April 15, 1873, and a charter was granted June 21. that year. The petition was
4 5- HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
signed by Harvey Osborne, president; Jacob Hutchman, secretary; William
Campbell, treasurer; Friend Buxton, T. II. Lyon, John D. Hill, John Wakeham,
John Rennison, John "\Y. Park, James Anderson, Joseph Logan and James
Martin. John I). Anderson lias served as president, Robert Trimble as secretary,
and W. J. Burton as treasurer. The heaviest loss sustained was in the Callery
lire of 1892, which reached the sum of about $7,000.
Cooperstoivn , about one-half mile south of Glade Mills, on the plank road,
was named in honor of George Cooper, who, in early days established a tavern
there. In 1893 it was a quiet, but decidedly happy-looking village. Southeast
about one and one-half miles is the old United Presbyterian church, known to old
settlers as the Associate Reformed Church of Glade Run, Located on the plateau,
high above Glade run, it is an agreeable and healtv center of population, and has
always been one of the favorite stopping places on the Pittsburg ami Butler road.
The development of the Brownsdale oil field, which extended into Middlesex
township in 1893-94, gave to Cooperstown a period of exceedingly rapid growth.
Buildings sprang up as if by magic, and the little place took on all the activity of
an old-time oil town. In August, 1894, it contained a store, hotel, blacksmith
shop, shoemaker's shop and a physician's office. A month later it had a livery
stable, two cigar and confectionery stores, two barber shops, one hardware store,
two oil well supply stores, a grocery, six boarding houses and three billiard
rooms. It is still growing rapidly and gives every promise of equalling in all the
phases of excitement and experience of the notable oil towns of other years in
the Butler field.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
PENN TOWNSHIP.
Okigin of Name— Organization — Physical Characteristics— Coal Deposits— Oil
Production— Natural Curiosities— Pioneers— Population and Statistics —
Schools and Justices — Churches and Cemeteries — Villages.
PEXX township, named, doubtless, in honor of William Penn, the founder
of the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, was organized in 1854,
when the final re-subdivision of the county into thirty-three townships was
effected. The territory comprised within its boundaries formed a part of the orig-
inal townships of Middlesex and Connoquenessing. The natural scenery of the
township is diversified and picturesque, its surface being well watered and well
drained by the Connoquenessing creek, which passes through the northwestern
corner, and by Thorn creek and its tributaries, which drain the central, eastern
and northeastern portions. The feeders of the east branch of Glade run drain
the southern portion. Although these streams break and render the surface of
PENN TOWNSHIP. 453
the township uneven and, in places hilly and rugged, its soil, except close to the
streams, is free from rocks, very fertile and easily cultivated. Perm is one of the
purely apricultural townships of the county, ami is peopled by thrifty, intelligent
and progressive tillers of the soil, whose well cultivated fields and comfortable
homes bespeak the industry that begets prosperity.
The coal deposits of the township, so far as developed, do not give evidence
of being either as rich or extensive as those in other portions of the county,
although coal mining has been carried on within its boundaries for many years.
On the Alexander Welsh farm the Upper Freeport coal in its best form was
found and mined for a long time, while on the Lavery farm an opening was
made in the same vein in the early days of the township's history. Openings
were also made on the Fisher and Kennedy farms. The latter, however, was
opened while searching for the Lower Freeport coal, but the effort does not appear
to have met with a rich reward. On the Renfrew lands, below the mouth of
Thorn creek, the Coleman coal was found above the Buffalo sandstone ; the
Upper Freeport fifty-eight feet above the Connoquenessing creek, and the Lower
Freeport two feet above that stream. Mr. Renfrew worked the three coal beds.
He also burned the Freeport limestone at that point. In the northwest corner
of the township the Buffalo sandstone makes an unusually massive showing in the
" Town Rocks" — detached blocks, some as large as a cottage.
The development of the Brownsdale field and of the phenomenal Bald Ridge
belongs to the chapter on the Butler Oil Field, where it is given in detail. In the
Bald Ridge district the Third and Fourth sands are found approaching each other
in the south west until they come together, each producing and giving the great
Phillips and Armstrong wells.
In 1873 the late David Douthett discovered a native Lfraoe vine twenty-one
inches in circumference on the lands of James McCandless. Its branches liter-
ally covered three great oak trees. On the lands of W. M. Brown, in the same
neighborhood, a sassafras tree, measuring eight feet ten inches in circumference
was in a healthy condition. In November, 1881, a golden eagle was captured
here by Elijah T. Phillips, that measured seven feet from tip to tip.
PIONEERS.
Robert Brown, a native of New Jersey, was the first actual settler in this
township, building a small log cabin in the wilderness in the northwestern part
of the township, and tenanting it in 1797. He was the father of Methodism in
this county, and a justice of the peace for a quarter of a century. He died in 1853.
Clark Rathbun, who selected a location in 1706 and built a cabin, did not occupy
it until after Mr. Brown had established his residence here. It is stated, how
ever, that Rathbun left two of his children, Thomas and Ruth, here to hold pos-
session of his improvement until he could return with his family. Ruth after-
wards married Robert Brown. The other members of the family are said to have
moved to Ohio before 1820.
James Boyd, a blacksmith, and George Boyd, a chairmaker, and unmarried,
settled in the township shortly after Brown and Rathbun. George afterward
purchased the Rathbun land, in addition to the 400 acres entered upon coming
4 54 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
here. James Boyd had 250 acres of land in 1803. Adam Brown, the founder of a
large family, came into this township from Middlesex about 1803. Joseph Brown
is the only one of the family named in the county records of 1803 as owning property
in original Connoquenessing township. Thomas Dixon, a native of Ireland, came
to this township in 1800 with his family. I lis son. William, accompanied him, but
moved to Pittsburg, where he resided until 1S10, when he returned, taught school
and became one of the early justices of the peace.
John Rankin, a native of Ireland, and a soldier of the Revolution, settled
herein 1804 or 1805. lie came from Maryland, raised a large family and lived
to a ripe old age. His son Simon died on the home place, in 1879, aged eighty-
one years. Matthew Cunningham was one of the first settlers in the eastern part
of the township, lie came prior to 1805, took up 300 acres of land, and passed
through the usual hardships and privations of pioneer life. At his death his land
was divided equally among his six children. John Maharg who located across
the line in what is now Forward township, came in about the same time, mak-
ing Penn township his home until his death in 1S71, at the remarkable age of 102
years. Joseph Logan and family settled on a tract of Mod acres in 1807, which
his father, Thomas]Logan, bought three years before. He died here in 1839, and
his wife, Elizabeth, in 1850.
John Dodds, better known as 'Squire Dodds, came from Ireland in 1800,
and in 1808 settled near Brownsdale. He served in the War of 1812. John
Reese, who died in 1824, located in the Maharg settlement. Daniel Harper,
whose daughter married David Sutton, was a contemporary pioneer, and built
his cabin here in 1 SI >7 or 1S0S Thomas Hartley, Sr.. a native of Ireland, settled
here early in the century, about 1S0S, and Thomas Bartley, Jr., was born here in
1S12. Robert Bartley, a brother, came from Ireland in 1809 or 1810, and located
southeast of Brownsdale, where he had a distillery. Moses Crispin, who erected
a saw mill on Thorn creek, in 1820, was here some years before. [esse Sutton
came in 1820, with his family.
James Marshall, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, came with his wife
and eleven children to the United States in 1822. They came to Penn township
in 1824. Adam Weber, a native of Germany, settled in this township in 1831.
He was one of the original members of one of the first Lutheran churches in the
county. Edward W. Hays located here the same year. Thomas Robinson, Sr., who
died in 1863, purchased a part of the Dixon lands in 1835. Israel Seaman, a native
of Washington county, settled in the township in 1833. A year later William
Fisher came from Bucks county. Pennsylvania. William C. Wallace, a native ol
Ireland, purchased i5lj() acres of land in this township in ISiiT. and began the
improvement of the tract in the same Near. David A. Renfrew, a native of
Franklin county, settled in this township in 1840, and in 1844 erected a sawmill
on his lands, to which he added a grist-mill in 1868. In June, 1882, both mills
were destroyed by lire. These enterprises, preceded by Moses Crispin's saw mill,
established in 1820, and the distilleries of Robert Bartley and Robert Eady, com-
prised the manufacturing industries of the township.
The population in I860 was 914; in 1870, 837; in 1880, 1,131, and in 1890,
1,814. From lime. 1882, to the fall of 1887, the number of inhabitants some-
PENN TOWNSHIP. 45 5
times reached 5,000, the oil men and retinue rushing in and out according to the
excitement in the several fields. In January, lN'.ll, the assessed value ol real and
personal property was placed at $335,114, on which a county tax of $1,340.45
and a State tax of $459.11 were levied.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
One of the earliest schools in the township was presided over, at different
times, by Mr. Sterrett, John Boyle, Peter Funston, William Dixon and others,
all itinerant teachers well known to the early settlers of the southern part of the
county. The Renfrew Academy was presided over in June, 1885, by J. C. Tints-
man, who conducted it with success for some years. The people of this town-
ship have always taken an interest in educational matters and their " Harvest
Home," " Happy Day," and other meetings have generally been given an educa-
tional turn. The township has always been noted for its literary societies and
the interest manifested in them by such active spirits as Simeon Nixon, now of
Butler, and others, with a talent for oratory and for argument. In 1894 there
were 273 male and 21 1 female children of school age reported. The total revenue
for school purposes, was $3,414.90, including $1,727.50, the State appropriation.
The justices of the peace for Penn township, from its organization, in 1854,
to 1894, are as follows: John Dodds, 1854; John Bartley, 1856; William C.
Wallace, 1859; John Q. A. Kennedy, 1860; Joel Kirk. 1861; Joseph Douthett,
1865, 1870, 1875; Samuel Rea, 1867; Felix W. Negley, 1873; Williamson Bart-
ley, 1878; George K. Graham, 1879; R. M. Anderson, 1883; W. S. Dixon,
1884, 1889; John W. Kaltenbach, 1888, 1893, and W.T.Martin, 1891. The
justices elected for Bald Ridge District were W. S. Dixon, 1889; W. V. Sea-
man. 1S90, and J. W. Kaltenbach, IS'.):].
CHURCHES AND CEMETKKIES.
The United Presbytcricm Church of Brownsdale, the oldest in point of
membership, is a branch of the old Union, Clinton and Butler churches. In
September, 1858, the members residing in the Brownsdale neighborhood deter-
mined to have a church of their own, and, with this object in view, the following
named persons joined the organization : David Douthett. John Dodds, John W.
Martin and Joseph Douthett, Sr., members of the session; with Jane F.
Douthett, Rebecca Douthett, Hannah Dodds, Margaret Martin, Elizabeth
Dodds, James Maharg, Catherine Maharg, Mary Douthett, William Dodds,
Martha J. Dodds, Josiah Dodds, Alexander Carnahan, Elizabeth Carnahan, Ben-
jamin Douthett, Elizabeth Douthett, Robert Douthett, Esther Douthett, David
Dixon, Agnes Dixon, Mary, wife of Joseph Brown, William M. Brown, James
K. Brown, Margaret Brown, Adam Dodds, Margaret Dodds, Samuel Douthett
and Mary Douthett. The first pastor was Rev. R. M. Patterson, of Kittanning,
who served about four years, when Rev. R. G. Young came. Rev. R. P.
McClester, who was here from 1880 to 1890, left in June, 1890, since which time
the pulpit has been variously supplied. The church was erected in 1860 by
Joseph Rodenbaugh. under the direction of the building committee, among
whom were William M. Brown, Benjamin Douthett and John W. Martin. John
456 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
B. Dodds, D. B. Douthett, W. S. Wible, S. C. Douthett and James Maharg were
elected members of the session in April, 1881, and now belong to that body. The
number of members is seventy-five, while the same number is enrolled in the
Sunday school.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Thorn Creek was organized in 1837,
as Kennedy's class, with the following named members : John Kennedy and
wife, Thomas Robinson, Betsy Cunningham, Nancy Cunningham, Hamilton
Cunningham, and Elijah and Rebecca Burkhart. Prior to 1S40, a rude round-
log house. 20x26 feet in size, which was afterward called " The Temple.'' was
erected on Hamilton Cunningham's farm; but it was not roofed for a year or two
after the walls were built. Visiting preachers of the Baptist and Presbyterian
beliefs looked upon " The Temple" as a Union building, and invited their fol-
lowers to worship there until the Methodists, believing their hospitality abused,
refused its use to the preachers of other denominations. On the reorgnization of
the Methodist class, after the war, it was determined to build a new house, and,
in 1865, one was completed at a cost of $1,800. This church is in the Browns-
dale charge, the pastors of which are given in the history of Forward township.
Zion Baptist Church was organized May l(i, 1840, by the following mem-
bers : Isaac Sutton. Jacob Sutton, Robert Phillips. William Nixon, Stephen
Luce, John Luce, Salmon Snow, Martin Boyd and William McCandless, with
their wives, and perhaps a few others. As they had no place of worship, services
were held in the house of Isaac Sutton and others until the year 1850, when the
present church building was erected. Rev. E. M. Miles was pastor from 1844
to 1840. In ls4(J Rev. G. J. Dinsmore became pastor. He was a carpenter, as
well as a preacher, and at once began collecting money with which to purchase
materials for a church building. He did the carpenter work, and by 1850 the
house was ready to hold services in, though without seats. Mr. Dinsmore
remained until 1855, and his successor, Rev. Gideon Seymour, came in 1861 and
served until 1808. He, too. was a carpenter and completed the building, work-
ing at the bench. on week days and preaching on Sunday. During his pastorate
quite a number of members were added to the church. His successors have been
as follows: Revs. E. Woodruff, 1804-07; Gabriel Huston, 1868-69; E. Wood-
ruff, 1870-7-i ; John Temple, 1875-79; A. J. Adams. 1883-84, and John Owens,
the present incumbent, who came in February, 1892.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Renfrew was organized in 1888. In
November of that year, Rev. R. L. Hickman, then pastor at Prospect, preached
to a gathering of Methodists, in a school-house at Renfrew, and added a number
byconversions. A building committee was appointed composed of J. W.
McAllister, James Hamel and William Scheidemantle. A sum of $369 was
subscribed, but the work rested until the fall of 1889, when $400 were collected.
In January. 1890, R. M. Bowser, Wilson Kennedy and J. Davidson were added
to the committee, and in February David A. Renfrew sold the society a lot for sixty
dollars. In March, 1890, a church building was erected at a cost of $1,500, ami
was dedicated July 20, 1890.
Cemeteries. — On the William G. Douthett farm near Brownsdale is an old
family cemetery, begun in 1801, when young (oseph Douthett bled to death and
PENN TOWNSHIP. 457
was buried there. On the old Douthett homestead, near the same village, is
another little cemetery. There are two headstones, one to Benjamin Douthett,
who died in 1S50, and one to Jane Douthett, who died in 1S47. Across the line
in Forward township, on the old 'Squire Brown farm, is an old burial ground,
the two headstones telling of the deaths of Stephen Luce and Elizabeth Brown,
in 1849.
The United Presbyterian cemetery has monuments to the following named
old settlers : John and Hannah Dodds, who died in 1864, aged eighty-seven and
eighty-nine years respectively ; William Dodds, in 1872, aged fifty-nine years ;
Alexander Hamilton, in 1875, aged seventy-five; Margaret, wife of Capt. John
Martin, in 1S77, aged seventy; Captain Martin, in 1881, aged seventy-seven;
Thomas Burton, in 1882, aged eighty-three; Patrick Hamilton, in 1883, aged
seventy; Joseph Douthett, in 18^4, aged seventy-seven, and Rebecca, his wife;
Mary, wife of Thomas Burton, and David Douthett, died in 1885, and Joseph L.
Bartley, in 1891. Many of the old settlers rest here; but no headstones tell of
their coming or their going.
VILLAGES.
Brownsdale is in the center of the Brown-Douthett settlement, and derives
its name from A. M. Brown, who established a store there in 1844. On petition
of the people of that neighborhood a postoffiee was established here in 1845—4(3,
and Adam Brown was postmaster until he joined the California Argonauts in
1849. It is said that David Douthett succeeded him. In 1867 Michael Nicklass
established a blacksmith and repair shop ; in 1870 J. D.Martin a wagon shop; in
1877 William Nixon opened another blacksmith shop; in 1880 Isaac Blakeley
started a marble cutting yard ; in 1881 G. Shorts established himself as shoe-
maker, and the same year D. B. Douthett entered mercantile life in the village.
The United Presbyterian building, the Methodist church, just west, the school-
house, A. M. Douthett's store, and a dozen of dwellings and tradesmen's shops,
constitute the village of 1894.
Maharg was the second postoffiee village established in the township. John
E. Maharg being the first postmaster.
Renfrew may be called the capital of the Bald Ridge district, at one time
one of the famous oil fields of the world, anil to-day the possessor of many fair
wells. The history of the locality begins in the thirties, when William Purviance,
the old surveyor of Connoquenessing township, discovered an unpatented tract
of thirty acres near or adjoining his entry of 212 acres. The Connoquenessing
flowed through the tract, and it appeared to the surveyor as a property worth
possessing. He applied at once for a patent, and the application was granted in
1838. Two years later David A. Renfrew purchased lands and settled here, and
built a saw-mill in 1844 and a grist-mill in 1868. Seeing that this tract of thirty
acres was unimproved, he and a man named Dodds took possession of it, paid
the taxes, made sundry improvements, and considered themselves the owners of
the land. In September, 1882, their ideas on this point were rudely shaken, for
it was then known that the capital of Bald Ridge was certainly an oily land,
with millions in it. The heirs of William Purviance appeared on the scene, and
458 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
a legal battle to decide the true ownership resulted. Another surveyor, N. M.
Slater, of Butler, discovered an unpatented tract of six acres in 1881, and became
the owner, but sold to J. D. Mcjunkin : so that between the Purviance heirs, the
later patentee, the occupying owners, and the owners of oil leases, it was
diiHcult to decide in whom the title rested at the close of 1 882. The matter was
carried into the Butler county courts, and thence to the board of property.
Senator Herr, W. II. Lusk and Miss Dott Purviance represented the Purviance
heirs; while J. M. Thompson, W. D. Brandon and Thomas Robinson appeared
for I). A. Renfrew, Robert Uodds, Porter Phipps and Simcox & Meyers, the
improvers and occupiers. The board decided the title to lie in the heirs of Will-
iam Purviance. The subject, however, was far from settlement, for physical and
legal contests ensued until the courts finally sustained the claim of the occupiers.
In April, 1883, D. A. Renfrew employed men to take possession of the house
tenanted by the Purviance"-, and a pitched battle ensued. The sheriff' came upon
the scene and drove oft' the invaders; but on the 4th of April a second and suc-
cessful attack was made, in which Miss Dott Purviance received serious injuries.
'In January, 1882, Simeon Nixon established a restaurant, and was consid-
ered the pioneer of the village. Renfrew City was located in April, 1882, on
part ot the Renfrew farm, bordering on the creek. Phillips Brothers began
drilling on the farm at that time; while the Simcox & Meyers wells close by, the
McConnell well on the Miller farm, and the purchase of John Kaltenbach's farm
at $100 per acre and one-eighth royalty, attracted speculators and the oil world
in general to the spot. By the close of August a town appeared in the wilder-
ness. Three houses were hauled from Millerstown, Karns City and Petrolia,
over the Narrow Gauge railroad, to Renfrew, and set up as a bakery, a machine
shop ami a livery stable. On August 23, about eighty lots were sold and twelve
leased, the selling price ranging from eighty dollars to $200 each. W. W. Patton
erected the first building, for hotel or boarding house purposes; Simcox & Camp-
bell the second, on lot 8, half of which was the grocery store of W.W.Wood
(who came here from Bullion ), until his own building would he completed, while
the other half was n'iven up to the hardware stock of the owners. John Glass,
of Millerstown, erected the third building, for the purposes of a grocery store, in
the middle of August, 1882. W. II. Edwards' blacksmith anil machine shop;
the grocery store of Wahl & Bishop ; that of Fred Brown ; the livery barn of
Morehead & Lardin ; a livery stable, built by Levi R. McFann ; II. M. Shaw's
bakery, east of Bridge street; Ireland & Hughes' machine shop, west side of
Bridge street ; Dick's barber shop ; Miss Sadie King's restaurant, east of Nixon's
" Ocean Dining Hall"; the railroad depot on the Renfrew donation; Jerry
Williams' shanty, near the depot ; J. E. Coulters' building, moved from St.
Petersburg; D. W. Roberts' livery stable, opposite Wahl & Bishop's store, and
|ohn McGee's tent, were the buildings here in August and September, 1882.
F. II. Brown was appointed postmaster in August, 1885, vice H. W. Koonce,
removed. David Stewart erected a hotel in 1884, which was burned soon after,
and the present Renfrew House built. Price & Tillinghast's machine shop was
opened in 1886, anil carried on by the linn until 1801, when Allen C. Price be-
came sole owner. R. M. Bowser established his lumber business in 1884. John
PENN TOWNSHIP. 459
II. Walker, a carpenter, came in L887. James Patrick, the present postmaster,
established his store in 1888, and subsequently was appointed postmaster. |ohn
D. Barnhart established a boilermaker's shop in 1889. Henry f. Van Dyke came
to the village the same year, and also opened a boilermaker's shop. Both of
these are still in operation. The mercantile circle in 1894 comprised S. Mark-
well. James Patrick and A. I). Sutton, general merchants; Dr. II. S. McCly-
monds, druggist, and Bowser & Son, lumber merchant-.
Phillips City was a part of the wilderness in August, 1884 Early in Sep-
tember two oil wells, a school building and two telegraph offices were in existence.
In October it was a busy little town, with Thorn creek dividing it into two parts.
William Gilliland's boarding bouse. Charles Roessing's eating house, Charles
Ward's boarding house, Amos Smith's eating house and confectionery, and fohn
Dufford's boarding house on the Bartley farm ; fames Stewart's dwelling, Hughes
Brothers confectionery and cigar store, William T. Reddick's residence, George
Pringle's residence, on the Dodd's farm : the houses of Thomas Jeffry, M. Hoag-
land, W. W. Kope. Richard Steele, \Y. G. Patterson, and M. Brushart, on the
William R. Patterson farm, and sundry smaller buildings, completed or com-
menced, showed the progress of the place. The tire of December 19, 1884, origin-
ated in the accidental tiring of five oil tanks, of 1 , tit 10 barrels each, and resulted in
the destruction of property valued at over $11,000.
McBridc Citv. south of Renfrew, grew up like a mushroom in February,
1885. Within a few (.lays fifty houses were erected and 200 lots leased for new
buildings. The McBride City Oil Exchange Hotel was built for C. Willoughb) .
and many restaurants opened. Six grocery stores, two dry goods stores, three
barber shops, two drug stores, two billiard halls, two livery stables, six telegraph
offices, including "The Scout's Headquarters," a roller rink and other institu-
tions known to oil towns only, were all in operation. A private one-cent mail
for letters between the new city, Renfrew, and Butler, and two lines of stages
were also established.
Critchlow City, which followed the Phillips 125-barrel well of August,
1886, boasted of five new houses on October 7, 1886, together with Mrs. Bryan's
boarding house and Walter Dickey's store.
CHAPTER XXXV.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
( Irc.anization— Physic \i. Cti vracteristics -Coal Deposits— Gas Wells— Ga me
Pioneers— Population and Statistics— Early Industries— Schools and Jus-
tices-Churches -Concordia < irphans Home - Vii.i, vges.
JEFFERSON township was organized in L854. It lies southeast of Butler
township, anil is one of the richest agricultural subdivisions in the county.
The elevation a1 the Great Belt depot, track level, is 1,260 feet above sea level,
being fifty-nine feet higher than at Saxon Station, or about the same elevation as
Saxonburg. Beyond the old coal mine-, of Welsh and of Wagoner, on Thorn
creek, this township was for years dependent on outside mines for coal. The
lir>t explorations were made and the first mines developed in the neighborhood
of the Welsh farm, In an oil well drilled years ago by Thomas Welsh, to a
depth of 292i feet, a thick bed of coal was found at thirty-nine Feet below the
surface; another bed at eighty-eight feet; cannel coal at L02 feet; a heavy bed of
Darlington coal at 136 feet, and Kittanning at lit feet. In the boring for oil at
Frazier's mill an equally extraordinary arrangement of coals was made evi-
dent. The Thorn Creek gas well, below Frazier's mill, was drilled to a depth of
1,825 feet, or within seventy-five feet of the depth of the gas well at Freeport,
and within thirty-seven feet of the gas well at Saxon Station, in Wintield town-
ship, [ts location, two miles west of Saxonburg, led the owners to search for
oil. but it proved a dry hole. The water wells of Jefferson Centre present
interesting phenomena, together with an abundance of good water. For nearly
forty years after the first settlement of the township pigeon roosts were common,
the birds gathering here in such great numbers that in their coming and going
they formed a flying cloud that almost shut off the sunlight. Deer, bears and
wolves also found a refuge in these glades. During the hard winter of 1834 they
flocked here by thousands.
PIONEERS.
The first permanent settlement of this township was made in 1796, by Pat-
rick Graham, of Westmoreland county, a native of Ireland. lie visited the
glades in 1 795 and selected land, and the following year erected a log hut near the
west line of the township, after which he returned to Westmoreland county for
his wife — whose maiden name was Elizabeth McKee — a daughter and two sons.
In lT'.'S his son, also named Patrick, was horn, being the first white child born
in the township. The old pioneer died in 1N11, in his ninety-seventh year. S.
Phipps came late in 1796, and began building a cabin on a part of the Graham
tract, with the intention of remaining. Graham, however, objected and drove
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 46 1
him off. William Stanley built a cabin about a mile southwest of Jefferson
Center ; but abandoned the idea of settling in 179S. Further westward, on
Guthrie run, William Guthrie located in 1797, but moved away with Stanley,
leaving Patrick Graham and his family the only residents in 1798.
In that year, however, the Braceys, the Strawicks and Thomas Burbadge
came into the township. The Braceys located on what is now known as the
Samuel Caldwell farm. Andrew Strawick settled northwest of Jefferson Centre,
where he carried on blacksmithing and farming. Burbadge built his cabin about
four miles due north of Frazier's mill, resided there a few years, and, it is said,
moved to Ohio. Benjamin Thomas, who set out the first peach orchard near
Saxonburg, was a pioneer of 170S. Late in the following year, William Wright,
one of the Irish pioneers of Allegheny county, came into the township, making
his home here until his death in 1839. Two of his sons served in the War of 1812 ;
while William, born in 1801, lived to see this division of the county fully devel-
oped. James Maxwell, a soldier of the Revolution, located here about the same
time. Bernard Dougherty, another Irish settler, car. sin 1805, followed by Daniel
Mularkey.
Nathan Skeer, to whom many references are made in the chapter dealing
with the transactions of the county commissioners, made his home at Hannahs-
town, and was the founder of the village in partnership with Abraham Maxwell.
Thomas Welsh, a native of Ireland, selected this township for his home in
1819, and purchased 4,500 acres of land near the southeast corner of the town-
ship, where he resided until his death in 1858. He was a prominent personage
among the early settlers and one of the best citizens of the county. His son,
George, a hale and hearty farmer of eight-five years, resides on the old place.
John Welsh, a brother of Thomas, came in 1821. Michael Heckert located near
Saxonburg in 1812, as did also the Walker brothers. The German settlers are
mentioned in the history of Saxonburg, although many of them settled outside
the borough limits.
The population of the township in 1860 was 1,457; in 1870, 1,234; in 1880,
1,533; and in 1890, 1,600. These figures include the population of Saxonburg,
which was 295 in 1870; 319 in 1880, and 258 in 1890. The assessed value of
property in January, 1894, was $339,132; the county tax, $1,856.53, and the
State tax, $284.62.
EARLY INDUSTRIES.
The Jefferson Centre saw mill, erected in 1825 by Thomas Welsh, was torn
down in 1868, and on its site the Montague & Welsh agricultural implement fac-
tory was built. Alexander Martin, who came from Butler township into Jeffer-
son in 1826, built the first grist mill on Thorn creek. Strawick afterward owned it
and carried it on until it was swept away by the waters in 1858. The Widow
McCurdy had a saw mill erected in 1827, on Thorn creek, due north of Jefferson
Centre. Robert McNair was the architect, builder ami wheelwright.
The saw mill built by George Welsh in 1845 occupied the site of Frazier's
mill. Soon after he erected a grist mill, thirty by forty feet, which he operated
until 1857. In that year, Thomas Frazier purchased the property , remodeled the
4^)2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
building and introduced new machinery. In ls70 Thomas W. Frazier, his son,
became owner. In 1886 B. II. Bowser became a partner and in 1888 the greater
part of the present mill was constructed and the roller system introduced. The
capacity is fifty barrels of flour and 200 bushels of feed a day. A good water-
power is derived from Thorn creek, while steam power is also used.
Bauer's mill was built in the forties, where Golden City afterwood stood,
and opposite the great Rock well. Time imjured it, Hoods partly carried it off
in L858, and the waters washed away the dam.
The Pilgrim grist mill, erected by Andrew Pilgrim near the southeast corner
of the township, in 1802, and subsequently operated by Charles Lederer, under
the title, " Lederer's Mill," and later by Rhinehart & Smith, was purchased in
1875 and opened in ls76 by Francis Alwine. Mr. Alwine is a descendant of
German pioneers of York county, Pennsylvania, from which county his father,
John, moved to Jefferson township, in L858. The mill possesses a fine water-
power; but is not dependent on the water supply, as steam is also used.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
In 1806, " Slim John Kennedy," who extended from floor to rafter, opened
a school almost a quarter mile east of the site of Ilannahstown. The primitive
log house varied somewhat from the conventional buildings of the period; for at
each end was a chimney, leading up from the huge fire places. Six years after a
better log house was erected at " The Corners," over which Isaac Lefevre pre-
sided. It is said that this house was built without nails or iron of any descrip-
tion. The chimney stood in the center of the room. Creased paper took the
place of glass and in all respects it was a very humble affair, even for 1812. A
third building, in which the chimney answered for one gable, stood on the present
site of Hannahs-town cemetery. Isaac Lefevre also taught there, and one of the
Douthetts succeeded him. teaching until John Sweeney, who was blind of one
eve, took charge. Ross Gatelv. a celebrated old-time pedagogue, failed to make
a success of a school which he opened in the Graham settlement, just south of
the point where the United Presbyterians erected a church in 1804. Early in the
twenties a log house was erected at a point southeast of Gately's shanty, and
there Isaac Sutton taught for a few winters. There are now seven schools in the
township, including two in Saxonburg, and the Jefferson Centre Independent
district. The male pupils in the township number 129, the female pupils 107-
In Saxonburg there are forty-four male and thirty-eight female pupils, and in
Jefferson Centre twenty-seven male and thirty-four female pupils. The school
revenue for 1XD4 amounted to $3,388.02, of which $1,537.47 was appropriated by
the State.
The justices of the peace for Jefferson township from 1855 to 1894 are
named as follows, the date being that of election : David Logan, 1855 and I860 ;
Simon P. Walter. 1859; Charles A. Stimmel, 1863; Joseph [Graham, 1865 and
1870; Daniel McFadden, 1867; James Gribben, L874; Thomas McGucken, 1875;
)ohn Knock was elected but did not qualify; Thomas Martin, 1879 ; M. H.
Byerly, 1880; Eli Graham, 1883 and 1888; John X. Pugh, 1885, 1890 and 1891;
Prank Fruth, elected in 1893, never qualified, and M. II. Byerly, 1894.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 463
CHURCHES.
St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Buffalo township, so named
because it was then in Buffalo township, dates hack to about L838, when it was
organized by Rev. Mr. Schweitzerbarth, and a church built near Hannahstown.
In 1847 Mr. Schweitzerbarth effected an organization of the English and German
speaking Lutherans, who worshiped together until 1869, when the English Luth-
eran church at Saxonburg was erected. In 1848 a church was built on the cem-
etery lot west of Hannahstown, which was used until 1874, when the Saxon-
burg members surrendered their interest in the property, and the present church
building was erected. On July 6, 1854, the society was incorporated, with
John G. Grunert, president ; Bernhard Konrumpf and George Doerr, elders ; F.
Seibert and Jacob Beck, deacons, and C. A. Grunert and Jacob Ader, trustees.
One of the articles of association prohibited the interment of self-murderers and
unbaptized children in the cemetery. In 1870 Rev. Frederick Wilhelm became
pastor, and watched over the interests of this society for many years. He was
succeeded by Rev. C. Engelder, the present pastor.
Shiloh United Presbyterian Church was organi/.ed April 12, L864, by Revs.
William Galbraith and William R. Hutchinson, with John Shrader John McElvain
and David Logan as elders. The original members were Joseph. Hannah and
Nancy Robinson; Samuel and Barbara Patterson; John, James, Martha and
Robert Shrader ; W. M. Caldwell and family ; P. Snyder and family; S. Mech-
ling and family ; Thomas and Mary Armstrong; John and Robert McElvain ;
Abner and Lucinda Bartley ; Priscilla, Jane, Margaret, William W., Sarah Belle
and Joseph Harbison; William Fitzsimmons and William Graham. The follow-
ing is a list of the pastors from the organization to the present time : Rev. W.
R. Hutchison, 1864 to 1873; Rev. J. M. Imbrie, 1875 to 1*77; Rev. S. B. Stew-
art, 1881 to 1887, and Rev. W. J. Cooper, the present pastor, who came in 1889.
The church building is a neat frame, 83x40 feet, situated in the western part of
the township, at the junction of the old Bull creek and Glade Mills roads. It
was built and dedicated in 1865.
Jefferson Summit Presbyterian Church dates its organization hack to April
24, 1864, when sixteen members of the old Middlesex church and four of the
Butler church were dismissed to join the new society. Joseph Graham and
Thomas Martin were elected elders, and later John Emerick, J. II. Graham and
George Welsh were elected. On June ~2'2. 1S67, the church building was com-
pleted and dedicated. Revs. Boyd, Brugh and Hamilton, ministers and school
teachers of Butler, and Rev. E. Ogden, served the church as stated supplies for
years. On January 11, 1869, the society was incorporated, with John Martin
and William Wright trustees, under the title " Jefferson Summit O. S Presby-
terian Church." In April, 1888, the membership of the church was 147, Rev.
Ephriam Ogden, of Glade Mills, being then stated supply. John Emerick,
George Welsh and James H. Graham are among the elders. In recent reports of
the Butler Presbytery there is mention made of it as being in the appointment of
Rev. Willis S. McXees, of the Middlesex church, who became stated supply in
December, 1890. There were eighty-six members reported in April. 1893, while
the Sabbath school membership was placed at seventy-four.
464 HISTORY OF Bl'TLER COUNTY.
Jefferson Centre Presbyterian Church was organized July 8, 1871, in
response to a petition dated June 27 that year. Revs. E. Ogden, J. W. Hamil-
ton and Carl Linn, with Elders lames D. Anderson and Thomas Martin, the
organizing committee, reported in October, 1871, that nine members formed the
original society, while ten more were added prior to the date of their report.
Rev. Carl Linn was stated supply for some time. In April, 1873, Rev. C. W.
Seaman was called as pastor, and on the same day the name, " Jefferson Center
Church," was adopted. It was incorporated October 31, 1873, with Edward
Montag, Gottlieb Steinhauser and Frank Fruth, trustees. The Presbyterian
Home Mission and the Church Erection boards made liberal donations to this
society; but, prior to 1888, withdrew financial support, owing to the poor pros-
pects for increasing the membership. Rev. C. A. Limburg filled the pulpit in
1886, 1887 and 1888, the elders being William Montag, George C. Grabe and
Frank Fruth. The number of communicants at the close of 1893 was twenty-
eight, but the pulpit was vacant. A neat frame building south of the village
speaks of efforts made in the seventies to build up Presbyterianism among the
Germans.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Great Belt was organized February
25, 1877, when a church building, begun in 1876, was completed. This building
was almost overturned by the frost forcing up the foundations; but the defect
was remedied under the direction of Samuel Caldwell, John Hendrickson, and
Levi Heidrick, who were then trustees of the society. Within ten years the
building was moved away, ami the society disbanded.
Concordia Orphans'' Home, near Delano, was dedicated July 29, 1883. It
was practically founded by a Mr. Oertel, a German settler, who bequeathed a
farm of fifty acres of land north of Hannahstown, to the German Lutheran society
at Hannahstown, for the purposes of a home for orphans and aged persons. The
first house was erected in 1883, in 1885 the present school was built, and in
1890, the third building. The first superintendent was Rev. Hengist, who cared
for forty-eight children and two old persons. Rev. L. Detzer took charge in
October, 1884; A. Braner in 1885; Rev. G. Rademacher in 1888; Rev. M. Krey
in 1889, and Rev. F. Wilhelm, May 1, 1891. There are seventy-eight children
and three old persons in the Home. The expenses, which are paid by the Mis-
sion Synod of the Lutheran church, range from $3,000 to $4,000 annually, in addi-
tion to the products of the farm.
VILLAGES.
Hannahstoxvn was surveyed in May, 1829, by David Dougal for Nathan
Skeer and Abraham Maxwell, and the plat recorded February 27, 1835. Lefever,
Main and Maxwell streets are shown running generally east and west. The
cross streets are named Cooper, Johnston, Mularkey, Duffy and Hazlett. In 1806
the place was a school center anil, for a few- years before the site was surveyed,
" Blind Sweeney" taught there and sometimes would surprise the rustics with
his Latin and Greek. Nathan Skeer kept the first tavern. In 1835 F. D.
Schweitering established a store there, and John Dougherty built a store and
hotel about 1842. Krause's Hannahstown Hotel followed, then Drollinsrer carried
<C^$^^ ^fzJ^^y-
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 465
on the Skeer tavern until it was burned, when he erected a new building. lie
was succeeded by E. F. Muder, who kept tavern there for some years. Nathan
Skeer was a very exacting landlord. Unless he knew the exact capacity of a
customer, that customer could only get one drink. In I860 J. X. Pugh estab-
lished the manufacture of agricultural implements at Hannahstown, and carried
on a thriving business for over a quarter of a century.
ycft'crsoi! Centre may be said to have been founded in 1825, when Thomas
Welsh established his saw mill there. In 1862 Thomas Martin opened a general
store at that point and. in 1868, the Montag brothers and J. C. Welsh began the
manufacture of threshing machines and other agricultural implements, carrying
on at the same time a general store, now conducted by W. Montag & Company,
and a large .-aw mill. In 1ST 1 a blacksmith and wagon shop was opened by
Frank Fruth and the center of the township was really a manufacturing point of
some importance. The agricultural implement factory is not the industry it was
twenty years ago, the shops being devoted to repair work rather than to new
machinery. The feed mill is a department of the Montag industries. The artesian
wells at this point furnish water for manufacturing and domestic purposes.
Beyond the erection of two or three modern dwellings and the improvement of
farm homes in the vicinity, the busy little village of the seventies does not
appear to have made much progress.
Great licit was platted in 1876, for Kirk and Dilworth, in and round Coyle's
station, on the West Perm railroad, where a post-office was established in 1870,
with Michael Sweeney, postmaster. Parts of the Gottlieb Wolf and " Black "
Michel farms were laid out in town lots. This, with the fact that M. and P.
Shields had previously built a hotel there, drew attention to the new town and
several lots were sold to prospective builders. The idea that the location was in
or near the oil belt, suggested the name. Postmaster Sweenev established a
general store there in 1870 and carried it on until 1880, when L. Hartenstein
became owner and has since conducted the business. The T- M. O'Neil store is
also a busy establishment.
Golden City was founded in 1884 around the ruins of the old Bauer mill, by
Golden and Wuller, of Butler borough, who were owners of the celebrated Rock
well. The hunt for a name was finished when Mrs. Thomas W. Frazier sug-
gested the title "Golden City," in honor of one of the owners. Like other oil
towns, it was a transitory affair. Houses appeared in the valley as if by magic,
and, when the production fell, disappeared in like manner; so, that here as well as
at Phillips City, the magician worked both ways. There are some fair producers
in this part of the Thorn Creek field, the old Rock well still holding an honora-
ble place.
Leota postoftice was established in July, 1888, with Eli Graham postmaster.
It is in the midst of a rich agricultural district.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
SAXONBURG BOROUGH.
Founding of the Village— The Saxon Colony— Charles F. and John A. Roeb-
ling — First Settlers — Early Schools — Postmasters — Population — Manu-
facturers and Merchants — Roebling's Wire Factory— Hotel — Borough
Officials— Justices of the Peace— Churches and Cemeteries— Societies.
IN 1830, two German-American citizens, who had spent several prosperous
years in the United States, crossed the Atlantic on a visit to the " Father-
land.'' When they appeared among their relatives and old-time friends in their
native town of Muehlhausen, Thueringen, formerly in Old Saxony, now in the
Kingdom of Prussia, they found themselves fairly besieged for information con-
cerning the young Republic of the New World. Being unable to reply to the
increasing number of individual inquiries they held a public meeting, and in the
form of addresses, conveyed the desired information to the large audience which
had gathered to hear them. Their account of their new home and of the advan-
tages and resources of the new nation was so well received that steps were imme-
diately taken to organize a colony with a view to emigration.
in the following year, two brothers, Charles F. and John A. Roebling, of
Muehlhausen, were selected to come to America as advance agents and purchase
a tract of land suitable for the purposes of the proposed colony. In the execution
of this trust, the brothers came to Pittsburg, where, after a thorough investiga-
tion, they purchased, for $1.25 an acre, from Mrs. Sarah Collins, who had
inherited it from her father, Stephen Lowrey, a tract of land embracing about
16,000 acres, situated in what is now Jefferson township. After sending word
back to Germany, the Roeblings selected a site for a village, and, adjoining it, a
farm for themselves. The latter they set about improving while waiting for the
coming of the colonv.
In the spring of 1832, 300 families from Muehlhausen and vicinity embarked
at Bremen, in three vessels, for America After a two months' voyage two of
their vessels landed at Baltimore, and the third at Philadelphia. Owing to
many having selected different locations before leaving their native land, and
to the activity of colonization agents at Baltimore and Philadelphia, only a few
families found their way to the lands selected for them by the Roeblings. They
arrived August 24, 1832, at the site of Saxonburg. Their journey from Balti-
more had been a long and tedious one, but they performed it with the quietT
enduring and uncomplaining patience characteristic of their race, and which sup-
plemented by unremitting industry and the practice of frugality, enabled them,
within a few years, to build up a prosperous community in the heart of the
wilderness.
SAXONBURG BOROUGH. 46/
These first settlers of Saxonburg, for whose coming Charles F. and John A.
Roebling had prepared the way, embraced the following : Fred Baehr, A.
Eisenhart, G. Kinne, Rev. William Fuhrmann, C. G. Lamb, August Kunz, A.
Stuebgen, Christian Stuebgen, A. C. Bernigau, J. II. Muder, G. Franke and
Charles Tolley. Of these Charles Tolley and Christian Stuebgen came from
Philadelphia, where they had arrived six years before. August Kunz and C. G-
Lamb were from Zwickau, Saxony. All of the others were from Muehlhausen . They
all remained and became permanent settlers except Kinne, Fuhrmann and Kunz.
Charles F. Roebling, the older of the two brothers, married Wilhelmina Fel-
ber within a few years after the founding of the village. He died in Saxonburij;
in 1838. His widow and two children are still living. She resides in this town-
ship with her daughter, Mrs. Herman Knoch. Charles Roebling, the son, makes
his home in Cincinnati.
lohn A. Roebling, the younger brother, who came here single, married
Hannah Herting. He erected a residence of brick and wood, the walls being
brick with wood outside and inside. He made the brick himself. This house is
now the residence of Julius Riedel. Mr. Roebling, who was a native of
Muehlhausen, where he was born June 6, 1806, had in in his youth been edu-
cated in architecture and engineering, for which, at an early age, he displayed
great talent. Before coming to America he had made a thorough study of bridge
architecture and construction, and had submitted plans for a suspension bridge
across Buhr river to some of the leading engineers of Prussia. Suspension bridges
had been previously planned and constructed, but had proven failures. His plans
looking to the substitution of wire rope or cable for the chain cable were regarded
as chimerical and impracticable. His faith in the practicability of the wire cable
did not desert him, and with the petinacity of one believing in himself he kept
turning the idea over in his mind until he evolved a scientific wire rope or cable,
for which he secured a patent in 184:?. These he began to manufacture at his
home in Saxonburg.. being assisted by Mr. John Riedel. His first cable stood the
test of practical use in the Sharpsburg ferry. He next secured a contract from
from the state board of public work for their use on the canals and inclined
planes. He then began the construction of those great works which stand today
as monuments to his inventive genius and engineering skill, and which brought
about a revolution in bridge building. Among these may be mentioned the sus-
pension wire aqueduct across the Allegheny river at Pittsburg, constructed in
1844; the suspension bridge across Niagara river, begun in 1852, and com-
pleted in 1855; the suspension bridge across the Ohio river from Cincinnati to
Covington, begun in 1856 and finished in 1857 ; the bridge across the Allegheny
at Pittsburg, begun in 185<s and completed in I860, ami last — the greatest and
grandest of all — the East River suspension bridge, connecting New York and
Brooklyn. This is the largest suspension bridge in the world, and is a marvel of
modern engineering skill. It was completed in 1883. While personally super-
intending the work of laying out the towers for the bridge, Roebling's foot was
crushed by a piece of timber. Lockjaw set in, resulting in his death July 22,
1869. His son, Washington A. Roebling, succeeded to the work of superintend-
ing the construction of the bridge, which was successfully carried on under his
468 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
direction. In 1855 Mr, Roebling erected a large factory at Trenton, New Jersey,
for the manufacture of wire rope, which is still carried on under the name of
John A. Roebling Sons Company.
John H. Muder and his family, consisting of Veronica, his wife, and Gott-
fried, John E. and Henry, his sons, were among the original colonists who arrived
in L832. They opened a farm, which extended north from Main street, west of
the Ptabe House. John E. is the only survivor of the family, and of the pioneer
colonists. E. Herting, a tailor by trade, with his wife and three daughters —
Hannah. Eleanor and Mary — also came in L832. Hannah afterward became the
wife of John A. Roebling. August C. Bernigau was another of the colonists.
He came with his wife, Martha, and established a cabinet shop and general store.
He died in ls4d. Ferd. Baehr and Rebecca, his wife, were also among the original
colonists. Baehr and A. Eisenhart, another colonist. — a single man. who died in
1848, — formed a partnership and established a spinning and carding mill. George
Graff came in Is.:;;.' and located on a farm where is now the Laube sub-division of
the village. Theodore H. Tolley, Sr., a copper-smith by trade, his wife Virginia
and son Theodore H. arrived in 1832. Herman Miller came in 1832 or 1833.
His wife died in the latter year, her death being the first in the colony. He
moved south in 1830 and died in the forties. He brought the first canary birds
to the Northern States for sale, and made a business of selling birds until
his death.
C. G. Lamb came from Zwickau, in company with the Kunz family in 1832.
Lamb was accompanied by his wife, Wilhelmina and their infant daughter,
bearing the mother's name. On December IT, 1832, their son Frederick Lamb
was born. He was the first child born in Saxonburg. Lamb settled on a farm
in the " Glades." Adolphus Stuebgen and Christopher Stuebgen, his son, came
here in 1832. The father came from Saxony with the colonists. He died in 1846.
Christopher, the son, came to America in 1826 and settled in Philadelphia, where
for six years, he worked at the white-smith's trade. In 1832 he came to Saxon-
burg with his wife and two daughters — Amelia and Julia.
Rev. William Fuhrmann, of the Evangelical church, who came with the
colonists, was the first minister of the settlement. He brought with him his
wife and son Charles. He was the life of the little colony in its darker days.
It was through his persuasion that the colonists were induced to remain. He
left them himself, however, in 1834, on account of lack of support. Charles
Goebel, a single man, came here early and established himself as a weaver. Fred.
Koenig, a single man, who came in 1832 with the Baehrs, was a machinist. He
remained until 1835. G. Franke, one of the original colonists, settled in Sarvers-
ville.
In Is:',:! Emil Maurhoff arrived, and later established a general store,
in company with F. D. Schweitering, where is now the Muder resi-
dence. F. D. Schweitering, a settler of 1833, was well known as a success-
ful merchant and trader. He married Hannah Walters and was one of the
original members of the first church in Saxonburg. Rev. loseph Sheelev, who
was credited with being an able scholar and a master of the German, Latin,
Greek and Hebrew languages, was well known to t lie early settlers. He died in
SAXONBURG BOROUGH. 469
185S or 1854. H. F. Aderhold arrived in 1833, established a bakery and con-
fectionery and subsequently opened the first hotel in the village. In the same
year, also, came J. G. Helmbold, whose sons, E. A. and Theodore, were success-
ful merchants in Saxonburg.
In 1837 came Francis Laube, the old innkeeper, and Frederick A. Hoffman,
whose son Charles served in the Mexican and the late wars, filled the offices of
justice of the peace and county commissioner, and of postmaster of the village.
F. A. Kim/, and Adam Ohl came about the same time. Doctor Koch, one of the
ablest and most popular physicians of his day, practiced here from 1843 to 1850,
when he moved to Missouri, where he died.
The first school was established in the village in 1838, with Benjamin
Douthett as teacher. His endeavors to instruct the German youth in English do
not appear to have proven successful. Within a year the school was turned over
to a German named Emminger, who conducted it until 1841, after which the
teaching of English under the common school system seems to have met with
more favor. The total revenue for school purposes in January, IS',14, was
$1,368.79.
It is said that, in 1838, A. Bernigau was appointed postmaster, and that he
carried on the office satisfactorily until Frederick Scheeley was commissioned,
a few years later. In 1847, C. Stuebgen was appointed ; then II. F. Aderhold,
next; in 1861, Emil Maurhoff ; then Charles Hoffman, who served from 1870 to
1885, when Emil Stuebgen was commissioned. On his death his widow was
given the appointment and carried on the office until May ID, 1891, when G. W.
Maurhoff was appinted.
The population in 1870 was 295 : in 1880, 319: in 1890, 258, and in January,
1894, about 350. The assessed value of real and personal property in 1894 was
$91,819; county tax, $367.28 ; State tax, $366.46.
MANUFACTURERS AND MERCHANTS.
The industrial life of the colony began with the establishment of a brickyard
by John A. Roebling in 1832, the first product being the brick used in the erec-
tion of his dwelling. In the meantime Roebling's mind was busy with those
great problems of bridge construction, the successful solution of which afterwards
made his name famous throughout the world. It was here that he invented and,
in 1840, made the first wire rope manufactured in the United States. This rope,
says the /;-()// and Steel Bulletin, was three-fourths of an inch in diameter and
about 500 feet long, and was used on a plane at Johnstown, Pennsylvania. It was
made of parallel laid wires, served on the outside with annealed wire. This rope
went to pieces as soon as the serving wore out. The next rope was made for use
on one of the inclined planes of the old Portage railway, and was 1,500 feet long
and one and one-half inches in diameter. It was constructed verv much as wire rope
:s made now, anil lasted a long time. Its success introduced wire rope on the
nine remaining Portage planes. The next application of wire rope on a large
scale was on the planes of the Morris canal in Xew Jersey, soon followed by its
adoption by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. Finding most of his
47° HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
business in the East, Mr. Roebling removed his plant from Butler county to
Trenton in 1848.
The Eisenhart & Baehr spinning and carding mill and the blacksmith shop
of Jonas Tieter were also among the first industries. The MaurhofY & Schwei-
tering store was opened in 1833 in a double log house, now the residence of J. E.
Muder. They sold out in 1835 to Gosewitch & Graefe. Graefe sold his interest
to A. Bernigau, who sold to Helmbold & Merkel in 1S47. A few years later Mr.
Merkel established a separate store, and Charles Stimmel became Helmbold's
partner. Helmbold & Merkel did not occupy the old log house, but rented a new
building erected by J. E. Muder, and now occupied by Pfeiffer's store and dwell-
ing. Among the present business houses are the following : The two stores of
Mrs. Theodore Helmbold & Sons, T. Krause and George \V. Maurhoff, general
merchants; Dr. E. B. Mershon's well-stocked drug store; Charles Pfeifl'er's
flour and feed store; Sachs & Wetzel's lumber yard, and a number of other lesser
places of business. William Dresher has for many years successfully carried on
the only wagon shop in the borough. The new opera house, erected in 1893 by
Knoch & Roettig,is a spacious one-story frame building, and provides the people
of the borough with a creditable place of amusement.
Aderhold's Hotel was established in 1842 as the " Saxonburg Exchange,"
opposite the present school building. He retired in 1858 and went into the
nursery business. The Vogelev House was opened next, on the site of the present
Laube Hotel. The Union Hotel was erected in 186?>, by E. F. Muder, and con-
tinued by him, except during the term of F. Laube's lease, down to 1887—88. Mr.
Muder's heirs sold the property to Thielo Krause, who remodeled the building for
store and residence purposes. In 184S Christian Stuebgen established a hotel on
the site of the Pfabe House. It had several landlords. In 1866 Henry Stuebgen
sold the building and ground to Joseph Kohnfelder. The old house burned in
1868, and the same year Kohnfelder erected the present large brick hotel building,
now owned by Fred Pfabe, and run by him as the Saxonburg Hotel. He purchased
the property in December, 1891, and remodeled the west portion, known as the
opera house, using the entire building for hotel purposes. The Laube House,
originally the Yogeley House, was purchased and remodeled in 1875 by Francis
Laube, who carried it on until December, 1891, when Christian J. Raabe became
the owner.
BOROUGH OFFICIALS.
The returns of the first election held in the borough of Saxonburg, Septem-
ber 5, 1846. when nine votes were cast, are as follows : Emil Maurhoff, burgess ;
William Bauer, William Sommer, Ernest Herting, George Vogelev, Adolph
Eisenhart and William Koch, councilmen; Andrew Drescher and George Graft",
overseers of the poor, and Rev. Joseph Scheeley constable. The first meeting of
council was held September 14, 1846. T. H. Tolley was chosen clerk and A.
Bernigau treasurer. The names of the burgesses and councilmen elected since
1846 are as follows :
SAXONBURG BOROUGH. 4/1
ls47 — George Vogeley, burgess ; E. Herting, William Sommer, George
Graff, G. Lensner and Christ Vogeley.
1848 — William Sommer, burgess ; George Graff, G. Lensner, A. Drescher,
T. H. Tolley and John Vogeley.
1849 — Francis Laube, burgess; F. A. Hoffman, Joseph Reeth, John Weber.
1850 — H. T. Merkel, burgess; Dr. William Koch, F. E. Saupe, Joseph
Scheeley and William Fritsche.
1851 — George Graff, burgess; J. E. Muder, E. Maurhoff, II. Aderhold.
1S52 — Christian Stuebgen, burgess; II. T. Merkel, E. Herting, A. Drescher,
and E. A. Helmbold.
1853 — F. E. Saupe, burgess; A. Schmertz, C. Hoffman, Valentine Hoch, E.
A. Helmbold and E. Maurhoff.
1854 — H. F. Aderhold, burgess; H. Wetzel, George Graff, C. Sippel and
Jacob Neher.
1855 — A. W. Schmertz, burgess; C. Stuebgen, F. Starke, Joseph Reeth and
A. Drescher.
1856 — Valentine Hoch, burgess; William Sommer, E. A. Helmbold and
A. Old.
1857 — A. Ohl, burgess ; Jacob Neher, Henry Wetzel, Gottlieb Heller and
Henry Pfabe.
1858 — John Weber, burgess ; C. Smith, Henry Graff, G. Wetzel, F. Schloes-
ser and Chris. Schroth.
ls.7,1— E. F. Muder, burgess; C. I. Smith. E. Heller, I. M. Gerstner and
Henry Drescher.
180(5 — E. A. Helmbold, burgess; Chris Stuebgen, Henry Aderhold. Paulus
Raabe, Gottlieb Heller and Valentine Hoch.
18(31— Paulus Raabe, burgess ; A. Ohl, F. Krause, Jacob Neher, C. Raabe
and Edward Michel.
18(32— E. Heller, burgess; H. F. Aderhold, John Weber, G. Heller and Gott-
fried Wetzel.
18(33 — Christian Schroth, burgess; G. Lamb, F. Bauman, A. Ohl and B.
Michel.
18(54 — E. Maurhoff, burgess; II. F. Aderhold, C. Stuebgen. T. II. Tolley, F.
Starke and H. Drescher.
18(35 — II. F. Aderhold, burgess ; C. G. Lamb, Jacob Neher, G. Wetzel and
F. Laube.
18(5() — C. G. Lamb, burgess; E. Michel, A. W. Schmertz, C. Raabe, E.
Heller and John Weber.
1867 — F. Bauman, burgess; E. A. Helmbold, C. Schroth, Theodore Helm-
bold, William Drescher and Julius Riedel.
18(3^— E. F. Muder, burgess ; C. A. Stimmel, J. Neher. A. Ohl, H. Drescher
and G. Wetzel.
1869— A. W. Schmertz, burgess ; E. Heller, A. Ohl. C. G. Lamb, John Lang
and' F. Laube.
1870 — Jacob Neher, burgess ; William Sommer, E. F. Muder. Christopher
Raabe and Louis Gerstner.
472 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1871 — R. Sweet, burgess; E. A. Helmbold, Charles Stimmel, \V. Fritsche,
A. Ohl and E. Heller.
187- — Joseph Kohnfekler. burgess; A. Ohl, F. Bauman, II. Eippold, G.
Wetzel and H. Drescher.
1873 — Julius Riedel, burgess; T. II. Tolley, C. Raabe, Erdman Heller,
William Rich, Louis Gerstner and Fred. Bauman.
1874 — Louis Gerstner, burgess ; C. Raabe, A. W. Schmertz, C. G. Lamb,
Joseph Kohnfelder and E. F. Muder.
1875 — Louis Gerstner, burgess; C. A. Stimmel, H. G. Muder, E. Heller,
A. Ohl, Henry Horn and G. Wetzel.
1876 — Henry Drescher, burgess; Louis Gerstner, II. G. Muder, C. Raabe,
William Drescher and W. Warneck.
1877 — F. Laube, burgess; E. F. Muder, Joseph Kohnfelder, II. Runge, C.
Raabe, E. Heller and Charles A. Stimmel.
1878 — E. Steubgen, burgess; Charles Wetzel, M. Schook, E. Heller, Fran-
cis Laube, Fred. Bauman and F. Meister.
1879 — Seth Meade, burgess; John Sachs, Charles Wetzel, Joseph Hick-
man, Charles Raabe, V. B. Smith and Herman Seipel.
ISM) — II. G. Muder, burgess; T. Kr*use, John .Sachs, C. G. Lamb, F.
Schroth, F. Marterer and H. Drescher.
1881 — Christian Raabe, burgess, L. Ruediger, Charles Wetzel, William
Drescher, T. Krause and Theo. M. Bettinger.
Iss2 — William Schroth, burgess; L. Ruediger, F. Laube, Sr., and F.
Schroth.
1883 — Joseph Kohnfelder, burgess; C. Wetzel, E. F. Muder, Christian
Raabe. Charles Ffeiffer, John Sachs and William Schroth.
1884 — Charles Pfeiffer, burgess ; Philip Cooper, G. S. Gibson, T. Schroth,
J. Weber, Charles Wetzel and J. Sachs.
1885 — Theodore Helmbold, burgess ; Henry Asche and F. Laube.
1886 — Theodore Helmbold, burgess; John Weber and Fred. Schroth.
1887 — Charles Wetzel, burgess; August Warneck and August Meister.
188S— J. H.King, burgess; W. Schroth, Sr.. J. W. McKee and Henry
Asche.
1889— H. G. Muder, burgess; William Sanies and II. A. Muder.
1890 — William Yeagle, burgess ; J. W. McKee. Henry Asche. II. Muder,
W. Sames, William Drescher and C. ]. Raabe.
1S01 — C. Raabe and Theodore Helmbold, received each thirty-six votes for
burgess, but Raabe was elected by lot ; L. Ruediger and William Stuebgen.
1892 — Theilo Krause, burgess; Louis Wetzel and Henry Lang.
1893 — John Sachs, burgess; Charles Wetzel, William Drescher. II. G.
Muder, Louis Ruediger. William Stuebgen and Henry Lang.
1894 — William D. Hoffman, burgess; Herman G. Muder, Richard E. Neu-
bert, Charles Wetzel, L<>ui^ Ruediger, William Drescher and Henry Lang.
The names of the justices of the peace elected for Saxonburg since 1S47 are
as follows : Rev. Joseph Scheeley. Is47; Emil Maurhoff, 1847; Frederick E.
Saupe, 1851; Emil Maurhoff, 1852; Theodore H. Tolley, 1854: Francis Laube,
SAXONBURG BOROUGH. 473
1857; Charles Hoffman, 1859; Francis Laube, 1862; Charles Hoffman, 1864;
Theodore H. Tolley, 1865; H. Theodore Merkel, 1868; Theodore H. Tolley,
1870; H. Theodore Merkel, 1873; Theodore II. Tolley, 1875; II. Theodore Mer-
kel, 1878; Theodore II. Tolley, 1880; II. Theodore Merkel. 1888; II. C. Clark,
1885; Mr. Clark moved away, and H. Aderhold was elected to fill vacancy ; II.
C. Lensner, 1889; V. B. Smith, 1892, and II. C. Lensner. 1894.
CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES.
The German Evangelical Protestant Church of Saxonburg, while organ-
ized in 1837, really dates back to 1832, when Rev. William Fuhrmann began
preaching here. The pastors who followed him were Revs. Joseph Scheeley,
1834 to 1841 ; Robert Clements, 1S42 ; Bottcher, Frank, Balmsen and Kaiser,
1842 to 1847; J. Riedel, 1847 to ISM: A. Rudolph, 1851 to 1854; P. Engel,
1854 to 1856; Reichman, 1857 to 1858; J. Kissel, 1858 to 1860; Ilelfer, 1861;
A. Rudolph, 1862 to 1864; Ernst Serfling, 1865 to 1868; A. Herman, 1868 to
L869; Carl Linn. 1869 to 1871; Sylla, 1871 to 1N72 ; Gustave Bochert, 1^72 to
187G; T. Polster, 1876 to 1878; G. Wiche, 1878 to 1880; Ernst Weiss, 1880 to
1890, and Karl A. Horn, the present pastor. The members in October, 1837,
were C. G. Lamb, John E. Muder, F. D. Schweitering, John A. Roebling,
William Roebling, Fred Baehr, J. II. Muder, C. Goebel, C. Stuebgen, F. A.
Kunz, Adam Ohl, J. G. Ilelmhold, II. Aderhold, E. Maurhoff, A. Eisenhart,
and A. Bernigau. The society was incorporated November 1."), 1851, when the
articles of association were signed by Elder John Gersten and secretary II. Theo-
dore Merkel, who with Gottfried Francke were the trustees. A frame building
was erected between 1834 and 1837, to which a steeple was added in 1863.
Frederick Starke, the first organist, died in 1886, when his son, August, suc-
ceeded him. Mrs. Charlotte Horn became organist in July, 1893.
St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church, of Saxonburg, was founded in
1869, when several of the English speaking members of the older church near
Hannahstown, withdrew to form a congregation at Saxonburg. A' building
committee was at once appointed, consisting of John E. Muder, Isaac Lefevre,
William Burtner, Michael Stepp and Thomas Greer. Work was begun at once,
and before the close of 1809, the brick building, west of the Pfabe House, was
completed, the cost being about $2,800. Rev. J. Melhorn, of Freeport, who
organized this church, preached here until succeeded by Rev. J. H. A. Kitzmiller.
who remained eleven years. For some years the pulpit was supplied by various
ministers until Rev. Mr. Shanor, of Freeport, was appointed pastor, he attending
to his charges at Freeport and Sarversville at the same time. Rev. Mr. .Shaffer
was the next pastor, then came Rev. Mr. Fet/.er. of Greenville, who was fol-
lowed by Rev. J. L. Doerr. Rev. Mr. Martens, the present pastor, came
in 1802.
The burial ground of the German Evangelical congregation dates back to
April 1, 1836, when F. C. Roebling, his wife, Wilhelmina, and John A. Roeb-
ling conveyed to the German inhabitants one acre of land for a school building
and cemetery. The agreement relating to this cemetery was signed in 1S45, h\
John A. Roebling. J. E. Muder, John Gerstner, O. Stuebgen, Joseph Rt-i!l
474 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
George Graff, J. G. Lensner, William Bauer, F. II. Muder, C. Vogeley, F. E.
Saupe, Fred Baehr, A. Eisenhart. George Vogeley, E. Maurhoff, E. Herting,
A. Bernigau, F. G. C. Laszigar, John Hauser, H. Aderhold, William Sommer
and Andrew Drescher. Under the donors' agreement with the people, this old
burial ground is free. It adjoins the borough cemetery ; but the borough con-
tinues to elect two trustees and the church one trustee to manage it.
The New Saxonburg Cemetery is a creation of the seventies. It comprises
two and a half acres, the unsold lots in which belong to the Helmbold heirs. II.
Aderhold founded this cemetery, and his heirs sold it to Theodore Helmbold.
SOCIETIES.
Saxonia Lodge, Number 496, I. O. O. I7., was chartered October 20, 1853.
The first officers were Emil Maurhoff, N. G. ; Valentine Hoch, T. ; II. T. Merkel,
S., and E. A. Helmbold, V. G. The present noble grand is Albert Krause, and the
present secretary Charles Hoffman. The hall of this lodge room was dedicated
in October, 1861. It is well furnished, and the lodge is in a prosperous condition,
the present membership numbering 165.
Saxonia Encampment ', Number 237, 1. O. O. F., was chartered April 9, ls7o,
the officers being Jacob Summa, C. P. : Philip Drollinger, H. P.; Joseph Elliott,
S. W.; John W. Welsh. J. W. ; August Stuebgen, S., and Calvin Logan, T.
The charter was surrendered at the close of the third year, but was restored July
29, 1890, when Dr. E. P. Logan was chosen C. P. ; J. E. Muder. Jr., S., and T.
Krause, T. Mr. Muder and Mr. Krause have filled the positions of secretary and
treasurer since the restoration of the charter. Twenty-nine members have been
admitted since July, 1890, the present membership being about fifty.
Lady Montgomery Rebekah Degree Lodge, Number 248, L O. O. F., was
chartered March 5, 1892. The officers were Thielo Krause, N. G. ; C. Mont-
gomery, V. G. ; Charles Hoffman. S. ; Mrs. E. E. Chesney, A. S . and Mrs. M. C.
Krauze, T. The present noble grand is Mrs. E. E. Chesnev, and the present
secretary Mrs. Emma Muder.
Herder Lodge, Number J7!>, A", of P., was instituted December 29, 1^70.
The charter members were Rev. Carl Linn, of Jefferson Centre Presbvterian
church, P. C. ; E. A. Helmbold, C. ; Richard Sweet, V. C. ; T. II. Tolley, K.
R. S.; Joseph Kohnfelder, A. W. Schmertz, Francis Laube, Henry Drescher,
William Drescher, H. Aderhold. Adolph Richter, E. Heller, W. Wachsmuth,
Henry Hesse, Christian Raabe, Henry Horn, F. Ruediger, Christian Rudert, H.
Lippold, William Schroth, John Flohr, G. Wetzel, C. Lederer, Gottfried Rein-
hold and Christian Schroth.
Excelsior Tent, Number 115, A'. O. T. M., was organized February 21,
1890, with fifteen members, namely : J. C. DeHart, Elmer E. Graham, T. V.
Smith. J. W. McKee, William J. Redick, A. II. Asche, Dr. E. P. Logan, R. E.
Neubert, Emil Neubert, M. L. Smyers, J. R. Smith, L. A. Helmbold, E. H.
Ellenberger, William Beck and James Gallagher. From June, 1891, to June
1892, Elmer E. Graham filled the office of State Commander of the order.
The Tent comprises ninety members.
Saxonia Council, Number 496, fr. O. U. A. JL, was instituted December
i':i, 1890, with the following officers : Elmer E. Graham, P. C; Dr. A. Foster,
SAXONBURG BOROUGH 475
C; J. W. McKee, V. C. ; William Krause, R. ; Alberl Krause, A. R. ; II. W.
Love, F. S. ; E.nil Bechman, T. ; William Richie, C. ; J. R. Smith, VV. ; Danii !
Overheim, I. S. ; A. T. M. K«-, <). S. ; E. E. Graham, D. Overheim and A.
Foster, trustees, and E. ]•'.. Graham, representative to Slate Council. In Febru-
ary, ls',11, the lodge had iifty-four members.
Saxonburg has had its musicians and festival days since the beginning of its
history. Der Schuetzenfest, observed from 1844 to 1>7('>. was mads' an occasion
for mirth, music, games and amusement, in whic i 5,000 persons often partici-
pated. The programme usually embraced target practice, dancing, singing, and
thosi games tnd amusements learned in earlier days in the Fatherland. As con-
ducted l>v the German residents, it was an occasion of innocent pleasure and
amusement in which they took pride. Its annual return generally brought the
German singing clubs from Pittsburg, as well as many visitors from different
part-- of the State. The oil excitement brought hither a new element ii"t calcu-
lated to maintain the purity and innocen I it- festivities, and it was regret-
fully discontinued after an uninterrupted annual observance extending over thirty
years.
Contemporary with the Schuetzenfesl was the Thespian society, a dramatic
organization, and a number of singing clubs. The Thespian society was organ-
ized in 1835, by E. A. Helmbold, E. Maurhoff and Charles Mosher. In 1846 it
was known as the "Thespian Dramatical Association." Its members, composed
of local talent, gave occasional dramatic entertainments in both German and Eng-
lish until 1880.
Saxonburg has been a local musical center, and ha at different times main-
tained one or more good lira-s bands. The people are 'Her-, of good music, and
in nearly every home may be found some one who excells either as a vocalist or
as a performer on some musical instrument.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP.
Organization— Physical Characteristics -Pioneers— Population and St \tistics
— Schools and Justices— Churches Cemeteries — Villages.
THIS township was organized in 1854, out of parts of the original Middlesex
and Buffalo townships. It is situated on the Allegheny county line, just
west of Buffalo, the southeastern township of Butler county. In the central and
southern parts it is watered by the tributaries of Bull creek, which cut it up into
valleys, anil give its surface a broken and rolling appearance. It is not so rugged
and picturesque as many of the other townships in the county, its scenic beauty
being of a quieter but no less pleasing character. Its soils, varying from heavy
clay to sandy loam, are fertile and productive, and the township is one of the
best cultivated portions of the county. Its coal deposits have never been fully
developed, although coal for local consumption has been mined for many years.
The Upper Freeport coal, below the mill, was mined for many years by John
Lardin, while above the mill was the Halstead bank in the same coal, lying under
the Buffalo sandstone. Near the old Montgomery farm, on a branch of Bull
creek, — at a point seventy feet above its bed, — as well as on the McGregor and
Wood farms, the same coal was mined for years, while at other places outcrops
and openings occur. The Buffalo and Mahoning sandstones are massive rocks in
this section of the county, while the hard, brown Butler sandstone and the huge
Freeport limestone are visible in several localities.
PION EERS.
The lirst actual settlement was made by Patrick Harvey, a native of Down
county, Ireland. Locating a farm here in 17'.!-, while the scouts were still on
duty along the Allegheny river, he came again into the wilderness in 1794, con-
structed a log hut, cleared a tract of ten acres and. in May of the following year,
brought his family from Westmoreland county. The brave mother of this fam-
ily resided on the homestead for thirty-six years, or. until her death, in 1831,
while the pioneer, himself, survived until 1849. James McKee made a nominal
improvement, on what afterward became the Cunningham homestead, in March,
17U4. In March, IT'.)?, Samuel Copeland purchased the tract, built a cabin and,
in May of that year, tenanted it with his family. George Plants made an
improvement on what was known, in later days, as the Krumpe farm, though
its material improvement is credited to John Burtner, who succeeded Plants as
owner.
George Stinchcomb, a native of Ireland, located here towards the close of
CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 47/
1790. but soon after sold his improvements to Burnett Stepp. Henry Sefton
came from Ireland the same year, and founded a home in this township, which
he occupied until his death in 1840. Thomas Stewart, who built a cabin on a
tract adjoining Copeland's ; Robert McGinnis, who made the first improvements
on the Francis Anderson farm in 1799; Thomas Watson, a native of Down
count}-, Ireland, and a soldier of the Revolution ; Hugh Riddle, who died in
1851, and Robert Riddle, who died in 1853; Samuel A. Rippey, who came in
1799, and John Burtner, who arrived about the same time and improved the
Krumpe farm, were all here before 1800. James and Edward Byrne, brothers,
natives of Ireland, the former a soldier of the Revolution, settled here in 1800.
Daniel Pugh,the father of John, Michael and Peter Pugh.came about 1801. He
called the lands upon which he settled " Pughtown." Francis Anderson, who
was commissioned justice of the peace for District Number 4 in 1804. came in
1802, purchased the McGinnis improvements in 1809 for a trifle, was elected
commissioner in 1807, served in the War of 1812, and died in 1839.
At the close of 1802, or early in 1803, Thomas Lardin arrived from Ireland,
bringing with him his wife and three children. He was an enterprising farmer,
and owner of one of the first iron plows used in Butler county. He died in 1833
in his eighty-sixth year. James Hay purchased land from Philip Mowry in 1803.
John Cunningham, a native of Ireland, who had made his home for some years
in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, came to Clinton township in 1805, purchased
the Copeland improvements and resided here until his death. William Love,
Sr., the pioneer of the Love family, immigrated from Ireland early in the cen-
tury, lived for a while in Delaware, and in 1806 came to what is now Clinton
township, where he died in 1848 in his eighty-third year. James Love, who died
in 1857, came from Ireland in 1816 to this township. His wife and father,
Samuel Love and family, came in 1818. Thomas, Jonathan and William Walker
purchased 1,800 acres of land here in 1822, and in 1823 Thomas and Jonathan
came to improve the tract. William arrived within a few years and made his
home here until his death in 1855. Thomas died here in 1839, and Jonathan in
1*79, aged eighty-three years.
In the chapter on The Pioneers, the names of all who owned property here
when the county was organized in November, 1803, are given, together with the
amount of their real and personal property. In a list of that date many names
of old and honored settlers do not appear, for the simple reason that they were
enacting the drama of settlement in some other district or county. Such names
as those of Garrett Moore and Stephen Brewer ; Robert Thompson, who moved
here from Middlesex township ; the Gibson family, who came in from Allegheny
county; James Criswell, who removed here from Washington county in 1830;
Thomas Westerman, whe came from England to Allegheny City in 1832, and
bought one hundred acres of land in Clinton township in 1839 ; Matthew Bickett
and James Hemphill, who came from Ireland in 1823 and settled in Clinton
township in 1835; James Norris, a native of Ireland, and William Norris, who
came into Clinton township from Allegheny county in 1837, must undoubtedly
be ranked with the old residents.
47S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
In 1860 the population was 1,021; in 1870, 1,132; in 1880. 1,048, and in 1890,
918. The assessed value on January 1, 1894, was $351,099; the county tax,
$1,404.40, and the State tax $117.36.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
The early schoolhouses of this township were located on the Davis and
Riddle farms, and were presided over by such well-known pioneer educators as
Robert Cunningham, Michael Herron, James Jack, James Love, Edward
McCorkle, William McGarry, Thomas Watson and Cyrus E. Anderson. The
re-subdivision of the county in 1854 was the indirect result of a meeting held in
a log schoolhouse in this township in 1852 or 1853. Cyrus E. Anderson, now of
Butler, was then teaching there, and in responding to his request to have the log
building made habitable the fathers of the district assembled. Their resolution
to erect a new building was tempered by the reflection that a new district was
necessary, and from that meeting to a directors' meeting, and thence to a con-
vention of the school directors of Buffalo, Middlesex and Cranberry townships,
the question of redisricting the three townships was carried. The school statis-
tics of 1894 show six schoolhouses, six teachers. 116 male and 124 female pupils,
an average attendance of 163, and a total revenue for school purposes of $3,021.12.
The Clinton Normal and Classical Academy was chartered September 8,
1890, with thirty-seven stock-holders : A board of fifteen trustees was elected to
manage the affairs of the Academy, comprised of J. C. Norris, William Heckert,
William Thompson, John Hepler, Dr. William McCafferty, Rev. P. E. Simpson, J.
S. Love, James Watson, George P. Harvey, James M. Riddle, John B. Cunning-
ham, John Halstead, John P. Kirkpatrick, T. A. Bartley and Thomas Hays.
The Academy gives promise of becoming an important addition to the educa-
tional institutions of the county.
The justices of the peace elected since the township was established, are as
follows: Cyrus E. Anderson, 1854; William Harvey, 1855-60-75-80-85 ; Sam-
uel 15. McNeal, 1860; Samuel Anderson, 1865-70; James Criswell, 1865-70; W.
A. Walker, 1875; John B. Davis, 1880-85; J. P. Cunningham, 1886; Frederick
Ebert, 1889 ; John B. Cunningham, 1891, and Frederick Ebert. 1804. William
Harvey served at least five terms as justice of the peace in this township, and
during that long period never had an appeal from his decision to the higher courts.
CIIUKCHES.
Westminster Presbyterian Church of Clinton township was organized
June 12, 1835, with nineteen members, by Rev. Newton Bracken. The first
elders were James Boyd and William McGarry. Rev. Abraham Boyd was pas-
tor until 1845, in which year a small log church was erected. Rev. James M.
Smith was stated supply in 1847; Rev. Ephraim Ogden pastor from 1848 to
1858; Rev. John V.Miller from 1859 to 1863 ; Rev. Josiah McPherrin from
1865 to 1873; Rev. James T. Patterson from 1874 to 1879, and Rev. John S.
Atkinson from 1881 to April 24, 1888. Rev. L. E. Keith was installed pastor in
1889 and remained until October, 1890. On February 8, 1894, Rev. W. J. Haz-
lett was installed as pastor, the pulpit having been previously supplied for over
CLINTON TOWNSHIP. 479
three years. The elders in 1888 were William Norris, Robert Brewer, Jacob
B. Flick, John S. Love and James McCafferty. A new church building
was begun in 1852, completed in February, 1853, and was dedicated, March 6,
1853. On December 15, 1857, the church recorded articles of association, Adam
Reed, James Hemphill, James McCafferty, William Woods and George Gibson
being then trustees. In 1894 there were about seventy-five members in this
church.
The United Presbyterian Church of Clinton was organized April 20, 1845,
as the Associated Reformed church, and incorporated December 7, 1803, under
its present name. The elders were Matthew Bickett, Joseph Logan and William
Harvey ; the original members being William Logan and wife, Jane Sefton,
Mary A. Cox, John McGahey and wife, Daniel Beery, Minnamy Quinn and
wife, John Brownlow and wife, Joseph Bartley, John Davis and wife, Joseph
Harper and wife, Matilda Davis, Margaret Davis, Levi Logan and wife, Joseph
Qiiigg and wife, James Carson and wife, William Harvev and wife. The sign-
ers to the petition asking that the society be incorporated were David Logan,
Henry Sefton, John Anderson, Stephen Brewer, James Hay, Robert Trimble, J.
W. Monks, W. M. Hay, J. H. Love, D. S. McElwain, Joseph Davis, John
Brown, Obed Sefton, W. H. Bickett, Thompson Love, B. Logan, Thomas Frazier,
David Hay, C. J. Anderson, S. H. Matheson, S. M. Love and J. C. Norris.
The trustees were Joseph Logan, Sr., John Brown, Robert Trimble, John Ander-
son and Thomas Frazier.
The following pastors have served the church since its organization : Rev.
Isaiah Niblock from April, 1845, to June, 1854; Rev. John Jamison, October, 1855,
to October, 1859 ; Rev. W. R. Hutchinson, 1861 to 1873; Rev. J. M. Imbrie,
1875 to 1877; Rev. S. B. Stewart, 1881 to 1SS7, and Rev. W. J. Cooper, the
present pastor, who came in 1888. In 1845 a log house, twenty-two by twenty-
five feet in size, was erected on land donated by James M. Hay. It was first
furnished with split log seats, but within a few years the pew was introduced.
In 1854'a large frame building was erected at a cost of $1,600. It is the present
house of worship of the congregation, which numbers 120 members. The mem-
bers of the session are Matthew Bickett, Archibald Montgomery, Robert Trim-
ble, Richard Smalley, Thomas A. Hay and J. B. Mahan. The trustees are
William Logan, Ross Mahan, Thompson Love, William Monks and Harvey
Bickett.
Oak Grove United Presbyterian CliureJi was organized August 27, 1878,
with James Hemphill and Stephen Brewer, elders; J. B. Cunningham, J. C.
Morris and Thompson Love, trustees. Under the supervision of the trustees,
and Edward Sefton, J. B. Sefton and Stephen Brewer, a frame building was
erected in 1878, at a cost of $1,300, which was dedicaled March 28, 1879. The
formal meeting to organize was held June 1, 1878. On June 11, the Presbytery
met at West Union church and granted permission to organize, and by August
27, that year, the following names were enrolled: James, Sarah and Susannah
Hemphill, Samuel and Ella Hemphill, John C. Norris, and Jane, his wife,
Stephen and Jane Brewer, James and Margaret Harvey, Samuel and Meli.-sa
E. Marshall, John B. and Catherine Cunningham. Jane Cunningham, Margaret
: ' I HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and Jeannette Cunningham, Elizabeth Cunningham, fames and Sarah T. Love,
Thompson and Margaret E. Love, Rachel Love, and Mary A. Smith. In 1894
there were 111? members enrolled. Eight deaths were reported from August,
1878, to February, 1894. The elders elected since the organization are 1. B. Sef-
ton, who organized the Sabbath school in April, 1879; James B. Cunningham
and John C. Norris, 1880, and William II. Sefton, the new member of the session.
Robert Sefton is superintendent of the Sabbath school. The pulpit was supplied
from 1878 to April, 1885, when Rev. J. M. Duncan was called as pastor. In
May, 1890, Rev. P. E. Simpson took charge, the pulpit being vacant from the
summer of 1888 to that period.
CEMETERIES.
Oak Grove Cemetery is a donation from T. B. Cunningham, made in May,
1880. Robert Clendenning, who was killed accidently, was the first person
buried therein. One of the rules for the government of this little burial ground
provides, that all who are able to pay for a lot must buy one, while those not
blessed with means shall be entitled to a free lot for the burial of their dead.
Clinton Cemetery adjoins the Presbyterian church. In its graves many of
the old members have found a resting place, among whom may be mentioned
the following: James Hartley, Sr., who died in 1852; Nancy Hay, in 1853;
Lydia Hay, in 1855; Margaret Hartley, in 1856; Elizabeth Logan, in 1856;
Catherine Gold, in 1858; Wilson Wigfield, in 1863; Susan Yeakel, in 1866;
Elizabeth Wareham, in 1S67; Levi Logan, in 1871; John Griner. in 1871 ; Nancy
Griner. in 1872; Joseph Harper, in 1873; John Wareham, in 1874; Samuel
Griner. Sr., in 1876; David Logan, in 1878; James Hay, in 1883; James Hartley,
in 1884; Betty Ann Harvey, in 1886, and Jane Harper, in 1887.
IJ estminster Cemetery. — The rirst grave in the Westminster Cemetery is
said to be that of one Anderson, who was buried about 1832. One or more of
the Riddle family were interred there at an early date. The oldest headstone is
that which commemorates Sarah Ann, a daughter of Daniel Lardin, who died
in 1834. Among others, whose names appear on the monuments, may be men-
tioned : — Henry Flick, who died in 1853;Joseph Brewer, in 1846; Thomas Wat-
son in 1845; R. M. Carson, in 1844; Sarah Gibson, in 1847;Thomas Calender, in
1S-52; Rebecca Kirkpatrick, in 1852; Susanna Norris, in 1859, and James Wood,
in 1863.
VILLAGES.
Lardintown , about one-half mile east of Riddle's Cross Roads was not
founded by the pioneer Thomas Lardin, but rather by his son, Daniel. The lat-
ter erected the first grist mill in the township, during the winter of 1840-.)!"), where
the head waters of Bull creek meet. After operating it as a water mill for some
years, he introduced steam power and did a large milling business. William Lar-
din, son of Thomas, also owned the mill for some years, until fire destroyed it.
James Kier and Adam Ekas purchased the property and built the present mill.
It was operated by them and by Renough until the seventies when Christian Heller
li 'came owner. After his death, John and William Heller acquired it by inheri-
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 481
tance. It is the only industry of the kind in the township, and to the old settlers
is a precious reminder of "going to mill " forty years ago.
Long prior to 1849-50, the Francis Anderson saw mill on the Riddle farm
was an industry which played an important part in the development of the town-
ship, although the first frame house was not erected until Is Id.
The Kirk carding and woolen mill was established in 1848 and was carried
on successfully until the days of the Civil War. The mercantile interests of the
township are represented by R. J. Anderson at Flick; Daniel Ekas at Ekastown,
and S. S. Snyder at Riddle's Cross Roads.
Flick and Riddle's Cross Roads, are the post-offices of the township. The
old hamlet of Pughtown is unrecognized by the post-office department.
Harvey Post, Number 514, G. A. R., was organized March 25, 1886, at
school house Number 2, with the following named charter members : William
Harvey, John S. Love, J. B. Cunningham, J. P. Kirkpatrick, William Thomp-
son, M. Thompson, G. P. Harvey, John Halstead, Martin Gibson, H. H. Halstead,
E. Sefton, Adam Ekas, D. Huey, J. Jones, John E. Burtner and H. J. Burns.
The following commanders have been elected since the organization : Adam
Ekas, John S. Love, two terms. John B. Cunningham, William Carson, A. B.
Katz, Joseph Jones and W. J. Gillespie. The adjutants are as follows : John
Halstead, 1880; H. H. Halstead, 1887-91; John S. Love, 1802-94. In the fall
of 1887 John S. Love donated ground for an armory building and the present
hall was erected.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP.
Organization— Physical Features— Coal Deposits — Pioneers — A Game Story-
First Election— Mills and Distilleries — Schools and Justices— Churches-
Villages.
BUFFALO township is one of the four townships into which Butler
county was divided prior to 1803. Up to 1854, when the last re-subdivis-
ion of the county took place, it was one of the largest townships in the county.
In that year its area was reduced to its present limits. It is the southeast town-
ship in the county, and is the dividing line between the oak and pine hills, the
latter beginning near Sarversville and predominating toward the south and east
lines of the township. Big Buffalo creek enters the Allegheny river at the south-
east corner of this township. About two miles north of this confluence it receives
the waters of the Little Buffalo and Sarver's run, and all drain the north half and
482 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
southeast quarter ; while Little Bull creek and the feeders of the center head of
Bull creek drain the southwest quarter of the township. The elevations are
7GG.4 feet above ocean level at Buffalo station ; 801. G at Harbison ; 840 at Mon-
roe, and 1,(120.8 at Sarvers, the railroad track being the point of measurement.
In the southeast corner, the Upper Freeport coal is 140 feet above the mean
water in the Allegheny river, while above Monroeville, on Sarver's run, it disap-
pears under the bed of that stream, and does not reappear until the Clinton line
is approached, where Miller's drift occurs, and the old Walker banks of Reeth,
Wilson and Krumpe, now operated by Yaehnig, Fredley and Joseph Reeth. The
Buffalo sandstone is seen at 120 feet above the coal. Along Bull creek the cliffs
form an interesting feature. At Monroeville, a knob rises 450 feet above the line
of the coal bed opposite Monroe station, where Michael Stepp's coal bank is loca-
ted. Freeport limestone and the green crinoidal limestone appear down the
creek from Monroeville and west of that village, some distance above the W.
H. Sarver coal banks. On the Fleming farm, on little Bull creek, the Elk Lick
coal is found thirty-five feet above the crinoidal rock, and the latter on the Rich-
ard's farm north of the south line.
PIONEERS.
The honors of being the first settler have been given to George Bell, a native
of Ireland, who located here in 1795, and after whom a hill and creek are named ;
but they were shared by Robert Elliott, another Irishman, who came from West-
moreland county the same year. Elliott revisited his first American home that
fall, and early in 1796 brought hither his large family and a quantity of young
fruit trees. His wife died here in 1844 and himself in 1S45. Benjamin Sarver,
who came up from Tarentum every Monday and worked on the pioneer mill
until noon every Saturday, located at Sarversville about 1796, and later estab-
lished the mill, the remains of which may yet be seen near the bridge at the
village. Mary Steele and her children, John and Mary, came from Westmore-
land county the same year, and located on the site of an old Indian camp ground.
John Harbison and his wife Massy, the heroine of the Indian story related in a
previous chapter, had been residents of the district, opposite the mouth of Buffalo
creek, since 1792, but were pioneers of this township as early as 1807. One of
the Smith family, referred to in the history of Winfield township ; John Brooks,
who moved away within a few years ; William Kiskaddon, an Irish veteran of
the Revolution, and Joseph Simmers, who married Mary Steele, were all located
within the present boundaries of the township prior to the close of 1790. In
1797-98 the Carson family, of whom Robert was the head ; John Barker's family,
and the Fleming family, of whom Thomas, a native of Scotland, was the founder
in this township, arrived. In 1798 Andrew Easley settled not far from the county
line, but ultimately the Easley family located in this township, and also the Kirk-
patricks.
The broken character of the township deterred the immigrants who came to
the county from the close of 1797 to the close of the War of 1812 from locating
here. Of course many men, such as Hugh McKee, came in, remained some timer
and then sought other neighborhoods for a home. The settlement at Ekastown
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 4S3
in 1818 by John Ekas, and the opening of " Disappointment Farm" by John
Weir the same year, were the beginnings of a new era in this township. The
Weir and Roney families ventured into the wilderness in 1819 ; facob Byerly
and wife came in IS;.':;, Thomas Harbison in L824, the Doyles in 1832, Henry
Halstead in 1888, while the Blacks, Sedwicks, McKees, Wilsons, Walkers, Mor-
tons, Walters and a few others math' their homes in tin- forest over sixty years
ago. William Painter, who was a tailor in Freeport in 1817, was a farmer here
in 1839 ', James McCafferty came in 1841, David L. Hoover in 1842, and George
Gardner in 1843. Other families, representatives of the pioneers of Westmore-
land and Armstrong counties, came in subsequently, and laid the foundations on
which the society of Buffalo is built.
As the township was a favorite hunting ground for the Indians prior to
L792, SO it continued to be for the Caucasians for fully forty years after. Large
game abounded and droves of deer offered themselves as easy prey to the hunt-
ers. A story is related by J. E. Muder of Saxonburg, which bears out this state-
ment. The Rev. Schweitzerbarth sent Mr. Sarver a message, saving he would
be on hand the next Sabbath to preach. Sarver knew that there was little in the
house to entertain his old friend, and announced to his wife, Betsv. that he would
go out and kill a deer. lie went forth, shot a deer and returned jubilant. Next,
he told his wife that he would go to Jacob Staley's for a quart of whisky, which
he did ; and returning, exclaimed in jubilant tones, " Now, Schweitzerbarth, you
can come; Betsy has got the meat and I have got the whisky." Wild honey, corn-
whisky and venison made very good fare, which no one enjoyed better than some
of the visiting evangelists of early days.
The first election held in Buffalo township, October S, 1805, after the organ-
ization of the original thirteen divisions of the county, resulted in nine votes for
Simon Snyder, and seven for Thomas McKean, for Governor: lames O'Hara
live, Samuel Smith seven, and N.Irish, four for Congress ; lames Martin and Sam-
uel Ewalt, eight each for Senator ; Jacob Mechling, Abner Lacock and Francis
McLure nine each, James Corothers seven, Jacob Ferree three, |ohn McBride
six and George Robison five for Assembly; William B. Young seven, William
Brown eight, and Abner Coats one for county commissioner.
MILLS AMI DISTILLERIES.
The early industries were Benjamin Sarver's grist mill, the stone foundations,
the log dam and wheel of which may yet be seen in the bed of the creek at
Sarversville ; Thomas Fleming's distillery of 1799, a very primitive concern
compared with the present big Guckenheimer distillery in the southeast corner of
the township; and John Harbison's saw mill, of 1807, on the Buffalo, car-
ried on by him until his death, in 1822. About the same time, or a little later,
one of Jeremiah Smith's sons, with Caleb Jones, established a mill at Sarver's
station, the same which Alexander Douthett operated in ls:$4. There David
Kelly erected a large mill in 1866, which, two years later, became the property
of Jacob Ehrman and is now known as " Ehrman's mill." Water and steam
power are used, but tire old process machinery has been retained. William Col-
mer, who settled on the old Brook's farm, and Jacob Weaver, erected the mill
484 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
afterward known as " Cratty's mill," ami which, with Hill's mill on Big Buffalo,
were great aids to the pioneers.
In the extreme southeastern corner of Buffalo township, adjoining Freeport,
is the Guckenheimer & Company, or rather I he Pennsyh ania Com pany's distillery,
comprising three large brick buildings, including the two bonded warehouses. The
property is assessed at $27,000. The buildings were erected in LS69 for I'. Mc-
Gonigle & Son. and the industry inaugurated in 1870, the capacity then being
eighteen barrels a day. In 1875 the present company, composed of A. Gucken-
heimer, Samuel Wertheimer, Emif Wertheimer and Isaac Wertheimer, purchased
the plant and carried on the industry until the tire of fuly, 1889, wiped it out.
On the ruins, it may he said, ol the old buildings was raised the present large
concern, with a capacity of fifty barrels a day.
SCHOOLS AMI JUSTICES.
The early school teachers included Robert Cunningham, Michael Herron,
Robert Hamilton, William McGarry, Thomas Watson and others, who would
leave Clinton township occasionally to "keep school ' in Buffalo. In 1836 the
first common school was established in District Number l'. with ( reorge C. Sedwick
teacher. ]. C. Watt and [ohn A. Watson were also well known teachers in the
common schools. The schools of the township will compare favorably with those
of adjoining townships, and every child has the opportunity ol obtaining an
education.
The justices of the peace, elected since 1840, are named as follows: — Will-
iam Walker, 1840, 1845 ami L850; Emil Maurhoff, 1840; George C. Sedwick,
1845-50-r>'.» and (VI ; William Barker, 1854-83-88; David Kelly. 1855-60-69-74;
Jonathan Ha/.lett appears to have been elected in 1865; A. H. Morse, L870 ;
George W. Cramer, 1875—80 (for short term), L881 ; Thomas Douglass, L877-
81'; G. F. Easley, 1886; M. C. Sarver, 1890; J. C. Redick, 1890; John Thomas
and A. A. Kohlmeyer appear to have been elected the same year; |. F. Martin,
1891, elected county treasurer in 1893, and resigned office of justice of the peace;
J. S.Glenn, 1892; J. W. Smith, L893, and George W. Cramer. 1894.
CHI Kill ES.
Buffalo Presbyterian Church, one and one-half miles east of Sarversville,
was organized August 3, 1843, by Revs. Abraham Boyd, Thomas \\*. Kerr ami
Elder Hill. Mr. Boyd preached there for some time before he could gather the
original thirteen members, ami continued as pastor until 1846. Rev. David D.
McKee came in 1.S47; Rev. Newton Bracken in 1849; Rev. George Cairns in
1851; Rev. Newton Bracken, as slated supply, in 1858; Rev. John V. Miller in
L859;Rev. Josiah McPherrin in 1865; Rev. James T. Patterson in 1874, and
Rev. John S. Atkinson. June II, 1881. Mr. Atkinson was released in April,
L888. Rev. L. E. Keith succeeded him ami remained one year. The pulpit was
supplied from 1889 to February, 1894. Rev. J. W. Ila/.lett was ordained pastor
in February, 1894. The membership in 1894 was 120. The first elders were
Andrew McCaskey and William Cruikshank. Among the latter day elders may
be named Thomas Beckett. W. II. McCafTerty. William Galbreath, Wilson Todd.
BUFFALO TOWNSHIP. 485.
James Bricker, Thomas Elliott and J. P. Hepler. In 1848—44 a very primitive
house of worship was erected, which was used until after the war, when a new
frame edifice was built, and dedicated in 1867. It was repaired about two
years ago. The church stands in the two-acre cemetery lot.
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Buffalo township was incor-
porated June 25, 1868. The articles of association were adopted February 28,
1868, and signed by Rev. J. K. Melhorn, pastor, R.M. Harbison and M. S. Heck-
ert, elders, and H. Smith and II. Kelly, deacons, the whole number of members
being fifty-seven. Rev. "[■ H. Fritz seems to have organized this society in
December, 1807, in the old Covenanter church near Sarversville, with Henry
Smith, Jonathan Hazlett and R. M. Harbison, elders. In 1870 the Lutherans
purchased three acres from the Covenanters and thereon built a church, at a cost
of about 53,000. In 1873 four acres were added to the church lot for cemetery
purposes. Revs. Fritz and Melhorn remained but a short time. At the close of
1870 or early in 1871, Rev. J. A. II. Kitzmiller took charge and was pastor until
early in 1882, when a long vacancy begun. Rev. H. K. Shanor was pastor for
a year or two; then Rev. Mr. Sheffer, now of Prospect, came. Rev. Doerr fol-
lowed Mr. Sheffer. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Martens of Saxonburg. who
is the present pastor.
Emery Chapel, at Ekastown, is the modern name given to the building
owned by the Methodist Episcopal church in this township. The society here is
a continuation of the old class which was organized at Lardin's mill, in Clinton
township, early in the thirties, by Revs. Henderson and Jackson, two of John
Wesley's disciples from the Emerald Isle. Out of it grew the class, organized in
1839, by Rev. W. Carl, comprising David Walter, John Morton, and their wives,
James Hunter, Henry Halstead, Polly Montgomery, Thomas Roney, Conrad
Upperman, John and Adam Ekas, Catherine Lardin, G. C. Sedwick, and Henry
Walter. A frame building was erected in Clinton township, in 1841, to which
the present name was given, in honor of Bishop Emery. In 1868 the pres-
ent brick church was built in Buffalo township at a cost of over $7,000. It is
now a circuit church, presided over by Rev. J. J. Davis, with Adam Ekas,
steward and trustee.
A Covenanter church existed near Ekastown long before the churches named
were organized, but the society disbanded.
The Lutherans were represented in Mr. Schweitzerbarth's time, for it was
It i ■— custom to visit Sarver's at intervals and preach the Lutheran doctrine to all
who would assemble.
VILLAGES.
Sarversville was surveved by Henry Halstead in 1840, and named Wallev
in recognition of its muddy main street. The postal department, however,
changed its name to Sarversville in January, 1858, anil appointed David Kelly
postmaster. The first gristmill in the township was built here by Benjamin
Sarver. ' Thirty-five years later F. D. Schweitering established the first store.
David Kelly followed him as merchant, and on his removal to Sarver's station
in 1H70. J. M. Fleming opened a store in a new building, which he carried on
4§6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
until LS89, when M. C. Sarver purchased the store and residence. |4cob T-
Smith, born here in 1831, became the next miller and merchant of the district.
Two of the old houses are still standing — one just south of the Sarver store, a
long, double frame house, is owned by Jacob Kennedy; the second, a similar
building, in which was the first postoffice, is occupied by William Stanfat. The
new house of the Junior Order United American Mechanics is occupied above by
this society, while the first floor is devoted to common school purposes.
The Sarversville Farmer s' Club selected the following named officers for
1879: Thomas Douglass, president; James McCafferty, vice-president ; G. H.
Doerr, secretary ; M.N. Greer, correspondent, and John Doerr, treasurer. It
ceased to exist several years ago, and has not been revived.
Sarversville Council, Number 401, Jr. O. U. A. M., was organized Janu-
ary 25, 1890, with Thomas Douglass, councilor; J. E. Wickline, vice-councilor;
M. C. Sarver, recorder ; William McCafferty, assistant secretary; L. C. Ehr-
man, financier, and G. B. Fredley, treasurer. The past councilors are Thomas
Douglass, M. C. Sarver, Samuel Petsinger, W. E. Barker, William McCafferty
and William McGinnis. The recorder in March, 1S94, was F. W. Ekas. There
were 135 members enrolled. The society's hall is a new building, the first floor
of which is rented by the school district.
Monroeville was surveyed by James Dunlap in 1889. for Emil Maurhoff. J.
M. Elliott led in the building up of this village on parts of the Daniel Duffy,
Matthias Cypher and William McLaughlin lands. In 1840 George Weaver's
tavern was erected, and Peter Koon built a little store. George Fry, Gustave
Speck, Charles Schweitering, George W. Cramer, who succeeded Schweitering in
1871, and AAV. Leasure,who succeeded Cramer in October. 1893, have been the
merchants of the hamlet. The postoffice is named Silverville, and was estab-
lished in 1894, with A. W. Leasure as postmaster.
Sarver s Station is an old settlement under a new name. It is said that at
the beginning of the century Smith and Jones moved down from Rough run to
this place and built a mill. The first store was opened in 1870 by David Kelly.
George Love succeeded him in 1873 or 1874; then William Watson, C. F. Mar-
shall, J. S. Adams, and Watson and Powell carried on business successively — J.
W. Powell, the present merchant being the successor of all. About seven years
ago Tames McCafferty established his grocery store here. In February, 1894, he was
appointed postmaster, vice William Watson. Ehrman's mill stands just south of
the village, in the valley of Smith's branch, while in the village is the railroad
station and a dozen of neat dwellings. W. H. Witte's hardware store, W. Wat-
son's lumber yard and G. Wilkewitz's general store are carried on in this busy
little hamlet, with the general stores of McCafferty and Powell.
Monroe Station, northeast of Monroeville, is simply a shipping point for
that section of the township.
Ekasto-wn is the name of a district lather than of a village, though Emery
Methodist chapel, the II. K. Sarver store and the postoffice render the cross
roads the central point of the district.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
WINFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Organization and Statistics — Justices of the Peace — First Settlers— Early
and Modern Industries — Churches and Church History — Schools and
Teachers — Village Growth — The Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany'.
ROUGH and Cornplanter runs, with their numerous branches, give to this
township a notable picturesqueness of natural scenery. This ruggedness,
though adding to its beauty, and contributing to its mineral wealth, limits its
tillable area. The township is, however, wealthy and prosperous. It is one of
the townships organized in 1854, and was carved out of territory previously
included in Clearfield and Buffalo townships. The population in 1860 was
1,134; in 1870, 1,121; in 1880, 1,092, and, in 1890, 1,087. In June, 1893, there
were ninety-seven male and 109 female children of school age enumerated. The
total revenue for the year ending that month was $2,249.58, of which the State
appropriated $1,261.08. The assessed value of property was $277,264 ; the county
tax, $1,108.81 and the State tax, .$278.6:-$.
The justices of the peace for Winfield township, from 1854 to 1894, are as
follows: Benjamin Douthett, 1854; James B. Kennedy, 1858; John L. Hazlett,
1861 and 1865; John P. Bricker, 1864-60-74-80 ; Jonathan Hazlett, 1865; Phillip
Cypher, 1867-72; N. M. Kirkland, 1874-82-88-93; Lewis Hazlett, 1885; A.
Krause, 1887 (did not qualify — X. M. Kirkland appointed); B. Douthett. 1890.
FIRST SETTLE RS.
The pioneers of this township were Jeremiah .Smith. Sr., his sons, Jeremiah,
a carpenter, Hugh, a cooper, Arthur and Robert, and his daughters, Nancy and
Sarah, who located here in 1796, four years after their departure from Ireland.
In 1797, came David Moorhead, the weaver, with his family, from Franklin
county, where they made a temporary settlement on their arrival from Ireland.
In 1797-98 another Irish family appeared in the forest, in the persons of Andrew
Cruikshank, his wife, two sons. John and Andrew, and one daughter. Sarah.
Andrew, Sr., was a veteran of the Revolutionary war, in which he served seven
years. He died in 1824. Matthias Cypher, Sr., also a soldier of the Revolution,
and a Catholic, came from Virginia in 1798. and took up a tract of land where his
grandson William Cypher resides. Here he spent the remaining years of his life.
He left numerous descendants. In 1799 came John and Michael Fair, each of
whom entered 400 acres of land, which they sold early in this century and moved
to territory which they deemed more desirable. Caleb Jones, of whom men-
tion is made in the page devoted to early industries, came about 1799.
488 HISTORY OF Et'TLER COUNTY.
In the year 1800 a few important additions were made. John and William
Clugston, natives of Ireland, with other members of the family, located near the
present village of Leasureville; but John left his wife in charge and sought peace
in some newer place in the wilderness. Robert Cooper, born here in 1815, was
the son of Samuel Cooper, who came with his step-father, Robert Johnston, at
an early day. William and James Hazlett, with William, John, Reuben and
David Hazlett, sons of William, were contemporary settlers. John Kennedy,
who was a native of Baltimore, Maryland, a Revolutionary soldier and a teacher,
settled here in 1801 and died in 1835. Jacob Ilarshman, the weaver, owned 400
acres in 1803, and John Cooper 400 acres.
Among others who settled here early in the century were Arthur Hill and
Robert Galbreath, both Irishmen, and William Hesselgesser and family, who
came in 1815. In 1817 another Revolutionarv veteran arrived in the person of
Abraham Leasure, and the year after, came Thomas Bickett. James, William
•and David Ralston and Robert Graham were then residents. Francis Jackman
and his wife arrived from France in 18;}2 and took possession of a tract of land
near the present village of Denny or Delano station.
In 1836, the German immigrants began to pour in. Their industry soon
changed the wilderness into fruitful farms. Following the example of other
pioneers of their nationality, they lost no time in reducing the forest to ashes and
converting the virgin soil into grain and grass producing fields.
EARLY AND MODERN INDUSTRIES.
The saw-pit of Jeremiah Smith, the hand mill for grinding wheat and corn,
also constructed by him and his sons, the cooperage of Hugh Smith, and the
plow anil harrow shops of these pioneers, were the first manufacturing indus-
tries of this township. Thomas Horton, who located on the Little Buffalo creek
late in 1805 — having moved from Middlesex township — erected a saw mill in
180G on or near the site of the carbon works at Saxon station. His son, William,
aided the pioneer in running the little mill, when not engaged in exhorting the
neighbors to join the Methodist church.
Jeremiah Smith, Jr., and his sister's husband, Caleb Jones, built a grist mill at
Melissadale — named after Mrs. William .Stewart — in 1809. Eight years after,
Peter McLaughlin, of Slippery Rock township, purchased the mill and 500 acres
of land for 1,000 pounds of powder, valued at one dollar a pound. About the
same time Peter anil Hugh or Robert McLaughlin established a powder factory
near the site of the ruins of the Denny saw mill, and both industries were con-
ducted by them until the death of Peter McLaughlin in 1828. John McMackin,
who had charge of the powder mill as superintendent, was also a partner, and
after the McLaughlins passed away, James Denny, Jr., of Clearfield township,
became a partner, having purchased the McLaughlin interests in the powder
factory in 1834. Later William Denny purchased McMackin's interests. In
1853 the grist mill was torn down, when William, Daniel and John Denny built
the present mill, using the water power of Rough run, as well as steam. It had
three run of buhrs until 1888, when it was converted into a modern roller mill
with four sets of rolls and a capacity of thirty barrels of flour per day. In 1871
WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 489
the Denny brothers and William Stewart drilled a well east of tire mill to a depth
of 1,250, which proved a great gas well. The gas was used for fuel in the mill
and the houses. In 1874 the Denny well was drilled to a depth of 1,442 feet.
It is now as good as when first opened.
The William Hazlett Mill, below the Smith and Jones mill, was erected
about the time the pioneer industry on Rough run was sold by Smith to Peter
McLaughlin. The location was nearer the spot where the furnace was erected
in later days than that of the Smith concern. The saw-mill addition was made
in 1821 or 1822, and for a number of years Hazlett and his sons were known as
the "Millers of Rough Run." The frame is still standing, but the owners and
machinery are gone.
Win field Furnace was established in 1847 by William Spear, near the mouth
of Rough run, to develop the rich ore deposits of that section. In 1856 this
industry passed into the hands of the Winfield Coal and Iron Company, from
whom it was purchased by William Stewart, of Hickory Furnace fame, under
whom it ceased work in 1804. The stone stack, part of which is standing, thirty-
three feet in height, rested on a base twenty feet square. Charcoal was used as
fuel, the blast being at first driven by water-power, but later by steam. Its
capacity was about forty tons of iron per day, the transportation of which to
Pittsburg cost about #4.10 a ton. It was hauled to Freeport, and thence shipped
to Pittsburg.
The Rough Run Manufacturing Company purchased a tract of land near
the old Winfield furnace property and established a salt works in 1891-92. The
company was composed of the following citizens : James and Joseph Bredin,
Albert Ruff, Stephen Cummings, H. Schneideman, John Weber and Daniel
Markel. The manufacture of salt was carried on about a year, but proving
unprofitable, the works were closed and the land leased in 1893 to the lime
company.
The Acme Lime Company, Limited, had its inception in 1893, when Web-
ster Keasey and J. A. Ransom leased the lime quarries in Winfield township
from the Rough Run Manufacturing Company. The following year they organ-
ized the company, with J. A. Ransom president. J. J. Haas secretary and
treasurer, and Webster Keasey superintendent. The works are located on Rough
run, and consist of 177 acres of land, containing one quarry, from which 600
bushels of lime are manufactured daily. Three kilns and one patent steel jacket
kiln are in use, one steam drill, one stone crusher, with a capacity of 200 tons
per day for railroad ballast, and one pulverizer, with a capacity of fifty tons per
day for use in the manufacture of glass. They also operate a coal myie on the
same farm, turning out 150 tons per day. A twenty horse power engine fur-
nishes the power, and seventy-five men find employment in these works.
CHURCHES.
Knox Methodist Episcopal Church, near the eastern line of Jefferson town-
ship, is a re-organization of the old society of 1823—24, of which Samuel Cooper,
and Henry Karshner, were members. Jacob Sarver, Robert Cooper, Peter Ken-
nedy, John Knox and Samuel Duff are named among the senior members of the
490 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
present church, which was partially reorganized before the war, and organized in
1864 when the present brick house of worship was erected. Rev. John D. Knox was
then pastor. The church is in the Ekastown charge. Among the preachers who
were here prior to 1880, were those named in the history of Fisk's chapel. In
1880, Rev. J. C. High was the preacher in charge; in 1882, Rev. R. Hamilton;
in 1884, Rev. J. T. Stiffy; in 1887, Rev. R. S. Ross, and in 1890, Rev. N. B.
Tannehill of Freeport, who had charge of Ekastown, Knox, Emery, Fisk's and
Centre churches, at the close of lS'.lo. The number of members belonging to the
Knox chapel class is fifty.
Fisk's Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in August, 1855, with
the following named members : — Robert Lardin, William Barker, Isaac Pierce,
George Todd, — the first class leader — all trustees, and Asa Dike, with their wives,
Mrs.Messick, Barechia, Cynthia, Lydia, Sophia, Caroline and Malinda Pierce.
The preachers who have had charge of this circuit, have been David Hess and
Isaac Aiken, 1855; William Cooper, 1856; A. G. Williams, 1858; Edward Wil-
kinson. 1859; Daniel Rhode.. I860; W. II. Tibbies, 1862; Z. S. Weller, 1863;
F. D. Fast. 1866; Richard Jordan, 1867; Washington Darby, 1868; J. R. Rol-
ler, 1ST! ; H.T.Thomas, 1874; G. W. Cranage, 1876; S. G. Miller, 1878; J.
C. High, 1880, and the pastors named in the sketch of Knox chapel. In 1S57 a
brick house forty by thirty was erected by Samuel Weaver, of Freeport, at a cost
of $850, which was dedicated in December of that year, by Rev. L. D. Barrows,
who suggested the name, in honor of Rev. Wilbur Fisk. Prior to the completion
of this house, the society worshiped in an old building, near their present edifice,
which was the church of a defunct society of Cumberland Presbyterians. The
membership at the close of 1893, was eighty-eight.
Tlic German Lutheran Church was organized in 1848 by Rev. Henry
Issense, who had, practically, a congregation here prior to that date, to whom
he preached occasionally. During the same year in which this society was
organized, Simon and Adam Schrump, Henry Bluroch and Henry Mintzel, the
trustees, had a farm building erected and there, Sunday after Sunday, the mem-
bers assembled for prayer. The house stood in the old cemetery east of the
road. In 1886-87 the present church was erected. Rev. Mr. Umsler being then
pastor. Rev. F. Wilhelm preached here for many years, from 1870 to 1891.
The present pastor is Rev. Conrad Engelder of the Hannahstown charge. North
of the church is the little frame school house erected in 1858.
In the old and new cemeterv many of the old German settlers of southern
Winfield and northern Buffalo rest, such as Conrad Schmidt, who died in 1870;
J. Boltz, the same year; Anna G. Smith, in 1871; Casper Hartung, in 1874, and
Barbara Wineberg, in 1881. A number of headstones tell of the scarlet fever
plague of 1858.
St. MatthcvPs Evangelical Lutheran Church (German) of Winfield town-
ship, was incorporated November 12, 1888, with thirty-two members, including
Rev. T- George Amsohler, on petition of himself, John Falkner, G. Wilkervitz,
Conrad Gundlach, Will Durr, Ed. Frank, August Hiem and Michael Mochel.
The Evangelical Zion Church of Winfield and Buffalo townships, signed
articles of association January 6, 1873, the names being II . II. Becker, George
WINFIELD TOWNSHIP. 49 I
Fruhling, F. Shultz, Jacob Ehrman, H. H. Fruhling, Casper Fruhling and Jos-
eph Westerman. This church was organized in 1852 by Revs. Zirkel and Long.
John Hirst and Joseph Westerman, the trustees, superintended the construction
of a small frame building, which was used until 1872-73, when a new brick
building was dedicated by Presiding Elder Rev. S. Kring, and the pastor, Rev.
Jacob Honeker. The cost of the new building exceeded $3,400. In the gable
is inscribed " Zion's Kirche, 1872." The old lot was sold to the Ford City Gas
Company, but no wells were drilled. It is in the Tarentum charge. In the
cemetery west of the church yard, headstones speak of the death of Henry Fox's
wife, in 1872, aged sixty-five years; Margaret Fruhling, in 1870, aged sixty years;
Casper Kauffman, in 1878, aged sixty-five years, and Henry Fox in 1881, aged
eighty-three years.
The Methodist Protestant Church of Saxon station was erected in 1878 by
the trustees representing the society. Rev. James Robinson was the pastor who
organized the society, with J. C. and Nancy Maxwell, Daniel S. Spires and
Sarah Douthett members. On November 13, 1878, Maxwell and Spires, William
Douthett, E. S. Hale and George H. Love were chosen trustees. The building
was completed July 6, 1879- In September, 1879, Rev. J. J. Waggoner was
appointed preacher. From that period to 1887 little was done, but on August
16, 1887, the society was reorganized. In March, 1889, Benjamin Douthett was
elected president. Alexander Douthett, John Kaufhold, J. S. Edwards, S. Fair
and P. F. McCaskey were elected trustees later, and they are now the officers.
No regular services have been held for over a year, but prayer meetings are con-
tinued. The frame building is a fair one, furnished with seats and reading desk.
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
The old schools of Clearfield township were, in fact, the schools for northern
Winfield children until 1815, when Isaac Lefevre, of Jefferson township, agreed
to teach in the neighborhood of Smith's mill. A very primitive log building was
erected, and there Lefevre taught at intervals until the erection of the powder
mill caused parents to select another location. The Ilesselgesser neighborhood
was then selected, while in the northwestern quarter John Kennedy opened
school in a log cabin on the Matthias Cypher farm. The teachers of the five
schools in the township for the school year of 1893-94 were F. W. Halstead,
Emma Krise, H. J. Lensner — of the Hesselgesser school, whose seventy-four
pupils represent three counties — Mary Caldwell and .Sadie Campbell. The
directors for the same period were A. Krause, J. C. Logan, August Fruhling,
Charles Fleming, Harvey Cruikshank, Conrad .Sell and H. H. Fruhling.
VILLAGE GROWTH.
Leasureville, platted as Unionville in 1832, for Abraham Leasure, a soldier
of the Revolution and a settler of 1S27, is a modest hamlet near the southeastern
corner of the township. Old settlers may remember the celebrated land case of
1830 of William Wilson vs. Abraham Z.eas?/rc and John Sherber, and with it
Judge Shaler's explanation of the relation of the actual settler toward all other
claimants. Leasure's claims were declared valid and. in 1832, he began to
492 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
improve his cabin home and establish a town. In 1840 Hugh Kirkland opened
the first store. It was located east of the present village. John Hemminger was
employed as manager. John Hesselgesser established the first tavern. In 1SG0
Robert Stewart was authorized to open a postollice. John Hesselgesser opened
a store in connection with his tavern, in the old log frame house which was torn
down to make way for the present Lawall dwelling. Norman Kirkland opened
a store in November, 1S58, in the old log house moved from his father's property,
still standing near his residence, and continued until 1872. John Douthett kept
store for some years, until his death in 18l">2, when his widow carried it on until
she sold to Foster, who went to the war, was wounded and never afterward
heard from. His widow and son are now owners of the store. The two Hessel-
gessers, who have each a gas well on his farm, and the Fosters were the only
consumers of gas for fuel and light in February, 1894. There are eight residences
in the hamlet. Norman Kirkland thinks that Judge Shaler's decision never
effected the site of Leasureville. Leasure made some arrangement at the time,
by which he tranferred the property in dispute to the claimants, taking in
exchange the site of the village.
Melissadalc was a postal hamlet from 1862, when William Stewart was
postmaster. Early in the seventies Daniel Denny was appointed and held the office
until 1879, when the attempt made by S. D. Hazlett to establish carbon works
there failed. He erected large buildings, but did not succeed in bringing the
works into operation. There has not been an office from 1879 to the present
time. Daniel Denny kept store here from 1864 to 1872, a year after his estab-
lishment at Delano station was opened. The Denny mills and residence with a
few farm houses constitute the hamlet.
Winficld Furnace is described under the heading, " Earlv and Modern In-
dustries." The postofhee at Winfield Furnace was established in 1885, with
Mrs. Lew Hazlett in charge, but it was abandoned long ago.
Carbon Black, or Saxon Station, dates back to 1871, when W. S. Boyd
erected a building for hotel purposes. In 1ST-, E. A. Ilelmbold established a
store here. When J. W. Maxwell came to Saxon Station in InTT. he found the
Krause & Ilelmbold store, of which he became a partner in 1889, the dwelling
houses of Alexander Douthett, J. II. Clark, John Howarth, superintendent of
the Carbon Black Works, and Henry Hoffman. Thielo Krause lived in the store
building. There were also George Miller's hotel — now the residence of George
Ilouchlev — the homes of Samuel Cooper and I. II. Muder, the cabinet-maker,
Theodore Bedinger was the acting agent for the railroad, express and telegraph
companies, T. Ilelmbold being the agent. The present school was erected in
1888 in place of the old brick, ere:ted before the war. C. A. Smith taught in
the old brick house in 1874 and 1875, John Roney having previously been the
teacher, he residing there as early as I8l'>7. Since 1877 three or four houses
have been erected, Dr. J. M. Scott's modern brick residence being the principal
one. In March, 1894, L. II. Falkner's blacksmith shop was erected near the
railroad crossing on the southern limits of the village. Sachs & Wetzel's lumber
yard dates back only a few years.
The carbon works were established in 1876 by Nolan & Boardman, when one
WIXFIELD TOWNSHIP. 493
brick and one frame building were erected. In the winter of 1879-80 the works
were burned, and in 1881 the present brick structures were erected, the ground
area being 250 x 1:20 feet. The capacity is about 2,500 pounds a week. The
superintendent is Frank Douthett, who has held that position for about
four years.
Delano Station may be said to date back to 1870, when E. G. Leithold
opened a store at that point. In 1871 a postoffice was established here, in Daniel
Denny's new store building, with L. Heidrick postmaster ; but the same
year the store was sold to Krause Brothers of Hannahstown, one of whom,
Robert, became postmaster. Their store is now the leading mercantile establish-
ment of the district. Rummel Brothers opened a store here in 1873; Murtland
& Gordon subsequently kept a store, now vacant, and the property of Krause
Brothers. Louis Weidhos established a hardware store here in the "Eighties,"
which he still carries on in the old Leithold building. He also owns a lumber
yard at this point. Mr, Leithold kept hotel after retiring from mercantile life,
and when Weidhos succeeded him he also kept the house until 1885, when license
was denied. The principal buildings of the place are the stores of Krause
Brothers and Louis Weidhos, and the residences of Robert Krause, Alphonse
Krause, E. G. Humes, oil contractor; Peter Rummel's, occupied by William
Greenwood, oil well contractor; Mrs. Jane Dugan's, occupied by John L. Bas-
sett, superintendent of the Standard Plate Glass Company's gas wells ; August
Laudenschleger, Martin Kirk and Mrs. C. Weidhos.
77/r Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company was organized August 27,
1850, by Lewis A. Krause, who served as president from that date until October 1,
1871, when Jacob Beck succeeded him. On December 15, 1884, Daniel Wallet was
elected and served until January 15,1888. A. Krause is the present presiding officer.
The secretaries have been A. Stuebgen, elected in 1859, and Henry Heck, elected
October 1, 1868, to succeed him. Mr. Heck has served in that position ever
since. Theo. H. Tolley was the first treasurer. E, Maurhoff succeeded him
April 1, 1878; Theo. H. Tolley was re-appointed in 1881 ; Charles Hoffman in
1885; Louis Weidhos, in 18811, and Robert Krause, the present treasurer, in
1892. The company was incorporated March 23, 1860, the charter members
being William Wiskeman, C. G. Lamb, C. Krumpe, Jacob Beck, G. E. Leithold,
Henry Schafer, J. G. Lensner, G. G. Grabe, A. Koegler, B. Berninger, J. C.
Bauman and George Keck.
CHAPTER XL.
CLEARFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Origin of Name— Creeks— Coal Deposits— Physical Conformations— Pioneers-
Population and Statistics— Schools and Justices of the Peace— Churches
— Villages.
CLEARFIELD township derives its name from an Indian field discov-
ered by the pioneers of 1708 near the Milligan settlement on Buffalo
creek. Evidences of its recent cultivation by the Indians were present, and thus
the name seemed appropriate upon the organization of the original township in
1804. The West branch of the Big Buffalo, the main creek, Long run, the feeders
of Rough run, and the head waters of Bonny Brook, a branch of the Conno-
quenessing, rise in this township.
The Upper Freeport, the Darlington and the Kittanning coals are found
here in abundance, the first being developed on the Humes lands, near the oil
wells, and on the Kramer lands, and throughout that neighborhood. On the
McDevitt farm, 7,600 feet up the West branch, a deep bed of the Darlington,
resting below the Freeport sandstone and seventy feet below the Upper Kittan-
ning coal, was developed in three two-feet layers of Middle and Lower Kittanning,
while farther down the stream the Deener banks offered a good coal. On a
rivulet near the confluence of the West branch and Big Buffalo, three layers of
Kittanning were found — the first four feet and the second and third two and a
half feet each. The section showed fifteen feet of Butler sandstone, a vein of
Lower Freeport coal, a body of iron ore, a layer of Butler limestone, eighty feet
of sundry strata, three feet of Darlington, seventy feet of sundry strata, eleven
feet of Kittanning, with shallow slate and shale divisions, and last, seventy feet
of sundry strata. The bastard limestone of this township carried iron ore, which
was hauled to the Winfield and Big Buffalo furnaces. On the McClelland farm,
near the east line, Kittanning coal was found high above the creek, and ninety
feet below it a two-feet bed of Clarion coal. The first coal was mined on the
Morrow farm, where the vein was eleven feet. In the southeastern corner, Mr.
Kerr worked in the old drift of the Winfield Furnace Company. The ferriferous
limestone outcrops in many places in massive form, as the Freeport sandstone
does in other localities.
PIONEERS.
The pioneers of this township were Patrick McBride, Arthur, Connell and
Dennis O'Donnell, Eleanor Coyle, John Coyle, John Slator, James and Samuel
Milligan, Dennis, Andrew and Michael Dugan, James Denny, John McGinley,
Hugh Gallagher, Charles and Michael McCue, and Patrick and Marcus Mc-
Laughlin. Others came in during the first decade of the century, so that by
CLEARFIELD TOWNSHIP. 495
1810 there were 288 persons constituting the pioneer circle. With the exception
of the Milligan family, who settled south of the present township, all selected
lands within the present limits of Clearfield, and with extraordinary rapidity,
reduced the wilderness to fruitful farms and made the region one of happy
homes.
Patrick McBride, a native of Donegal county, Ireland, led the way into the
forest, in 1798, built his cabin on a 400 acre entry, 100 acres of which was dona-
ted to him by Archie McCall, agent for the land owners, in recognition of his
first and successful settlement. This pioneer died in 1848, leaving a large family.
Arthur O'Donnell, mentioned in the history of Donegal township, came from
the same Irish county, in 1798, with his wife and four children. Connel O'Don-
nell, who is spoken of in the biographical sketches of Donegal township, arrived
from Ireland shortly after, accompanied by his brother Dennis. Connell died in
1813, leaving his widow Mary to carry on the farm and raise a large family. His
brother also spent his life in this county, and died in 1852. Dennis Dugan, a
native of Donegal county, Ireland, located on 200 acres of land in this township
in 1798, upon which he died at an advanced age. He reared a family of several
children. The Dugans were one of the first Catholic families to settle in this
part of the county. John Slator, a soldier in the French army that assisted the
American patriots in winning independence, was one of the first settlers of this
township. He was also one of the pioneer Catholics of the county.
John Covle, who came to the United States from Ireland in 1791, with his
family, located here in 1800) and, thirty years later, founded the village of
Coylesville. Coyle's station, in Jefferson, now known as Great Belt, was named by
the West Penn Railroad Company in honor of this pioneer. During his long life
he was known as a sterling, progressive citizen. Like many of the immigrants from
Ireland, he was a linen weaver, and manufactured linen for the local demand, as
well as for the exchange trade, — selling the product of the loom in Fayette
county and bringing home salt, iron and other staple goods.
James Denny accompanied his parents to the United States in 1794, and in
1799 came with them to this township to carve out a home for himself. He was a
good shoemaker, and built up a large custom as well as a small manufacturing trade.
He died here February 25, 1872, having survived his wife. Mary (O'Donnell)
Denny, almost thirty-seven years. John McGinley and Hugh Gallagher, natives of
Ireland, came in between 1800 and 1803; for we find the former assessed in the lat-
ter year with 300 acres of land, one cow and a yoke of oxen, while Gallagher is
assessed with 400 acres of land.
Many others might be mentioned here who assisted in the early development
of Clearfield, such as the McLaughlins, Doughertys, McFaddens, Duffys, Mc-
Gees and Cyphers. In the thirties, and down to the beginning of the Civil
war, several new men came to share in the fortunes of the original settlers, such
as the Sipes, McDevitts, Fennells, Riellys, Martins, Greens, Thompsons, Sheri-
dans, McCreas, McShanes, Logues and Duffs. This fertile township, of good
farms and fine' homes, tells of family successes, won by persevering toil and
honesty.
The population of the original township in 1810, was 288 ; in 1820, — 515;
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
in 1830,-617; in 1840,-1,103 and in 1850,-1,924. After being reduced to its
present limits, the population in I860, was 869; in 1870—847; in 1880,-999,
exclusive of Coylesville's fifty-seven inhabitants, and in 1890, — 841, including
Coylesville. The assessed value of property, January 1, 1894, was $233,445, on
which a county tax of $833.82 and a State tax of ninety dollars ami seventy-six
cents were levied.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
The first school-house in Clearfield township was built near the Winfield
line, in 1798 or 179'.), by Arthur O'Donnell, Andrew and Michael Dugan, James
and John McLaughlin, Michael McCue and James Denny. Among the first
teachers were John Smith, who came in 1807, John Washington and J. Harrison
Cook, together with other teachers named in the histories of Buffalo and Clinton
townships. The second school building was erected above Coylesville, by Peter
Henry. Hugh Gallagher, William Recher and the O'Donnell family. John Ken-
nedy was installed as teacher. The common school system was adopted in 1835,
but instead of the pioneer teachers many of their pupils aspired to wield the
birch. Among them were Xeil McBride and William Dougherty. There were
six teachers employed in January, 1894. In June, 1893, there were 103 male
and eighty-three female children of school age reported. The total revenue for
school purposes was $1,935.13, including a State appropriation of $991.58.
The justices of the peace elected in this township from 1840 to 1894 are as
follows : Joseph Henry, 184(1 and 1845; John Gallagher, 1840 and 1850; James
McCafferty, 1845; James Johnston, 1850; James B. Kennedy, 1S53; John Mc-
Laughlin, 1854, 1859 and 1861; Arthur O'Donnell, 1855 and 1*70 ; Bernard
Sheridan, 18(30; John B. Gallagher, 1865 and 1870: W. S. Sipe, 1875 and 1880;
Patrick Donohue. 1S75; F. P. McBride, 1880, 1885 and 1890 ; Thomas McGucken,
1890, and George McGucken, 1894.
CHURCHES.
St. John's Catholic Church, in its personnel, dates back to 1798, when
the first Catholics of the township located in the wilderness. Prior to the build-
ing of the present church edifice, in 1853, the people attended St. Patrick's
church on Sugar creek, Armstrong county, founded in 180(3, St. Peter's at Butler,
founded in 1821, or the church of St. Mary's Monastery, in Summit, erected in
1841. There were also missions or stations held here, when mass would be
celebrated at stated times in the homes of the people. Mrs. Mary Green, who
came here in 1840, relates that mass was often said in the homes of Manus
Dugan, John Sheridan, William McGee, Denis Duff, Patrick McBride, Squire
Gallagher, and in the houses of two or more of the O'Donnells and Dennys.
The old dwelling of John Green, west of Coylesville, was a favorite place with
visiting priests, and often a temporary altar would be raised there.
The priests of St . John's parish since 1852 are named as follows : Father Lar-
kin, 1852-53; Father William Pollard, 1853-55; Rev. R. C. Christy, February,
1855-1861; Rev. Thomas Quinn, 1861-62; Rev. P. M. Doyle, 1862-73. Father
Aylward, appears to have been assistant priest, early in 1870, and Rev. John
CLEARFIELD TOWNSHIP. 497
Hickey was a regular visitor, his name often appearing on the baptismal register
from 1870 to 187'$. Father Patrick Brown was appointed pastor in January,
1873, and remained until his death in July, 1888. During the last years of hU
administration, Rev. J. B. O'Connor was assistant priest. Rev. Thomas
Walsh succeeded to the pastorate in 1888, and in 1889. Rev. Thomas McEnrue
came. He had charge of the parish for about two years', when Rev. Henry
McEvoy, the present pastor, was appointed. In the cemetery lie the remains of
Father John N. Denny, a native of this township, who died at Altoona, Penn-
sylvania, May 1. 1888. He was ordained at Rome in lSSj, and though a young
priest, was one of the noted scholars of this State. Father Patrick Brown is also
buried there. Father Pollard, who became a celebrated preacher, died at St.
Mary's, Pittsburg, a few years ago.
The church building was erected in 1853, under the administration of Father
Larkin. The brick building was then a most pretentious one, being ninety feet
long by forty-two wide, furnished with modern pews and good altars. In 1877
the Xorman-Gothic tower was erected at a cost of about $4,000. This tower
with spire, is 156 feet in height, well proportioned and worth)- of a city rather
than of a country parish. The main building never did present a proper skyline,
so that its removal or remodelling is now proposed.
The location of the cemetery grounds is one of the most beautiful in all
Clearfield. The cemetery is surveyed into regular lots and blocks, with an
artistic stone cross in the center. Many old headstones and numerous modern
monuments are found here, commemorating the names of members of the
McBride, Rivers, Green, McCrea, Callahan, Laux, Dugan, O'Donnell. Brady,
McLafferty, Nugent, Benson, McDonnell, Gallagher, O'Neill, McFadden and
hundreds of other families.
St. Mary's of the Woods is the appropriate name bestowed on the private
chapel at the old Hickey homestead, near the northern line of Clearrield town-
ship. It is a family place of worship, but when Father Hickey visits his old
home, the doors are open and it becomes for all purposes a mission chapel of St.
John's parish.
The English Lutheran Society, organized near Fennelton in ls57, shared
in the erection of a Union church that year with the Methodists, and continued
to worship there until 1861, when the two societies disbanded and lost their
church building.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Fennelton was organized in October,
1857, in a building on the Peter Graff farm, erected by the English Lutherans and
Methodists that year as a Union church. The members were Peter Fennell, Sr. ,
Peter Fennell. Jr., Margaret Fennell, Lydia Fennell, John Sipe, Sr., John Sipe,
Jr., Margaret Sipe, Helena Sipe, Ann Sipe, John Cupp, Joseph Milligan, and
their wives, and Elizabeth Reagart. The pastors, in the order of service, were
Revs. Venable, Wilkinson, Rhodes, Tibbies, Scott, Hughes, D. Cupps, Z. McKee,
Altman and J. P. Douglass, the pastor in 1894. During the Civil war the
society dwindled to a few members, and the Union building was sold as private
property. In 1880 Peter Fennell erected a building at Fennelton, and in the
32
49$ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
fall of that year a revival meeting resulted in the addition of thirty-five members.
In 1881 the church was reorganized by J. W. McKee, of Butler; the old church
site, then on the T. Dissner farm, was purchased, the building reconstructed and
dedicated October 9, 1881, and the society placed on a working basis. In all
this labor of reorganizing a church, Mr. Fennell was a zealous worker.
The United Presbyterian Church of Carbon Centre was organized July 15,
1878, with Henry Gumpper, James Martin and Louis Kreor elders. It was
incorporated March 4, 1881, the petitioners being Thomas Humes, John Moore,
Robert Martin, Robert McMillan and Thomas S. Thompson. A frame house of
worship was erected, which was used for meetings while the organization existed.
In the records of 1891 there is no mention made of it, for some time before it
went the way of other institutions of the little oil town.
VILLAGES.
Coylesville, in old Clearfield township, was brought prominently before the
public in May, 1830, when John Coyle, Sr., the proprietor, advertised lots for sale
as surveyed by David Dougal. The location, on the turnpike, half way between
Butler and Kittanning, and the fact that the mail stage passed that way tri- weekly,
were set forth as advantages. Good land, fresh and salt water springs, coal
banks and limestone outcrops, grist and saw mills and an industrious people in the
vicinity were all pictured for the investor. The plat as recorded, July 14, 1888,
shows the Butler and Kittanning road intersected by Plum, Cherry, Chestnut,
Diamond, Strawberry, Jackson and Crab streets. The first store was opened
there in the fifties, by John O'Donnell, in the old building next to the present
Gormley store. John Shrum built a log house farther east and carried on a store
for some years after O'Donnell retired. Michael McBride erected the present
Gormley building after the war, and after John Nolan built the first blacksmith
shop. James Slick succeeded Nolan and, about six years ago, John Kress estab-
lished himself here as a blacksmith. There are now seven houses in the village,
together with F. P. Gormley & Company's store. The first public celebration of
St. Patrick's day in Butler county, was that at Coylesville in 1850, when L. S.
Cantwell delivered the oration.
Carbon Centre was the name of an oil village which sprung up, as if by
magic, in 1875, when the oil development of that section begun. As early as
August, 1860, John Gallagher reported the existence of petroleum in Clearfield,
but for over fifteen years little or no attention was paid to the discovery. The
oil men came at last, and in 1875, Robert Thompson caused two acres to be sur-
veyed into town lots, which he named Carbon Centre. Houses were erected
in a hurry. William McCrea established a general store and many other busines
enterprises were inaugurated. The United Presbyterians erected a church, the Meth-
odists held meetings there and the little town was a busy place as long as the
sands were producing oil. In April, 1883, the production fell to 150 barrels a
day, the Showalter & Ilardman well, on the Heck farm, yielding ninety barrels
of the total.
Fcnnelton may be said to date back to 1856, when Peter Fennell with his
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 499
son Peter, and nephews Daniel and Abram, moved into Clearfield township from
Armstrong county. It is a country hamlet, boasting of a Methodist church, the
general store of P. Fennel] & Son, and a post-office.
Jcffcrsonvillc, near the line of Summit township, was at one time a post-
office station, but was long ago discontinued.
CHAPTER XLI.
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Early Settlement — Neyman's Mill — Statistics — Justices of the
Peace — Schools and Colleges — St. Mary's Monastery— Church History —
Village Growth.
SUMMIT township was organized in 1854, its territory being taken prin-
cipally from Butler and Clearfield townships, but including also portions
of Donegal and Centre townships. The names of the first cabin builders within
the limits of the township are unknown. Early in 1796, when the Ray family-
located on what is now known as the Robert Gilliland farm, there were two or three
untenanted log cabins, evidencing an earlier occupation on the Allegheny slope,
and two or three tenanted ones between that and the Beaver slope. William
Ray was undoubtedly here in April or May, 1796. Following an Indian trail
which led from the river at Freeport into the wilderness, he selected his lands and
built his cabin. When the county was organized, in 1803, he owned 150 acres.
William Scott and James Mitchell arrived shortly after. Mitchell was then a
young man. Scott, who was a man of family, was accompanied by his son,
Robert, who became one of the first settlers in Butler borough. George, another
son, cleared a farm for himself in the Mitchell, or Bonny Brook, neighborhood.
Thomas Smith came from Allegheny county in the fall of 1796, and located
in the township. Seventeen years later Abraham Brinker purchased Smith's 200
acres, and the family removed to Indiana, where the pioneer died in 1835. Adam,
his son, returned in 1830 and settled in Centre township. James McCurdy. a
native of Cumberland county, came with Smith. The immigrants entered the
present county at Freeport and arrived at the site of what is now known as
Carbon Black the same night. After a heavy rain storm, the bright moon
invited them to travel rather than to sleep, and taking up their packs, thejonrney
to some dreamy spot was resumed. An abandoned cabin, near where the Widow
Henry resided in modern days, or another, near the Pistorius farm, did not stop
their march. When the morning sun peeped into the forest, the travelers were
at the cabin of William Ray. That day they decided to locate and. having
selected lands, the companions, assisted by Ray, built their cabins in the Bonny
500 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Brook country. In 1803 James McCurdy, still a single man, with John
McCurdy, were here. Late in that year James married Leggy Thorn, and
twenty-seven years after erected a brick house which subsequently became the
property of S. P. Young.
Peter Henry, who with his sister, was rescued from the Indians in 1778, by
Captain Brady and scouts, as related in a previous chapter, settled in that por-
tion of Summit township formerly included in Clearfield, in 1798, and in 1800
brought his family hither. Until the divisions of the townships, elections were
held at his house. Hi> wife, Margaret, died in 1882. lie died in 1852, aged
eighty-eight years.
William Neyman and family came here from Westmoreland county in 1799,
and erected a grist-mill on the east bank of the Connoquenessing, near the mouth
of Bonny Brook, in 1800. In the assessment of 1803 we find him the owner of
500 acres of land, with grist mill, four horses and two cows; while William
Jr., John and Elizabeth Neyman are assessed with 800 acres. Soon after he
added a saw mill and a carding and fulling mill, important industries in those
days. Neyman's mill was a leading manufacturing center for several years.
The grist mill was a log structure, with crude water wheel and buhrs, but it met
the requirements of the settlement during pioneer days. The Neymans moved
to Oakland at an early date anil erected another grist mill, and the old mills
passed into the hands of the Collins family, who operated them for a long
period. One of the buhrs is still doing duty in the Reiber mill.
Hugh Gibbs, Jacob Sumney, Joseph Gold, John Wonderlv, Francis Warm-
castle, John Green. James McLaughlin and one or two of the Martins were land
owners here before the county was organized. Abraham Brinker, an early set-
tler of Butler, moved into the Bonny Brook settlement in 1813, built a carding
mill, saw mill and distillery, and in 1814 erected a stone grist mill. He placed
John Moser in charge, and he was succeeded by John Warmcastle, who carried
on the industry until James McLaughlin purchased the property. E. K. Mar-
shall and John Burford were successive owners prior to the Civil war. James
Stephenson purchased the concern in 1861, and altogether it has been an industry
of many owners.
The Bavarians, Alsatians, Brandenburgers, Saxons and people of other
nationalities began to tlock hither in 1830, and within the succeeding decade
the territory now constituting Summit township was well improved, and evi-
denced the fact that the men and women who had cast their fortunes with the
older settlers were admirably endowed by nature to advance the material and
moral growth of the district. In February, 1894, the then oldest resident of the
township, Nicholas Bleichner, passed away in the ninety-third year of his age.
He was the last of the German pioneers.
In 18(30, six years after the township was organized, the population was 989;
in 1870, 1,304; in 1880, 1,260, and in 1890, 1 ,2*7. The wonderful oil develop-
ments in the township since June of the latter year have resulted in a material
increase of population, the number in April, 1S94, being estimated at 1,500.
The revenue of the common schools of the six districts of the township for
■the year ending April, 1894, was $2,229.55, of which sum $1,071.05 was appro-
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 501
priated by the State. The assessed valuation January 1, 1894, was $297,155 ;
the county tax, $1,188.62, and the State tax, $213.50.
The names of the justices of the peace elected for the township from 1854
to 1894 are as follows: Francis Riott, 1854; re-elected in 1859, 1864, 1869 and
1874; Andrew W. Johnston, 1856; John Kennedy, 1859; Robert Gilliland,
1861; re-elected in 1866, 1872,1877, 1882, 1887 and 1892, and died in office
April 25, 1894; David Leech, 1879; re-elected in 1884, 1889 and 1894.
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES.
The children of the pioneers of Summit township attended, in 1813, at a log
school-house near Brinker's mill. It was presided over by a teacher named
O'Malley or Maley, later by George Greer, who abandoned the Oakland school,
and next by George Townley. The last named opened the frame building, which
Brinker, the Gillilands and Martins erected, about lSl.s, and carried the school
on until the days of John Watt and Caleb Russell. The common school law
was in force here as early as 1835, since which time the pioneer subscription
school has been only a memory. The Lutheran school at the center of the town-
ship was established in 1870. In May, 1894, a convent and school for the
instruction and education of young ladies and the female children of that dis-
trict, was founded in the vicinity of Herman.
67. Fidelis1 College, a part of St. Marv's Monastery, dates the beginning of
its history back to the spring of 1877, when the buildings forming the nucleus of
the present Monastery were completed. The changes, architectural and other-
wise, which have been effected since then, are noticed in the history of the
Monastery. The faculty of St. Fidelis' College comprises Rev. Bonifacius Ros-
enberger, director ; Rev. Pancratius Dockler, religion, Latin, Greek and short-
hand; Rev. Godhardus Friedman. German, Latin and history: Rev. Lucas
Belke, German, Latin and Greek, with historv and phonography; Rev. Paulus
Werr, mathematics, botany, physiology and vocal music: Rev. Chilian Lutz,
English and French; Ambrosius Metz, English language and United States his-
tory, and Cassean Hartl, religion and English language. In 1877. the old
parochial residence was converted into a school, and a number of yaung men en-
tered as students. In 1S78 it was enlarged, and in 1879 a new building was
erected. The present college building is 141 feet in length, forty-five in width
and forty-nine feet in height, to the eaves.
In 1880 four students came from the Capuchin college in Bavaria to pursue
their studies here. They were the first to complete their education and the first
graduates to be ordained here as priests of the church. There are now seventy
students enrolled. Outside of the Catholic people of the county, mention is sel-
dom made of this College, though the chairs are tilled by scholars of a very high
order, and the curriculum is ecpial to that presented by the leading colleges < t
the country.
St. Marv's Monastery. — Few travelers over the Western Pennsylvania rail-
road have failed to notice the Monastic-Gothic pile with which the Capuchin
fathers have crowned the heights above Herman station. The buildings form
the church, monastery and college of St. Mary's. They have been brought into
502 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
existence within the last quarter of a century. The foundation stone of the
Monastery was laid July 21, 1876, and the corner stone August 15, of that year,
by Father Hyacinth, as the representative of the bishop of Pittsburg. Father
Hyacinth outlined the plan, the lay brother, Eleutherius made the drawings, and
T. Wolf, of Pittsburg, performed the duties of builder. The original edifice was
ninety-one feet in length by thirty-two feet in width, with walls twenty-nine
feet in height, above the sub-story. The addition, erected in 1887, is seventy-one
by twenty-four feet, with walls twenty-nine feet high. The structure, compris-
ing the study and recreation rooms, situated between this addition and the col-
lege, is eighty by twenty-four feet and twenty-five feet in height. It was com-
menced in 1886 and completed in 1893. The college building shows walls forty-
nine feet high. Its length is 141 feet and width forty-rive feet. The Monastic-
Gothic style was observed in the first buildings and followed subsequently by the
architect, Father Anthony Schuerman, who died July 20, 1887, and was buried
in the cemetery close by.
Butler county owes the establishment of this Monastery to the Bismarckian
persecution of the Catholic orders. The Capuchins were ready to obey the cruel
edicts of the new empire and its " Iron Chancellor," and. in 1873, sent Fathers
Hyacinth and Matthew Hau, and Brother Eleutherius, draughtsman and architect,
to prepare a home for the order in the United States. In 1874 the bishop of
Pittsburg placed the two priests in charge of St. Augustine's church in that city,
and there, the same year, Fathers Joseph Clasanctius Mayershofer, and Mauri-
tius Greek, with Brother Leovigild Brucker, were received on their arrival from
Bavaria. In June, 1876. Father Matthew Hau was sent to St. Mary's as prior
of the new Monastery, and held that position until January 26, 1878, when he
moved to Kansas. He died at Victoria, in that state, June 25, 1878. Father
Mauritius Greek succeeded him, and was prior until September 9. 1881, when
Father Franciscus Wolff was appointed. From 1884 to 1888, Father Cala-
sanctius Mayershofer was superior, followed by Father Joseph Anthony Ziegel-
mayer from 1888 to 1891, when Father Felix M. Lex was placed in charge. He
was succeeded in August, 1894, by Father Charles Speckert, the present prior.
Brother Leovigild Brucker, who died at Herman September 10, 1893, served
in the Prusso-Austrian war of 1866. For seventeen years he was the chief cook,
physician, gardener and baker of the Monaster}-. Father Schuerman, the archi-
tect, was chaplain of a Prussian regiment in 1870—71, and won the " Iron Cross."
CHURCH HISTORY.
St. Mary's Catholic church may be said to have a history contemporary with
the settlement of Catholic pioneers in Summit township. Before they were
numerous enough to maintain a church, they were visited by priests from sur-
rounding parishes, and had religious services in their homes. The first baptism
in the township was that of Catherine Weiland, daughter of Nicholas and Eliza-
beth (Schmidt) Weiland, the rite being administered June 7. 1846. From that
date down to the present there have been over 1,200 baptisms registered. The
marriages solemnized here in 1N40 were those of John Sander and Margaret
Xrunes : Bernard Gallagher and Susanna Weiland; Joseph Eberle and Ursuline
SUMMIT TOWNSHIP. 5O3
Flick; John Wolfgang and Maria Hoepfel, and Lucas Schuler and Maria
Altmeica.
In 1 S4 1 a chapel was erected, but it was not until 18&6 that the bishop
appointed a resident priest. In 1803 the building was enlarged. At various
times since it has been remodeled, and is now one of the most beautiful houses of
worship in the diocese. In 1889 the old windows were replaced with beautiful
stained glass, and the spire, 170 feet in height, completed. The interior of the
building reminds one of the chapels of mediaeval days. Its altars, statuary, paint-
ings and frescoes, as well as its stained glass windows, all combine in producing
a singularly beautiful effect, and the beholder is impressed with the artistic har-
mony existing between the interior architecture and the decorations. The church
is practically one of the buildings of the Monastery, and completes the Gothic
group. For nearly half a century the priests and people of St. Mary's church
have labored to produce an institution worthy of their faith, and they have suc-
ceeded.
The names of the older members of this parish are as follows : Andrew
Becker, Nicholas Bleichner, J. Berninger, P. Burkbichler, Nicholas Baer, M.
Bleichner. N. Bleichner, L. Bleichner, Joseph Diebold, Jacob Dausch, Francis
and Michael Eichenlaub, W. Eichenlaub, P. Eisenminger, J. Frankle, Andrew
Fleck, Bartholomew Ganter, J. Gallagher. P. Gallagher, P. Greilich, D. Holler,
John Heim, M. and Jacob Hoffman, W. Krebs, M. Kobe!, Philip Klus, Chris-
topher Krecher, Joseph Knittel, B. Litsch, M. A. Malschein, Valentine Muller,
Wendelin Nebel, J. and Wendelin Ott, Martin Ober, Joseph Reyman, Francis
and Nicholas Riott. Sr. , Jacob and Nicholas Riott, Joseph Rohm, Michael
Rheinhard, Michael and John Spohn, Joseph Schehl, B. Schehl, Charles Seibert,
J. Schuh, D. and A. Schwebel, G. Schwebel, P. Schmidt. J. Schneider, A.
Spohn, Herman .Schmidt. Albinus Yogel, Charles Wernert and L. and J. Wei-
land. Other names have been added to the list of members since 1846, but these
show very fully who were the founders of St. Mary's. The congregation now
embraces thirty English and Irish families, and 100 German and French families,
making an aggregate of (J70 persons.
The following pastors have presided over the church : Father Robert
Kleinadam, 1846; Father Schmaltzbauer, 1847 ; Father Hespelin, C. S. R.. 1849;
Father Neuber, 1850; Father Gostencnik. 1851-52 ; Father Tamchina, 1851-52;
Father Gezowsky, 1853; Father Grimmer, 1853-59; Father Christy, 1859; Father
Geyerstanger, O. S. B., 1859-60; Father Langenf elder, O. S. B., 1860-61 ; Father
Lambert, O. S. B.. 1861-66; Father Raphael. O. S. B., 1866-70; Father Nei-
mann, O. S. B., 1870-73; Father Hoch, O. S. B.. 1873-75; Father Lingel,
1875-76; Father Matthew Hau, O. M. Cap., 1876-78; Father Mauritius Greek,
O. M. Cap., 1878-81; Father Franciscus Wolff, O. M. Cap.. 1881-84 ; Father
Joseph Calasanctius Mayershofer, 1884-88; Father Joseph Anthony Geigel-
mayer, O. M. Cap.. 1888-91 ; Father Felix M. Lex, O. M. Cap., and the present
pastor, Father Charles Speckert. who has been in charge since August, 1894.
Branch Number ISO, CM. B. A., instituted in February, 1894. is one of the
societies connected with the church at Herman station. It' was organized by
District Deputy Bernard Kemper, with P. G. Nash, chancellor; J. W. Sullivan,
5O4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
president : 1'. H. Dugan and John Wall, vice-presidents; M. J. Clark, secretary;
J. M. Molanphy, treasurer; T. McCoster, marshal, and J. A. Jacobs, guard.
.S7. Mary's Cemetery was established in March, 1845, Eli/.abeth Eichenlaub,
who was buried on the 11th of that month, being the first person to be interred
therein. Martin Knitted, a boy, was also buried that year. In 1846 Margaretta
Knitted, and in 1S47 Joannes Schug, Francis Schneider, William Eichenlaub,
George Koebel, Jacob Schmidt, Barbara Riott and Joannes Bergbichler were
buried here. The church was then attended by secular priests, but the records of
the church and cemetery are now in possession of the prior of St. Mary's, who is
rector of the parish.
Zion German Lutheran Church was organized Ma}' 3, 1S77, with the fol-
lowing members of the Lutheran society of Butler: Ludwig Risch, Jacob,
George, A. J. and A. M. Frederick, Johann and August Felges, Heinrich Grue-
nert, H. and Johann Binsack, C. F. ( )ertel, J. A. and Andrew Knaus, Adam
Rettig, Sr., Adam and Louis Rettig. John Hensmel and Charles F. Smith. Rev.
F. Wilhelm was the pastor from the organization until 1891, when he was ap-
pointed superintendent of the Concordia Orphans' Home, as related in the history
of Jefferson township. Rev. II. G. Schwagmeyer, the present pastor, assumed
charge in June. 1892. The congregation is made up of sixty communicants,
eighteen of whom are voting members. Services were first held in the German
school-house, erected under the communal agreement of April 14, 1876. In 1880
a new building, thirty-two by sixty feet in floor area, was erected at a cost of
$1,800. It is now the place of worship of the congregation.
VILLAGE GROWTH.
Bonny Brook is the pretty and poetical name that was given to the oldest
village settlement in the township. It was here, around what was afterwards
known as Brinker's Mills, that the Rays, Scotts, Mitchells, McCurdvs, Smiths
and others of the early pioneers built their cabins, before a mail carrier knew of
the existence of Butler county. A postoffice was established here a few years
after Abraham Brinker moved out from the town of Butler and named Brinker's
Mills. How often it was disestablished and re-established is nut known. In
1868, however, it became Bonny Brook, with Henry Gumpper, the general mer-
chant, as postmaster. Gumpper's store was afterwards burned, and the people
were again without a postoffice until 1876, when Charles Smith was appointed
postmaster at Herman.
Herman Station, the successor of Bonny Brook, is now the principal village
of the township. In 1880 Albert Smith, who, in bv77, purchased the hotel,
built in 1875, by Charles Garlach, succeeded Charles Smith as postmaster at
Herman. The great wells of the Herman field, noticed in the chapter on the
" Butler Oil Field," have not, thus far, tended to increase the population or mer-
cantile interests of the village. In February, IS1,)!, the Dittmer store and railroad
depot, and the old Herman House, with a few other buildings, constituted the
town: while the new village of Great Melt, a short distance southeast, in Jefferson
township, boasted of two stores, a railroad depot, a creamery, a hotel and a num-
ber of private residences. Between Herman and Great Belt there is a city of
DONEGAL TOWNSHIP. 505
derricks, where the walking beams move day in and day out. The celebrated
Eichenlaub and Wolff farms, as well as other oil producing tracts, are here, so that
there is no reason why the two villages should not take on the airs of little oil
towns. The Monastery buildings on the hill, above Herman, now equal in
extent all the trade and dwelling houses of the several railroad villages between
Butler and Freeport, with Coylesville, Hannahstown, Leasureville and Sarvers-
ville added.
CHAPTER XLII.
DONEGAL TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Physical Charcteristics — Coal Deposits — Pioneers and Pioneer
Industries — Statistics and Justices— Schools and Teachers — St. Patrick's
Parish — The Old Log Church — St. Patrick's Cemetery — Lutheran and Pri-
vate Cemeteries— Villages.
THE original township of Donegal was erected in 1M>4, out of the original
Buffalo township. On November 11, 1846, Matthew Dugan, William Mc-
Cafferty and James Dunlap were appointed to change the lines (if this and the
new township of Fairview. In the general re-subdivision of 1854, Donegal
township was reduced to its present area. It is one of the oldest settled town-
ships of the county, and was a banner farming district until it became part of the
famous oil field of this locality. With the exception of the valley of the Big
Buffalo and its feeders, its conformation belongs to that known as the Lower
Barren Measures. The elevation at or near St. Joe is 1,430 feet above ocean
level, or S57 above the level of Lake Erie, and all lands not in the valleys ap-
proach the 1,400 feet level. A good quality of fire clay is found in several
places, with kaolin and other commercial clays and rocks. In the neighborhood
of Millerstown, west and south, outcrops tell of the presence of Brush Creek
coal, particularly in the Forquer and Conway mines, where the dip is northerly.
The Upper Freeport coal, though generally poor, laminated stuff, was found to be
valuable in the George Rogers bank, while unprofitable in the O'Brien bank. In
other places it is a mere slatey coal, not as good as that mined on the Dugan
farm early in the century. On the eastern border, a well owned by II. L. Wes-
termann produced a natural refined oil, which he used for illuminating purposes
in his Millerstown store. Donegal as an oil field is fully described in a preceding
chapter, where the history of her great oil and gas wells is given.
506 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
PIONEERS.
The first settlement within the limits of the township was made by James
Hemphill, who came in 1704 and selected the tract of land on which the village
of Millerstown was afterwards laid out. In 1795 Jacob Barnhart, Sr., settled on
the tract now known as the Reep farm, three miles east of Millerstown. and in
1707 his sons Andrew and Peter joined the settlement. The White Oak church
cemetery is on this tract, and the first burial was William Barnhart. a son of
Jacob, Sr. In the same year (1795) Adam Hemphill settled on 400 acres of
land adjoining his brother James Hemphill's tract on the west. This little band
was soon followed by 'Others, among whom were John Forquer and Patrick Mc-
Elroy, who were cousins, and who settled southwest of Millerstown; Charles
DufTv who came in 1796, from Westmoreland county; John Gillespie, a native
of Ireland, and Moses Hanlen, the grandson of an Irishman, who came in the
same year. John Slator was also among the early settlers.
Most of the pioneers, as the names given indicate, were either natives of Ire-
land, or the descendants of Irishmen, the majority of them coming from Donegal
county, Ireland. They embraced, besides those already named, such well-known
families as the Dugans, McCues, O'Donnells, Boyles, McFaddens, Blacks, Hag-
gertys, Stewarts. Malonevs, McClungs, Breadens and Hunters. They, with the
Barnharts, Wolfords, Pontius, Slators, Sandersons and Hartmans are to lie cred-
ited with pioneer honors. In the biographical sketches and the sketches of the
churches outside of Millerstown the names of nearly all of the first settlers appear.
Many of them are also mentioned in connection with the Millerstown churches
and industries. The greater number arrived here before a clearing was made in
the forest, and assisted in the work of transforming the wilderness into fruitful
and productive fields, and in giving the township high rank as the home of an
industrious, enterprising and progressive people. Many of the early settlers were
great hunters and many stories are told of their extraordinary prowess and hair-
breadth escapes.
The distillery established by James Hemphill prior to 1803, and the Lasher
mill, built in 1805, were the first industries; but as they were located on the site
of Millerstown, the3r are referred to more fully in the history of the borough.
Gabriel Pontius, who came hereabout 1803, established a pottery on his farm in
1805, which was carried on by him for many years, his son, Solomon, assisting
in the work in later days. Dishes, bowls, pitchers, smoking pipes, etc., were
manufactured. A large barn is built on the site of the old pottery. In 1805 a
little grist-mill was established at Millerstown, but there was no saw-mill nearer
than Butler.
It is related that during the building of the old St. Patrick's church, in the
Sugar creek neighborhood, in 1806, Patrick and Charles Duffy hauled boards
from the saw mill at Butler to that point. There was not a road by which they
could travel, and hence they were compelled to arrange the load, just as the
Crees and Esquamayans of the far Northwest do to-day. Lashing the ends of
a few boards at each side of their pack horse and leaving the other ends to trail
on the ground, they built up a load of lumber and started on their ten mile trip
DONEGAL TOWNSHIP. S°7
along the trail to Sugar creek. To the modern man, who has not experienced
the trouble and disappointments of freighting lumber after this crude fashion,
the sacrifices of those pioneers are an unknown quantity. The pack saddle and
horse, troublesome at their best, are almost ungovernable when converted into a
motor for trailing boards from mill ; so that the adventures of that day's journey,
in 1806, speak in themselves of the physical character of the pioneers and their
overmastering faith in good works.
STATISTICS AND JUSTICES.
The population of the original township in 1810 was (371 ; in 1820,960; in
1830, 1,085, and in 1840, 1,015. Late in 1840 its territory was considerably
reduced, so that when the census enumerators appeared in 1850 they found a
population of 1,174. The re-subdivision of 1*54 placed Donegal within its present
limits. In 1860 the number of inhabitants was 900; in 1870, 852; in 1880
(including Millerstown's 1,108 inhabitants), 3,564, and in 1890 1,017, exclusive
of Millerstown's population. The number of children of school age enumerated
in 1893 was 429, made up of 228 males and 201 females. The total revenue for
school purposes in 1893 was $5,259.52, of which the sum of $1,699.86 was appro-
priated by the State. The assessed valuation in January, 1894, was $262,226;
the county tax $1,049.00, and the State tax $272.45.
The justices of the peace for Donegal township from 1840 to 1894 are named
as follows: John F. Wiles, 1840; William T. Jamison. 1840; James A. Gibson,
1845; Matthew Dugan, 1845; William Hanlen, 1846; John Byers, 1849 and
1854; Denis Boyle, 1851; Hugh McKeever, 1857 and 1802; Solomon Pontius.
1857, 1862, 1872, 1877, 1882, 1887 and 1892; Michael McGinley, 1867 and 1872;
Solomon Fleeger, 1868; Peter H. Gillespie, 1877: F. C. Flannigan, 1 > ->i > : Hugh
McFadden, 1885 and 1890, and David Kellerman, 1894.
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
In the history of Clearfield township, a reference is made to a school-house
near the present south line of Donegal, and again, in the general chapter on
Schools, something is said on the question showing that it was the first care of
the pioneers to provide instruction for their children. In the history of Millers-
town, the efforts of the villagers of the "Forties,'' to have a school-house for
their children are noticed. To-day, there are nine district schools, exclusive of
Millerstown, the teachers, in January, 1894, being Katie Coyle, Ella Smith,
Maggie Miller, Katie McMahon, Clara Barkley, Annie Farnen, H. T. Young,
Lottie Taylor and Katie Black. The directors for the year ending February.
1894, were George Frederick, Joseph O'Donnell, S. I. Pontius, Francis Slator,
C. H. McGuire and D. Goldinger.
st. Patrick's parish.
In June, 1804, a short historical sketch of the Church in Butler county was
contributed to the pages of The Catholic, of Pittsburg, by the late Peter Duffy,
a son of one of the leading pioneer* of the county and himself a pioneer. In be-
508 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ginning his subject he says : "I shall state some facts in relation to an old
church and an old congregation in this vicinity, which, if they do not settle the
question of its being the first church west of the Alleghenies, may end in the
solution of it." Then casting aside the great missionaries of the French Colonial
period, he begins with the victory of a man of his own race — Anthony Wayne — ■
over the Indians in 1704, and the crossing of the Allegheny by the pioneers in
17'."'. In 1801 the Rev. Father Langan. the first English speaking priest known
to have crossed the Allegheny, held a station on Buffalo creek, in Butler county,
within a few miles of where St. Patrick's church now stands. Thither the pious
settlers of the wilderness hastened with their children, and there large numbers
were baptized in the old faith, and among them was he who lived to write the
sketch of the church in 1864. After Father Langan had stamped his name on
the history of the location, a Father Helbrun visited the mission, and as he was
lector of the older church in Westmoreland county — near where the great monas-
tery now stands — he repeated the visit, and again came among the faithful people
on the new frontier.
In 1806 Rev. Father Whelan, who had known some of the pioneers before
their removal from former homes, arrived, and meeting his old friends, all joined
in the purchase of land on Sugar creek, in Armstrong county, adjoining the line
of Butler, and in building a church and residence thereon near the present building
dedicated to St. Patrick. In 1810 the first resident priest hade farewell to the
congregation. In 1811 Rt. Rev. Dr. Egan, bishop of Philadelphia, accompanied
by Father O'Brien, visited the mission and confirmed many. From that date to
1820 Father O'Brien, Father Maguire and Father McGirr visited St. Patrick's at
intervals ; but the resolution to send a resident priest there was not carried into
effect until 1821, when Rev. Charles Ferry arrived. He made an enumeration
of his flock, and found 14(1 Catholic families in a territory thirty miles square,
all of whom claimed to belong to the old congregation of St. Patrick. Reverend
P. O'Xeill succeeded' Father Ferry in 1826, and he was succeeded by Father P.
Raffertv,who resided at Freeport. Father Kenrick, later archbishop of St. Louis,
visited tin- church in 1837, and the »;ime year Rev. 1. Cody came to Sugar creek
as resident pastor. In 1 SG4, when Mr. Duffy's chronicle closes, lie was pastor of
the parent parish, and his people the owners of a substantial church building and
parochial residence erected under his superintendence.
Old St. Patrick's was (hen the mother church of the ten parishes since
created inside the old limit of thirty miles square. At Kittanning, Freeport,
Butler, Oakland and Murrinsville, church buildings marked the progress of the
Catholic religion, while in Clearfield were two churches and at Brady's Bend
two, making ten parishes, each having a resident pastor. In June, 1864,
the total Catholic population was placed at about 7,000. Mr. Duffy's injunction
in the matter of the old log church : " Preserve that venerable old church; per-
mit no vandal hand to take a chip or a block from it; place a slab over the door
and on it inscribe, ' Erected in 1806 by Rev. Father Whelan,' " is not yet carried
into effect. The resident priests since 1864 are named as follows: Revs. J. B.
O'Connor, 1864; John O'G. Scanlan, 1S65 ; James P. Tahaney, 1866; P. S.
Herman. \^72 : Thomas Fitzgerald, 1,s7l' ; P. M. Doyle, 1873; Jeremiah Calla-
DONEGAL TOWNSHIP. 50Q
han, 1876; P. J. Quilter, 1876; John T. Burns, 1889, and John O'Callahan, the
present pastor, who came in 1889.
The following roll shows the heads of families belonging to St. Patiick's
congregation, all residents of Butler county in 1803: Patrick Bovle, Archibald
Black, Eleanor Coyle, John Coyle, Matthias Cypher, Mary Ann Cypher, Michael
Carvan, Peter Croosiks, James Denny, Hugh Dugan, Michael Dugan, Thomas
Dugan, Denis Dugan, Neil Dugan, Andrew Dugan, John Durneigh or Durney,
George Dougherty, John Duffv, John Empich, Edward Ferry, John Forquer,
John Gillespie, Hugh Gillespie. John Gallagher, Peter Gallagher, Hugh Galla-
gher, Robert Hanlen, William Hanlen, Sr., Moses Hanlen (buried in the old city
cemetery at Butler) , Robert Harkins, William Hanlen. Jr., Charles Hunter,
Jacob Harshman, Thomas Hagertv, Xoble Hunter. Patrick Lafferty, John
McGinley, Patrick McBride, Charles McCue, Patrick McLaughlin, Neil Murray,
Daniel McCue, Hugh McElroy (a friend of Washington). Neil McLafferty.
Manus McFadden, John McGee, Dominick O'Cull, Patrick O'Farren, Connell
and Dennis O'Donnell, Arthur O'Donnell, Connell Rogers, Charles Sweeney,
Jeremiah Callahan, Patrick Fitzsimmons, John O'Hara. David Boyle, Francis
Boyle, Edward Burns, James Burns, Charles Duffy (who lived on the Donegal-
Clearrield line), Daniel Dougherty, John Green, Philip Hartman (a soldier of the
Revolution), Bernard Hagen, Bernard McGee, Hugh McGee, Jr.. Edward
Quinn, John Quinn, Joseph Bleakney. William Collins. John Conley, James
Hagerty, Patrick McAnally, Daniel McDade, Hugh Murrin, James Murrin,
William McLaughlin, and, it is said. John Slator, a soldier of the Revolution.
The great majority of these pioneers resided within the original township of
Donegal ; but, as its territory was reduced by the establishment of new town-
ships, so was the number of the resident Catholics in Donegal — the two churches
of Butler, the three of Oakland, St. John's of Clearfield, St. Mary's of Summit,
the church at Millerstown, that at Petrolia and that at Murrinsville. with other
churches in adjoining counties, claiming many of the grand-children of the
pioneers.
The log church of 1806 stands in the cemetery, below the present building.
The logs are dovetailed at each corner and the interstices, between them, are
filled with short pieces of oak set in mortar milde of clay and straw. The open
roof is constructed of rafters made of eight-inch oak trees, each set rudely
matched and fastened with a wooden pin, instead of resting against a ridge-pole,
as in modern buildings. On these rafters wide boards were nailed and to the
boards the shingles are fastened. The gables above the top of the walls are
sheathed with narrow oak boards, as often seen now in the pediments of the
modern Queen Ann cottage. Within, the walls are heavily plastered with yel-
low clay, held together with straw. The interior of roof and gables are washed
with lime, and the wall, above and in the rear of the little wooden altar, was
papered with a small pattern of gilt wall paper, a remnant of which remains.
The windows are long rather than high, so as to obviate cutting the logs, four
lighting each side. The entrance is wide but low. From the left of this entrance
there is a fairly built stairway leading to the floorless gallery. The rude, hewn
oak joists of the nave are now exposed, the puncheon floor having long since dis-
5IO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
appeared. The confessional which stood on the right of the altar down to a few
years ago, has disappeared, as well as the little vestry which occupied the space
on the opposite side. The altar remains, a reminder of the days when the English
speaking Catholics first gathered to worship God west of the Allegheny.
The church just described was superseded in 1841 by a large building erected
under the supervision of Father Cody on the summit of Church Hill. It was
burned in 1872. Pending the erection of the present building, mass was cele-
brated in the old log church.
The present church was erected in 1876 by Father Quilter. It is a Norman-
Gothic structure in brick, with Norman tower. The high altar, the stained glass
windows, the fine pipe organ, the stations of the cross, and the frescoes speak of
the generosity of St. Patrick's congregation in preparing a temple worthy of the
Master.
CT-METERIES.
St. Patrick's Cemetery. — The broken headstone over James Denny's grave
tells of his burial here in March, 1811. The same year, Rody McCue was
interred, and the cemetery was really established. The list of early interments
here includes the following named old settlers : Hannah McCue, 1815 : Michael
Redd, 1817; Miles McCue, 1820; George Dougherty, 1822; John Meehan, 1825;
M. McSweenev, 1827; Michael Maloney, 1827; Thomas Dugan, 1827; Pat-
rick Maloney, 1828; John Gillespie, 1832; Mark McLafferty, 1829: Peter
McLaughlin, 1834; Anna, wife of M. McLaughlin, 1834 ; Mrs. James Denny,
1835; Patrick McLaughlin, 1835; Marcus McLaughlin, 1836, aged ninety-two ;
Nancy Dougherty, 1836; John McLaughlin, 1836 ; Sophia Redd, 1836, aged
eighty-two; Margaret Brady, 1837; Margaret McCue, 1839 ; Mary McBride,
1841, and Patrick Boyle, 1841. They were interred in front of the log church,
prior to the completion of the second building. Hundreds of monuments tell of
the birth and death of pioneers and old settlers. The beautiful new granite in
front of the church speaks of Father Cody's birth, at Kilkenney, Ireland, in 1791,
and of his death here, August 7, 1871. The tine pillar in the cemetery, erected
to Patrick Dorsey and his children, the Brownfield monument and the Hartman
monument are creditable works in granite and marble.
The Lutheran Cemetery, on theold Andrew Barnhart farm, near the Pontius
settlement, and close to the Fairview line, speaks of many of the pioneers and old
settlers of the Millerstown district. There a church stood at one time, and for
fully fifty years it was the Mecca of local Lutheran worshipers. A sketcli of it
will be found in the chapter on Fairview township.
A private cemetery is situated on the hill-top, above Maloney's Corners.
There Bernard Boyle was interred in 1S47; Michael Maloney. in 1856, aged
eighty-seven years; Nancy Johnston, in 1853, and others whose graves are not
marked by monuments. A mausoleum was built here, by one of the Duffys,
which is now crumbled. In 1S94 the trees were removed and an ornamental
iron fence constructed.
DONEGAL TOWNSHIP. 5 I I
VILLAGES.
Si. Joe may be said to date its beginning to July 8, 1874, when a 200-bar-
rel well answered the enterprise of the drillers, on the Joseph Graham farm, near
where Joseph H. Graham settled in 1837. A few days after the first house was
erected on the town site, and by the middle of September, 1874, no less than 250
houses, of all kinds, were huddled together in the new village, including Reiber's
opera house, while in and round it stood oil derricks, like the towers of some
ancient walled town. In November, following, fire swept away the greater num-
ber of houses, including the telegraph office just established there ; but before the
close of the year, the ground was again covered with frame dwellings, business
concerns and shanties. Sundry small fires and time have blotted out the old
buildings, with few exceptions. The hotel, erected by Christian Orr. and con-
ducted for some time by Mr. Graham, and the opera house close by, are stern
reminders of the days when men were glad to pay high prices for food and
shelter at St. Joe. The old Durham store was burned July 31, 1890, and imme-
diately after Joseph H. Graham erected the present mercantile house. A post-
office was established at St. Joe in June, 1877, with W. M. Durham postmaster.
On December 10, 1890, Mr. Graham was appointed postmaster. He built his
residence, in 1881, on the site of the old J. W. Miller store and is to-day the
successor of the old merchants — J. W. Miller, Risner Brothers and Myers >.V
Company. There were forty-rive wells in the St. Joe district in July, L885,
yielding 1,075 barrels per month. To-day there are several producers in the
vicinity, though small compared with the old wells of 1874—79, but yet yielding
enough to bring profit to their owners.
Plummer, three miles from Millerstovvn, was founded in September, 1874,
and without ceremony introduced itself as a little center of oil production, com-
merce, oilmen and derricks.
Danville, a mile distant from St. Joe, dates back to the summer of 1N74.
Smaller and less business like than its neighbor, it was a place where the oil man
could play hide-and-go-seek among the derricks and indulge in less healthv exer-
cise at will.
Greet- is the name of the North Oakland station on the narrow guage rail-
road, which runs through Donegal township. It contains a post-office established
in April, 1880, with C. D. Wilbur, who opened a store there in 1879 with
H. S. Cate, as postmaster. Mr. Cate, who is running a general store in the place
at present, succeeded Mr. Wilbur as postmaster in 1883.
Rattigan, four miles southeast of Millerstown, was the name conferred on a
new village in June, 1886, when Humphrey Friel was appointed postmaster. In
October of that year, Friel summarily closed the office and ordered the mail to
be delivered at Millerstown ; so that for some time the district was without post-
office privileges. F. A. Griffin was then appointed postmaster,' and has since
transacted the Federal business within his general store.
CHAPTER XLIII.
MILLERSTOWN BOROUGH.
Derivation of Name — First Settlers — Physical Characteristics— Population —
Early Business Interests — Later Growth and Development— Hotels— Busi-
ness Companies and Corporations— Fires and Fire Companies— Postmasters
and Justices — Borough Councils — Schools — Churches and Cemeteries —
Secret Societies— Conclusion.
MILLERSTOWN derives its name from the fact that a little grist-mill was
erected on its site in 1805 by Abraham Lasher. This mill changed
owners a number of times before 1836, in which year it and about 150 acres of
adjacent land, located in 1794 by James Hemphill, was purchased by Philip
Barnhart, who had the tract surveyed into town lots under the name of Millers-
town. The location was then virtually a part of the wilderness. In order to
avoid a conflict with the rules of the postoffice department, which prohibited two
offices of the same name in any one State, the postoffice was named Barnhart's
Mills, in honor of the Barnhart family. In the sale of lots Manassas Gillespie
acted as auctioneer, announcing at the beginning of the sale that to him who
would build the first house the price of his lot would be remitted. Daniel Barn-
hart accepted this offer, and building on the lot where the Westermann store now
stands, was given a deed for the property. Philip Barnhart exhibited his enter-
prise and faith in the new town by tearing down the old mill and erecting near
its site a new and improved one.
The history of the site before the laying out of the town is as follows : James
Hemphill, a surveyor, and in after years known far and wide as a fearless hunter,
came in 1794, in company with Rudolph Barnhart, from Westmoreland county
to Butler county in search of homes. After visiting the vicinity of Butler and
failing to find suitable locations, they took their way into what is now Donegal
township. Here Hemphill finally selected a tract of 430 acres of land, on which
the village of Millerstown was afterwards laid out. Barnhart selected a tracts
near the site of Karns City, now known as the Kinkaid farm, on which he made
a small clearing. In the fall they both went back to Westmoreland county for
the winter. In the spring of 1795 they again returned to Butler county, accom-
panied by Jacob Barnhart, Sr., Jacob Barnhart, Jr., and Adam and John Hemp-
hill, brothers of James Hemphill. Rudolph Barnhart then abandoned his first
tract and settled on one directly northwest of the James Hemphill tract, located
the year before. John Hemphill settled north and Adam Hemphill west of the
James Hemphill location. The other settlers in the immediate neighborhood
were Jacob Barnhart, Jr., who settled west of Rudolph Barnhart, John Forquer,
who settled south of James Hemphill, the Dugans, south and west of Adam
Z*~^s-txJLM^u<
MILLERSTOWN BOROUGH. 513
Hemphill, and facob Barnhart, Sr., some three miles east of the Hemphills. In
1 T'.'T Philip and Daniel Barnhart, and Peter and Andrew Barnhart, joined the
settlement. In 1803 James Hemphill established a distillery on his land. This
is accredited with being the first manufacturing enterprise, the Lasher mill being
the second. They were the only manufacturing enterprises established until after
the town was laid out.
The little town prospered from the beginning, and the public spirit and
enterprise of the Barnhart family soon became apparent. The new addition, or
Bole's extension, as well as that portion of the town located on the hill above the
original town, and known as the " Grove," is on the tract originally owned by
John Hemphill, while that portion across the creek and west of the town — but
not in the borough — and known as the " West End,'" or, more generally, as
" Goosetown,'' is on the tract originally owned by Adam Hemphill. The Hemp-
hill cemetery, just south of of town, is on the tract owned by James Hemphill and
was either donated by himself or one of his descendants as a public burying
ground.
The town is situated on the Pittsburg and ^Yestern Narrow Guage railroad,
near the northern boundary line of Donegal township. The elevations above
the sea, range from 1,195 feet, railroad level, to 1,300 feet, the Third
sand of the oil field being 245 feet and the Fourth sand 320 feet below ocean level.
On the heights, above the town, a copious supply of fine water is found, while
the surrounding coal beds offer fuel in abundance. The gas for heating and
lighting purposes is piped from local wells, leaving the occupation of the coal
miner a precarious one. The streams forming the Buffalo creek drain the town,
and over their deep ravines, north and south, are the great wooden trestles of the
narrow gauge railroad. The population in 1870 was 207; in 1880, 1,108, and in
1890, 1,102.
EARLY BUSINESS INTERESTS.
The first manufacturing industry in the Millerstown neighborhood was
James Hemphill's distillery, already alluded to, which was a very small institu-
tion in 1803. The location has not been ascertained ; but the fact that a son of
James Hemphill established a distillery here in ls:',S, leads to the conclusion that
the original still was in the Barnhart settlement or near it. The distillery of
1838 was erected on the brow of the hill, near Mr. Hoch's dwelling and the Hoch
planing mill, and continued to manufacture whisky until 184(5.
The Lasher mill was erected on Buffalo creek, near the site of the present
mill, in 1805. Very primitive in its log walls, wheel and buhrs, it entered into
lively competition with the Neyman mill at the mouth of Bonny Brook, the Sal-
ver mill on Sarver's run, and the Cunningham mill at Butler, placing at the doors
of the pioneers of Donegal and Fairview an industry for which they waited
almost a decade. John Wick bought the little mill from Lasher; but sold it to
the pioneer distiller. James Hemphill, who carried it on until his death, when
Benjamin Fletcher became owner. Philip Barnhart purchased the property in
1836, razed the log building, and erected a much better mill. Henry Barnhart
next became owner, and he it was who introduced steam power. Mr. Bufford
514 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
carried on the industry for some time and then sold to Fetzer & Myers, who built
a new mill in 1869, remodeled the concern in 1884, introduced the roller process
later, and made it a modern flouring mill in every respect.
The brewery of 1849 was established by Martin Hoch and Martin Reiber,
in a building erected for them by J. D. Aldinger. The business was carried on
by them and afterwards by Martin and Gottlieb Hoch until 1858, when the latter
became sole proprietor. For twenty-six years Gottlieb Hoch carried on this
industry, erecting a new brewery where the Henry Sheffield dwelling now stands,
the old building being in fact a part of that dwelling house. Mrs. Catherine
Hoch, the executrix, sold the property to W. P. Turner, who sold it to Sheffield.
In the unpretentious cabin erected by Daniel Barnhart — the purchaser of the
first town lot — John F. Wiles, soon after the laying out of the town, exposed a
small stock of goods for sale, and inaugurated its mercantile life. Wiles after-
wards built fur himself on the opposite corner, and Andrew Barnhart opened a
bakery in the first building about the year 1843, and occupied it until his new
store was finished in 1848, when Martin Reiber established his business in the
abandoned building. John Smith preceded Reiber in trade, opening a stock of
goods in a building in the rear of Daniel Barnhart's pioneer store. In 1856 Henry
L. Westermann purchased the Reiber stock, building and ground, extended the
house and continued in business there until Ls79, when he was succeeded by his
sons, the present merchants. In 1847 John Jacob Frederick opened a blacksmith's
shop here, as successor of Peter Baker, and in 1849 the Hoch & Reiber brewery
was established. In 1857 or 1'858 Barnhart Frederick returned from .St. Louis,
Missouri, to Butler county, established a wagon shop, and subsequently a small
stock of notions and confectionery near where Titley's stable stands. Michael
Dieter established his tailor shop in 1859 and Seibert iS: Craig their wagon shop
in 1861. The hotels, mill and brewery, with the merchants and tradesmen
named, made up the business houses of the hamlet, when the alarm of Civil war
was sounded throughout the country.
From 1861 to 1873 Millerstown was a mere hamlet, dependent upon
the surrounding country for the success of its limited mercantile and manufac-
turing enterprises. In that year the discovery of oil in the Shreve well on the
Stewart farm, and the Lambing well on the Barnhart farm, introduced radical
changes and, within a short time, the little borough was transformed into a
bustling camp, filled with the festive warriors of oildom. To add to the
excitement of the times, Dr. Hunter established the first mystery in this field
on the McGinley farm; then came Divener Number 1, with its 1,000
barrels a day. The telegraph office rose from zero to be the third, in order of
receipts, within Pennsylvania: the wires carried extraordinary oily stories
throughout the world and Millerstown was filled with a population of 3,000,
sometimes increased to 7,000 or 8,000 individuals, with all the institutions of a
great oil field center. Much of the story of this period is related in the chapter
on the Butler Oil Field, where many of the wells and many of the operators rind
mention. The Millerstown Eastern Belt was opened in 1876 by " Centennial
Number 1." the property of II. L. Westermann, G. F. Fetzer and B. Frederick,
MILLERSTOVVN BOROUGH. 5 I 5,
and particularly bv Redd & McBride's 350 barrel "Great Leather," struck in
Tuly, 1S77. and Westermann's "Centennial Number 4.''
After the discovery of oil, in 1873, a new race of merchants appeared upon
the scene. A. H. Simpson built a store in June at the corner of Slippery Rock
and Depot streets, which he filled with hardware, stoves, sheet-iron and oil-well
supplies. Seymour & Little established at the same time a store at Iron City
and one where the Hays store now stands. They sold the Millerstown house in
1875 or 1870 to Mr. Simpson and moved the house from Iron City. The Lupher
and the Norton hardware stores were also started in 1873, as well as the Lock-
wood store at Iron City. Reed & Durant established a large hardware house
where Johnson's store now is. The Brenneman Brothers carried on a large lum-
ber business ; Peirce & Conant had the leading grocery, and R. P. Hoskins was
also in that business. H. L. Westermann carried on the principal general store,
while the Barnharts and Fredericks were also engaged in trade. Hirsh & O'Brien,
David Dale, William Larkin, Campbell & Murphy and II. L. Taylor & Company
were owners of large machine shops ; Siegel, now of Siegel & Cooper, of Chi-
cago, had the first exclusive dry goods store ; while S. F. Moestd established a
gent's furnishing and tailoring store in a large house near the present home of
Mr. Hoch, the upper floor being the office of the Producers' Protective Asso-
ciation.
The first attempt at journalism here was made by O. P. Jackson, who
launched the little Sand Pump in 1874, and carried it on for a short period.
Rev. A. S. Thorn established The Review in 1875, which was subsequently car-
ried on by Mrs. Thorn, in opposition to The Herald, founded by S. J. Small in
1876. In 1877 Peter A. Rattigan purchased the office and at once brought the
paper into prominence as a compendium of oil notes and county news. In this
office, such printers as W. C. Plummer worked at the case, while others, success-
ful in the trade, were also connected with it. including P. C. Bovle, manager of
the Oil City Derrick; J. W. Hopkins, foreman of the Pittsburg Post, and Harry
T. Rattigan, the present postmaster, who may be said to have been raised in
the Herald office.
Dr. Marks was the pioneer physician of the borough. Dr. McLaughlin and
Dr. Geddes followed, and in 1858 came Josiah McMichael. The physicians who
came in since the beginning of the Civil war are named as follows : Drs. S. D.
Bell, Gathers, Towler, T. W. Hopkins, T. I). McCaskey, Beatty, Patterson, Peck
J. B. Shovvalter, W. L. De Wolfe, J. L. Campbell, J. L. Axtell and G. D. Thomas.
All are named in the general chapter on the Medical Profession.
The first druggists were Samuel McBride, Harry Sanderson, of the Palace
store, Aldinger & Bole and Dr. Beatty. It is said that there were eighty
saloons in Millerstown in 1873. The notorious Ben Hogan had an opera house
here : restaurants were numerous and on hill and in valley all kinds of business
was carried on with extraordinary industry. During the ensuing years, W. P.
Braden's refinery of 1877. and other industries, were founded.
The merchants and manufacturers in 1894 are as follows: P. A. Bell &
Company, druggists; W. W. Bowen, grocery: Mrs. Brady, millinery; Campbell
& Murphy, machinists : Dr. W. L. De Wolfe, druggist : Michael Dieter, grocery:
5 1 6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
S. Frankle, clothier; P. G. Frederick & Company, lumber; J. T. T. Frazier,
variety store ; George Glass, grocery; Frank Grieff, market; Mrs. Harris, mil-
linery ; Iloch Brothers, hardware, etc; E. F. Hays, hardware, etc. ; E. M. Jen-
kins, (lour and feed; C. II. Johnson, hardware, harness, boots and shoes; H. C.
Litzinger, grocery ; W. J. Logan, grocery; J. L. McKee, druggist, successor of
C. D. Aldinger ; ]. C. Murtland, groceries; F. VV. Purucker, market; \V. E.
Redd, dry goods store ; F. Schweiger, boots and shoes ; Stone & Vandemark and
W. H. Westerman, machinists; II. Stahl, tailoring ; C. Scharbach, jewelry;
Seibert, Hoch & Company, planing mill; Catherine Teske, grocery; Wester-
mann Brothers, general merchants, and R. F. Westermann, gents' furnishings.
The Wiles House was the first tavern here. John F. Wiles, who removed
from the first building, on the site of the Westermann store, to a new one which
he erected on the site of the Central House prior to 1838, carried on a tavern in
connection with his grocery store. John McKi-son leased the premises from him
in the forties, but shortly after Simon R. Barnhart became owner and converted
the building into a grain warehouse and tenement, renting a few rooms to Mr.
Steck, a Lutheran minister. Later John Barnhart purchased the concern and
returned it to its original uses, keeping store and tavern there, until Martin Hoch
became owner in 1853. During the twenty succeeding years Mr. Hoch con-
tinued the hotel business. In 1873 he leased the lots to Dr. W. P. Book for ten
years at $1,200 per annum. In the same year Dr. Book erected a two-story frame
building, and commanded an immense trade until April 1, H74, when a fire
originated therein and destroyed the structure, as well as the lives of four human
beings, including Captain Oliver and the head porter. Dr. Book rebuilt at once,
making the new house a three-story one. which was burned in the great tire of
December 6, H77. when the property reverted to Martin Iloch.
The Gumpper tavern, opened by Gottlieb Gumpper in 1838, on the site of
the present Schrciber or Dolan House, may be considered the beginning of the
hotel system in Millerstown. though its contemporary, the Wiles tavern, was
fairly good. The house was a double log one, very crude without, and very
plainly furnished within. Notwithstanding these defects, the table was generally
loaded down with substantial food, and plenty of whisky from James Hemphill's
new distillery could be had for a trifle. Even then, forty-three years after the first
settlers located in the neighborhood, deer and other game were plenty, so that
Gumpper had little difficulty in providing his guests with rich meats which to-day
are looked upon as luxuries, and are seldom offered by the best houses. The
hotel was carried on by William Reiber in later days, escaped the tires of 1S74
and 1S75, but went up in smoke in 1S77. Zachariah Double built a frame in
1S77-7S on the site of the log house, which he rented to Adam Schreiber ; Camp-
bell & Johnson were the next landlords, and then John Dolan became owner. In
1884 the house was burned, and he built the present hotel.
The Campbell, or Glass House, was built for John Glassiin 1874, opposite
Depot street. Dean Cambpell, formerly proprietor of the Schrieber House, be-
came landlord in 1882 and called it the Campbell House. When John Harding
M1LLEKSTOWN BOROUGH. 517
bought the property, he carried it on untler the same name, until Perry
Smith became owner. lie rented the concern to Mrs. Pisor. who converted it
into a temperance house. Henry Shakelev was a tenant for a short time, and
Mrs. Rodders carried it on subsequently to the close of its hotel career.
The Central House was erected in 1S77-78 on the site of the burned Hook
Hotel, anil by April, 1878, two stores on Main street front were opened, one as a
tailoring house by B. Forst and the other as a wholesale liquor store by A. Mayer
& Company. In May the hotel was opened by Henry Lockhart, who carried it
on until the fall of 1883, when the Hoch Brothers took possession of the entire
building and continued the hotel therein, as well as established their hardware
business. The house is well furnished and admirably conducted. Exclusive of the
hardware and furniture stocks, there is a sum of over $20,000 invested in build-
ing and furnishings.
The Forquer House, formerly the Goodwin House, was built by M. Good-
win, on Slippery Rock street. Benjamin I. Forquer is the present owner of
ground and building. The fire of June 15, 1892, entailed heavy losses on the
owner, but he at once restored the building, improving it in every particular and
furnishing it anew. It is rated as a first-class house, and is undoubtedly well
managed.
The Hanlon House, built in April, 1873, by Joseph Hanlon, was burned.
April 1, 1.^74, when the business center of the town was destroyed. Two persons
lost their lives in that tire. On its site the building owned by John Dolan, and
occtipied by C. II. Johnson as a boot and shoe store, was erected.
Among other hotels established in the seventies the Galena House was
probably the best known. It stood on the present site of the Evans residence,
where The Review was published for a time. Mr. Core was the landlord. The
Belvidere, on Mill street, where George Callahan's house stands, was carried on
by John Krohmer. The Leopold House, where E. M. Jenkins' store is, was car-
ried on by C. Leopold. The Sink House, where C. H. Johnson's hardware store
is, was built by Mr. Sink and afterward sold to Henry Lockhart, who carried it
on for a time, next to the old Reed & Durant hardware store. The O'Brien
House stood where the Hays hardware store is. Mrs. McCabe had a large
boarding house on the corner of .Slippery Rock and Depot streets. Peter Heaton
had the Heaton House where Purucker's market is ; Thomas Goodwin ran a res-
taurant where the Titlev barn is, and Billy Reeves kept where Westermann's
shoe department stands.
BUSINESS COMPANIES AND CORPORATIONS.
The Miller stown Oil Exchange was organized in October. 1882, with Thomas
Dorsey, president ; Dr. S. D. Bell, vice-president ; Henry Lockhart. secretary:
Alexander H. Simpson, treasurer: A. E. Barnhart and C. D. Aldinger, auditors.
The exchange room was in the Central Hotel. About this time oil speculation
was rampant, and this exchange influenced occasionally the oil market of the
world. Of course, this extreme of business life could not last, and what made
fortunes for the members at one time wrecked many of them financially in
the end.
5 I S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The United Pipe Lines' Station was established in 1873, and for years ran
day and night. The capacity is about 250 barrels an hour. Two engines of
sixty horse-power each drive the suction and discharge pump. The receiving tank
has a capacity of 22,000 barrels, and in every particular the station is thoroughly
equipped. O. S. June is the district superintendent ; P. P. Shetler, foreman of
the station, and J. M. Bell, engineer and operator. A. D. Sutton is agent of the
National Transit Company, with office in Central Hotel.
The Afillerstoivn Saving's Bank Association was organized Tune 6, 1873,
with Charles Duffy, president; G. \V. Stoughton, vice-president ; J. C. Scott,
cashier; Andrew Barnhart, Martin Hoch, Henry L. Westermann, Charles Mc-
Candless, John M. Thompson and W. G. Stoughton, directors. The stockholders
were the foregoing officers, and Andrew Barnhart, Jacob and Henry Frederick, W.
H. H. Riddle. John G. Myers, B. B. Seibert and G. F. Fetzer. During the year
1874 John Walker was appointed cashier, anil he held that position until the
German National Bank was established.
The German National Bank was simply the reorganized Savings Bank,
established under a charter, dated May 1, 1875. In the busy oil days weekly
deposits averaged $300,000, and this institution was famous throughout the State
and well known in American banking circles. Charles J. Westermann was the
first teller, holding the position until 1880, when Henry J. Myers succeeded him.
He was promoted to cashier, and, when the bank went into voluntary liquida-
tion, in 1885, he was appointed liquidating officer by the National Bank Commis-
sion, an office he still holds.
The Millerstown Deposit Bank was organized in 1887 by John G. and
Henry J. Myers, with the latter as cashier, and Charles L. Myers, teller. It is the
successor of the old Savings Bank, is the only banking institution in northern
Butler, and does a good and safe business.
The Butler County Bank was organized in 1873, with John Satterfield,
who died in Paris, France, in April, 1S94. president ; George G. Stiles, cashier,
and II . J. Hoyt, teller, under the firm name of H. L. Taylor & Company. Six
years later, II. J. Hoyt took the place of Stiles, and E. C. Evans, who died in
April, 1894, was appointed teller. In 1880 Patrick and Thomas Dorsey, H. J.
Hoyt and others purchased the interests of H. L. Taylor & Company, and, on
August 1, of that year, assumed control, with Thomas Dorsey, president; H. J.
Hoyt, cashier, and C. A. Bailey, teller. With the stockholders named, were
Joseph Hartman, who succeeded to the presidency. A. H. Simpson and Owen
Brady. The bank was quite prosperous for several years, and finally II. J. Hoyt
purchased all the stock and became sole proprietor. He conducted it until Jan-
uary i".*, 1892. when he assigned to Francis Murphy, and business was suspended.
The National Building, Loan and Protective Association was organized in
November, 1890.
The Life, Protective Savings and Loan Association was organized in Feb-
ruary, 1<S'.I4, with H. C. Litzinger, president, and Henry J. Myers, secretary and
treasurer. There are at least eighteen local stockholders and the association <;'ives
every promise of being a valuable addition to the business interests of the
boroutrh.
MILLERSTOWN BOROUGH. 519
The Citizens Light and -Fuel Company was organized October 1, 1887, with
A. E. Barnhart, president; C. F. Peirce, vice-president; J. C. Gaisford, secre-
tary; H. J. Myers, treasurer; C. F. Peirce, H. C. Litzinger, C. J. Westermann,
W. A. Dennison, A. Fleeger, C. H. Johnson, J. W. Titley, A. A. Hoch and D.
B. Campbell, directors. The rates agreed upon were one dollar and a half for
the first stove, and one dollar for each additional stove. Though the company at
first suggested even lower prices, by October 1, 1888, it became evident that the
rates were too low to be profitable and the present schedule was agreed upon. In
February, 1888, the company's new well in Oakland township, 7,000 feet north
by west of North Oakland, proved an enormous gas reservior, at 1,105 feet in
the regular gas sand. The original well, the property of Dennison, Fleeger, Litz-
inger and others was also located in Oakland township. The company now own
five wells. The Keystone Gas Company, said to have been a Standard Oil Com-
pany plant, supplied the borough, prior to 1887, or until its interests were pur-
chased by the new company. Mr. Barnhart was succeeded as president by A.
Fleeger in 1888; W. A. Dennison served in 1889-1890-1891 and A. Fleeger
from 1892 to 1894. J. C. Gaisford has served as secretary- from the beginning.
The company operates twelve miles of three-inch main outside of the borough
limits, and five miles of two and three-inch main in the borough. There are 475
stoves and grates supplied and 350 lights. The company is composed of seventeen
stockholders.
The Chestnut Hill Stock Farm, which now occupies the fair ground-., was
established in 1890. when the Titley Brothers erected a large stable or barn near
the entrance, and introduced such famous Tennessee horses, as Hal Braden, Star
Pointer and Grandview. In the spring of 1894 they had quartered there, Star
Pointer and Grandview, stallions; Belle Brooks, Lottie, Mollie Amis, Lady
Brooks, Bulah T. and Bulah, brood mares; Brooklet, a two-year old and a number
of promising colts. On the Titley farm are thirteen head of registered Jersey cat-
tle, including Michael Angelo Pogus, fiom the Sibley farm, and Jim Kifer. from
the Mc Bride farm.
FIRES AND FIRE COMPANIES.
The great fire of April 1, 1 S 7 4 , resulted in the lo>s of six human lives and
the destruction of property valued at $200,000, on which there was but $64,000
insurance. The fire originated in the Book House, which occupied the site of
the present Central Hotel — or rather in the jewelry store beneath, carried on by
Fred. Schaup. It extended to the Reiber Hotel, on the north, and to the creek,
on the south. In May the rebuilding of the burned district — Slippery Rock and
Main streets — was rapidly carried forward. By the middle of September the
town boasted of 2,500 inhabitants, while 150 derricks could be seen from the
reservoir.
The fire of April 11, 1875, swept down the west side of Main street, destroy-
ing, among other buildings, the McKinney Brothers, the Galey and S. McBride
stores and the German National Bank, with Talmo's paint and oil store, and Ben
Hogan's Opera House, which stood where A. E. Barnhart's dwelling now stands.
The fire of December Ij. 1S77, originated in C. F. Aldinger's tobacco store,
520 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and destroyed twenty-eight buildings, entailing a loss of about $120,000. The
east side of Main street, to which the fire was confined, may be said to have been
wiped out. The Book House, erected after the lire of 1874, at a cost of $20,000,
the Schrieber House, erected in the summer of 1877, the Barnhart-Frederick
building, and all the houses between the two hotels named, were swept away.
On Kittanning street and Mill street, a few houses were torn down to prevent
the spread of the tire, but the embers from the burning district carried destruc-
tion with them to dwelling and business houses on the streets named, while, on
the west side of Main street, considerable damage was done to stocks and build-
ings. To the assistant chief of the fire department and a stranger, who was
present, the stoppage of the tire at the Scharbach building must be credited.
The fire of July 2<i, 1884, was a reminder of the fire of 1S74, when six
human beings were burned; of the fire of 1875, when a number of buildings fell
before the flames, and of that of ls77, when the whole town was threatened. The
tire of 1SS4 originated in B. Frederick's dry-goods store, and was not checked
until the flames threatened the Herald office. Frederick's building, John Dolan's
building — or the Schrieber hotel — Aldinger's dwelling. Odd Fellows' hall,
Pring's harness shop and dwelling, A. Henshew's dwelling, the Misses McCarthy
tS: Byrnes millinery store and other buildings were destroyed.
The fifth great tire at Millerstown, June 15, IS'.'-, resulted in the destruction
of twenty-five houses and much damage to seven more. All the buildings on
each side of Slippery Rock street, from the Forquer House toward the railroad,
may be said to have been reduced to ashes, while the Westermann and Dr.
DeWolfc stores and the Forquer House were damaged. In May, 1894, a few
vacant lots, showing unmistakable evidences of this conflagration, were vetawait-
ing the builders' enterprise.
After the first great fire a department was organized here and raised to a
high point of efficiency. It fell to pieces and made way for a new company of
fireman, who were uniformed and equipped for any emergency. That also was
disorganized, and later associations have been very transient affairs. In 1,^77
John G. Myers was chief and P. A. Rattigan assistant chief of the depart-
ment. The re-organization of the old tire company was effected in April,
1891, when H. J. Myers was chosen president; \V. VV. Grossman, vice-
president ; ]. |. Westermann, secretary; O L. Myers, treasurer; J. G.
Myers, chief, and William E. Lackey, assistant chief of the department.
Adam Schultz was foreman; C. A. Wagner, assistant foreman; Fred Damn,
W. W. Campbell, W. B. Byers and W. W. Grossman, nozzlemen, and
1'. (i. Frederick, W. J. Logan, Joseph Kessler and C. L. Myers, connection-
men. This new tire company went t lie way of the old ones; but undeterred by
failures, another attempt was made; so that to-day every man becomes a mem-
ber of the department in case of fire, the borough furnishing hose carts and other
equipment. In addition to the regular water supply for fire purposes, there is a
special main leading from the pump house to and through the business center of
the town. In connection wifli this pipe line there is also a hose company.
MILLERSTOWN BOROUGH. 52 1
POSTMASTERS AND JUSTICES.
The postoffice was known as Barnhart's Mills for more than half a century,
when a portion of the citizens concluded they wanted a new name. An effort
was made at first to change the name of the borough, but this failed, and the
postmaster-general was then petitioned to change the name of the postoffice to
Chicora. The effort met with great opposition, and the patrons of the office were
divided on the question. The descendants of the Barnhart family and their
friends fought the proposed change with unflagging determination. Hut finally
Postmaster-General Wannamaker granted the petition, and Barnhart's Mills
became Chicora on October 1, 1891. In July. 1888, it was advanced to a third-
class office, and the incumbents have since been appointed by the president.
The first postmaster was Matthew Dugan, followed by Solomon Fleeger,
who held the office until 1854, when Michael Dieter, the tailor, was appointed.
During the war Solomon Fleeger was again appointed; in 1868, Charles F.
Aldinger ; in 1872, Michael Dieter, and in 1876 Andrew Barnhart. William
McLaughlin succeeded him. and served until 1SN5. when Austin Fleeger was
commissioned. Peter A. Rattigan, editor and proprietor of the Herald, was
appointed August 20, 1885, and when the office was raised to third-class, August
10, 1888, he was re-commissioned, and served until March 1. 1890, when ]. }.
Crawford succeeded him. Harry T. Rattigan, of the Herald, was appointed by
President Cleveland in April, 1894, and local journalists of all opinions hailed
the appointment with words of praise.
The justices of the peace elected in the borough since 1856 are as follows:
John J. Miller, 1856, 1861, L880 and 1881 ; John Byers, 1859; Henry L. Wester-
mann, 1863; J. McMichael, 1864; J. B. Craig, 1869; Solomon Fleeger, 1ST:',;
A Shreve. 1874; F. M. Small, 1876; I. Blakley, 1878; P. A. Rattigan, 1881 ;
J. C. Gaisford, 1882; C. F. Aldinger, 1886; <i. W. Huselton, 1887; C. F.
Aldinger, 1887; G. W. Huselton, 1892, and J. C. Gaisford, 1892.
UOROUGH COUNCILS.
The borough was incorporated in 1855, when John Byers, Christian Gump-
per, Solomon Fleeger and Andrew Barnhart were named as councilmen to act
until the officers chosen at the first election would qualify. The first record of
the council, now in possession of J. C. Gaisford, clerk of the borough, is dated
August 13, 1856. The members present were Solomon Fleeger, II. L. Wester-
mann, John Frederick and II. Sanderson. J.J. Miller was elected clerk ; II. L.
Westermann, treasurer, and Jacob Daubenspeck, collector. The first burgess
was Jacob B. Bvers, succeeded bv Solomon Fleeger, Andrew Barnhart. J. J.
Miller, B. Gallagher, H. L. Westermann, Michael Heckart, Michael Dieter and
others who were burgesses prior to 1872.
The council chosen each year since the close of 1871, is as follows :
1872 — Simeon Barnhart, burgess; S. B. Byers, II. L. Westermann. J. G.
Myers, R. Seibert, and J. Frederick, with S. Fleeger, clerk.
1873 — A. A. Hoch, burgess; A. Barnhart. T. J. Craig, Augustus Hoch, S.
5-- HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
D. Bel!, and G. F. Fetzer, with S. D. Hell secretary, until September, when A.
Shreve was chosen. In December, A. E. Barnhart was appointed treasurer,
vice A. Barnhart, deceased.
1874 — P. M. Shannon, burgess; A. II. Simpson, II. L. Westermann, N. L.
Willard, W. H. Hoffman, VV. P. Book, and W. M. Reiber, with M. G. McCaslin,
secretary, succeeded by A. Thornton.
1*75— John S. Allen, burgess; A. II. Simpson, II. F. O'Neil, H. L. Wester-
mann, G. F. Fetzter, C. F. Aldinger, and T. II. Russell ; A. Shreve, clerk.
1870 — John S. Allen, burgess ; II. L. Westermann, Henry Lockhart, Tohn
Walker, A. A. lloch, W. M. Clark, and John Satterfeld, with A. Thornton,
clerk.
1*77 — O. D. Colby appears to have served as burgess and died during the
term and F. M. Small filled the vacancy; Martin Hoch, assistant burgess; II. L.
Westermann, Henry Lockhart, John Walker, W. M. Clark, G. Chapman, S. M.
Peed, and G. F. Fetzer; A. Thornton, clerk.
1878 — Isaac Blakley, burgess; T. O'Connor, Dr. McMichael, C. Scharbach,
Jacob Frederick, G. F. Fet/.er, and J. G. Myers ; T. J. Moffitt, clerk.
1879— F. M. Small, burgess; J. McMichael, G. F. Fetzer. C. Scharbach. Z.
Double, C. F. Peirce, and J. A. Ileydrick ; T. J. Moffitt, clerk.
1880 — Z. Double, burgess; J. J. Miller, assistant burgess; G. F. Fetzer. C.
Scharbach, C. II. Johnson, II. L. Westermann, II. Frederick and C. F. Peirce;
P. A. Rattigan, clerk.
1881— A. A. Hoch, burgess; G. F. Fetzer, II. Frederick, II. L. Westermann,
C. Scharbach and J. G. Myers; P. A. Rattigan, clerk.
1882 — Scott Wakenight and T. C. Gaisford received sixty-three votes each
for burgess, but at a special election Wakenight was elected; W. B. Byers, assistant
burgess; A. E. Barnhart, A. Hoch and Henry Lockhart ; P. A. Rattigan, clerk,
succeeded by C. A. Bailey.
1883 — C. II. Johnson, burgess ; C. D. Aldinger, assistant burgess; A. A.
Hoch, A. E. Barnhart and R. Seibert ; C. A. Bailey, clerk.
1884 — W. B. Byers, burgess ; A. E. Barnhart, A. L. Brenneman, R. Seibert,
F. Schweiger, E. H. Bradley and A. A. Hoch; A. L. Brenneman, clerk.
1885 — L C. Gaisford, burgess; William Morris, assistant burgess; E. H.
Bradley, F. Schwieger and R. Seibert ; A. L. Brenneman, clerk.
1SSrj — C. D. Aldinger, burgess; Augustus Hoch, assistant burgess; A. E.
Barnhart, R. Seibert, F. Schwieger and Dr. J. B. Showalter ; E.J.Calvert, clerk.
1887 — A. E. Barnhart, burgess; W. J. Curran, assistant burgess; E. F.
Hays, W. B. Byers, W. J. Curran. C. F. Peirce, A. A. Hoch, and W. Ferguson;
E. J. Calvert, clerk.
1888 — C. F. Aldinger, burgess; P. G. Frederick, assistant burgess; C. F.
Peirce, A. A. Hoch, W. J. Curran and H. C. Litzinger; E. J. Calvert, clerk.
1889 — C. F. Aldinger, burgess; P. G. Frederick, assistant burgess; W. Fer-
guson and B. J. Forquer ; E. J. Calvert, clerk.
1890 — C. F. Aldinger, burgess; W. J. Curran, B. J. Forquer, C. F. Peirce,
A. A. Hoch and W. Ferguson ; J. C. Gaisford, clerk.
1891 — G. W. Huselton, burgess ; S. Frankle, assistant- burgess ; C. F. Peirce,
MILLERSTOWN BOROUGH. 523
A. A. Hoch, A. E. Barnhart, B. J. Forquer, W. Ferguson and W. J. Curran ; J.
C. Gaisford, clerk.
1892 — G. W. Huselton, burgess; P. G. Frederick, assistant burgess; S.
Frankle, B. J. Forquer and D. C. Mobley ; J. C. Gaisford, clerk.
1893 — P. A. Rattigan, burgess; A. S. Flegar, assistant burgess; C.H.John-
son and A. A. Hoch ; J. C. Gaisford. clerk.
1894— G. W. Huselton, burgess; A. A. Hoch, Francis Murphy. W.
Purucker, C. H. Johnson, S. Frankle and B. J. Forquer; J. C. Gaisford, clerk.
In April, 1873, the council authorized the purchase of handcuffs; and in De-
cember of that year sixty-seven persons petitioned the council against permitting
the use of gas within the borough. In 1S74 committees on finance, streets, gas,
water and fire, police and health were appointed. I. M. Landers was chosen
superintendent of the water works at $1,000 per annum, and the municipal body
became for the first time really an active corporation, winding up the year's
work by an appeal to the people to help the borough financially. The water
system was the only useful improvement brought into existence by the council of
that year.
SCHOOLS.
Millerstown owes its incorporation in 1855 to the liberal treatment of the
villagers by the directors of the old district. The people were compelled to send
their children to the common school, far from the hamlet, for a number of years,
or until theyr could afford to erect a log cabin and employ a teacher on the sub-
scription plan. Some time in the forties they accomplished this, and when
the borough was erected the old log cabin was used as the school-house of the
new and independent district. In fact it was so used down to 1874, when the
main part of the present building was erected.
The present record book of the school district dates back to January 14,
1876, when F. M. Small, S. R. Dresser. G. F. Fetzer, Mr. Dawson, H. L. Wester-
mann and S. I. McKee were members of the board. A tax of thirteen mills for
school building and thirteen mills for other school purposes was levied, and a
sum of twenty-four dollars was paid the German Lutheran Society for rent of
their church, in which school was held. In July, 1876, Thomas J. Moffitt was
hired as principal at eighty-five dollars a month, J. H. Murtland at fifty-five dol-
lars, Mrs. Brown at forty-five dollars, Miss Kirsh at thirty-five dollars. Miss Jen-
nings at thirty dollars and Miss Grundy at thirty dollars. S. D. Bell and A. H.
Simpson were members of the board in 1877. In March. 1878, Dr. James Mc-
Michael took Dr. Bell's place on the board, and F. M. Small succeeded S. I. Mc-
Kee as secretary. McKee, however, was reappointed in March, 1879. In 1880
P. A. Rattigan, Z. Double and B. Frederick qualified as new members of the
board, with F. M. Small secretary. In September, 1880, P. A. Rattigan suc-
ceeded Small and served until June, 1888, when A. L. Brenneman was appointed.
H. J. Hoyt succeeded him in 1887, followed in 1888 by C. Scharbach, who served
until June, 1889, when J. C. Gaisford, the present secretary, was elected. W. L.
Campbell served as principal in 1879; F. A. Hoover. 18S0-^Sl ; O. P. Cochran,
524 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1882; John Golden, 1883 to 1885; S. W. McGarrah, 1880; H. H. Elliott, 1887
to 1893; J. II. Wilson. July, 1893, to April, 1894, and Howard Painter, 1S04-95.
The number of children of school age reported in June, IS1.):!, was 387, or
160 males and 177 females; the per centage of attendance was eighty-seven, and
the average cost each month eighty-eight cents. The total school revenue fur the
year was $4,759, including a State appropriation of $1,205.80. In January,
1894, there were six teachers employed in the borough schools, namely : John
H. Wilson, principal; Margaret Moore, Ella Clark. Mary Green, Mary Sabline
and Julia Rabbit. The directors at that time were C. Scharbach, J. C. Gais-
ford, H. J. Myers, W. A. Dennison, John G. Myers, S. F. Showalter and Henry
Sheffield. During the summer months it has been customary to carry on a
Normal Academy, the principal of the common schools being the conductor.
CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES.
The First Evangelical Lutheran Church petitioned for a charter August
14, 1849, at which time were presented articles of association, signed by Rev. Eli
Fair, president, and Solomon Fleeger, secretary. The order t<> incorporate was
made October 24. 1849, Eli Fair, William McCollough, Sr., Leonard Rumbaugh,
Isaac Reep and Solomon Fleeger being the trustees. Services were first held in
the school house and dwellings pending the settlement of the dispute about a
church location. Through the influence of Solomon Fleeger this dispute was de-
cided in favor of the Millerstown site, and here a house of worship was erected.
The pastors since Mr. Fair's time are as follows : Revs. Clemens Ehrenfelt,
Thomas Steck, J. B. Breckenridge, J. J. Del.., Mr. Singer, A. S. Miller. J. W.
Reese. J. F. Cressler, A. C. Felker, Thomas A. Ilimes, and Eli Miller, who re-
mained here over six years. Rev. ]. R. Williams succeeded him in July, 1893.
William McCollough. Sr.. Isaac Reep, Joseph Double. David McCollough, Sr.,
John Wolford, David Keep. S. W. McCollough. J. J. Miller, Solomon Fleeger,
Peter McCollough. 1. C. McCollough ami P. P. Riser were installed as elders
from 1N7<> to T886. The membership in 1894 was 140. The present church
building was dedicated in 1884, the cost of construction approximating $6,000.
St. Paul ' s Go-man Evangelical Lutheran Church was formally organized
in 1849, when Rev. J. (i. Ilahn came here to preach to the Lutherans of this
section, who worshiped at the White church prior to 1S49. In 1853 Rev.
William A. Fetter appears to have located and to have preached here until his
death in 1865. In 1854 the church was permanently organized with the follow-
ing members: Leonard. John, Adam, Jacob, Peter and John Barnhart, Jr.;
George Frederick, Gottlieb and John D. Aldinger ; George Reiber, Gottlieb and
Martin Hoch, Simon and Nicholas Koenig, Henry L. Westermann, David Pish,
Valentine Pfaff, C. Schuster, Stephen Troutman. Henry and C. C. Gumpper,
Michael Dieter, Jacob Moorlock, Isaac Ellenberger, Michael Leighner, Jonathan
Andre, [ohn Wagner. X. Eitenmiller, David Barnhart, John Lahner and several
others, some of whose names cannot be ascertained from the original record.
Rev. L. Vogelsang came in 1865, making this church an appointment of his
charge at Brady's Lend. Rev. L. F. E Krause came in Rs(>7, as resident pastor.
Rev. Adolph Pohl came in 1869, and remained until lN7<*>. Rev. C. Schmidt
MILLERSTOWN BOROU'GH. 525
took charge of the church in 1S77, and under his administration the present
house of worship was erected, the number of subscribers on January 11, 1SSi(,
being forty-eight, and the amount, $3,014.50. The old church building was
erected prior to 1854, and perhaps as early as 1850, on the site of the present one.
The congregation was chartered September 1, 1879. The trustees at that
time were John G. Myers, II. Frederick and J. D. Aldinger ; Charles Divener
and H. L. Westermann, deacons; Martin Iloch and Leonard Frederick, elders,
and Charles Schmidt, pastor. In 1883 Rev. E. A. Born arrived and served the
society until the fall of 1887, when a vacancy occurred, visiting pastors preach-
ing here occasionally. Rev. C. F. W. Brecht was called in January, 1888, and
took charge in May of that year. At that time there were thirty members
enrolled, while to-day there are forty heads of families, the congregation
embracing 375 souls. The present council is made up of August Wagner, T- G.
Myers and Charles Divener, trustees ; Peter Frederick and George Frederick,
elders ; Adam Schultz and E. G. Frederick, deacons.
St. yokn's German Reformed Church was organized June 25, 1870, with
seventy-three members, among whom were David, Susan, Simon, Philip F., R.
W., Joseph, Michael, Peter, Obediah, Frederick and Jacob J. Barnhart; Mar-
garet and Susanna Skakeley; John, Elizabeth, Jacob, Rosanna, Jemima, Rachel
and Samuel Hemphill; Christopher, Adam, Margaret, Samuel and Catherine
Stewart; John and Catherine Eberhart, Lavina Seibert, Isaac and Elizabeth
Hepler, Isaac Keppel, D. Bish, Abram Henshew, J. L. Byers, John Thorn, Cath-
erine Mock, Michael Myers and Charles Warner. The first pastor, Rev. A.
Dale, remained until 1875, though he was only supply from the fall of 1374,
when he accepted a call from the Fairview Reformed society. Rev. J. W. Als-
pach was here from January, 1875, to 1886; Rev. II. H. Sandoe from 1887 to
May, 1888, and Rev. II. S. Garner, from October 1, 1888, to the present time.
The corner stone of the church was laid August 7, 1861), and the house was ded-
icated June 26, 1870. The society, though now composed of 1 12 members, is
served by the pastor of the Fairview church. Prior to 1879 it was served from
Sugar creek or Fairview.
The Methodist Episcopal Church may be said to date back to 1S74, when
Rev. B. F. Dillo, of the newly formed Greece City circuit, came here to organize
a class. He was followed by R. F. Gwinn, the first pastor, under whose direc-
tion a meeting-house was erected. From 1847 to 1S74 the Methodists of this
section attended the Fairview church. In 1876 or 1877, Rev. R. W. Scott came,
and he caused the building of the Union church at Troutman ; then came Rev.
W. W. Wythe, and next, Mr. Reno. In 1878 came Rev. C. Peters, who after
three years' services, made way in 1881 for Rev. J. Lusher, who was here until
1884, when Rev. D. S. Steadman was appointed to the charge. The pastors
since that time are as follows : Revs. P. J. Slattery, 1886 ; B. F. Wade, 1887;
William Branfield, 1888, who remained until the fall of Is'.);',, when Rev. J. H.
Laverty took charge. In April, 181)4, there were 150 members and seventy-five
probationers enrolled. The old parsonage was erected during Mr. Scott's term;
but when Mr. Slattery came he stated that he would prefer the noise of the rail-
road to that made by school children and the society acceded to his preferences.
5^6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
For a number of years, .Solomon Pontius was superintendent of the Sabbath
school, while H. ]. Hoyt was also a zealous worker.
Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church was organized in 1 S7-'> by priests from St.
Patrick's parish, who held occasional services in the old log school house. For many
years prior to this stations were held periodically at the Boyle and McLaughlin
dwellings, in the vicinity of Millerstown, by Father Ferry and succeeding pastors
of St. Patrick's congregation, so that the church of to-day is merely a continuation
of these missions of pioneer days. The present church building was dedicated in
1S74. under the title, " Mater Dolorosa." The families belonging to the new
congregation were William Forquer, Timothy and Michael Sweeney, Bernard
and William McLaughlin. James C. Redd, Timothy Nolan, Mrs. Ellen Nolan,
Thomas Dorse}-, Patrick Dorsey, Michael Haines, Cornelius McCarthy, Jeremiah
Healy, Daniel G. McLaughlin, Neil, Patrick, Francis and P. M. Boyle, the
Widow McNally, Patrick Conarthy. Cephas McLaughlin, William Brennan,
John D. Collins, William McCollough, John Farnan and John Little, Sr.
Within a few years other families, such as the Rattigans and Litzingers, settled
at Millerstown. In April, 1885, the Passionist fathers held the first mission
here, a memorable event in the history of the congregation. The pastors of St.
Patrick's parish have had charge of this church since its organization.
The Millerstown Cemetery was surveyed in 1876 on lands donated by Tames
Hemphill years before. Among the first trustees were John G. Myers and
James McMichael. In 1882 Henry Frederick, C. D. Aldinger, Chambers Hemp-
hill, and the first two trustees held that office. In lS.^T Dr. J. B. Showalter, S.
S. Bell, W. M. Smith, John G. Myers and James McMichael were elected
trustees. W. A. Dennison was elected in 1888 and in 1889. Messrs. Showalter,
Bell, Dennison, Myers and J. C. Gaisford formed the board, with 'Squire Gaisford as
secretarv and S. S. Bell superintendent. By re-election the same members held
office in 1894. These gentlemen have made the cemetery what it is to-day.
Prior to 1889 there was little or nothing done toward recording interments, but
since October of that year a good record has been kept, showing eighty-three
interments down to April. 1894. With the exception of the little graveyard of
the Reformed church at Iron City, this cemetery is the Protestant place of burial.
The headstones in the old part of the cemetery tell of some of the Gumpper
family being interred there as early as 1844, and of Christian Gumpper's burial
in 184S. The Hemphills, Diveners, Hochs, Schusters, Wicks, Monnies, Flocks,
Bishs, Fredericks. Oettingers, Wagners and other families are represented. The
fine monuments over the graves of Martin Hoch and II. L. Westermann, with
the Divener, Fetzer, Schuster, Jacob Frederick and Leonard Frederick monu-
ments, are works of art in marble and gray granite.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Argyle Lodge, Number 540, P. & A. .1/.. was organized at Petrolia, July
15, 1875, being chartered by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania with forty charter
members. The hall was the upper floor of the Aaron building at the corner of
Main and Argyle streets. The lodge rented the room until June, 1883, when
they purchased the building from Louis T. Aaron and had it as their home until
MILLERSTOWN BOROUGH. 52/
destroyed by fire December 19, 1889. They then erected a fine brick building on
Main street at a cost of about $8,000, and occupied it as a home, but this building
was also destroyed by fire July 8, 1893, after which the lodge was moved to Mil-
lerstown. During the time the lodge remained at Petrolia it was one of the most
prosperous Masonic lodges to be found in the rural districts of Western Pennsyl-
vania, having at the time of removal to Millerstown 100 members, and it has
since continued prosperous. Following is a list of the Masters of the Lodge from
its organization: Charles L. Wheeler, 1875—76; Wm. M. Lardin, 1877; Smith
P. McKnight, 1878; Stephen W. Bartlett, 1879; Murat Compton, 1880; Frank
L. Masson, 1881; Geo. II. Graham, ISM'; Russell C. Whitford. 1883; Geo. H.
Graham, 1884-85; Frank L. Masson, 1886; Geo. II. Graham, 1887; Wm. C.
Black, 1888-89; Wm. C. Foster, 1890; Francis Murphy, 1891-92; Thomas F.
Harvey, 1898, and Henry J. Myers, 1894. R. F. Westerman is the present sec-
retarv, and Francis Murphy treasurer. The lodge room is located in Dr.
De Wolfe's building, and the rolls contain the names of over 100 active members.
Millerstoivn Lodge, Number 947, I. O. O. F~., was instituted April 30, 1877,
with J. P. Caldwell, N. G.; William McLaughlin, V. G. ; F. M. Small, secretary ;
B. F. McEwen, assistant secretary; Levi Walker, treasurer; J. B. Showalter, II.
W. Day and C.Scharbach, trustees, and David Baughman, P. A. Painter, John
Rolf, H. D. Aldinger, R. Denton. J. A. Roof. A. A. Liggs, II. C. Carringer, E. G.
Baptie, S. S. Marshall, C. W, Coleman, C. A. Eliason and one other member. The
past Noble Grands are :J.B. Showalter, J. C. Gaisford, S. D.Bell, L. A. Bridge, A.
B.Sutton, G.W. Huselton,Theo. Enoch, John Strahan, E.H.Bradlev. David Dale,
A. Fleeger, H. C. Conley, J. M. McCollough, S. W. McCollough, C. C. Gray,
E. M. Jenkins, II. R. Sheffield. S. Mock, A. Wagner, J. Double, R. F. Wester-
mann, S. Frankle, L. A. Gibson. P. A. Painter, F. M. Small, W. C. Wolford, W.
J. Logan, Eli Miller and G. G. McCollough. J. II. Lackey was presiding at
the close of 1893, with J. J. Crawford, secretary, which office he has held for
seven years. The membership is 143. The hall was erected in 1887, the Knights
of Pythias being partners in the enterprise. Twenty members of the lodge are
members of the Endowment Association, of which I. C. Gaisford is the local
secretary.
LaJv Whitney Hebekah Degree Lodge, Number -7, was organized in March,
1893, to take the place of an old lodge which surrendered its charter a few years
ago. The first officers were : Mrs. J. M. Bell, Mrs. H. C. Conley, Nettie McCol-
lough and Mrs. J. J. Crawford. In November, 1893, the officers chosen were as
follows: Mrs. II. C. Conley, X. G. ; Nettie McCollough. V. G. ; Anna Murphy,
secretary; Mrs. R. F. Westermann, assistant secretary, and Mrs. J. L. Campbell,
treasurer, with Harry T. Rattigan, captain of staff work.
Knights of Honor Lodge, Number ,V7<V, was instituted December 8, 1877,
with the following members: — W. J. McCarnes, F. M. Small, David Dale. J. A.
Crawford, C. N. Brecht, C. O. Smith, C. E. Peck, J. P. Caldwell, D. F. Barnhart,
C. H.Johnson, A. J. Alston, II. D. Aldinger, A. L. Craig, J. W. Churchill, W. L.
Dawson, W. P. Grazier, J. Hawkins, James Kemp, A. Lenox, W. M. Lake, B.
F. McEwen, John Parkinson, G. W. Reep. F. M. Smith, W.M. Smith, Asa Small,
E. H. Sloan, W. P. Turner. H. Wolf, James Young, J. Jack. D. B. Campbell,
528 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and others. C.O.Smith, D. F. Barnhart, James Kemp, W. P. Turner, D. S.
Wakenight, S. I. McKee, F Bucklin, T. II. Evans. A. H. Simpson, S.' F.
Showalter, A. E. Barnhart, I). Garrett, J. A. Heydrick, F. Schweiger, lohn
Sabline, J. II. Keiser, A. L. Frazier, G. F. Fetzer, J. \V. Gray and II. A. Leopold
have presided over the Indue.
Millersto-wn Lodge, A, O. U. (/'.. was organized in 1877, with about thirty
members. Dr. S. I). Bell being then Master Workman. When the charter was
surrendered in 1881 or 1882, H. R. Sheffield filled that office.
Millersto-je?i Lodge, Number 457, K. of P., was organized July 12, 1878,
with twenty-one member-.. The chancellors have been : W. P. Adams and S.
D. Bell, in 1878-79; E. II. Bradley and Charles Morris. 1880; G. W. Iluselton
and David Dale, 1881 ; W. P. Turner and L. A. Bridge, 1882; R. K. Sutton
and F. Schweiger, 1883; John Flack, Henry Lockhart and E. M. Jenkins, 1884 ;
C. D. Aldinger and J. A. Heydrick, 1885; A. E. Barnhart and David Garrett,
1886; John W. Gray and John Golden, 1887; E. J. Calvert and E. F. Hays,
1888; Joseph Brown and E. C. Dunlap, 1889; L. II. Blose and W. W. Gross-
man, 1890; W. L. DeWolfe and W. C. Wolford, 1891 ; S. H.Kamerer and R. F.
Westermann, 1892; P. A. Rattigan and S. 13. Vandemark, 1892—93, and Daniel
Dierkin, 1898. The officers installed in January, 1894, in the order of rank, were
William Braden, C. F. Vensel, W. W. Campbell. J. C. Campbell, II. C. Litzin-
ger, and H. T. Rattigan. The past keepers of records and seals are : G. M. Kep-
ler, 1878; F. M. Small, two terms; A. L. Brenneman, nine terms; E, M. Ten-
kins, 1885-88; E. J. Calvert and R. F. Westermann, 1889; A. M. Hoch, 1890,
two terms, and E. M. Jenkins, the present incumbent, who has held the office
since 1891. On January 1, 1894, there were li'>:2 members in good standing,
twenty-four of whom belong to the Endowment rank, of which Augustus Hoch
is president, and F. Schweiger. secretary and treasurer.
Robert McDermott Post, Number 233, G. A. P., was mustered in. Septem-
ber 13, 1881, with J. J. Miller, commander; J. B. Rumbaugh and S. W. McCol-
lough, vice-commanders; A. L. Brenneman, adjutant; Joseph Double, quarter-
master; P. A. Rattigan, quartermaster sergeant ; J. T. Crawford, sergeant-
major ; James Piper, chaplain, and S. B. Gamble and G. W. Palmer officers of
the day and guard. Of the the whole number enrolled, there were ten soldiers
who served in the regiments of other States, and seventy-eight were representa-
tives of Pennsylvania commands. The post commandership has been held by
the following named members : J. J. Miller, 1881 ; P. A. Rattigan, 1882; S. B.
Gamble. 1883; S. W. McCollough, 1884; P. A. Rattigan, 1885; J. R. Rankin,
1886; J.J. Crawford, 1887 (also acting adjutant) ; T. H.Evans, 1888; C.J. Logue,
1889-90, and J. B. Rumbaugh, 1891. In 1892 and 1893, the post was virtually
a dead letter; but the adjutant and quartermaster labored hard to revive interest
in the work. In December, 1892, II. A. Leopold was elected commander and
served until January, 1894, when Hugh McFadden, the present commander, was
installed. The office of adjutant has been filled by the first sergeant-major, J.J.
Crawford, from 1882 to the present time.
Tlie Catholic Knights of America was organized October 25, 1886, with P.
A. Rattigan president; Casper Nash, vice-president; John J. Nash, secretary ;
MILLERSTOWN BOROUGH. 529
H. J. Smith, financial secretary; Owen Brady, treasurer ; John Collins, sergeant-
at-arms, and D. Grogan sentinel. In 1888 the following officers were elected :
Rev. P. J. Quilter, spiritual director; H. J. Smith, Sr., president ; John Black,
vice-president ; J. F. Kemper, secretary ; P. A. Rattigan, financial secretary ;
W. E. Redd, treasurer ; P. Conarthy, sergeant-at-arms ; Peter Heridence, senti-
nel, and Casper Nash trustee. Casper Nash was subsequently elected president,
and H. T. Rattigan recording and financial secretary. Of all the members in
good standing, only one entitled to benefits died, and to his widow the sum' of
$2,000 was paid.
Knights of Labor Assembly was instituted November 18, 1886, with the fol-
lowing named officers in order of rank : E. J. Calvert, T. J. Shufrlin, E. F.
Hays, D. C. Henshaw, W. J. Shoemaker, C. A. Wagner, J. L. Brown, J. S.
Barnhart, Thomas Martin and James Kemp. The trustees were E. F. Hays, S.
Frankle and C. F. Fisk. The assembly is not now in existence.
Chrvstal Council, Number 5JfS. Jr. O. U. A.M., was organized in the fall
of 1890, and in December of that year the following named officers were chosen,
the names being given in council rank: L. H. Blose, G. G. McCollough, H. B.
Alexander, A. M. Hoch, J. L. Axtell, M. D., Amos Stewart, W. A. Campbell,
B. L. McGarvey, W. E. Byers, John F. Huselton, Jr., and S. L. Byers.
The Protected Home Circle was instituted December 19. 1890, with the fol-
lowing named officers: Rev. Eli Miller, past president; M. B. McBride,
guardian; J. C. Gaisford, president; J. J, Crawford, vice-president ; E. N.
Dieter, secretary ; J. A. Glenn, accountant; H. Stahl, treasurer; H. C. Hind-
man, guide; T. R. Gwinn, porter; J. K. V. Brouwere, watchman; Dr. J. L.
Axtell, examiner; S. Frankle and C. Scharbach, trustees.
Blaney Tent, Number 123. K. O. T. .W., was organized December 20, 1890,
with the following named members : H. Blaney, J. L. Brown. A. S. Flegar, W.
H. Moffatt, J. K. V. Brouwere, J. W. Snodgrass, J. S. Sutton, G. D. Thomas,
G. F. Callahan, P. Schroebel, Wm. Grubbs, \Y. E. Byers and S. M. Andre.
The commanders since organization are as follows: T. L. Brown, A. S. Flegar,
J. S. Sutton, S. B. Vandemark, E. C. Dunlap, S. M. Andre and Dr. W. L.
De Wolfe. The record keepers have been W. H. Moffatt, Geo. B. Dine, J. L.
Brown, S. B. Vandemark and N. Kennedy. The membership in April, 1894,
was seventy-four, with a number of applicants enrolled.
CONCLUSION.
There is no history of failure attached to Millerstown. The men who came
here to build up a prosperous community knew no such word as fail, and, conse-
quently, the storv is one of success, following perseverance, intelligence and
tolerance. Of course it is not the busy oil town of 1S73-1870, or even of 1884—
1889. Prior to the oil stampede it was a primitive hamlet, though an organized
borough. It did not fade away when oil production decreased, but built better
and higher. The modern pioneers of commercial and professional progress raised
it from its primitive condition, and though they have not yet given it paved
streets, they have supplied it with pure water, given to every house and factory
34
530 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
gas for fuel and light, erected modern homes, and created good hotels. To their
enterprise and virtues must be credited the substantial business and excellent
social life of the town.
CHAPTER XLIV.
FAIR VIEW TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Boundary Lines — Statistics — First Settlers — Churches — Early
Schools and Teachers — First Officials and Justices — Villages — Buena
Vista — A rgyle— Angelica — Iron City — Havsville.
FAIRVTEW township was established under authority of legislative enact-
ment in March, 1846. This act provided that the new township to
be formed out of Donegal township, should be bounded on the south by a line
extending west from the line of Armstrong county, between the farms of Andrew
Barnhart and the Widow Sylvus, to the line of Centre township, and that the
original lines of the northern part of Donegal should be the northern, eastern and
western lines of Fairview. The place of election for the new township was
fixed at the house of William McCafferty in the village of Fairview, the voters
of the old township of Donegal to meet at the house of Dennis O'Donnell, Sr.
In I ST>4 it was established within its present limits.
The population in 1850 was 1,678; in 1860—1,101 ; in 1870 — 1,078; in 1880,
including the boroughs,' 6,150,' and in 1890, exclusive of boroughs, 1,996. In
June, 1893, there were 222 male and 222 female children of school age enumer-
ated. The assessed value of property in January, 1894, was $308,560; the county
tax, $1,234.26; the State tax, $158.38, and the revenue for school purposes, in
1893 — $4,224.15, including $1,119.17 State appropriation.
In IT'.'! Rudolph Barnhart came into this township and settled on a tract of
land near Karns City, now known as the Kinkaid farm. After making a small
clearing on this tract he returned to Westmoreland county for the winter. In
the following spring he came to Butler county again. Instead of, however,
returning to the neighborhood of Karns City, he abandoned his land there, and
made another selection on the southern line of the township, northwest ot Mil-
lerstown, a part of which he afterwards sold to to his brother, Philip, who came
in 1797. By this change he lost the honor of being the first actual settler in the
township. This honor belongs to Samuel and John Wallace, the latter a single
man. They came in 1795, settled upon and improved a tract not far from the
FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 531
James Bovard settlement of 1798, near Karns City. In L803 Samuel Wallace had
200 acres of land and John Wallace paid seventy-five cents tax for the privilege
of remaining unmarried. In 1795 John Hemphill and Jacob Barnhart, Jr., set-
tled on tracts in the vicinity of Millerstown, and in 1707 Daniel Barnhart bought
a part of John Hemphill's tract. In 1700 Joseph Smith of Westmoreland county
appeared at the Wallace cabin as a searcher for a home. He made his selection
west of Fairview borough, built a cabin in a small clearing, to which, in 1798,
he brought his wife and son, John. The latter afterward became a local Meth-
odist preacher. John Craig settled just south of Karns City. Paul McDermott
also came in 179(i. Matthew Smith settled near Petrolia, not far from the loca-
tion selected later for John Harold's saw mill. William Wilson, who arrived in
1798, purchased a clearing and a cabin on the site of Petrolia, ami resided there
until his death in 1839. Tames Bovard, afterwards associate judge, located near
Karns City in the same year. Here he lived until 1824, when he removed into
Cherrv township. Alexander Storey, who came about that time, like Wilson,
found a ready-made clearing and a pioneer ready to sell it, and he became the
purchaser. Samuel Kinkaid selected 400 acres near Karns City in the Cum-
berland neighborhood, while southwest, near Buena Vista, were the clearings of
Thomas Jackson. Patrick O'Farren, and William Ray. Samuel and Stephen
Hall, Leonard Keep, George Robertson, Samuel Riddle, John Irwin. William
Moore, John Cumberland, with David Moorhead, the weaver, and William Moor-
head, the preacher, and John and James Craig, were all here prior to 1803, and
must be credited with founding the agricultural interests of the township.
Andrew Campbell moved in from Concord in 1804, just one year after
Charles McClung, the spinning wheel manufacturer, arrived from Maryland.
Samuel Irwin, John Snow, John and George Emerick, William Fleming and
Jonathan Keppel settled here within the first quarter of the century, while sons
of the pioneers of adjoining townships and of Armstrong county, such as the
Thorns, Barnharts and Hays, came to seek homes in Fairview in later days.
CHURCH ES.
"Jlic Bear Creek Presbyterian Chureh may be said to have been organized
in 1800, when the Irish Presbyterians who had settled in this and adjoining town-
ships gathered at Deer Lick and listened to an itinerant preacher within a tent
raised for that occasion. Some time after a round, unplastered log house was
erected at a point northeast of Fairview for the purposes of a church. The two
acres on which it stood were donated bv William Wilson, and now form the
Lower Bear Creek cemetery. From 1803 to 1807 Rev. Robert Johnston, then of
the Scrubgrass church, preached here at stated intervals, and Rev. Robert Lee
came as supply, remaining until 1809. For the six succeeding years Elder Kin-
kaid led the services, or until Rev. Cyrus Riggs was ordained, in 1S14. The
latter was followed in 1821 by Rev. Alexander Cook, who urged the people to
erect the larger log building of 1822—23, in what is known as the Upper Bear
Creek cemetery. Mr. Cook served there and at Parker down to a year before
his death in 1828. In 1830 Rev. Joseph Johnston came, and he, in 1834, caused.
the disruption of the Presbyterian church in northern Butler, carrying his ad-
532 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
herents over to the Associate Reformed church, which ultimately became known
as the United Presbyterian. The old cemetery is east by north of Fairview
borough.
St. Paul's Reformed Church, formerly known as the Union church, a com-
bination of the Lutheran and Reformed people of thi-, locality, built a log house
early in the century on the Andrew Barnhart, Sr.. farm, just north of the Gabriel
Pontius farm. The ground was donated by Mr. Barnhart in 1813. Revs. Henry
Koch, Schweitzerbarth and Krantz were early preachers. A frame house was
subsequently raised, which was used by the two societies down to the clo^e of
the sixties, when the union dissolved, the Lutherans building north of old St.
Patrick's, on Sugar creek, while the Reformed congregation held the old property
of eleven acres on the Barnhart farm, where is now the cemetery. The old
building, which was their third house of worship, was abandoned, and they then
established worship in the Sugar Creek church. Ultimately they became sole
owners of that site, where their church, known as " White Church," stands to-
day. Among the members were Gabriel Pontius, the Kamerers, Frederick
Wiles , the Kaylors, Forringers, John and Jacob Hemphill, John Wolford, the
Shakeleys and others. The old records were destroyed by mice, but Rev. Mr.
Kline, the present pastor, has the records of later years.
EARLY SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
About the time the Presbyterians raised a tent at Deer Lick, near Petrolia,
Benjamin Fletcher managed to obtain a subscription toward a school. Maurice
Bredin taught here later, until the people around the Shakeley clearing erected a
better school house and placed James Read in charge. On the Mortimer lands,
adjoining Fairview borough, a third building was erected for William Gibson,
whose successor, Squire McCleary, became teacher in 1815. Mr. Cook, of
Donegal, was also here, and it is thought Henry Sanderson came in 1825, when
a log house was erected for school purposes on the site of Fairview. In 1885
the school law was adopted, directors elected and the common school system
introduced.
FIRST OFFICIALS AND JUSTICES.
The first election held in March, 1846, resulted in the choice of the follow-
ing named officials: John Scott, justice of the peace; James Maxwell and Henry
Shakeley, supervisors; John McLaughlin, assessor; George Emerick and Jacob
Kuhn, assistant assessors; E. G. Conway, auditor; Charles McClung, treasurer;
Hugh Conway, James Maxwell, Joseph Campbell, James Storey and M. S.
Adams, school directors; James Storey, clerk ; William Starr, .Robert Patton
and Jesse Moore, fence appraisers; Thomas McLeary and Peter Thorn, overseers
of the poor; James Wilson, judge of election, and Joseph Campbell and Robert
Harshaw, inspectors of election.
The justices of the peace elected from 1846 to 1894 are as follows; John
Scott, 1846 and 1851 ; John McKisson, 1850; Thomas Craig, 1854; Matthew S.
Ray, 1856, 1861. and 1869; Robert Campbell. 1857 and 1862; William C.
Adams, 1866; Alexander Storey, 1868 and 1 sj'i ; A. L. Campbell, 1872; William
FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP. 533
McCollough, 1873; T. P. Brown, 1874; Daniel Updegruff, 1875; William Storey,
1876; S. W. McCollough, 1878, 1883, 1888 and 1893; Robert McClung, 1880,
and W. F. Campbell, 1885 and 1890.
VILLAGES.
Buena Vista was surveyed into town lots in 1847, on the old Thomas Jack-
son farm — later the Michael Andrew farm — for John McKisson. The same year
McKisson opened a store and a hotel, and immediately a half dozen of dwellings
sprung up. On October 28, 1852, a great Whig meeting was held there, which
merged into an Abolition-Know-Nothing-Whig meeting. In 1851 Isaac Kepple
located there, and Nicholas Pontius in 1803. The last named opened a store, as
McKisson's successor, and held the trade of the place without competition until
1873. The Buena Vista of 1873 was also known as Peachville, owing to the fact
that the post-office was so named on its establishment in 1872. James J. Sutton
was postmaster. John Lusk succeeded Mr. Sutton, then came M. B. Hutchi-
son and Mrs. Richards, the present incumbent. A hotel, store, blacksmith shop
and a few dwellings marked the place in March of the year named. The drill-
ing of the wells on the Thorn farm, one half mile east, and the Millichamp
Brothers' venture, one-fourth mile west, brought the village into prominence.
While engaged in superintending the work at his well, Septibus Millichamp was
wound in the cable of the machinery and killed.
Buena Vista had, later in 1873, a nominal population of 500, increased to
1,000 at certain times, and about 130 stores and dwellings. Situated in the south-
west quarter of Fairview township, it was the center of the celebrated oil dis-
trict; for round it clustered the oil towns of Angelica, Karns City, Iron City,
Modoc, Greece City, Troutman, Millerstown, Fairview and Petrolia. That it was
an important business place in the fall of 1873, may be learned from the fact that
there were carried on there two hardware stores, two drug stores, two machine
shops, two tank shops, two bakeries, two feed stores, two livery stables, two shoe-
maker's shops, two billiard rooms, two lumber yards, two dry goods stores, two
barber shops, two millinery stores, two trimming stores, two sewing machine
agencies, a number of hotels and boarding houses, about twenty saloons, a meat
market, a dozen of grocery stores, a news depot and a post-office. The law office
of Marshall & McCaslin, the offices of Dr. King, formerly of Greece City, and
Dr. Oldfield, formerly of Oil City, with the Rev. Dillo's Methodist church, in
one of the billiard rooms, and Henderson's school in the grove, contributed to
perfect the communitv. A Methodist church, since moved to Kittanning, was
erected there, as well as a United Presbyterian building now standing and used
at intervals for worship. In August, 1874, Alexander Storey's big hotel was
swept away by fire, and thirty-six other buildings, including four general stores
in the center of the town, were reduced to a*hes. This calamity did not wipe
out the town, by any means : for a few new buildings were erected and such
traders as Paul Troutman, Enos Ellenberger and James J. Sutton carried on
business there for a number of years after the fire. In 1880 the census enu-
merators made no mention of the number of inhabitants.
Argyle may be said to date back to May, 1871, when A. L. Campbell the
534 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
first developer of the southern oil extension, leased thirty-five acres from Robert
Campbell near the north township line. John A. Lambing purchased the leases
and organized the Robert Campbell Oil Company, with himself and brother, H.
L. Taylor. C. D. Angell, B. B. Campbell and the two Browns members thereof.
On November 19 the drill struck the Third sand, but the gas and oil catching fire,
destroyed the derrick. Within a day or so the flames were extinguished, a new
rig put up, and an eighty-barrel well brought into existence. Then the stampede
to Argyle commenced. F. M. Campbell built the first house and led in the
building enterprise. Within a little while the land was covered with houses, and
Argyle became the Mecca of oil men. The Givens gas well, on the Gibson farm,
supplied for a long time the light and heat for Petrolia.
The Argvle Savings Bank, of Petrolia. established in September, 1872,
offered interest on time deposits ranging from four to six per cent. The directors
of the bank were John Pitcairn, Jr., John Sattertield. II. L. Taylor, George V.
Forman. J. J. Yandergrift and George \V. Thumm. After passing through
many hands, it failed in 1891, injuring only the stockholders.
Near and at Argyle the highest well mouth did not exceed 1,171 feet above
the ocean, and that was Bly & Rowley's Number 2, on the A. L. Campbell farm.
The well on the Harrop farm, Emery & Caldwell's producers on the R. D. Camp-
bell farm, A. L. Campbell's wells, Sattertield & Taylor's wells, and other famous
producers, were commenced at points ranging from 1,149 to 1,171 feet above the
ocean level.
Angelica, on the Storey and Kepler farms, sprung into existence in June,
1878, when twenty store and dwelling houses were raised and occupied.
Iron City, now practically a part of Millerstown, was a busy place in 1873.
Even prior to that date, in 1869, the Reformed society erected a church there,
the history of which is given in the chapter on Millerstown. Hardware stores,
saloons, hotels, boarding houses and all the institutions of an oil town were there
even before the great railroad trestle was built, but the site is now given up to
agriculture, the wrecks of derricks speaking of its former greatness.
Haysville is located in the midst of what was a most prolific oil field, where
the Union Oil Company, or II. L. Taylor & Company, had, early in the seven-
ties, ninety-seven producers, ranging in depth from 1,630 to 1,700 feet. That
known as "Matthew Storey Number l! " opened as a 1,200-barrel producer, and
others were ecpually great gushers. Thomas Hays ultimately became owner of
the greater part of the lands, laid out the village round John McCorkle's store,
and established his mercantile house there in 1875. A year after N. W. Krause
opened his oil well supply store, and fifty or sixty other buildings were erected.
Owing to the decrease in production, beginning in 1S7',», the people sought better
fields, and Haysville was deserted.
CHAPTER XLV.
FAIRVIEW BOROUGH.'
Founding and Growth of the Vulace — Latek Business Enterprises— Oil Fe\-er
— Population — Schools and Churches — Incorporation and Officials — Post-
masters and Justices of the Peace — Destructive Fires— Secret Societies.
THE village of Fairview was founded seventy-seven years after the French
discovered oil on Oil creek, and almost forty-two years before the American
operators knew anything of the •' Fannie Jane." or her extraordinary contem-
poraries on Bear creek. In L826, it is true, James McElwee opened a little stock
of whisky and groceries at the point now called Fairview, but not until 1830 did
Thomas McCleary and William Hawk, who died in 1848, survey the site into
town lots. Peter Beighley, the first postmaster, Robert Patton, the second post-
master, James Adams, James McElwaine, the Star Route contractor, William
McCafferty, John Emerick, John Smith, George Ward and James Moore were
the first lot buyers. William McCafferty established a cabinet shop in 1830 or
1831, and also a tavern. McElwee appears to have left the place and Robert
Patton to have succeeded him as merchant. George Ward was mail carrier and
James Moore was the village blacksmith. John Adams opened a stock of goods in
John Smith's house in 1838-39. This house, with twelve others, then constituted
the town. A log house occupied the site of the present Adams House, in which
James Adams opened a store. Within the ensuing ten years some progress was
made; George Emerick entered into friendly competition with McCafferty in the
tavern business ; Shields Adams competed with Robert Patton and Maj. Tames
Adams for general trade; James Scott opened a harness shop, and one or more
tradesman found employment there. The Fairview foundry was established in
1844 by Col. James A. Gibson and M. S. Adams. The latter was also in the
mercantile business until 1858, when he sold to Arnold & Crawford. In 1858
Arnold & Crawford became owners of the foundry, which was carried on from
the fall of that year until 1860 by J. J. Maxwell, lessee. In the latter year he
purchased the property, and continued to operate it until 1872.
In 184G Shields Adams carried on a hotel in the old Emerick House. The
old Adams House, a three-story frame building, was erected in 1872 for Maj. W.
C. Adams. The building in itself is a history of the oil town. Before the pro-
duction in the Fairview neighborhood fell to zero, the owner died, and the big
hotel was taken apart, the lumber hauled to Butler, reconstructed opposite the
McKean street school and named the Waverly House. In 1873 there were four
licensed hotels, namely : The Adams House, the O'Brien House, the Ray
House and the McFann House, now the Adams Hotel.
53(3 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The Fairvie-w Reporter -was established in 1872 by Col. Samuel Young, with
R. W. Criswell, editor. In 1873 publication was discontinued, the owner and
editor seeking a larger field for newspaper work.
The Fairviezv Deposit and Savings Sank was established August 15, l*72v
by Ralston, McQuade & Company to transact a general banking and exchange
business. The firm had an office also at Karns City, and transacted business at
both places for some time, with D. A. Ralston president, and R. W. McKee
cashier. ( >n March 15, 1882, the concern closed its doors, leaving nominal
assets. The liabilities, which aggregated $225,000, represented the savings of a
thousand people and the capital of many oil operators and merchants.
In 1871 the oil men came to change all the quiet and happiness of forty
years' growth into a cauldron, boiling with excitement, hope, disappointment,
pleasure, joy and sorrow. They succeeded, and the old village was lost in the
rioting of speculation and pleasure which reigned here after the Argyle stampede.
A mania for boring through the earth seemed to have taken possession of young
and old, merchant and tradesman. It was an epidemic of enterprise and is fully
described in a preceding chapter.
In August, 1872, the Jameson well reached Third sand, at a depth of 1,480
feet, when a vein of gas and oil was struck. The two liquids caught fire, destroyed
the rig and smothered young Jameson. The flow of oil was 300 barrels at first,
then decreased to 200, and by August 30, fell to 150 barrels a day.
In 1870 the village contained some 200 inhabitants, but in L876 there were
over 1,000. By 1880 the population had dwindled to 338, and the census of 1890
gave it 803.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.
In 1825 the first school building on the site of Fairview was erected. It
was a rude log structure, with greased paper in the openings to take the place of
glass, and a huge fire place. In 1835 Squire Thomas McCleary taught in the old
school on the Rankin farm. In 1857 a modern school house was built. In 1875
this house being too small to accommodate all the pupils, a new two-story build-
ing, thirty by sixty, costing, including furniture, $4,200, was erected, $2,200 of
this amount being raised by subscription and a fair or festival. The present direc-
tors, elected in February, 1894, are J. J. Maxwell and W. P. Jameson, the old
board comprising II. S. Garner, W. C. Hawn, Thomas Hays, J. A.Wilson,
J. M. Byers and II. W. Jameson. The children of school age, in June, 1893,
numbered thirty-eight males and forty-one females. The total school revenue for
1898 was $874.64, including a State appropriation of $424.90.
The German Lutheran Church was organized here two years after the sur-
vey of the town site was made, when the society erected a round-log house, with-
out flooring, and with a roof only useful in dry weather. Owing to the limited
number and financial condition of the worshipers, the Reformed society, and per-
haps the first Methodist class, became interested in the old log house, and made
of it a Union church, the former holding services therein until the building of
their present church, in 1857. The old log house, which stood opposite Young's
FAIRVIEW BOROUGH. 537
blacksmith shop, was moved by William McCafferty and is now a barn on David
Rankin's farm.
St. Peter s Reformed Church may be said to have been organized in 1845, by
Rev. Samuel Miller, of the old White Church congregation of Sugar creek. In
1849 Rev. L. D. Leberman succeeded him, but Mr. Miller resumed charge of St.
Peter's as one of his appointments in 1850. Rev. H. H. Hartman succeeded him
in 1852; Rev. Abner Dale came in 1856; Rev. David O. Shoemaker in August,
1860; Rev. J- S. Shade in 1865, and Rev. Abner Dale again in September,
1869. He was pastor until his death, January 16, 1875. In June Rev. Joseph
Hannaberry was elected pastor and served until April, 1879, when Rev. J. W.
Alspach was called. In lss7 Rev. II. H. Sandoe came, and he was succeeded in
October, 1888. by Rev. H. S. Garner, the present pastor, who has also charge of
the church at Millerstown. The membership is placed at 118. On May 31,
1857, a frame building, erected by M. S. Ray in 1854, was dedicated. It was
improved with a new roof in 1889 and again improved in 1892, and is now a fair
house of worship. Down to 1874 this church was in the Sugar Creek charge.
Then it became a distinct charge and remained so until 1879, when it was con-
nected with the Millerstown church. The elders are William Ellenberger, J. D.
Daubenspeck and J. M. Byers ; the deacons, Thomas Snow, Charles Ellenberger
and David Daubenspeck. It was chartered November 3, 1876, with the follow-
ing members: Joseph Hannaberry, John Daubenspeck, William Ellenberger,
David Daubenspeck, Thomas Snow, Christian Gerner and Henry Shakeley.
The United Presbyterian Church dates back to 1884, when all but five
families and one elder withdrew from the Bear Creek Presbyterian church and
established the Associate Reformed church here. Rev. Joseph Johnston being
credited with the leadership of the movement. The older Presbyterian church
then became the Bear Creek United Presbyterian church, with Mr. Johnston as
pastor. Revs. James Green. Robert W. Oliver, Riddle, James H. Fife and John
A. Campbell were the pastors down to 1857, when the place of meeting was
changed to Fairview village, where Robert Ilawn erected a church in 1850.
Rev. W. P. Breaden was ordained pastor, and was followed by Rev. Mr. Dodds,
who served until 1878, when Rev. A. B. C. McFarland was ordained. The new
building was dedicated August 24, 1883, on the site of the old church, which was
taken down. Its building may be credited to the zeal and energy of Mr. Mc-
Farland, who watched its construction and saw that the house was paid for as
soon as the contractor reported it finished. William Gibson, John C. Ray and
William Wilson lent important aid to the pastor. The society was incorporated
September 12, 1883, the petitioners being W. Campbell, William Gibson, J. A.
Wilson, J. C. Ray, M. P. Black and William Wilson. The new church was
erected by Frank Stewart at a cost of $16,000, after plans by Bailey, of Pitts-
burg. It is a German Gothic building, in red brick from the Gamble brickyard.
Since Mr. McFarland's time Rev. R. M. Sherrard has been the only ordained
pastor.
The Presbyterian Church was organized August 12, 1875, with ten mem-
bers, by T. S. Xegley, a student of Princeton college, who began his labors July
4, 1875, and Elders Thomas Hays and Robert W. McKee. They, with Mrs.-
538 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Elizabeth Black, Mrs. Kate J. Hays, Thomas II. and Nancy II. Moore, Curtis
Moure, Jennie Moore. Mrs. Clara Stetson and Mrs. Harriet Young, were the
first members. By August 21, 1875, the membership was increased to twenty-
one. Eight days later Mr. Negley bade farewell to the congregation and, on
November 6, his place was taken by Rev. I. I). Decker, who preached in the Ger-
man Reformed building a day later, and also, on the same day. in the school
house at Karns City. In February, 1876, the two churches had a membership of
fifty-nine, and a movement to erect buildings was inaugurated. The trustees
we're the elders named, with M. S. Ray, R. M. Russell and D. F. McKee. On
February 17, Thomas B. Clark, Thomas Hays, William Flemming, R. W.
McKee and Alexander Ralston were appointed a building committee, and on
May 25, work on the building at Fairview commenced, though ground was
broken for the Karns City building the day before. The first was completed
and dedicated December 17, lS7t>, the cost being $6,000. Mr. Decker was
ordained pastor November 1, and on November It), Karns City was consti-
tuted a separate church, with thirteen members, the pastor continuing to serve
both congregations until January 8, 1*77. On October 2, however, he was
asked to give half of his time to Karns City, and on October 30 became pastor
of that congregation. At the beginning of 1878 there were ninety members at
Fairview and fifty at Karns City. In 1883, M. S. Ray was chosen an additional
elder. Mr. Decker continued until October, 1888, and was succeeded by Rev.
F. A. Kearns, who served until January, 1892, when Rev. \Y. L. McClure suc-
ceeded him. being ordained in September. 1893. There are now fifty-three
members.
The Methodist Episcopal Church dates back to the thirties, when the old
Lutheran church was transformed into a Union meeting house. In is 17 a house
of worship was erected, which is still used. Later the place was a charge of the
Clinton circuit, again united with North Washington and again with Karns
City, to which circuit it now belongs.
INCORPORATION AND OFFICIALS.
The petition for the incorporation of Fairview borough was recommended
by the grand jury February 28, 1866, ami granted in September, 1867. The
petitioners were J. J. Maxwell, J. S. Moore, W. Alexander, Harrison Gibson,
John Bice, Henry Grupen, M. W. Alexander, II. Wagner, A. C. Gibson,
William Patton, S. S. Beatty, J. W. Waters, E. Scott. S. S. Bell, D. A.
Holmes, W. C. Adams, M. S. Ray, A. H. Maxwell. J. C. Alexander, John
Smith, Dr. J. F. Beatty, T. M. McMillen. Charles Fowler, W. F. Bice, R. Wood
and Charles Millinger. Nothing appears to have been done under this act of
incorporation for some years. In fact the first record is dated October 2, 1872,
and ends March 8, 1873. The burgess and councilmen elected annually since 1872
are as follows : —
1872 — John Pollock, burgess; James Rutherford, A. J. Mabb, Harrison
Gibson, Chambers Scott and J. J. Maxwell, councilmen ; W. F. Bice, con-
stable ; John Smith, and A. O'Brien, overseers of the poor, with M. S. Ray,
FAIRVIEW BOROUGH. 539
secretary. George H. Bemus was chosen permanent secretary, and R. \V.
McKee, treasurer.
1873— A. J. Mabb, James McCleary, R. W. McKee, J. J. Maxwell, John
Ervin.
1874 — James Rutherford, burgess. There is no record for 1S74 or 1 s7-">.
1876 — George H.Graham, burgess; M. S. Ray, Hugh Young, J. A. Ervin,
R. W. McKee and O. E. Tiffany.
1877 — George H. Graham, burgess ; II. C. Birchard, assistant burgess; A.
J. Nicholson, J. E. Brownyear, Franklin Chapman and T. T. Maxwell.
1878 — George H. Graham, burgess; J. J. Maxwell, assistant burgess ; George
W. Grow, H. C. Birchard and J. E. Brownyear.
1879 — Thomas Hays, burgess; Milton Conway, assistant burgess ; R. W .
McKee and J. A. Wilson.
1880 — Thomas Hays, burgess: J. D. Burton, assistant burgess; A. J. Nich-
olson, W. T. McCoy and James Rutherford.
. 1881— M. S. Ray. burgess; H. C. Birchard, assistant burgess ; G.H.Gra-
ham and E. Koonce.
1882 — M. S. Ray, burgess; P. B. Kelchner, assistant burgess; Samuel Eykes,
Thomas Hays and A. Grow.
1883— J. M. Byers, burgess; P. T. Templeton and A. C. Gibson.
ls^4 — James Byers, burgess; T. P. Kelchner, assistant burgess; D. Eykes
and H. Gibson.
1885 — George H. Graham, burgess; William Storey, assistant burgess; J.
A. Wilson and P. B. Kelchner.
1886 — G. H. Graham, burgess ; William Storey, assistant burgess ; Charles
Hindman and W. P. Jameson.
1887— A. Grow, burgess; M. S. Ray and A. T. McDowell.
188,8 — A. L. Timblin, burgess; P. R. Bollinger, assistant burgess; A. C.
Gibson and Eli Reep.
1889 — A. L. Timblin, burgess; D. W. McClure, assistant burgess, and James
Byers.
1890 — Samuel Eykes, burgess; R. C. Scott, assistant burgess, and John
Graham.
1891 — Samuel Eykes, burgess ; R. C. .Scott, assistant burgess; H.Gibson
and F. M. Michael.
1892 — Dr. V. F. Thomas, burgess; Charles McClung, assistant burgess; J.
A. Wilson and George H. Graham.
1893 — Dr. V. F. Thomas, burgess; Charles McClung, assistant burgess;
William Ellenberger and J. H. Warnmack.
1894 — John Bice, burgess ; W. C. Hawn, D. Eykes and F. M. Michael elected,
but Mr. Hawn did not qualify. William Ellenberger, F. M.Michael, J. A. Wil-
son, David Eykes and George II. Graham form the present council, with Sam-
uel H. Templeton, secretary.
540 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
POSTMASTERS AND JUSTICES.
The post-office was established near Bear Creek church in 1831, with Peter
Beighley postmaster, and George Ward mail carrier, on the Butler road. Beigh-
ley was succeeded in 1835 by Robert Patton. Dr. Bullard was the next incum-
bent; William Alexander and Dr. Beatty held the office subsequently; then \V.
C. Adams served prior to December, 1870, when William Alexander was
appointed, the office being then named Baldwin in honor of Henry Baldwin, one
of the first lawyers of the old circuit. Chambers Scott succeeded Mr. Alexander,
but within a year, or on August 26, 1887, Samuel H. Templeton was appointed
his successor. It was made a money order office April 4, 1892.
The justices of the peace elected since 1873 are as follows : A. G. Mahaffy,
1K73; M. S. Ray, 1874, 1879, L885 and L890; W. C. Adams, 1879; J. D. Bur-
ton, 1881; James T. Wilson, 1883; William Storey (did not qualify); L. R.
McFann, 1884 and 1889, and William Gibson, 1891.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRES.
The first fire in 1873 originated in the Patton clothing store, north of M. S.
Ray's house, destroying it, with Clark & Timblin's office. The second fire started
in the spring of 1874, in the old McCafferty House, occupied at the time by A.
O'Brien, destroying the property. The explosion of gas, on January 28, 1877,
in Robert Patton's house, resulted in wrecking the building, in the death of Mrs.
Patton, and in serious injury to the owner and Rev. Mr. Decker, who had his
rooms there. It appears that gas from the main found a way into the cellar
under the frozen ground, and filled the space. A lighted lamp, being placed at
the head of the cellar way, soon played the part of fuse and a mightv explosion
followed. The fire of February 20, 1877, destroyed the building occupied by
Mrs. Adams' millinery store, R. J. Wiles & Company's grocery store, Lupher's
hardware store and T. A. Smith's book store. The old Emerick House, which
stood nearly opposite the Hawn store, and was occupied by Wilson as a hotel,
was burned August 9, 1881. C. Alexander's drug store was destroyed in 1885,
the property belonging to Squire Ray.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Victorious Lodge, I. O. G. T., was organized in February, 1877, with
thirty-two members — R. J. Shanor presiding.
Liberty Lodge, Number 965, A', of //., was organized March 19, 1878,
with the following named members : Thomas B. Clark, George H. Graham,
Thomas Hays, A.J. Nicholson, Thomas F. Moore, J. L. Hite, M. S. Ray, R. W.
McKee, S. I. Strickland, J. E. Brownyear, James Rutherford, F. H. Chapman,
Thomas A. Smith, J. W. Love, H. C. Birchard, J. J. Maxwell, G. C. Maxwell,
J. A. Gortland, J. A. Knapp, A. T. McKee, W. J.' Pollock. A. P. Shearer, G.
W. McGroin, R. M. Russell and G. W. Miller. The Union Hall was originally
built by David Stewart in 1875 for mercantile uses, and he kept store there until
1S?.V. when it was sold at sheriff's sale, and was ultimately purchased by the
Knights of Honor. It is now jointly owned by this lodge, the United Workmen
FAIRVIEW BOROUGH. 54 1
and tlie American Mechanics. Formerly the Equitable Aid Union had an inter-
est in it. In the fall of 1893 there were twenty-nine members in this lodge.
Four members have died since the organization : Miller, Russell, Conway
and Bell.
McNair Lodge, Number 107, A. O. U. W., was organized April 5, H77,
with twenty-three members, which increased before the close of the year to sixty-
five. C. C. Alexander was P. M. W. ; A. J. Nicholson, M. W ; W. II. Scott,
G. F.; E. Coons, O. ; C. W. Hovis, recorder; \V. M. Patton, receiver; Charles
Hindman, G. ; A. S. Miller, J. W., and P. L. Gibson, O. W.
Baldwin Union, Number 467, E. A. U, was organized in July, 1882, with
twenty members. The lodge holds its charter with five members, namely :
Thomas Hays, Keziah J. Hays, Sophia M. McClure, J. D. Burton and O. W.
Akin.
Baldwin Council, Number 751, Jr. 0. U. A. M., was chartered September
21, 1892, with the following named members: S. H. Templeton, E. E. Reep, O.
W. Reep, George W. Campbell, J. W. Wagoner, H. W. Jameson, John II.
Graham, James Alexander, S. A. Keefer, C. M. Storey, H. D. Storey, D.
I. McCIintock, R. N. Wilson, W. F. Alexander, E. W. Byers, J. M. Byers,
P. R. Bollinger and James M. Maxwell.
The Producers' Protective Union, Number 1:2, was organized at Karns
City, September:!-;, 1877. with W. II. Hoffman, president ; T. P. Thompson and
N. B. Parker, vice-presidents; M. H. Mercer, secretary; A. J. Saulsbury, treas-
urer, and John Galloway, sergeant-at-arms. The charter members of the asso-
ciation numbered thirty. The organization finally fell to pieces, most of the
members joining in the stampede to the Bradford field.
CHAPTER XLVI.
PETROLIA BOROUGH.
Founding of the Town — Oil Discovered — Rapid Growth — Early Business Inter-
ests— The Notorious Ben Hogan — Population and Statistics — Postoffice
and Schools — Destructive Fires, Etc — Fike Companies and Water Supply —
The Great Flood — Churches — Borough Councils and Justices of the Peace
— Banks and Business Companies — Secret Societies.
IN February, 1872, the site of Petrolia was a part of the Bear Creek wil-
derness. The little building erected by W. E. Clark that month was the
beginning of the town, though the }. B. Jameson farm house stood where the
present opera house is, and the cleared lands and homes of A. L. Campbell
and George H. Graham stood in evidence of pastoral civilization having settled
there before commercial enterprise appeared. In April, 187— , the " Fannie
Jane"' was drilled into the oil land by Dimmick, Nesbitt & Lardin, and the fluid
responded to the drill in such large quantities that the wilderness was soon filled
with an armv of excited oil men. A newspaper reporter, who rode down from
Parker's Landing in the summer of that year, passed en route some twenty
wagon loads of houses and household effects, including one two-story house forty
feet square, which was undergoing removal for the fifth time. Betore the close
of the year a town, said to contain about 2,000 inhabitants, was brought into
existence.
In December, 1873, there were at that point four hotels, twelve grocery
stores, two hardware stores, two dry goods stores, three clothing stores, two
bakeries, seven barber shops, three machine shops, two meat markets, two drug
stores, two billiard halls, one news room, and the offices of three physicians and
several lawyers. The reporter of the period did not calculate the number of
saloons, but it is certain that in 1874 there were sixty saloons in the village.
The first grocerv and saloon was established at the corner of Main and
Jamison streets, by John Painter, who moved from Brady's Bend in 1 sT-.
R. W. Cram built a news room and private postoffice; \V. E. Clark erected a
house, which was used as a machine shop by Wm. Robertson ; Ben Ilogan's opera
house and gaming hall, Peter Christie's Central Hotel, McBride's drug store,
Courtnev's machine shop, and I). C. Backus, who moved his store and hardware
stock from Argyle, were all here early in 1872. About that time the Argyle
Bank was moved to Petrolia. Ellis Goodman opened a stock of clothing in 1873,
L. P. Cross a photographer's studio, and scores of others established stores and
shops here within the succeeding three years. From the spring of 1875 to the
fall of 1877 it was an extraordinary specimen of the oil town species. Men and
PETROLIA BOROUGH. 543
women, as good and true as the country ever produced, were here in numbers,
while the representatives of the other class were also numerous, parading their
vices in the sunlight as well as in the glare of the gaslight, in the Coliseum and
Oil Exchange as well as on the streets. In Centennial year the E. P. Chesebro
and the Benedict dry goods stores were opened; drug stores, hotels, restaurants
and saloons multiplied and began to assume permanency. In 1878 James L.
Clark bought the house which he established as the Hotel Brunswick.
Argyle was eaten up by the new town at the cross roads, and each morning
beheld new hotels, new stores and dwellings rising above the creek and in the
valley. The population jumped from zero to 3,000, and from 3,000 to 5,000.
The oil reservoirs of the twenty-second degree belt yielded up a golden stream, and
money was expended lavishly and foolishly. This reign of prosperity was tem-
pered by many set backs. Several conflagrations and one destructive flood vis-
ited the place; but all could not quell the enterprise or the revels of the people.
Three newspapers were published at Petrolia. The Advertiser was the first,
but after a brief existence it gave up the field to the Record, established October
27, 1877, and removed to Butler in June, 1888. The Producers' Free Press
came early in 1878, and lasted only a few months. All of these papers are
spoken of in "The Press" chapter, where the reader is referred for fuller
information.
The notorious Ben Hogan was a resident here in the seventies, and though
now an evangelist, preaching from New York to San Francisco, he then had a
very questionable reputation. In 1865 he made the toughest place in the world —
Pithole — shake with his profanity, and. with " French Kate," as partner, carried
on a resort there. Subsequently, at Babylon, he opened a great dance house.
That infamous little place, becoming too narrow for him, he sought a wider field
at Parker's Landing ; but the authorities controlling him on land, he launched a
vice-armored floating palace on the Allegheny. The craft, 150 x 40 feet in dimen-
sions, was originally a Pithole boarding house, but he fitted it up at heavy cost,
manned it with fifteen or twenty female mariners and a few desperadoes like
himself, took on a cargo of wine and whisky, defied the law and kept the profits.
Even then, no ore dreamt that this terror would venture into Butler county ; but
he did, after the floating palace was wrecked on a faro bank, and opened a
house at Petrolia. The '' Female Seminary" was one of his institutions. He
ran for burgess of the new borough, and received seven more votes than George H.
Dimmick, but the character of the voters was questioned and his attempt to gain
official honor failed. He erected an $11,000 opera house here, one at Greece
City and one at Millerstown, and for a few years ruled as king of sport-. His
departure brought relief to the old settlers of the county, who were pleased to
learn that he had established himself north of the Kinzua ravine and was far
away from Bear creek.
The population of Petrolia in 1870 was estimated at 5,000. In 1880, the
census enumerators found 1,186 inhabitants, and in 1890, 54G ; but in April, 1894,
the estimated population was 400. In June, 189*5, there were eighty-five male
and fifty-four female pupils of school age in the borough. The total receipts for
school purposes amounted to $1,401.21, of which a sum of $701.36 was appro-
544
HISTORY OF BUTLER COt'NTY.
printed by the State. The assessed value of property in January. 1804, was
$41,327; the county tax. $165.31, and the State tax, $53.06.
The postoffice was established in 1873, with R.W. Cram postmaster. Four
years later 5,00(1 persons received their mail there, and it was raised to the dig-
nity of a third-class office. William Gibson was appointed postmaster in 1882.
Thomas Carlin succeeded Mr. Gibson in 1889, and Mrs. Ida O. Ervin was the
next incumbent. In February, 1894, W. S. Walcott succeeded Mrs. Ervin.
The present school building was erected shortly after the incorporation of
the borough. In June, 1893, there were three school rooms reported, and in Jan-
uary, 1894, the following named teachers were presiding: Edward Harper,
Maggie Shira and Jennie Espy. The directors were : J. S. Foster. R. E. Eng-
lish, Tracy Denholm. Joseph Burkhart, John Byers and Thomas Carlin.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRES, ETC.
The first tire, other than that at the Jameson well, occurred in November,
1S72. While it destroyed five or six houses and entailed heavy losses on the people
of the town, it did not for a moment retard their chase after oil and the almighty dol-
lar. The lire of January, 1873, originated at the Wilson well above the town, whence
it spread to five wells in the vicinity, destroying the rigs and 5,000 barrels of oil.
The oil, which flowed into the creek, was accidentally fired by one of the Dean
brothers. The two brothers were severely burned for their carelessness, while
the dwellings of Prof. Loomis and Parsons were destroyed and one man killed
by the falling of a burning derrick. In April, 1873, the Evans & Jennings well
on the Dougherty farm, near Petrolia, took tire, and 000 barrels of oil were
destroyed.
On Sunday evening, December 10, 1876, occurred a terrible explosion of
dynamite on the outskirts of the town, which broke the windows of many build-
ings and blew to atoms David Smith and a teamster, who had just brought the
explosive from Titusville. A second dynamite catastrophe took place near Pe-
trolia October 28, 1^7S, resulting in the deaths of S. O. Gotham, II. R. French
and John W. Fowler.
The tire of August 1. 1879, came to destroy what the flood left undisturbed.
Lutzinger's barber .-hop, the Grand Central Hotel, Newman's candy shop, Har-
vey's store, Comerford's saloon, and the postoffice on the upper side, Dr.
Mahneke's office and Spence's stable on the lower side, and the old Shirley store
buildings across Main street, were burned. The drug store of A. A. West
was torn down by the mob under the pretence of preventing the spread of the
fire. A notice on an outbuilding of Burgess Stone, with the motto, " Bread or
Blood," distinguishable among the heiroglyphics, led to the supposition that
incendiaries were at work.
The tire of April 3, lssl>. destroyed the Methodist church, the parsonage and
the A. M. Rice building adjoining. The church was erected in 1S74 as a Union
church for Protestant worship, but was subsequently purchased by the Method-
ists, who were the owners when it was destroyed. The society rebuilt on the
same ground and worship there to-day. This tire was also credited to incen-
diaries. The conflagration of December 22, 1889, was a serious set-back to the
PETROLIA BOROUGH. 545
town, but that which occurred in December, 1890, .destroyed two-thirds of the
business center and entailed great losses on the community.
The fire of February 29, 1893, destroyed buildings owned by the following
named citizens : \V. G Forcht. S. P. Christy, M. L. Starr, Knights of Pythias
and J. B. Kilroy, who owned three buildings. The fire originated in Christy's
livery stable. The bravery of the nozzlemen, F. \V. Quinn, F. J. Carman, John
Byers, Sopha Yeager and John Forquer, who, wrapped in wet blankets, held the
hose in the face of the flames, saved a repetition of the terrible fire of December,
22, 1889.
The fire of July 4, 1893, is said to have started in one of the Kilroy build-
ings, on the east side of Jameson street. The buildings destroyed were the
Masonic Hall, the only brick house in the town, the stores of Toronski Brothers,
E. P. Chesebro, Mrs. Lenehan, Yensel & English, J. S. Foster. Mrs. L. George,
G. Kilchenstein, Tracy Denholm, M. L. Starr, Mrs. J. A. Foote, J. M. Hawk.
John Campbell and George Jones; the markets of Asa Campbell and 11. Crom-
ling ; the old Argyle Savings Bank, then John Byer's dwelling, formerly the
postofHce ; A. W. Root's building, Heckler's barber shop, Avemann's, Hindman's
and Beach's dwellings, J. B. Kilroy's Commercial Hotel, grocery store and other
buildings, and Mrs. C. M. Bennett's Central House, where the new Central
House of Campbell & Byers stands. In rear of the Central, D. C. Burns' oil
well, then pumping for eighteen years, lost its equipment.
The present large store of E. P. Chesebro was completed on the site of the
old building early in April, 1894. The Central House, the po-tomce. built by
Mrs. Ida O. Ervin. Mrs. Lenehan's millinery store and dwelling. English &
Vensel's hardware store and George Kilchenstein's tailoring house were erected
early in the same year.
FIRE COMPANIES AND WATER SUPPLY.
In November, 1872, following the first fire, a tire department was organized
and became a celebrated local company. The United Pipe Lines supplied the
water and patronized two fire companies — the Citizens' and United Hose Com-
panies. United Hose Company, Number 1. was recruited in 1873 by A. C. Bee-
son, from the employes of the United Pipe Line Company. The Petrolia Hose
Company followed, and in 1874 another organization known as tin- Protective
Hose Company, of Petrolia, was brought into existence. It was chartered May
19, 1879, with the following named directors : R. J. Bottner, J. II. Suth
P. Christie, O. McCarthy, C. Barthold, S. F. O'Grady. A. Adrian, C. Bullock,
George Griffin and T. S. McFarland. The United Hose Company also obtained
a charter.
In April. Is74, the council passed an ordinance giving to A. C. Beeson and
Murat Compton the right to construct water works. This franchise was a
transferred to E. O'Donnell and F. L. Masson, who constructed the system and
carried it on until June, 1880, when a stock company was organized to assume
ownership, Guerdon Williams. D. C. Backus, T. J. Mapes. D. A. Cypher, F.
L. Masson, S. \Y. Harley and E. A. Taylor being the officials. In 1891 it be-
came the property of the borough.
546 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
THE IIREAT FLOOD.
The flood of July 2(3, l^T'.l, which destroyed much valuable property at
Petrolia, was caused by a heavy local rain storm. At eleven o'clock A. m. the
waters inundated Karns City and flowed toward the railroad bridge above
Petrolia, and thence poured in on the yre.it oil town. South and north of Main
street and west of the railroad, houses were built over Bear creek. Of these, the
White Fawn restaurant was the first to move. Following in its wake were
Miles' law office and the lumber piles of Xanstiel. The White Fawn kept intact
across Main street until it struck Bottner's jewelry store, where it halted for the
oncoming houses and debris. Then the strange squadron sailed onward, sweep-
ing everything between the railroad and the Central Hotel down to the United
Pipe Line Company's shops, where the storm and the wild waters played havoc
with the buildings. Meantime, on the other side of the railroad, from the old oil
well downward, the waters were not idle, so that the territory from Xesbitt
avenue, on the south line, to the United Pipe Line Company's shops, and east-
ward from a line east of Argyle and Fairview streets to Jameson street, was almost
cleared of buildings. An entire block standing over the creek on Railroad street
was destroyed. The Ilarley dwelling and the hose house were followed by the
Coliseum, a large building which stood upon the island and erected at a cost of
$1,400 in which to hold walking matches. A match was being held and the
building was tilled with spectators when the flood came unexpectedly and swept
it from its foundation so quickly that many of the audience had difficulty in
escaping. It withstood the current until struck by a large oil tank, which practi-
cally wrecked the building, ami it then swept onward, taking everything in its
pathway.
The following list taken from the Record embraces the buildings carried
away : 1. II. Otto's shanty, S. W. Harley's dwelling, Charles Gardner's shanty,
Mrs. Thompson's dwelling, the Coliseum or rink, P. Murray's boiler shop, the
hose house. Major Hawkins' derrick and oil tanks, Yough's blacksmith shop, M.
X. Miles' law office, Nesbitt's "White, Fawn," Dill's candy store, O'Donnell's
•• Hart building," Foote & Weeks' drug store, Teske's barber shop, Levine's cigar
store. Bartholdi's clothing store, M. C. Benedict's law office, Bottner's jewelry
store, Dan Smith's and Cole's barber shops, the R. Lecky buildings, vacant and
tenanted, West's photograph gallery, Levison's cleaning works, the Worden
building, Purcell's vacant house, DeCourcey's barber shop, the Smith and the
Miles buildings, the Comerford, the Miles and the Bowers vacant buildings,
Burkhart's shoe shop, Jonas Hafele's shanty, Petrolia bath-rooms, Mrs. Beauton's
dress making store, D. C. Backus' wareroom, Christie ,V Cameron's stables, But-
ler County Gas Lines stable, Zillifro's, Hand's and McNeil's dwellings and the
Harris and Hand barn. The Clifton House escaped destruction owing to Lyon's
boiler >hop above it. which the waters were not able to move. The list of
houses inundated is equally extensive, but with the exception of the Central
House, the Central drug store. Marks' dry goods store, Ireland & McCaughtry's
machine shop, and the United Pipe Line's buildings, the losses from flooding
were not heavy. Main' persons narrowly escaped death in various forms, so
PETROLIA BOROUGH. 547
that the reminiscences of the day tell of many stupid acts and a greater number
of heroic deeds. The Record estimated t he entire loss at $75,000.
CHURCHES.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized September 1, 1ST-', with
D. 11. and Jane Taylor, D. N. and Adelia Amey, L. B. and Fannie Anderson,
II. E. and Jennie Paine, Isaac and Charlotte Elliott, F. M. and Lydia Small, E.
and C. McCall, members. In 1873 a meeting house was erected at a cost of
$2,381.50, and a parsonage at a cost of $491.75. Both were burned in the fall
of 1884. In 1885 a new church and parsonage were built north of Squire Flem-
ing's house, the insurance on the old building enabling the society to rebuild.
The pastors in charge, since 1873, are as follows : Revs. George J. Squires, 1^7:! ;
A. L. Kellogg, 1875; R. N. Stubbs, 1878; P. W. Schofield, 1879; Manassas
Miller, 1881; William Taylor, 1883; Sylvester Fidler, 1884 ; William Bunce,
1886; F. M. Small, 1887, and J. II. Clemens, the present pastor, in 1892. Mr.
Clemens claims a membership of l? 14 in the circuit, which includes Bruin or
Martinsburg.
The Petrolia Presbyterian Church was organized July 10, 1877, by Revs.
R. W. McCaslin, James Coulter and W. D. Patton, with the following named
members: John Andrews and wife, Mrs. M. C. Benedict, D. W.Bailey, Nancy
J. Black, John G. Brandon, Laura Brandon, A. M. Bricker and wife, lane C.
Hart, Mrs. R. E. Foster, Sarepta E. Foster, Mrs. Elizabeth Stand, Alfred L.
Jury and wife, Susan Jewell, Mrs. E. Kirschartz, Mary E. Thompson. Thomas
G. and Martha Schick. Levi Grand, Florence Wilson, Elizabeth Linn and one
other whose name is not given on the record. Mr. Rutherford was stated sup-
ply from the beginning of the organization and preached here prior to July, 1>77.
In November, 1878, Mr. Decker svas called as stated supply and regularly
appointed in April, 1879. John Andrews and A. L. Jury were ordained elders
at the organization : Charles D. Backus, J. G. Brandon and L. G. Wilson in
1878 ; David Quigley in 1881, and E. P. Chesebro in 1884, The society was incor-
porated November 15, 1886, with the following members or subscribers : David
Quigley, E. P. Chesebro, H. A. Klingensmith, J. II. Chatham, W. G. Russell
and their wives, A. C. Byers and Mrs. W. II. Daugherty, R. E. Foster, L.
Ostrander and Miss Louisa M. Ness. A church was then erected, but of the
original congregation W. II. Daugherty, E. P. Chesebro, Mrs. Chesebro and Mrs.
Ostrander are now the only resident members. Rev. W. L. McClure is pastor.
this church, with that at Fairview and the church at Martinsburg, forming his
charge. There are eighty-one members.
St. James' Catholic Chapel, a mission of the Bradys Bend parish, dates
back to 1S74, when a large number of Catholics petitioned the bishop of Pitts-
burg to have a church erected here. Father Tiernev was appointed pastor, and
under his administration a building was erected af a cost of over $4,000. The
pastors at Brady's Bend have attended to this chapel from its beginning, Father
Callahan being the present one.
The Church of Christ was incorporated March 1, 1880. under authority of
court given on that date. The members of the association at that time were G.
54S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
B. Herbert, W. P. Johnson, H. E. Paine, J. II. Norton and A. Kelly. A
building was erected and used for worship for a year or two, until the organiza-
tion disbanded, when the building was moved to Sandy Lake.
St. Peter's Mission Chapel was completed in April, 1882, through the
efforts of Rev. Edmund Burke, of the Protestant Episcopal church of Butler.
On May 29, 1882, he transferred tiie building to the local society. It was burned
in 1889, since which time no services have been held.
BOROUGH COUNCILS AND JUs :[CIl"-.
The first election for Petrolia borough took place in February, 1873, when
the following named officers were chosen: George II. Dimmick, burgess; 1.
Satterrield, assistant-burgess ; A. L. Campbell and T. A. Thompson, justices of
the peace ; J. B. Brown, R. S. Rowley, A. L. Campbell, W. F. Jordan and
William Gibson, councilmen ; P. Christie, night constable; D. Spence and R.
Elliott, borough constables; J. B. Jameson, W. Gibson, R. S. Rowley, D.
Tubbs, Andrew Campbell and R. \\". Amev, school directors; E. E. Scudder and
F. F. A. Wilson, inspectors; H. Millichamp, judge of election; F. M. Camp-
bell, D. C. Backus and .Samuel McBride, auditors ; William Gibson, assessor, and
J. II. Lewis clerk.
1*74 — G. II. Dimmick, burgess; O. W. Fletcher, clerk; Rowley, Raver,
Sheffield, Tupper and Sachem
1875 — Frank L. Masson, burgess; M. X. Miles, clerk; Owen McCarthy, J.
W. Harlan, Hatch, Adrian. Ireland and R. J. Bottner.
1876— Frank L. Masson, burgess; M. X. Miles, clerk: C. Barthold, C. Tem-
pleton, J. C. Lvon, P. Christie and W. H. Green.
1S77— D. W. Bailey, burgess ; Thomas S. McFarland, J. H. Sutherland, W.
Gibson, A. C. Beeson, F. L. Masson tnd J. C. Lyon.
1878— W. H. Green, burgess; A. C. Beeson, S. G. Coffin, R. J. Bottner, R.
S. Raver, Thomas Carlin and Owen McCarthy.
IS7'.»— W. II. Green, burgess ; A. C. Beeson, \Y. Gibson, \V. Robertson. L.
X. Ireland, R. S. Raver and Owen McCarthy.
1880 — W. II. Green, burgess; William Robertson. J. H. Sutherland. J. C.
Lyon. L. X. Ireland, Edward O'Donnell and William Gibson.
1881 — fames Buzzard, burgess; \\". Gibson, J. C. Lyon, J. L. CI irk, X. C.
Gilford and D. A. Cypher.
[882 — M. C. Benedict, burgess; W. C. Gifford, J. C. Lyon and F. II. Cauley.
1883— M. C. Benedict, burgess ; H. A. Klingensmith, W. II. King and J.
E. Hughes.
ISSl—J. W. Ridd !, burgess; A. L. Campbell, L. X. Ireland, Thomas Car-
lin, W. II. King, Ch irles E. Herr and William II. Jellison.
1885— J. W. Riddle, burgess; Charles E. Herr, J. II. Chatham and A.
W. Root.
1880 — J. W. Ri Id !, 1 irg :ss ; Joseph Burkhart and J. C. Lyon.
1887 — William Gibson, burgess; W. S. Wolcott and W. C. Fosl :r.
|sss — Ro iert I. Bottner, burgess; J. A. Foote and G. Kilchenstein.
[889 — A. L. Campbell, burgess; I. C. Lyon and F. M. Campbell.
PETROLIA BOROUGH. 549
1890— A. L. Campbell, burgess; W. C. Foster and W. S. Wolcott.
1891 — W. G. Forcht, burgess; Sopha Yeager, W. J. Van Norman and
Thomas Carlin.
1892 — W. A. Fleming, burgess; J. M. Hawk and H. A. Klingensmith.
1893 — W. A. Fleming, burgess ; Adam Heckler and R. B. Stevenson.
1894 — James C. Lyon, burgess ; E. A. Totten. Eugene Gilmore, J. M. Hawk,
D. B. Stevenson, John Byers and Adam Heckler.
The following is a list of the names of the justices of the peace elected since
1873: A. L.Campbell, 1873; J. A.Thompson. 1873; J. H. Lewis, 1874; B. F.
Wesson, 1874 and 1875; James Buzzard, 1878 and 1880; Francis F. Herr, 1881 ;
Robert J. Bottner, 1882; J. W. Riddle, 1884; William Gibson, 1887 ; J. W.
Riddle, 1889; A. L. Campbell, 1890; W. G. Forcht and W. A. Fleming, 1891.
BANKS AND BUSINESS COMPANIES.
The Argyle Savings Bank, established August 22, 1872, completed an office
building at Petrolia in February, 1873. H. A. Taylor being then president, and
E. A. Taylor, cashier. The firm transferred its interests to a new company,
under whose management the institution suspended.
The Oil Exchange was a veritable Chicago Board of Trade in Centennial
year, controlling the oil market of the world, and giving and taking away for-
tunes, its members being sometimes very rich and sometimes very poor. In May,
1877, work on the new Oil Exchange was begun. It occupied the site of the old
exchange of Geo. II. Dimmick, was seventy-three by twenty-four feet, and three
stories high, with a hall twenty-three by twenty-four feet. It was burned, rebuilt,
purchased by E. P. Chesebro, and finally destroyed in the fire of 1889.
Hie Washington Building and Loan Association was organized in January,
1894, with O. E. Gilmore, president; J. D. .Smith, secretary and treasurer, and
R. C. Whitford, counsel. There are now six members holding fifty-five shares.
The Machine Shops of the United Pipe Lines Company formed the leading
manufacturing industry down to 1880, when they were removed. For some time
after, the machine shops of Ireland & Hughes, and A. C. Price ; the boiler works
of Frank W. Quinn & Company and J. C. Lyon, and A. W. Root's cup and
valve factory were carried on here. Of all, only Frank W. Quinn and J. C.
Lyon's boiler shops remain. The work is now generally repairs.
The Petrolia Refining Company was organized in 1892, by F. J. Carman
and George Sonwrecker, for the conversion of petroleum products into commer-
cial commodities. Refined petroleum is made more refined in these works, while
lubricating oil is also produced. The specialty of the industry is petrolatum , a
product of the crude oil, which is the basis of the salves now on the market, and
equal in itself to the salve sold under the name of vaseline. F. W. Quinn is in-
terested in this industry, the firm name being Quinn & Sonwrecker. Mr. Quinn
purchased the Carman interests April G, 1893.
W. H. Dangherty <& Sons, up the creek, have carried on an oil refinery
for many years. They manufacture petroleum, illuminating and other oils on
the same principle as the Petrolia Refining Company.
550 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The Petrolia Creamery is the latest industrial addition. It was opened
February 28. 1894, by the local association. Its capacity is 800 pounds of butter
a day.
SECR E I s< ICIETIES.
Clipper Lodge, Number 59, A, <>. U. II'.. was organized under charter
September 3, 1873, at Martinsburg, but was transferred to Petrolia in, 1875. II.
C. Portertield, C. E. Ryder, James Harvey, William McClupper, S. J. Adams,
]. M. Harrison, W. G. Harshaw, William Greenwood, James Daily and W. G.
Walters were the first officers.
Argyle Lodge, Number 540, F. <(; A. .1/.. was organized at Petrolia, July
b">. L875, and removed to M illcrstow n in 1893. In the chapter on Millerstown a
sketch of the lodge will l:»e found, to which the leader is referred.
Petrolia City Lodge, Number 90S, J. O. O. /•*.. was a contemporary of the
Masonic lodge until 1>7'.> or 1880, when it disbanded.
Dura Lodge, Number ^98, K. of P., was instituted May IT). 1NK4. with
forty-six members. Among the past chancellors may be named the following
charter members: J. W. Riddle. R. F. Ruch, W. G. Forcht, M. II. Smith, B.
D. Tillinghast, II. W. Daugherty, W. 11. King and J. F. Miller. The chair has
also been filled by the following new members : W. F. Alexander, Alexander
Hazlett, Christ Garing, Thomas Given. W. P. Jameson. W. K. Shreckengost,
Harry Williams, J. A. Gibson and John Campbell. William G. Forcht has been
the keeper of records and seals for many terms. The membership in May. 1894,
was twenty-nine, including seven past chancellors.
James Guthrie Campbell Post. Number 107, G. A. A'., was organized Octo-
ber 11, 1 sTS, with thirteen members, namely: George S. Akley. Thomas J.
Hanna, ]. ]. Raker. I. S. Bratton, Lewis Stoner, John S. Altman, D. W. Bailey.
I. I). Lewis, W. T. Campbell, R. W. Cram. Michael Long, J. S. Morrison and
William T. Raver. The past commanders are D. W. Bailey, 1878-79; J. J.
Baker. 1880, and R. F. Ruch. who has been repeatedly elected, and was still
serving at the beginning of 1894, with A. I.. Campbell, adjutant, and William
Gibson, quartermaster. Among the member- at present, are the officers named,
with R. C. Whitford, George 11. Graham, W. A. Jellison. B L. Rankin. Thomas
Hays. Thomas Hanks ami John Duffy. At one time the membership was eighty-
four ; at another only six ; it is now nineteen.
Virgil Council, Number 170, /\ '. A., was permanently organized in October,
1878, with M. N. Miles, C. M. Zirck, J. R. Bard, J. A. Lindsey, F. C. Clux-
ton, J. F. Campbell. S. P. Miles, J. E. Samuel. J. N. Weir and F. E. Ilinman.
officers in council rank.
Petrolia Tent, Number 95, K. 0. P.M., was chartered April 10, 1889, with
W. 11. Daugherty. M. P. Cullman. J. D. Smith, E. R. Whitford. J. (). Baird,
II. 11. Hums, Dr. Michael Cullinan, M . Fitzgerald, Izy Toronski. J. II. Hender-
son and Albeit Kilchenstein officers in rank. In December. 1893, D. Keefe was
elected commander, and J. D. Smith, record and finance keeper; while W. II.
Daugherty, W. J. Van Norman and J. D. Smith are the past commander.-. The
strength of the lodge is thirty -one. In the four years there have been four deaths,
the claim- paid amounting to $7,000.
KARNS CITV BOROUGH. 55 I
Petrolia Lodge, Number 107, O. of T., was instituted February 16, 1888,
under charter of January 8, that year. Among the past presidents are R. C.
Whitford, C. R. Taylor, E. P. Chesebro and J. D. Smith, who is now president,
Mr. Chesebro being secretary, and J. M. Hawk, treasurer.
Petrolia Assembly, Number 7 ,9S0, K. of /... was chartered September 2;">,
1886, the charter being signed by T. V. Powderly, grand master workman, and
Frederick Turner, secretary and treasurer. The Assembly holds the charter, but
is practically defunct.
The Equitable Aid Union was organized in 1879, and incorporated March
22, that year. On April 12, 1882, almost ten years alter the " Fannie Jane "
was drilled and three years after the exodus of the oil men, Florence Union,
Number 4*!5, was organized with thirty-seven members.
CHAPTER XLVII.
KAR\S CITV BOROUGH.
Eari,y History — The Celebrated McClymonds Farm— The Town Named— Rapid
Growth— Incorporation — Population— Postmasters— Present Business In-
terests—Fire and Flood— Borough Officials and Schools— Churches-
Secret Societies.
WHEN, in December, 1871, the Cooper Brothers leased fifteen acres of
land from Hugh P. McClymonds and fifteen acres from Samuel L.
Riddle, these farms were destined to be the site of a remarkable oil town. The
first well was located in the valley on the McClymonds farm, near the west line,
and was named the " Shasta." In June. 1872, it was producing 120 barrels a
day. On May 20, of that year, S. D. Karns, having great faith in this venture
of the Cooper Brothers, leased the entire 214 acres of the McClymonds farm at a
bonus of $200 per acre and one-eighth oil royalty, the owner reserving the Cooper
lease and fourteen acres surrounding his farm buildings. On June 1. he leased,
on the same terms, 204 acres from Samuel L. Riddle, who reserved the lease
given to Cooper Brothers and ten acres about his farm buildings. Oil was then
selling at $4 per barrel, and the new strike was attracting the alert producer. A
fierce dispute arose among several operators as to the possession of the McCly-
monds farm, but a compromise was effected, and June IS, 1872. he sold his farm,
reserving the farm buildings and surface of fourteen acres, for $60,000, the pur-
chasers being (). (i. Emery, S. D. Karns, William Thompson, William Parker
and John H. Haines. Excitement was now intense. Derricks were looming up
on every side, and buildings were rapidly erected.
552 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
In honor of S. D. Karns the new town was named " Karns City." Lots on
the McClvmonds farm sold at $100 to $500, while many were leased for an
annual rental of $25 to $150. Dwellings, stores of all kinds, hotels, restaurants,
livery stables and machine shops lined the streets. Business was booming, and
during this year, 1872, Ralston, McQuaide & Company established a banking
office, and transacted a large business until they suspended, in 1880. With the
advent of the "Fourth sand gushers," the excitement was intense, and the rapidly
accumulating fortunes of many oil producers were amazing.
Relieving that a permanent town would be built, the owners of the McCly-
monds farm, in February, 1874, made a plat of their land, and on January 4,
1875, the borough was incorporated, the boundaries embracing all of the McCly-
monds farm and about ten acres of the Riddle farm. Karns City being the
terminus of the Parker and Karns City railroad, it became the depot of supplies
for points at the "front." On the arrival of trains passengers were greeted with
boisterous invitations to be transported by all kinds of vehicles to Barnhart's
Mills, Greece City, Angelica, Troutman and Modoc. On June 13, 1874, the
McClymonds farm was sold to James H. Abrams for $30,000, and since that time
has been owned by various persons, but on June 18, ls79, it was purchased by
E. E. Abrams, the present owner.
Of the five remaining oil wells on this farm that have produced over twenty
years, one is the famous "Rob Roy," which has produced more than 200,000
barrels of oil, and is yet pumping about four barrels per day. The total value of
oil from this farm is estimated to be over $1,500,000, much of the oil having been
sold at four dollars per barrel. The Riddle farm was not sold, but the leases and
producing wells formed large transactions. It was on this farm that in 1878
E. O. Emerson drilled an exhausted Third sand well in search of the Fourth sand,
and struck the "Teaser," which flowed 500 barrels per day and surprised every
person. Mr. Emerson sold this well and others on the Riddle farm to H. L.
Taylor & Company for $00,000.
In 1876 Karns City had a population of over 2.000, with an excellent fire
department, good schools, churches, crowded stores, glittering saloons, fountains
of oil and a general whirl of excitement, but the exodus to the " upper country"
rapidly decreased the population. In 1877 an opera house was built, which was
afterwards torn down and moved elsewhere. In 1880 less than half the popula-
tion of 1870 remained, and in 1890 the total was 427, which is about the present
population.
Though there was a private postal route prior to 1874, in that year the
postoffice department established an office with E. S. Harvey postmaster. He
was succeeded by A. N. Hamor, who was followed by Miss M. B. Morse. In
1887 P. R. Burke was appointed, and next came Miss Anna Rigney, whose
successor was Miss Mary N. Corts, who managed the office until the appoinr-
ment, in August, 1893, of E. H. Jewell, the present incumbent.
The general merchants in 1894, were McElroy Brothers, John Wersh, Mrs.
M. Hilliard, and the druggist, T. R. Store}'. The Duprey House furnishes hotel
accommodations. The Star Light and Producers oil refineries are in operation.
KARNS CITY BOROUGH. 553
The National Transit pump station continues to force oil through the various
pipe lines, there being five large lines near it. P. I). Sherwin's Enterprise Coal
Works ships several cars of coal daily over the Pittsburg & Western Railroad.
I- [RE AM) FLOOD.
The tire of May 26, 1873, which destroyed much of the Karns City property
and threatened the new oil (own, was followed in Tune of that vear by a second
tire, when a 1200-barrel tank, belonging to S. D. Karns, in the Stone House
neighborhood, burst, and the oil catching tire, destroyed the Union Line pump
house, two rigs owned by a Butler syndicate and a large quantity of oil.
The tire of December 2, 1874, burned sixty-four buildings in the business
center; and in .September. 1876, another tire destroved sixteen buildings between
the present postotlice and the machine shop, including P. R. Burke's two
buildings.
The burning of the Bateman House, March 5, 1877, was the most terrible in
its results, Mrs. Bateman, three of her children and one of the guests perishing
in the flames, while F. E. Bateman, his son and another guest died of burns
within a few hours. Notwithstanding this series of destructive events the citi-
zens renewed their exertions, so that, by the close of the fiscal vear in June,
1878, a sum of over $2,913 was received for taxes, together with various sums
for local improvements.
The flood of July 26. 1879, which wrought such havoc at Petrolia, was pro-
portionately unmindful of the interests of Karns City. At 11 o'clock in the fore-
noon the waters of Bear creek began to claim the valley for their bed, and as
the rain increased in volume they attacked the small buildings and then Luther's
stable. The old Conduit Pipe Company's office, occupied by the Tov family,
Mrs. Emerick's house, the kitchen of the Primrose Hotel and A. D. Hall's farm
house were moved from their foundations, and some of them carried down stream
to mingle with the wreckage.
The burning of the tank belonging to the National Transit Company, June
1, 1884, was one of the awe-inspiring scenes of this Held. The tank contained
26,000 barrels of oil, and though much of it was drawn off, what remained sup-
plied fuel to keep the flames alive for twentv-four hours.
BOROUGH OFFICIALS AND SCHOOLS.
The borough was incorporated January 4. 1S75. in answer to a petition of
September 12, 1874. with L D. Akin, burgess; A. J. Elliott. J. C. Shay, J. E.
Criswell. H. Rodgers, John S. Kane and Dr. S. H. Pettigrew councilmen, and
T. P. Brown clerk. The burgesses and councilmen elected since 1875 are as
follows :
1S76 — L. D. Akin, burgess, and same council with the exception of J. E.
Criswell, who made way for D. F. Kellerman.
1877 — C. Taber, burgess; F. IT. Roberts and J. H. Luther.
1878— C. Taber. burgess; A. J. Salisbury, J. D. Peters, N. B. Parker, Henry
W. Watby and Perry Houghton.
Special — Luther Stone, burgess; Joseph Bell and S. H. Gordon.
5 54 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1879— Luther Stone, burgess; J. J. Bell, G. D. Hamor, A. M. Ross, P. R.
Burke, A. T. Mead and S. Traven.
L880— P. R. Burke, burgess; A. Messimer, S.M. Ross. T. P. Lardin.A.W.
Gordon, A. A. West and J. II. Murtland.
1881— Joseph Thomas, burgess; S. M. Ross, A. II. Simpson, \V. S. Will-
iams, Luther Stone, W. M. Randolph and David Harper.
1882 — Joseph Thomas, Jr., burgess; II. A. Moorhead, William Walker and
T. G. Brown.
1883 — J. B. Sherman, burgess; A. B. Evans, II. A. Moorhead and James
O'Hara.
1884 — Joseph Thomas, burgess; J. X. Titus, W. C. Lenfesty, W. W. Wal-
lace, T- C. Xevills, fohn Beck and William Howland.
1885 — Luther Stone, burgess; J. C. Xevills and William Howland.
1886 — Luther Stone, burgess; ( >. S. June and George Strance.
1887— Joseph Thomas. Jr., burgess; W. II. McGaffic and J. W. Pennell.
1888— J. W. Glossner, burgess; George Beck, J. II. McElroy and G. E.
McGill.
1889 — J. W. Glossner, burgess: George Strance and W. W. Wallace.
189(1 — ]. VV. Glossner, burgess: W . S. Kean and J. II. McElroy.
1891 — L W. Glossner, burgess: George Beck and II. C. Johnston.
1892 — J. W. Glossner, burgess; X. S. White and Joseph Mechling.
1893— J. W. Glossner. burgess ; I). M. Carroll, T. R. Storey and W. S. Kean.
1894 — John Xeuber, burgess; George Beck and B. O.June elected, with D
M. Carroll, W. S. Kean, T. R. Storey and X. S. White of* the old council, and
'Squire King clerk.
The following justices of the peace have been elected since 1875: T. P.
Brown, 1ST."); David]. Stewart, 1875 and 1880; Robert Dunn, 1878; James H.
Lewis, 1879; W. H. McGaffic, INN;] and 1885; Luther Stone and J. B.Sher-
man. 1886; M. J. King. 1886, Inn? and 1892; J. X. Titus, 1888; W. H.
McGaffic, 1889; Isaac Weible, 1890; E. W. Jewell. 1891 ; Isaac Weible, 1N9:2:
W. W. Wallace, 1893. 'Squire King was the only justice elected since 1886 who
qualified as such.
The present school house was erected in 1878, to replace the old school house
erected in 1874 and burned in 1876. The school statistics of June, 1893, show
thirty-eight male and sixty-one female pupils of school age ; the total revenue for
school purposes, $910.95, including $409. N8 appropriated by the State. For
many years the excellence of this school has been recognized by the people and
endorsed by every county superintendent.
ill URCHES.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1ST I by Rev. G. J.
Squire, and in 1876 Mis. (.11. Abrams donated land on which the church build-
ing and pastor's residence were erected. This borough was selected in preference
toFairview as the home of the pastor-in-charge of the t wo congregations, and thus
the Methodists, of this period, obtained privileges which the older members of
the Fairview class of 1847, resident in anil near Karns City, never enjoyed.
KARNS CITY BOROUGH. 555
Among t lie old members wen- A. M. Hamor, Thomas Lardin, James Tarbell, W.
McKenzie ami Luther Stone. Among the pastors were Revs. I). C. Planet, C.
Peters, J. C. Rhodes. J. P. Slattery, E. Ryan. I. X. Clover, who resigned and
was succeeded by Mr. Gordon, \V. P. Graham, Mr. Merritt, Mr. Canfield, Mr.
Linn. 1. G. Pollard, A. [. Teets and Frederick Fair, the present pastor, who
were also pastors of the Fairview church.
The Presbyterian Church of Karns City had its beginnings in the autumn
of 1875, when Rev. I. D. Decker began preaching to the people of that borough
and Fairview. He continued the work throughout the following year, and on
November 16, 1870, the church at Karns City was organized, and D. X. Bran-
dow, C. S. Leslie and W. W . Randolph chosen elders. These with Mrs. Bran-
dow, Mrs. Randolph. Robert anil Maggie Walker, X. S. Williams, Mrs. C.
Stetson, S. M. and Maggie Ross, John A. Bollman and Mrs. Margaret Fithian
constituted the original membership. A church was completed and dedicated
August 6, 1876. It stood on the farm of Harrison Riddle. In April, 1877, Rev.
John Rutherford began holding services at Karns City, Petroliaand Millerstown,
and he was succeeded by Re\ . W. D. Patton, who preached here for a couple of
months. On October 2, 1877. Mr. Decker again took charge of this church and
was installed pastor October 30. At the beginning of 1878 the congregation con-
tained fifty members. Jt was incorporated lune 7. 1880, by Charles S. Leslie,
W. W. Randolph. S. M. Ross, E. G. Harvey and X. R. Blair, trustees. Adam
Miller was made an elder May :'>. L884, and three or four years later Joseph Ear-
hart and Thomas Evans were added. Mr. Decker was pastor of this church
until his removal to Xew Jersey, in October, 1888. The decline of oil production
had a depressing effect on most all the churches in the oil towns, and Karns City
suffered with the others. Prior to 1891 the church disbanded and its member-
ship united with the church at Fairview and elsewhere. During its existence it
had enrolled 113 members.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Karns City Lodge, Number 931, I. O. O. F., was chartered February 28,
L876, with P. R. Burke. A. S. Messimer, J. L. Henry, S. II. Pettigrew, and J.
L. Philips, officers in lodge rank. The hall near the Duprey House was erected
in 1875 for society purposes, the lower floor being intended for the tire depart-
ment, borough and school officials' offices. The past grands of this lodge are P.
R. Burke, R. E. Darling, R. L. Gibson, Albert Godfrey, George Strance, F. W.
Jackson, X. F. Mattison, R. F. Ruch, B. S. Rankin. John McClean, George
Beck, Joseph Bezler, H. C. Johnson and T. R. Storey.
Karns City Lodge, Number r06, A. O. U. )/'., was chartered March 31,
1877, with A. D. Mead. J. Moorhead, A. T. Mead, A. J. Rheinhart, F. J. Painter.
J. L. Henry, F. S. Houghton, J. M. McCandless, J. Wilcox and W. H. Phillips,
officers in order of lodge rank, with P. R. Burke, W. II. Hoffman and others
unofficial members. The past master workmen are P. R. Burke, Dominick
McLaughlin, II. Z. Wing, W. W. Cather, Paul Campbell, S. B. Loveless, J. B.
Sherman, O. S.June, B. (). June, Aaron Gamble and A. G. Zuver.
Derrick Lodge, Number Jf^Q, K. of P., was organized under charter of May
556 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1. 1877, with eleven members. The past chancellors arc John McMillen, A. M.
Akin, Albert Godfrey, John Geyer, Joseph Thomas, R. R. McDermott, II. C.
Johnson ami J. M. McCollough.
Gold Litiing Union, E. A. ['., Number 468, was organized in fuly, 1882,
and instituted on the seventh of that month with forty charter members. The
society has passed out of existence.
The Good Templars organized here at an early date ami subsequently,
about 18S4, the Sons of Temperance, the present postmaster and Luther Stone
being among the organizers.
The Knights of Labor organized here in the eighties, with P. R. Burke,
E. W. Jewell, J. II. Thomas. Jr., VV. R. Page, P. I). Sherman and others— the
lod^e at one time embracing 1(H) members.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Statistics — Pionkers — Schools and Teachers — Churches and
Cemeteries— Justices of the Peace— Villages— Secret Societies.
THIS township formed a part of the original Buffalo and Middlesex townships
down to 1804, when it became a part of the original Donegal and Butler
townships. In the forties, when the partial re-subdivision of northern Butler was
effected, the territory was in North Butler and Donegal, ami so remained
until 1854, when it was established under its present name and within its present
boundaries.
The population in I860, was 919; in 1870, 926; in 1880, 1,039, and in 1890,
1,198. In June. 1893, there were 102 male and 119 female children of school age
reported. The assessed value on January 1, 1894, was $275,181; the county
tax levied, $1,100.73, and the State tax, $171. For the year ending June 1,
1893, a sum of $2,614.98 was received for the six schools, of which the sum of
$1,280.81 was appropriated by the State.
PIONEERS.
The settlement of Oakland township may be said to have been contempo-
rary with that of Butler township, and almost contemporary with that of Donegal.
The honors of pioneership belong, in the first instance, to the ( )'Donnells, of
Donegal county, Ireland, and the Whitmires, of Berks county, Pennsylvania.
Connell O'Donnell immigrated from Ireland in 1798, ami selected 500 acres in this
divison of Butler county the same year, but he only survived his coming fifteen
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP. 5 57
years. In the same year Francis Whitmire arrived, settled and resided here
until his death in 1832. Thomas Dugan, a native of Ireland, may be said to have
located here before the close of the century with his wife, Grace O'Donnell. For
a few years after his arrival in this country he worked in the Bear Creek furnace,
but it is said made his home in what is now Oakland. John Green and John
Lowe are said to have been here in IT'.K
Samuel Hamilton and John Robb owned 1,200 acres before the count}' was
organized. William Robb purchased in 1810 a tract of 260 acres from Samuel
or Robert Riddle, with the cabin thereon. Riddle had made a small clearing
some years before, and Samuel Riddle resided there prior to its sale. John
Moser, Sr., a Revolutionary soldier, and son John, a single man, had some in-
terests here even before the establishment of the county in 1800, and, it is said,
they were here as early as 1797-'.t"v William Hutchison and his brothers, George
and Alexander, came before the close of the century and took a leading part in
civil and military affairs.
John Neyman brought his family from Westmoreland county during the
War of 1812. His brother William had been living near the mouth of Bonny
Brook, in what is now Summit township, since 1799, where he conducted grist,
saw and carding mills for several years before removing into Oakland. John
first located on the Millinger farm, and subsequently erected a grist and carding
mill on Stony run. where the McGrath mill stands, in Center township, but
many years later returned to his original settlement in this township. William
Neyman also removed into Oakland, and erected a m.il on theThomas McKissick
farm, known as the Phillips grist mill.
James Douglass, the owner of a distillery in 1803, moved into Oakland about
1814, made a clearing and erected a cabin. Robert Hamilton took possession of
the land and cabin when he came here in 1818. Henry Hoon came after Hamil-
ton; Daniel McElwee settled on Enoch Yarnunrs pre-emption in 1822; James
Patton arrived in 1829, and another branch of the Patton family in 1830; the
Stroupscame from Germany in 1834, and the Eyths in 1839; and during the quarter
century following a large contingent of Germans from Bavaria, Wurtemburg and
other Teutonic countries flocked hither to seek for and find homes, and numbers
of pioneer families of other townships, such as the Balphs and Marti:- Iso i tm
here at an early period. In later years representatives of the old families of Clear-
field and Donegal selected lands in this township. The sketches of the C il
Presbyterian and Baptist churches give the name- of about all the ol I resi lents
of Oakland.
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
The first school was established by " Connoquenessing T ihn,' oi John
Thompson, in 1817, in the abandoned cabin of James Douglass. Hov
"Connoquenessing John " presided there is not known. Seventeen years after his
coming the common school law was adopted, and a newer order of tea :rs to
the place of John Thompson and his brother pedagogues. Two house- were
erected in 1834, one near where Martin Eyth located in L839. H 'in the faces
of William Greer, John and Robert Thorn, Jacob Boyd, Abraham Step!
558 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William McClung, John O'Donnell, John L. Neyman, David Scott, James
Reid, William Christy, Isaac Hill, John McPherrin, Abraham Fleeger, Zachariah
Phillips, Thomas Balph, William Ray, Isaac Hilliard and Mr-. Hood were
familiar ones to the children of the pioneers. Prior to 1847 George Muller
taught the Catholic school near the line of Summit, and other teachers followed
him, the system being patronized by the Catholic people, who had also to pay
taxes for the support of the common schools. To-day there are six school houses
in the township, and its educational interests will compare favorably with other
portions of the county.
CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES.
St. yosepKs Catholic Church (German) dates back in its personnel to the
very beginning of the township, or at the close of the missionary period in this
particular part of Pennsylvania. There was no church building here, however,
until 1S47, when a frame edifice was erected in the cemetery lot of two acres,
donated by John Heppert and Wendel Scholl. Among the German families in
the new parish were those of Conrad Angert, Michael Angert, Joseph Ball. John
Pall. P. Piatt, Joseph Graham, Philip Heinz, Peter and Philip Hildebrand, M.
Klaus, Joseph Minister. John Neff , Egid Neff, Joseph Oswald, Carl Oswald, Con-
rad Ritzert, Herman Rit/.ert, Prank Ritzert, Jacob Scherer, Joseph Schultes, An-
drew Schmidt, John Stein, Lorenzo Witte and Adam Will. The following named
priests of St. Mary's Monastery have had charge of the parish since 1877:
Fathers Fidelis Maria, 1877; Pancraz, 1879; Andres, 1882; Pancraz, 1884;
Ansehn, 1885; Bonifaz, 1888, and Pancraz, the present pastor, all of the order of
Capuchin priests. Prior to 1877 the priests named in the history of St. Joseph's
Church (English) officiated here. In 1872 a Gothic building, in brick, was
eiecled by the German, French and English-speaking Catholics of the district
east of the old church, and therein the congregation worshiped until 1>77. when
the English-speaking people asked for a separate parish government. The de-
mand was granted, and the German-speaking people re-possessed the old church
■>t I --17. enlarged and restored it and built a parsonage and school house. Thus,
to 1^77, may be credited the foundation of St. Joseph's German Catholic parish,
for on July 15 that year, the Right Rev. Richard Phelan dedicated the restored
church. In 1883 the nave was frescoed by Adolph Stubner, of Pittsburg; in
18S8 the roof was raised to permit an increase of seven feet in the height of walls,
and the same year a steeple, seventy-five feet high above the tower, was con-
structed. In the cemetery adjoining are interred many of the men and women
whose industry converted the wilderness into a garden of peace and plenty.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church (English) was founded in 1847, as related
in the history of the present German parish; but it was a mere mission or station,
attended from St. Mary's, of Summit township; St. Patrick's, of Armstrong
county; St. Peter's, of Butler, or St. John's, of Clearfield township, for many
year-. Father Long, it is said, offered the midnight mass on Christmas, 1^47.
Father Leander Snerr was the first resident priest, making his home at North
Oakland for three years. Father Gregory succeeded him ; then came Father
Devlin ; next, Father Stegher, and then in order of administration, Fathers
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP. 559
John Ritter, Thomas Davin, Edward Dignam, Robert Waters, Walsh and Bren-
nan. Among the English-speaking members of the congregation were the
McGinleys, O'Donnells, Gillespies, Conways, Bradys, and, in fact, all the English-
speaking Catholics in what is now St. Joseph's parish. On July 1".), 1869, there
was deeded to Bishop Domenec, in trust for St. Joseph's Catholic congregation
of Oakland township, a tract of five acres and L80 perches of land, the consider-
ation, $1,000, being paid to Daniel S. and Eleanor II. Rodgers. In 1872 meas-
ures were taken to provide a new church, the Germans lending every aid to the
undertaking, and the present Gothic building was dedicated in IsTo. The style
is rather of the Norman-Gothic order, with central tower anil symmetrical spire.
Red brick is used throughout, in walls, buttresses and tower, and the whole
exterior bears evidence of what the people contributed toward raising a house
worthy of Him whom they worship. The interior shows the nave, aisles, tran-
sept, chancel and vestibule of this order of architecture. The altars are works of
art ; while a few of the windows show how the glass stainer's art is appreciated
in Oakland. The congregation is composed of 350 persons. In rear of the
church is the parochial residence, erected in 1S77 or 1N7S.
St. WendelirCs Catholic Church, on or near the line of Summit township,
was founded in 1S47, for the German and English-speaking people who had set-
tled in the neighborhood. The congregation comprised originally, the families of
Hubert Grim, Jacob Gerstner, John Kirch, John Sander, John Pistorius, Peter
Hesedens, Matthias Kihn, Peter Leinenbach, John and Peter Sprecher, Christian
Geibel, Peter Baldauf, Henry Geibel, Charles Geibel and George Midler. In
1849 a log chapel was constructed, and at the same time, a house for the school
teacher, George Miiller. When a priest would not be present on Sundays, t he-
people would visit the primitive church for prayer, and this system was observed
down to 1S7G. when Father Alphons Brandstetter, O. C. C, became pastor. The
priests of St. Mary's took charge of the parish in 1880, when Father Joseph L.
Becker, O. M. Cap., succeeded Father Brandstetter. The names of his successors
are: — Fathers Angelus Baumgartner, 1881; Trenaeus Kolb, 1882; Boniface
Rosenberger, 1SS3 ; Andrew Eisenhut, 1885; Lawrence Beck, 1886-92; Godhard
Friedman 1892, and Philian Lutz, 1893. In I860 a newchapel, now used asa school
house, was built; but in 1n7-j a frame building, seventy-two by thirty-seven feet.
was erected, whicli was blessed that year. Father Alphons, O. C. C, saving the
mass therein on Christmas day. There were then twenty-one families in the
congregation, including the Neu, Weiland, Hinterlang, Thoma and Krebs fam-
ilies, with those who belonged in 1S47. In 1894 there' were thirty families or 120
individual members forming the congregation.
North Butler Presbyterian Church was organized January 18, 1848, while
the territory yet formed a part of Xorth Butler township. There were then
belonging the following named members: Samuel Jack, Joseph Thorn, John
Russell, Wilson M. Call, Isaac Robb and their wives, and Mrs. William Xey-
man. The first elders were Messrs. Jack, Thorn and Robb, with Mr. Thorn as
clerk. Rev. John P. Miller was pastor (though not installed until 1852), and
John Russell, Joseph Thorn and Fergus Hutchison trustees. The people met
for worship in the Hutchison house, until a regular place of meeting was erected.
560 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
in 1848-49, in place of the one burned in April, 1848. Mr. Miller preached until
1859 when he was dismissed. From that period to 1865, when Rev. J. H.
Marshall came, the pulpit had supplies. In February, 1889, Mr. Marshall was
released, and died in the fall of that year. Since that time there has been no
regular pastor. Following are the names of the elders: William Dinsmore, J.L.
Neyman and Archibald Mcjunkin, 1858; A. McCaskey, William C. Robb, 1863;
Isaac Robb, Tohn L. Neyman, W. J. Hutchison, W. II. Neyman and Christy
Robb, being the latter day members of the session. The present church is the
third building erected by this society. The foundation was laid in 1878 and the
edifice completed at a cost of about $1 , • ><)(>.
Bculali Baptist Church was organized March 13, 1861, the following named
persons being among the first members: William and Robert Hutchison, Mina,
Maria, lame-. Caroline and Sarah C. Hutchison, ]. 15. and Nancy Larimore,
Hugh Gold, Lewi- S. and Sarah Millinger. Ruth, Rachel and Noah Henry,
Emma Cochran. Charles and Jane McClung, and Henry and Tillie A. Monnie.
Among the pastors were Revs. E. Woodruff, 1861—71; John Temple, 1876-77;
G. W. Raker, 1878; Jacob Booth, E. W. Provert, W. II. H. McKinney and
Revs. Rowe and Wimer. The church has been without a pastor for some years ;
but the organization is kept up. A.J. Patton and L. S. Millinger being trustees,
and L. A. Millinger clerk. There are about fifty members.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The justices of the peace for Oakland township elected since it- organization
in 1854 down to 1894 are as follows: Tohn L. Neyman, ls54 and 1859; Jere-
miah Millinger, 1854; Casper Scholl, 1859, 1864 and 1869; Joseph McCaskey,
1864; James Reed, 1873 and 1878; A. Hoon, 1877; Thomas Craig, 18S2; J. G.
Bippus, 1883; Philip Oswald, lss4; E. Neff, 1885; Jacob Slator, 1886; Lewis
Byers, 1888; Robert Hamilton, 1889; George Shoup, 1891 : John M. Hutchison,
1891 ; W. M. Wick. 1S92; J. W. Bartley, 1893, and W. J. Andre. 1894.
VILLAGES.
The Town of Springfield, near the Donegal township line, was surveyed for
Adam Bortl ias in 1830, and lots were offered for sale on May 25 of that year.
The town as then described was favorably locate.!, being at the intersection of
the Butler and Hear Creek and the Kittanning and Mercer roads. Stone-coal,
limestone and fire-clay abounded, and tine springs were numerous. Grist and
saw-mills were in op ration in the neighborhood, and several prosperous farmers
resided in the tributary country. These advantages were fully set forth in the
newspapers and by posters, but notwithst • g the efforts of Adam Bortmas,
little was accomplished toward establishing a town.
North Oakland was -imply a cleared spot in the wilderness prior to L847.
That year St. Joseph's church was founded, and it became tiie center of a Catho-
lic parish. In January, ls57. it was created a' postal village, with Adam Ball
postmaster. Daniel Rogers succeeded him after the close n{ the war; in 1 s7<)
Adam Ritzert was appointed; in 1880 Denis O'Donnell, and in 1887 Mr.-. Mary
Reed, who was the incumbent at the close of IS'.):;. The completion of the
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP. 5^1
large brick church of St. Joseph, at an expense of $20,000, in 1873, brought the
hamlet into prominence. The restoration of the old church in 1877, and the
building of a school-house and pastoral residence, were important events in the
historj of the hamlet. The principal store in June. 1873, was conducted by
Adam Rit/.ert. who was also hotel-keeper and postmaster. J. D. McElwee car-
ried on a general store, and George Angert the village blacksmith shop. The
Etzel and Ritzert addition to the village was surveyed in ls7o, and lots were
offered for sale. As a center of trade it was then a busy place, hut since the
decline in oil production its mercantile business has fallen off until one merchant
now monopolizes the trade.
Woodbine, known years ago as ••The Half Way House." is now purely pas-
toral in appearance and the pursuits of the people. The railroads annihilated
the old-time stage routes ami way stations, and the Woodbine tavern became a
memory.
Boydstown came in l^TM, like an April shower, leaving little impress on the
township as a village. The well on the Martin farm, south of Boydstown, was
drilled in 1873 and was known as a good producer. On April '.), of that year, the
Cooper Brothers w ho had formerly operated near Karns City, struck rich sand and
the oil was thrown twenty feet above the derrick. The face of the Country was
soon changed and, in the excitement, old settlers wished for the return of the days
when Allison's mill was the only manufacturing industry, and agriculture the
only hope of the people and their basis of prosperity. Boydstown was cov-
ered with homes, workshops, stores, restaurants and all the accompaniments of
an oil town : hut, in time, the oil ceased to flow and the population dwindled to
a few persons. The postoffice is known as Sonora. Lewis Sparr was one of the
early postmasters. On June 81, 1883, Andrew G. Campbell, the present sheriff
of Butler county, was appointed postmaster. From that time to the close of
1893 he was the only merchant of the village.
St. foe Station was the name given to Blaney's store when the Butler
and Parker Narrow Gauge railroad was completed. The Andre store was
built bv W. E. Blaney in the spring of 1884, on the Thomas farm. It was
enlarged in 1885 and again in L886, and in 1888 the adjoining two-story addi-
tion was erected and both form the present Andre building. Mr. Blaney was
postmaster from Jul)-, 1SS7, to July. 1898, when W. J. Andre was appointed
assistant postmaster. On the heights above the station is the older village of
St. Joe, in Donegal township.
Onieda is a new railroad village near the western line of the township.
Prior to the fall of 1893 it was simply a shipping point for ties anil oak logs.
Then the creamer}- was built, the farmers in the neighborhood forming a joint
stock company with a capital of $5,000.
SECRET SOCIETIKs.
St Joe Tent, Number 56, A". 0. T. .1/., was chartered March 16, 1888.
W. H. Ferguson was chosen commander, and W. F. Blaney. recorder, since
which time these offices have been filled as follows: Commanders — C. F. Bla-
ney, 1889; Jacob H. Keiser, 1890; John C. Sabline, 1890; C. C. Wolf, 1891; A.
562 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Sharrar, 1891 ; Joseph McMurtry, 1892; A. II. Supplie, 1892-93-94. Recorders
—Jacob II. Keiser, 1889; W. J. Andre, 1890-91; N. Bish, 1892-93-94. In
June. 1891, Mr. Andre was elected finance keeper, which office he now tills. The
lodge at one time counted fifty-six members, but owing to the organization of
neu lodges in the neighborhood, the number does not now exceed twenty.
The Sous of Temperance, organized June 13, 1890, was chartered June llj
of that year. It surrendered its charter in October, 1891. There were thirty-
five charter members; but as there was nothing in the way of a tavern in the
immediate neighborhood, the organization dissolved for want of opposition.
CHAPTER XLIX.
CONCORD TOWXSHIP.
Physical Charateristics -Early On. WEM3 — Pioneers — Pioneer M11.1,— Popula-
tion and Statistics -Schools and Justices — Churches — Villages.
IN Concord township, near Middletown, one may see the branches of the
Allegheny and the Beaver, under the names of Hear and Buffalo creeks,
flowing northeast and southeast toward the Allegheny, and the Connoquenessing,
Mudilv creek and Slippery Rock creek flowing toward the Beaver river. The ele-
vation at Middletown above ocean level is fully 1,400 feet, but at a point north,
it is 1,450, gradually increasing until at North Washington it is 1,500 feet above
ocean level. The coal deposits on the Jamison farm at Greece City and on the
Rider lands, one mile west of that old oil town, as well as at the older banks in
Middletown, leave no doubts regarding the quality of Concord coals. The beds
are generally shallow and the rock is wanting in that hardness and lustre which
distinguish good from inferior coals.
As an oil Held Concord was renowned. Here the productive Fourth sand
was struck in August, 1872, at from thirty to fifty feet below the Third sand, ami
oildom was electrified. The history of this Held is related in a previous chapter,
where mention is made of many of her great wells. S. S. Jamison is said
to have there first drilled to the Fourth sand, though not aware of that impor-
tant fact at the time. The old wells of the Concord field were the "Modoc,"
-Hope," Numbers 1 and 2, ••High Flyer," "Dead Beat," "Mohawk,"
•• 1'orest City " and " Smith," on the Troutman farm, the elevation of
the mouths being from 1,227 to l.L'77 feet above ocean level. On the J.
Sutton farm were the "Hooker Jim," "Sutton," " Darrar," "Lady Sutton,"
and two of the Columbia Oil Company's wells, the elevations being from
1,249 to 1,288 feet. The wells oiv the I). C. Rankin farm were "Down
CONCORD TOWNSHIP. 563
East," Numbers 1 and 2 and the two Dougherty wells, the elevations ranging
from 1,219 to 1,246, feet. "Maggie" and " Frank," on the Ralston farm, and
"Hare," ••Osceola," "Maud lack" and Brawley & Overman's well on the J.
Starr farm, had elevations varying from 1,219 to 1,249 feet; while "Gordon"
Number 19, Miller Oil Co's. Number 1, "Lady McClelland." "Glade,"
"Hoover" and "McClelland" Number 1 on the S. McClelland farm, were
commenced at points from 1,200 to 1,281 feet above ocean level. The "Pres-
ton," on the W. Brown farm. "Maggie" Number 1, on the G. Barnhart farm,
Denny, Gordon, Roberts and the Collins brothers' wells on the G. R. Campbell
farm. Woods & Ripley's wells on the D. Barnhart farm. " Big Medicine," on the
old J. C. Brown farm, the -'Olive," "Sadie." "Mary Ann," "Roberts & Con-
stable" Number 1 on the Jamison farm, the " Huselton," on the Huselton farm,
the " Morrison " Numbers 1 and 1'. the " Karns," ■•Red Cross " ami " Invincible,"'
on the Morrison farm, were all below 1,185 teet above ocean level.
PIONEERS.
The pioneers visited this township in 17115, but did not attempt a settlement
until 1796, when the Widow Thankful Aggas and her two boys rested in the
wilderness and made their home here. Edward Graham, Sr., visited the township
in 1795, and early in 1796 brought his family hither. lie believed that William
Dickey, mentioned in other pages, was his nearest neighbor that spring, though
Mrs. Aggas was in the township. The same year John Campbell, Sr.. and his
sons located lands here. In lT'.'T the sons drew lots for the division of their
entries, and to Robert Campbell fell a tract in Concord. He settled here in 1797.
William and Andrew Christy were here in 1707, but did not locate permanently
until 1800, when Andrew selected a farm on the site of Greece City, and William
at the head of the Connoquenessing. Andrew built a grist mill in 1801. Hugh
Conwav, Sr.. had one hundred acres of land in 1803; William Conway, 400
acres; John Conwav, a single man, had 400, and Hugh Conway, Jr., 2i>() acres —
all of whom located in this township in 17'.''.*or 1800. Samuel Campbell came
from New Jersey in 1800, and in 1802 or 1st Hi. Big James Russell moved in from
Clay township. John Timblin. who died in L848, was one of the pioneers, and
Joseph and George Timblin were here when the county was established.
In 1800 Jeremiah Sutton arrived, and in 1801 Piatt Sutton settled here.
John Shryock and William and John Thompson were early settlers in the south-
ern part of Concord. In 1819 Joseph Sutton came, and in 1821 John Stan- and
family settled on what is now the R. P. Black farm, but moved to IViin town-
ship some years later, where John Starr died in 1876. Rev. John Coulter came
in ls23, and William T. Jamison located at what is now Greece City in 1826.
A reference to the Pioneer chapter will point out the dangers and troubles
of the pioneer period, and ilx definitely the names and property qualifi-
cations of the men who had established their homes here in 1803. When the
township was organi/.ed in 1854, a few of the pioneers, many ot their children
and at least one hundred natives or old settlers of adjoining townships, found a
home in Concord.
The mill erected in 1S01 by Andrew Christy, was the third grist mill in the
564 HISTORY OF EUTLER COUNTY.
county giving credit to Neyman's mill, at t lie mouth of Bonny Brook as the
second. Harper operated it for Mime years after Christy retired, and in 1836 W. T.
Jamison became owner. The old mill was burned long before Greece City was
thought of, and on its site the present Jamison mill was erected. Alexander Camp-
bell erected a second grist mill in the vicinity of the Jameson mill, which was
operated as a steam mill down to February, 1867, when tire destroyed it.
The population in I860 was 855; in 1870,926; in L880, 1,654, and in 1*90
1,138. From 1873 to 1878 the population varied, sometimes increasing to 5,000,
and then falling back to the thousand mark. In (line, 1893, there were 177 male
and 153 female children of school age reported. The assessed value of property
January 1, 1894, was $288,419, the county tax $1,153.68, and the State tax
$43.63. The total revenue for school purposes reported in June, 1893, was
$3,235.27, including $1,281.81, the sum of the State appropriation.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
The first schoolhouse was near Concord church — a house of round logs,
such as the people erected in Sweden and Norway centuries before, but
superior to the cabins of the ancient Britons. Among the teachers in that old
school were Dr. Steadman, as early as 1822 ; Robert McElvaine, who had charge
ol an older school near West Sunburv ; John Wick, David Beatty, John Christy
and William Wick. When the common school law of 1834 was adopted here in
1835, the subscription school waned, and after a time the old log house was sup-
planted by a better building. There are now eight school houses in this town-
ship, which are open eight months every year.
V//C Justices of the Peace elected since the organization of this township are :
Joseph C.Campbell, 1854-59-64; William M. Graham, 1854-59-64-69-74-79;
Charles Cochran, 1869-74-79-94; Peter Kamerer. 1882-84-89; D. D. Quigley,
1884-89, and A. F. Cochran. 1894.
CHURCHES.
Concur, I Presbyterian Church had its inception in the summer of 1799,
when Rev. John McPherrin, of Westmoreland county, visited this section of the
State and preached to the pioneers beneath the spreading branches of a large oak
tree near the site of the present church building. He then named the gathered
congregation "Concord," which title it has since borne. In 1803 he came again
and took charge of the Butler, Concord and Muddy Creek congregations. He
completed the organization of Concord in the autumn of 1804, in which year he
accepted a call ami was installed pastor. Mr. McPherrin continued in this
capacity until his death, February 10, 1822. The pulpit was vacant until Rev.
John Coulter was called to the pastorate in 1823. He had charge of this church
until the spring of 1864, a period of over forty* years. On October 2;5, 1865, Rev.
James II. Marshall was installed, and served until his death in 1889. In May,
1891, Rev. James II. Wright succeeded Mr. Marshall, but since his death in Jan-
uary, 1892, the pulpit was vacant until the installation of Rev. R. L. Alter in
the fall of 1894. The first elders were Jeremiah Sutton, Sr., Hugh Conway, Sr.,
and William anil John Christy. Succeeding them were John Shryock, Robert
CONCORD TOWNSHIP. 565
Hamilton, William McElvaine, James Russell, William Robb, Samuel Glenn,
Joseph Glenn, Thomas Campbell, Joseph C. Campbell, William II. Christie.
John H. Christie, Richard Allen, David J. Russell, Samuel Russell, Thomas E.
Coulter, Peter Kamerer, Robert Emery, John S. Campbell and Harvey Camp-
bell, the last named being clerk of the session. The first house of worship was a
small log cabin, with earthen floor, split-log seats and old-fashioned fireplace.
This was succeeded by a log building thirty feet square, to which an addition of
thirty feet was subsequently made. In 18*58 a brick building, on heavy stone
foundation, was erected, which has served the congregation for over half a
century.
The Covenanter Church was one of the early societies of this township,
meetings being held in a tent near Hugh Wasson's house. In one or other of the
consolidations of the Presbyterian bodies, the Convenanters of Concord lost
identity.
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 185N by Rev. John Delo,
who came here in 1857. The first members were John Starr, Sr., Elisha Starr.
Jacob Pisor, Daniel Pisor, Samuel Jamison, Andrew Pullman, Stephen Troutman,
Robert S. Harper, James K. Christy, James Kauffman, George Campbell, J. L.
Wick and William Wick, with their families. In 1858 a church building, begun
in 1857, was completed at a cost of $800. This is a small house, thirty by forty
feet, which has been repeatedly repaired, and within the last few years subjected
to a thorough refitting, re-roofing and papering. The pastors of Zion's congrega-
tion in the order of service were: Revs. John Delo, 1857-59; Jacob Singer,
1859-65; A. S. Miller, 1865-72; S. Stauffer, 1873-74; David Townsend, 1875-
77; Charles L. Streamer, 1878-83, and Thomas Dines, 1883-85. In 1886 Rev.
R. B. Starks, the present pastor, took charge of this church. The congregation
to-day numbers sixty members. An active Sunday-school and Ladies' Missionary
Society are among the evidences of Mr. Starks' effective work.
The Methodist .Episcopal Church of Jamison's Mill or Greece City, was
organized by Rev. John Smith in the fall of 1870, with R. W. Jamison and wife,
Isaiah Brown and wife, Mrs. Maria Redick and Jacob Groover members. Prior
to that time, however, Joseph K. Mendenhall, then pastor in charge at Xorth
Washington, prepared the way and held one or more protracted meetings at Hazel
Dell school-house. The transient oil men attended in great numbers, but the
gospel made very little impression on them, so far as making them members of
this new church was concerned. Immediately after organization, application
was made to the Erie conference for a pastor, and a new circuit, including West
Monterey, Miller's Eddy. Fairview and Hazel Dell school-house was formed. In
1871 Rev. E. M. Kernick, of the Fairview circuit, was appointed to this
charge, with R. II. Hurlburt presiding elder. In 187:2 the present church build-
ing was erected at a cost of $3,000, David Morrison giving $1,000 in cash and bis
wite a half-acre building lot. Greece City was created a separate station in IsTo.
with Rev. B. F. Dillo in charge, but since 1S7T it has been a part of the Xorth
Washington circuit. In 1888 the church building was moved from the bill to its
present site.
Springdale Evangelical Lutheran Church was formally organized in L875,
566 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the members being dismissed from Rider's church, in Centre township, and from
the Bethesda church, of West Sunbury, to form this new society, including,
besides those named in the history of the older church at West Sunbury, Christo-
pher Rider, Jacob Rider, lames Wilson, George Wilson, Svlvanus Aggas, Peter
Whitmire, Jacob Whitmire, John Whitmire, Solomon Whitmire, William
Whitmire and their wives, with Mrs. Andre and her children from Rider's
church, in all about seventy-five members. This membership increased to 104 in
1878, and decreased to ninety-eight at the close of 1893. The same pastors
named in the history of Zion church [(reached here, Hew Mr. Starks coming in
1SS(>. The actual organization or consolidation took place November 12, 1876,
and, the same month, the present church was dedicated. In 1891 the building
was repainted and restored.
77w Church of Gad in Concord township was organized some years ago,
and is to-day a factor in the religious life of that township. Rev. J. W. Davis,
of Butler, and other preachers of the denomination, attend here at intervals.
VILLAGES.
Middletown was founded by David Patton about the year 1846, when Por-
ter McConnell opened a store on the hill. Andrew Pullman and John McGlaugh-
lin, the latter a cabinet maker, were here in L853, when John G. Christy estab-
lished his blacksmith shop. The old store of Conway & Kuhn, one of the best
store buildings ever erected in the township, was built in 1854. In April, 1893,
the store was closed owing, it is said, to a paragraph in the will of Mr. Kuhn.
In lStji' A. D. Kuhn was appointed postmaster and held the office until suc-
ceeded by Maggie Campbell, who, in turn, was succeeded by Jane Adams, the
present incumbent. The hotel is carried on by Mr. Christy. Just west of the
hamlet is old Concord church, and within its boundaries a Lutheran church, while
other denominations meet here at intervals. Concord Grange, Number 570, was
organized here June 24, bs7-"), and carried on for several years.
Greece City was incorporated as a borough November 11, 1S73, on petition
presented June 11, of that year. James L. Conn and James S. Craig were
elected justices of the peace immediately after incorporation, and served as such
during the active life of the borough. The record of municipal elections gives
only the following councils: 1 SJ7 — James S. Craig, burgess; Si W. Bartlett.
assistand burgess; W. R. Conn. J. C. Crowell, A. Frost, Robert Woods, John
Watson and J. E. Russell. 1878 — Frank Markwell, burgess; D.Morrison, A.
Frost. W. R. Conn, A. Ensinger, John Sibbals and M. Levingston. 187'.)— W.
W. Christy, burgess; A. Lusinger, lb Morrison, J. C. Crowell, George Prown.
W. W. Christy and R. W. Jamison.
From 1801, when Andrew Christy erected the second grist mill in Butler
county, to 1873, the location was simply known as "Christy's Mill,*' " Harper's
Mill" and "Jamison's Mill," the last name prevailing from 1836 to 1873. When
it was opened as an oil field, the driller, pumper, oil operator, editor, merchant,
evangelist and others Hocked to the place and within a few days it was a full
fledged oil town. The postoffice was established in 1873, with Miss Hare in
charge. Robert Young was the next postmaster, scrying until 1888, when
CONCORD TOWNSHIP. V>7
Frank Markwell was appointed. The Methodist church, one or more bank
buildings and many houses were erected and business was flourishing when lire
came to disturb the busy little city.
The tire of December, lsjii, originated in Marks & Levy's store. There
were twenty buildings destroyed, among them being Backus, Morrison & Com-
pany's hardware store, Russell ct Tadder's billiard hall, Hibbard's restaurant,
Fraser's Hotel, C. Barthold's clothing store, Oil Exchange Hotel. Dr. Book's drug
store, Eidenberg & Company's tobacco store, A. P. Stewart's grocery, McFall &
Hambly's drug store, F. N. Hare's building, Waugh & Meyler's building, Pro-
ducers'Bank office, the Corry House, the Shamberg House, Cleveland & Lori-
mer's boarding house, the blacksmith shops of Cleveland and of Smith & Monroe,
Cooban's barber shop, Armstrong & Collum's well and tanks. Steel's liverv
stable and several dwelling houses. This fire occurred across the creek from the
present village. Prior to December a smaller tire occurred where the village of
to-day stands, destroying about twelve buildings, extending north from the pres-
ent Zillifro residence, but left uninjured the houses south of Markwell's
dwelling.
The first bank at Greece City was established in December, 1872, by
Theodore Huselton, under the title "Greece City Dank.'' ^Aoods Bank was a
contemporary of the Huselton Bank, and had an office on or about where the
Methodist church now stands. The Concord Savings Bank was carried on by
Captain Timblin until it closed its doors. The captain moved to the Black
Hills and was register of a mining camp there until killed by some angry
prospectors.
The old office of the National Transit Company was restored in 1893 and
is now the residence of Coulter Robb. Opposite (he present Methodist church
was Young's store in which the postoffice was located until the building was
destroyed by fire. The •■ Brawlev House," now occupied by the Misses Hutch-
ison, is the only one of the original buildings standing, while S. Markwell's
general store, is the only mercantile establishment.
The Greece City riots of 1873 were simply faction fights between the Ku-
Klux and Modoc tribes of the race of oil men. On June 7, 1873, SIX) men
went voluntarily into the fray, the casualties numbering fourteen.
Modoc City is another shadow of a busy oil town. The derricks stand
like sentinels over a wild past. Producing wealth, its site was dedicated to all
kinds of vice, and virtue, although present, was hidden. Modoc had its fires,
like its sister cities. It died quickly, just as it rose, and is now scarcely a
memory. The fire of March 19, 1874, destroyed twenty-five buildings, at
Modoc, within two hours. The principal losers were Starr, Ramsey A: Com-
pany, E. Bly, Seiderly & Company, A. R. Jamison, J. O'Brien, Live Oak res-
taurant, Bateman Hotel, New York House, Campbell's laundry, Arthur's liverv.
Monnie's grocery and the properties of Henry Bole, J. Foster, Thomas Hackett,
C. B. Wright, Andrew Ryan, P. Griffin, L. Andrews. Wiles tV Jessup, M.
Beatty, S. D. Kearns and J. S. McKay. The total loss was estimated at $100,-
000. It is said that lightning struck one of the oil tanks ami caused the tire
which almost wiped out the town,
568 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Troutman never had the pretensions of Greece City, yet it was a busy village
and a great oil producer. Little of it now remains. During the electric storm
of April I'.). 1S77, the fluid struck a 23,000-barrel tank belonging to Vandergrift
& Foreman, on the Troutman farm. The burning oil flowed toward the two
24,000-barrel tanks of Gailey <\: Hasson. and soon the creek was a blazing river.
The buildings burned included McGarvey's, the Troutman Hotel, White's hard-
ware store, Robert's grocery, Cummings' livery stable and dwelling, Christy's
barn and dwelling, the United office, the Union pump-house and pumps, Union
station. Number 34, and Fitch's hardware store and house. In addition to these,
the derricks and machinery at the two wells of the Hope Oil Company, at the
Avery well (where three tanks were also destroyed), at the Modoc well, the
Osceola, the Frank and Aggie, the Fairmount, Lynch, Dougherty, and at the two
wells known as Down East, were destroyed. That tire wiped out Troutman.
Magic is the new postal name of an old settlement. Bal/.iger & Badger's
store ami a few houses make up the little hamlet.
CHAPTER L.
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
Organization— Origin of Name— Physical Characteristics— Streams— Coal De-
posits and Coal Banks — Building Stone — Population and Statistics — Pio-
neers—Mills—Schools and Justices ok the Peace — Churches— Villages.
THIS township, which was organized in 1854, was named in honor of Henry
Clay, Kentucky's distinguished orator and statesman. It lies directly
north of the center of the county, and is marked by high summits, such as that
immediately south of West Sunbury, the peak about 7, 000 feet to the northwest
of the borough, and that just south of the Sunbury and West Liberty road. Each
is at least 1,400 feet above ocean level, and from 250 to 300 feet above the bottom of
Muddy creek, which rises near West Sunbury, and flowing westward through
the south half of the township, crosses the township line at a point west of the
Butler and Erie road. North, northeast and west of West Sunbury, many of
the feeders of the Slippery Rock creek rise ; while, in the southeast corner, two
feeders of the Connoquenessing flow southward.
The Freeport and Kittanning coals are found in abundance. One of the
pioneer coal banks was that on lands owned in later years by Samuel McElvaine,
near West Sunbury. The Thompson, McMichael, Painter, Patterson, Glenn,
Mock and Hall coal banks were all abundant producers of a good coal. They
are the successors of the old banks near West Sunbury, and on the McAnallen,
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 5^0
the Young and the Robert Patterson farms, which were abandoned prior to 1861 .
The banks opened by the Crawfords, at a place they named Caledonia, and the
Steele and Blair mines at Standard, have only recently been abandoned. In
1894 the George S. Stage mines were opened in the vicinity, and the new coal
town named Clay tonia. Building stone is abundant. Much of that used in the
construction of the present court house at Butler was quarried on Jospeh Kelly's
farm, near the west line of the township.
The population of the township in I860, was 1,039; in 1870, 1,062; in 1880,
1 ,279, including West Sunbury, and in 1890, 1,076, and West Sunbury 238, or a
total of 1,314. The assessed value January 1. 1894, was $313,337, on which a
county tax of $1,253.35, and a State tax of $64.19 were levied.
The pioneers of Clay township were not. as a rule, strangers in Penn-
sylvania when they entered the forests of this section to establish homes.
From the townships now known as Parker. Fairview. Centre, Brady, Butler
and Penn came many of the families who made the first improvements in
this part of the county. Hailing from northern Ireland, they brought into
the wilderness strong hands and hearts, ami converted it into a rich agricul-
tural district.
Christopher McMichael, a soldier ot the Revolution, is credited with build-
ing a cabin, just east of West Sunbury, as early as 1797, but in the records
of 1803 there is no mention made of him, though his son, William, is named
as a taxpayer in what is now Cherry township.
John Thorn, father of George Thorn, who was born near West Sunbury,
Butler county, in 1797, was one of the pioneers. James Russell settled north
of West Sunbury in 1797, but moved a few years later into Concord or Wash-
ington. Samuel Findley, a soldier of the Revolution and an early settler of
the county, with Robert. David and Samuel Findley, Jr., may be named as
pioneers of 1798. James Mcjunkin came from Ireland in 1798 and bought 400
acres of land. He died in 1833. William Barron, said to be one of the Bar-
rons who settled on the north line of Marion or Venango township, was here
in 179S. Jacob Beighley. who joined his brothers in Connoquenessing in 1797 or
1798, settled in Clay township about 1798 or 179'.). Robert Graham, who made
the first improvement on the site of West Sunbury, must have settled here
earlv in the first decade of the century. Joseph Thorn appears to have come
in about 1800, and died a few vears later. The body was placed in a hollow log,
to which oxen were hitched, and thus the rude coffin was hauled to the grave.
John Pryor located here in 1803. Joseph, John, James, William and Samuel
Glenn, Mrs. Jenet (Sterling) Glenn, Margaret, Alary, and one who married A.
M. Porter, came in 1808. The father, James, selected the lands, but died in
Westmoreland county. John Glenn, known as Captain Glenn, commanded a
company of Pennsylvania volunteers during the War of 1812. He also served
several years as a justice of the peace.
Stephen Allen was one of the pioneers of Clay township. Robert Allen,
who died in 1888, was born here in 1809. John Adams, a settler of 1820, was
570 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the father of twenty children. Robert McCandless moved in from Centre in
1820. Asapli Cranmer came to this county in ISIS and to Clay township in
1823. William Gibson, who was brought to Butler in I 707, when six weeks old,
located here in 1827- Jeremiah Wick, who settled in Armstrong county in 1796,
moved to Clay township in 1828. John and Jesse Sutton moved up from the
southwestern townships in 1829. The Bartleys, pioneers of Penn township, are
well represented in Clay, as are the Thompsons, who were pioneers of Brady.
Rudolph Bortmass settled in Clay township early. The McElvaines, Timblins
and Pattersons may be classed among the pioneers, although they selected other
townships for their first homes in this county.
John McDevitt came from Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1825, and in 1880
purchased a farm in Clay township. John Young, son of John, who came to
Allegheny county, in 1790, from Ireland, settled in Clay township in 1830,
though a resident of the county for some seventeen years before. Jacob Brown,
one of the pioneers, died July 3, 1837. His wife Catherine died February 28,
1819. Patrick McAnallen, who came from Ireland in 1788 and to Butler county
some years after, is represented in Clay township by William A. McAnallen.
Fergus Hutchison, who died in 1866, was one of the old settlers. The list of old
settlers might he extended, but as biographical sketches of a majority of the
pioneer families are given in other chapters, further mention of them is unnec-
essary.
MILLS.
The grist mill built by William Carruthers over sixty years ago on the head
of Findley Glade run, about two miles northwest of West Sunbury, was con-
structed of round logs and was a rude affair, with a large water wheel. Car-
ruthers operated it until it was burned, about 1851. A dam was built about
forty rods above the mill, whence the water was brought in a flume or series of
hollow logs to an upright box over the wheels.
The old Shroyer grist mill on the Sunbury and West Liberty road, two and
one-half miles west of West Sunbury, was- one of the oldest industries in the
township. Henry Black operated it fifty or sixty years ago. Dr. Josiah McCand-
less built a new mill on the site of the old one about 1870, but in 1892 or 1893 it
was removed, the material being used in other buildings. The old Painter plan-
ing mill at Euclid was converted into a chopping mill by Joseph Mechling, and
used as such until it was burned in February, 1894.
The (louring mill erected in 1871 ;'t West Sunbury, after plans by Architect
Reed Bryson, was opened August I1;"), 1871. Allen Wilson. Charles McClung
and J. W. Christy were the owners. J. C. Breaden, George Wolford and Will-
iam Wick are the present proprietors.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
The first school house in the Mcjunkin district of Clay township was erected
in 1824, the logs of the abandoned Muddy Creek Presbyterian church being used
in its construction. Thomas Allen, Joseph Sterrett, Stephen Allen and one of
the McElvaines taught in this building. In 1835 it was turned over to the school
CLAY TOWNSHIP. 57 I
district and Daniel Carter employed to teach therein. John R. Mcjunkin came
after Carter.
In the second decade of the century Robert McElvaine taught in a log house
which stood north of the site of West Sunbury, hut early in the third decade
moved his headquarters to a log house adjacent to the old church near Middle-
town, in Concord township.
To-day there are six school buildings, in which six teachers are employed for
eight months every year, the children of school age being 161 male and 166
female. The total revenue for school purposes in 1892—93 was $2,692.50, includ-
ing $1,200.50 appropriated by the State, the respective school figures for West
Sunbury being $681.42 and $345.50.
The justices of the peace for Clay township from 1857 to 1894 are named as
follows, the old district justices holding over until 1857: Thomas C. Thompson,
1857 and 1862; John R. Mcjunkin, 1858, 1863, 1868 and 1881; James I'ryor,
1866 and 1872; C. McMichael, 1873; John P. Christley, 1877; James W. Kel-
ly, 1882; T. R. McCall, 1883; Simon P. Painter, 1886 and' 1891; R. R.
McCandless, 1887 and 1892; Zenos McMichael was elected vice Painter,
deceased, in 1892.
CHURCHES.
Muddy Creek Presbyterian Church was organized in 1803, re-organized in
1823, and incorporated in 1864. Rev. John McPherrin preached in the neigh-
borhood as early as 1799, and was stated supply for two years after organization,
and pastor from 1805 to 1813. For ten years the society was without a pastor,
but in 1823, Rev. John Coulter, a licentiate of the Ohio Presbytery, was
installed as pastor. He resigned in 1S50, and was succeeded in 1852 by Rev.
Alexander Cunningham, who severed his connection witli this church in 1856.
Rev. Samuel Williams, who succeeded him the same year, was installed May
23, \<n. lie is still the pastor and bids fair to round out a half -century of ser-
vice in this congregation. The original members of the society were Robert
Wallace, Robert Thorn, William and John Neyman, David Findley and William
McCandless, all ruling elders ; George, James and John McCandless, Anthony
and John Thompson, John Mcjunkin, James Mcjunkin, David Mcjunkin,
Nathaniel Allison, John Turk, Conrad .Snyder, John Wick, John Wigton, John
Covert. Andrew Allsworth, Stephen Allen, James Campbell and Samuel McCall.
In 1803 a log-house, twenty by twenty-four feet in size, was erected, which was
used for meetings until lSi'4. when a hewn log house, thirty by sixty feet in size,
was built, oak shingles being used for roofing. The interior was plastered and
a plaster ceiling was introduced, so that it was then considered one of the
finest Presbyterian churches within the limits of the Presbytery. The present
brick building, fifty by sixty feet in size, was begun in 1845, and completed in
1852. It has been repeatedly repaired and appears substantial enough to endure
for a century. The church was incorporated March 29, 1864, with the follow-
ing trustees: Josiah Mcjunkin, John R. Mcjunkin, and James Findley. The
constitution as adopted December 7, 1863, was signed by Nathan F. McCandless,
secretary. The membership at the close of 18H4, was 125, a small number com-
572 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
pared with former years, as the Unionville church, and other societies, organized
in recent years, embrace many oi its original members. Mr. Williams is one of
the best known Presbyterian ministers in Butler county, where he has labored
faithfully for nearly forty years.
V ILLAGES.
Claytonia is the new name of Caledonia. Two brothers named Crawford,
opened a coal bank near the railroad some years ago, and the station was named
Caledonia. The Steele and Blair mines, once operated by the Standard Mining
Company, have been abandoned, like the Crawford banks. In 1894 George S.
Stage, of Greenville, opened mines in the vicinity and named the place Claytonia.
yamisonville comprises a railroad depot and a farm house, but it is the ship-
ping point for an extensive farming region.
Euclid is a new railroad town on the divide, between Slippery Rock and
Muddy creeks. The place was known for years as " Centre School House.''
When the railroad was completed to the summit it was called " Sunbury Sta-
tion." and shortly afterward named Euclid. The hamlet stands upon the Miller
and Painter farms, adjoining the George II. Graham farm. The railroad depot,
store and creamery are the business buildings of the place now, the saw and
planing mill and the old creamery haying been destroyed by fire. The fire of
February '.), 1894, originated in the old planing mill at Euclid, owned by Joseph
Mechling, who occupied a part of the building with his chopping mill; the other
part contained a portable saw mill owned by B. B. McCandless, Warren Thomp-
son. Jasper Kiester and Joseph Mechling.
CHAPTER LI.
WEST SUNBURY BOROUGH.
Laving Out ok the Village— Pioneers — Incorporation as a Borough — Early
Business Men — Population and Statistics — Schools — Wkst Sunbury Academy
— Churches— Borough Officials— Justices of the Peace — Secret Societies.
WEST SUNBURY and neighborhood may be justly considered the site
of the parent settlements of Clay township. It was in this vicinity that
the pioneer settlers built their cabins, made theirtirst improvements, and began the
work of transforming the forest wilderness into well-tilled and productive farms.
Robert Graham, a nephew of Samuel Findley, was the first settler on the site of
the town, his log cabin having been erected prior to 1803. He afterward, about
1818, sold his settler's right to John and James Gilchrist, who also acquired pos-
session of a considerable tract of adjoining land. In 1828 James Gilchrist em-
WEST SUNBURY BOROUGH. 573
ployed Campbell E. Purviance to survey a portion of his tract into town lots, a
large number of which he sold within the next year or two, realizing tive to ten
dollars for each lot.
The town is now almost seventy years old, and is in many respects a model
rural borough. In the earlier days ol its history it was ambitious of winning the
county seat from Butler. In time, however, it Ljave this up. At the breaking
out of the Civil war it was a pleasant wayside village, the home of an intelli-
gent, prosperous and progressive people. After the war there was a re-awaken-
ing, and a demand made for local government, resulting in the village being
incorporated as a borough in 1866.
It was the first rural town in Uutler county to realize the value of stone
sidewalks, and, it is said, the only one in Pennsylvania where all the sidewalks
are constructed of stone, and where every street has a walk and a parkway on
each side. The church and school appear to be held in high estimation here,
there being several religious organizations, a common school and an academy.
The location, though two and a half miles from Euclid, the railroad station, is a
desirable one for many reasons, there being plenty of good water and an abund-
ance of coal and natural gas.
Among those who located soon after the laying out of the town was Thomas
Dunlap, the blacksmith, who bought four lots opposite the present site ot fhe steam
mill and erected a log dwelling house- and shop in 1829. Andrew and John Wick
came in shortly afterward. They opened the first store here in 1835. John
Smith located here about the same time. Then followed II. A. Thomas, who
became a merchant and gunpowder manufacturer: Dr. II. C. Linn, who moved
from Butler; George Boyd, who opened a large store in 1 S37 or 1838, and was
the first postmaster and also the first tavern keeper: Thomas C. Thompson, a
native of Brady township, who came in 1837, and Joseph Wasson, a carpenter
and tavern keeper. These comprised the pioneer business circle.
Peter Rhodes located and began business here in 1849. David Vance kept
a hotel where is now the Corbett dwelling. The building was torn down and
McClung erected on its site a new house. James Timblin kept the next hotel
where the Widow Conway now resides, a part of her house being the original
Timblin Hotel. Isaac Donaldson carried on a hotel next to Samuel Hunt's pres-
ent dwelling. Fifteen years ago the old house was torn down. David Patterson
built the upper story of the Wick House ; Ebenezer Adams succeeded him as
landlord anil, in 1875, C. F. Wick, the present proprietor, purchased the
property.
The manufacturing industries of the borough are limited, being confined to the
large grist mill of J. C. Breaden & Company, erected in 1871. The mercantile
interests are represented by Breaden tY_ Conway and S. L. Rhodes, general
stores; H. C. Hindman & Company, drugs: Mechling tV Hunt, furniture,
and James Pryor, hardware.
The population in 1870 was 216; in 1880, 243, and in 1890, 238, increased in
1S94 to about 360. The assessed value of property, in January, 1894, was
$42,245; the county tax levied. $168.98; the State tax. $67.83, and the school
revenue, $681.42. including $345.50, State appropriation.
5/4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
As stated in the history of Cherry township, one of the first school houses
was erected north of the Graham settlement, and when the common school law
was enacted, the people of this neighborhood were among its warmest supporters
and first patrons. To-day there is one school building in the borough, and the
total revenue of the district for common school purposes is $681.42. The num-
ber of children of school age reported in June. 1893, was forty-five, made up of
twenty-three males and twenty-two females.
The West Sunbury Academy was established in 1851 by Adolphus Reb-
stock, whose purpose was to afford parents an opportunity to have their children
instructed in the higher classic and English branches. In 1853 Rev. Mr. Will-
iams succeeded Mr. Rebstock, remaining until L856, when William Thomas,
whose real name was Rev. William Thomas Hamilton, became the teacher. Mr.
Hamilton, who came from the south, was a scholarly gentleman, who seems to
have taken up teaching as a means of giving employment to his mind rather than
filling his purse. He succeeded, however, in arousing such interest in the school
that when he left it in 1858 it was a financial as well as an educational success.
After Mr. Hamilton's departure the people of the village, who had come to
look upon the school as of great importance, began to cast about for his suc-
cessor. It chanced that Rev. William T. Dickson, a Presbyterian minister, an
educator and a native of Butler county, who with his wife, was on a visit to
friends in the village, was induced to remain and take charge of the school. It
was accordingly re-opened by himself and his wife as an academic school, and
was a success from the start.
Until the fall of 1861 the school was conducted in the building subsequently
occupied by John Dunlap. In that year, however, as the result of a movement set on
foot by Mr. Dickson and his supporters, the second academy building was com-
pleted. The nreaking out of the Civil war and the President's call for volunteers
aroused the patriotic sentiment of the people of West Sunbury and of the students
of the academy, and they responded by organizing the " Dickson Guards,"
named in honor of Rev. Mr. Dickson. The " Guards," under command of Captain
Loudon, embracing in their membership many of the academy students, reported
at the front and were assigned to duty as Company C, of the Eleventh Pennsyl-
vania Reserve. Mr. Dickson shortly afterward joined the regiment as chaplain,
remaining in the service about a year.
Owing to this interruption, the new building was practically untenanted for
a year, although Thomas Milford was in charge as principal. In 1862, after his
return from the army, Mr. Dickson resumed teaching, but only for a brief period,
alter which he removed with his family to Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, where he
resided until 1875. In 1865 Thomas C. Van Tries took charge of the academy.
He was followed in 1866 by A. M. Cross, who was succeeded in 1867 by George
H. Graham. In 1869 Rev. Thorn assumed control, but seems not to have made a
success, and the result was that the school was closed until the autumn of 1^75,
when Mr. and Mrs. Dickson returned and resumed control of it. Mr. Dickson
died in February, 1 S 7 7 . and Mis. Dickson succeeded him as principal. In 1879
WEST SUNBURY BOROUGH. 57 5
Rev. G. W. Bean was appointed; in 1MS1 J. I?. Gilfillan took charge, and was
succeeded in 1883 by W. W. Logan. During Professor Logan's principalship
the erection of a more commodious building was agitated. Accordingly. |une
20, 1886, a subscription was started, and so earnestly was the project carried out
that the present edifice was completed before the end of the year, at a cost of
about $6,000. The building previously used was sold to the common school
board, and is now used as the public school and society hall. In 1886 R. W.
McGranahan became principal, and in 1889 T. E. Moffit succeeded him. Rev.
T. II. Wright's valuable academy work was in association with Professors
McGranahan and Moffit. In 1891 S.J. Christies- succeeded to the principalship,
in 1892 F. E. Knoch, and in 1894 A. B. Robertson. The following ladies and
gentlemen comprised the faculty in September, 18D4 : A. B. Robertson, A. B.,
principal and professor of sciences, mathemathics and German ; Rev. I. D.
Decker, A. M., professor of classics and history; Maude M. McNall, director of
music ; A. F. Anderson, conductor of business department ; II. D. Hockenberry,
M. D., lecturer on physiology and hygiene.
Since 1884, when the first student (T. M. Baker) was publicly graduated,
ninety literary and eighteen music students have received the academy diplomas.
The total enrollment of students for the year ending June, 1894, was 14'.l. The
academy was chartered September 28, 1S74. The signers of the articles of asso-
ciation presented to the court were : II. C. Linn, \V. P. Breaden, Charles McClung,
J. W. Christy, L. G. Linn, Allen Wilson, John Mechling, \V. C. Glenn, A.
B. Rhodes, Peter Rhodes and Thomas C. Thompson. The capital of $2,000
was divided into eighty shares of twenty-live dollars each. The present officers
are Dr. H. D. Hockenberry, president; Rev. J. II. Breaden, secretary; W.
J. Breaden, treasurer; Carlisle Wick, Samuel Glenn. Hon. Josiah M. Thomp-
son, Sylvanus Aggas, Rev. Samuel Williams. J. S. Campbell, J. R. Mc-
Junkin and Thomas Christley complete the board of trustees.
CHURCHES.
The United Presbyterian Church of West Sunbury may be said to date
back to May 2, 1840, when a meeting was held at Samuel Ekin's house and John
Smith, Samuel Loudon and Joseph W. Christy were appointed a building com-
mittee. They received a donation of four acres from Samuel Ekin and Mrs Rob-
ert Findley and, on November 7. 1840, awarded the contract for a house,
forty feet square, to Joseph Wasson. for $700. He framed the church building
and the people of the congregation and neighborhood were invited to assist in
raising it. When the walls were raised and the roof timbers taken up, and the men
ready to put them in position, a long beam on which the weight rested suddenly
broke, precipitating men and timbers to the ground. Many were severely injured,
but none killed. Mr. Wasson gave up the contract, receiving $200 for what he
had done, and John Brewster and John Brackney took the contract to finish it
for $570. A new building, fifty-five by sixty-five feet, was erected in 1858-59 by-
Hugh Sproul, for $2. 100 and the old building. In 1883 E. C. Adams repaired
and remodeled the building for $1,500, and finally \V. I. McKinney re-
5;6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
moved the building from its old site into the village, where it now stands, pav-
ing for it |2,100.
.V list of communicants, given in March. 1842, shows forty-eight members,
among whom were Joseph W. Christy and Edward Webb, who were ordained
elders by the pastor, Rev. William Findley, March 21, 1842. On July 8, 1S44,
Rev. William Findley moderated a call for Rev. William P. Breaden for one
third of his time, West Sunbury. Bear Creek and West Unity being united in
one charge under his pastorate. Mr. Breaden remained pastor of West Sunbury
congregation until his death on May 1-!, 1880. In 1846 William Gilchrist. W.
W. Thompson and Thomas 15. Dodds were elected elders, anil in 1852, Christy
McMichael was ordained.
On October IS. 1847, articles of association were adopted by the society, to
whom, on October 23, 1848, a certificate of incorporation under the name of
"The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church of West Sunbury" was issued.
The petition asking for the incorporation of the church was signed by Samuel
Loudon, Joseph W. Christy and John Brewster. In 1850 there were 184 com-
municants reported; in April. 1853, 136, and in ls.">7, 151. In I860 Allen
Wilson, J. G. Christy. Robert Dunn and Andrew Thnblin were elected elders.
The deaths among members from ls42 to the beginning of 1860 are recorded
as follows: Jane Pryor, 1842; Robert Findley. Samuel Ekin and Margaret Pryor,
1843; Eli/.a Barron and John Smith, Sr.. 1840 : Samuel S. Ekin. Recompence
or "Rake" Perry. Sr.. and Anne Ekin, 1847; Mary J. Thompson, George
Muntz, Elizabeth Sproul, Robert Ekin and Elizabeth Ekin. 1848; Margaret
Jane McCall. John Beighley and William Stewart. 1850; Polly Jamison, 1851;
Elizabeth Patterson, 1853; Margarel Carothers, 1854; Sarah Perry. 1856;
George E. Christy and Mrs. Brewster, 1S57 ; Ke/.iah Gilchrist, 1858; Mary
Christy, 1859; Mrs. Polly Stewart, Mrs. Polly Smith and Mrs. Wilson, i860.
The first marriage was that of John Ekin and Mary Shannon in 1842, by Rev.
W. Findley. In May. 1S61, there were 164 communicants, and in 1862, 170.
In 1864 J. W. Christv resigned as clerk, and Allen Wilson was chosen to succeed
him. Dunbar Christy was an elder as early as 1864, and in 1868 William C.
Bryson's name appears as a member; George T. Frazier was elected in 1871, and
Robert Campbell (transferred from Fairview) in isT-i. In April, 1875, James
W. Kellv. James Pryor and Perry Sproul were elected elders, and with John G.
Christv. C. McMichael. Robert Campbell, VV. Gilchrist, W. W. Thompson and
W. C. Bryson, the latter as clerk, formed the session in October of that year.
In 1877 J. W. Kelly was chosen clerk, and John M. Loudon, Robert II. Young,
Japhiah McMichael and W. J. Breaden elders.
After the death of Rev. W. P. Breaden in L880, the congregation was sup-
plied by Revs. J. I). Smith, Frazier and Roseburg. Rev. |. II. Breaden, son of
\\*. P. Breaden. held a communion in January, 1881. Rev. R. C. Dodds be-
came stated supply in 1884 and was afterward ordained and installed pastor.
Resigning in 1887 he was succeeded by Rev. J. II. Breaden. the present pastor.
The number of members reported in April, 1893, was 185. Elder R. H. Young,
admitted to member-hip in 1862, was elected clerk in November, 1889. In Rev.
WEST SUNBURY BOROUGH. i~~
J. II. Breaden's charge arc the churches at Mt. Varnum, Holyoke and West
Sunbury, Mt. Varnum belonging to it since 1884.
The Presbyterian Church of West Sunbury begins its record under date,
September 4, 1860, when a committee of the Presbytery of Allegheny, — Rev.
Loyal Young, Robert B. Walker and Rev. Samuel Williams — met lure to organ-
ize the church, with Elders Henry C. Linn, M. D. and Joseph W. Thorn. The
members then present are named as follows : W. C. and Rachel Glenn, James
J. and Mary Ann Glenn, James, Ann, Margaret and Samuel Glenn, William M.,
Catherine, jane and Margaret M. Glenn, W. S. Mechling, William and Nancy Pat-
terson, Joseph W. and Nancy Thorn, II. C. and Sarah L.Linn, Sarah A. Wick,
Andrew, Sarah A., and Richard Wick. J. C, Rebecca M., Clarissa and Alfred
Wick, James and AnnaE. Gould, and Samuel, Fannie, Perry. Sarah and Amanda
McElvaine, in all thirty-six members.
There is no record of work from September, I860, to February 22, 1862. On
the latter date Rev. John Coulter with Elders Thorn and Linn, the last named
being clerk, examined Clarissa and Margaret Beighley and Amanada and Sarah
A. Black, who were received as members, October 21, 1862. Rev. John Coulter
was installed as pastor, remaining until April 12, 1864. From October, lSlii', to
June, 1865, twenty persons were admitted to membership. In December of the
latter year, Samuel McElvaine and William C. Glenn were elected and ordained
ruling elders. Rev. James Coulter served as pastor from June 8, 1865, to March
14, 1871. From 1866 to 1*70. inclusive, there were twenty-two additions to the
membership. In April. 1871, Elder Linn resigned and Elder Thorn took his
place as clerk. In November, Rev. William T. Dickson was present as modera-
tor. During this year four members were received, and in 1872 eleven joined
this society. Rev. Alexander S. Thorn was installed pastor June 25, 1872, and
served until September 26, 1*74. Three members were received in 1874 ; fifteen
in 1875, and eighteen in 1876. Services were held in the old academy building
until July 4, 1*75, when the present edifice was dedicated.
The record of the burial of Rev. William T '. Dickson is made under date of
February 9, 1877, he having been stated supply from September, 1874, to his
death. During that year six members were received. In January, 1878, John
S. Wick and Samuel Ililliard (elders elect). J. W. Thorn, Samuel McElvaine
and W. C. Glenn, with Rev. G. W. Bean, moderator, constituted the session.
Mr. Bean was installed pastor in Mav of that year.
The congregation was divided into five districts, or one for each elder in
1878. During the year there were eleven additions to the church membership ;
while in 1880 there were only three new members received. From July, 1*7'.'. to
April. 1880, Rev. Mr. Bean signed the minutes as moderator and clerk, but on
September 12, 1880, the legible script of P. W. Conway begins. He served
until his death November 28, 1888. There were seven persons received in 1881,
lour in 1882, and eleven in 1883. In 1880 Andrew Porter is named as elder.
The record is remarkable in that many of the members were recruited from the
Methodist Episcopal church of West Sunbury, within the four or five years pre-
ceding December. 1**8. In March. 1882, P. W. Conway is named among the
elders. In 1884 there were thirteen new members received, and in 1885, tour.
578 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The resignation of Rev. (!. W. Bean was acquiesced in December 20, 1885. after
eight years of earnest work here.
The name of C. R. Glenn appears among the elders in April, 1884, and he,
with J. VV. Thorn. Andrew Porter. VV. C. Glenn, Samuel Milliard, and P. W.
Conway formed the session in January, 1886, Rev. Marshall, of Concord, pre-
siding. Seven members were received in 1886, twenty-four in 1887, and eigh-
teen in 1888. In September, 1888, Rev. J. II. Wright was installed as pastor,
and in November following was appointed clerk, to till the vacancy caused by
the death of P. \V. Conway. Four member-, were received in lf<89, thirteen in
1890, and twelve in L891.
The resolutions on the death of Rev. James Ilervey Wright are recorded
under date of February l'O, 1892. During that year nineteen members were
received, and in 1893 others joined the church. Andrew Porter signed as clerk in
February, 1892, and \V. C. Glenn in July. 1892. On May 7, 1893, Rev. I. D.
Decker, the present pastor, administered the sacrament of the " Lord's Supper"
to the congregation, and in June. 1893, began service as stated supply. The roll
of members shows 397 admissions. Of this number 191 were dismissed or recorded
as absent or suspended, while no less than forty-one are recorded as deceased,
leaving 165 as the present membership.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of West Sunbury was organized early in
1849, when Rev. Edwin Hull formed a class, the members of which were W. M.
Graham, J. M. Bracknev, Martha E.and Terusha Brackney, Andrew McPherrin,
lane McPherrin. Susanna Humphrey, Isaac Mann and John Dunlap. At that
time Thomas C. Thompson donated a building lot, and on it a little building was
erected in 1850-51, the cost not exceeding $800. When the new church was
completed in 1868, the old property was sold to the school district. The church
has been in a sea of trouble for the last few years. Under the administration of
Mr. lams, of North Washington, in whose circuit it is. a successful effort has
been made. to heal dissensions.
Bethesda Evangelical Church, better known as the West Sunbury Evan-
gelical Lutheran church, was organized in I860, with Peter Rhodes, Stephen A.
Shull, George Rickenbrode. A. Hindman, Jacob Sanderson, .Simon Painter and
their wives and eight other members. Rev. J. Singer was pastor from I860 to
ISC,:!; Rev. A. S. Miller from L865 to 1872, and Rev. Samuel Stauffer from 1S79
to 1874. In 1875 this society was dissolved and the membership merged into
the Lutheran church of Springdale in the adjoining township of Concord. A
small building for worship was erected in the borough, which was abandoned
in 1875.
BOROUGH OFFICIALS,
West Sunbury was incorporated as a borough in 1866, anil the first election
took place early in that year. The record of annual elections is as follows:
L866— Allen Wilson, burgess; H. C. Linn, Peter Rhodes. J. C. Wick and
Charles McClung.
1807 — Allen Wilson, burgess, and same council as in Ist'ilj.
WEST SUNBURY BOROUGH. 5/Q
1868 — Allen Wilson, burgess ; I'. Rhodes II. C. Linn, C. McClung, J. C.
Wick and A. B. Rhodes.
1860— Allen Wilson, burgess; John Mechling, James W. Kelly, A. B.
Rhodes and H. C. Linn ; James W. Kelly, clerk.
1870-71— Allen Wilson, burgess; II. C. Linn, John Mechling, J. W. Kelly,
A. B.Rhodes and P. Rhodes.
1872— Allen Wilson, burgess; John C. Duffy, S. A. Shull, John N. McCar-
rier, James \V. Kelly and John Mechling.
1878 — Same burgess and council, except that Charles McClung replaced
McCarrier.
1874— J. W. Kelly, burgess; J. S. Wick, S. A. Shull, F. M. Campbell, J. C.
Duffy and A. N. Bryson. vice J. C. Glenn, resigned.
1875 — In February J. F. Hindman was appointed councilman, vice F. M.
Campbell, removed to Petrolia. The council comprised J. C. Duffy, James R.
Campbell. J. II. Wick, J. F. Hindman and J. W. Kelly.
1876— Charles McClung, burgess; John Mechling, J. S. Wick. J. R. Camp-
bell, Andrew Donaldson and J. W. Kelly.
1877 — John Mechling. burgess; A. Donaldson, E. C. Adams, A. B. Rhodes,
W. C. Glenn and W. J. Breaden.
1878— A. R. Thompson, burgess; P. W. Conway, A. B. Rhodes. E. C.
Adams, A. Donaldson, H. C. Linn and C. Wick.
1879— A. R. Thompson, burgess; E. C. Adams. A. Donaldson. W. J.
Breaden, J. G. Shull and II. C. Pryor.
1880— W. W. Dunlap, burgess ; E, C. Adams, J. R. Campbell, A. B. Rhodes,
J. G. Shull and G. W. Mechling.
1881 — Joseph Mechling, burgess; II. C. Pryor. E. C. Adams, W. J. Breaden,
Robert McCalmont and A. R. Thompson.
1882— W. J. Breaden, burgess; Robert McCalmont. C.W. Wick and E. C.
Adams.
1883 — John Mechling, burgess; E. C. Adams. James R. Campbell and W.
J. Breaden.
1884 — E. C. Adams, burgess; W. J. Breaden, John McCandless, James Pryor,
Amos Timblin and W. II. Tinker.
1885 — lohn C. Murtland. burgess ; James R. Campbell and 1. S. Adams.
1886— James Pryor, burgess ; A. B. Rhodes, E. C. Adams, T. H. Thompson.
1887— C. W. Wick, burgess; Thomas 11. Thompson and M. II. Christie.
1888— John Mechling, burgess; J. G. Shull. W. J. Breaden and R. J.
Thompson.
1889— Al. Mechling, burgess; A. R. Thompson. W. W. Dunlap; Ross
Mechling and Joshua Dunlap received thirty-nine votes each, and |. R. Campbell,
thirtyr-eight votes, for councilman.
1890 — A.J. Thompson, burgess; L. Rhodes. W. C.Glenn. A. R. Mechling
and J. R. Campbell, received twenty votes each for councilmen.
1N91— S. J. Christley, burgess ; J. W. McNaughton, R. L. Allison and
Joshua Dunlap, received each forty-five votes for councilmen.
580 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
L892— A. R. Thompson, burgess; T. II. Thompson. J. G. Shull and R. L. •
Allison.
L898— John Mechling, burgess; J. R. Campbell, W. C. Glenn, J. II. Corbit,
Thomas II. Thompson and G. L. Dufford;J. K. Campbell, clerk.
1894 — John Mechling, burgess; S. L. Rhodes, Geo. B. Turner. James
Pryor, G. L. Dufford and J. B. Arthurs.
The justices of the peace elected from 1866 to 1894 are as follows: Allen
Wilson, 1866 and 1872; James \Y. Kelly, 1871, 1876 and 1881 : W. C. Bryson,
1874; A. G. Mechling, 1881 and 1884; W. R. Thompson. L885 ; James W.
Kelly. 1886; A. R. Thompson and A. Mechling, 1890.
SECRET SOCIE1 Ills.
William /'. Dickson Pas/, Number 561, G. A. J\., was mustered in Sep-
tember 23, 1SS7, with a membership of thirty-four, all but one of whom were
members of Pennsylvania regiments. Since the organization twentv-one mem-
bers have been mustered in, making a total of fifty-five that have been enrolled.
The first officers were elected on the date given above and were as follows: P.
P. Brown, C; R. J. Thompson. V. C; Harlan Book, 1. V. C. ; A. G. Meals, Q.
M. ; Amos Timblin, surgeon, and R. II. Young, adjutant. The following are
the names of the commanders elected since lN.s? : R. J. Thompson, 1S88 ; Sam-
uel Glenn. 1889; A. G. Meals. 1890; R. H. Young, L891-92, and John W. Mc-
Naughton, L898. The following have served as adjutants: R. II. Young, 1887-
88-89; P. P. Brown, 1890-91-92. The number of members November 1, 1893,
s\ as thirty-lour.
CHAPTER LI I.
CENTRE TOWNSHIP.
Origin of Name— Organization— Physical Characteristics— Coal Deposits and
Gas Wells — Population and Statistics — Pioneers— First Election and Jus-
tices of the Peace:— Schools Churches Villages.
CENTRE township derives its name from the fact that it occupies the geo-
graphical center of the county. It is one of the thirteen townships erected
in 1804, and then embraced an area eight miles square. In 1<S;")4 it was reduced
to its present size. It is one of the leading agricultural townships of the county,
producing bountiful crops of cereals, vegetables, fruits and tame grasses. The
most elevated point. 1,400 feet, is about 5,000 feet north of its south line on the
Butler and Unionville road. The old coal banks, on the Daniel Heck and Eli
Eagal farms, — opened in the fifties, — produce a hard, lustrous coal, which may
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 5S1
yield sixty per cent of coke, as was learned when the coke was manufactured
from culled lumps for the Prospect foundry. The hanks on the Birch and Lei-
bold farms, on Kearns branch ; the deposit on the Huling's farm, and the can-
nel, on the McCandless farm, near the Butler and West Sunbury road, where an
oil well was drilled in 1875, were all producers of excellent coal. As an oil field
it has rewarded the enterprise of the driller poorly; but in the fall of I B93 it
acknowledged his perseverance by showing some heavy gassers. The well on the
Alexander Brewster farm, drilled by Brown Brothers & Company, and finished
in October, 1893, showed a gas pressure of 6< t( ) pounds, blowing the took from
the hole and otherwise giving proof of its power.
The population in 1810, was 742 ; in 1820, 972; in 1830, 1,322; in 1840,
1,834; in 1850, after division, 1,495; in 1860, within present boundaries, 829; in
1870, 843; in 1880,980, and in 1890, 1,005. The assessed valuation was $374,026,
on which a county tax of $1,096.10 and a State tax of $64.12 were levied.
PIONEERS.
The story of the settlement of this township is interesting from the fact that
its pioneers came in a bod}- to take possession of the land without the aid of con-
stitution or by-laws. In 1700 sixty men from Allegheny, Westmoreland, Juniata
and Cumberland counties appeared in this part of the wilderness and selected
sixty eligible farms and sites for cabins. To each a name was given, such as
"Eden," '•Hickory.'" "Hermitage,"' "Glenn," "Partnership Farm," "Thorn
Tent," etc. Then the cabins were erected, one on each farm, and next the drama
of the lottery was enacted. A slip of paper bearing the name of each farm was
placed in a hat, while a list of sixty names was handed to one of the colonists.
When the first slip was taken from the hat and the name of the farm proclaimed.
it was credited to the first name on the list, and so on until all the farms were
distributed. As the tract was then unsurvcyed, it was agreed that after the sur-
vey, should two persons be found to be occupying the same 400 acres, the neighbor
on the north should relinquish his claim and take the next unsettled tract of 400
acres to the north. This plan worked admirably, and within the year the follow-
ing named tract owners were actual residents ;
Henry Baumgartner, 400 acres; John Byers, 400 ; Samuel Cook, MOO; Isaac
Curry, 400; William Elliott, 800; Christian Fleeger, MOO ; William Freeman,
400; Archibald Fryer, no land taxed; John Galbraith, MOO; James Hoge, ISO;
George McCandless, 400; James McCandless, 400; John McCandless, 400;
Robert McCandless, no land taxed; Thomas McCleary, 200 ; Joseph McGrew
and Daniel McKissick, no lands taxed ; Aaron Moore and sons, Alexander and
Robert Moore, no lands taxed ; David McJunkin, 400 ; William McJunkin, 400 ;
Adam Rudebaugh, 400; Jacob Rudebaugh, no lands taxed; John Scott and
RobertScott.no land's taxed; Archibald St. Clair. 100; Anthony Thompson ,
400; James Thompson, no lands taxed ; Moses Thompson. 400; John Thompson,
400, and James and Matthew Thompson, no lands taxed. The men named
located in this township, while James, George and William Moore. Lewis Wil-
son, Henry Montooth, Eliakim Anderson and Charles Sullivan, who formed part
of the company of sixty colonists, located in what is now Franklin township.
5^2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John and Samuel Cunningham, also members, settled where now stands Butler,
and made their homes there. A number of the other colonists sought homes in
different parts of the county, but more than one of them returned to the original
location of the party in Centre township. The Indians threatened the settlement
in 17'.'7. the scare driving away the pioneers, nine or ten of whom never returned.
The Mcjunkin and McCandless families had, from the beginning of the set-
tlement in L796, a good representation here. David, born in Ireland, came hither
from Allegheny county to remain. His brother William left in 1T(.'7, but man-
aged to hold his 400-acre farm until the provisions ot settlement were fulfilled.
David, following the example of Archibald St. Clair, established a distillery early
in this century. In Js:j() he bought Dr. John Thompson's mills and furnaces on
the Slippery Rock, which he carried on successfully to the time of his death in
April, 1844. His wife Elizabeth, daughter of the pioneer Aaron Moore, whom
lie married in lT'.'T. died in October, 1845. Six male members of the McCandless
family accompanied the pioneers of 1796, and four of them located in this town-
ship. They were the sons of John McCandless, who came from Ireland, and set-
tled in Allegheny county with his family. John, one of the colonists of Centre
township, was the fust sheriff of Butlei county. He died in 1810.
John Thompson, also one of the Irish pioneers of the Pittsburg region, came
from Washington county in 179') with his wife and eleven children, and made
his home here until death removed him, in 1845. Anthony Thompson introduced
timothy grass here in 1816. Aaron Moore, John Galbraith, the father of Butler
county's first newspaper publisher, Archibald St. Clair, David Wright, who died
in 1823, John MeCleary, and fully ninety per cent of the sixty men, who made
their homes here in 1796, were natives of Ireland, unpolished diamonds, strong
in body and in mind, who opened the way to teeming prosperity.
Nathaniel Stevenson, mentioned in the history of Franklin township,
located here with his wife Mary .Mien in 17'.»7.
lames Allison, whose name appears on the first records of the county, came,
it is said, after the Indian scare subsided. His son. William, improved upon the
scythe by converting it into a cradle and leading all the men in the grain field.
Benjamin Wallace emigrated from Ireland in 1785, and arriving in Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, established himself as a distiller there, and made his home
in thai county until 1802, when he and his brother, Robert, removed to Centre
township. Robert appears to have selected a home here in 1797 and to have set
out a few apple trees, which he carried with him from I he settlements. Benja-
min's wife, Jane Holliday, died in 1841, ami himself in 1852. Of their six
daughters and one son, all are dead except Eliza, who married William McKissick.
Isaac Curry, a native of Ireland, was one of the pioneers in the Unionville
neighborhood. John Rose came from New Jersey in 1800, married Mary
Stevenson, and resided here until his death in 1866. Adam Shancr, who came
to what is now Butler township in 17'.*7. removed to Centre prior to 1803,
purchased Francis Reams' settler's right in 1812, and carried on a little dis-
tillery. John Elliott, it is said, was born in Indiana territory in 1793, and was
brought by his parents to Centre township in 1801. The family may have been
i elated to William Elliott, one of the colony of 1796, and induced to settle here
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 583
by him. Simon Young, a miller and farmer, was born in Centre township in
1809, this fact being the only point to indicate the existence of such a family
here at that time. Samuel Borland came from Westmoreland county about 1812,
being then five years old.
FIRST ELECTION A\*D JUSTICES.
The first election in Centre township, after its organization, was held Octo-
ber 8, 1805. Thomas McKean received thirty-two and Simon Snyder thirty-five
votes for governor; James O'Hara twenty-two, M. Irish eleven and Samuel
Smith thirty-six votes for congressman; S. Ewalt thirtv and James Martin thir-
ty-seven votes for senator; Jacob Mechling thirty-four, John Mc Bride thirty-two.
Abner Lacock thirty-eight, George Robison twenty-three, Francis McLure
thirty-six, James Carothers twenty-nine, Ephriam Harris one, and Jacob Ferree
eight, for assemblyman; William Brown fourteen. Abner Coats fifteen, \Y. I!.
Young seven, David Sutton five, Hugh Conway fourteen, Jacob Smith eleven,
and William Johnston one, for the office of county commissioner.
The justices of the peace in Centre township from 1840 to 1n'.I4, are named
as follows: John Brewster, 1840; John McCandless, 1840; John Sutton, 1844;
David Davis, 1845-50; Thomas C. Thompson. 1849; William Gibson, 1852;
Nathan McCandless, 1854; R. K. Hunter, 1854; Moses Thompson, 1 857-62 ;
John M. McCandless, 1859-64; William A. Christie, 1867-72; Nathan F. Mc-
Candless, 1869; J. C. Moore. 1874-79-84-89; William Allison, 1877-82-87-92.
Schools were introduced in 1803, when a rude, round-log house was erected
on Benjamin Wallace's farm, near where W. P. Smith now resides. The archi-
tecture was in strict conformity with the pioneer style and in keeping with the
rugged, healthy teacher and pupils. William Wallace, it is thought, presided
over the school at intervals, until the itinerant teachers found their way into the
settlements the same year, when a second school house was erected on David Mc-
Junkin's land. Samuel Cook, a well-known pedagogue; Samuel N. Moore.
who moved to Washington township; one of the Sloans from Venango, and one
or more of the Campbells of Washington, taught here prior to the adoption of
the common school system in 1835. There were 138 male and ninety-two female
children of school age reported in June, 1893. The State appropriation for
schools was $921.85. and the total revenue for school purposes, $1,605.59.
CHURCHES.
I/olvokc United Presbyterian Charcli was organized August 28, 1874, with
the following named members: Mrs. Mary E. McCandless, Alexander McWill-
iams, Elizabeth McWilliams. Annie J. McWilliams, Alexander Blain, Emeline
Blain, William Blain. Sr., Jane Blain, Robert Allison, Jane Allison. John R.
Pollock, Alexander Pollock, John C. Moore, M. C. Moore, George Dawson.
Elizabeth Dawson, Samuel Irwin. Jane Irwin. William Allison. Rachel Allison,
Hugh B. McWilliams, Charlotte McWilliams, Thomas R. Hoon. Jane Hoon,
Eliza J. McKissick, Margaret M. .Smith, Maria Garrard and Susan Miller. Rev.
584 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
W. P. Shaw, the only pastor, was installed June 25, 1877, and resigned about
January. 1890, when Rev. J. II. Breaden came as stated supply. The total
number of members received since organization was ninety-seven, and the mem-
bership in 1894 was fifty-two. The present house of worship was erected in
1874, meetings being held in Robert Miller's barn until its completion.
Unionville Presbyterian Church was organized October 30, 1877. For
three-quarters of a century previous the Presbyterians of this section were mem-
bers of the churches a! Butler, Muddy Creek and other places. The following is
a list of the original members of this church: N. F. McCandless, Annetta
McCandless, X. W. McCandless, Robert W. McCandless. Matilda McCandless,
J. M. II. McCandless. Martin L. McCandless, W. C. McCandless, Amelia
McCandless, A. Moore McCandless, Kezia McCandless, W. S. Thompson,
Deborah Thompson, Emerett Thompson, William II. McCandless, Harriet
X. McCandless. John M. McCandless, Xancy McCandless, Thomas T. Stewart,
XTancy C. Stewart, Keziah McCandless, Anderson McCandless, Mary S. McCand-
less, Joseph T. McCandiess, Mary E. McCandless, Elvira Vamum, H. A.
McCandless, Martha J. McCandless. Robert J. Miller, Malinda A.Miller, Alfred
Brown, Mary J. Brown, John M. Russell, Mary Eagal, Nelson Borland,
Sarah A. Borland, J. W. McCandless, Sabina McCandless, James S. Rose,
Susanna A. Rose, Aimer McCandless, Mary S. McCandless, J. M. Brown, Mar-
garet Brown, Robert M. Russell, Keziah Russell and Joseph Coulter. The
present membership is eighty-four.
This church has had but one pastor. Rev. Samuel Williams, who was
installed September 13, 1878, and continues in the same relation still. The mem-
bers bad nearly all been under bis pastoral care, as members of the church of
Muddy Creek, to which he has ministered since 185(3. On March 24, 1*77, the
building contract was awarded for a house thirty-six by fifty-six feet, and by
November 4, of that year, it was opened for services, though not dedicated until
October IS, 1879.
Tlic Evangelical Lutheran Church, organized in 1843, adopted articles of
association in 1848, at a meeting over which Christopher Rider presided, and
of which Rev. Eli Fair was secretary. They with Jacob Rider, Sr., Daniel
Heck, Jr., and William Byers formed the board of trustees when the
society was incorporated. The original members were Jacob, John L. and
Samuel Rider, with their wives. Jacob, Barbara and Xancy Brown, Daniel
Ileck and wife, Jacob Schleppy, Frank and Jacob Byers, with their
wives, and Susan, Anna, Catherine, Mary, Sarah, John, William and Daniel
Byers. The pastors who have served this church were : Revs. Gottlieb Bass-
ler, 1843-45; Elihu Rathburn, lNif,-47; Eli Fair, 1847-49; J. B. Breckenridge,
1850-56; J. A. Delo, 1857-58; Jacob Singer, 1859-65; A. S. Miller, 1865-67;
J. H. Fritz, 1867-69; Samuel StaulTer. 1871-74; David Townsend, 1875-77; I.
J. Delo, 1S77-7S. andChas. L. Streamer. 1878-85. R. B. Starks, who came in
1886, is the present pastor, and has a congregation of sixty members. The
church, built in 1841, is growing old and steps have been taken to rebuild.
The Church ,>/' Cmt was organized in August, 1n7l\ by Rev. Joseph Grimm,
who preached the gospel of that denomination in the Brewster neighborhood as
•'//'.'/ A. ',*,,/,<
CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 5R5
early as 1870. The riders were Andrew Albert and James S. Jones, and tin-
deacons, Henry Albert and Ira Bacon. There were twenty-one other members,
who. in 1874, aided Rev. I. W. Davis in building a frame house of worship,
VILLAGES.
Unionville was founded by Samuel Thompson, at a point on the Mercer
turnpike, seven miles northwest of Butler boroughin 1828. On December 31 of that
year, a sale of lots took place, and two or three small buildings were erected
near Thompson's store. James Thompson succeeded Samuel as merchant in 1830 ;
but in 1833 or 1834, Samuel resumed his mercantile character. David Stewart,
the owner of the tavern and first postmaster, succeeded the Thompsons as mer-
chant, while Blaisdell & Cornish established an opposition store. One or two
others engaged in business here before David and Mark McCandless began mer-
chandising at this point in the forties. Joseph Coulter purchased the mercantile
interests and stock of the McCandless brothers in June, 1S47. and entered on
what proved to he a long business career, closing in April, 1891. In recent years
D. C. Miller and W. T. Campbell established business house, here.
The appointment of David Stewart as postmaster, in 1839, was one of the
most important local events. John M. McCandless, the new merchant, succeeded
him in IS ll), and held the office until the early sixties, when F. S. McGee was
appointed. In December, 1863, McGee resigned, and the office was discontinued.
After its re-establishment, W. T. Campbell and Joseph Coulter were among the
incumbents. In 1880 M. II. McCandless was appointed postmaster, but in July
of that year, was refused possession by Joseph Coulter. Matters were amicably
settled, however, and the village is still a postal center. The general store is car-
ried on by Dr. A. Holman.
Tne Unionville Cemetery Association, organized in 1880 at Unionville, to
establish, improve anil maintain a public place " for the burial of the human dead,"
was incorporated April 8, 1889. The members at that time were, \V. C. Mc-
Candless. K. J. McCandless. J. T. McCandless, Porter A. McCandless and J. M.
Russell.
At Fleeger the postoffice is the general store of A. F. Fleeger.
CHAPTER LIU.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
Derivation of Name— Organization — A Pastoral Township- -Oil Wells and Oil
Production— Township Statistics Justices of the Peace — First Settlers —
Schools and Teachers -Religious Societies— Mount Chestnut.
FRANKLIN township, named from the Franklin road which passes through
it from south to north, is centrally situated, lying; west of Centre and
northwest of Butler townships. As first organized, it comprised the eastern half
of the original Muddy Creek township. In the township division of 1S54 its
boundaries were changed so as to take in a portion of Centre township, and later
still another change in its boundaries was made and that part of Brady township
lying south of Muddy creek was added to its area. It has no railroads and may
he said to be one of the purely pastoral divisions of the county. Manufacturing
industries seem never to have been favored by its people, and even the develop-
ment of its coal deposits has been neglected. 'Pile township, however, abounds
in well improved and highly productive farms.
The Muddy Creek oil Held, in Franklin and Muddy Creek townships, was
opened in November, 1891, a mile south by west of the old well of 1861. The
first Ilenshew well yielded oil at 1,100 feet in the Berea sand, a local name for a
sand above the Hundred Foot, There are fourteen producers in the field, which
aggregatea production of from 130 to 140 barrels a day.
The population in 18G0, six years after the township was re-organized, was
860, the number of inhabitants in the original township in 1850, being 1,119. In
1870 the population was 1,047; in 1880 — 1*,409, and in 1890 — 1,333, including the
343 inhabitants then credited to Prospect borough. The enumeration of school
children in fune, 1893, showed 139 males and 105 females in the township. The
assessed valuation in January, 1894, was $289,033; the county tax, $1,156.18,
and the Stale tax, ninety-nine dollars and eighty-nine cents. 1 Tie school moneys
appropriated by the State for 1892-93 in the township amounted to $950. 12, and
the total revenue for schools, to $2,709.65.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The justices of the peace for Franklin township from IS 12 to 1894 are named
as follows: Cadwallader Baker, 1842; David Marshall, 1845 ; William Spear,
1847 and L852; Isaac Double, 1847; William Shaffer, 1852; Samuel W. Shan-
non, 1856, 1861, 1866 and 1871 ; James Stevenson, 1859 ; John Stevenson, 1867;
William Dick, 1872; Samuel Davis, |s77; John M. Dunn, 1879; W. B. Curry,
1882, 1888 and 1893 ; J. E. Robb, lss| ; (W. B. Curry and Harlan Book received
forty-seven votes each in 1887), and Elliott Robb was elected in 1889 and 1894.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 58/
FIRST SETTLERS.
The pioneers of what now constitutes Franklin township were John McCand-
less and Aaron Moore, who are said to have located lands here in 1795, before
the colony of sixty settled in Centre township. In 1796 a branch of the Centre
colony drew lots for the cabins built west of the line, and the same year lame-,
George, William, and it is said Garrett Moore, sons of Aaron, came into the
township as residents. At the same time Lewis Wilson, the two William
McCandless, Robert McCandless, Henry Montooth, Eliakim Anderson and
Charles Sullivan, all fellow colonists and all natives of Ireland, located
here. Charles Sullivan selected a beautiful tract of 800 acres about one mile east
of Prospect, on what is now the Butler road. One of the McCandless settlers
was a tailor and farmer, the other a distiller and fanner. Both were named
William, and in order to distinguish between them the former was known as
" Tailor Billy" and the latter as ■•Stiller Billy.''
Stephen and Joseph Crawford, also Stephen, Jr.. and Christopher Craw-
ford, came from Ireland in 1796, when the father began blacksmithing here, and
was a landowner in 1803. George Bowers, John and Peter Saltzman, Thomas
and William Dodds, Jesse and James Nash, Aimer Coates, John Thompson,
James McGrew and Edward White entered lands the same vear and began the
work of clearing the forests. Nathaniel Stevenson came on an exploring tour
in 1796, but did not bring his family hither until 1798.
Andrew McGowan, who owned 400 acres of the Indian camp, where Pros-
pect now stands, was the first settler there. He came, in 17'.**, from Maryland,
where his parents settled after leaving Ireland. Leonard Shannon, referred to in
the history of Connoquenessing, located here, at Jefferson's Rock, shortly after
McGowan came, while Thomas Means, a soldier of the Revolution, and Joseph
Means, each a landowner in 1803, came from Westmoreland county. James
Jefferson, a nomad and a great hunter, was a contemporary of the settlers of
1798, as were William and John Dick and Tobias Stephenson.
Adam Albert located in Franklin township in 1799, and may be called the
pioneer of Lutheranism in this county. Henry Shaffer, a German , arrived that
year with a large family, and set out apple seed.
Jacob Hays, Robert Hays, the distiller, William, Isaac and Benjamin Davis,
were here in 1800. In 17'.)'.' William Spear, a soldier of the Revolution, and
John Spear, arrived to link their fortunes with the settlement. John Kennedy,
who was buried near Muddy creek ; Samuel McCall and Cadwallader Baker,
were also among the pioneers.
Matthew McCollough and his father-in-law, William Hunter, located here
in 1803. The latter bought four hundred acres of land, fifty of which he gave or
sold to McCollough, a part of which is now included in the site of Prospect.
William Brennan, an Irishman, came in 1803; William Forrester in 1808; John
Montgomery and family, with a foster boy — Samuel Loudon — arrived in 1818,
and John Anderson, from Down county, Ireland, in 1833. Other families, in-
cluding the McClures, Jones, Kirkpatricks and Riddles, came in between 1800
and 1833, many of whom have been identified with the township history,
588 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
such as Samuel Riddle, who came into the county in 1800; but as their names
occur in connection with the churches, schools, industries and official life of both
township and borough, there is no necessity for their repetition here.
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.
In the histories oi Butler, Centre and Connoquenessing township,-, references
are made to the early schools which the pioneer children of Franklin attended
from lT'.'I'ito 1803. Seven years after the pioneers broughl their families into this
section, " Connoquenessing John," or John Thompson, fitted up a log cabin,
near Mount Chestnut, for educational purposes, carried on a subscription school
tor some time, and then sought a wider field in Centre township, yielding the
Franklin birch to Charles Sullivan, the founder of the Sullivan family in this
county. How long this pioneer presided over the children is unknown, but
that he was succeeded bv Samuel Cook is unquestioned. In 181 1 a loj^
cabin was erected on or near the Sullivan farm, in which a Mr. Fletcher, who
moved here from Middlesex, taught the same year. Other teachers followed
him, and in the "twenties'" Dr. Andrew Spear took charge. The common
school system was adopted in 1835, the two Spears being among its warmest
advocates. There are now six district schools, including the Franklin independ-
ent district, outside of Prospect borough. The teachers in 1893-94 were H. E.
McClymonds, G. 1'. Weigle, C. E. Wilson, Nora Oesterling and Mrs. E. L. Eng-
lish, with Frank Pollock teacher in the independent district; while at Prospect
were F. B. Forrester and Lida K. Lepley.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETIES.
In the matter of churches, Franklin township is circumstanced much like
Clay or Butler township, the borough gathering within itself the greater number
of houses of worship and attracting the worshipers. The old Muddy Creek Bap-
tist chinch and the United Presbyterian church, at Mt. Chestnut, are the only
monuments to religious zeal outside tin- borough of Prospect.
Muddy Creek Baptist Church was organized October 10, 1819, among the
members being Henry Shaffer, Jacob Ri^c. Samuel Stoughton, William Carter,
Euphemie Rose. Jacob Stoughton, Catherine Stoughton, Ann Shaffer, Margaret
Spear, and John Oelton. Revs. Henry Spear and Nathaniel Tibbett preached
here prior lo 1822, when Rev. Samuel Stoughton was chosen preacher. lie re-
mained until 1862, when Rev. D. L. Clouse succeeded him. In 1869 Enos Wood-
ruff came and preached here until Centennial year, Rev. M. S. Bowser being
also a preacher here during the last three years of Mr. Woodruff's pastorate and
until the fall of 1S77. when Rev. W. II. II. McKinney took charge. In 1885,
Ik was succeeded by Rev. Joseph M. Ray. who remained until 1891, since
which time the church has been without a regular preacher, though the society
claims no less than 1 13 members. In 1844 a brick building was erected on the
south bank of Muddy creek, three miles north of Prospect, near the Franklin
road, which is still in use. The old deacons of this organization were Jacob
Rose. John Shaffer, William Shaffer, Robert Hampson, C. Baker, Andrew
Stoughton, Daniel Smith. Oliver Pisor, Robert McGinnis, Simon Stickel, Leon-
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. 5S9
ard Shannon and James Cratty. Only a few of the number were residents of
Franklin, the others hailing from Brady, Muddy Creek and Connoquenessing
townships.
/'//(• United Presbyterian Church at Ml. Chestnut was organized in 1857 by
Rev. William Brandon. Meetings were held in Joseph Balph's ham until the
completion of the present brick church building in the fall of 1858. This house
resembles in style that of the Presbyterian church at Mt. Xebo, below Whites-
town, and appears to have been erected on the same plans and out of similar
material. From 1858 to 1,S7("> Rev. James A. Clark was the pastor, and Hugh
and James Stevenson, John Miller and John M. Dunn the elders. The society
was incorporated March 5, 1890, on petition of William Watson, linos McDonald,
William Stoops. Thomas J. Dodds, John F. Cranmer, John M. Dunn, A. L.
Weitzell and M. W. Shannon. Rev. T. W. Young succeeded Mr. Clark as
pastor.
MOUNT CHESTNUT.
This village is one of the enterprises of John Negley, one of the pioneers
of Butler borough. It was surveyed in 1850', around the home of James D.
Anderson, who made the first clearing there years before, and in 1848 or 1849
erected what is now the Stevenson Hotel, opened a store therein, and in 1850
was commissioned postmaster. Jesse Dutter built the second house, which was
razed a few years ago to make way for Matthew W. Shannon's dwelling house.
Joseph Dufford's log cabin was the third dwelling, and the fourth, a small brick
structure, was torn down to make way for the Kornrumpf frame house. J- T-
Stevenson, the blacksmith, came in 1856, established a hotel, anil was post-
' master for eighteen years. Nathaniel Stevenson, Sr., settled two miles north of
the village in 1798. The burning of William Haven's log house, near the village,
and the incineration of his son Frank, marked the closing days of March. 1 SSG,
and formed one of the few tragic events connected with the neighborhood.
The Mt. Chestnut postoffice was conducted from 1850 to L855 by lames D.
Anderson. From the fall of 1855 to the spring of 1862, during which time the
office was discontinued, the people were compelled to go long distances for mail,
so that the re-establishment of the office in 1862 was a boon which they appre-
ciated. J. J.Stevenson held the office eighteen years: William Watson from
1880 to 1885; Oswald Kornrumpf, from 1885 to 1889, and William Watson from
1889 to 1893. Oswald Kornrumpf, appointed in 1893, is the present post-
master.
There are no manufacturing industries nearer than the Ralston mill ami
creamery at Prospect: Hays' mill and Allen's mill in Connoquenessing, and the
Cranner mill, east of the village, on the Butler road. The United Presbyterian
church, Stevenson's blacksmith shop. W. Watson & Son's general store, the
postoffice store and a collection of neat dwelling houses constitute the village
of 18V>4.
CHAPTER LIV.
PROSPECT BOROUGH.
Location — Survey and Sale oe Lots — Early Merchants and Tavern Keepers —
Past and Present Business Interests— Incorporation and Officials— Popu-
lation and Assessed Valuation Secret Such. ties— Public and Private
Schools — Churches. ^
PROSPECT, situated near the south line of Franklin and cast line of Muddy
Creek townships, is the center of the most extensive plane in Butler county!
and the market town of a rich agricultural region. Its elevation above the sea
level is 1,330 feet, the same as Unionville, seven miles eastward : thirty feet lower
than Portersville, six miles westward, and thirty feet higher than Centreville,
eighteen miles northwest.
It was laid out and surveyed into lots May 25, 1825, by Thomas M. Forres-
ter, on those portions of the farms of Andrew McGowan, Matthew- McCollough
and David Davis, which cornered at the crossing of the Franklin anil Pittsburg,
and the New Castle anil Butler roads. The name Prospect was suggested by
George A. Kirkpatrick, who came from Ireland at the solicitation of Andrew
McGowan. and opened a stock of goods in a cabin — erected by Lewis Evans,
the second built on the town site — which stood on the northwest corner of the
cross roads. The first sale of lots took place .September '.I, 1825, but many years
elapsed before those embraced in the original survey were disposed of. John
[ones is credited with having an interest in the town site, but the official record
shows only the names of Andrew McGowan, Matthew McCollough and David
Davis. A second survey of lots was made in L838 by lames Dunlap, a well
remembered surveyor of Butler.
George A. Kirkpatrick, the first merchant, was joined in 1836 bv Robert
Allen and (i. \Y. McCaskey, who opened a stock of goods in a frame building —
the first in the village — erected by Lewis Evans. In 1845 McCaskey retired from
the firm, and was succeeded by William Allen, who in turn was succeeded by
John Martincourt, William Allen remained in Prospect until LS57, when he
moved to what has since been known as Allen's mill, in Connoquenessing town-
ship. John Cahev, also one of the early merchants, opened his first stock in a
little cabin. Here he carried on business for five years, when he erected the
Cahey building, later Dr. Richardson's residence, where he continued a success-
ful mercantile career for over a quarter of a century. William Alexander, another
early storekeeper, carried on business for a short time on the lot later occupied
by the home of William Marshall. In IS.")1.) Thomas Critchlow, a native of Con-
noquenessing, established a store here, having moved from Petersville, where
he was in business from 1844 to L849.
The first tavern, opened soon after the town was laid out, was kept by
PROSPECT BOROUGH. 591
Jonathan Hays in a little two-story log building which stood on the lot now
owned by William Riddle. lie was succeeded by William Wilson. Samuel
Dobbs also kept a public house on the lot later occupied by White's Hotel. In
1845 Robert Allen erected the Prospect Hotel, a large brick building. This is
now known as Boehm's Hotel. In L869 his interest in this house was purchased
by John Martincourt, who refitted anil refurnished it and carried it on down to
his death in 1881. He made a genial and popular landlord.
The Morrow Tannery, north of Prospect, is a small but old industry. It
was started by Robert Allen in the thirties, and afterward carried on by Andrew
Douglas, from whom William Morrow bought it. Another tannery was started,
south of town, before the war. by Henderson Dick, and a third one, owned and
operated by Alfred Riddle, stood on the site of the Roxburv dwelling.
A steam grist mill and a steam saw mill were erected in 1872 by Martin is.
Roth, who were succeeded as owners by Edmundson & Haller, and they by-
Martin & Edmundson. These mills were burned in October, 1880.
The Ralston Roller Mill, operated by William Ralston, was completed in
LSS2 as a buhr mill. In 1892 the buhrs were replaced with three sets of rolls and
the new process adopted. A saw mill is also operated in connection with this
mill. Both mills are devoted strictly to custom work. The Thomas powder
mill stood south of the Riddle cV Barr store.
The Prospect Creamery is a recent local enterprise. The plant is located north
of the borough, on the Franklin road. It has an output of 250 and a capacity of
1,000 pounds of butter a day. Putter made in this creamery has been shipped to
Alaska.
The Prospect Saving's Rank was opened for business May 1 . 1S74. David
Marshall was president, and J. M. Lieghner, cashier. The directors were David
Marshall. George Beam. John Enslen, William Dick, William R. Riddle, John
Martincourt and Joseph Allen. They- carried on the institution for a number of
years, when J. M. Lieghner became the owner. He was succeeded in Novem-
ber, 1893, by J. II. McLure, the present proprietor.
The present merchants of the place are Critchlow Brothers, S. S. Forrester,
Kiester cV Company, and W. R. Little ec Company, general merchants; August
Bowers and J. H. McLure, druggists, and R. II. Graham, furniture dealer.
INCORPORATION AND OFFICIALS.
The petition praying that the village of Prospect be incorporated as a bor-
ough was granted by the court March 28, 1846. Lewis Roth was elected the
first burgess. The early records are not in the possession of the clerk, but the
following list of burgesses has been obtained from the county records : Joseph
Allen, 1876 ; Martin Heyl, JsTT and 1882; D. .Marshall. 1878 ; Josiah Dodds,
1879; Samuel Hoon, 1880; J. C. Miller. 1881, and 1892; C. C. Sullivan. 1883;
R. Shanor, 1884; F. Critchlow, 1885; W. F. Henshaw, 1886, 1891 and 1893; I..
M. Roth, 1887; J. C. Wright, 1888; A. A. Kelty, 1889; C. M. Edmundson,
lS90and 1894.
The names of the justices of the peace elected for the borough from 1846 to
1894 are as follows : Samuel Piper. 1846; Jacob Phipps, 1850; Enos McLure,
592 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1861 : John Greer, 1852, re-elected in 1857 and 1862; William W. Dodds, 1852;
Henry Pillow, 1857, and 1862; Joseph Allen, 1867; Samuel Riddle, 1867, re-
elected in 1872, 1877, 1882, 1887 and 1892; Abraham Shanor, 1873; John Mar-
tincourt, 1874 and 1879; John Heyl, 1882 and 1887, and John VVeigle, 1894.
The succeessive postmasters of Prospect since the establishment of the office
in 1833 have been: Dr. M. W. Spear, David Marshall, Louis Roth, J. K. Ken-
nedy, C. C. Sullivan. A. W. McCollough, S. S. Forrester, August Bowers, Reuben
Shanor and August Rowers.
The population in 1870 was 271 ; in 1880, 362, and in 1890, 343. The
assessed value of property was $59,500, on which a county tax of $238.03 anil a
State tax of $115.62 were levied.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Rustic Lodge, Number 882, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 22, 1.^74; Reso-
lute Lodge, Number 84, A. (). L. \\\. was organized November lit, 1874; John
II. Randolph Post, Number till. (i. A. R., was mustered in December 26, 1883;
Council, Number 229, Tr- O. U. A. M., was organized in 1888; Oriental Tent,
Number 153, K. ( ). T. M., April 26, 1893, and the Woodmen of the World in
1894.
PUHLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
The early schools in the vicinity of Prospect are noticed in the histories of
Franklin and Connoquenessing townships. James Cummings taught trom 1844
to 1849. Among his successors, before the war, were fohn B. Campbell, A. C.
Daniels and |obn S. Dodds. |une 28, 1850, the borough was organized into a
separate district, the first directors being George A. Kirkpatrick, lames Dodds,
David Marshall, Enos McLure, Rev. W. Findley and Rev. Joseph Bowman. In
October of that year the sum of seventeen dollars a month was authorized to be
paid to the teacher, John C. Miller. Jared B. Wallace, who taught a year later,
received twenty dollars a month. In April. 1861, almost thirty years after the
old subscription school became a thing of the past, a select school was opened
in the borough by Rev. A. II. Waters and carried on by him for a short time.
Lack of sufficient revenue caused him to discontinue it. In lime. 1893, there
were forty-six male and thirty-four female children of school age reported. The
total revenue for school purposes that year amounted to $4,552.60, including a
State appropriation of $504.43.
The Prospect Academy, first known as "The Prospect Normal and Classical
Academy," was chartered a few years ago, the officers and directors being James
Wilson, president; Henry Young, vice-president; C.C. Sullivan, secretary, and
J. M. Lieghner and W. N. Clark. Professors Crouse, Kennedy, F. W. McGee
and G. I. Wilson have each in turn been at the head of this institution. The
building is a two-story frame, containing three class rooms and a hall. In 1894
there were thirty pupils, tin- tuition fee being seven dollars per term. The trus-
tees for P-i<>4 were J. C. Kelly, J. W. Heyl, E. L. English, F. P. Critchlow and
J. II. McLure.
PROSPF.CT BOROUGH. 593
CHUR( HES.
The United Presbyterian church, known as the Associate Reformed church
down to 1858, dates back to the summers of lsi'.". and L824, when an Irish
preacher named Ferguson visited the settlement. Soon after the town site was
.survived, the Associate Reformed society erected a log house for worship, in
which such ministers as Revs. Sturgeon, Stark, Conner and McConnell preached.
From 1827 to 1833, Rev. Mr. Greer filled the pulpit at intervals. In 1835 an
organization was effected by Rev. J. T. Pressly, of Allegheny, the members of
the first session being James Hall, Benjamin McCormick, Hugh Stevenson,
Joseph Dodds and George Matthews. At that time the men named and their
wives, with Robert Aiken, Andrew Douglass, John Mitchell. John McGrew,
James McGrew, Thomas Dodds. Maj. Thomas Dodds, John Dunn. Matthew
Shannon, James Stevenson, Christie McMichael, Jennie and fames Dodds,
Joseph Forrester, Samuel Dodds, William Alexander, Edward Kenned)-, Joseph
White, John White, William Gallagher, John Double and a few others formed
the society. Supplies were sent here by the Monongahela Presbytery until But-
ler Presbytery was organized. Rev. William Findley became pastor of this and
the church at White Oak Springs, May 25, 1837, and continued until 1857- A
charter was granted March 1",. 1842. In h:|s a brick building was erected, in
which meetings were held until July, 1869, when the present house of worship
was dedicated. Rev. James A. Clark was called to the pastorate November 1,
1858, and installed April 12, 1859. He served the congregation faithfully until
his death, July 26, 1894, a period of nearly thirty-six years. The members of
the session at the close of 1893, were James Wilson, William Dick, Ebenezer
Dodds, Joseph Graham and ( ). W. Stoughton. The trustees were William
Dick, James Barr and John Roxbury. The church has grown from a member-
ship of 175 in I860, to 200 in 1894.
Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized January 2, 1843, with
Lewis Roth, David Roth. William Albeit, J. J. Shanor. Robert Scott. Thomas
Garvey, Benjamin C. Roth and David Barkley official members. The formal
meeting was held December 1. 1842, the first meeting of council February
27, 1843, and on May 21 the Lutheran communion was administered to
thirty-four members. Prior to 1845 services were held in the school-house
or in the Associate Reformed building; then an old building was purchased
I roin (i. P. Robinson for $300, which was used a- a meeting house down to the
completion of the present brick church. March 9, 1849. The pastors of the con-
gregation since 1843 are named as follows: Revs. G. Bassler, 1843; A. II.
Waters. L855; Lewis Hippe, L867 ; S. II. Swingle. 1874; G. W. Critchlow,
1880; R. R. Durst. Ism',, and X. Sheffer. January L'7, 1889, to December I. 1894.
The pulpit is now vacant. The English Lutheran society paid one-half the cost
of the building and now own an equal share therein. The membership of
Emanuel church at the beginning of 1894 was 163, an increase of ten in twelve
years.
The German Reformed and Lutheran Church had its inception December 5,
1842, though organization was not completed for fully a year later, when the
594 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Lutheran communion service was conducted in the English language. Rev.
|olm [ssense presided over the meeting in 1,^44, when Daniel Heck, Peter
Klinger and Christian West were chosen elders, and they, with twenty-five others,
formed the society. Rev. Herman Muntz was the first regular preacher. Prospect
being in his appointment. Messrs. Brecht, Lachenmeyer, Waltberger and
Dechant, names well known and often repeated in the several sketches of the
Lutheran churches of this county, tilled the pulpit successively down to 1865,
when Rev. C. A. Limburg, of the Butler church, took charge, holding services
every fourth Sabbath in the Lutheran building, which is owned jointly by the
Lutherans and the German Reformed people.
Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1844 by Rev. Samuel
Crouse, with Alexander Bryson leader. Prior to that date, however. George A.
Kirkpatrick, who is said to have renounced Presbyterianism in Ireland, in favor of
|ohn Wesley's new er doctrine, was leader of a Methodist ilass here. Prom 1844
to 1 SG 1 the members worshiped in the school house or in the Cumberland Pres-
byterian meeting house. In the latter year an attempt was made to erect a
church, but not until 1866 could the owners say that the present frame building
was complete. The society' was incorporated June 12, L862, with John Hippie,
Samuel McElhanev, Robert Thompson, Thomas Alexander anil Alfred G. Riddle,
trustees. In January, ls7-s, Thomas Galloway, Adam Weber and John IL Mc-
I ure were elected trustees. John Cooper succeeded the last named as secretary
in January, 1891. These officers, with Abram Weigle, are now trustees. Prior
lo L885 the circuit was composed of Prospect, Harmony and Petersville, but
since that time Renin w has taken the place of Harmony. The preachers in
charge have been J. R. Stilly. 1886; R. L. Hickman. 1888; S. M. Mackey,
L890, and W. P. Hunter. 1891. F. B. Cutler, the present pastor in charge,
came in L893.
The Cumberland Presbyterians, seeing the Associate Reformers, Lutherans
and Methodists organized in the ••Forties," determined not to lie outdone, and
imitated their neighbors. A society was formed with Samuel Hoon and wile.
James Hays, Robert Scott, Samuel Hays, John Shearer, John A. Dickey, Enos
McLure anil Thomas Critchlow members. In 1850 a brick house for worship
was erected by Thomas Critchlow, the same now owned by the Presbyterians.
Rev. Joseph Bowman was their preacher at that time and down to 1863, when
he went into the military service, as related in a previous chapter. After the
war he resumed his labor-., remained a year or SO, and then was succeeded by
Rev.-. J. X. Gallagher, Mr. Wall, J. K. Morris, J. R. Morris and W. F. Silvius,
in the order given. Rev. K. N. Grossman came in 1885 and remained until the
dissolution of the church in 18S7-
'/he Presbyterian Church was organized July 8, 1887. On June 21, 1887,
a petition from the Cumberland Presbyterian society was presented, asking to be
admitted as a body or as individuals: T. J. Critchlow. J. L. Wilson and J. B.
Kaler presented this petition. On the first date given a society of seventy mem-
ber- was formed, thirtv-six of whom were formerly of the Mt. Nebo society,
twenty-six of the Cumberland Presbyterian, six from other churches and two on
examination. The elder-, chosen were |ohn Martin, John Weigle, Elliott Robb,
LANCASTER TOWNSHIP. 595
John Cratty, G. W. Stevenson, J. I). Wilson, T. J. Critchlow and W. F. Hen-
shaw. The trustees elected were J. M. Lieghner, M. I).; A. A. Kelty, M. I).,
and A. Bowers. It is now in the Ml. Nebo appointment. In April. 1893, it was
credited witli eighty-seven members.
CHAPTER LV.
LANCASTER TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Pioneers- -Population and Statistics Schools and Justices of
the Peace — Churches — Middle Lancaster -Oilbronn.
LANCASTER township was organized in 1854, it- territory being taken
from Connoquenessing township, directly west oi which it lies. Owing to
the rugged and broken character ol it- surface it was not settled or developed as
rapidly as many of the other townships in the county, although the pioneers
found their way within its boundaries at an early day, the first actual settler, a
hunter, named Eli Scholar, making his home here in the wilderness before the
appearance of the surveyors in the township. When, in 1796, other settlers
appeared here, the solitary hunter disappeared, and. in 1803, when the county
was organized, not one of the inhabitants knew that such a man as Eli Scholar
existed.
The iieighleys may, however, lie credited with pioneer honors, for a number
of them came in 1796 and entered at once on the improvement of their lands.
Henry, fohn, George and Peter Beighley were the pioneers; but |olm. Henry
and Peter were the only land owners of the family in 1803. The story of Henry
Beighley's first cabin, a short one, is worth repeating. lie had a few logs in place
when he left bis work to visit a neighbor. \\ bile absent a new comer, seeing the
unfinished cabin, took possession of it and was at work building when the origi-
nal beginner appeared. The matter was submitted to a committee of pioneers,
who decreed the title to be in Beighley, and so he completed the little home. A
few days after, a band of Indians from Lawrence county tore down the cabin.
William Martin and family lied from Ireland, after the unsuccessful Rebel-
lion of 1798, and, in L801, settled on a 400-acre tract in the Yellow creek valley.
Samuel Stewart was not the owner of land in 1803, though be located here, with
his large family, in 1st)]. He was a celebrated hunter, however, and made
the chase profitable. Mrs. Anne Freeman and William Freeman, a single man,
located a few miles north of the old Indian town, which stood near the present
town ot Harmony. The Morrisons — John and William — came in L80J : but did
not begin agricultural life until late in 1803.
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
n the years 1803 and L814, such pioneers as Henry Baumgartner,
Joseph Neely, John Neely, John Ruby, Abraham Moyer, Thomas Ruin. Jacob
Neely, Peter Neely, John Mover, who settled near the south township line,
William Bellis, who came in 181-1 and .Ileal in 1851, and a few others found
homes in the township. The true settlement of the township was not effected,
however, until the Harmonists or Economists -old their estate here to Abraham
Ziegler, in 1815.
In 1817 Henry Rice and George Kneiss moved up from Harmony, and
Samuel Moyer from Northumberland count}-. Conrad Myers, son of Samuel
Myers, was born here in IM'I). In lsl'.l came David Stauffer, from Westmore-
land county, and Daniel Ramsey, from Adams or Cranberry township. Gottlieb
who came from Germany with hi- parents to Harmony in 1819, did not
move into this township until 1839, requiring nearh 20 'ear- to carry out his
original intention of settling here. John Scott brought his family here from
Lawrence county in 1820. Lewis Teats, John Lutz, John Myers, Hosea King
and John Shaffer were here in 1823. The Matthews and Henry Schoener also
came in the twenties. In the thirties a number of settlers located here, such as
the Scheidemantles and the Flinners, thus completing or rounding out the list
ol pioneers.
The first enumeration of inhabitants was made six years after the township's
organization, or in 18G0, when there were 1,130 persons reported. In 1S70 the
number was 1,053; in 1880, 1,070, and in 1890, 946. The assessed value Janu-
ary 1. 1894, was $284,129, the county tax $1,130.50, and the State tax $226.27.
SCHOOLS AND fUSTICES.
The first si hool was that on the ridge near the western line of the township.
It was established prior to 1 n;_>0 l>\ Samuel Pollock the first teacher, and carried
on subsequently by William Bird. John Welsh and Henry Palls. In 1818 a log
cabin was erected west of Whitestown, for church and school purposes. It stood
of the "Stone Church," and there Nicholas Muhlieson, John Con-
. John McIIenry, and other German-American teachers wielded the birch
successfully. [n the " Thirties " John Welsh and Henry Cc-hns were the com-
non i h iol leai her-, while north of the present north township line. John Sler-
n It and Charles Phillip- taught a small class, made up principally of Lancaster
township children. In June. 1893, there were 142 male and 113 female children
ol school age. The total moneys received for school purposes during the year
1892-93 amounted t<> $2.46G.S8, of which a sum of $922.49 was appropriated by
the State.
'1 la- justice- of the peace elected in Lancaster township from its organization
to IS9-J are named as follow- :— Abraham Mover. 1854, 1861 and lsl'.l',; James S.
Kirkcr, 1850; John H.Gibson, 1859; James Morrison. 1861; J. D. Lytle, 1806;
Henry Leubben. 1871; John Heberling, L872 and 1877; Jacob Laderer, 1876
and 1881; John Martin, 1879; J. S. Pice, 1881; W. II. Leubben. 1885 and
1890; E. P. P. Boyer, 1886 and 1891, and J. L. Moritz, L893.
LANCASTER TOWNSHIP. -' i~
CIIURCIIES
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church dates its organization to 1818,
when a log building was erected in the Beighley neighborhood west of Whites-
town. In its membership the society dates back to 1796, when the pioneers
located within the present limits of Lancaster township. Ten years after, a
preacher named Moeckenhaut held a meeting at John Beighley's ; then Rev.
Jacob Schnee visited the settlement, and from 1808 to ISIS, Rev. Michael J.
Steck, of Greensburg, kepi Lutheranism alive here. In 1818 a log house was
erected for church and school purpose- and within it. December 10, 1822, the
communion was administered. < )n that date thirty-two individual- were con-
firmed in the Lutheran doctrine, ami t lie whole membership, seventy-four, in
all the Lutherans in a wide district. In 1821 Rev. J. C. G. Schweitzerbarth made
tliis one of his eleven appointments, walking from one church to the other in
sabots and jean-. Later he extended his walking tours, begging en route for
moneys to build churches for the Lutherans in Butler county. lie succeeded in
obtaining small sums, part of which he devoted to the erection of tin "Stone
Church," near Peter Beighley's house, the corner stone of which was placed June
24, 1820, on the site of old Zion's log cabin. Peter and Henry Beighley and
]olm Bastian formed the building committee. The house was practically com-
pleted in 1830, but a tire destroyed the seats and benches. The new work was
tedious, so that the society did not occupy the building until St. John".- day,
in 1881. Rev. Schweitzerbarth remained until 1840, preaching in German and
English on each Sabbath. In September, 1850, Rev. W. A. Fetter came a- pa-
tor: in 1852, Rev. P>. II. Muntz. and in June, 1854, Rev. Anthony 1.
meyer, who remained until November. He was followed by Rev. C. F. W.
Brecht in 1855. In March. 1850, the English Lutherans were given equal rights
with the Germans, and Mr. Brecht preached to both parties until 1861. The
pulpit was vacant for about a year, when Rev. Herman Gilbert took charge. In
1867 Rev. J. G. Butz was appointed On the English side, were Rev. Asa II.
Waters. 1855; Rev. Lewis Ilippc, 1866; Rev. S. II. Swingle, 1874, and Rev.
G. W. Critchlow, 1879. Rev. R. R. Durst, who took charge of the Prospect
church in connection with St. John's and that at Wesl Liberty, remained until
December, 1S88. In January, 1889, Rev. Nathaniel Shaffer was appointed pas-
tor of the three churches. W. Myers is secretary of the society; Henry Shanor,
1). /.. Knits- and W. L. Ivniess, deacon-, and Lee Croft, treasurer.
Bald-Kin's Church of the "Thirties" had a regular membership and
generally well attended, for the owner of the town site was himself a pre
who had his own gospel and extraordinary ideas of ethics. Sometimes he would
convince his audience that they were in the "right pews now," and again he
would advise each one to follow his will.
The German Lutheran Church was organized as a German societ) in 1S1I),
with the following named members: Jacob Sehwoen. F. Bieber, Uhhnann A.
Wehr, J. Wehr, F. Fallstein, Jacob Gutekunst, C. Uhl, A. Schillin:
Koch and F. Beighley. In alter years four of the Mueller ; n il;
members, a- well as the large Barkley family, including the father and
598 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
In 1841 a meeting house was erected through the aid of Mr. Schweitzerbarth.
The German pastors named in the history of St. John's church attended to this
congregation. kc\ . J. G. Blitz, of Zelienople, is the present pastor. Revs.
Helsche, Bassler, Tice and Riffer also preached here. Until the spring of 1892
services were carried on in the English language on alternate Sundays, but the
English Lutherans separated that year, leaving the Germans the old building of
1841. There are forty families, numbering 225 communicants, in the mem-
bership.
The Methodist Episcopal Church may be said to have been organized in
1841, when John Seachrist organized a class and was chosen leader. A loir cabin
was erected that year at Middle Lancaster, which was abandoned when the
society disintegrated. In L 856—68 it was used by the Reformed church. After
the war it was dedicated to manufacturing purposes.
St. Peter's Reformed Church of Middle Lancaster was organized in 1856,
with Johannes Sonne, ]. Scheidemantle, Adam Lauch, Friedrich Maier, George
Druschel, Jacob Brenner, C. Uhl, Johannes Bander and Samuel Bratchi, mem-
bers. For six years services were held in the dilapidated log cabin built by the
Methodists some fifteen years before, but in 1863 the society took possession of
their new brick meeting house. Rev. F. W. Dechant being the pastor, as suc-
cessor of the first pastor, Rev. II. F. Hart man. The pastors since Mr. Dechant
left have been Revs. E. F. Winter and F. (J. E. Kiiauth. Rev. C. Scheel, the
present pastor, took charge November 1, 1875. The congregation numbers over
110 members. The society was incorporated in 1878,
'/*//(' English Lutheran < ■liurch was organized by Rev. < i. Bassler many
years ago, but was carried on in connection with the German Lutheran society
until May 8, 1892, when their new house of worship was dedicated.
MIDDLE [.AXCAS lie.
John Ruby made the first improvements on the site of Middle Lancaster in
the " Twenties." his wife — Elizabeth Baumgartner — assisting him in clearing
the forest and building the first cabin. Lewis Teats purchased the improve-
ments, and he sold to Thomas B. Baldwin, a freeman of color, who employed
Henry Johns, the school teacher, to survey a town site for him in 1835.
'• Nigger Town " was the name applied to Baldwin's village by the people of the
neighborhood, who kept aloof for some years. William Beighley then ventured
to build a dwelling on the town site. A little later, Jacob Christophel estab-
lished his tavern there, and. in 1844, opened a grocery store. Andrew Metz
came in 1846, opened a store south of the hill and entered into friendly competi-
tion with Christophel, but in 1 S47 entered Middle Lancaster as the successor of
George Redpath, who had kept store in a small frame building erected by
George Beam, of Harmony. When the postoffice was established in 1847, with
William Beighley, Sr., postmaster, there were four log cabins and one frame
cabin in evidence of the town's progress. The Beighleys, Henry John. J. Slein-
metz, the blacksmith, and a sister of the colored preacher. Baldwin, occupied
the cabins, while the Met/, family had posseasion of the one frame dwelling.
Main changes have marked the hamlet since 1*47: frame houses supplanted
LANCASTER TOWNSHIP. 599
the old log cabins years ago, and oven enterprise to build one or more brick
houses was not wanting. Good church buildings have taken the place of Sea-
christ's log Methodist church, and large, frame houses, now bearing signs of age,
were constructed for domestic, tavern and business purposes. The postoffice
has been carried on uninterruptedly since 1847. Henry Luebben succeeded
Beighley as postmaster ; then came Samuel Reed, the merchant, and next \V.
E. Kirker. The office was administered by a woman from July, 1865, to August ,
1885, when Mrs. A. E. Met/, was appointed. She was succeeded by Jacob
Laderer, who removed here in 1864 from Zelienople and opened a store in the
building erected in the fifties by Samuel Reed. C. L'hl located line in 1853,
followed the shoemakers' trade and invested his savings in the erection of four
or fixe houses. Frederick Ilallstein, also a shoemaker, was here in 1857- I- H.
Domhoff, who came in 1869, bought one of them. The Moritz family, repre-
sented by Leonard, the Ziegler family, by Henry, and the Laderer family, by
Jacob, are well known throughout the township. The mercantile circle embraces
J. Laderer and A. E. Met/. & Son, general merchants. A blacksmith shop, fur-
niture store and one hotel constitute the business interests of the little village.
Dr. W. R. Cowden and son are the resident physicians. The churches already
described and Lodge Number 648, I O. 0. F., of which Leonard Moritz is secre-
tary, and Philip Flinner one of the charter members, constitute the social circle.
The proximity of Harmony. Zelienople. Whitestown, Prospect and Portersville,
all old villages, have militated against the advance of the little hamlet. Thai
it has come down to this day is testimony to its vitality, and a promise that ii
may vet lie one of the prosperous little boroughs of the county.
The old village of Oilbronn, two miles north of Harmony was established
as an outpost of the Economites in 1808, when ten houses with stables and
barns were erected there for an agricultural branch of that society. The place
is now forgotten by the oldest settlers.
CHAPTER LVI.
MUDDY CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Organization- Change of .Boundaries— Physical Characteristics -Com. and
Coat, Minks Pioneers Schools and Teachers— Manufacturing Industries —
Population and Justices of the Peace.
THIS, us originally constituted, funned one of the thirteen townships into
which Butler county was divided in 1804, by order of the court of quar-
ter sessions. At thai time its area included all of the present township of
Franklin, as well as portions oi Connoquenessing and Worth townships. It was
reduced within its present boundaries in 1854. Its name is derived from Muddy
creek, which forms its northern boundary andseparates it from Worth township.
Although the surface of this township is uneven and rugged, as a rule, ityet
abounds in fertile and productive land, and its fanners are thrifty, prosperous,
progessive and intelligent. Its mineral resources, consisting of coal, iron ore and
a good quality of limestone, are rich and are proving a source of wealth to those
engaged in their development. The highest measured point in the township is
about 7,000 feet east of Portersville, on the Prospect road. This is 1,375 feet
above ocean level. Along the road from Portersville to Muddy creek, as well as
in other places, the Freeport upper limestone outcrops, and about 2,700 feet
ninth of the borough, the limestone ami coal are found fully thirty feet higher
than the outcrop near the cemetery. Ferriferous limestone may be seen in the
old qurrry on the north hank of Muddy creek, at the iron bridge; in the quarries
at Shaw's bridge, and in outcrops in the valley. The rich coal deposits have
been exposed by the miners at Bailey's bank, northwest of 1'ortersville, in a five
leet bed; at the gristmill, southwest of the borough, where a bank was opened
in 1868; near the mouth of the east branch of Yellow creek, on the White farm;
at the head of the east branch on the Ralston and McConnell farms; on the
Garvey, Sigfried, Wallace, White, Barkley, Melvin and Myers farms, along the
west branch ; on the Moore farm. 10,(100 feet northeast of Portersville, and on the
Burns and Gallagher farms still farther in that direction, coal banks have been
successfully worked, and several of them are still sources of paying production.
PIONEERS.
The first settler of this township, always excepting the Indians, was a negro
named Caesar, presumably a runaway slave, although nothing concerning his
antecedents are known. He appears to have come into the township in 1794,
and was found occupying a little cabin, in 1796, by Robert Stewart, the first
white settler. Caesar informed Mr. Stewart that he had occupied the cabin two
yeart . had obtained a living by bunting and fishing, and that he claimed the land
MUDDY CREEK TOWNSHIP. 60 1
as a settler, at the same time showing that lie was thoroughly posted as to his
rights in the premises. As Mr. Stewart had located upon the land, supposing it
to be unsettled, he found it necessary to purchase Caesar's rights, which he did
for a small amount. The latter then left the place, hut where he went or what
became of him is not known. On the land thus acquired by Stewart the village
of Stewartsville, now known as Portersville, was located.
The third settler was Thomas Brandon, to whom Stewart deeded 100 acres of
land on condition that he would settle here with his family. This condition was
observed in 1796, and in 1803 Brandon was one of the taxpayers of the county.
Thomas Clarke is said to have been in this township as a resident in 17'.'"), bill
his home was outside its limits. Janus Cratty, with his sister Rachel, and
brothers Robert and Thomas, came about 1798, and Henry Shanor arrived the
same year and died here in 1838.
In 1800 David Kennedy purchased the soldier's claim of Matthew Kelly;
Arthur Cleeland, one of the United Irishman, sought a refuge here from British
tyranny, the same year; James While w;is here in 1800; Marvin Christie also
came in 1800; John Myers and family arrived in 1804-05; John Boston, who
afterwards served in the War of lsli>. came in 1805; Edward White and family
followed his son Tames, in 1st)1.); Thomas Christie came in 1812; James English
was here about that time, and also John Wimer ; Dr. John Cowden arrived in
1818; Joseph Tebay purchased John Haines' soldier claim, in 1819; Johnson Mc-
Knight and Thomas Oliver purchased lands in 1820; Thomas Garvey purchased
the Jacob Phillips' clearing in 1822, and Richard McKee located here in 1824.
The McClymonds came in 1831, when the township was dotted over with garden
spots and the log cabins of the pioneers began to give way to the modern frame
buildings.
SCHOOLS AM) TEACHERS.
The story of " barring out " in 1821, also tells us that Johnson McKnight, a
farmer, was the first teacher. Arriving at the school-house he found the door closed
and admission denied. Returning to his cabin, he donned his wife's dress, and repre-
senting himself as a woman, appeared before the little school-house. The urchins
quickly unbarred the door to admit the lady; but the figure cast olT the female
dress and appeared, to the astonished little wags, in all his pedagogic fury. He was
succeeded by Tohn Lewis, and other teachers, who carried on the McKnighl
school down to 1833. On the Christie farm. George Greer opened a school
early in the "Twenties." In 1823 the Concord school-house was erected and
in it Charles Phillips wielded the birch. In 1835 the common school law was
adopted. In 1836 the Frazier, Double. Whippoorwill, Albert. Kiester, Webb
and Snyder school-houses were erected and two other buildings projected.
Matthew McCollough built the first common school structure. Rev. R. 1!.
Walker, Tohn Supple, Johnson McKnight, Samuel Armstrong, Old Master
Sterrett, John McKnight, Joseph McGowan and John 15. Campbell, were
among the lirst common school teachers, and William Humphrey was a well
known teacher before the war. The number of school children enumerated in
|une. Is'.):;, was 239, — or 111) males and ninety-nine females. The revenue
for school purposes, including $1,226.52 State appropriation, was $3,015.40.
602 HISTORY OF UUTLER COUNTY.
MANl'FACTUR ING INDUSTRIES.
Muddy Creek never gave much attention to manufacturing industries.
Down to 183] there was no mill within the township better than a hand mill,
and there is no mention made of even a distillery. The proximity of the Slip-
pery Rock mills and distilleries may account in a measure for the lack of these
industries. In 1831—32 David Kennedy came to remedy all this 1>\ erecting a
jurist mill and a fulling mill on Muddy Creek. The following spring a freshet
carried the dam away, and later law proceedings were instituted against him for
damages caused by backwater from the dam, so that for some years, subsequent to
1839, the people had to patronize the mill at Slippery Rock. The next enterprise
was a grist mill built on the site of the old McConnell mill. In 1867 John and
Henry Bauder erected their grist mill. John located here in 1 852, hut did not become
a permanent resident until 1861 or 1862. The mill is a three-story structure, thir-
ty-five by forty feet in dimensions, with engine room, fourteen by thirty-five, and
• i capacity ol thirty barrels of flour a day.
PI IPULA1 ION AND |l's i n l s.
The population of the township in 1810 was 395; in 1820, 808; in 1830,
1,317; in 1840, 1,998; in 1850, after re-subdivision, 1,142; in 1860,1,094; in
1870,972; in 1S80, 1,001, including Portersville, and in 1890,785, exclusive of
Portersville, which then was credited with 190 inhabitants.
The justices of the peace elected for Muddy Creek township from 1840 to
1894, are named as follows: George Kirkpatrick. ISlI); Robert Craig. 1840;
David Fisher, |s;)i» and 1S47; Michael Stinetorf, 1843; William Dean. 1848;
Charles Phillips, 1851; William II. Thompson. 1854; Thomas Garvey, 1854,
1859, 1878 and 1884; John McClymonds, 1859; Thomas Garvey, Jr., 1864-72;
J. W. Forrester. 1867; Samuel Ilanna. 1871; James W. McGeary, 1882 and
1888; J. C. Rickitts, 1883; Robert Moore. 1885; W. S. Moore, 1886 and 1888,
and (i. W. McGeary, 1893.
CHAPTER LVII.
PORTERSVILLE BOROUGH.
Laying Out of the Town— Chance of Name Postmasters — Business Enterprises
— Statistics — Borough Officials— Justices of the Peace— Churches — Se< ret
Societies.
PORTERSVILLE, surveyed into town lots in 1825, was named Stewarts-
ville, in honor of Robert Stewart, who was horn here September 15, 1808,
a son of Robert Stewart, the first white settler of the township. The latter
located the land on which the town stands in IT'."'', and made it his home until
his death, in 1851 .
In March, 1826, when a postoffice was established, the name of the village
was changed to Portersville, in honor of Governor Porter. John Stewart, the
first postmaster, held the office until 1886, when he was succeeded by Robert
Craig, who moved it to a new building opposite the site of the Brenneman
House, in 1838, carrying it on there until 1846. William Williams was post-
master for eight years, and lames New ton. who located here in 1S-12, tilled the
office for sixteen years. His successors have been as follows: Thomas II.
White, Alexander II. Aiken. Maggie Newton and Nellie K. Frazier.
In I s J 4. before the laying out of the town, Thompson McCosh opened a cab-
inet shop here. The first storekeeper was Robert Craig, who began business in
1829 and continued selling such goods as the trade demanded until his death, in
1852. James New-ton ami John Hall opened a store in 1845. John W. Riddle,
who died at Portersville in 1852, started a wagon and furniture factory on the site of
the village about 1831. It was operated by steam and was the first steam power
plant in the western part of the county. Mr. Riddle carried on the business until his
death. It was then operated for a few years and finally abandoned. William
Williams established himself here as a cabinet maker in 1836. The hotel was
subsequently opened and carried on as the Oliver House until 1868, when David
Brenneman purchased the property. The old house was burned in 1874, and
the present large brick hotel erected by the new landlord, who carried it on until his
death in 1880. The present Humphrey store, a modern mercantile building, was
erected in 1876. The general store of William Humphrey & Son. which may be
said to date back to 1868, when Mr. Humphrey entered mercantile life, carries
the largest stock of goods of all the houses between Butler and New Castle. The
general store of Ramsey Brothers; G. B. McDonald's hardware store: A. S.
Marshall's drug store, and 11. D. Ziegler's furniture shop, with the banking
house of J. M. Marshall & Company, may be said to make up the business circle
of the borough. Samuel T. Okeson established a furniture shop here in l^7-~>.
and other men, such as S. H. Bailey, in 1872, and Peter Scheidemantle were con-
nected with the business interests of the town. The Portersville Creamery Com-
604 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
party, organized early in 1894, built a creamery on the lot where tlie Covenanter
meeting house stood, and in April of the Name year, began the manufacture of
butter on a large scale.
The population of the borough in 1890, was 190. In June, 1898, there were
twenty-lour male and twenty-five female children of school age in the town.
The revenue for school purpose- was $48(5.46, including a State appropriation of
$238.39. The assessed value in January. 1S94, was $42,2(30; the county tax,
$169.04, and the Sale t ix, $56.70.
Bi >i:i ii on or F [CIALS.
The question of borough organization was first discussed March II, 1844.
At a meeting held at John Oliver's house, May 29, 1844, presided over by John
M. Smith, with John Craig, secretary, and at one held June 5, resolutions were
adopted favoring incorporation. The petition lor the incorporation of Porters-
ville was presented to the court, September I 1 . is 1 1, with a plan of the town-
The signers were William G. Christie, William Sharp. William Stephenson,
George Oliver, John Heels, Robert Craig, Dr. W. K. Cowden, John Hall, Jesse
Johnston, John Milliken, J.W.Stewart, D. M. Beatty, J. A. While. F. D.
Cook, Robert Stewart, Jr., II. Badger, John Cleeland, James Hall, Sheplar Bos-
ton, John Oliver. J. S. While, J A. Welsh, G. W. Welsh, John Stewart, W.
P. Breaden, D. G. Craig, J. M. Smith, John Craig, J. W. Riddle, James Wat-
son, James Sharp, J. C. Sharp, Peter Masser, Simon Shanor, James Young,
James Murray, John McGrath, Robert Stewart. Sr., Jonathan Lilly, Joseph P.
Work, Sipe liellis. James Stewart, James Hall, Jr., Dr. William McClelland,
William Boston, lames Armstrong, Joseph Stewart, Newton Bracken,
William Williams, Peter Masser, Dr. John Cowden, Joseph Cheeseman, John
Cheeseman and Samuel Espy. The grand jury approved the petition, and, on
December 16, 1844, the borough was incorporated. Tin- first election took place
January li. 1845, when Dr. John Cowden was chosen burgess; William Sharp,
Willi, mi (■. Christie, John Oliver, John Cowden and John Craig, councilmen.
They organized, January II. 1845, with James Hall, clerk. Owing to John
Cowden's elei lion lor two offices, the vacancy in the council was tilled by James
Stewart, who was regularly elected. Robert Craig was appointed treasurer;
William William- and Robert Stewart, Sr.. street commissioners, and James W.
Stewart, collector; while William Sharp was elected high constable. Owing to
the fact that the i onstable had no authority undei the ad of 183 I to serve precepts
issued by a justice of the peace, a petition to the legislature was adopted in Feb-
ruary, 1845, asking such privilege and lor the authorit) to elect three auditors.
At that meeting ordinances were passed providing lor the construction of side
walks ; prohibiting horses from running at large or galloping through tin- streets,
and authorizing the erection of hitching posts. ]n April, James Sharp resigned
I he o I lice of assessor and William Dunlap was appointed. The burgess was fined
twenty-five cents for absence ami William Sharp a like sum tor the same offence.
follow in- is a list of (he burg, sses and councilmen from IS [Q to 1893 :
JS46— Jolm Cowden. burgess; Joseph P. Work, John Cleeland, William
McClelland, John A. White and fesse Johnston, with John W. Riddle, clerk.
PORTERSVILLE BOROUGH. 605
1847 — John Oliver, burgess; Janus Hall, Samuel Brenneman, John A.
White and Joseph P. Work.
1848— John A. White, burgess ; John Oliver, John Deeds, James Watson,
D. G. Craig and Boston Myers.
1849— William G. Christie, burgess ; Jacob Wimer, J. W. Riddle, Jesse John-
ston, William Williams anil Janus Hall; I), G. Craig, clerk.
1850 — James Newton, burgess; John W. Riddle, Thomas 1 1. While, John
Oliver, Gordon C. Sloss and John Hall ; Thomas II. White, clerk.
1851— John W. Riddle, burgess; Andrew Douglass, John Deed.. William
Young and William Brown; Roberl Fisher, clerk.
1852 — John Hall, burgess; Robert Stewart, John Deeds, Adam Streetei
and Robert Badger; Adam Streeter, clerk.
1853 — Dr. W. R. Cowden, burgess ; John A. Newberry, A. Streeter, lies-
ton Myers, William Young and John K. Kennedy; John A. Newberry, clerk
1854 — William Williams, burgess; Reheat Fisher, Boston Myers, George
Boston, John Deeds and J. A. Newberry.
1855 — A. Douglass, burgess; F. 1). Cook, R. Badger, J. S. Fisher, Huston
Myers and S. M. McClymonds ; Robert Badger, clerk.
1856— John Deeds, burgess ; W. G. Christie, Robert Fisher. John A. New-
berry, Sheplar Boston and Robert Fisher; Robert Fisher, clerk.
1 >">7 — Jacob Wimer, burgess; John Deeds, William Williams. James New-
ton. B. 1". Winur. and Boston Myers; Boston Myers, clerk.
Iv-V \Vr. II. Patterson, burgess: J. Oliver. Robert Badger, James Newton
and W. G. Christie; W. G. .Christie, clerk.
1859 — Samuel McClymonds, burgess; James Watson, George Boston, Shep-
lar Boston and Boston Myers; 11. Oliver, clerk.
I860 — James Hall, burgess : John A. Newberry, fames Newton, I. K.Ken-
nedy, William Humphrey ami Henderson Oliver; II. Oliver, clerk.
1861— W. R. Cowden. burgess; Samuel McClymonds, B.'F. Wimer. Will-
iam Williams and William Humphrey. Later Sheplar Boston took the oath.
L862-64— William Williams, burgess; Jacob Wimer, James Newton. Will-
iam W. Roberts, Robert Badger ami II. Oliver.
L865— A. II. Aiken, burgess; W. \\\ Roberts, James Watson, William
Humphrey and Findley Brandon. Jasper Myers was elected vice William
Williams."
1866 — A. II. Aiken, burgess; James Newton, Henry Heberling, George
Oliver, Alex. Stewart and Jacob II. Kinsey.
1867-68— A. II. Aiken, burgess; W. W. Roberts, William Williams, John
P. Kennedy and John Glenn.
1869-70 — J. II. Kinsey. burgess; B. F. Wimer. Sr.. Joseph Ryle, Caleb
Covert, Solomon Albert, Albert Shanor and F. Brandon; fohn Hay, clerk.
1^71— J. II. Kinsey, burgess; B. F. Wimer. George Oliver, William
Bauder and David Brenneman.
1872 — Jacob Kinsey, burgess; Robert Badger. Paul Lambert, William
Williams, James McBurney and Frederick Burry.
606 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1873— James K. Pringle, burgess; William Williams, A. S. Fulkman, I?. F.
Wimer and Paul Lambert.
1S74 — William Williams, burgess; David Brenneman, F. Burry, Paul Lam-
bert and II. Heberling.
1875 — Caleb Covert. John Lehman, Henry PI,, cm and William Cleeland.
1876 — F. Burry, I). Weigle, C. Covert, II. Bloom and George Boston.
1 s77 — David Weigle, burgess ; D. Brenneman, S. T. Okeson, Samuel Bratchi,
A. Henshew, P. Lambert ami William Clifford.
1878 — A. Bratchi, burgess; II. Bloom, F. Burry, C. Covert and William
Heberling.
1879— William Williams, burgess; J. Whithing, H. Bloom, C. Covert, P.
Burry and William Heberling.
1880 — William Humphrey, burgess; C. Covert. F. Purrs, A. Bratchi, G.
Nye and S. T. Okeson.
1881 — William Humphrey, burgess; George Nye, C. Covert, P. Puny, A-
Bratchi and S. T. Okeson.
1882 — D. Weigle, burgess; II. Heberling, S. Brenneman and J. II. Kinsey.
1883 — J. Kinsey. burgess; James McBurney, David Weigle, P. F. Wimer,
William Kennedy ami S. T. Okeson.
18S4 — S. T. Okeson, burgess; Andrew Glasser, William Bander, K. II.
Oliver. David Brenneman and William Cleeland.
1885 — Joseph Lehman, burgess ; P. Oliver, P. Lambert, D. Brenneman and
J. Kinsey.
[880 — Joseph Lehman, burgess; Ed. Landers. W. Heberling and W. E.
English.
1887 — Ld. Landers, burgess ; Samuel Brenneman ami W. P. Wilson.
1888 — William C. Kennedy, burgess; David Brenneman, |ohn Niper, W.
II. Heberling, Peter Scheidemantle and S. A. Heyl.
1889 — J. C. Milleman, burgess; John Humphrey and W. L. English: John
Humphrey, clerk.
1890 — D. McCollough, burgess; John Humphrey. S. Brenneman, W. P.
English and S. T. Okeson.
1891 — D. McCollough. burgess; J. S. Brenneman.
1892 — Sela Krause, burgess; Henry Lang and Louis Wetzel.
1893— A. S. Marshall, burgess; S. A. Heyl and J. P. Humphrey.
The justices of the peace for Portersville borough, from 1845 to 1894,
inclusive, are named as follows; James Hall. 1845 and 1850 ; John W. Riddle,
1845; Francis Findley, 1847; Jacob Wimer. 1852; William 11. Patterson. 1855;
William W. Roberts, 1859 and ISG5 ; Thomas II. White, I860; William Hum-
phrey, 1863,-68,-73,-78.-83 ; William Williams. IS68-73; Samuel T. Okeson,
1876,-88 -92 : R. Badger, 1882; I ). Ramsey, 1884; William Cleeland, 1885;
J nines Ramsey. 1886 ; James Lehman, 1887; S. P. Vanorsdal, 1890; \\. II.
Dann, 1S91 ; Joseph Lehman, 1893.
PORTERSVILLE BOROUGH. 607
CHURCHES.
The Presbyterian church was organized October 1"., [820, although as early
as 1S14, Rev. Reid Bracken \isited the settlement and preached to the people in
the cabinet shop of Thompson McCosh. The original members were John and
Sarah Walker, Robert and Margaret Stewart, Samuel and Nancy Stewart, Eph-
raim and Martha Hunter. Thompson and Nancy McCosh, and Elizabeth and
Barbara Stewart. Peggy Burns was the first adtdt baptized. |<>hn Walker and
Samuel Stewart were the first ruling elders. The latter died in L829, but Mr Wal-
ker served until 184i'. In 1833 John Stewart, Thompson McCosh and Alexander
Morrison are named among the elders. The last served until L837, the others until
1845. In 1839 William Cratty and Robert Craig are named as elders ; in 1843,
Thomas Cooper, Joseph Eckles and William Carruthers ; in 1850, Robert Dun-
lap, Samuel llanna and John Cleeland; in 1854, John W. Stewart, John Cheese-
man, John Boston, James Morrison and John Swick ; in 1864, Thomas Cratty,
and in 1868, Peter S. Greavis and George Oliver. The session, ;i> constituted in
L876, comprised Samuel Hanna. John Cheeseman, James Morrison and George
Oliver. In November, 1881, William Humphrey, Guyan Morrison and Horatio
D. Payne were ordained ruling elders, and with George Oliver, James .Morrison
and John Cheeseman formed the session. John Cheeseman was then, as in
former years, clerk of the session, serving until his death, in February, 1891,
when Mr. Eggert served as clerk until the election of William Humphrey, in the
same year.
Rev. Reid Bracken served as pastor from the organization of the church
until 1841. On October 15, 1841, his son, Newton Bracken, was ordained and
installed pastor, serving until 1859- In 1863 Rev. William P. Harvison came
and remained until 1867. Rev. Samuel S. Johnston was installed in 1870 and
preached here until 1872, when Rev. R. B. Walker took charge as stated supply
and served until October, 1883. Rev. A. M. Reed was moderator in 1884; but
Rev. J. W. Miller, who came in 1885, was the pastor until October. 1887. Rev.
R. M. Davis was moderator in 1888, and Rev. J. H.Wright in 1890. Rev. John
E. Eggert. the present pastor, came in October, 1890.
The church was incorporated April 8, 1844, on petition of the trustees pre-
sented to the court December 16, 1843, by Joseph Eckles, Solomon Meyer, Rob-
ert Dunlap, Robert Craig and John W. Riddle, trustees. The brick church,
erected in 1842, has been kept in a good state of repair. During the administra-
tion of the first pastor there were 108 additions to the congregation ; under Rev.
Newton Bracken there were 188; under that of Rev. Mr. Harvison, twenty-six;
under Rev. Samuel S. Johnston, twelve, and under Rev. R. B. Walker forty-
five. The present membership is 175.
The United Presbyterian Church was organized in December. 1811. as an
Associate Reformed society, with the following named members: Dr. John
Cowden. Elizabeth Cowden, Thomas and Eleanor Christie, James and Jane
McClymonds, James and Catherine Gardner, George Frazier, John McClelland.
David and Mary Cleeland. Jonathan McClymonds, and others, the total mem-
bership at the beginning being seventy-five. The pastors have been: Revs.
f>o8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William Douthett, 1841-49; Janus N. Smith, 1853-57; A. Irons. 1859-63; J.
M. Donaldson, 1865-70; William Galbraith, 1872-73, and James A. Clark,
1870-88. Rev. J. J. Ralston cume in 1889, and is now pastor of a congregation
embracing 1 17 members. The- brick house of worship was erected in 1840 at a
cost of $3,000, and remodeled in 1890.
The Old Covenanter Church, on the site of which stands the new creamery,
dates back to 1S33, when Rev. Mr. Guthrie preached to the Reformed Presby-
terians of this vicinity. A quarter of a century elapsed, however, before a resi-
dent pastor was appointed. Rev. Thomas Ilanna came in 1858, but four years
alter joined the United Presbyterian church. Rev. J. C. Smith, who was installed
in 1863, remained until 1890, or five years alter the society at Portersville dis-
banded. When Mr. Ilanna came, the old building formerly occupied by the
Seceder church was purchased and dedicated by the Covenanters. A. F. Kennedy
was then, as he still is, the clerk of the session, while he, with Joseph Kennedy,
Matthew Stewart, Thomas 1 Hair, Thomas Spear. John Love and Thomas Wilson,
were elders. Among other members were Samuel McElwain, George Magee,
Matthew Wright and Mr. Scott. The remaining members of the old Covenanter
society attend the church at Rose Point, in Lawrence county. Among the latter-
das elders the names of Thomas Young, Robert Wylie and Robert McCaslin may
be mentioned.
sl'ci: i-.T KOC1 ETIER.
Portersville Lodge, I. O. O. F., was organized June 30, 1875, with fames
Porter, Levi Beighley, Caleb Covert, Frederick Pander, Nicholas Bander, James
Humphrey, William II. Shanor, George Nye, Milton Kennedy. William Moore,
Samuel Bauder, Peter and John Scheidemantle, Alexander McDonald. Nicholas
Gardner, Clark Porter, John Porter, David Pregenzer and John Ruby members.
lame- Porter served as Noble Grand until September 30, hs7-~>. His successors in
the chair are named as follows : Levi Beighley, Frederick Bauder, C. Covert, John
Scheidemantle, George Nye, M. W. Kennedy, S. J. Musselman, Thomas Book,
C. W. Porter. S. T. Okeson, Samuel Lauder, John Bauder, James Humphrey,
John Dombart, William Bauder, W. S. Young, Joseph Lehman, A. A. Adams,
John W. Wimer. John M. Roth. Andrew Draubaugh, Nicholas Bauder. W. Mc-
Clymonds, P. Lambert, J. P. Carter, Isaac Jones. II. R. Wilson, W. R. Wilson,
E. II. Laderer, J. N. Bauder. J. W. McCIymonds, James C. McClymonds, P. J.
New ton and Alonzo Henshew, who is now serving, with Joseph Lehman secre-
tary. The strength of the lodge is seventy-nine ami its financial condition is
most sat isfactory.
Watson Brothers Post, Number >,7S, G. A. A'.. at Portersville, and Randolph
l'o-t at Prospect, embrace in their membership the greater number of the Union
veterans of Muddy Creek township.
Roundhead Camp, Sons of Veterans, Number s J, was instituted at Porters-
silk-, September 30, 1887, with twelve members. James McConnell was elected
captain; A. A. Adams ("list, and R. B, Kennedy second lieutenant; W. S. Lutz,
S. G. Cummings ami 1. S. Lutz council, and 1". R. Covert, (.}_. M. S.
CHAPTER LVIII.
WORTH TOWNSHIP.
Organization— Mineral Wealth — Coal and Gas— Census and School Statistics
— Taxable Wealth— Justices of the Peace— Pioneers— Early Industries-
Churches— Schools and Teachers— Mechanicsburg — Private Corpor moNS.
THIS township, which was named after General Worth, a gallant hero of the
Mexican war, was organized in 1854. The greater portion of it formerly
belonged to Muddy Creek, a small part being taken from Slippery Rock. It is
situated in the northwestern part of the county, is noted for its mineral wealth,
and has, especially in the northern part, a productive agricultural area. Abound-
ing in coal, it also lies within the gas field, the development of which is due to
modern enterprise. The Greenlee & Foist wells, on the William Elliott, James
Fisor, Jacob McCracken and Campbell Boyd farms, now form a part of the Grove
City plant. As stated in the chapter on the " Butler Oil Field," a few fruitless
attempts to find oil in this district were made in the seventies.
The population in 1860, was 928; in INTO. 898; in L880, 1,076, and in 1890,
938. The enumeration of children of school age reported June 5, 1893, showed
1 L3 males and seventy-eight females. The moneys received for school purposes
for that year, amounted to $1,954.57, including $1,029.59 appropriated by the
State. The assessed value of property was $319,838, (he county tax. $1,279.35,
and the State tax. $100.37.
The justices of the peace elected for Worth township from 1854 to 1894,
were: Michael Stinetorf, 1854; William Moore, 1855 and I860: Isaac Double,
1856 and L866; B. F. Elliott. 1861 : Archibald Murphy. 1861 ; John Humphrey.
1865; B.F.Elliott, isTO and 1875; James Humphrey, 1871 and 1876; John
Humphrey, 1879, 1882 and 1887; Samuel II. Moore, 1880, 1885 and 1891 : IK 1'.
Davis, L890; M. C. Searing, 1893.
i'ii>\ i-. m:-~.
In a previous chapter an account is given of the red men who built their
town on the Slippery Rock, cleared the Indian field and dwelt here, amid peace
and plenty, until the white man appeared upon the scene. The adventurous
spirits who made their way through the wilderness to the very gates ol the
Indian corrals, prior to 1706, are also noticed, but here a record of the pioneers
of industry will be necessary.
David Studebaker. a native of the Cumberland Valley, and Abraham Snyder,
were the first who voluntarily entered the territory embraced in this township,
with the object of making a permanent settlement. In the autumn of 1790 they
came from Westmoreland county, and. after testing the friendship of the 0CCU-
6lO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
pants ol the Indian village on Slippery Rock, erected a cabin, spent the follow-
ing three months in hunting and exploring the country in this vicinity, and then
returned to their homes. Three years later Studebaker came again, bringing
with him one ol his sisters to keep house, took possession of the cabin and be-
came a permanent settler. His father. Joseph, and family joined him later.
The former had been a captive among the Indian tribes of Pennsylvania for nine
years, afterwards served under Washington in the Revolution, and died here in
1815. David married Catherine Michaels, this being the first marriage in the
township, and reared one son ami four daughters, viz : Henry, born in 1,S()4 and
stdl living in the township; Elizabeth, who married John Bennett; Mary, who
married fames Book; Susan, who married John Bonner, and Lydia, who became
the wife of John Harland. Mrs. Studebaker died in 1 Ml), and her husband in
1840. Many descendants of this pioneer family are residents uf Butler county.
William and John Elliott and John Deiinison came in lT'.'o; David, George
and Rebecca Armstrong in I7'.>4, and later that year, Mrs. Armstrong and her
five children. In 1795 came Henry Stinetorf and John and Jacob Pisor, Thomas
Cross, a soldier of the Revolution, David and William Cross and their father,
Samuel, and Daniel and William McConnell. William McXeesand Benjamin
Jack are also said to have been here in IT'.'o.
The pioneers of L79G, were Jonathan Kelly, the blacksmith, with his father
and mother. The names of Archibald, Michael and Joseph Kelly, who came in
1798, appear on the records of original Slippery Rock township, in 1803. Jona-
than built a cabin in 179G, and then went to Pittsburg. Returning in 1797 he
found Benjamin Jack in possession ; but evicted him without process of law.
Thomas Clark, St., a Revolutionary soldier, with his two sons, Andrew and
John, came in I7'.'7, the balance of the family joining him here later.
Thomas Humphrey. Andrew, Edward and lames Douglass, Christopher
Winter, and, it is said, Charles Coulter, arrived in 1798, all except one being
natives uf northern Ireland.
Charles Martin, who located on what is now the Vosler farm, John Martin,
Si., and John Martin. Jr., John Taggert, who owned 400 acres, where John W.
Taggert now reside, Hugh Henderson, who was also a land owner and distiller,
and John Moure, who made a temporary home two miles south of the present
Moore homestead, were all here prior to the close of the year 1800; while many
of the pioneer children of adjoining townships found homes here in after years.
In 1801 came Isaac M. Cornelius, his wife and twelve children, to settle on
Hogback ridge. His son James served in the War of L812. Robert Glenn and
his large family settled on the 1 Iockenberry claim in 1810, and Casper Ilocken-
berry located on the north bank of Muddy creek the same year. Alexander
McBride, the miller and school teacher, and George Taylor came in 1820, while
others, named in the history of the United Presbyterian church, settled in the
vicinity of the mouth of Wolf creek between 1806 and L820.
WORTH TOWNSHIP. "II
EARLY INDUSTRIES.
The credit of establishing the first industry in this township is variously
given. Thomas Coulter had a saw mill here in L803, and this, undoubtedly, was
the first of its class. Many believe that Alexander McBride, who came in 1820,
from Ireland, erected the first fog building for the purposes of a grist mill, in 1827,
while others are equally certain that Franklin Elliott was the firsl grist miller.
McBride subsequently added a saw mill to his original industry, and carried on
both concerns until 1850. Prior to the inauguration of the McBride and the
Elliott mills, hand mills and horse [lower mills were known here, but as a rule,
the early settlers took their grain to the old concerns on the Slippery Rock and
their logs to Tom Coulter's mill.
Charles Coulter, one of the pioneers, established a carding mill here after the
War of L812, which is now known as the Sutliff mill at Jacksville. In L854
Henry C. Sutliff purchased the concern from John Balph, fitted it with l(i()
spindles and did an extensive trade in blankets and flannel during the war.
Henry SutlifT now operates the mill, which is the property of John Humphrey.
To enumerate the early manufacturers of good whisky, would simply be a
repetition of the names of the greater number of pioneers. Hugh Henderson,
however, was the leading distiller of the township, and old settlers who loved
good whisky, as well as old friends, looked upon the product of Henderson's
still as very tine indeed. Jonathan Dean established a distillery on what is
known as the Marshall Cooper farm, and William Vogan on the Dombaugh
farm — entering into lively competition with the pioneer Henderson ; but all found
a market for the product of their stills, down to the •'thirties," when the tem-
perance movement checked their trade.
James Coulter established a tannery here as early as 1803. It was subse-
quently owned by Alexander Balph and did a good business. Its last owner.
James Maxwell, ran it until a few years ago.
en urch es.
The United Presbyterian Church, known as the " Slippery Rock Church"
since 1842, was organized in 1809 as the " Mouth of Wolf Creek Church.'' with
the following named members: David Armstrong. I). McCommons, David
Robinson. Robert Cochran, Smith Neal, Hugh McKee, James George, Hugh
Gaily, John Moore and Hugh Gilfillnn. all pioneers of the vicinity and all natives
of northern Ireland. Prior to L809 Rev. John Anderson, also a native of that
island, preached from a platform under the spreading branches of an oak tree.
near the present bridge. The time is stated to have been in May, 1807. Subse-
quently Associate Presbyterian preachers would address the people at John
Moore's house, and this continued until 1811, when Alexander Murray was or-
dained pastor, and a house of worship was completed. The elders when he
arrived were John Moore, David Cross, John Cornelius and William Brandon.
The old log church was burned in 1839, a short time after the present building
was commenced by tin- contractors — John Dickey, of Slippery Rock, and A.
Henry, of Kittanning. In June, 1846, Mr. Murray died, and in 1848 Rev.
6l2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Joseph D. Wolf took charge and held the position until 1855. Rev. Alexander
Rankin came in 1857 and remained until 1861. In Tune, lSliG, Rev. X. E.
Brown was installed. Rev. Matthew B. Patterson succeeded him in 1887, and
Rev. James P.. Whitten succeeded Mr. Patterson in 1889. In 1882 there were
eighty-four members; now there are about sixty.
Zioii Baptist Church was organized November 15, 1841, by Elders Thomas
Daniels, Reese Davis and Daniel Daniels, with Brothers Ila/.en and Ilocken-
berry, ot Muddy Creek township, and Vaughn and Barnes, of Muddy Creek
Baptist church. The first members were John am! Margaret Oelton, William
and Annie Book, Robert and Mary Hampson, and Phoebe Cooper. On the
same day thirteen were admitied by baptism, namely: William Emery, Ruth
Brant, [<>lm Book, Thomas and Sarah Josephs, Burton and Margaret Josephs,
Samuel and James Book, Harlan and Mary Vogan, Barnard Stoughton and
Nancy Uptegraft. Services were held in the school-house until 1843, when the
present brick building was erected on land donated by Jacob Fisher. In 1881
$1,100 were expended in improving the building. The first pastor was Rev.
Daniel Daniels, followed by Rev Samuel Furman in 1844, who remained until
1848. Rev. George T. Dinsmore was supply for six months. In 1850 Rev.
Samuel Stoughton was appointed, ami served until 1852. Rev. David Phillips
was pastor from 1853 to 1854. Rev. [ohn Trevitt then served until lstJI!. and
was followed by Rev. I). L. Clouse, who was pa-tor until 1870. Rev. Gabriel
Hueston then came and remained until ls77, when Rev. Joseph Gallagher arrived.
He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph M. Ray, who preached until 1883. Rev. W.
II. Willahan is the present pastor.
Mount Union Church of God was organized late in ls71 by Elder Joseph
Grimm, with the following members: Mrs. Nancy Uptegraft, Archibald Bryan
and wife, Ketta Bryan, Robert Davis and wife. Mrs. Mary Mackey, Henry Dill-
man and wife, II. W. McClure and wife, Mrs. Viola McClure, Joseph Alexan-
der, Mary Sinclair, J. P. Gallagher, Alexander Gallagher, M. II. Davis, Isaac
Fields and James Fields. Service was first held in Rocky Springs school house.
In 1873 the present church was erected, the land being donated by John Upte-
graft and the money b\ the members to the extent of $1,300, the total cost.
Following are the names of the preachers in charge since its organization : Revs.
Joseph Grimm, J. W. Davis, M. S. Pritts, Richard Vanamm, O. R. McKahan,
VV. II. II. McKloeene, D. G. Leach, S. Woods, S. G. Gaghn, W. J. Umpstead and
George VV. Davis,
SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS,
The first school was established in 1810 or 1811 in a log house on the old
Pisor farm, by Robert Marcus, who succeeded in gathering a class of twenty-five
children, the consideration being six dollars for each pupil. Marcus died here
during his first term, and John Mitchell, a friend from Mercer, came here to take
up the work. Prior to the War of 1812, a second school was opened on the
McNees farm. After that war a school was organized on what is known as John
Hook's farm, being the original Henry Stinetorf tract, while Thomas Gormlev
established one near Jacob McCracken's house, in which William Coulter and
WORTH TOWNSHIP. 6 I ^
Samuel Campbell subsequently taught. In 1824 a school was opened on the
Marshall Cooper farm with Alexander McBride as teacher. In L835 the common
school law was adopted here. There are now eight districts, each with its school.
The teacher> in 1893—94 included Effie Russel, Edith Moore, Lama McCollough,
Mary F. McNees, Minnie Dight, Lissa Pisor and Alice Studebaker.
M l,i [I \\ 1 1 SBURG.
Mechanicsburg, also known as Tacksville postoffice, — the only village in
the township. — is said to have received its name from the fact that a number of
mechanics located there about the same time. The original postoffice of Jacks-
ville, the first in the township, was established in William Jack's store, on his
farm, a short distance east of the present village, lli^ son. Cochran Jack, was
the first postmaster. His successors have been as follows: .Samuel Hazlett,
John Boyle, Nicholas Gardner, Marcus Reichert and Hannah Boyle. The vil-
lage contains about a dozen houses, consisting, besides private residences, of a
general store, harness shop, postoffice, blacksmith shop, town hall, wagon shop
anil a woolen mill. A tannery, referred to under the heading of " Early Indus-
tries," was operated here until a few years ago.
Jacksvillc Tent, Number 159, A'. 0. T. .1/., was organized April 1, 1893,
and the charter was granted December Id. 1893, to the following members: J.
W. Studebaker, J. A. Brandon, J. P. Pisor, J. A. Pisor, R. H. Book, C. C.
Book, S. C. Humphrey, W. F. Gardner, J. C. Patterson, \V. J. Cooper, VV. H.
Willahan, J. A McCormick, J. W. Grossman, J. W. Stillwagon, 11. Cooper. J.
C. Boyd, W. P. Stickel, W. E. Patterson. A. VV. Van Home and James Rutter.
The first officers were J. P. Pisor, P. C. ; J. W. Studebaker, C. ; S. C. Humph-
rey. R. K.. and W. Gardner, F. K.
pi: ivate corporations.
The Worth Township Gas Company was organized in October. 1892, to
operate the gas well on the Glenn farm, and that on the McClymonds farm. The
rock pressure is about 300 pounds, and the depth is about 1,300 feet each, gas
being found at two or more levels.
The Worth Mutual /-Ire Insurance Company was chartered January 13,
1875, with Amaziah Kelly. A. Stickel. Hampson Dean, J. A. Kelly, W. McBride,
R. A. Kellv, lames M. Maxwell and T- G. Cornelius, members and stockholders.
John Humphrey was president, and James M. Marshall, secretary. The presi-
dents in order of service since the first election are as follows : — John Humphrey.
1875-82; Robert Barron 1883-86, and James Humphrey, 1887-94. Mr. Marshall
served as secretary down to January, 1882, when William E. Taylor was elected
to succeed him. This office has been held by Mr. Taylor since that time. Among
the directors who have served for a number of years, may be named William
Dick, of Franklin township; John Humphrey. James Humphrey ami Robert
Barron, of Worth ; S. W. Moore, of Brady; Amos Hall and II. M. Gill, of Slip-
pery Rock ; Fred Pander, of Muddy Creek; W.I. Scott, of Lancaster, and S.
Seaton, of Marion. The management of the company at all times has settled
losses promptly, so that it can be said no claim was ever brought before a jury or
614 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Judge. The risks carried in Worth. Muddy Creek, Slippery Rock, Lancaster,
Brady, Franklin, Connoquenessing, Mercer, Marion, Cherry, Clay and Centre
townships, amount to $1,000,000. The company insures farm buildings and
products, but does not lake risks in villages, the population of which exceed one
hundred persons.
CHAPTER LIX.
BRADY TOWNSHIP.
Origin ov Name— Organization— Physical Characteristics— Mineral Wealth-
Coal Deposits— Pioneers— Population and Statistics— Early Industries-
Scuooi.s and Justices of the Peace— Churches— Villages and Postofeices-
The Stone House Counterfeiters.
THIS township derives its name from Captain Brady, a hero of the Indian
wars, who did not make the celebrated leap over the Slippery Rock creek
attributed to him. but rather at the site of Kent. Ohio, where a monument marks
the scene of his narrow escape from the Indians. The captain, however, must
have often crossed the Slippery Rock, and the men who .suggested the title for
the new township of 1S54, did right in remembering the old Indian fighter and
perpetuating his name.
The greatest measured elevation in the township is 1,470 feet above ocean
level, and is found about two and a quarter miles south of West Liberty, the next
being 1,875 feet, east of the pike road, where the road from West Liberty joins
it, or about the center of the township. In the northeastern section the summits
seldom exceed ]'2~) feet above the waters of .Slippery Rock, being from 225 to
250 feet lower than those on the divide between the north and south boundary
creeks. Potter's clay is found in the llallston neighborhood and iron ore is not
wanting. Tin Mahoning sandstone caps the high lands, while great boulders
lying around like sentinels offer easy work to the quarrymen. Kittanning coals
and ferriferous limestone show developed deposits in the northern and eastern
sections. .In the coal banks the Kittanning middle coal is found in excellent
form, while the Upper Kittanning rules in the vicinity of Stone House, on the
Turk, Wigton, Graham, Weber, Grossman, Glenn and other farms. The
development of coal deposits at Coaltown, begun some years ago under the super-
intendence of George G. Stage, has shown very clearly what capital , directed
intelligently, may do here. The coal banks on the llines, Boyd and Douglass,
William Badger, William Stoughton and Louis Martsolf lands, and the old
Cornelius, I). K.Graham and fames Martin banks, now abandoned, are well
known as fuel suppliers of the past ami present.
BRADY TOWNSHIP. 6l 5
The well on the John Smith farm, in this township, one mile and a quarter
northeast of Muddy creek, on the Prospect road, was drilled in 1877, for the
Phillips Brothers, to a depth of 1,458£ feet, but proved a " duster.'' The strata
found here explains the structure of a large section of the township.
When the pioneers looked in upon the two valleys of Slippery Rock — the
Piscataqua of the Indians — and Muddy Creek, they hesitated not in settling here.
The advance was led by Luke Covert in 1796. A native of Holland, he varied
from ancestral tastes for lowlands and made his home wesl of where the Stone
House was built in 1822. His son, John, the last of his family, died in 1873.
Old Luke, it is thought, was a Hessian who became attached to the American
cause, and by some means found bis way into the New Jersey Line, during the
Revolution, by being made prisoner or otherwise. Afterward settling in
Northumberland county, be resided there until 1796, when he brought his family
into the wilderness of Covert's run. James Campbell, Alexander Irvine and Bai -
tol Laffer entered the township later in 1796, and, with the Covert's, formed the
vanguard of the pioneers.
The McDeavittS, Daniel, born in Ireland in 1756, Elizabeth, his wife and
three children, — Catherine, Henry and James — arrived in the township in April,
17H7. Eight members of the Montooth family accompanied them, but the Mon-
tooths selected lands in what is now Franklin township, preferring the Muddy
Creek country. McDeavitt built a little cabin at once, made a clearing and
planted corn and potatoes. He left his family later that year, to earn money in
Maryland. On returning, his brave pioneer wife related stories of adventures
with wild animals and also told of kind Indians who camped near her cabin.
lie died in 1805. I lis widow died in 1835.
In 1798 Edward, James and Andrew Douglass, natives of Pennsylvania,
cleared the land on which the Stone House was erected in IS22 ; but in 17'.''.) they
moved to a point,south of the present Croll mill. Edward brought with him a
complete hunting outfit and a grindstone for sharpening scalping knives; for be
was a Liitter enemy of the aborigines. He died here in 1 S.">J> , almost a half cen-
tury after bis brother James moved away. John McClymonds, with his wile
and eight children, settled above the forks of McDeavitt's run in 1798, where is
now the brick residence erected by Thomas McClymonds, above the old saw mill.
The pioneers of 1799 included John Thompson, born in Ireland in 1752,
who moved into this township from Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in the
spring of 170'.*, and located a mile or so south of the Douglass cabin. He mar-
ried Martha Humes, who died in 1861, surviving her husband fifteen years.
James, William and John McJunkin, also natives of Ireland, arrived in 1799.
Daniel Carter came the same year. John Wigton, though coming here in 1799,
wailed until 1803 to purchase John Morrow's squatter claim. As earlv as 1830
this pioneer taught a writing school where West Liberty now is. IK- was born
to write a " good hand," though in all other branches of education very deficient.
In 1800 the arrival of Conrad Snyder, Si., a native of Switzerland, bis sou,
Conrad, and Andrew Ellsworth, a soldier of the Revolution, and their settlement
6l6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
northeast nf the Douglass cabin, was an occasion of gladness. John Morrow
came in 1801, and located near the Wigton settlement of 1799, but sold to Wig-
ton a few sears later. Conrad Snyder became a tavern keeper on the Franklin
road. John Hockenberry arrived with his family in 1803, but after some years
remoYed to Cherry township. About this time John Ralston erected a log-mill
where is now the Croll mill, and the pioneer circle of what is now Brady town-
ship was completed. In LS10 Robert Hockenberry settled near West Liberty,
anil then moved to the site of Coaltown. Others came in within the succeeding
decade to share in the work of the first settlers.
The population in 1860 was 701 ; in 1870,600; in 1880, 772, and in 1890,
729. The assessed valuation on January 1. 1894, was $210,704, the tax levy for
county purposes $842.82, and the Slate tax $127-77.
EARLY INDUSTRIES.
The Snow Flake mill, operated for years by the Crolls, stands on the site of
the Ralston log mill built in 1808 or 1809. It stand- on the north bank of Slip-
pery Rock creek, north of West Liberty, and is considered to be an institution of
that village.
The Iddings grist mill, built in 1808 or 1809, south of the Douglass cabin,
was subsequently operated by Henry Evans and John Wick. Caleb Jones was
the owner in the forties, when Jonathan Clutton visited the mill, and succeeding
him was Samuel Turk. The miller's house was burned many vears ago, and the
mill was destroyed by old Father Time.
The Smith Xeil grist mill on McDeavitt's run was erected about 1810.
Nicholas Klingensmith purchased or leased the property from Xeil. and the Hoge
Brothers ultimately became owners. It ceased operations many years ago. so that
only the oldest residents remember it.
SCHOOLS AM) JUSTICES.
A school taught by Henry E\ans in 1808, is said to have been the first in the
township. Later, Mr. Fletcher presided over a school, near where the Franklin
road crosses Muddy creek; then a subscription school was organized in the Stone-
1 louse neighborhood, and next a writing school was taught by John Wigton at his
home, and at West Liberty and other places, where lie could gather a few pupils.
Thomas Gorley, an Irishman, who became the autocrat of the log school-house
at West Liberty, and ultimately of the settlement, is well remembered. There
are. now, six schools in the township. In June. 1893, there were ninety-eight
male and eight-five female pupils of school age registered. The total receipts for
school purposes ( the State appropriation being $849.93) amounted $1,679.81 for
the year ending June 5, 1893.
The justices of the peace of this township, elected from its erection to 1894,
are as follows: — Benjamin Grossman, 1854, 1859, 1864 and 1S7(>: Ambrose Alex-
ander, 1854; Daniel Graham, I860; John (i. McClymonds, 1865; Robert Dick-
son, 1868; Josiah M. Thompson, L868 ; Matthias Mayer. L87S and 1878 ; J. C.
Snyder, 1876; John Allen, 1881; Thomas Badger. 1882; Matthias Mayer and
BRADY TOWNSHIP. 6\J
Josiah M. Thompson. 1882; N. II. Thompson, 1887; Matthias Mayer, 1888; N.
H. Thompson, 1892 ; VV. E. Taylor, 1893.
CHURCH ES.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church of West Liberty, was organized
over half a century ago, and a house of worship built in is 15. That house was
erected by the people of various Protestant denominations, as a Union church ;
but the progress of the Cumberland Presbyterian- warranted them in becoming
sole owner--. Tohn and Jacob Covert, Jesse Cornelius and John Wick, with
their wives, were the first members, and met in a barn on John Wick'> farm to
listen to Rev. A. M. Bryan or Mr. Gallagher preach the gospel. Later, a log-
house, now the property of Nicholas Weitzel, was built in the village, and there
services were held on stormy Sabbaths, it being devoted to school purposes on
week days. Among the old members now living are, Mrs. Mary Grossman, Mrs.
Fisher, Mrs. Ruth Covert and James McXees. The organization is practically
dead; but may at any time be revivified by some evangelist of the denomination.
The United Presbyterian Church of West Liberty, was organized June 15,
1*75. with the following named members: — William and Jane Badger, David
and Martha Mcjunkin. T. B. and Mary McClymonds, Sarah, Ann and Mary-
Perry, Mary Covert, Martha Moore, Ambrose and Jane Alexander. Sophia Mc-
Connell, Jane McDeavitt and Joseph and Mary McClymonds. Rev. W. P.
Shaw preached here from 1876 to 1889, when the late Rev. Tames A. Clark suc-
ceeded him. In 1875—76 this society and the Methodists built a frame house for
worship, thirty-two by forty-six feet in size. The church embraces ninety-six
members.
The Covenanter and the Seccder Churches, established at Rvefield in
1857 and 1859, respectively, are noticed in the history of Slippery Rock
township.
St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church, better known as " Hall'.- Church,"
was organized about the time the Civil war closed, to succeed the disbanded soci-
ety of Hickory Mills. Jesse Hall was one of the leading spirits in its establish-
ment, and to him much credit is given for his aid in building a meeting house in
1868. The church is in the Centreville charge. In 1882 it claimed a member-
ship of 184, but during the last decade that number has been very greatly
reduced.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of West Liberty, was established in 1873.
Two years later the members joined the United Presbyterians in erecting a
church building, which was completed in 1876. Among the members now resi-
ding in the village and vicinity are Solomon Fisher, Daniel KeiTer. Perry Ilines,
and their wives, with Milton and James Myers. Solomon Fisher was ela-s
leader for some years and was instrumental in bringing the membership up to
thirty in number. John Fisher is superintendent of the Sunday school.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized May 11. 1878,
but liefore this began erecting their present church. The members were John I.
Croll, Nicholas Weitzel, Martin L. Croll, William Renick. William Staaf, Jacob
Koch, Henry Donaldson. W. C. Hawn. John Staaf, William Kranz, 1. 15. Smith
6l8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and Rev. II. W. Roth, pastor and clerk. M. C. Croll was secretary from 1883 to
1884, when J. I). Weitzel was elected. In 1 sss M. C. Croll was chosen; next
P. X. Weitzel, who served until 1892, when Nicholas Weitzel was elected. Suc-
ceeding Mr. Rotli came Rev. George W. Critchlow, Rev. R. K. Ihirst. and Rev.
X. Shaffer, of Prospect. There are now sixty members.
V I 1.1, A i ,]-. A \H ['I Mill 1 11 E.
West Liberty was surveyed February 13, 1829, by lames f. Iloge, surveyor.
Tlie location, at the intersection of the Butler and Mercer, ami the Mt. Etna and
Bassingheim roads, was then considered a safe place to establish a town. In
1845, John and Jacob Covert resurrected the village, When the plat was
recorded, in 1847, the lot owners were James Yogan. James I. Hoge, Charles
Coulter, Robert Campbell, Conrad Snyder, John .Stephenson, John Fagan,
John Craig, John Covert, William McCanon, William McClymonds, David Mc-
lunkin, John Boyle, Thomas 15. Evans, and Isaac Cornelius. The log house
opposite the Eicholtz building, was one of the first structures in the village, and
John }. Croll's store, the first mercantile institution, if we except Hoevler's store,
a mile away. Henry E. Wick, who sold to Jonathan Clutton, in 1864, built the
present Chilton store in 1854. John Allen followed Clutton and remained about
one year, John Kocker came next and remained until Miss Clutton became
owner. W. W. Robinson established himself in business about fifteen years ago,
and in 1882, G. W. Eicholtz erected a store building on the northwest corner of
the cross roads. The place was at one time known as Bulger, that being the
name of the postoffice.
Stone House, the hotel at the crossing of the Butler and Mercer and the
Pittsburg and Franklin stage routes, was built in 1822, on the site of the Doug-
lass log house, afterward the John Elliott tavern. John Brown was landlord in
the old log building until 1822, when he erected the " Stone House." but being
unable to pay Mrs. McLure, — one of the heirs of Mrs. Collins, — for the property,
it reverted to the estate and was rented to various tavern keepers, — Richard
Doncaster being the best known, and one Sutliff the most detested. Ultimately,
a rival house was established by Robert Thompson, in 1833, and, twenty y«ars
later, certain guests of the .Stone House destroyed its popularity. Julius C.
Ilolliday, a young Ohioan, took up his residence near the old hotel, away back
in the "Forties." A number of strangers, it is said that sometimes twenty would
be here, followed him. Well dressed fellows they were, fond of a good time
generally, who held workers at a discount. They boarded at the Stone House,
where only their military titles or abbreviated christian names wen- known.
One was " Colonel," another "Major." another •• Doc " and so on to the end.
They were finally credited with being engaged in making spurious silver coins ;
but escaped punishment until after Holliday and his six children were carried
oil' by diphtheria. Tie gang, without a leader, then became a prey of law and
order, and one or more found a resting place in the penitentiary.
William Turk, the old stage driver, who disappeared during the celebration
of July 4, 1853, was said to have been killed by the counterfeiters. lie. how-
ever, reappeared in August. 1885, having been absent thirty-two years. Mean-
SLIPPERY ROCK TOWNSHIP. 619
time his wife married and went westward with her husband, while his three
children were also scattered.
Forest House — In l^-lo Robert Thompson built the Forest House and car-
ried it on as a hotel until 1854, when the reports relating to the Stone House
hotel caused him to retire, lest his hotel would also tall under the law. Forest
House was also known for a time as Forest postoffice, the site of the Eyth store
in 1857 or 1858. Twenty-one years after 1. C. Murtland opened a store there.
being the successor of a long line of merchants, who appeared and disappeared
after the Eyths retired from mercantile life.
Elora — The postoffice named Memphis, south of Stone House, may lie called
the successor of the Forest House postoffice, established in 1873. It. in turn,
was superceded by Elora postoffice. which was presided over in 1894 by Josiah
M. Thompson. On January 0. that year, the Thompson store was destroyed by
tire, and with it the undelivered mail and postoffice equipments. The loss to
Mr. Thompson was placed at $3,600, against which an insurance of $2,500 must
be credited.
Hallston is the name given to a railroad station in the northeast corner of
the township. In the vicinity was the old pottery of Constantine Weidel, who
made earthen crocks, jars, etc., long years before the echoes of the locomotive
whistle resounded through the forests. The McNees pottery, at Hallston Station,
is comparatively modern, being scarcely a decade old.
Brovjington postoffice is almost contemporary with the Stone House. Tt
was discontinued in the " forties," but restablished in May, 1858, with R. Don-
caster, postmaster. In 1870 it was again discontinued and has not since been
restored.
CHAPTER LX.
SLIPPERY ROCK TOWNSHIP.
Organization— Change of Boundaries— Physical Characteristics -Com. Banks-
Salt Works — Natural Gas Discovered— Population— Pioneers Early Indue
tries— Schools and Justices of the Peace — Churches— Villages.
PRIOR to 1800 Butler county forme. 1 a portion of Allegheny, its territory
being divided into four townships, one of which was named Slippery Rock.
Its area comprised the northwestern quarter of the county. In 1804, when tin
county was divided into thirteen townships, its territory was considerably
reduced. A further reduction took place in the final re-subdivision in 1854,
when it was cut down to its present area. The township derives its name from
Slippery Rock creek, which flows in a westerly direction through its territory.
620 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The elevations of the divide between this creek and the Wolf creek range arc
from 1,150 to 1,300 feet above ocean level. The soil partakes of the charac-
ter ot the limestone on which it rests.
Coal is abundant anil gas reservoirs numerous. A coal hank on the Isaac
Davidson farm is supposed to have been opened in the thirties. On the Lewis
Patterson farm, Stephen Osmer opened a mine, which was abandoned in 1845.
Thomas McGaffic opened a hank on the same farm, after the war, which was a
producer down to 1*^7. On the Ezekiel Wilson farm is an old slope near where
the Edward Christlev mine was worked. The W. S. Bingham hank was opened
in the eighties. Hanks were at one time worked on the John Wolford and the
Nathaniel Cooper farms, but were abandoned years ago. Coal is still mined on
the farm of John Reed, north of Cent reville.
Fifty years ago two sail well-, were drilled on the Edmund Smith farm, north
of Centreville. Gas flowed with the water, and it was determined to use the
vapor for fuel. The result was disastrous, pans and machinery being blown up.
The population in 1810 was 458; in 1820,865; 1830, 1,541; 1840, 1,507;
1850, 1,490; 1860, six years after the re subdivision of the county, 993; 1870,
879; 1880, 1,424; 1890. 1,247.
PIONEERS.
It is a matter ot considerable difficulty to determine who is entitled to the
credit of being the first person to settle in this township. There is evidence
going to show that temporary settlements were made as early as 1796, but the
identity of the first actual settler has not been discovered. The first permanent
settlers, however, appear to have been Nathaniel and Zebulon Cooper, a brother
and nephew of Stephen Cooper. They came from Washington county, Penn-
sylvania, in IT'.'li, and selected lands on both sides of Wolf creek, on which
they settled in 1798. In 1800 Stephen Cooper, who had for some time-
previous been making his home with them, settled upon 200 acres of land, com-
prising the present site of Centreville. It is stated that Nathaniel Cooper found
a few brush cabins on Wolf creek, evidencing temporary occupation, and soon
afterward learned that Adam Barber, David Cross, John Burrows and William
Burrows were here before him. The Burrows were assessed in 1803.
John. ]ames and Hugh McKee, who arrived in this county from Ireland in
IT',17, were also among the earliest settlers. Their four sisters and their parents
came shortly after, but none of them appear to have owned property here in
1803. Adam Funk, who had 400 acres in 1803, came about H'.'S. Jonathan
Adams, John and Jacob Stillwagon, John Moreland, .Alexander McDonald and
John Slemmons appeared about 1800. Philip Snyder, who came in 1801, was a
celebrated maple sugar maker until his death in 1857. John Walker settled here
in 1805. William Bigham, a Revolutionary soldier, his sons Thomas and Hugh
Bighani, the former a soldier of the war of 1812, and Samuel Cross came in 1806.
lames Stephenson and Samuel Weakley in 1817; Philip Kiester in 1818; Joel
Beckwith in 1819; Thomas Mifflin in 1820; Dr. John Thompson, John Christley,
the cabinet-maker; Michael Christlev, Samuel Kerr, who worked in Thompson's
furnace, and Samuel Bard, the tailor, in L822 : William Hill in 1823; Cornelius
SLIPPERY ROCK TOWNSHIP. 621
Gill, James A. Patterson, John McNulty and Samuel Caldwell, the blacksmith,
in 182-"): Peter Sowash in 1826; John Neal in 1827; William Miller in 1830, and
Joseph C. Swearingen, Henry Wolford, Jonathan Maybury and John Reed within
the decade ending 1840. Whether on the farm, in the industries along the
creek, or as village builders, all were thorough pioneers, who laid the foundations
on which the prosperity of this division of the county rests.
EARLY INDUSTRIES.
The Mt. Etna furnace was established in 1822 by Dr. John Thompson, with
Samuel Kerr as foreman. It was opened in 1823 and run for six years, when it
was sold by the sheriff to David Mc Junkin. by whom il was carried on until
1*30. when W. S. Bingham rented and operated it until 1838. It was next
leased by Ephraim Rose, Robert McGowan and others, and continued until 1841,
when work ceased.
Hickory furnace, founded in 1836 by Joseph C. Swearingen. was sold a few
years later by the sheriff to William Stewart and C. C. Sullivan, who rebuilt it
and opened the new iron works in June, 1846. This furnace stood opposite the
present Kiester mill, which was also erected by them in 1843. ft was closed in
I860, having been in operation twenty-four years.
The Hard & Bingham foundry at Centreville was opened in 1838. Some
time after Isaac Pearson established a foundry, which W. S. Bingham purchased
in 184S, and which has been carried on down to the present.
Charles Coulter's fulling and carding mill on Slippery Rock creek, which
was burned March 11. 1824, was one of the lir^t industries of the kind in the
tow nship.
Wolf Creek woolen factory, operated in 1N45 by Samuel Curry, northwest
of Centreville on Wolf creek, appears to have produced the goods named in the
list of the Hopewell manufacturers at a lower price. Here carpets were manu-
factured at from forty to fifty cents a yard, and Kentucky jeans at thirty-seven
i iut- anil a half a yard. The factory is now operated by William Curry.
James Layton carried on the old Samuel McMurry carding and cloth-dress-
ing concern on Slippery Rock creek.
The Scott Stephenson and the William Fleming, later the Christie) tan-
neries, were the first industries of this character at Centreville, or in the town-
ship. The Christley tannery occupied the present site of George Maxwell's barn.
The Stephenson concern was purchased in Is:!'.) by John Covert from John
Hodge, and later by Samuel Taggart from John Covert. In 1842 Perry Covert
established a new tannery, which was operated for half a century, when the
expense of obtaining hemlock bark resulted in its closing down.
The Thompson grist mill of 1822. situated on Slippery Rock creek, southeast
of Centreville, passed away years ago. The Etna mills now occupy the site.
The Wolf Creek mill, now owned by J. H. Christley, was established in 1832 by
James and Robert Vincent. It was afterwards owned by W. F. Rumberger, and
later by the McKnights.
A flouring mill, erected by Stewart iV Sullivan on the Brownington and
Franklin turnpike, at the falls of Slipper} Rod creek, was opened Jul) 1 1. 1844.
622 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The equipment consisted of lour pairs of buhrs, with a capacity oi from thirty to
forty bushels an hour. The sawmill, in connection with the flouring mill, was
driven by water power. The sawmill went out of existence years ago. A new
buhr mill was erected to replace the old. It is now owned and operated by John
Kiester.
Among the early sawmills were McKnight's, on Wolf creek ; Kiester's, on
Slippery Rock creek, and the Neyman mill on Long run, between Kiester and
Centreville. Of late years portable mills have been operated in different parts of
the township. One of these mills, owned by )ohn \Y. Ralston, exploded near
Branchton November 26, 1888, killing Jesse Hall, Carlyle Cross and George
Kelly, and seriously injuring Lewis Ralston and Joseph Dickson.
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
The first school house wa- erected on the Wolford clearing about one mile
and a hall northeast of Centreville. It was here that such teachers as Stephen
Cooper. William Parker and Adam Dunn instructed the youth o! the settlement.
About 1822 or 1823 a log school house was erected on the Abraham Snyder
farm in the northwestern part of the township, where Eli and Asenath Heck-
with and Racliael Colton taught. In the thirties the Still wagon school was
built on the John, Samuel and Robert Mawha farm, south of Centreville.
The number of children of school age, reported in June. 1893, was KM
males and 120 females in the township, and seventy-eight males and seventy
females in Centreville borough. The school revenue in 1893, was $2,843.46,
including $1,267.48 State appropriation, and in the borough $1,378.57, including
$329.04 State appropriation. The assessment of the township in 1894 was
$361,699, and of the borough $91,661. The county tax was $1,446.79, for the
township and $366.6-1 lor the borough, while the State tax levied in the town-
ship was $133.02, and in the borough $180.93.
The justices of the peace elected for Slippery Rock township from 1840 to
IS1.) I. inclusive, are as follows: Alexander McBride, 1840; James I. Iloge, 1840-
15; Thomas Mifflin, 1845-50; William Moore, 1850; Nathaniel Cooper. 1854-59;
Jacob Kiester, 1855-60-65; C. D. DeWolf, 1864; II. II. Vincent, 1866-71-82;
lesse Kiester. 1873-77-82 ; Dawson VVadsworth, 1877; Jacob Kiester, 1884 ;
John Reed, 1887-92; W.ti. McLaughlin, deceased, 1887-92; W. J. Morrison,
to fill vacancy, 1893.
CIl URCHES.
The Methodist Episcopal chinch at Hickory Mills, was established in the
thirties, but the organization died out before the war. Members of the Centre-
ville class detached themselves and with recruits formed classes in Cherry and
adjoining townships.
Bethel United Presbyterian Church is the successor of the Covenanter
society. In 1833 the Reformed Presbyterians organized and held meetings in the
log school house near the north line of the township. Rev. Andrew W. Black
served as pastor from 1833 to ISMS, the elders being Samuel Hogg and Samuel
Braham. For a decade subsequent to 1838 the pulpit was vacant. In IS Is Rev.
SLIPPERY ROCK TOWNSHIP. 623
Josiah Hutctiman became pastor. He was succeeded in 1852 by Rev. David
Kennedy, who organized the Sunday school. The pulpit was again vacant
from 1855 to 1858, when Rev. J. F. Hill became pastor and remained until 1866.
About this time the original organization passed out of existence. In 1868 a
reorganization took place, under the present name, with Rev. William Hutchin-
son as pastor, sixty two members being enrolled. Rev. W. 1). Ewing, Rc\. ].
O. McConnell and Rev. A. II. Dickey have been successive pastors of this con-
gregation, which now numbers thirty-four members.
VILLAGES.
Mt. Etna was the pioneer village of the township. It grew up around the
furnace established in L822,on Slippery Rock creek, by Dr. John Thompson. A
postoffice named Slippery Rock, which was moved to Centreville in 1826, was
established there in 1824 with William Ferguson as postmaster. The village
passed out of existence many years ago, and is now but a memory.
Kiester, formerly Hickory Mills, is situated on Slippery Rock creek south-
east of Centreville. The location is one of the most beautiful in the county, and
the water power inexhaustible. The Kiester mills located here forms one of the
most important industries of the township. The little village is a station on the
Pittsburg, Shenango and Lake Erie railroad, contains a postoffice, named in
honor of the Kiester family, with John Kiester. postmaster, and a general store.
Slippery Rock Park, which adjoins the village, is one of the most picturesque
and beautiful places in the county, and a favorite resort for visitors during the
summer.
Branchton is situated at the junction of the Hillard branch of the Pittsburg,
Shenango and Lake Erie railroad with the main line. The general store of J. A.
Morrison, known as the W. I. Hindman store, a good depot building and eight
cottages constitute the village.
Wick is situated in the northeast corner of the township, on the Pittsburg,
Shenango and Lake Erie railroad. The depot building, a few cottages and the
Critchlow lumber yard, a postoffice and store carried on by Ephriam Adams com-
prise the town. A deposit of blue limestone lias been utilized for burning lime
and making land plaster. The enterprise lias been carried on, with occasional
interruptions, for several years by W. B. Lard. The station was named for II.
E.Wick, now a resident of Butler. He was the first postmaster.
CHAPTER LXI.
CENTREVILLE BOROUGH.
Founding of the Town -Stephen Cooper, the First Settler — Early Business
Enterprises— Fatal Foi rth of July Accident— Savings Bank -Gas Plant —
W \ i er Works— Co-operative Creamery Association — Centreville Cemetery
Association — Present Business Houses Borough Officials -Justices ok the
Peace — Schools — State Normal School — Chi rches— Secret Societies.
CENTREVILLE. known to the postoffice department as Slippery Rock, and
to the old settlers as "Ginger Hill," was surveyed, in 1824, by David
Dougal, on a part of the Stephen Cooper farm. Stephen Cooper, a brother
of Nathaniel Cooper, was living in 1800 upon the tract of land settled by the
latter in 1798, in what is now Slippery Reck township. lie knew of 200 acres
of land in the township that had not been settled, and which he contemplated
taking up. His nephew, Zebulon Cooper, who had settled upon a tract adjoining
Nathaniel, discovered one evening that a family wa^ near this land, but, on
investigation, found that they were not within the line. That night , Stephen,
his brother, Nathaniel, and nephew. Zebulon and wife, located on the land, and
working all night, erected a cabin. This land is now a part of the site of Centre-
die. Stephen Cooper cleared a farm on it, and subsequently engaged in keeping
tavern in connection therewith, and it is claimed that he was the first landlord as
well as the first settler on the site of Centreville borough. His name appears
upon the assessment list of 1803.
A year or two later William Hill arrived anil, locating near Cooper's
cabin, proved a very welcome neighbor. Samuel Hard, the tailor, came in
L823. In 1824 John Reynolds built a log house where Robert Kissick's resi-
dence now stands, and in April of that year opened it as a tavern. His cabin,
with those of William Hill. William Cross and I. S. 1'earson. constituted t lie vil-
lage. In L826 the Slippery Rock postoffice was moved from Mt. Etna, and 1. S.
Pearson appointed postmaster. The name Slippery Rock has been continued as
the name of the postoffice to the present time. A. J. Bard, the present post-
master, was appointed in May, 1893.
Between [825 and 1830 the pioneer circle was recruited by the arrival of Dr.
Eli G. DeWolf, Jesse and Simeon Baker. Samuel Caldwell, the blacksmith. John
McNulty. Amos and William Fleming, and Peter Sowash, the blacksmith. Isaac
S. Pearson came before 1820, opened the first store and became the first post-
master. In the thirties he erected a brick building, occupied in Liter days by
W. S. Bingham. While he was engaged in the mercatile business, Samuel Bard,
a contemporary and friend abandoned tailoring, became a chairmaker, and in
ls:;s, a foundryman and windmill builder. Bard and Pearson died in 1844, leav-
CENTREVILLE BOROUGH. 625
ing valuable properties to their heirs. Thomas Floyd open the second store,
made money, and erected a brick building which was afterwards purchased by
Ezekiel Wilson, himself an old settler. Peter Sow ash and John McCoy erected
smaller brick houses prior to L835, while John Cross built the hotel now known
as the Eyth House early in the thirties.
In L835 the trade, mercantile and professional circles of this village con-
sisted of John Eagle, chairmaker: 1. S. Pearson, merchant; Samuel Bard, tailor;
John Taggart , laborer; Moorhead & Wallace, merchants; (i. \Y. Coulter, tavern
keeper; Peter Sowash, blacksmith; Peter Uber, cabinet maker; l)r. E. G.
DeWolf, physician; James Fulton, wagon maker; Thomas Floyd, merchant;
Scott Stephenson, tanner; William Parshall, tavern keeper; John and Robert
McCoy, carpenters; Thomas Stephenson, hatter; George Christley and William
Fleming, tanners; William Ramsey, blacksmith ; Joseph Justice, hatter ; William
Gibson, tinsmith; John Seth, tavern keeper; John Reynolds, justice of the
peace; Samuel Kerr, representative in the legislature; Robert Young, wheel-
wright; Alexander Buchanan, cabinet maker; Stephen Cooper, farmer; James
Bell and G. W. Bratton, laborers; John McClintock, shoemaker; Samuel Cur-
ran, wagon maker, and John Cross, brickmaker.
In the forties came Charles Prosser, a tailor, Daniel K. Hill, a shoemaker,
John C.Ramsey, Romain Eyth. Elisha Kingsbury, George Potts and Thomas
Humphrey. In 1846 Elisha Kingsbury started a store, and during the Mexican
war the village was the trading center of a wide district.
The Fourth of July celebration of 1849, in Centreville, resulted in the death
of William McCutcheon, ami the serious injury of John Neal, Jr., Samuel Weak-
ley and David Ramsey. It appears that the brass cannon used upon this occa-
sion, had been charged, in addition to the usual load of powder, with a wadding
aboye the powder, ot pieces of sod in which there was a mixture of coarse gravel.
When the cannon was discharged McCutcheon and the other three wire struck
by the gravel. This cannon afterward saw service in the Civil war.
In IS.")1.) J. S. Wilson located here; T. S. Coulter opened his hardware store
in L865, and W. II. Sturdevant a wagon and carriage making establishment in
1866. In this year also Charles Prosser returned from Butler. J. S. French's
drug store was established later.
The Savings Bank was established in 1873, by John T. and Austin T. Bard,
Norman Patterson. John Bigham, K. F. Glenn, Thomas George, W. if Breck-
enridge and Milton Henry as stockholders and officials. After the death of John
T. Bard, Norman Patterson was elected president, and later purchased the inter-
ests of the members of the company. He carried it on as a private bank until
L887, when W. II. Wilson, who now conducts it, became the owner.
Between L870 and L880, the Wilson hardware store. Muntz's harness shop,
Kaufman's blacksmith shop, C. W, Coulter's drug store, and ot her trade and
mercantile enterprises were established.
The natural gas plant was established in 1887 by II. P. Griffith. Four wells,
two in the borough, one on John Wolford's and one on Franklin Eyth's farm,
form the source of supply for iOO tires and 700 lights.
The waterworks were constructed in the fall of L892, by John McGonegal,
626 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
about fifty rods north of the State Normal School. The source of supply is a
drilled well. The pumping is done by windmill, and when that fails, by a six-
horse-power engine.
The Co-operative Creamery Association (limited) was organized August 12,
1893, with H. M. Gill, president ; W. J. Morrison, secretary and treasurer ; W.
H. Grine, manager ; Robert McCoy. J. J. McGarvey, E. H. Kirkpatrick, H.
M. Gill and \V. J. Morrison, directors. The new building, twenty-eight by forty-
two feet, is equipped with all the latest improved mechanical appliances. The
capacity is 500 pounds of butter a day.
The Centreville Cemetery Association was incorporated in 1874, with Benja-
min Pearson, president : II. II. Vincent, vice-president; Thomas S. Coulter, sec-
retary; J. T. Bingham, treasurer, and C. O. Coulter, superintendent. The
vacancy in the vice-presidency, caused by the death of II. II. Vincent, has not yet
been filled.
The town has grown rapidly since the establishment of t he State Normal
School, and now claims a population of about 800. Building has been active,
resulting in the erection of a large number of handsome and costly residences,
and more modern and sightly business houses. Mercantile and trade inter-
ests have kept pace with the increase in population, and the town is recognized
as an important trade center. The principal business houses are as follows: F.
P. Bingham and T. S. Coulter & Company, hardware; John T. Bingham, agri-
cultural implements; Clutton Brothers, drugs and medicines; Bard iV. Son, F. T.
Whitten & Company, J. C. Kerr, Bolton <\_ Wilson and \V. T. Ramsey, general
-tores; R. X. Nelson and Liber cC Bestler, furniture and undertaking; E. F.
Chandler & Company, millinery; W. T. Ramsey, Jr., bakery; J. N. Stillwagon
and Thomas Rhodes, harness makers; J. R. Martin & Sons, butchers ; W. E.
Lawrence, hotel and restaurant; W. II. Wilson, banker; and Baker & Nelson
and Hall M Campbell, livery stables. There are two hotels, the Eyth House, by
Francis Eyth," and the Central House by W. E. Lawrence. The press is repre-
sented by the Slippery Rock Signal, a seven-column weekly, established Febru-
ary ll\ 1892. It is edited by Albert L. Weihe. and is Republican in politics. On
September 1, 1894, a telegraph line connected with I lie main line of the Western
Union Telegraph company at Wick station, on the Pittsburg, Shenango and Lake
Erie railroad, was opened lor business. The office is in Clutton Brothers' drug
store, and is in charge of \V . II. Pattison as operator.
BOIIOUGH OFFICIALS.
The borough was incorporated in 1841 ; but for thirty-six years little was
accomplished by the councils toward raising the village above the condition of a
country hamlet. The old records are not in possession of the clerk, but from the
records in the county offices the following names of burgesses and councilmen
w ere obtained :
1S77— W. II. Curran, burgess; Thomas Reed, J. L. Warmcastle, E. A. Mc-
Coy, I). S. Ramsey, S. Sowash and A. W. Shroyer.
1878 — C. O. Kingsbury, burgess; L. Sturdevant, J. 1'. McQuistion, W. G.
Coulter. J. M. Roberts and John Wick.
CENTREVILLE BOROUGH. 627
1879— W. R. Hays, burgess ; John Wick. Harry Young, W. G. Christley,
Thomas Wilson and A. B. Prosser.
1880 — Robert Kissick, burgess: S. S. Morrison, J. II. Muntz, C. O. Kings-
bury, A. IS. Prosser, Francis Eyth and Milton Covert.
1881 — Milton Covert, burgess; ). I'. McQuistion, Samuel Dickey, Edward
Maybury, C. O. Kingsbury and ]. X. Stillwagon.
1882 — David Wilson, burgess; S. S. Morrison. George Maxwell. John Kerr
and L. Y. Kiester.
1883 — John Daugherty, burgess ; C. W. Coulter, Rev. Ewing and Rev.
Wright.
1884 — F. P. Bingham, burgess; C. W. Hard, \V. J. McCarnes .Joseph Des-
sett.John H. Hogan and Joseph Bestler.
1885— E. M. Maybury. burgess: J. P. McQuistion, John Wick and W. II.
Wilson.
1886— J. M. Roberts, burgess; J. H. Muntz. E. M. Maybury ami W.
Kauffman.
1887 — P. L. Coulter, burgess; C. O. Kingsbury, S. S. Morrison and
A. II. Baker.
1888— L. D. Kiester, burgess; G. Morrison, J. II. Hogan and T. C. Kelly.
1nx'.)_\V. n. Wilson, burgess; E. M. Maybury and J. X. Stillwagon.
1890— W. II. Grine. burgess: A. W. Christy and J. II. Muntz.
1893 — Thomas Peters, burgess: W . II. Grine and Thomas Logan.
1892— R. N. Nelson, burgess: A. II. Baker. J. C. Ricketts and P. II.
Sowash.
1893— J. Maybury, burgess: W.H.Wilson, G. W. Campbell, John Kerr,
Frank Glutton and W. M. Humphrey.
1894— Lewis Bolton, burgess; E. M. Maybury. W. M. Humphrey. W. J.
Kissick. J. E. Bard and Frank Clutton.
The justices of the peace elected for the borough of Centreville, from IS41
to L894 are as follows: Charles Prosser, 1841 ; Alexander Buchanan. 1841—53—
58-63; Daniel K. Hill, 1846; George W. Bratton, 1840; Francis Findley, 1848;
John C. Ramsey. 1848; James D. Riddell, 1850; John J. Kelly. 1854; James P.
Christy. 1859; A. J. Bard, 1861-06-71-76; W.J. McCarnes, 1866 ; William
Crill, 1869; David McDonald, 1873; T. S. Coulter, 1878-85; A. Prosser. 1881 :
C. O. Kingsbury, 1881-82; T. C. Kelly. 1883 : J. Maybury, 1887; Alfred Christy.
L888 : E. M. Maybury, 1889; T. C. Cooper. 1890, and James S. Wilson. 1894.
Prior to 1835, when the common school system went into effect, the youth of
Centreville received instruction in the rudiments of an English education in
subscription schools, the log school house being the predecessor here, as well as
in other pioneer settlements, of the better buildings of later days. Among the
early teachers, both in the subscription and public schools, were Robert McEI-
wain, John Bollinger, of Cherry township, William Murphy and Samuel
Christley. Dr. Asa M. Patterson, now a resident physician of the borough,
taught school here as early as 1S,j4. About L858 or I860 the borough school was
628 HISTORY (iF BUTLER COUNTY.
divided into two grades. In 188] a fine school building, costing $4,000, was
erected and a division into three grades effected. hi June, 1889, this building
was sold to the trustees of the State Normal School tor $2,000, and has since
been used as a model school building in connection with that institution. Pre-
vious to the establishment of the State Normal School, private or select schools
were regularly maintained in addition to the public school.
SLIPPERY HOCK STATE NORMAL SCHOOL.
The history of the establishment of the State Normal School at Slippery
Rock is traceable to a modest beginning. In order to arouse interest in educa-
tional matters, with a view to the establishment of an academy in the village, a
meeting called by I. T. Bingham, was held in the Presbyterian church, on
the evening of December 7. 1887. It was presided over by John Reed, with Dr.
C. \V. Hard as secretary, and was addressed by Rev. Mr. Robinson. It was
determined to solicit subscriptions, and two lists were authorized: one for build-
ing funds, and the other for annual subscriptions of five dollars each, to provide a
sinking fund for the payment of the principal's salary, in the event of the revenue
not being sufficient for that purpose.
At a second meeting, held December 1'.). 1887, J. T. Bingham reported
that thirty-four annual subscriptions of five dollars each, or $170 a year for three
years, had been secured. Dr. C. W. Bard reported a subscription of $2,475 for
the erection of an academy. In the meantime. II. C. and Dr. C. W. Raid,
having ascertained that there was no State Normal School in this district, con-
ceived the idea of securing the location of one in Slippery Rock. They pre-
sented the matter to the meeting, which, on motion of ]. T. Bingham, appointed
a committee, consisting of J. \. Watson, J. M, Covert and F. P. Bingjbam, to
ascertain the cost of normal school buildings, etc. This committee reported to a
meeting held January 'J, 1888, that it had been unable to obtain accurate infor-
mation as to tost or size of buildings. Another committee, consisting of Dr. A.
M. Patterson and |. E. Raid, was then appointed to visit a normal school and
ascertain the cost and size of necessarx buildings. George Maxwell was
appointed a committee of one to \ isit Butler, confer with Hon. John M. Greer,
Stale Senator, and enlist his aid in behalf of the enterprise.
At the next meeting held January 10, 1888, Dr. Patterson and J. E.
Bard reported that they had visited the State Normal School at Clarion, and had
ascertained the size and cost of buildings. The figures they laid before the meet-
ing were startling, but the pluck and earnestness of the people were too deeply
enlisted in the enterprise to permit of their abandoning it. On motion, there-
lore, ol Ml". Bard a committee of ten was appointed to solicit subscriptions. This
committee consisted of J. II. Christley, J. C. Kerr, J. P. McQuistion, Neyman
Christley, J. \. Watson. T. S. Coulter. A. J. Bard, William Kaufman, W . 11.
Wilson and Robert McCoy.
The mission of George Maxwell to Butler was so successful that not
only the active but the enthusiastic co-operation of Hon. John M. Greer was
secured, and lie became an earnest and effective champion ot the enterprise, both
in Butler county and in the General Assembly at Harrisburg. On February 6,
CENTREVILLE BOROUGH. fi:0
1888, he and J. M. Galbreath, of Butler, appeared in Slippery Rock and addressed
a meeting in behalf of the school. The address aroused sucli an enthusiasm that
a large amount of money was subscribed before the meeting adjourned. The
Ladies' Normal School Fund Association was also organized, and proved effect-
ive and successful in collecting funds for the enterprise.
As the result of this exhibition of energy and enthusiasm the amount
required was soon secured, and a report to thai effect made to a meeting held
March 9, 1888, at which the stockholders elected the following trustees or build
ing committee : George Maxwell, T. F. Patton, Neyman Christley, J. C. Kerr,
Benjamin Pearson, Lewis Patterson, T. S. Coulter, A. M. Patterson, W. II.
Wilson, J. E. Bard, II. P. Griffith, William Kaufman and C. W. Bard. This
committee organized by electing George Maxwell, president ; C. W. Hard, secre-
tary, and W. 11. Wilson, treasurer. Two sub-committees were appointed, one
to secure ten acres of land for building sites and grounds, which were purchased
from Lewis Patterson, in the southeastern part of the town for $2,000, and the
other to secure the services of an architect. The latter committee employed S.
W. Foulk, of New Castle, who drew the plans and specifications. The contract
for the buildings was awarded to J. J. Gourley, of New Castle, for $25,000. W.
H. Tinker, of West Sunbury, had charge of the carpenter work. The contract
for heating was awarded to McGinn, of Pittsburg, and for plastering to Lee
Lutton, of New Castle.
Three buildings, each three stories high, constructed of wood and roofed
with slate, were erected. These were the central building, or Chapel Hall,
60x100 feet, and two ell-shaped dormitory buildings, one for ladies, on the
north, and the, other for gentlemen on the south of the central building. Be-
sides recitation rooms, the central building contained an auditorium capable of
seating from 1,200 to 1,500 persons. The ladies' dormitory contained seventy-
one sleeping rooms, a dining room eighty by fortv feet, and also a parlor,
kitchen, pantry and storeroom. The gentlemen's dormitory contained eighty-one
sleeping rooms. The buildings were lighted bv gas and heated by steam.
Upon the completion of the buildings a committee of inspection was ap-
pointed by Governor Beaver to examine them before their acceptance by the
State. This committee consisted of Dr. E. E. Iligby, State superintendent of
public instruction; Col. S. M. Jackson, of Apollo, Armstrong county ; Hon. S.
II. Miller, of Mercer ; Col. Silas J. Marlin, of Brookville; Hon. William McNair.
of Oil City, and the following school superintendents: Samuel Hamilton, ol
Allegheny county; J. M. Reed, of Beaver county; John Morrow, of Allegheny;
Charles W. Dean, of McKeesport ; M. L. Knight, of Beaver Falls ; John Collier,
of Homestead; J. L. Snyder, of Butler county, and E. Mackey, of Butler bor-
ough. Hon. S. H. Miller was chairman of this committee, which, after a thor-
ough inspection, unanimously reported in favor of accepting the buildings, and
they were formally dedicated February 1, 1889, by Governor Beaver, the exer-
cises being presided over bv Hon. John M. Greer, of Butler, and witnessed by a
number of State officials, State and county school superintendents, and a large
audience composed mainly of residents of Slippery Rock and vicinity.
The following trustees to represent the State were appointed by E. E.
630 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Higby, State superintendent of public instruction : T. S. Rutan and John F.
Dravo, to serve until May, 189] ; Richard V. Scandrett and J. Sharp Wilson,
to serve until May, 1890, and Thomas Robinson and John M. Greer to serve
until May. 1889.
The following named persons were elected trustees by the stockholders:
II. P. Griffith, A. M. Patterson, T. F. Patton and C. W. Paid, to serve
until May, 1891 ; George Maxwell, J. E. Bard, T. S. Coulter, to serve until
May, L890, and Lewis Patterson, Xeynian Christ lev, William Kaufman and Ben-
jamin Pearson, to serve until May, 1889.
The board elected George Maxwell, president ; Dr. C. W. Bard, secretary,
and W. II. Wilson, treasurer. Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Wilson have filled their
respective offices without interruption to the present time. Mr. Bard served as
secretary until May, 1891, when he was succeeded by T. S. Coulter, the present
secretary.
The members of the faculty, March 26, 1889, when the work of the school
commenced, were James E. Morrow, I. M. McClymonds, I. X. Moore, J. C.
Ricketts, W. A. Beer and Maud C. Bingham.
In June, 1889, the public school building was purchased by the trustees of
the State Normal School, and has since been used as a model school building.
The extension of the ladies' dormitory, containing forty-five rooms, was com-
pleted in 1893, at a cost of $20,000, and also a southern extension of the same
building, for culinary ami dining room purposes. This latter extension doubled
the size of the dining room. The new main building, a commodious and sightly
edifice, costing about $53,000, was completed early in 1891. The front is pressed
brick, with Ohio sandstone trimmings. It is a three-story building, with base-
ment and attic, and a square, hip-roofed clock tower. It is finished in natural
wood, heated by steam and lighted by gas, and with the other buildings, the
interiors of which have been remodeled, is furnished with all needful modern
conveniences.
Two trustees to represent the State and four to represent the stockholders
are chosen for a term of three years each, on the first Monday. of May in each
year. This board, composed of six members representing the State and twelve
representing the stockholders, elects the faculty and exercises a general manage-
ment of the institution. The names of the first board have already been given.
Those elected since are as follows : On the part of the State : John M. Greer
and Thomas Robinson, elected in 1889; Livingston McQuistion and Joseph
Hartman, in L890; John Buchanan and 11. I. Gourley, in 1891 ; John M. Greer
and Thomas Robinson, in 1892; Livingston McQuistion and R. D. McGonnigle,
in 1893, and II. I. Gourley and John Buchanan in 1894. On the part of the
stockholders: Lewis Patterson, Neyman Christley, William Kaufman and
Benjamin Pearson, elected in 1889. Mr. Kaufman died December 24, 1889, and
A. W. Christy was chosen to fill the vacancy thus occasioned. George Maxwell,
J. E. Bard, T. S. Coulter and J. C. Kerr, in 1890; A. M. Patterson, II. P. Grif-
fith, T. P. Patton and Frank Glutton, in 1891 : Lewis Patterson, Neyman
Christley, A. W. Christv and Dr. Benjamin Pearson, in 1892; George Maxwell,
CENTKEVILLE BOROUGH. 63 I
J. E. Bard, T. S. Coulter and J. C. Kerr, in 1893, and II. P. Griffith, W. J. Mor-
rison, Dr. C. W. Bard and John M. Watson in 1894.
On July 17, 1890, Dr. Albert E. Maltby was elected principal to succeed J.
E. Morrow, and has been re-elected each year since, lie and the following ladies
and gentlemen constitute the present faculty: I. M. McClymonds, teacher of
school economy and mathematics; I, \. Moore, ancient languages and natural
sciences; John C. Ricketts, mathematics; J. M. Shaffer, grammar, rhetoric and
literature; Abbie L. Simmons, preceptress, elocution and civil government : I ).
C. Murphy, superintendent model school and practice department ; Mary F.
Isaminger, form study, drawing and penmanship; Maude C. Bingham, geog-
raphy and history; Louise Schwall, instrumental and vocal music; Clara B.
Robinson, English branches; Mrs. Harriet I). Maltby, painting; Frank A.
Dumm. assistant in mathematics; M. Cora Christy, assistant in instrumental
music, and Anna Luella Kerr, librarian.
CHURCHES.
The Methodist Episcopal Church af Centreville dales back to 1834, when
Rev. William Carl organized a class here. Among the members wen- Scott
Stephenson, John C. Ramsey and their wives, John Reynolds, Michael Christ-
ley, Elizabeth and Rachel Christley, Ephraim, Eleanor and Jane Rose, John and
Susan Wallace. Alice Emery. Levi, Rachel and Nancy Hillger, Mary McKee,
Daniel and Mary Neyman, Moses Huselton, and perhaps two or three other
members, such as Daniel K. Hill, who was the class leader in later days. John
Christley and Campbell Robb. The greater number subsequently formed a class
in Cherry township, which was the nucleus of the church there. In 1837 a small
meeting house was erected, which was torn down in 1860 and replaced by a brick
building, dedicated November 15 of that year.
Among the senior members of the society when Dr. A. M. Patterson came
here in 1854, were the Christleys, Neymans, Ramseys and the Widow Hill, Dr.
Livingston and Darwin De Wolf and their wives, Samuel Adley, John Cook and
wife. Rev. W. Carl and Rev. John Somerville were the first two pastors. Rev.
J. M. Green and many of the ministers named in connection with the North
Washington church were here before the war. Rev. C. R. Patty dedicated the
building in 1860, and from that period to 1*74 it was in the Harrisville charge.
Rev. Mr. Domer was the first resident pastor that year. Rev. P. A. Reno, the
present pastor, presides over the churches at Harrisville and in Clay township,
which are in this circuit. Frank Clutton is recording steward.
The Centreville United Presbyterian Church was organized in September,
1848, with fifteen members, among whom were Elders John Hays, James
Bovard and John Balph. Rev. W. T. McAdam, installed in 1852 and released
in 1854, was the first pastor. Rev. Robert McWatty came in 1855, remained
until 1859, and was followed by Revs. A. R. Rankin. S. C. Reed, W. D. Ewing,
W. J. McClintock, and the present pastor, Rev. J. O. McConnell. In 1852 a small
building was constructed for the purposes of worship, which was used until 1882,
when a frame house of worship was erected at a cost of $4,000. The church
adopted articles of association March 1, 1886, which was signed by Marcus Mc-
632 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Gonegal, R. F. Glenn, Jacob Kiester, Edmund Smith, Thomas W. George, John
Reed, J. A. Glenn, James McKnight, John F. Weakley, \Y. J. Downs. James
Stevenson, \V. D. Ewing, i!. I'. Patterson anil C. (i. Reed. The trustees were
II. M. Gill, John C. Ken- ami 1". L. 1'atton. The membership in 1894 was 11 t.
Centreville Presbyterian Church was organized April 24, 1S54, by Revs.
John Munson, R. I). Walker ami Mead Satterfield, with twenty-nine members.
In 1856 the present church building, which has been repeatedly remodeled and
repaired, was erected. Revivals held in 1858, hst>7, 1876 and IN77 resulted in
large additions to the membership. The following named persons have served as
elders: Thomas Mifflin, Nathaniel Cooper. William 15. Cooper. Thomas Kerr,
Levi Dale. Andrew Breckenridge, W. O. Breckenridge, William Bigham, Benja-
min Campbell, II. 11. Vincent, John Bingham, Benjamin Pearson, William
Kaufman. James S. Wilson, Thomas Coulter and I. M. McClymonds. The first
pastor. Rev. Samuel Williams, was installed April 14, 1857, and served until
June 22, 1869. One year later. Rev. D. C. Cooper was installed, and preached
here until January 26, 1875. Rev. fames A. Menard was installed November
16, 1875, and remained until August 1. 1881. On June 27, 1882, Rev. James II.
Wright was installed, and served until July 28, 1887. Rev. Jesse Lee Cotton
came September 8, 1889, but resigned in 1898. Rev. G. R. Edmondson, the
present pastor, came in November. L894. The congregation numbers over 200.
The society was incorporated in March. L884, with the following named mem-
bers as trustees: Norman Patterson, Henry Wilson, C. ( ). Coulter, William
Kaufman, Joseph Bestler and Robert Kissick.
The Covenanter or Re fur mod Presbyterian Church of Centreville did not
originate there. Its history is something similar to that of the Associate church.
Organized as the "Rvefield church" in 1857, a house of worship was erected
near the south line of Slippery Rock township, on the Cooper farm, and there
the members met at intervals until 1N74, when a frame building was erected at
Centreville and the church moved to that progressive little borough. In 1879
the societv was re-organized by Rev. S. J. Crow, and shortly after Rev. J. R.
Wiley was installed as pastor. It is now without a pastor.
The Associate m- Seceder Church of WYst Liberty was organized in 1859
at Ryefield, and was continued there until 1S7S, when a meeting house — now
used as a dwelling — was erected at Centreville. Six veals before the removal of
this church from the West Liberty neighborhood. Rev. S. Ramsey was installed
pastor, and continued to preside over the society until after the little house of
worship was erected at Centreville.
Meylert Lodge, Number 435, I. O. O. F., was instituted at Centreville July
24, 1851, with Joseph M. McNair, noble grand, and W. M. Wells, secretary.
The charter was surrendered on account of irregularity in 1856. On April 14,
1875, it was restored to A. ]. Bard, William Clauggers, David Hays, Jonathan
Clutton and Richard Critchlow and twelve others, then forming the present
lodge. In the fall of 1898 W. C. Webber held the chair, with J. A. Kelly, sec-
CENTREVII I.E BOROUGH. 633
retary. The eighty members of this lodge own a two-story frame building on
Franklin street, in which the lodge meetings are held.
Slippery Rock Lodge, Number 108, A. O. U. IV., was organized May 18,
1877, with the following officers: Jonathan Glutton, M. \V. ; A. S. Fulkman,
F.; A. T. Groves, O. ; II E. Wick, G. ; W. Curry, R. ; A. J. Bard, F. ; J. S.
Wilson, R. ; Benjamin Pearson and William T. Ramsey, \Y. ; II. II. Grossman,
lohn Maybury, James Stephenson and A. Stickel, trustees. S. A. McConnell
is the present master workman and \\*. T. Ramsey the present recorder.
Friendship Lodge, Number 118S, A. of II., was organized in August,
1878, with twenty members. Notwithstanding the competition of older secret
and beneficiary organizations it is in a prosperous condition.
O. G. Bingham Post, Number 305, <i. A. A'., was mustered in March 0,
|ss:;, with sixteen members, namely: David S. Ramsey, John Boyles, James S.
Wilson, Thomas C. Kelly. George Maxwell. Levi Sturdevant, A. B. Prosser, A.
S. Berger, Robert J. Kissick, George I!. Young, William Curry, Cyrus (). Kings-
bury. D. M. Harbaugh, J. T. Grove, J. L. Bend and John Warmcastle. At one
time the post was sixty-five strong. It now has thirty-eight members. 1. R.
Martin is commander.
Council Number 350, Jr. <>. U. A. .1/., was organized September 13,
1889, with twenty-one members, J. X. Watson, councillor, and }. M. Roberts
recording secretary. The membership in February, 1894, was eighty-two.
Lodge Number 331, K. of /'.. was organized February 20, L891, with the
following named members: A. W. Christy, J. M. Roberts, J. E. Bard, Benja-
min Pearson, C. W. Bard. II. E. Bard, Frank Clutton, Neyman Christley, T- M.
Covert, II. V. Kiskaddon, Frank P. Bingham, J. C. Ricketts, John T. Bingham,
J. N. Still wagon and T. S. Coulter. The present chancellor commander is A.
B. Sager, and the keeper of records and seals, J. M. Robert-.
CHAPTER LXII.
MERCER TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Population and Statistics — Pioneers — Early Enterprises —
Schools and Justices of the Peace — Forestville.
MERCER township was established in 1804, being one of the thirteen
townships erected that year. It was previously a part of the original
township of Slippery Rock. In 1854, when the county was subdivided into
thirty-three townships, much of its territory was transferred to Marion, thus
making it. in area, the smallest township in the county. Its natural resources
are, however, important, its farms being productive and well tilled and its coal
deposits rich and extensive. Its people are industrious, prosperous and intelli-
gent, and among them are numbered many of the oldest and best known families
in the count v.
The population in 1810 was 588 ; in 1820 — 641; in 1830 — 771; in 1840—
1,233; in 1850 — 1,296; in 1860 — 545; in 1870 — 178; in 1880 — 1,371, including
Harrisville's 386 inhabitants, and in 1890 — 1,083, including that borough.
The assessed value of the township in January, 1SU1, was if 1 ">;',,( )i?< > ; the
county tax, $012.08, and the State tax, $68.61. The assessed value of Harris-
ville was $61,33-1 ; the county tax, $245.33, and the State tax, $407.48.
Col. Robert Reed, who came here from Cumberland countv. Pennsylvania, was
the first settler of this township, and also the lirst tavern keeper in Butler county,
having opened a house of entertainment on the Franklin road in 1797, when there
was only one other house on the trail to Franklin. He died in 1849, after having
achieved a reputation as a good tavern keeper, an efficient militia officer and an
expert woodsman and hunter.
Samuel Barnes, a native of Down county, Ireland, came lure from one of
the eastern counties of Pennsylvania, accompanied by his wife and t wo children,
William and Betsey, at a very early day, and settled in the wilderness upon 200
acres of land, now owned by his grandsons, |ohn A. and fames I?. Barnes. The
contemporary pioneers were fames Shields, Maj. [ohn Welsh and Thomas Dean,
natives of Ireland ; Ebenezer Beatty and Ebenezer Brown. They formed the
vanguard of the pioneers; but to the last should be added the name of Michael
Powers, a scout, who was killed by Indians a few years before near White Oak
Spring — north of Harrisville. Major Welsh was a land jobber, who built his
home just east of Harrisville, near Dean's farm. Shields located permanently
near the coal mines at Forestville in 1798; Reatty settled southwest of Harris-
ville and Brown not tar away.
MERCER TOWNSHIP. 635
[nines Hartley, who came from Westmoreland county, first improved the
site of the borough in 170s, died in 1802 and was buried near the graves of Mrs.
Buchanan, Fanny White and Jane McDonald, his being the fourth interment
near I Iarrisville. David McKisson, an Irishman, came in prior to 1800 and
resided here until his death. Francis Wilson came from Ireland and located near
the Reatty clearing. Adam Funk settled on or near the lands owned by Robert
and Andrew Porter, in the southeastern corner of the township, and opened a
tavern. Zelotus Jewell located at the corner of Venango and Butler counties,
and, for some years, was assessed in each county. folm Evans, a farmer, and
Henry Evans, who had a grist mill, located near the Jewell cabin, and old Zeke
Brady, the blacksmith, built a cabin in 1800 north of where the house of Judge
Kerr stands, in Harrisville, in the center of an Indian corn field, where he owned
twenty-four acres of land.
William Gill, one of "Mad Anthony's" Irish soldiers in the Revolution,
located on Wolf creek in 1802, but was unknown to the assessor in 1803. Eph-
raim Harris came in 1804, to take possession of the land which his partner, John
Evans, located for him, and there established the first store on the site of Luther
Braham's dwellingof later days, where he carried on trade until his death in 1825.
Maj. John R. Harris, his son, was the founder of a carding mill, near the bridge
east of town, but was a merchant in the village until his death in 1^74. Robert
Walker, the millwright, moved in from Slippery Rock in ISltj, and died here in
1839. Alexander Seaton moved from Marion township in 1810, bought the Alex-
ander Donaghy farm, and. in 1825, built a saw mill, to which he added a grist
mill in 1828, and later a carding and fulling mill. The Johnstons arrived from
Ireland in 1820, James Bell in 1822, and the Cochrans from Crawford county,
three years later, or about the time that James Lee built his store and dwelling
at Harrisville. Jonathan McMillan was here in 1830, William Stanley, William
Waddle, John McCoy, Washington Barker, William P. Brown, James Forker,
Josiah Hardy, Thomas McElree,John Dougherty and perhaps two or three other
heads of families came about this period.
From the date of the first settlement, when Cornplanter and his sub-chiefs and
warriors were frequent guests within the cabins of the pioneers to 1831, Indian
visitors were numerous and, it may be stated, that down to 1843, when Mohawk
murdered the Wigton family, the old Indians would come to look at the sites of
their former villages and corn fields and to point out to their children the scenes
among which their own childhood was passed,
SCHOOLS AND JUS1 ICES.
The pioneer school of Mercer township was established where Harrisville
stands in 1799, and Frederick Peel was appointed teacher. He was succeeded
by James Hardy. John Walsh. James Matthews. John Evans. Timothy O'Hara,
Adam Funk and Conway Hamilton, the last being the teacher when the public
school system was introduced. Robert Reed, who settled a mile south of Harris-
ville. William McCoy, Thomas Dean, Frank Wilson and James Hardy were
the builders. In the year 1800 Wright Elliott, a brother-in-law of Harris, opened
a school on or near the site of Harrisville. The second house was built on the
636 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
north line of Slippery Rock township early in the century, and there William
Brandon, Russell, Sanborn and fane Smith taught before the introduction of
the common school system. It is believed that Miss Smith was the first female to
take charge of a school in Butler county. In June, 1893, there were seventy-
eight male and seventy-five female pupils of school age reported in the township,
and sixty male and fifty-nine female pupils in Harrisville. The total school rev-
enue for the year was $1,685.64 in the township, the State appropriating $61 1.1*9,
and of the borough, $1,907.3] including an appropriation of $614.99.
The justices of the peace for Mercer township, from 1840 to 1894, are named
as follows: — John Murrin, 1840; James Kerr, 1840; John Black, 1845; William
Russell, 1845; James Seaton, 1M7; James Porter, 1850; Alexander Seaton, 1852,
1864 and 1869; William II. McGill, 1854; Hugh Braham, 1857, 1862 and 1887;
Charles Cochran, 1859 and 1867; John Elder, 1872; James McFaddcn, I ^7;, ;
T. D. Kelly, 1^77; W. II. Orr, 1880; Joseph Brown, 1882; Thomas McClintock,
1885; J. 1'. Cochran, 1886; X. C. Bryson, 1887; Hugh Gill, 1888 and 1893;
J. W. Bryson. 1891, moved to Chicago in 1893, and James Cochran, 1894.
Forestville was purely a coal town, and a model one while the supply lasted.
The buildings, erected there by the operators, are still standing; but the majority
of the miners have moved to other tields. In 1875 W. C. Bryson established a
general store there. In the fire of 1881, he lost heavily; but rebuilt promptly and
carried on business for some years The general stores of R. C. Shields and Mrs.
Jane Owens, were latter day business ventures.
CHAPTER LXIII.
HARRISVILLE BOROUGH.
Founding of the Town Col. Robert Reed's Addition— Early Business Enter-
prises—Schools— Harrisville in 1S65 — Hotkls, Mills and Merchants — Bor-
ough Officials -Burgesses and Justices of the Peace— Churches — Secret
Societies.
HARRISVILLE was surveyed in 1825 for Ephraim Harris, who began the
sale of lots April 11 of that year. He was the first postmaster in the
village, and was succeeded, in 1826, by his son. Samuel E. Harris. In 1833 the
southern addition was surveyed, on Col. Robert Reed's farm, and named Reeds-
ville, so that two towns form the foundation of the borough. E/.ekeil Brady, the
blacksmith, built a cabin, in 1800, on a tract of twenty-four acres of land which
he entered that year. This trad was north of the village center, but on it the
first business house was erected, and " Old Zeke" carried on his trade there from
1800 forward. James Hartley made the first improvements on the Harris farm
HARRISVILLE BOROUGH. 637
in 17VI8, while Colonel Reed established his home and tavern on his farm in 1797.
The tavern keeper, farmer and blacksmith were, therefore, the first invaders of
the "prairie tract," or great Indian cornfield. In 1M)1 the Ephraim Harris store
was opened; in 1807 Henry Evans, the distiller, began tavern keeping and car-
ried on the house for fourteen or fifteen years, when Harris purchased the old log
building. Two years after the survey of the town site. Maj. John R. Harris, son
of Ephraim, established himself here as a merchant, built a carding mill, opened
a tavern and continued in trade here until his death in 1N74.
Two years before John R. Harris began business, James Lee erected a little
frame building in which he opened a stock of <;oods, and remained in trade until
1830, when he sold his interest to Jonathan McMillan. At that time William
H. McGill carried on a blacksmith's shop; Thomas McElree was a cabinet
maker; lames and William Porker were hatters; Samuel E. Harris and Wash-
ington Parker had their little stores in operation ; fames Kerr was clerk in the
newly opened McMillan store, and John R. Harris kept tavern on the site of the
modern Kerr House. Three years alter John McCoy and Washington Parker
erected their dwellings, and a little later William P. Brown established his
cabinet shop, where he erected a second building in 1851.
Prom 1830 to 1847 signal progress was made here. Within a radius of
three miles were ten distilleries and in the village four taverns. Whisky sold at
twenty-five cents a gallon, and Josiah Hardy, John Dougherty, John Kerr and
John R. Harris, the tavern keepers, enjoved a large and decent trade: for seldom
did the villagers or visiting neighbors drink to excess. Even the Slippery Rock
Light Infantry found the liquor pleasant to the taste, and knew better than abuse
its use on training day; but Josiah Hardy, a thorough going Methodist, thought
it required a good deal of grace to attend to business and religion without robbing
God or Caesar. Thompson Kyle came in 1845, and gave his attention to the
development of the coal deposits.
In the sketch of Mercer township mention is made of the pioneer teachers
and the statistics of the borough schools given. The first school established in
Harrisville was in a frame building erected in lSJji), and the lirst teacher was
Samuel E. Harris. In 1833 Judge James Kerr was the teacher, and Chauncey
Hamilton also taught several years. In April, 1856, a high school or academy
was established here by W. Thomas, of West Sunbury Academy. The town has
had lor several years a good school building anil a well conducted graded school.
Harrisville. in 1865, was made up ol loin stores, including 'P. W, Morrow's,
a foundry purchased that year by Bingham, of Centreville, three blacksmith
shops, G. W. Magee's carriage shop, one tannery, one pottery, one cabinet shop,
three saddle and harness shops, three shoe shops, two temperance hotels, one
grocery and one saloon. The professions were represented by three physicians,
two common school teachers and one select school teacher, together with the
pastors of the three churches in the village and of the United Presbyterian church
one mile west of the village. The foundrv previously mentioned was established
in 1845 by Gilmer & Shaffer. The tire of June 6, 1872, destroved Samuel Kerr's
hotel and William Kirkpatrick's dwelling, on the east side of the street, and
threatened the whole town.
638 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The King House was known as the Kerr House down to October 17, 1893,
when E. A. K i n j_c purchased the property from the Widow Kerr. It was carried
on by Samuel Kerr for forty years prior to his death. The Central Hotel and
oilier houses of entertainment have existed here until recent years.
Tin- Kerr & Walker flouring mill at Harrisville was built in 1882 as a huhr
mill, and opened by Seaton & Sutton, who operated it up to t Ik- spring of 1884,
when E. A. King leased the concern. A brick smokestack was erected during
King's lease. Struthers A Walker were the next lessees. The roller system was
then introduced, and Samuel Porch became lessee, continuing until K. K .Walker
purchased Judge Kerr's interests and leased it to S. R. Walker, who carried it
on until 1894, when it was purchased by Samuel 15. Bingham, the present proprietor.
The business interests in 1894 were represented by II. C. Black & Son,
Robert Black, J. E. Curry. D. W. Humphrey & Company, L. R. Cummins, W.
L. Morrison, E. S. Beatty, Samuel 15. Bingham. R. E. Brown, A. G. Steen and
J. M.Elrick; while the f . G. Eagher general store is near I larrisville, and may be
included as a local business house.
BOR( Hon OFFICIALS,
The first election for the borough of Harrisville took place September 11,
1840, when Lyman Howard was chosen burgess; Robert Long, Samuel Brown,
Washington P. Allen, John Heater and W. A. Gilmore, councihnen; P. I).
Brumbaugh and R. K. Wick overseers of the poor; Robert Donaghy, con-
stable and assessor; ]ohn R. Harris and Hugh McCoy, street commissioners,
and R. R. Walker, clerk.
The office of burgess has been filled from 1847 to 1894, inclusive, by R. R.
Walker, in 1S47; James Kerr, 1848; John R. Harris, 1849; B. D. Brumbaugh,
1850, (refused to serve); J. T. Billingsly, 1850; Hugh Gilmore, 1851; Hugh
McCoy. 1852; T. Kyle, 1853; John Heater, 1854; W. A. Gilmore, 1855; Will-
iam Black, 1850; I. W. Jones. 1857; Solomon Snyder, 1858; Joseph S. Pew,
1859; W. IE Morrison, 1800; W. 1'. Brown, 1801 ; A. J. McMillan, 1802; Joseph
Hamilton, 1803; J. X. Cubbison, 1804; Dr. J. M. McMillan, 1804; William
Goodwin, 1805; W. B. Henderson, 1800; George W. Magee, 1807; William
Goodwin, 1808; W. IE Morrison. 1809; C. M. Brown. 1870; IE S. Bingham,
1871-72; James McGill, 1873 : James II. Morrison, 1874-75; IE A. Ayres, 1*70;
J. IE Morrison, Si., Is77, 1878, 1880, 1880, 1889; K. E. Brown. 1879 and 1881;
II. A. Ayres. 1882; Eamont Steen. 1883, 1887 and 1888; J. R. II. Morrow.
1884; John F. Crowl, 1885; Henry Bootz, 1890; William Cochran, 1891; J.
II. Morrison, 1892-98, and George S. Moon. 1894.
The justices of the peace for the borough of Harrisville, from 1847 to 1894,
inclusive, are named as follows ; William A. Gilmore, 1847—58; Robert Long,
1850-57; James Kerr, 1852; George B. Williamson, 1855; Robert R. Walker,
1859-04; Z. C. Quillen, 1859; Thompson Kyle. 1800; John Black. 1805-70; J.
R.Snyder. 1809-74; James McGill, 1875-1880; C. M. Brown. l,s7(;-77-sr)-l.)L' ;
W. IE Orr, 1880; J. M. Elrick, 1882-87; W. J. McGill. 1880, and E. S.
Beatty', 1890.
HARRISVILLE BOROUGH. 639
CHURCHES.
Tltc United Presbyterian Church of Harmony may be said to date back
to 1800, though not until November 10, 1802, did this society, then known as the
Boiling Spring Church, with Scrubgrass and Cool Spring societies, unite in a
call tor a pastor. In December following, a call was extended to Rev. Thomas
McClintock, a native of Ireland, and was accepted by him April 7, 1 Si )^>. Thomas
Matthews, William Gill, John Atwell and Alexander White were the first elders.
and the predecessors of Thomas McEIree, Samuel Cross, Joint Matthews, Sam-
uel G. White, David Beatty and their successors. William Buchanan, Ebenezer
Heattv and John Matthews were the first trustees. The sale of land on Swamp
creek, to the members of the Harmony congregation — a branch of the Associate
Synod of North America — was made September 5, hs07. On that date, Thomas
McCoy deeded to Rev. Thomas McClintock. pastor of the congregation, four
acres — part of the original entry made by Duncan McSparrin, July 15, lsi>7.
Theprice paid was twelve dollars, and the conditions of sale were that t lie ground
be used for a meeting-house and burial ground and be held in trust for the congre-
gation. A log cabin was erected on the land for winter use. but being too small a
larger log cabin was erected, which was used down to 1836, when a frame church
50x60 feet was built. In that structure services were held down to September
4. 1889, when the present stone and brick building, costing %\ 1,000, was dedicated.
Mr. McClintock died March 1(1. 1832, after a pastorate of thirty years. On May 27,
1835, Rev. William C. Pollock was ordained pastor and served until May I, 1852. In
December, of that year, Rev. Samuel Kerr, the present pastor, was ordained, to give
his whole time to this church. In 1835, Ebenezer Beattv. Joseph Cross and Will-
iam George were elected elders, and in 1840, Paden Craig. Edward McEIree and
W. S. McClintock were chosen. Later, the names of nearly all the elders
appear, with trustees. James Vincent, David McKee, Robert Shaw and William
Bovard, of whom McKee and Vincent, with George B. Cross, were chosen elders
in 1853. In 1859 Joseph Brown, Gibson Vincent, R. G. Gilfillan and W. |.
Vawn were elected ; in 1860, Alexander Brown; in 1863, George Cubbison ; in
1869, Hugh Braham, Alexander McCormick, VV. P. Buchanan, and James B.
Barnes, and in ls7ti, A. M. Barber. — William Black being the treasurer then as
tor many years before. In Rev. Samuel Kerr's minutes the church is credited
with 280 members, and is in a very prosperous condition.
The Presbyterian Church of Harrisville was first organized in 1807 under
the name of " Unity " — sometimes called" West Unity." The first meeting place
was a tent at Rocky Springs, in which Revs. Samuel Fait and Robert Lee
preached prior to 1812. It is related that during the War of 1812, while the sol-
diers were on their way to Erie, Mr. Tait preached to them, the people from
fifteen miles around coming to hear him.
The first permanent pastor. Rev. Cyrus Riggs, was installed April 6, 1814,
and continued to serve the congregation for twenty years. After his release.
April 2, 1834, a division took place over the question of employing Rev. Joseph
Johnston, a native of the north of Ireland, who came to Butler county from New
Brunswick, Canada, and who. in 1832, was given a permit to preach in the Free-
64O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
port neighborhood. As the result of an effort on his part to " unionize " the
church, a division took place, and an Associate Reformed congregation was
formed under the name of West Unity Associate Reformed church.
In Time. L834, Rev. Loyal Voting was sent to preach to that portion of the
congregation adhering to the Presbytery. In 1837 the location of the church was
fixed at Harrisville, and a new church building, now the Armory hall, erected.
An old. hewn log church, said to have been erected by the Seceder congregation,
stood in the present cemetery as late as 1847, when David Reed purchased the
building and moved it to his farm.
The next pastor, Rev. John R. Agnew, was installed April 3, 1838, and
served until October 21, 1845 or 1846. He was succeeded by the following pas-
tors: Revs. John Moore. June 22, 1847, to November 13, 1849; Mead Sattertield,
son of Rev. James Sattertield. one of the original members of the I'resbvterv. and
a grandson of Gen. David Mead, founder of Meadville, from February 12, 1851 to
his death. May 11, 1855; J. F. Boyd, June 22, 1850, to June, 1866; William D. Pat-
ton, December 26, 1866, to June 27, 1^77. when a vacancy of four years occurred ;
|ohn W. Fulton. September 13. 1881, to June 7, 1882. In November, 1885,
Rev. Mr. Laverty came and served one year. Rev. lames Rose came in April,
L887, and remained until October of the same year. The present pastor is Rev.
Henry G. Blayney, who has a congregation of 114 members.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1834 by Rev. William
Carl, who, in that and the following year, established classes in this anil neigh-
boring townships, such as the Christly class, in Cherry. Among the early mem-
bers were John McConnell, Josiah Hardy, Robert Walker. Robert Knowlton,
Abner Gill and William H. McGill and their wives. The first public school house
was tendered to the society lor religious services. In 1842 a meeting house was
erected, and ten years after the society boasted of 200 members. In L869 seventy
members moved westward and, with the exception of the periods of church revi-
vals, the membership has seldom reached one-third of that number. It is in the
Centreville charge.
SECRET Soil KTI ES.
Harrisville Lodge, Number 2J97, A", of If., was organized May 21, L881.
Lamont Steen, the present reporter, states, that of the seventy members enrolled,
since the institution of the lodge, only four have died. There are now twenty-
six members.
Z. C. McQuillcn Post, Number ..",<!, C,. A. A\. was mustered in May 12,
1882, with the following named veterans: C. M. Brown, A. J. McCoy, Lemuel
McGill, L R. Cummins, W. A. Roberts, W. Cochran. \Y. J. Xeyman , X. J.
Maxwell, J. W. Campbell. L. (i. Jenkins. David Jenkins, D. W. Locke, W. B.
Henderson and Alexander Williams. The past-commanders are: W.Cochran,
L. R. Cummins. W. A. Seaton, W. J. Neyman and A. J. McCoy. Samuel Seaton
and |. W. Shull. The hist named is the present commander, with L. R. Cum-
mins, adjutant. The strength of the post is twenty-eight.
Harrisville Council. Number 1,27, Jr. O. l\ A. M.. was instituted
April 7. 1890. Of die first officers lour were members of the lodge in Februarv,
MARION TOWNSHIP. 64 1
1894. The councillors elected since, are James McMillan, Robert Cochran,
William Gilmore, J. C. Campbell, E. A. King, James McMillan and H. P. Cum-
mins. There were in February, 1894, about thirty members.
Harrisville Tent, Number 1ST, A. O. ']'. J/., was chartered Tuly 22,
1893, with twenty-five members. E. A. King has been record keeper since the
organization of the tent. Thomas J. Cokaine was the first past commander and
E. E. McConnell second, the present commander being D. W. Humphrey. Dr.
Seidle is physician. There are twenty-rive members, who meet in the K. of
H. hall.
CHAPTER LXIV.
MARIOX TOWNSHIP.
Origin of Name — Physical and Geological Characteristics— Coal Deposits— Oil
Sands and Elevations — Population and Statistics — Pioneers — Past and
Present Industries— Schools and Justices — Villages — Churches.
MARION township, named in honor of a Revolutionary hero. Gen.
Francis Marion, though not one of the oldest settled divisions of this
county, offered a home to the pioneers in 1800. Its width, east and west, is five
and one-quarter miles, and length, five miles. Slippery Rock creek and its
numerous feeders invaded this township ages ago, carved out water courses ami
converted the original table land into a broken country. From Murrinsville
westward, the action of the waters is evidenced by remnatsof the old rock, which
lie like sentinels of the past in detached masses. Along the creeks the ferrifer-
ous limestone is exposed and, in many localities, this rock approaches the sur-
face. The general outcrop, however, shows the Freeport sandstone in high
places and the Homewood rock in the creek bottoms. Upper Kittanning coal is
found in veins of from two to three feet in thickness, under the Freeport lower
sandstone and shale on the summits. At Murrinsville it is a pure cannel coal,
equally as good as that found near North Washington. Below it. about 170
feet, a Brookville coal of equal thickness exists. About 120 feet below the can-
nel, a ten feet bed of limestone, resting on forty feet of sandy shale, forms a
cover for the Brookville coal. North of the site of McMurry's old mill the lime
rock may be seen in massive blocks, ten to twenty feet square and twelve to six-
teen feet in height. Below it is a fifty-five feet bed of sandstone and shale, cov-
ering a three to five feet bed of Brookville coal of the same quality as was mined
many years ago near the western line of Marion.
The oil sands of this section are rather shelly, as learned from the record of
the Emerson & Bronson well, drilled in 1877. near McMurry"s mill, and from
642 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
that nf the Murrinsville wells of later days. Xear the Catholic church is a fairly
productive oil field, but, it may be said, that down to the spring of 1894, no
thorough attempt had been made to develop this part of the Butler oil field. The
elevation, at or near the crossing of the Murrinsville and Clintonville roads, is
1,400 feet; at Murrinsville, 1,440 feet; while a mile southwest of Murrinsville
an elevation of 1,850 feet is found, and in the northwestern quarter of the town-
ship one of 1,450 feet.
The population in I860 was 789; in 1870, 850; in 1880, 1,086, and in 1890,
1)15. The assessed value on January 1. 1N',)4. was $252,849, on which a county
tax of $1,011.39 and a State tax of $38.40 were levied.
PIONEERS.
In noticing the pioneers of this township, mention must be made of the quasi-
trader, Daniels, who located near what is now Anandale station about the time
that Studebaker and Snyder built their cabin in Worth township. He cleared a
little tract of land, known to-day as "Daniel's garden." built his cabin and re-
sided there until some drunken Indians warned him to leave. That he accepted
the warning without conditions is a well-known fact, for within a few years the
pioneers of what is now Venango township visited the spot and learned some-
thing of its original settler.
Samuel McMurry is credited with being one of the first permanent settlers
in the township. McMurry, who was a native of Down county, Ireland, deserted
from the British army and tied to the United States. Before sailing he married
a girl named Kelly, and. it is Said, that she placed him in a barrel and had him
shipped as a part of her baggage. In 1798 this couple entered the wilderness of
Slippery Rock, in this township, and selected a home near the creek, not far dis-
tant from '• Daniel's garden." There his faithful wife died in 1803 or 1804, and
there, also, he found another comforter in Mrs. Isabella (Moorhead) Hartley,
widow of |aines Hartley, who settled near Harrisville in 1796 and died in 1X12.
[ohn Vincent, Sr., a native of Ireland, purchased a tract of 400 acres of land
in what is now Marion township, in 1796, oil which he settled in 1798, and
where he died March IS, Is 17. John Vandyke came about the same time, and
resided here till his death in 1850, in his eighty-eighth year.
John and fane Black, both natives of Ireland, located near to McMurry
cabin in 1799. In 1825 he built a saw mill ami later a grist mill on the middle
branch of Slippery Rock, long known as Black's mills. He died here in 1832,
leaving numerous descendants.
Robert Waddle came from Westmoreland counts in L800, and took up 400
acres of land in this township. Hi-, sons were Thomas, James, Samuel, William,
Robert and John, who assisted him in clearing and improving his homestead.
Both he and his wife, Berthia Orbison, died here. Robert Seaton. with his wife
and three children, settled north of the creek, west of Waddle's, in 1800, and
founded the Seaton family of Butler county.
William. Robert ami Samuel Black were here in L803. Hugh Gilmore and
loseph Blakeny, natives of Ireland, settled here about the same time. Robert
Cochran. Sr., owned 150 acres of land anil two cows that year. Alexander (>il-
MARION TOWNSHIP. 04 ;
Christ owned two cows ; Robert Read carried on a tannery near the township
line, and John Walsh had 400 acres of land. Joseph Porter, who married
Martha Vandyke in 1817, located lands the same year on the south line of this
township and made his home here. Alexander Mortland, a native of Ireland,
came here from Juniata county, Pennsylvania, in 1806, and settled on and
improved a tract of land near the site of Murrinsville. George Ray. Sr., who
was born in Fairview township, Butler county, in 1802, came to Marion town-
ship in 1810, and made his home with his uncle, George Ward, at that period
one of the largest land owners in the township.
Robert Atwell, a native of Ireland, who settled in Scrubgrass township,
Venango county, prior to 1800, moved into Marion township in 1816. lie
cleared and improved a farm on which he lived until his death in 1840. Jacob
Kellerman brought his family from Huntington county in 1818, built a cabin in
this township and resided here until his death in 18f>',). lames Dugan, who
brought his family here from Down county, Ireland, in 1816, sought a home and
found it here in 1820. William Gilchrist and family arrived from Ireland in 1819,
and located near Samuel McMurry's cabin.
Others, pioneers of the county, moved into this township at an early day
and shared, with the actual vanguard of the settlers, the labor of developing this
rich agricultural district. Among them may be mentioned James Hartley, Jr..
born near Ilarrisville, in 1800; James McDermott, born in Fairview township in
1804: William Farren, born in this county in 1807, and one or more of the Mur-
rins, natives of the adjoining township of Venango.
PAST AND PRESENT [NDUSTRIES.
Ray's mill may be considered a Marion township industry. Built early in
the century by General Campbell of Revolutionary fame, it was the hope of the
pioneers, and for years after it fell into the hands of the Rays it was an import-
ant industry. McMurry's grist mill and distillery were established as early as
1810; but his linseed oil mill and carding mill, farther south , in Cherry township,
were not established until 1880. Robert Seaton erected a fulling mill in IS 15,
and subsequently a tannery, both of which he carried on almost down to the
period of his death, in 185:2.
The Black saw mill was- erected near the meeting of the branches of the
Slippery Rock, close to the south line of the township, in 1825. He later estab-
lished a grist mill there, so that in addition to opening a farm, John Black gave
to the young settlement two substantial industries, known as Black's mills, as tes-
timonials to his quarter century's citizenship. William Evans owned a saw mill
and an iron furnace, which he carried on in connection with a general store, until
1856, when Liddell & Kepler purchased his interests.
The Marion furnace was established in 1850 by lames Kerr and Robert
Breaden. who conducted it until 1862. < )re was found in abundance and the
charcoal used in smelting was manufactured there.
Sproul's steam gristmill at Anandale station, was built in 1878 bv Hugh
and E. G. Sproul, and was operated under lease or share for a short term, when
E, A. King, now of Ilarrisville, leased the concern and operated it until 1880,
644 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
meantime taking in the Sproul Brothers. In 1883 lie became superintendent for
the owners. It is a well equipped roller-mill in every respect.
SCHOOLS AXD JUSTICES.
One of the first schools in the township was presided over by David C. Cun-
ningham in the second decade of this century. He taught in the old log church
of the Presbyterians, where West Unity United Presbyterian church now stands,
for many winters. John Walsh taught at Seaton's fulling mill. Nancy Brecken-
ridge " held school " in various places, and when Unity church was built, in 1825,
Lydia Waters is said to have taught school there. There are now six buildings
devoted to instruction of children in the township. The number of male pupils
enrolled in 1893 was 146 and female 115 — the total receipts for school purposes
being $1,943.06.
The justices of the peace for Marion township elected from 1854 to 1894 are
named as follows : John Black, 1854; Joseph Cummins, 1855 and 1860; Will-
iam Black, 1859, 1869 and 1878; John Kerr, 1864 and 1870; Dickson Atwell,
1865; William Carson. 1*73 ; Thomas Gilmore, 1874; J. K.Vincent. IsTS; John
Murrin, 1883 and 1888; R. A. Hartley. lss:;; C. McFadden, 1884; John
.McDowell, 1886; J. T. Black. 1887 and 1892; Newton Mortland, 1894.
VILLAGES.
Murrinsville was surveyed in 1828 for 'Squire John Murrin on the western
slope of the Allegheny-Beaver divide, at a point 1,440 feet above ocean level,
near the eastern line of Marion township. On December 111, 1828, the owner
advertised a sale of lots, which took place in January, 1829. The Catholic
church, the pastor's residence, the McBride and Gormley stores, the postoffice,
two or three dwellings, a large farm house, and an old weather-beaten building
constitute t he present hamlet. The Murrin settlement is in the valley east of the
village, anil around the village in this and Venango townships are the old homes
of pioneer families. On the Marion side of the line is the large, well-stocked
store of J. II. Gormley, and on the Venango side the old McBride store.
Anandalc Station, Hovers postoffice. was founded in August, 1873, under
the name of Byerstown ; but not until January, 1882, was a post-otfice established
there, with W. G. Smith, postmaster. Frederick Byers and family came from
Armstrong county in 1810, ami purchased the William Stoops property that
vear, the owner moving to Washington township. On this farm a hotel was
erected in 1876 by a grandson of Frederick, and the true beginnings of the pres-
ent little railroad town were made. Six years after, William Mabold was the
general merchant of the place and the second postmaster and express agent ; A.
McCandless was also a merchant ; Sproul & King operated the grist mill ; Henry
Baldwin carried on a wagon and blacksmith shop; Stephens iY_ Taft were owners
of the stave and heading mill, and R. Byers carried on the hotel business. The
trade revival of that year led to several building enterprises in 1882-83; but, dur-
ing the ten succeeding years, little progress was made. In 1893, however, the
new store buildings of L. J. Sisney and 11. Hamilton were built.
At Bailey's store, near Harrisville. Joseph Bailey carries on a general mer
chandise business.
MARION TOWNSHIP. 645
CHURCHES.
The United Presbyterian Church of West Unity had its inception about
1807, when several Presbyterian ministers visited Butler county with the object
of organizing churches, and, it is said, came into Marion township in 1809 to enter
into friendly competition with the old Seceder church, near Harrisville. They
were successful in gathering a membership, and erecting a log building in which
to hold services. In 1825 the trustees agreed to erect a new house of worship,
and that year, Orrin Waters built a good house for the time and place, — the
fathers or grandfathers of five of the men named in the articles of incorporation,
with Henry Thompson, being the prime movers in the enterprise. Rev. Cyrus
Riggs, who preached a gospel acceptable to members of the Presbyterian, Asso-
ciate Reformed, .Seceder and the Covenanter denominations, was then filling
the pulpit and continued his services until 1829 or 1830. Then came Rev. Jo-
seph Johnston, an Irishman, to take charge of the Calvinistic churches of Bear
Creek, Unity, North Washington and one or two others. Within four years he
carried the larger part of the membership into the Associate Reformed church
and in 1835 witnessed the transportation of the Atwell Presbyterian society
into the Unity Associate Reformed society — James Bovard, James Waddle and
Hugh Lee being the elders. Two years later John McCuen. David Christy and
Hugh Lee were elected trustees, and Rev. James Green called as pastor. James
Black, Charles Cochran and Alexander Buchanan were installed elders in 1SP>S.
Under Rev. James Green and the trustees named the building of 1825 was made
habitable for the worshipers, who had by that time cooled down and decided to
remain members of the Associate Reformed congregation.
The church was incorporated Februarv 8, 1886, with William H. Atwell. S.
J. Black, James Dugan and Joshua Black, trustees. Among the petitioners
were S. M. Seaton, R. G. Adams, S. F. Milford and Samuel Laughlin. The
pastors since Mr. Green's day are as follows: Revs. Robert W.Oliver, L842 ;
J. K. Riddle. 1846; J. H. Fife. 1848; (vacancy L855-58); James A. Campbell,
1858; W. A. Black, 1860; J. E. Dodds, ls74: (vacancy 1877-79) R. A. Gilfil-
lan, 1879: (vacancy 1882), and J. J. Imbrie from 1882 up to the present. The
membership in 1894 was 165. Mr. Imbrie preaches also at the Scotch Hill and
Ebenezer churches, in Mercer county, and is one of the most energetic and suc-
cessful ministers in Butler county.
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church at Murrinsville. dates its foundation back
to 1841. Fully forty-one years prior to that date a small congregation assembled
at stated times at the Murrin homestead, east of the present village, to participate
in the service of the mass. for. as in 1753, when the French soldiery and carpen-
ters were here, so in 1800 missionary fathers visited the settlements in Butler
county. About 1807 Father Ferry came to this neighborhood, and his successors
in charge of St. Patrick's church, on Sugar creek, continued the good work
until the stone church building was completed in 1841. Father John Cody baptized
Sarah McXally at Murrinsville. August 13, 1839. Father Hugh P. Gallagher
appears to have come here in ls42: Father Michael J. Mitchell, in 1843; Father
Hoy, in 1845; Father Michael Creadon, in 1848; Father Mitchell, 1850 ; Father
f>4<> HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Doyle, 1854; Father Thomas O'Farrell attended from New Castle in L855, and
Father John C. Farren in 1859. Father Hughes came in November, 1859 and
remained one year, when Father Thomas Walsh succeeded him. Early in 1863
Rev. ]. C. Bigham, (now of St. Bridget's church, Pittsburg), took charge and
remained until the coming of Father Kerr, in 1865. Father William A. Nolan
visited the church in July, 1866, then came Father C. V. Neeson, who remained
until INTO, when Father Heaney was appointed, lie was succeeded the same
year by Father James Tahaney, and he by Father Neeson in 1S7l'. From lyT-i
to 1880, Father James F. Tobin was here. Rev. Hugh Connery came in 1880;
Rev. Hugh K. Barr in 1881 ; Rev. Hugh Haggerty in 1882; Rev. F. B. Brady
in 1885; Rev. Thomas J. Morris in 1889, and Rev. William T. Dwyer, the
present pastor, in 1892.
The old members of the congregation are named as follows : Hugh Murrin,
Sr., John Murrin, Sr., Joseph Murrin, Sr., George, Philip, Hugh, (who donated
160 acres for church purposes), Peter, Hugh (•!), William. John, Hugh K.,
James and Joseph Murrin and their families; James Green, Peter McLaughlin,
Jacob and Hugh Kellerman, Zachariah Fielding. Dudley. Patrick and Francis
Carr, Michael, James and Edward Higgins, James, John, Joseph and Hugh Mc-
Anallen. Patrick, John and Francis McNamee, Thomas. Hugh and William (i.
McLaughlin, John Peoples. Thomas and Daniel McDermott, James, Daniel, John
and David Kelly, Michael Kelly, Sr., Bernard Gardner, Thomas McGarvey,
William Holland. Michael McClafferty, William ForqUer, Michael Conway.
Neil Gormley, Michael, Patrick (merchant), and Patrick (fanner) McBride,
John Kinnehan, Michael, Dennis and Charles Logue, James Read. Daniel Mc-
Caulev, John McCullough and their families. The congregation now numbers
forty families, though nearly double that number claim the mother church as
theirs. In 1839 John Murrin donated an acre for church and cemetery purposes,
and, in IS 11, the stone church was completed thereon. The roof and flooring of
the old church were destroyed by fire. January 20, 1893; but the furniture and
bell were saved. The work of restoration was at once entered upon, under the
superintendence of the pastor, with John C. ami C. G. Murrin. A tower and
belfry were added and, practically, a new church was completed.
CHAPTER LXV.
CHERRY TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Physical Characteristics — Coal Deposits — Mining Companies —
Population and Statistics — Pioneers — Early Manufacturers— First Elec-
tion— Schools — Justices of the Peace — Churches— Villages — The Cyclone
of 1882.
CHERRY township, organized in 1854, is watered In* .Slippery Rock creek,
its north and south branches, Murrin's run and Findley run. In the vici-
nitY of Anandale the elevations are from 1,450 to 1,490 feet above ocean level,
while in the southwest quarter of the township 1,400 feet elevations are found.
The highest rock discovered is the Upper Freeport sandstone, and the lowest, the
Homewood, as seen near water level on the main stream and its feeders. Kit-
tanning coal has been mined on the Galloway and Grossman, the Bryan, the
Robert Black, John Smith and the Hockenberry farms, a seam of cannel coal
being found in the mine on the last named farm, near Five Points. The effect of
the Union Coal and Coke Company and the Gomersal Coal Company's enterprise
in opening up the coal fields of this section cannot be overestimated. The ferri-
ferous limestone quarry and kiln, southwest of Anandale, near the Robert Black
dwelling, were known years ago when McGregor operated them.
The population in 1840 was 625; in 1850, 970; in 1860, 907; in 1870, 903;
in 1880, 1,161, and in 1890, 1,433. The total assessed value January 1. 1894,
was $296, 712, the county tax, $1,186.35 and State tax, $68.40.
PIONEERS.
The first pioneer settlement of this township was made in IT'.'T. by Benedict
Grossman and his family and Robert Black, his son-in-law. Mr. Grossman
brought with him a small stock of goods which were exposed for sale in a log
cabin in Washington township, owned by John Christy, with Robert Black in
charge. Within a short time, however, he removed the unsold portion of
the stock to his place in Cherry township. Benedict Grossman's wife, whose
maiden name was Betsey Stivert, was taken captive by Indians in York county.
Pennsylvania, in 175(3, and kept by them until 1763, when she was restored to the
whites at Pittsburg. In 1803 Benjamin Grossman, a son of Benedict, paid four-
teen cents taxes on two cows and one horse, while Robert Black paid eleven
cents on one horse and one cow, neither of the families being assessed for real
estate.
Michael Stevenson, his wife Sarah, and sons John, James and William, came
from Ireland in 1798 and settled here. The three sons afterward served in the
War of 1812. All three of them died within ten days after their return home of
648 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
"Black Rock fever." In 1803 John was the owner of 400 acres of land in this
township, and was practically the head of the family until the breaking out of
the War of 1812 called him into the service of his country.
Andrew Stewart came here from Northumberland county in IT'.tS, and set-
tled on 400 acres of land, where some of his descendants still live. He was one
of the pioneer school teachers of the county, and served at Black Rock in the
War of 1M:'. lie married Mary Russell, and reared a large family.
John Christy, a native of Ireland, came here from Westmoreland county in
the spring of 17'.)9. and settled on 400 acres of land where his granddaughter,
Mrs. Martha Campbell, now lives. Robert McCallen, who married Polly Gross-
man in lT'.'T, the same year in which her father settled here, came in 1799, and
cleared land for Benedict Grossman his father-in law, until he purchased a farm
for himself near New Hope church.
Alexander Hutchison and family came from Westmoreland county in 1800,
but did not own taxable real estate when the county was organized. William
Hutchison, however, had 228 acres of land, three cows and two horses. The
Russell family, who settled in Scrubgrass township, Venango county, in 1798,
contributed five sons to the settlement of Cherry. Samuel, the eldest, died in
1870, aged ninety-four years. They were not here when Butler county was or-
ganized, but came into the Stewart neighborhood shortly afterwards.
Joseph Porter, son of Alexander and Margaret (Braden) Porter, of Wash-
ington county, settled near the north line of Butler with his parents in 17(dS, and
twenty years after south of the north line of Cherry township. John Ilocken-
berry, who settled in Brady township in 1803, afterwards moved into Cherry
and died here. John Smith. Sr., came from Parker township prior to 1820. In
1821 he married Mary .Stevenson, and began the improvement of the lands which
he purchased here. For three-quarters of a century the Smiths of Cherry town-
ship have been leading farmers. James Bovard, who settled in Fairview town-
ship in 1798, moved into this township in 1S24, settling on 250 acres of land now
owned by his grandson, Charles B. Bovard.
The old mill, known as Ray's mill, was built early in the century by General
Campbell, a soldier of the Revolution. McMurry's distillery and grist mill were
established on McMurry's run in 1810. Twenty years after the linseed oil and
woolen mills were built. In 1843 the property fell into the hands of Samuel
McMurry. Jr., and he added a saw mill. The McCoy 1Y. Grossman mill was erected
in 1866 on the site of Bovard's mill.
The first election in Cherry township was held October 13, 1840, when the
following vote \va- cast : S. A. Purviance. sixty-five, anil William Jack fifty-
three votes for Congress: Charles C. Sullivan, sixty-five, and John Negley fifty-
three votes for State Senate ; Isaac S. Pearson, sixty five, and George Potts fifty-
three votes for Assembly : (ieorge Miller, sixty-four, and Alexander Henry fifty-
three votes for commissioner; George Emerick, sixty-five, and David Shannon
fifty-three votes for auditor; Jacob Brinker, forty-six, and II. C, DeWolf forty-
six votes for long term trustee, and William Stewart, forty-six. for short term
trustee of academy.
CHERRY TOWNSHIP. 649
SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.
The schools of the pioneer period were very primitive affairs. The children
of the southeastern section attended Robert McElvaine's class north of where
West Sunburv now stands; while Martin Butts taught in the Christy-Black
neighborhood, receiving .$100 for his services. Prior to L815 the school question
was not considered in Cherry township, so that the teachers named appeared
hereafter that date. Joseph Porter, one of the pioneers, was the first teacher of
the school in the Porter settlement, his immediate successors being Wilson Potts
and Catherine McCloskey. Andrew Stewart was also one of the pioneer teachers.
The number of children of school age reported June •">, 1893, was 158 males and
16-5 females. The State appropriation for schools was $1,603.12, and the school
revenue from all sources, $3,172.21.
The justices of the peace elected from 1840 to 1894 are as follows : Joseph
Cross, 1840; John Han na, 1840; John Glenn, 1843, 1848 and 1853 ; Thomas
Floyd, 1845; Johnston Bovard, 1840; Washington Bovard, 1S54; George E.
Christy. 1854; Hiram C. McCoy, 1858 and 1868; Robert Dunn, 1859; Moses
Grain, 1803; Samuel D. Christy, 1864; John Smith, 1865, 1870, 1875, and 1880;
John McCallen, 1871; Robert McElhaney, 187G, 1881, 1886 and 1891 ; A. XV.
Christie, 1884; Thomas Christley, 1887; J. S. Campbell. 1888 and 1893.
CHURCHES.
Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church was organized in 1845, by Revs.
Loyal Young and John Munson, and Elder McBride, with eighteen members.
The first elders were Dr. H. C. Linn, James Smart and Robert Allison. The
original members included the first elders and their wives, with James Campbell,
Levi Gibson, David Russell and Robert McCallen, with their wives ; Elizabeth
McCandless, Nancy McElvaine, Elizabeth Black and Mary Ann Black. In 1846
a house of worship was built, and in April, 1847, a call was extended to Rev.
John Moore, a licentiate. He was installed June 22, 1847, pastor of the socie-
ties at Pleasant Valley, Clintonville and Harrisville, and served until November
13, 1849. when Rev. T. S. Leason filled the pulpit. In April, 1850, Rev. John
Coulter was called, and he served until April 12, 1858. In June, 1865, Rev.
James Coulter was installed, but from February, 1871, when he was released, to
July, 1872, when Rev. Alexander S. Thorn was called, the church was without
a pastor. Three years after Mr. Thorn was released, or on May 14, 1878, Rev.
Alonzo XV. Lawrence was installed, and he served until April, 1880. Rev.
George W. Bean was stated supply from August, 1880, to September, 1883, and
he was followed by other supplies, such as Revs. D. H. Laverty, James G. Rose
and others. Among the elders appear the names of James Campbell, William
Porter, George Christy, Thomas Christy. W. McElvaine, Robert Hindman,
Nelson McElvaine, Kerr McCandless, A. W. Christy, J. R. Billingsley. Walter
Curry, C. H. Book and Henry Peters. There are now seventy-four members.
The church was incorporated May 7, 1888, on petition of Walter Curry, Joseph
Black, J. R. Allison, Henry Peters and Charles II. Book. The trustees named
in the articles of association were Joseph Black, D. J. Washabaugh, M. D., ami
Oliver Thompson.
650 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
New Hope Presbyterian Church was organized November 17, 1879, by Rev.
J. II. Marshal] and Elder W. P. Braham, with forty-two members. The elders
were John Porter, Robert McElhaney, Agnew Hartley. John Webb and P. A.
Shannon. Rev. A. W. Lawrence was supply for a few months at the begin-
ning ; Rev. J.A.Menard, from March, 1880, to 1882; Rev. Mr. Lavertv in
1886, and James G. Rose in 1887. In 1893 this society of 1111 members was
without a regular pastor. A charter was granted June i'4. 1881, to II.
L. Rhodes, M. Brookmyer, John Porter, Robert McElhaney, P. A. Shannon, T.
J. Shannon, R. A. Hartley and J. D. Stevenson, the three last named being the
trustees.
The .Methodist Episcopal Church of Anandale was organized in 1858, by
Revs. J. McCombs and J. Nye, as a class of the Centreville circuit, holding ser-
vices in an unfinished house of T. F. Christley. The first complement of ten
members was increased in 1859, when a camp meeting was held near Pleasant
Valley Presbyterian church, and many converts were enrolled. Ultimately the
Presbyterian church was obtained in which to hold services. Later that vear a
round log house was erected north of the Presbyterian house, and in it meetings
were held until 1863, when it was burned. Nine years later a church building
was begun at Anandale, which was completed May '.',. 1873, at a cost approxi-
mating $2,000. Since the close of the war, in fact, since its organization, the
ministers named in the sketch of North Hope Methodist church have preached here.
VILLAGES.
Coaltown, formerly Coalville, a town created in 1880 on the line between
Slippery Rock and Cherry townships, is a place of some promise. A branch of
the Shenango railroad, then having its terminus at Hilliard's, was constructed to
the creek in 1880, and a promise made to extend it to Butler. In the fall of 188]
there were thirty coke ovens completed, twenty new two-story cottages, as well
as the great 'coal wash-house of the company. Bard & Brother opened a store
there in the fall of 1880. A few months later Shannon & Book's store was
opened; A. L. Kelso built the hotel; John II. Walker established a drug store.
and Dr. De Wolfe arrived before the summer of 1881. Then came Lewis Owens,
who was succeeded in 1882 by Sample & Elliott.
On July 3, 1882, a postofrice was established here.' under the name of Coal-
town, and Perry Shannon appointed postmaster. Mr. Bollinger, who succeeded
II. \Y. Elliott, is the present incumbent. The cvclone of June, 1882, described
at the close of this chapter, brought the village prominently before the people,
and had some effect in winning the recognition of the postal authorities.
At present James Welsh is the general merchant anil mine superintendent,
while H. W. Elliott carries on the old Sample & Elliott store, and V. Fogal the
drug store. There are now sixty-nine houses belonging to the company, or
t wentv two-story, forty-two one-story ami four double houses or blocks, exclu-
sive of the large wash-house and other buildings. The private buildings, about
twenty in number, include the hall built by Jacob Rennick and Perry Double <V
Company for religious, musical and secret societies, and for village purposes.
The Union Coal anil Coke Company commenced operations at Coaltown in
CHERRY TOWNSHIP. 65 I
November, 1ST'.); but the railroad, built by that company, was not completed
until December, 1880, when the first coal was shipped by rail from this point.
In June. 1881, the building of coke ovens was commenced and the first shipments
of coke made in December following. I>v April, 1888, there were fifty ovens in
operation, and the production of coal for shipment equalled 300 tons a day.
The officers in 1 ST'. ». were Henry Rawle, chairman, and George G. Stage, of
Greerville, secretary, treasurer and manager. The other stockholders were ]. J.
Spearman, George Boyce and I*. L. Kimberlv, of Sharon. Pennsylvania. J. J.
Spearman has been chairman since 1881, while Mr. Stage holds the same position
to which he was elected in 1870.
Gomersal was named by the Gomersal Coal Company, the name being
derived from an English coal town. The president is Charles Arms, of Youngs-
town, Ohio. The banks are in the Middle Kittanning vein. Sixtv miners and
other employes bring the number of workers up to seventy-five. The daily ship-
ment is about 150 tons of screened coal, shipped to Youngstown and Buffalo.
The company leased their lands here from John Smith, George W. Hockenberry,
Jacob Wolford and R. F. Christy in 1881, and began building the same year
under the superintendence of William Ferguson, who still holds that position.
There were forty-five different houses elected, including the large apartment
houses of six apartments each. The store, also built by the company, has been
operated by three firms. Sproul & Stoops have had it for the last five years and
the postoffice fur about three years. The Gomersal South Branch Railroad was
constructed four miles from Branchton, in 188:2. F. \Y. Ferguson is book-keeper
and operator. There are two main drifts in operation.
The Garfield Atine, north of Gomersal, is operated by the Mercer Mining
and Manufacturing Company. For over three and one-half years it was idle, and
the work of cleaning up had commenced when the reduction of 1894 interrupted
it. The company have about twelve frame houses there. There are now only
three families in the place.
Bovard, near the confluence of McMurry's run and Slippery Rock creek,
take- its name from the pioneer family of this section, one of whom located here.
When the railroad was constructed the place became of more importance than
even in the days when Bovard's mill was the only attraction. In 1866 McCoy &
Grossman's grist mill was built on the site of Bovard's mill, and about the time
the depot was erected a dozen or more of large frame houses were put up. The
Grossman mill and blacksmith shop, and ]. A. Bailey's store represent the manu-
facturing and mercantile interests of the village.
Anandale, surveyed in 1S40 for John Ilanna. is a pleasant hamlet. The
founder established the first tavern there, and also the first store. Through his
exertions it was made a postal village, with himself as postmaster, and for over
half a century it has played an important part in the history of this township.
Hiram C. McCov. at one time associate judge. Rev. James Green, B. Shulte, J.
1). Vogan and Braden Porter are all counted in its old mercantile circle, while
John Riddle, j. Stillwagon. Jacob Seth and Richard Graham were among its
tavern keepers. In January, 1858, the name of Anandale postoffice was changed
to Wigton's Store, and Tohn Wigton was appointed postmaster ; but the old
652 HISTORY OF' BUTLER COUNTY.
name was afterwards restored. The present postmaster is Mrs. Clara McCoy,
who was appointed in December, 1893.
Moniteau is one of the new postoffices, of which J. H. Graham was appointed
postmaster in 1894.
111 [•: ivii.oNi 1 >i INN:.'.
The cyclone of June 80, 1882, is said to have formed at or near Hickory
mill dam. a mile west of Coaltown, and to have advanced to destroy the new
village. Bard Brothers' store, the first struck, was torn in pieces; then the houses
of Seth Myers, William Barron, \V. A. Kelly, Theodore Ehrhart, Frederick
Stewart, Dr. DeWolfe and Leonard McQuistion were carried away and destroyed
and the doctor's barn torn to pieces; while the wind played havoc with the store
of Sample 81 Elliott, the shoe shop of Adam Korn, the drug store of J. 11.
Walker, the office of Dr. DeWolfe, the Kelso hotel, Mrs. Kiester's Hall, occupied
by the Knights of Honor, and S. Jamison's store. Mrs. William Barron was
killed, Henry Hendley, an engineer, was taken up in the air column and lashed
to death, while several others received severe injuries. The Union Coal Com-
pany's buildings, located here almost three years before this atmospheric freak,
escaped with trivial damage. Though the track of the cloud was from forty to fifty
rods wide, and its velocity beyond comprehension, the country east of Coaltown
suffered little. The Pigeon-wing school house, in Cherry township, was de-
stroyed, the orchards of Samuel Glenn. John Smith, Charles Tinker and Levi
Stewart were carried away and their crops, with the fields of John Kiester.
Joseph Armstrong, David Stewart and William Russell, ruined.
CHAPTER LXVI.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Origin of Name — Phvsical Characteristics— Co ai. Mixes ami Mining Companies
— Population and Statistics — Pioneers — First Election and Justices-
Schools- -Churches — North Washington — Educational and Insurance Cor-
porations— Other Villages.
WASHINGTON township, which lies south of Venango and west of
Parker townships, was created in 1846, and changed to its present
boundaries in 1854. It was named after George Washington, the first president
of the United States. The elevation of North Washington, or North Hope, the
name of the postoffice, is 1,500 feet above the level of the sea. or thirty feet below
a hill to the north, and sixty feet below a hill to the northwest. The cannel coal
deposits are extensive and rich, while the Clarion and Kittanning coals abound.
The Allegheny, Buckeye, Eichbar and Erie Company's mines, in the Hil-
liard district ; the Lake Erie Coal Company's new mines and Henry Royle's
banks on the A. Sheidemantle farm, are all valuable properties. The develop-
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 653
ment of the oil field in this township brought it into prominence in 1893 and
1894, and the field is now a busy one.
The population of the original township in 1850 was 1,003. Within the
present boundaries the decennial census credits the following numbers: 1860,
933; 1870, 996; 1880, 1,287, and 1890, 1,351. Early in 1894, when its value as
an oil field was clearly established, an army of oil men located here, adding
largely to the figures of the last census. The assessed value of property in
January, 1894, was $301,856; the county tax, $1,207.42, and the State tax, $153.73.
PIONEERS.
The pioneer of this township was George Meals, who made his way into
the wilderness in 1706, settling on and clearing land on the north line of the
present township of Concord. Early in the summer of 1797 lie was joined by
his father, Samuel Meals, and other members of the family. The Meals were of
German descent and natives of York county, Pennsylvania. The father and his
sons, George and Samuel, were blacksmiths, and were pioneer artisans as well as
farmers. The mother of Samuel Meals, Sr., a native of Germany, came with the
family to Washington township, and remained here until her death at an
advanced age. John and Jacob Mechling located here in 1796. Jacob moved to
Butler and John died on the farm in 1829. Samuel Campbell, a native of Ire-
land, came here in 1796-97, and settled on the farm now owned by his grandson.
He reared a family of two sons and five daughters. His son, Archibald, was in
the War of 1812.
William Bell, Sr., took up 500 acres of land here about 1796—97, and located
on it soon after with his family. He was accidentally killed while assisting
a neighbor to raise a house. His five sons served in the War of 1812. Tohn
Christy, Sr., a native of Westmoreland county, settled here in 1797-98. taking
up 500 acres of land. He was a pioneer justice of the peace, reared a large
family and died at a ripe old age. James Gibson, his wife and nine children,
also came in the same year.
John Shira came from Westmoreland county about 1798, with his wife and
family, and settled on what is now known as the Fletcher farm, in Washington
township, but he soon after purchased a large tract of land in the south pari <>i
this township, which he lost by fraud, and then located on 300 acres in the
central part, still owned by his descendants. He served in the War of 1812.
Robert and John Hindman, of Westmoreland county, settled on 400 acres in this
township about 1798, and here John, elder son of Robert, was born, in lsf)4.
James Mahood, a native of Ireland, settled on a tract of 500 acres of land lying
southwest of the site of North Washington in 1800. A portion of the land is
still owned by his descendants.
Jacob Hilliard and family settled on land now owned by Oscar Meals, in
1802, and with his sons finally acquired about 1,200 acres in the same locality.
Concord township later contributed several families, while the sons of many
of the pioneers of Fairview, Parker, Clay, Cherry, Muddy Creek and Slippery
Rock townships found homes here prior to 1854, when the township was organ-
ized within its present boundaries.
654 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The first election in Washington township, held in March. 1846, resulted in
the choice of the following named officers: Philip Stoops, assessor: lames
Conn, auditor; William Holland and S. R. Hilliard, assistant assessors; I".. I..
Varnum, clerk; Philip Stoops, constable; John Jack and John Hilliard. super-
visors : John Christy, judge; John Young and Levi Gibson, inspectors; David
Pisor and David Bond, fence appraisers ; Peter Shira, Joseph Mechling, William
M. Graham and John Pond, school directors, and Joseph Campbell, overseer
of the poor. After the re-subdivision of 1854 the same men resided within the
present boundaries.
The justices of the peace for the township from ISbi to 1894 are named as
follows: Andrew Donaldson. 1846 ; Jacob Daubenspeck, 1850; William Kiddle,
1851: William Stoops, 1855 ; Robert A. Mifflin, 1855; Philip Hilliard, I860,
1865, 1870 and 1875 ; Joseph Mechling, I860; Samuel P. Campbell, 1864, 1869
and 1874; James II. Gibson. 1879; Samuel Smith. 1880 and 1885; William Hol-
land. lssOand 1885; I. II. Bell, 1888 and 1893; W. 1. Adam-. 1889 and 1894.
John Christy, the pioneer, may lie termed the first school teacher. When
the subscription school idea began to spread, such teachers as John Dickey,
John Hanna, William Conn, Abigail Edmonds. Thomas Kelly, John Wick and
thetwo Monies taught in this township. Samuel X. Moore taught in this and
Centre township from 1820 to 1844, at a rate of twelve dollars a month, while
John C. Moore, his son, taught for thirty-five winters. In June, 1898, there
were 181 male and 101 female children of school age enumerated. The school
revenue was $3,908.74, including the State appropriation of $1,540.93.
CHURCHES.
The First Presbyterian ('////re// of Washington disappeared as if swallowed
up in a maelstrom in 1834 or 1835. It was organized about 1817, and comprised
all of the members named in the sketch of the United Presbyterian church of Mt.
Varnum, as well as others who did not secede from the older organization. The
roll of ministers who attended here prior to Joseph Johnston's coming in 1830,
would repeat the names of those early evangelists who preached in the groves at
Scrubgrass or at Thorn tent.
Mt. Varnum United Presbyterian Church, north of North Washington,
dates back to 1835, when the old Presbyterians of the Washington church seceded
with Rev. Joseph ]<>hnston and formed the Associate Reformed society of Mt.
Varnum. Samuel N. Moore and wile. Andrew Donaldson, Robert Donaldson,
David Shira. Rosanna Donaldson, Samuel Mortimer, Thomas Smith. Charles
Hilliard, William and Jacob Shira, Robert Hanna and William Bell were the
first members. In 1837 Rev. fames Green succeeded Mr. Johnston, who revisited
his home in Ireland. Rev. R. W. Oliver came in |s4l'; Rev. J. K. Riddle in
1846; Rev. J. II. Fife in 1848; Rev. J. A. Campbell in 1857; Rev. W. A.
Black in I860; Rev. J. P. Dodds in 1874, and Rev. R. A. Giltillan in 1879, who
may be said to have been the pastor until the church became a part of Rev.
Breaden's charge in 1884. The present elders are W. M. Shira, J. II. Gibson, I.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 655
N. Thompson and Robert S. Campbell. Rev. Joseph Johnston presided in 1830
over the Bear Creek, Washington and West Unity Presbyterian churches, and in
1834—85 carried nearly all his people into the Associate Reformed church. The
present meeting house, dedicated by Rev. W. A. Black January 12, 1867, is the
second building erected by the society.
North Hope Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1842, by Rev. 1.
Mershon, Among the original members were John and Silas Smith and their
wives, W. M. Graham, J. G. and J. II. Jack, and Dr. D. C. Fowler. It is now
the principal church of the circuit, comprising Greece City, West Sunbury and
Anandale. The total membership in 1894 was 300. In I860 K. M. Harper was
class leader, and the following persons were members: Mary Atwell, Eleanor
Bell, Anne P. Bear. Eben, Ruth and Jane Christy, Rosa A. Donaldson, John
Folwell, John Fithian, William and Adeline Graham, R. M. and Shryock Harper
and their wives, John Jack and seven others of that name, the McGills and
Mahoods, Mary A. Pattern, A. and Mary Ranch, Elizabeth Stewart. Robert
Thorn and wife. Mary A. Yarnum, David Wasson and fames and Sarah Young.
During the pastorate of Rev. William Hayes the parsonage was repaired and
improved. The pastors in charge since 1842 are as follows : Revs. I. Mershon,
A. P. Miller, S. W. Ingrahati, J. Van Horn. G. F. Reeser, F. Hull, S. Baird.
J. Regelsworth. D. M. Stever, J. G. Thompson. J. Y. C. McClelland, J. II. Vance
and J. McComb, prior to the Civil war; R. B. Boyd, 1862; George Moore, 1863;
A. II. Domer, 1865; John Perry. 1867; J. R. Mendenhall, 1869; J. Crum, 1871 ;
B. F. Dillo and W. Hayes, 1ST:!; William Branfield, 1876; J. C. Rhodes. |s77;
J. C. Clyde. L879; J. P. Stratton, 1882; J. A. Humes, 1883; S. Fidler, 1886;
L. F. Merritt. 1889; William Canfield, 1890; P G. Pollard (short term); C.
McKinley, 1891, and J. E. lams. 1893. The church building of 1842, as
remodeled in ls4tj. 1863 and 1893, is still in use.
North Washington Lutheran Church was organized in l«s45, by Rev. Elihu
Rathburn, with the following named members : Peter Rhodes, Christopher Hen-
len, Christopher Hoover, Joseph Bullman, Philip and William Varnum, William
Mechling, William Fmerick, John, Isaac and Elisha Ililliard, Samuel G., Samuel,
George and William Meals, David Gibson, Jacob Daubenspeck, Henry Stoner and
John Shryock. with their wives and adult children. Rev. Fli Fair succeeded Mr.
Rathburn as pastor in 1847. Then followed Revs. J. B. Breckinridge in 1850;
J. A. Delo in 1857; Jacob Singer in 1859; A. S. Miller in 1865; J. W. Reese in
1873; M. P. Smith in !s76; J. M. Zimmer in 1879; Charles P. Streamer in 1883,
and R. B. Starks, the present pastor, in 1886. The society was originally a Ger-
man Reformed congregation, and worshiped with the Associate Reformed at Mt.
Yarnum. In 1847, however, the members erected a church, which was rebuilt
in 1891 at a cost of $4,200. The congregation now numbers eighty members.
New Salem Presbyterian Church of Annisville, was organized July 12.
1S47. in a barn at Annisville, with twenty-three members. Revs. Loj'al Young
and Louis L. Conrad being the organizers. In September, 1S49, Mr. Conrad
was called as pastor. Rev. Thomas S. Peason was called in 1850, but declined.
Rev. John V. Miller was pastor from 1851 to 1855; J. R. Coulter from 1857 to
1870; B. C. Montgomery from 1873 to 1876; T. M. Thompson from 1878 to 1882
656 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William }. Hazlett from 1883 to the close of 1893, when he resigned, and in the
fall of 1894 R. L. Alter was installed pastor. The first elders were Richard and
VV. D. Allen and George G. Gibson. There were elected subsequently '■ E. E.
Evans, John M. Shira, M. D. McClelland. Hamilton Redick, Silas II. Evans, S.
II. Moore, James Hall, W. 1'. Mechling and George McClelland.
North Washington Presbyterian Church was organized May 18, 1880, by
Revs. Glenn, Decker and Marshall, with twenty-three members, namely : Robert
A. Mifflin and James Christy and wives; Madams C. E. and Sadie Ilalderman,
Polly Mechling. A. J. Jack, M. A. Jack, Carrie Craig and B. F. Campbell, with
Maggie Mechling and Sarah E. Christy from the Concord church ; Robert D.
Crawford, Harriet L. Dickson, W. P. Mechling, S. A. Campbell, A.G.Campbell
and their wives ; W. H. Redick, Mary Glenn and William Emery. Rev. T. M.
Thompson, installed pastor at organization, was released November 28, 1882. On
September l.S, 1883, Rev. W.J. Hazlett was installed and served until the fall of
1893. In the fall of 1894 R. L. Alter became pastor. The first elders were W.
1'. Mechling, R. I). Crawford and Robert A. Mifflin. Clinton Conway, James
Christy and James Donaldson were ordained prior to 1888, and Dr. Pisor, J. B.
Campbell, John Arner and Robert Ray since that time. In April, 1881, a church
building was commenced on two lots donated by Andrew Jack, which was com-
pleted at a cost of $3,000, and dedicated October 30. 1881.
Church of God — A frame building was erected in Washington township,
above Hilliard's, in 1876 or 1877, by the denomination known as the " Church of
God," on an acre lot said to have been given by Jeremiah Hilliard for that purpose.
He aUo subscribed money toward the erection of the little building. A few years
later Hilliard sold his farm to A. D. Gillespie ; but in order to obtain an advance of
the last payment, gave the buyer a deed to the church property. On October 1,
1881, an agreement to this effect was signed and recorded, but sometime later
Hilliard, it is said, deeded the site to the coal man, James Burnett, who, in turn,
transferred it "to Newton Hilliard. Gillespie, in the meantime, leased the land
to the soeietv for twenty years. In January. 1887, Newton Hilliard began tear-
in,; down the building and hauling the lumber away. The members of the soci-
ety now gave attention to their property, and employing S. E. Bowser as
counsel, pushed the matter into court. It was tried in March, 1SS7, and resulted
in the defeat of the church authorities and the loss of their building.
NORTH WASHINGTON.
North Washington. North Hope postotlice. was platted in 1834, when John
lack, who brought his family here in 1830, built the brick house still standing
at the cross-roads. Prior to 1830 Samuel Bell kept a tavern where FolwelPs
store was, permitting his lights to burn all night, so as to call attention to the
" Summit Tavern." Samuel and Daniel Tack had the town surveyed, making
their father's brick house a central point. Thomas Parker and Chris. L. Ilenlen
the first merchants, were followed by H. P. McClymonds, blacksmith; David C.
Fowler, physician : Thomas Russell and Samuel Jack, carpenters; W. Parks,
tailor, and John Dimond, tanner. Shryock Harper established his store here in
1842, and the pioneer circle of North Washington was formed. David Jack
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP. 657
opened the first hotel in the village in 1840, in the brick house now the residence
of Isaac Thompson. Samuel Jack also conducted a hotel there and Henry Hen-
len carried it on for twenty years. When Mr. Miller was landlord he named it
the "Valley House." In 1842 or 1S43 Samuel A. Campbell built a frame hotel
on the site of Dr. Pisor's new residence. John Chambers, Hugh McClymonds
and others carried it on until 1880 or 1881. During James Campbell's regime it
was called the Central, a name still visible on the siding. Robert Campbell
opened a hotel in the present J. H. Gibson building, erected by Samuel Jack,
prior to 1846. The Jack House, on the site of the present hotel, was built in
1878 for a store and dwelling by A. J. Jack. In 1883 it was opened as a hotel;
but in August, 1887, fire destroyed the house and contents. In August, 1888,
the present Jack House was dedicated to hotel purposes. The leading merchants
of the village in 1894 were Mifflin & Mifflin, general traders; Harper & Gibson,
dealers in hardware, and I. N. Thompson, druggist. Dr. Hoover, now of
Butler, carried on a drug store here in the eighties.
The secret societies of North Washington have been as follows : North
Hope Grange was organized in 1872, with Samuel Smith, master, and David F.
Campbell, secretary, the number of membeus being forty-two.
North Washington Lodge, Number 888, I. O. O. F., was chartered early in
the seventies, with Alfred Gibson, Dr. Hoover, W. L. Daubenspeck, Chester
Stoner, Samuel Smith, W. D. Thompson. George W. Campbell, A. L. Jenk-
ins, John Stoughton, Monroe Donaldson, Joseph Mahood, Thomas Hindman,
McKee Bell and one or two of the Shryocks. The charter was surrendered about
1880, and was transferred to a new lodge in Mercer county.
Resolution Lodge, I. O. G. T. was organized in January, 1877, with sixty-'
one members. It died soon after.
North Hope Tent, K. O. T. M., was organized in February, 1894. Among
the members were Dr. O. P. Pisor, J. M. Christy, O. E. Evans, J. C. Stoops,
Eli Pearce, J. F. Harper, W. L. Daubenspeck, J, D. Stewart R. P. Jack,
Robert Ray. J. C. Clark and A. L. Jenkins.
North Hope Council, Number 742, Jr. O. U. A. M., was organized November
17, 1891. The officers at the beginning of 1894, were; William Witherup, C.
D. Cook, J. M. Christy, and II. H. Emery. This order boasts of sixty members.
North Washington Institute. — The building now occupied by this institution
was erected in 1878, and remodeled in 1893. The school was organized by the
election of a board of trustees in 1879. R. B. Gilfillan was the first principal.
Under his successor, Prof. R. D. Crawford, the school attained a high degree oi
success. Mrs. Dickson and Mrs. Gilfillan, the wives of resident pastors, were
assistant teachers here for many terms. Rev. J. M. Zimmer was the teacher of
German. In later vears the school was incorporated, the incorporators being :
H. S. Gilbert, T. P. Mifflin, J. H. Gibson, I. N. Thompson, J. II. Bell, C.
E. McKinley, A. G. Campbell, R. B. Starks, O. P. Pisor, H. C. Stoner, W. M.
Witherup. T. M. Smith, L. E. Moore, E. H. Sloan. C. A. Morris, Harmon
Seaton, C. Daubenspeck, I. N. Meals, J. M. Yard, J. A. Mechling, II. H.
Daubenspeck, J. L. Stewart. P. F. Ray, J. B. Campbell. J. H. Walley, James
Crawford, Will Young, R. Wray, T. P. Shira and J. W. Hazlett. Rev. R.
658 HISTORY OK BUTLER COUNTY.
B. Starks is president ; J. II. Gibson, secretary, and T. P. Mifflin, treasurer.
The faculty comprises II. S. Gilbert, B. E. D., B. S., principal; Carrie S. Gil-
bert, B. E. I).; Lizzie Gibson, B. L., and Sarah Amsler, 1?. C. S. To stud-
ents who complete the scientific course, the degree of Baccalauria Scientice is
given, and in manv ways, the 150 pupils in attendance are offered advantages.
This institution is highly prized by the people of the community, as it affords to
ambitious students a means for a more thorough education than can be obtained
at the public schools.
The Excelsior Mutual J-ire Insurance Company was chartered Novem-
ber 19, 1878, with the following named members: W. M. Graham, John Starr,
Sylvanus Aggas, W. F. Campbell, I. H. Christie, A. G. Meals, David Patton,
Isaac Meals, M. J. Brown, P. R. Sutton, J. T. Wick. Linn Christie, G. W.
Meals, J. B. Campbell, A. C. Campbell, Thomas Graham, D. F. Campbell and
G. W. Moser. On December ;!, 1878, \Y. M. Graham was chosen president, and
Levi R. McFann, secretary. The presidents elected since that time are 1. X.
Meals, 1880; Harvey Campbell, 1884; I. N. Meals. 1885; Thomas Graham.
1887; W. M. Graham, 1888; G. B. Turner. 1889; O. R. Thorn, 1890 and J. B.
Campbell, 1892. The secretaries hare been : S. Smith, 1880, J. II. Gibson, 1881,
and J. F. Harper, 1893. The number of policies carried is 777, the face value
of which, on January 1, 1894, was $827,654.24. The risks are held in six town-
ships, and the assessment was three mills to pay the losses of the year, and one
mill for expenses.
OTHER VILLAGES.
Hilliard Station, originally known as Hilliard's Mills, was one of the first
settlements in this township, Jacob Hilliard locating in the vicinity in 1802.
One ol his sons, lohn, built a dam of heavv stone wotk across the valley of
Hilliard's run, erected a grist mill and operated it for main years. The stone
work remains, but the mill is gone like its builders. Early in 1,^74 the estate
was purchased by John L. Beattv, the remnant of the mill and the Hilliard log
cabin being then the only buildings. The railroad was graded to that point, how-
ever, so that Beatty's venture promised to lie successful. On [anuary G, 1876,
the first passenger train rolled into the gulch, and a month later the first car-load
of freight , consigned to the new town, arrived. William Steward was post-
master at that time and John McCorkle. merchant. Shortly after. Emerick &
Floyd established the hotel and the railroad depot was erected. Three years
later, in 1879, the Cleveland Pipe Line company established a pumping station,
and four years later the Allegheny Coal Company began to develop the rich
coal deposits in the neighborhood. The planing and saw mill was established
shortly after the completion of the railroad. The sand mills of the Standard
Plate Glass Company of Butler, and the coal mines in the vicinity \\va\ be con-
sidered local industries. The merchants of the village are Mrs. T. Altmire,
Boyle iY_ McKce, and D. S. Anderson, general store keepers, and McKee & Com-
pany, dealers in hardware and lumber. Two hotels are carried on here. Benja-
min L. McKee was appointed postmaster in 1885, vice John McCorkle.
Annisville, Shira postofrice, was surveyed for Charles Hilliard in 1838,
VENANGO TOWNSHIP. (>},'!
around the site of his store, where he carried on business for many years. Th
Coverts, Thomas Mahood and Samuel Ililliard had their homes here, and fh
last named a carding mill, when Mrs. Mayes came, forty-nine years ago. Th
old merchants succeeding Charles Hilliard were Mrs. Hilliard, Miller & Millison
1858; Henry & Millison, Watson Mayes, William Scott, Perry Shannon and S
M. Marshall. The first postmistress of the village is the present incumbent,
Mrs. Margaret McCloskev, appointed a year ago. The postoffice store and the
new hardware store of the Carsons are the only mercantile houses.
Argentine is the site of the mines so long operated by H. K. Wick. The
mines were abandoned in the fall of 1893.
The Spears & Mi/.ner mine has recently been opened a mile north of Hil-
liard, and the railroad extended to that point.
Higgins Corners dates from March, 1894, when M. F. Higgins erected a
store building on the farm of the late James Higgins. who was the pioneer of the
place long known as Three Points.
CHAPTER LXVII.
VENANGO TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Physical Charcteristics — Coal Deposits — Streams — Population-
Pioneers — First Election — A Remonstrance--Churchks and Cemeteries
Schools and Justices — Villages.
VEXANGO township, one of the thirteen divisions of the county in INOl,
retained its name, when the re-subdivision of 1854 was effected. Smaller
in area than its neighbor Marion, it is far higher than Marion physically, and
was more popular at the close of the last century when the pioneers flocked into
its fertile valleys.
The elevation above the ocean level, at Farmington, is 1,550 feet, being
twenty feet higher than the next highest point, three miles westward, and twenty-
five feet above the knob at Six Points. A very thin outcrop of the lower Free-
port coal may be seen in the summits and in road cuttings; but near old school-
house Number 1, southwest of Farmington, it shows an outcrop of from thirty to
thirty-six inches. Near Murrinsville the I'pper Kittanning is found in the form
of cannel coal. The old cannel banks of Joseph and Hugh Murrin. as well as
the Gormley and O'Donnell banks, afford positive evidence of its quality and
quantity. On Little Scrubgrass, 8,000 feet north of Farmington. and on the old
Higgin's farm, near the southern township line, the useful Brookville coal has
been found, occupying the place of the Lower Kittanning. Limestone ore has
been taken out at a point about forty feet above this coal, a phenomenon, which
•'"> HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
even the record of the Prentice oil well, drilled there to ;i depth of 1,600 feet, can
not explain.
The headwaters of Slippery Rock are found everywhere in the western half
of the township, almost monopolizing the places where the streams flowing north
seek their sources. The Little Scrubgrass and the head streams of Bear creek are
found near the Farmington divide: while innumerable, unnamed rivulets wander
at will everywhere.
The population in 1810, was 377 : in 1820, 853, in 1830, 499; in 1840, 822;
in 1850, 1,473; in I860, 836 (within the present limits) ; in 1870, 902; in 1880,
1 ,322 and in 1890, 1,147. In 1893 there were 135 male and 133 female children
of school age registered. The assessed value. January 1, ll-i'.M-, was $235,306 ; the
county tax, $941.22; the State tax, $35. •">(>, and the moneys raised for common
schools, $2,075, including .$1,178.15 appropriated by the State.
PIONEERS.
The first party who settled on the Field tract in 1797, included Thomas
Jolly, Samuel Barron, the weaver, Robert Cunningham, Charles Pollock, James
Pollock, Abigail Coulter, Peter John Coulter, James and John Coulter, John
Weaver, a weaver, and James Scott. The Sloans, Robert Leason, a soldier of the
Revolution, James Simpson, Thomas. John, William and Peggy Adams, Peter
Traxler, a young man, the Murrins, Campbells, Kellys, Cochrans, Irwins, Kens,
McCauleys, McCulloughs, Boyds, Riddles, Laveres, McAnnallys, McBrides,
Reads, Crawfords, Shields (soldiers of the Revolution), Sullingers, Vanderlins,
Vandykes, Rosenberrys, Wilsons and others mentioned in connection with
churches, and industries, came in between 17U7 and 1808.
Many of the first comers were Irish settlers from Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, who sought a newer and wider field for their industry. Thomas
Jolly, the elder, was evidently in the Indian spy service, as early as 1792, and
visited this section. In 1796 he and a number of acquaintances came hither to
occupy the Field property, the owner agreeing to give each settler a deed for
L50 acres at the close of the seventh year from date of entry, provided certain im-
provements would be made by that time. Field lost the property, however, but
the settlers were granted title for their tracts by the new owners. The Jolly-
party erected log huts in 179(3, and early the following year brought their fami-
lies into the forest. Thomas Jolly set out an orchard on his 300 acre tract in
1799, bringing the trees from Armstrong county. Samuel Barron located north
of the county line, but built his weaving shop and barn in this county, where he
had 200 acres of land. In 1812 the family moved to Ohio. Samuel Thompson
made a clearing on a tract of 170 acres on the old Joseph Sloan farm, and placed
John Sullinger in possession to hold it for him.
Hugh Murrin established a mill early in the present century, east of
Murrinsville, on his400 acre tract, while his son, James Murrin, a single man, in
L803 hail 300 acres. On the present Gormley farm, Hugh Murrin built a dis-
tillery, and was in every sense the most progressive resident of northern Butler.
His son. John Murrin, was widely known in this part of the State. Other
members of the family made their homes here, each being a model citizen.
VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 66 I
Michael Kelly, who purchased 400 acres including James Simpson's improve-
ment, was also the founder of a large family. He came at a very early date
with his wife and one child. Nicholas Vanderlin, a native of Holland, and son
John, came here in 1799 and took up 540 acres of land. They were soldiers of
the Revolution. The father died in 1817, and John in 1856. Samuel Campbell
and Robert Cochran, Sr., settled south of what is now Farmington ; William
Adams erected a log grist mill on the Murrin lands in 1801, and a year later
added a saw mill. John Logue cleared a large tract of land, Thomas Coulter
established a saw mill and James Coulter a tannery shortly after; while Samuel
Sloan gave his attention to agriculture and leisure hours to military affairs, taking
much pleasure in witnessing the evolutions of the militia under Captain Jolly.
Robert Leason and Joseph Kerr were estimable old residents, and James Shields
was a soldier of the Revolution and a pensioner of the United States. He
owned 400 acres of land, while John Shields owned 300 acres.
John Watt, Samuel Culbertson, Alexander Strain, Ephraim Turk. Andrew
M ait land, Levi Williams and John Donaldson moved into Venango county
prior to the War of 1812. John Stewart, who settled here in 1810, moved to
Ohio in 1820, His son, William B.. remained here and is said to have erected
the first frame dwelling house in this county. John Jamison located here in
1818. The Stalkers, Williams, James Porter, William Parker. Robert Cunning-
ham and others came before the close of the War of 1812, thus completing the
pioneer circle.
The vote of the original Venango township ca-.t at the first election, October
8, 1805, was divided as follows: Thomas McKean, twenty-one, and Simon
Snyder, six votes for governor: James O'Hara, nine, Samuel Smith, of Erie, fif-
teen, and Nathaniel Irish five votes for congress: James Martin twenty-nine
votes for senate; Jacob Mechling twenty-nine, George Robison twelve, Aimer
Lacock twentv-three, Francis McLure eighteen and James Corothers five votes
for the legislature, and Jacob .Smith twelve, and Hugh Conway seventeen for
commissioner.
When the question of subdividing the county was discussed in 1853, it
caused some excitement here. On March 19, of that year, a remonstrance from
Venango township was filed. This set forth that the petitioners were aware of
an effort being made to re-subdivide the county into townships of five square
miles each ; that such a measure would disarrange the school districts and render
useless some valuable school-houses, and that it would be attended with heavy
expense " and increased taxes, already heavier than we are able to bear." The
signers were Thomas Jollv, Thomas Stewart, Franklin Jamison, John Jamison.
Henry Kohlmeyer. John McKee. A. W. Crawford. Robert Allen, Andrew
Sloan, Samuel Sloan. Cyrus Rosenberry, Lewis Chambers, H. Jamison, W. T.
Crawford, William Gibson, John D. Cunningham. Thomas 1*. Layton. S. M.
Anderson. Samuel Leason, John Allen, John McKeany, Peter Murrin, James
Milford, R. M. Crawford, George P. McMahon, James McMahon. Joseph
Sloan, A. P. Halderman, William Layton, William Fowler, John P. Pollock,
John Pollock. George S. Jamison, William Jamison and S. Halderman. The
662 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
division was made, however, but the old settlers who opposed it never " took
kindly " to the new order of affairs.
CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES.
The Associate Presbyterian Church of Unity, is the name of the old
Seceder church, organized as early as 1800. Among the original members
were James Scott, Reuben Irwin, William. David and James Sloan. John
Leslie, William Perry, Robert Dickson, James Anderson and their wives. This
was practically a part of the present East Unity United Presbyterian church, and
served by the same pastor- down to the division of 1858, when many refused to
ally themselves with the United Presbyterians. Rev. John M. Snodgrass, the
first pastor, in 1858, after the division, remained four years. Rev. Sample
Ramsey was here for ten years, and then Rev. S. H. McNeal served for about a
decade. In 1868 a frame church building was erected, but it has been
repeatedly repaired in the last quarter of a century. The members of the session
include J. P. Riddle, R. T. Atwell. clerk. A. C. Wilson. John Blair and William
McGirinis. The membership in January, 1894, was 140. The church was incor-
porated May 7, 1888. The subscribers were A. O. Miller, A. C. Wilson. S. H.
McNeal, J. B. Atwell. D. Perry, R. C. Wilson, A. T. Ferguson, John Blair, P.
S. Atwell. Samuel Park, W. McGinnis and J. McGinnis. The pulpit was sup-
plied up to 181)4, as it was for some time before, but in January, 1894, a call was
extended to Rev. A. M. Malcolm.
The Methodist Episcopal Church oi Farmington was originally in the
Clintonville circuit, meetings being held in groves, tents, private houses or at
the Blair school-house down to L851, when a house of worship was erected at
Farmington. The first class, organized by Rev. Coxswain, was kept alive by
zealous leaders until Rev. Edwin Hull came in 1850, and in 1851 a new build-
ing was erected. For twenty-one years the Methodists ot the district worshiped
in the little frame house. In \S72, however, Rev. James Groves urged the erec-
tion of a new house and the society agreed with him, so that the present church
building -was completed that year at an outlay approximating $4,000. Rev.
Malcolm Torrey is the present pastor.
East Unity United Presbyterian Church was organized in 1802, by Rev.
Thomas McClintock, with the following elders: Samuel Sloan, Reuben Irwin,
Robert Riddle and Robert Crawford. Tile members included the men named
and their wives, with Robert Leason, Robert Conn, Adam Curry, James
McKinley, James Calvert, James Scott, James Pollock and their wives. On
May 8, 1803, Rev. Thomas McClintock was installed pastor and held that office
until March 10, 1882. In May, 1835, Rev. William C. Pollock became pastor
and remained as such until 1852. In 1854 came Rev. William A. Black, who
preached here until the summer of 1858. Rev. David Forsyth came next, was
installed in November, 1860, and remained seven years. Then came Rev. J. C.
MclClree. in May. 1869, to pass seventeen years, and next came Rev. A. B.
Dickie, wdio after three \ ears' service was succeeded by Rev, J. S. Thomp-
son, the present pastor. The log church of 1802 was used until 1820,
when a larger log house was erected, but in summer time a tent was used as a
VENANGO TOWNSHIP. 663
house of worship. In 1837 a small brick structure was built, which was used
until 1808, when a larger brick building was erected. That was burned in May,
1875, and the same year the present church was completed and dedicated. The
membership in 1WI4 was 155.
St. Alphonsus Catholic Church of Murrinsville, the history of which finds a
place in the sketch of Marion township, has, and always had a large membership
in this township. Many years ago, even before St. Patrick's church, of Sugar
creek, was founded, priests visited the pioneers of this section and celebrated
mass in the valley east of Murrinsville. A statement was made years ago that a
log building was erected on what is now the Michael Germley farm, for church
purposes, and that Peter Traxler, one of the workmen, had his leg broken dur-
ing the progress of building. Squire Murrin, Mrs. McBride and Mrs. Gormley,
grandchildren of the pioneers, do not remember anything of the old house, and
even deny its existence.
The old cemetery on the hill above the the Gormley residence, speaks of
early days, and the headstones offer the following names and dates : Nancy
McCullough, died in 1820; Margaret and Thomas Kellerman, children,
in 18:24; Hannah Read, in L828 ; Mary Murrin, in 1835; James Read, in 1836;
Hugh Murrin, Sr., in 1841; L. J. Kelly, in 1842; Hugh Murrin, Jr., in 1844;
Catherine Murrin, in 1851 ; Maria McCauley, in 1853, and Peter Murrin. in 1854.
Others were buried in this old cemetery ; but there are no monuments to mark
their last resting place.
SCHOOLS AND J I'M [CES.
The honor of having the first school is shared by the Murrin settlement near
the west and the Leason— Pollock settlement near the east line of the township.
Prior to 1800 Hugh Murrin and James Murrin instructed the children of the fam-
ily ; while in 1802 Robert Cunningham opened a school in a log hut which
stood near the Associate Reformed church of that period, two and one-quarter
miles north of Eau Claire. Robert Donaldson, an Irishman, succeeded Cun-
ningham, and following them were John Cochran, William .Stewart and William
Welsh, all natives of Ireland.
The justices of the peace of Venango township, elected from 1840 to 1894,
are as follows: John Allen, 1840, 1 s to and 1850; John D. Cunningham,
1845 and 1850; John Murrin, 1854. 1859 and 1S64; Robert Bovard, 1855, 1S60,
L865, 1870and 1S75 ; James Stalker, 1866, lsTl and 1876; A. C. Wilson, 1880,
1885 and 1890; W. II. H. Campbell. 1881, 1886 and 1892.
VILLAGES.
Farmington was surveyed in 1848, on John Rosenberry's farm, by John
Black, and a public vendue of lots was held shortly after — thirteen lots being dis-
posed of. In May or June, 1849, William II. Tebay erected the first house for
Thomas Chambers, but the builder was the first resident, renting from Chambers
until his own house was completed in 1850. As stated in the history of the
churches, a building was erected in 1851 by the Methodists, and the same year
the Miller & Cochran grocery store was built. Samuel Meals established a
664 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
blacksmith shop and Nelson McAllister a hotel a little later, while Joseph Ham-
ilton carried on a general store. The coming of Dr. Rhodes made up the pioneer
circle of the village. Bovard & Son were in business there from 1877. as were
also A. M. Reynolds and David Sloan, and later Chambers <K: Kerr, and D. W.
Humphrey and George 11. Gardner, the two last being partners. A. M. Rey-
nolds built the onlv brick store about 1870. The general merchants now are W.
C. Jamison and II. H. Kerr; the druggist is A. O. Miller. At De Sale is Kohl-
meyer's drug store.
In March, 1856, a postoffice was established at Bovard's store, with Robert
Bovard postmaster, but the growing importance of Farmington was recognized
a few years after by the removal of the office to the new town, which was
officially named Eau Claire. Joseph Hamilton held the office of postmaster after
the war; Thomas M. Bovard was appointed in April, 1 S7<">, with David Sloan,
deputy, who was appointed to the office himself in August. 1S77, and was suc-
ceeded in 1881 by James Chambers, of the firm of Chambers & Kerr. Nelson
McAllister succeeded to the office in 1882; Levi Kerr was appointed in 1885, but
did not accept until 1888. George Gibson secured the office in 1889, and was suc-
ceeded by II. II. Kerr in 1893.
The establishment of the Eau Claire Academy in the fall of 1893, under
Professor Robertson, with Miss Chapin teacher of music, and the erection in
1894 of an academy building; the improvements inaugurated by Dr. McMichael
and the Tebay ventures in the oil field, have built up hopes for the conversion of
the quiet hamlet into a busy village.
Ferris is the name of a postoffice established on January 15, 1894, with
John A. Turner as postmaster. In l!SS4 an office named Roy was established
here with C. Everson, postmaster, but was discontinued, and the settlement was
without mail facilities until Ferris was established. The Turner Coal, Coke and
Mining Company has transformed this locality into a busy mining village, and
produce*- about 300 tons of coal a day.
*-.ymfr
■«N>: *
(y^L^-x_ j-A^p^^4
CHAPTER LXVIII.
PARKER TOWNSHIP.
Origin ok Name— Early Settlers— Population and Statistics— Justices of the
Peace — Schools — Manufacturing Industries — Maktinsburg — Churches — Se-
cret Societies — Other Villages.
PARKER township, lying north of Donegal township, on the Armstrong
county line, was named in honor of John Parker, a surveyor and a pioneer,
who came to Butler county in 1794, and surveyed a large tract of land in the
immediate vicinity of Parker City for a man named Moore. He also surveyed
much of the land in the northern part of the countv. Parker, who was from
Westmoreland county, selected and settled on a tract of 600 acres of land, and
was soon after joined by other members of the family, thus becoming the first
settlers of the township. In 1808 John Parker had 400 acres of land, five cows,
two horses and one slave. Washington Parker, a single man, owned 200 acres:
William, also single, owned 400 acres, and George had 400 acres, with three
eows and one horse. In 1815 John Parker surveyed the site of Lawrenceburg ;
was appointed associate judge, as related in a preceding chapter, and died hon-
ored in 1842.
Among the early immigrants who settled in Westmoreland county soon after
the close of the Revolutionary war, were a number of north of Ireland families.
In 1796, when the settlement of this section of Butler county began, several of
these families migrated hither, becoming the pioneers of the township. Among
those said to have arrived in that year, embracing these north of Ireland families,
a few Germans and a number of native-born Pennsylvanians, were John Martin.
who died in 1835. and his sons, Thomas, John and Charles; Capt. Robert Storey,
who afterwards served in the War of 1812 ; Jacob Daubenspeck, a native of
Luzerne couuty, of German descent, and sons, George and Philip ; John Gibson
and William Ferguson, whose adventure with Indians on the Ohio is related in a
previous chapter; James Turner, who left Ireland in 1771, his father, William,
and brother. John.
Archibald Kelly left Ireland in 1785, and settled in Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania. In 1796 he selected land in Washington township, Butler county,
on which he built a cabin, and then returned to Westmoreland county for pro-
visions. On his return, finding his cabin occupied by another settler, he located
in Parker township. He was one of the first, if not the first, school teachers in
Butler county. In 1807 his son. Thomas Kelly, established a distillery, which
he operated until 1844. Henry L. Sanderson, who died in 1887, at an advanced
age, was an early teacher and carpenter. Charles McCafferty, a native of Ire-
land, came in prior to 1800. John Hindman, a single man. Robert Ilindman.
■666 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John Jamison, Benjamin Fletcher, the school teacher, William Hutchison, who
bought ^2S acres of land on coming from Ireland, in IT'.H), John Say, who came
from Huntingdon county, Archibald Fowler, who had 100 acres and four cows
in 1803, James Simpson, who owned 100 acres, and Michael Shakeley, who
claimed a like area, were within the present township when the county was or-
ganized in 1803, and with one exception were here when it was erected in 1800.
William Fleming located here in 1808, ten years alter the Irish reyolution, in
which he participated.
A small band of Indians continued to reside here for a number of years, and
at intervals the fathers of the little tribe would revisit the settlements. The
young braves, many ol whom were doubtless born here, frequently returned to
hunt the deer or panther. Their days of scalp-taking were now at an end, and
they had come to regard the conquering whites with a stoicism characteristic of
their race.
The population of Parker township in 1810 was 399; in 1820, 659; in 1830,
945; in 1840, 1,304; in 1850, after the first reduction of boundaries. 7(19; in I860,
within present limits. 1,170: in 1870, L,309; in 1880, 2,516, and in 1890, 1,710.
The assessed value of property in January, 1894, was $272,940; the county tax
$1,091.76, and the State tax $106.91.
The justices of the peace for Parker township, from 1840 to 1894 are as
follows: Andrew Donaldson, 1840; David Kelly, appointed first in 1832, and
elected in 1849 and 1846; Jacob Daubenspeck, 1845; James Campbell, 1845-
50; Archibald Kelly, 1851-56-61, died in ISC).".; John Shryock, 1855 and 1S66 ;
Robert Storey, 1860-65-70-75; Amos Young, 1872; Thomas P.. Smith. 1875;
A. P. Stewart, 1877-82; John Kelly, 1877-82-87-88-93; F. M. Shira, 1884;
S. I'. Shryock, 1886; A. D. Groom, 1890-92, and J. D. Hoover, 1891.
Archibald Kelly, the first teacher, taught in the north of Ireland before his
emigration. After coming to Pennsylvania he taught in Westmoreland and But-
ler counties. Josiah Fletcher, a nephew of Benjamin Fletcher, Samuel Moore,
Jane Porter, Robert J. Crawford, Jacob Sipe, Edward Jennings, Samuel Gib-
son. Joseph Campbell, William Fowler. Hugh Wilson and Robert Lawrence
were the principal teachers in (he days of the subscription schools. The first
school-house stood on the old Daniel Walker farm; the second was an unten-
anted cabin belonging to Benjamin Fletcher; the third on the site of the old
Methodist church; the fourth at Shryock's mill, and the fifth on the Alsworth
farm, near the north line of the township. In January, 1894, there were eleven
schools in the township. The children of school age in June, L893, numbered
193 males and 185 females. The total school revenue for the year was $4,233.34,
of which $1,775.7'S formed the State appropriation.
MANUFACTURl \c; 1 Mil's I i: I ES.
In 1819, prior to which time grist was taken to the Parker mill, near the
mouth of Bear creek, Benjamin Fletcher erected a log grist mill at Martinsburg,
on a tract of land with water right, purchased from Robert Storey. Four years
PARKER TOWNSHIP. 667
after, old John Shryock established a mill on Silver creek, near the line of Wash-
ington township. It was often repaired and, after being purchased by J. II.
Walley, it was converted into a roller mill. A grist mill was erected in 1824,
on the north branch of Bear creek, by William Turner, and afterward rebuilt by
Harvey Gibson. The Harvey Gibson mill at Martinsburg, dates back to 1857.
William Sedwick also built a grist mill at Martinsburg and later established a
foundry there. The Fowler saw mill, on the Stone House farm, may be said to
have been a contemporary of the old Shryock mill. It was carried on without
a competitor until 1833, when William Martin established a larger concern. The
Dudley furnace was established by Arnold & Crawford at Martinsburg in
December, 1857. It was closed out by the sheriff in 1862.
The Hopewell woolen factory was in operation in 1845 at Silver Creek mills.
William F. Rumberger and James Dunlap were the proprietor-.. Christopher
Henlen at one time had an interest in the concern. Wool was manufactured
from the fleece at the following prices per yard : Narrow cloths, cassimeres
and satinets, and find the chain, fifty to fifty-six cents; white flannel, twenty-
eight to thirty cents; brown flannel, forty to forty-four cents, and blankets two
yards wide, sixty to sixty-two cents. The prices for custom work were as fol-
lows : Dyeing and finishing cloths in any dark color, twenty-eight cents ; flan-
nel for women's wear, eighteen and three-fourth* cents ; drab, seventeen cents;
full and home-dyed cloth, fourteen cents; scour and dress home-dyed flannels,
seven cents, and blankets, eight cents per yard. In 1857 E. F. Evans purchased
the concern from II. A. Black, who bought it from a company that bought the
Rumberger woolen mill. He carried it on for twenty vears and then retired,
leaving the building and machinery to fall into decay.
MARTINSBU RG.
Martinsburg was surveyed in 1837, on a part of the original Connolly tract,
for John Martin. The proximity of Fletcher's mill — near the present railroad
depot — suggested the place as a town site. Z. B. Sheppard, the shoemaker, built
the first cabin, now a stable in the rear of 'Squire Kelly's house. Ilk example
was followed by Robert Campbell, a plasterer, who built where Adams' store
building and Daubenspeck'- market, erected in 1892, now stand. Campbell was
also a teacher in the common school, known as "Pine Grove," on the bluff. In
184] Robert Black brought a stock of goods to this point, built a house, but later
moved to a larger one, which afterward became the dwelling of the McXees family.
It was torn down in 1893 to make way for Dr. Edmunds' house. William T. Sed-
wick built south of the old Black store, which he rented to Penn Redick, who
opened a stopping place thereabout 1840. In 1851 the postofiice, now known as
Bruin, was established, with Perry Week as postmaster, and Archibald Martin
opened a tavern, the first regular hotel in the village. 'Squire Kelly established
another tavern in 1854, which he carried on until 1N(>S, when it was converted
into a temperance house, a character it sustained until 1876, when it was licensed
and carried on as a hotel until 1878. In 1857 Arnold & Crawford opened a store
south of 'Squire Kelly's, in connection with their furnace. For years there were
but few business changes in the place. Jeremiah Sutton opened a temperance
668 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
hotel in 1870, near the present depot, which is conducted as of old. T. W.
McNees established a livery stable and hotel in 1872 in the Black building.
In 1872 came the tidal wave of oil operators, drillers, pumpers and torpedo
men, the population rapidly increasing to 500 or more. The Connolly Brothers
established a machine shop, and the Twohils opened another. W. J. Harshaw
came after the oil discoveries and opened a general store. Woods & Markwell
came in early. T. G. Campbell carried on business here for a number of years,
and H. M. Caldwell and J. A. McKallip established a general store in 1877. In
the fall of that year the decrease in oil production and the .smallpox epidemic,
which carried away five persons, almost depopulated the village and district.
The general merchants now are W. C. Black, H. M. Caldwell and J. W. and J.
H. Orr, the latter being the present postmaster.
Dr. Dennison located at Martinsburg in 1872 ; Dr. Pettigrew came the same
year, but left in 1873 ; then came Dr. Christie, Dr. Bryan, who moved to Colo-
rado ; Dr. Kerr, of Emlenton ; Dr. W.J. Kellv, Dr. C. M. C. Campbell, now of
Holton ; the two Drs. Eggert and Dr. Andrew J. Edmunds, all of whom have
practiced in that field during Dr. Dennison's long term.
CHURCHES.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Martinsburg, was organized in 1S84,
by Rev. John Carl and Benjamin Fletcher, class leaders. In 1835 a meeting
house was erected on land donated by Fletcher. This old building on the hill
may be said to have been in use for thirtv-nine years, or until 1874, when the
building in the village was finished at a cost approximating $4,000. In the
" thirties " Revs. Gilmer and Somerville had charge of this church. It is now in
the Petrolia circuit.
The Wesleyan Methodist Church was organized in 1852. In the same year
a small building, now the district school house, was erected on a lot purchased of
Mrs. Maria Kelly. The class lacked energy and soon abandoned the building,
disposing of it to the district for school purposes.
The Martinsburg- Presbyterian Church was organized in the Wesleyan
Methodist building November 21. 1N7<>. with thirty-two members, bv Revs.
James Coulter and J.H.Marshall. The first elder- were John C. Martin,
Hamilton II. Say and Amos Young. The succeeding elders were Thomas
Fleming, J. W. Orr, S. R. Gibson, J. C. McCandless, J. T. Kelly and S. S. Knox.
The last two were elected in 1894. Among the first members were Eli anil
Elizabeth Gibson, Eli, Nancy M. and Elizabeth E. Gibson, John H. and Sarah
Gibson, Elizabeth Gibson, Harvey and Isabel Gibson, Montgomery and Mary
Gibson, John C. and Margaret Martin, Gideon W. Martin, Edward and Florinda
Morgan, H. H. Say and wife, John Say and wife, Daniel M. Shakeley and wile,
Rosanna Salmon, Elizabeth and Jane White. John, Nancy and Ida Walker,
Maria Kelly and others. A church building was completed in December. 1873,
at a cost of $4,500, but lis dedication was postponed until September 6, 1*74.
The cyclone which passed over this section of the country twisted the building
so badly that extensive repairs were necessary. Rev. |. II. Coulter served the
congregation until October 22, 1873, when Rev. B. C. Montgomery became pas-
PARKER TOWNSHIP. 669
tor and remained until April 17, L876. From May 15, 1877, to October, 1882,
Rev. F. M. Thompson filled the pulpit, and from May 1, 1883, to October, ISSN,
Rev. Mr. Decker.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
A lodge of the A. O. U. W. was organized in Martinsburg in 1873. It was
transferred to Petrolia in 1875. The Odd Fellows instituted Lodge. Number 817,
on January 8, 187-5, the anniversary of the battle of New Orleans. The charter
was soon after suspended. United Lodge, Number 127, A. O. U. W., was organ-
ized January 25, 1878, with thirty members, J. W. Waters being the first master
workman. A hall was erected soon after by the lodge, where W. C. Black's
store now stands. Bruin Lodge, K. of H., was instituted March 22, 1878, with
seventeen members. A small lodge room was subsequently erected. Thanks-
giving Lodge, number 1198, I. O. G. T., was organized March 15, 1S78, and
Campbell Council of the R. T. of T. September 8. 1880. A local union of the
E. A. U. was organized several years ago and still retains its charter, though
meetings are seldom held. The Jr. O. U. A. M. is a recent organization, claim-
ing a large membership.
OTHER VILLAGES.
El Dorado, later known as Glenora, the site of McMahon's hotel, estab-
lished by George McMahon in 1871 for J. P. Robinson, dates back to 1872. J.
M. Edwards opened the first store there in 1873. In Is74 he sold to J. rl.
Walley, the first postmaster, who was succeeded by J. P. Robinson, whose suc-
cessor was John Kapp. A. D. Groom was appointed in 1888, followed in April.
1.802, by J. M. Daubenspeck, the successor of Groom & Bell. His store is now
the only mercantile house in the village, which contains eleven houses.
Hooks City, near Martinsburg, was a little oil town in the spring of 1S85.
The Boulster House and a few other buildings suggested a petition for a post-
office. There are a few houses vet remaining there and about a dozen producing
wells.
CHAPTER LXIX.
ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP.
Organization — Population- — Pioneers — Earlv Business Ventures — A Hunting
Reminiscence — Schools — Teachers and Justices of the Peace — Churches
and Cemeteries— Villages.
THIS township, which is situated in the northeastern corner of the county,
was organized in 1854. Its territory was taken from that of Venango and
Parker townships. It* area being broken and uneven and not so well adapted to
farming as that of other townships in the county, it was for many years sparsely
settled. The discovery of oil, however, drew attention to it and resulted in rapid
improvement and a large increase in population. It now contains a number of
excellent farms., many tine residences and a well-to-do and prosperous people.
The population of the township in I860, or six years after it organization,
was 881 ; in 1870,890; in 1880, 2,287, and in 1890, 1,224. The influx of oil
operators from 1^77 to 1880 contributed to the large population given bv the
enumerators in the latter year. The number of children of school age, reported
in June, 1893, was 311, — or 151 males and 160 females. The school revenue
amounted to $4,076.29. of which the State appropriated $1,242.30. The assessed
value of property in January, ISU4, was $252,990; the county tax. $1.01 1 .'.16 and
the State tax. eighteen dollars and tvventv cents.
The pioneers were John Lowrie, who settled on SOO acres at Poplar Bottom
in 1 TUT, descendants of whom held the property until 1845; John Crawford, Sr.,
who claimed 800 acres of land adjoining the Lowrie tract, came in I7'.l7, and
John and George Crawford who had each 100 acres. James Craw ford, one of the
"sons of John Crawford, Sr.. died here in 1802. Samuel Porterfield was the owner
of 400 acres when the county was organized, while William Porterfield, who
married a daughter of John Lowrie. was not then credited with the ownership
of real or personal property. It is said that lames Anderson was here in I T'. >T
or 1798; but his name does not appear among the taxpayers of 1803. Charles
Pollock and James 1'ollock, a single man, brothers of John Pollock, came from
Ireland about 1 T '- ' T - Alexander Grant followed John Lowrie from Scotland,
built a cabin and grew up with the country. George Parker moved into Alle-
gheny township about the same time and. in 1803, had three cows, one horse and
400 acres of land. He located on the site of Six Points. John Rosenberry set-
tled here in 17U7. made a clearing, sowed some wheat, returned to the east, and
again made his way, with a young wife, into the wilderness. Alexander Brown
and perhaps Ebenezer and John Brown, were here as early as Rosenberry. occu-
ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP. 6/ I
pying lands east of the Rosenberry tract in 1803. William Jack, an Irishman
and a soldier of the Revolution, came in 1798 and selected lands where the site
of Byrom Centre was surveyed in 1879.
In 1798 came Samuel Graham, a son of a soldier of the Revolution, and
himself afterward a soldier and a victim of the War of 1812. In 1808 he had 200
acres in this township. Archibald Fowler, father of George Fowler, had 384
acres here when the county was organized.
John Redick, Sr., entered 400 acres in 1799, after his migration from West-
moreland county. John Allen entered 200 acres about that time, upon which his
son, John, was born in 1799. Samuel Coulter, who had 800 acres, with a cabin
and small clearing, sold the land to Benjamin Law and moved to Ohio, where lie
died. Levi Gibson came in 1799, started a still house and made whisky for his
neighbors. In 1803 he possessed 400 acres, four cows, one horse and the little
distillery. John Truby had 400 acres on which he built a mill in 1805. Shortly-
after the organization of the county. John Turner located near the Armstrong
county line, and society in the wilderness began to assume shape.
EARLY BUSINESS VENTURES.
The first store was opened by John Lowrie at Poplar Bottom in 1811, or six-
years after John Truby's little mill was built on Bear creek. This was sold to
Dumars, and later to Pierce & Black. There Walter Lowrie, who became
LTnited States Senator, was reared. The Lowrie saw and grist mill was an
early enterprise, though inferior in extent and equipment to the Rodger's
mill, which was established soon after. Samuel Anderson erected a mill
in 1884, which in later years was known as the Sedwick mill. In 1846
Pierce & Black built on the site of the old Truby concern of 1805, and that build-
ing has passed through several hands, it being at one time called Adams' mill,
ami for the last seven years Horner's mill.
George ami James Bovard established Maple Furnace in 1844, In 1847
they sold to Henry Graft, who, in 1S54. sold to M. S. Adams, the operator until
1865, when competition and scarcity of ore suggested a "closing down." The
Maple Furnace store was carried on from 1S44 to 1868. From 1846 to 1852 the
Kensington furnace was operated by Church. Carruthers & Crawford. This little
furnace closed on account of the scarcity of ore.
A HUNTING REMINISCENCE.
In the fall of the year 1800 James Crawford, Sr.. John Parker and Thomas
Allen set out on a hunting expedition, and reached the point on Robert Adams'
.farm, at the confluence of Allen's run and the North Branch of Bear creek.
Here they determined to fire the brush, and, moving back, saw the flames, which
they intended would expose the animals of the chase, sweeping toward them
over the land now known as the George Gibson and William Fleming farms. In
a little while they were surrounded bv tire, which was eating up the leaves and
brush and threatening themselves. Taking refuge in a tree as a last security, the
flames soon attacked them, leaping up, as it were, to claim their victims. The
burned men fell to the ground and rushed back from the wave of lire to ease their
6/2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
pain in the waters of the creek. Crawford was taken to his cabin by his com-
panions and was cared for by his young wife — Abigail Coulter — until death
relieved him January 18, 1801. Parker died in later years of the burns there
received. Allen lived for many vears after. The son of Crawford, born
Just before the fatal hunt, married in 1S24 and occupied the old farm near the
Lowrie homestead, which was entered by his father in 1797.
SCHOOLS, TEACHERS AND JUSTICES.
The schools in the northern section of Parker township and along the line
•of Venango county, were so convenient to the settlements in this township as to
obviate the necessity of establishing schools within its boundaries. Subsequent
to 1803, however, the old-time teachers came here and, until the establishment of
the common school system, such men as John Allen, D. C. Cunningham, William
Elder, Robert Cunningham and Mr. Cook taught here at intervals. To-dav there
are six school districts and educational matters are prosperous.
The justices of the peace, elected from 1854 to 1894, are as follows ; James
Black. 1854-1855; John Allen, 1855; Henry Kohlmeyer, 1861; Robert Jamison,
1865; Simon Snyder, 1.866; M. S. Adams, 1868-1880; P. F. Porterfield, 1872-
1877: James S. Craig, 1882; John Thomas, L885; A. A. Kohlmeyer, 188(3, and
E. E. Morgan, 1894.
CHURCHES AND CEMETERIES.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of Maple Furnace was organized in 1854,
by M. S. Adams, who was instrumental in having a church building erected. It
is in the Eau Claire circuit. The men working round the furnace were the
members. The principal members now are Robert Adams, Thomas McKim-
mey, Alexander Thompson and Andrew Horner. The great sandstone rocks
make a grand showing round the church, standing out like mausoleums.
Grant Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1876, by Rev. Mr.
Peters. The class erected a house of worship in 1877 on John Rosenberry's
lands. Rev. Mr. Torrey, of Farmington, is the present pastor.
Mount Olive Evangelical Church was organized by Rev. A. S. Miller, March
20, 1869, and in 1s7<) a house of worship was erected near Six Points, on a lot
purchased from James Crawford, at a cost of $3,000. This was really the
re-organized Mt. Pisgaii church of Venango township, of which eleven members,
James Griffin, Henry Kohlmeyer, Joseph Kellerman, James Kahle, D. Gates, the
Munkarns, Michael Kelly and S. Meals, joined the new organization, the officers
being Samuel Halderman and W. P. Grant, elders, and George Kohlmeyer and
Samuel Merkel, deacons. The Evangelical preachers were Revs. Isaiah Delo,.
Reese, Smith, Zimmer and other ministers of the district. The only members
now are James Blair and wife and Mrs. Kohlmeyer. Xo services are held. The
people of Six Points re-roofed this church and used it for literary purposes.
The Allegheny Presbyterian Church was organized May 20, 1875, by Revs.
James Coulter and Samuel Williams, and Elder James Crawford. The elders
then installed were John R. Allen, S. Perry Eakin. A. R. Carnahan and C. C.
Cooper. J. C. Kiskaddon and J. P. Milford were added to the session. Mr.
ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP. 673
Coulter preached here until 1880, when Rev. Samuel A. Hughes was called as
stated supply. He remained until 1882, after which the pulpit was supplied. On
September 24, 1888, Rev. William J. Hazlett was installed pastor, and served
until the fall of 1893, since which time the pulpit has been vacant. The Scrub-
grass Presbyterian church, across the line in Venango county, was organized in
1802 or 1803, and was for years the place of worship for the Presbyterians of the
northern part of this township.
The Allegheny Church Cemetery, near James Milford's farm, was recog-
nized bylaw January 11, 1876, when a charter was granted to J. P. Milford, S.
P. Eakin, J. R. Allen, D. S. Allen and Henry Jamison to establish and main-
tain a cemetery in Allegheny township. From a report made in November,
1876, it is learned that two acres of the present enclosure were purchased from
John Rosenberry at $100 per acre, the owner donating fifty dollars per acre of
the purchase money to Allegheny church. Three-quarters of an acre more were
purchased from Rosenberry for sixty-five dollars. Two acres were purchased
from Mrs. Martha Allen at seventy-tive dollars per acre, the owner donating
twenty-five dollars per acre of the purchase money to Allegheny church, and the
balance, two acres, were purchased from Mrs. Allen at fifty-five dollars per acre,
making six and three-fourth acres within the enclosure, all intended for a cem-
etery excepting a piece sixteen by thirteen rods, where the church now stands.
VILLAGES.
The village of Maple Furnace was founded in LS44, by George and James
Bovard, and it may be said was abandoned in 1865, when the furnace fires were
put out, though the Adams store was carried on until 1868. The grist mill of
1846, below the furnace, is still grinding. P. Bullman's house now stands on the
site of the furnace, and the mounds of slag, evidences of a past industry, are
overgrown with grass.
Kensington Furnace, in the northeastern corner of the township, dates back
to 1846. In 1852 the industry ceased and the forest grew up on its site. In
1846 John Milford located a few miles directly south of the old furnace. The
school house is converted into a Union Sabbath school on Sunday-.
The Six Points postoffice was established in February. 1866, with James
McMahon postmaster. David Vance succeeded him ; then Addison Cross ;
then J. C. Kiskaddon, who served until 1882, when E. C. Parks was appointed.
Mrs. M. A. Parks was appointed in 1886, and Mrs. Mary Boozel in 1893.
Sandy Point was founded in 1878, on Adam Brittain's farm. Its founding
followed the oil developments of 1877. Flvnn Brothers' and J. H. Thomas'
general stores were the only mercantile houses there. The postoffice of Alexan-
der McQiiistion is the only business interest remaining.
Byrom Centre was surveyed in 1879, on the Kohlmeyer farm, or the old
Jack tract, purchased in 1836, by II. Kohlmeyer, from E. Robinson, who had
bought it from Samuel Halderman, who purchased it from the Jacks. J. D.
Schell's store and four cottages now make up the town.
Register City, a part of Sandy Point, was a village of great expectations in
6/4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the fall of 1879. In September fifteen houses were erected, including an opera
house, and a Methodist house of worship. The town is now a reminiscence, the
church building having been taken down and converted into Charles Crawford's
dwelling.
CHAPTER LXX.
BIO( i R API 1 1C.\ L SK ETC 1 1 ES.
Borough i n- Bi tlkk.
Hon*. Walter Lowuee was one of the most distinguished sons of Butler
county, and none of her citizens has ever attained greater eminence or labored in
a broader field. lie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, December 10, 1784, and
came to the United States with his parents, fohn and Catherine (Cameron)
Cowrie, in 1792. The family settled in Huntingdon countv, Pennsylvania,
whence thev removed to what is now Allegheny township. Butler county, in
17'.'7. Here his parents spent the remaining vears of their lives, his mother
dying in 1837 and his father in 1S40. Their children were as follows: Matthew
B. who removed to Pittsburg, became quite a prominent man of that city, and
served as mavor several terms: Walter: John L. ; Ann. who married Andrew
Porter. Elizabeth, who first married [ohn Stevens, and alter his death Robert
S. Whann : Jane, who became the wife of William 1 'or! erliel.l, and Catherine,
who married Andrew McCaslin. fohn Lowrie, Si., owned a farm and a grist
and saw mill, and was one of the prosperous citizens of the county. He was
among the founders of Scrubgrass Presbyterian church in Venango countv. and
a man of sturdy character, excellent moral traits and high mental qualities.
After clearing up and living upon his farm tor about forty years, he there died,
and is buried in Scrubgrass Presbyterian cemetery.
The subject of t his sketch was reared upon his father's farm, ami his primary
education consisted of an o 'casional term at a subscription -> hool and home in-
struction ol winter nights. Ill, parents being devout Presbyterians, Walter was
carefully trained in that faith, and at an eariv age entered upon a course of study
with the ministry in view, and pursued the Latin. Greek and Hebrew languages
under Rev . John McPherrin In 1807 he came to Butler to engage in teaching,
was soon after appointed clerk in the commissioner's otlice. was later elected a
member ol the board, and also filled the otlice of justice of the peace, thus
commencing a public career that lasted continuously for nearly thirty
years. In the meantime himself and brother, Matthew I?., opened a store
in Butler, but his public duties gave him little opportunity to devote to
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. n;;
the business, which was conducted principally by clerks. In 181] lie was
elected on the Democratic ticket to the legislature, and the following year
to the State Senate. He was re-elected to the latter, and served in that body
seven years. In 1818, while still a member of the State Senate, he was
elected to the United States Senate, and served in that body with ability and
distinction for six years. This period was one of great interest in the history of
our country. Such distinguished men as Webster, Clav, Calhoun, Randolph and
Benton were members of the Senate, and among those eminent statesmen Walter
Lowrie occupied a position of honorable prominence. His stanch integrity won
their confidence, while his practical judgment led them to seek his advice and
rely upon his opinions. lie was regarded by the senators who knew him best as
an authority upon all questions of political history and constitutional law. Dur-
ing the discussion of the celebrated Missouri Compromise, he made a speech of
great power and force of argument, in which he took strong grounds against the
extension of slavery, and uttered a vigorous protest against the establishment of
slave labor upon a single foot of tree territory. His influence in the Senate was
not only that of a statesman, but also of a christian. He was one of the found-
ers of the Congressional Prayer Meeting, as well as of the Congressional Tem-
perance Society. For a long time lie was a member of the executive committee
of the American Colonization Society, also of the Senate committee on Indian
affairs. At the expiration of his senatorial term, in March. 1825, be was elected
secretary oi the Senate, an office he held for twelve years, resigning it in 1836 to
become secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions, which, under
his vigorous and sagacious policy, was built up from an obscure institution to its
subsequent importance and prosperity. He brought to his new field of ..' tion
the same strength of mind and earnestness of purpose that bad characterized his
previous career, and became the efficient head of a great missionary work. His
labors only terminated with his death, which occurred in New York City. De-
cember 1 1. 1868.
Senator Lowrie was twice married. His lirst marriage occurred in 1 80S, to
Amelia Mcl'herrin. a daughter of Rev. fohn McPherrin, his preceptor, and one
of the founders of Presbyterianism in Butler county. She died in 1882, and he
afterwards married Mary K. Childs. The children of his first marriage were as fol-
lows : John C. : Matthew S., an early member of the Butler bar ; Mary, who mar-
ried Samuel Baird, a merchant of Pittsburg; Eliza ; Walter M. ; Jonathan Rob-
erts, a well remembered attorney of Hollidaysburg ; Reuben P., and Henry M.,
all of whom an- dead except the eldest. John C.. Walter M.. and Reuben P.,
became zealous missionaries of the Presbyterian church. Reuben P. fell a victim
to overwork in the enervating climate of China, and Walter M. was murdered by
Chinese pirates, August 19, 1847. Rev. John C. Lowrie. D. I)., the onh survi-
vor of the family, spent two years on missionary work in India, then returned to
New York and was appointed assistant to bis father in the office of the Board of
Foreign Missions. On the death of the latter he succeeded him as secretary,
which position he has tilled continuously for the past twenty-eight year-. Tn
resigning the secretaryship of the United States Senate, and accepting that of
the Board of Foreign Missions, Senator Lowrie exhibited a tare example of obi-
6j6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
dience to the dictates of duty, lie relinquished a home surrounded by every com-
fort, a position of ease and large emolument, the society of a wide circle of emi-
nent men, with whom he was on terms of the closest intimacy, for a life in
humble quarters, in a city witli which he was unfamiliar and to assume an arduous
position, the remuneration of which was scarcely sufficient to sustain him. Not-
withstanding his many and varied talents, he was a modest and unassuming gen-
tleman, whose public career was marked by the same rigid morals and principles
that guided his private life.
Charles Sullivan was a grandson of Peter 0. Sullivan, who came from
Ireland and located in Northumberland county, Virginia, about the year 170<).
Charles was born in Virginia, March 27. 1760, was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war, and made the acquaintance of Susannah Johnston, a daughter of Thomas
and Margaret fohnston, of Chester county, Pennsylvania, who afterward became
his wife, while he was serving under Washington during that memorable winter
at Valley Forge. They were married in Chester county in 178"). and -non after
moved to Allegheny county, settling a few miles from Pittsburg, but subse-
quently removed to the vicinity of Noblestown. In 1797 he came with his
family, consisting of a wife and six children, to Butler county, and settled in
what is now Franklin township, where he developed a large and valuable farm.
He died January 12, 1813, at the age of fifty-three, leaving a widow and eleven
children. The six oldest were born in Allegheny county, and the remaining five
in Butler county. Their names are as follows: Moses, Aaron. Thomas. John,
James, Margaret, who married William Stewart, of Butler, and died May 20,
L88 I. leaving two daughters ; Jemima, who married John McCandless. of Centre
township, reared a large family, and died in Butler in September, 1881 ; Eliza-
lietli. who married Edward White, of Whitestown, had eight children by this
union, six of whom are living, and some years after Mr. White's death married
William C. Martin, and died in 1876; William. Charles Craven, and Susannah,
who married Rev. II. Bradshaw, a Methodist Episcopal minister, removed to
Iowa, and died there many years ajjo. The best tribute that can be paid to the
memory of Charles Sullivan and wife is. that the training in the family circle was
such, that no stain of dishonor has ever rested upon any of their children.
Moses Sullivan", eldest in the family of Charles Sullivan, was born in
Allegheny county, October 9, 1786, came to Butler county with the family in
1707, availed himself of all the means within his reach to secure an educa-
tion, and became a scholarly man. With his brother John he established the
Butler Centinel in 1820, represented Butler county in both branches of the
General Assembly for many years, and was president of the state board of
canal commissioners under Governor Ritner's administration. He was a
modest, unassuming and popular gentleman, and the people often expressed
their confidence in him. He married Susan Mitchell, of Harrisburg, who
became the mother of three children. Their eldest son, Lieut. Aaron Sullivan,
of the Pennsylvania Cavalry, a bright young lawyer, laid down his life in the
War of the Rebellion in defense of his country. Moses Sullivan died May
21, 1839.
Aaron .Sullivan was born in Allegheny county, September 4. 1788, mar-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. CjJ
ried a Miss Wendt, and reared a large family. He was successfully engaged in
the manufacture of glass at Birmingham, Allegheny county, being one of the
pioneers in this business, with which he was closely associated until his death,
about 1830.
Thomas Sullivan was born in Allegheny county, February 26, 1791, and
led a quiet home life on and near the old paternal farm, and in Prospect, Butler
county. Of a most genial disposition, he was a favorite in the circle of his
acquaintance. He married a Miss Jones, reared a large family, and died in
Prospect nearly half a century ago. He enjoyed the confidence of his neighbors,
and held the office of justice of the peace many years.
John Sullivan was born in Allegheny county, June 19, IT'.'-!, and removed
with the family to Butler county when about four years old. In addition to a
common school education, he was greatly aided by his mother and oldest brother
in becoming proficient in the elementary branches of learning. He wrote a fair
hand, was a good mathematician, and an expert accountant. He served with his
three elder brothers in the War of 18 1:?. in Capt. Robert Martin's Company.
After his return he taught school in the neighborhood, and finally entered the
store of Walter Lowrie, in Butler, in 1818, baying been called to take charge of
the business during Mr. Lowrie's absence as United States Senator. In 1820, in
connection with his brother Moses, he established the Butler Centinel,&nd con-
tinued in connection with that paper until 1824. He served as treasurer of But-
ler county in 1825—2(5, and in 1827 opened a store in the brick building which he
had previously erected on the northwest corner of the Diamond, where lie con-
ducted a mercantile business until 1831. In that year he purchased a large tract
of unimproved land, located about a mile northwest of Butler, and expended
much labor and money in improving and developing it into a farm, involving ex-
tensive clearing, the erection of a home and tenant buildings, a commodious barn,
a mill with a very expensive stone dam, necessary road making and other im-
provements. In 1836 he was appointed prothonotary and clerk of the several
courts of Butler county, serving until 1839, and at different periods in his life he
filled other important public trusts. The strain in developing the farm left him
with broken health, from which he never fully recovered. In 1843 he returned
with his family to Butler, and died at hi- home in that borough, November 2,
1854. Mr. Sullivan was married in 1S21. to Mis- Mary McPherrin, youngest
daughter of Rev. John McPherrin, a pioneer minister of the Presbyterian church.
They had four children. Charles and Amelia died in infancy ; the other two,
John M., and Mary E., are residents of Butler. Mr. Sullivan was a Whig, in
politics, and a Presbyterian in religious faith, and for many years a trustee of the
Presbyterian church, of Butler. He was always loyally devoted to the interests
of the county, and in his day his name is found among the foremost in pressing
forward public improvements. His enterprise was manifested in the erection of
buildings in different parts of the town, his enlistment as an active manager in
turnpike companies, and his aid in the establishment and support of schools be-
fore the existence of our present school system. Amidst the cares of a busy life
he was never forgetful of the supreme importance of education. In his youth
and early manhood he had cultivated a taste for the best authors in prose and
n;,; HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
poetry, and his little library was well stored with their works. He was an enter-
prising, generous and liberal citizen, of a cheerful and hopeful temper, social in
disposition, exemplary in all the relations of life, outspoken in his convictions,
fearless in maintaining the right, and a good representative of the worthy band
of pioneers wlio laid the foundations of Butler's prosperity.
[ames Sullivan was born in Allegheny county, March 8, 1795, and he-
came the possessor of the old homestead in Franklin township. He was a pros-
perous farmer and for a short time a merchant. ' He married Dorcas McGowan,
to whom were born three children, two sons and one daughter. One of the sons
is a lawyer in Pittsburg, the other a merchant in Beaver Falls, and the daughter
is the wife of Or. Richardson, of Prospect. Mr. Sullivan died mam years
since.
William Sullivan was horn on the old homestead in Butler county,
December 5, 1804. lie was for some years associated with his brother Aaron in
the glass business at Birmingham. After his brother's death, he pursued the
same business at Wheeling, West Virginia, for a while, then returned to Butler
county, and lived for several years on a farm. He finally removed to New Al-
bany, Indiana, where he resided until his death, successfully engaged in the mer-
cantile business. His widow and a daughter are residents of New Castle, Penn-
sylvania.
Charles Craven Sullivan was born at the old country home, in Butler
county, March 10, 1S07, graduated at Jefferson College in 1828, studied law in
Butler with Gen. William Ayres, was admitted to practice in 1831, and for thirty
years was one of the most distinguished and successful members of the Butler
bar. He served six years in the State Senate, was a recognized leader in that
body in all matters of State reform, and there is a law on the statute book regard-
ing the morality of our people, better known to lawyers as " the Sullivan Law,"
which has received the unqualified approval of all good citizens. He was the
leader in the movement to secure railroad communication to Butler, and was
president of the North Western Railrod Company, the first organization looking
to that end. Mr. Sullivan was a Whig in politics, and later a Republican, and
a Presbyterian in religious faith. In 1846 he married a Miss Seltzer, of Lebanon
county. They had five children, two sons and three daughters, who, with the
widow, are still living. Both the sons are lawyers, one practicing in Pittsburg
and the other in Bradford. Mr. Sullivan died February 27, I860.
Col. John McPherrin Sullivan, son of John and Mary (McPherrin)
Sullivan, was born in the borough of Butler August 9, 1822. At that date his
father was one of the proprietors and publishers of the Butler Ccntinel, was
afterwards a merchant in Butler, then a fanner, and tilled the offices of county
treasurer and prothonotary. His paternal grandfather, Charles Sullivan, a soldier
of the Revolution, settled in what is now Franklin township in 1797, while his
maternal grandfather, Rev. John McPherrin, settled on a farm in what is now
Clay township in 1805. Mr. McPherrin was the first settled minister of any
denomination in Butler county, and had two daughters, one of whom married
Walter Lowrie, and the other John Sullivan. The subject of this sketch received
his primary education in the old stone academy of Butler, under the tuition.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 679
severally, of Rev. John YY. Scott, D. D., Rev. Douthett, Alexander Shirran and
Rev. Loyal Young, D. D., and entered Jefferson College in November, 1838. lie
graduated at that institution on September 28, 1843, in a class of forty-seven,
representing thirteen states, with an award from the faculty of one of the first
honors of the class, and was assigned to deliver the valedictory. Among his
well-known classmates were Rev. Dr. James Matthew-., of San Francisco; Hon.
A. W. Hendricks, of Indianapolis; Hon. Richard T. Merrick, of Washington ;
Hon. John P. Penney and Gen. J. B. Switzer, of Pittsburg, and Rev. Dr. E. E.
Swift, of Allegheny.
Immediately after leaving college he entered the law office of Hon. Samuel
A. Gilmore, of Butler, ami was admitted to practice December '.), 1845, A few
months later he formed a law partnership with Hon. Samuel A. Purviance, of
Butler, which continued until January 1, 1855. The winters of 1845 and 1846
were spent at Harrisburg, as a legislative correspondent of the New York
Tribune, Philadelphia Enquirer, and Pittsburg Commercial '. He served as
assistant clerk of the Senate of Pennsylvania in 1847, 1848, L849 and 1850, and as
chief clerk in 1852 and 1853. His last election was a unanimous one, every mem-
ber of the Senate being present anil voting lor him. while a unanimous vote ot
thanks was recorded at the close of his term. This was all the more gratifying"
to him as the Senate at that time was nearly equally divided in politics.
In January, 1855, Colonel Sullivan became deputy secretary of the Common-
wealth under the administration of Governor Pollock. Andrew G. Curtin being
secretary of the Commonwealth. At the close of Governor Pollock's administra-
tion, in January, 1858, Colonel Sullivan was appointed deputy superintendent of
common schools, and held that office until July. 1860, when he resigned to assume
the duties of secretary of the Republican State Committee in the' memorable
campaign of that year, which resulted in the election of Abraham Lincoln to the
presidency. After the presidential election he returned to his home in Butler,
where he remained until July, 1861, when he received an invitation from Hon.
Simon Cameron, secretary of war, urging him to come immediately to Washing-
ton, and render assistance in the rapidly accumulating work of the war depart-
ment. This summons was at once obeyed, and from that date until April 1,
1867, Colonel Sullivan held the position of chief corresponding clerk in the office
of the quartermaster-general of the army. These were nearly six years of very-
arduous labor. Over thirty letter-press volumes in the tiles of the war depart-
ment, bearing the impress of his handwriting, remain as witnesses of his official
work. These duties were supplemented during the war by unremitting services
for the soldiers of Butler county in the field, camp and hospital, and for their
friends at home, who with anxious hearts made him the medium to aid them in
planning and executing their kind ministries. The patriotic people of his native
county owe him a debt of gratitude for his noble services in thus aiding her brave
boys who went out in defence of the flag. During his resilience in Washington
he was secretary of the Pennsylvania Soldiers' Relief Association, and also of the
Pennsylvania Republican Association.
In March, 1867, Hon. Thomas Williams, member of Congress from this dis-
trict, and Hons. Simon Cameron and Charles R. Buckalew, United States Sena-
680 HISTORY (IF BUTLER COUNTY.
tors from Pennsylvania, without any knowledge or solicitation on the part of
Colonel Sullivan, united in asking President Johnson, to appoint him collector
of internal revenue for the Twenty-third district, an office which had been vacant
for several months, owing to the inability to secure an agreement between the
President and Senate, then of opposite politics, as to a nominee. The appoint-
ment was made and unanimously confirmed by the Senate, and Colonel Sullivan
immediately resigned his position in the war department to enter upon his new
duties as collector in Allegheny. He held the collectorship from May 1. 1807, to
July 1, 1882, excepting a few months, interval, from July, 1869, to April, 1870.
On July I, 1882, he turned over the collectorship to his successor, and before the
close of that month he received from the commissioner of internal revenue a cer-
tificate that all his accounts were satisfactorily closed, every cent of over $7,000,-
000 of public money that had passed through his hands having been faithfully
accounted for.
Soon after retiring from the collectorship, Colonel Sullivan, from inclination
as well as filial and fraternal duty, returned to his old home in Butler. His ven-
erated mother died May 4, 1888, in her eighty -eighth year, and with his sister,
Miss Mary E. Sullivan, he has since occupied the old residence, which has been
the family home for more than fifty years. Since his return to Butler he has not
resumed professional life, but is ever ready to assist all worthy enterprises and
to aid in every good work. He retains unabated interest in everything pertain-
ing to the welfare of the surviving soldiers, and was one of the leading spirits in
organizing the movement that culminated in the erection of the handsome mon-
ument in Butler, to the memory of "Our Silent Defenders." A descendant of
two leading pioneers families of Butler county, he has given close attention to
the preservation of local history, is one of the best living authorities on pioneer
reminiscences, and has rendered valuable assistance in furnishing data in the
compilation of this volume. The title of Colonel, usually applied to him, was not
acquired from -military service, but followed commissions from Governors John-
ston and Pollock, who each assigned him to a position on the staff" of the Gov-
ernor as aide, with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Colonel Sullivan was married June 10, 1 S7-i , to Miss Mary S., eldest daugh-
ter of Hon. Daniel Agnew, late chief justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsyl-
vania, and was called to experience the sad bereavement of her death, December
14, 1874. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has been the teacher
of a men's bible class in that church since February 5, 1888, which at present has
an enrolled membership of fifty. In justice to him it may be said that no man
in the community has won and retained to a greater degree the confidence and
esteem of the whole people. Always kind, courteous anil affable, Colonel Sulli-
van is a fine specimen of that consistent manhood whose integrity is never ques-
tioned and whose charity is a part of his daily life.
Rev. John McPherrin was one of the founders of Presbyterianism in
western Pennsylvania, the pioneer minister of that denomination in Butler county,
and the first pastor of the Butler church. He was a native of what is now
Adams county, Pennsylvania, born November IT), 1757, whence the family
removed to Westmoreland county. Ilis preparatory studies were pursued under
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 68 1
Rev. Robert Smith. D. D., of Pequea, Pennsylvania, and he graduated at Dick-
inson College in 1788. He studied theology under the direction of Rev. John
Clark, of Allegheny county, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of
Redstone, August 20, 1789. On September 22, 1790, he was ordained by the
same Presbytery, and installed pastor of the congregations of Salem and Unity,
in Westmoreland county, where he remained until 1808. In the meantime, how-
ever, he had visited this portion of the State on a missionary tour, coming here
in the summer of 1709 and preaching to a congregation under the spreading
branches of a large tree that stood near the site of Concord Presbyterian church,
in what is now Concord township, Butler county. Several of his audience
requested him to name the embryo church, which he did, calling it " Concord,''
the title it has borne to the present day.
In 1803 Mr. McPherrin returned to this county and accepted calls from Con-
cord and Muddy Creek churches, both of which he took charge of the same year.
In 1805 he became a member of the Presbytery of Erie, and continued to minis-
ter to the congregations mentioned until 1813, when he resigned the Muddy-
Creek charge, having been installed pastor of the Butler church April 7. 1813,
in connection with the church of Concord. It is also said lie was pastor of Har-
mony church for several years. He remained pastor of Butler and Concord
churches until his death, which occurred at Butler, February 10, 1822. Before-
coming to Butler county, Mr. McPherrin was married to Mary Stevenson, a
daughter of John Stevenson of Washington county. His children were as fol-
lows : Amelia, who married Walter Lowrie ; William ; Samuel ; John ; Clark :
Mary, who married John Sullivan; Ebenezer ; Josiah, and Anderson. The
following tribute to his memory is from the pen of Hon. Walter Lowrie, his
son-in-law :
Mr. McPherrin did not write his sermons. He used very brief but comprehensive
notes, which he placed in a small pocket bible. It is no easy matter to draw a faithful
likeness of Mr. McPherrin's character and appearance. He was tall in person, his hair,
when I first saw him, quite gray, and his whole appearance the most venerable of any
man I have ever seen. Decision and energy were the leading- traits of his character. He
knew not the fear of man, though sometimes his firmness degenerated into obstinacy.
His natural temper was warm: hypocrisy formed no part of his character, and his heart
was the seat of friendship and goodwill to man. He possessed a strong mind and strong
natural abilities. At Dickinson College, under the celebrated Dr. Nesbit, he had received
a thorough education, and by his studious habits his mind was in a constant state of
improvement. As a minister of the gospel, his zeal in his Master's cause never flagged,
and a sincere desire to do good was his ruling passion through life. His eloquence was
classically chaste, yet strong and nervous. His hearers were, in general, rather awed
than charmed, more instructed than delighted, yet often did the tears of his audience
flow before they were themselves aware of it. All his sermons were, in the highest
degree, evangelical. Christ Jesus and Him crucified, was the burden of his message:
and yet in every discourse he urged in the strongest manner the necessity of good works
and a holy and christian walk, not as a means or ground of acceptance with God, but as
an evidence of being in the right way.
Rev. Loyal Young, D. D., was pastor of the Presbyterian church of Butler
for nearly thirty-five years, and his name is a familiar one in many of the homes
in Butler county. He was a son of Robert and Lydia (Gould) Young, of Charle-
mont, Franklin county, Massachusetts, where he was bom July 1. 1806. When.
682 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Loval was five years old his parents removed to French Creek, Harrison county,
Virginia, lie obtained a good English education in the schools of that locality,
entered Jefferson College in 1826, and graduated from that institution in the
autumn of 1828. Alter teaching a private family school in Virginia one year,
he entered the Western Theological Seminary, at Allegheny Citv, Pennsylvania,
and was licensed to preach the gospel, by the Presbytery of Ohio, lune 21, 1832.
On the 25th of October following, he was married to Margaret P. Johnston, a
daughter of Rev. Robert Johnston, the first pastor of the Scrubgrass Presbyterian
church. Venango county, to which union were born seven sons and one daughter.
Four of their sons. Robert |.. Watson J., Torrence F., and James W., were
soldiers in the Union army.
Mr. Young came to Butler county soon after he was licensed to preach, his
first sermon in Butler being delivered August L,(.l. 1832. The following summer
be preached as a candidate, and was ordained and installed as the third pastor of
i be Butler congregation, by the Presbytery of Allegheny, December 4, 1833. For
nearly thirty-five years he labored faithfully and assiduously in building up the
church. During his ministry here be baptised about SOU children and adults,
united in marriage over 200 couples, and nearly 150 persons were brought into
the Butler church. He delivered his farewell sermon May 1(1, L868, and the same
month took charge of French Creek ami Buckhannon churches, in West Virginia.
1 [e remained at French Creek eight years, and was then installed as pastor of the
First Presbyterian church of Parkersburg, in the same State, which position he
tilled five years. His next charge was the Winfield, Point Pleasant and Pleasant
Flats churches of West Virginia, which he ministered to from 1880 to 1885. lie
then removed to Washington. Pennsylvania, and became a supply for a few
years. Here his wife died December 29, 18S7, and soon after he returned to But-
ler, where he continued to follow the ministry up to within a few weeks of his
death, which occurred October II. [890.
While pastor of the Butler church, in 1858, the degree of I). D. was con-
ferred upon him by Washington College. Dr. Young was twice moderator of
the Synod of Pittsburg, once of the Erie Synod, and represented the Presbytery
at the General Assembly several times. He was also the author of the following
works: "Commentary on the Book of Ecclesiastes," " Hidden Treasure,"
■• Interviews with Inspired Men." " Communion." and " From Dawn to Dusk."
A tew weeks before his death he completed a commentary on the Book of Prov-
erbs, which has not yet been published. To Dr. Young more than to any other
man was due the establishment of Witherspoon Institute at Butler. He was the
guiding spirit in calling the convention which brought that school into existence,
in preparing the charter, in raising money, and placing the Institute on a solid
foundation. He was its principal for quite a long period, and his name is closely
interwoven with its early growth and progress. In a sermon delivered July 2,
1870, Rev. C. II. McClellan paid Dr. Young the following tribute :
A man bold in the defence of truth, vigorous and active in frame, and indefatigable
in promoting- the interests of Christ's cause, hi.s life and work in Butler will be remem-
bered long- after he himself shall have passed from earth. No better testimony to his
ability as a preacher and pastor can be found than the well taught and strongly organ-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 683
ized church he left in this place; no better proof of the reality of his piety and good
works than the readiness with which all classes, young and old, rich and poor, Protes-
tant or Catholic, speak his praise. He was an Israelite indeed in whom there was no
guile.
Rev. Isaiah Niblock, D. D., was one of the pioneer ministers of what is
now known as the United Presbyterian church of Butler. lie was a native of
County Monaghan, Ireland, born in the year 1704. studied divinity under Rev.
John Dick, D. D., professor of theology in the United Sessions church, Glasgow,
Scotland, and was licensed to preach in 1-S17. The following year he immi-
grated to New York, and preached in Philadelphia in the autum of 1818. Soon
after he crossed the Allegheny mountains on horseback, arriving in Pittsburg,
December 20, ISIS, where he was appointed to supply vacancies for three months
in this section of the State. lie arrived at Butler three days later, and preached
in the court house on the last Sunday of the year. He continued to preach as a
supply until April 23, 1819, when he received a call from the congregations of
Butler and White Oak Springs, which he accepted, and after filling his previous
engagements, was ordained and installed as their pastor by the Monongahela Asso-
ciate Reformed Presbytery, and preached his first sermon as pastor of the Butler
church on the third Sunday in May, L819. This pastorate continued in an
unbroken chain for more than forty-five years, or until his death in Butler, fune
20. 1864, although he was unable to preach for nearly five months preceding
that event. When Mr. Niblock became pastor of the Butler church it consisted
ot but one elder and nine communicants. Under his ministry there were added
to the Butler, White Oak Springs and Union congregations about 1,100 members.
He baptised about 2.000 children and adults, and united in marriage more than
2O0 couples. Dr. Niblock was married after coming to Butler, to Rachel Alex-
ander, of Pittsburg, which union was blessed by six children, viz: Mary |.;
James ; Alexander ; John, a United Presbyterian minister; Hugh; Mrs. Maria
Zimmerman, and Harriet. The following tribute to his worth and character,
written by one who knew him well, will give the reader a good idea of this
pioneer missionary :
Dr. Niblock was a minister of tnodest disposition and retiring habits, not much
known to the world, but beloved by all his fellow ministers who knew him, and much
esteemed among his pastoral charge. Of him it mifrht be said: He was a good minister
of Jesus Christ — an able and faithful expositor of the Word of God. Among the first of
our ministers who settled northwest of the Allegheny river, he lived to see the church
and the country grow numerous and prosperous around him, and as the fruit of his own
labors many added to the church " of such as should be saved." He loved the church of
which he was minister, arduously and faithfully labored to maintain her principles and
her purity, and the work of the Lord prospered in his hands. His life was one of self-
denial, labor and usefulness, esteemed in the community and beloved in the church.
Rev. William White, D. D., the honored and respected rector of St.
Peter's Protestant Episcopal church of Butler for half a century, is one of the
few living pioneer ministers of his church in Pennsylvania. He is a native of
Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, born March 18, 1811, and is thus in the
eighty-fifth year of his age. He grew to manhood in his native land, came to
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1882, and entered the Western University, graduat-
ing from that institution in 1884. In 1837 he graduated at the General Theologi-
684 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
cal Seminary of New York, was ordained a deacon by Bishop Onderdonk, in
Christ church, Philadelphia, the same year, and was sent to take charge of the
Freeport and Butler congregations. In 1888 he was ordained a priest by the
same bishop, and remained in charge of both churches mentioned until 184:2,
when he gave up the Freeport charge and confined his labors to Butler and
vicinity. Dr. White was married October 7. 1840, to Mary Bredin, a daugh-
ter of James Bredin, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to whom have been born six
children, as follows: Annie: Isabella; Thomas, an Episcopal minister of East
Albany, New York; George R., attorney at law of Butler; James B., deceased,
and William, a consulting engineer of Pittsburg. For several years Dr. White
combined with his parochial duties those of a teacher in the old Butler Academy,
and many of the leading men of western Pennsylvania look up to him with pride
as their preceptor. He continued as pastor of the Butler congregation until 1877,
when the infirmities of advancing age induced him to lav down the burden,
although he still occasionally performed the offices of his sacred calling in the
adjoining counties of Armstrong and Clarion. With the passing years this work
also had to be abandoned, and now at the ripe age of eighty-four he confidently
and patiently awaits the call to his eternal reward. For nearly sixtv years his
name has been closely associated with the religious and educational life of Butler
county, and few of its citizens have won to a greater degree the unbounded love
and confidence of the whole people than this venerable patriarch whose rare use-
fulness throughout that period is gladly acknowledged by all.
David Dougai. was one of the best known citizens in Butler county
throughout his long and eventful career, and his name is inseparably linked with
its history for a period surpassing the allotted life of man. He was a native of
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, born near Fannetsburg, September 23, 1778, the
son of a Presbyterian minister. He obtained a good English education, and left
home in early manhood, going to Huntingdon, where he clerked in the prothono-
tary's office. Here he studied the art of surveying, afterwards went to Pittsburg,
and later to Kentucky, where be acquired a taste for adventure and free out-
door life. He next went to Detroit and acted as clerk in a trading post, meeting
hundreds of Indians there, and subsequently spent some time among the Indian
tribes of Ohio. These associations had a marked influence on his character
that remained with him to the day of his death. He finally returned to Hunting-
don, whence, about the year 1800, he came to Butler county. Upon the organ-
ization of this county he was appointed the first clerk of the board of county
commissioners, and later served one term in that body. At the first sales of lots
in Butler borough, Mr. Dougai proved his faith in the new county seat by pur-
chasing several lots, some which he owned until he died. He was one of the
pioneer merchants of the town for a short time, but soon abandoned merchandis-
ing to pursue the more congenial vocation of a surveyor, which profes-
sion he followed until the infirmities of old age compelled him to retire from
active life. lie loved nothing so well as to roam through the primitive forest,
running lines, establishing corners and blazing trees to mark boundaries. He did
the greater part of the earlv surveying in this countv, and his wonderful mem-
ory retained in old age the most precise and exact knowledge of lines and sur-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 685
veys made by himself during the first years of the county's history. lie was
recognized by courts and lawyers as a high and almost infallable authority on
such matters.
Mr. Dougal was the agent of Stephen Lowrey, and later of his daughter,
Mrs. Sarah Collins, who inherited a large portion of her father's lands in this
county, and he continued in this capacity for the heirs of Mrs. Collins until his
retirement from active business. This responsible position afforded him the
opportunity of acquiring property, and he became quite an extensive land
owner. Scrupulously honest in all his dealings ; correct and careful in his busi-
ness habits ; possessing an extensive and valuable fund of general information,
fine conversational abilities and remarkable mental power, he commanded the
respect of the best people of the community. There were few branches of
scientific lore in which he was not well versed. In pleasant weather Mr. Dougal
would sit in front of his modest home on South Main street and converse with
those who chose to listen or be entertained. His manner of speech was calm,
deliberate and dignified, and his subjects were history, political economy, geog-
raphy, geology, topography, climate and astronomy. He possessed an exten-
sive and accurate knowledge of the last mentioned science, and was always
happy when gazing at the starry firmament or discoursing upon its wondrous
beauty and grandeur. His store of local history, too. embraced the minutest
details of the annals of Butler county from its erection until the year of his
death
With all these advantages he was. nevertheless, a peculiar and eccentric
character, and is principally remembered by the present generation because of
manner in which he lived. Though he possessed plenty of this world's goods, and
might have enjoyed the usual comforts of life, he refused to improve his property,
and persisted in living in one of the smallest and plainest of the frame buildings in
Dougal's row until he removed to his farm in Summit township, a few years
prior to his death. Surrounded by rubbish of all kinds, including his surveying
instruments, maps, charts, books, etc., with a few broken chairs and a bed that
defied description, he despised and discarded modern fashions and modes of liv-
ing, and seemed to take a peculiar delight in the slovenly dress and unrestrained
life of the rudest pioneer backwoodsman. Nevertheless, when occasion required,
he would appear as a well-dressed gentlemen in refined society, and was thor-
oughly familiar with all the courtesies pertaining to it. Though he lived with
the most rigid frugality, he was not a miser, but was generous, kind and charit-
able to the poor and needy. If his tenants could not pay their rents, lie per-
mitted them to remain or move away without molestation.
This gifted, strange and eccentric man never married, and died on his farm
in Summit township, November 8, 1881, at the extraordinary age of 103 years,
leaving much valuable property to relatives, and also to some friends who cared
for him in his declining age. In appearance he was tall and erect in carriage,
grave, serious and dignified in bearing, and remarkably independent in thought
and action. Not only to the severe simplicity of his mode of living, but to the
wonderful evenness of his temper, which he rarely suffered to be milled by any
excitement, was largely due the uniformly good health he enjoyed throughout
686 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
his life and the great longevity he attained. Mr. Dougal was pre-eminently a
peacemaker. 1 1 x -~ opportunities as a surveyror were always used to settle dis-
putes uml avoid litigation, and, as the natural result of this policy, he was often
appealed to by disputants as final arbiter. In politics, he was a Whig until the
formation of the Republican party, and ever afterward a Republican. While he-
did not profess any particular religious faith nor attend church, he was a firm
beliver in the fundamental principles of Christianity, and had an utter contempt
for the man who treated the forms of religion with levity. The leading minds
of Butler county looked upon him not only as a learned man but a philosopher,
and his name will lie respected as long as a single one of those who knew him
best is left to do justice to his memory.
Hon. John Negley was one of the first settlers of Butler, and was promi-
nently identified with the history of the town and county for a period of seventy
year-. Born at Fort Ligonier. in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, April (i.
1778, where his parents had taken temporary refuge from hostile Indians while
en route westward from Bucks county, he grew to manhood at East Liberty.
Allegheny county, to which place the family removed soon after his birth. In
1709 he visited tin- territory now embraced in Butler county, and made two trips
through northwestern Pennsylvania before deciding on the place ot his settle-
ment. In the vear 1800, soon after this county was erected, he located on the
site of the present borough of Butler, rinding employment as a miller in Cunning-
ham's mill, which stood on the site of the Walter mill. In 1806 he purchased
the mill property, with considerable land surrounding it. and later built an addi-
tion for a woolen mill and established a cabinet shop near by. Besides conduct-
ing these various enterprises successfully for nearly thirty years, he also dealt ex-
tensively in real estate and became a very large land owner. In 1832—33 he
sunk a salt well, with the intention of manufacturing that commodity . which en-
terprise cost him about $8,000. He possessed much force of character, good
executive ability and sound business principles, and his sterling worth was soon
recognized by the people among whom he had cast his lot. lie was the tii-t
treasurer of Butler county, was one of the early county commissioner-, and in
1809 be wa- elected to the legislature. In 1817 he was appointed prothonotary
of the county, and four years later he was again elected to the legislature and
re-elected in 1822. lie tilled all of these positions in an able and efficient man-
ner, alike creditable to himself and his constituents. He was a stanch Democrat
until 1856, when he supported Fremont lor President, and continued to affiliate
with the Republican party the rest of his life.
Mr. Negley was a man of strong religious convictions and one of the found-
ers of the Lutheran church in Butler. lie was a member of the German Luth-
eran society and contributed liberally towards the erection of the old church
building, as well as to all other churches elected in Butler during his lifetime.
His generosity and benevolence found expression in various other channels bene-
ficial to the community, while his enterprise and public spirit were manitested in
many ways during his active business career. In 1816 Mr.Negley married Eliza-
beth Ann Patterson, who died in August, 1^:!-"). She was the mother of ten
children, as follows: Mary B.. widow of John G. Muntz ; Elizabeth II. . who
BII 'GRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
died in August, 1835; Susan A., widow of Col. Joseph P. Patterson; John II..
one of the oldest members of the Butler bar; Felix C, of Pittsburg; Minerva.
deceased wife of Samuel W. Haseltine ; Ann McLean, deceased; lame- A., oi
Philadelphia: William C, who died in 1850, and Albert <>.. a resident of Chi-
cago. Mr. Negley died August 1 1. 1870, in the ninetv-third year of hi- age. and
was buried in South cemetery, the land for which was donated by him in 1850
for burial purposes. Here a massive marble shaft, on which is inscribed a brief
history of his life, marks the last resting place of this honored pioneer, one of the
vanguard of that mighty army of civilization which laid tin- foundations ol
liberty and prosperity in western Pennsylvania.
Hon. John Henry Negley, attorney at law. was horn near the old Negley
mill, in the southern part of what is now the borough of Butler, February 7.
1823, son of fohn and Elizabeth Ann (Patterson ) Negley . pioneers of the county.
His boyhood days were passed in 1 1 a i — village, anil hi- primary education was
obtained in the old Butler Academy. In the tall <>i' 18 I I lie entered Washil gton
College, at Washington, Pennsylvania, where lie pursued hi- studies for three
terms. Returning home in the spring of 1848, he commenced the study of law
under Hon. John Bredin, and was admitted to the bar March 25, 1845. lie at
once began practice, and tor tittv years he ha- continued in the duties thereof.
being now one of the oldest members of the Butler county bar. In March. 184K.
he was appointed deputy attorney general for this county, which he held about
one sear. In I ^.">( ) the office became elective, and he was the first district attor-
ney elected in the county, tilling that position the full term of three years. In
1855 he became proprietor and editor of the Democratic Hcrahi, which he pub-
lished until July. 1858, when he sold the office.
Mr. Negley was an adherent of the Democratic party until the exciting
period preceding the war. when he became a Republican. In 1801 he was
appointed enrolling officer for Butler county, an office established for the purpose
of enrolling the name- of those subject to draft, the duties of which covered a
period of nearly a year. In 1802 lie was a member of Capt. J. Gilmore Camp-
bell's company of militia, which re-ponded to the call ol Governor Curtin to
assist in repelling Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania. In October. 1863, Mr. Neglev
w a- elected, on the Republican ticket, to the legislature, and was twici i ted
serving three year- in thai capacity. During his term of service he was largeh
instrumental in obtaining legislation that secured the first railroad completed in
Butler county, extending from Freeport to Butler, now a part of the West Penn.
In April. |stV.). he purchased the Butler Citizen, which he edited and published
until September, 1888, a period of nearly twenty year-, a portion of which time
his son was associated with him a- publisher.
Mr. Neglev was married July 8, 1847, to Miss Mary Harper, of Butler, to
which union were born ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity, a- follows
Elizabeth A. II.. widow of Rev. L. H. Geshwind ; William C. editor of the
Citizen; John H..of Philadelphia: Joseph P.. of Pitt-burg: Mary Stella: Mar-
tin Luther, who was drowned in Chartier- creek. Allegheny county, in August,
1884; Felix Cand Edgar Hayes. Mr. Negley was born and reared a Lutheran,
and since earlvmanhood he has been prominently connected with the growth and
■688 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
progress of the English Lutheran church of Butler, being to-day one of its oldest
and most honored members.
SquiRE William Campbell was one of the first settlers in the borough of
Butler. He was a son of Patrick and Eleanor Campbell, and was born April 27,
1772, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. His father was a native of .Scotland,
who settled in Franklin county, but little of his early history is known to his
descendants in this county. Patrick Campbell and wife died in the vicinity of
Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, August 23, and October 23, 1795, respectively. Their
children were : Samuel ; David ; Robert ; Patrick ; William, and Eleanor, who
married a Mr. Stockton. Two of the sons were in the Revolutionary war, were
captured by the British and died as prisoners on an Enelish prison ship in New
York harbor. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native county,
and there learned the carpenter's trade. In 1803 he came to Butler county for
the purpose of selling a farm belonging to a friend, which was located in the
northern part of the county, and on his way back remained at Butler, and pur-
chased lot Number 57, at the first sale of lots in this borough, August 10, 1803,
[laying for the same forty-one dollars. On August 14, 1804, he purchased lot
Number 7, for twenty-three dollars and fifty cents, and on August L6, 1804, he
bought outlots 27 and 28, for $110.50. In the record of these sales he is named
" Maj. William Campbell," because of his connection with the militia. The out-
lots contained five acres, and were situated where the West Penn depot now
stands. It is believed by his grandsons that he took up his residence in Butler at
the time he made his first purchase, built a log house upon his lot, opposite the
present home of William Campbell, and engaged in carpenter work for the pio-
neers of the village, which business he followed a few years. He continued to
live in this house until the brick residence, now occupied by his grandson, was
built. William Campbell was a stanch Democrat, and a leader in his party in
Butler county during pioneer days. In 1800 he was elected sheriff of the county,
was appointed treasurer in 1813, elected commissioner in 1815, and prothontary
in 1821. He served continuously as justice of the peace from 1813 to 1822, was
elected a member of the first borough council in 1817, and served in that body at
different periods for many years, being chief burgess in 1828. His official career
was marked by good executive ability and sterling integrity. In 1835 he engaged
in general merchandising, in partnership with his two sons, James G. and Will-
iam, under the firm name of William Campbell & Sons. This firm existed until
1845, when Mr. Campbell retired from active business, and turned over his affairs
to his sons. He was a life long member of the Presbyterian church of Butler, a
charter member of that organization, anil one of its first trustees, and gave liber-
ally toward the support of the church. Mr. Campbell married Jane, a daughter
of John Gihnore, of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and a sister of John Gil-
more, an early and prominent lawyer of Butler. Four children were the fruits of
this union, as follows : James G. ; William ; Eleanor, who married Robert Cun-
ningham, and Margaret, who became the wife of B. R. Bradford, all of whom
are dead. The parents both died in the old homestead at Butler, the father March
<i, 1849, and his wife, May 2, L835. Mr. Campbell possessed a fine presence, a
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 689
powerful physical development, and was a man well calculated to undergo the
trials of pioneer life.
William Campbell, Sr., second son of William and Jane (Gilmore) Camp-
bell, was born in the borough of Butler, January 18, 1813. His youth was passed
in his native village, where he received a good common school education. His
first employment was as clerk of the board of county commissioners. In 1835 he
entered business with his father and brother, and in 1845 his father retired, leav-
ing his sons in full control. They conducted the business successfully until 1852,
when they closed out their stock. In that year they purchased the interest of
John McCarnes in the foundry, in which they had owned a half interest since
1S47, and established a store for the sale of the goods manufactured in this foun-
dry and agricultural implements, which they supplied to the surrounding coun-
ties. They added a stock of general hardware in 1S77. This store is still car-
ried on by John S. and William Campbell under the old firm title, and is one of
the oldest and most successful business institutions of Butler. Although practi-
cally retired from active life, because of the increasing infirmities of age, Mr.
Campbell nevertheless took a deep interest in thebusiness down to his death. He
was one of the projectors, original stockholders and president of the Butler and
Allegheny Plank Road Company, and took an active part in obtaining railroad
facilities for Butler. He was also president and a director for many years of the
Butler Mutual Fire Insurance Company. During the early oil days he was inter-
ested with H. J. Klingler and others in the development of that great industry.
He was also one of the founders of the Butler Savings Bank, was president of
that institution from February, 1S77, to February. 1880, and again from January,
1880, to November, 1887, when he resigned the office. Always an earnest friend
of education, he served on the school board for several years, and gave much time to
the advancement of the public schools of Butler. Mr. Campbell united with the
Presbyterian church in 1832, was elected a ruling elder in 1841 , was superintendent
of the Sunday school for many years, and was always ready to aid every relig-
ious enterprise. His work in the church was earnest and practical. He had the
courage of his convictions, and on every moral question expressed them fear-
lessly. A life long Democrat, he gave an unswerving support to the principles
of his party, but never sought public office. He was twice married; first. Octo-
ber 27, 1835. to Clarissa, a daughter of John Leslie Maxwell, a pioneer of Butler
township. She died January 1".), 1839, and March 31, 1841. he married Eliza J.,
daughter of John Shaw, of Glenshaw, Allegheny county. Their children were
as follows : William, John S., James G., deceased, and Mary, wife of Joseph
A. Herron. Mrs. Campbell died April 21. 1892. Her husband survived until
November 17, 1893, dying in the eighty-first year of his age. Mr. Campbell was
the last survivor of his father's family. His death brought to a close an honor-
able and successful business life, which was characterized by the virtues of indus-
try, honesty and sobriety. Diligent and successful in all his undertakings, he
won the respect and confidence of those with whom he was associated in his
various enterprises. His untiring industry, fidelity to every trust, and diligence
were remarkable, while his watchfulness and care over business continued almost
to the day of his death.
44
6oO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
James Gilmore Campbell was horn in Butler, Pennsylvania, April 5,
181 1, and died in the .same borough, November 23, 1885. He was the eldesl son
of William and Jane (Gilmore) Campbell, and spent his entire life in his native
county- He was connected with his father and brother William in business, and
at the time of his death was senior member of the firm of J. (i. ec \Y. Camp-
bell. In 1842 he was elected sheriff of Butler county, and during his term of
office occurred the outbreak, growing out of the murder of the Wigton family.
bv Mohawk, in which he displayed the bravest determination to uphold the law
and enforce the peace, lie was elected a presidential elector on the Democratic
ticket in 1856, and was chosen bv the electoral college to convey the returns of
the State to Washington. President Buchanan subsequently appointed him mar-
shal of the western district of Pennsylvania, an office which he filled from 1857
to 1861, i" a manner satisfactory to men of all political opinions. On the break-
ing out of the Rebellion, Mr. Campbell was among the first to give his support
to the Union cause, and when, in 1862, the State was threatened by invasion, he
was active in raising a company of volunteers to go to the defence of the flag,
lie was chosen captain of the company, and in that post, as in all others,
whether public or private, he was faithful to his duty. Mr. Campbell was
newer married, and for some years prior to his death was almost helpless from
paralysis. But in all passing events he maintained his old time interest, and his
mind remained comparatively clear to the last. Few men were better know n in
the county, and lew wielded a wider influence. He was a man of marked cour-
age and fearless in the discharge of his duty. In social life he was an agreeable
companion, and his kind words and cheerful ways made him a favorite with all.
His private life was pure and his integrity above question. In his business as
a merchant, lor more than forty years, he always bore the reputation of a liberal
giver and an honest man.
\\ 1 1 i i \ \i Campbell, eldest son of William and Eliza Jane (Shaw) Camp-
bell, was born in Butler. April I 1, 1843, and received his education in the public
schools and at Witherspoon Institute, completing his studies at Washington ami
Jefferson College. He then went to Pittsburg, where he was engaged in the
foundry business until his appointment as cashier of the Butler Sayings Bank,
Februan (i, 1871, This position he has since tilled in a highly creditable man-
ner. He is a member of the firm of |. G. A. \\". Campbell, lineal successors to the
business established by his grandfather in 1835. He is also a director in the
Butler Electric Light Company, and is interested in oil producing. In
1862 he enlisted in Compum K., One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and served with his regiment at Antietam, Fredericksburg anil
Chancellorsville. Politically, he has always been a Democrat, and. like his
father, he is ;i consistent member of the Presbyterian church of Butler, in which
he is one of the trustees. Mr. Campbell was married June I I. 1889, to Elizabeth,
daughter of Dr. |oseph Lusk. one of the pioneer physicians of the county. They
are the parents of two children : William, and Janet.
John S. Campbell, second son of William and Eliza lane (Shaw) Camp-
hell, was born March IS. 1847, in the old homestead at Butler. His primary
education was obtained in the public schools, and he afterwards attended the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 6m I
military academy, at West Chester, Pennsylvania. In IMiC he entered his father's
employ, afterwards clerked in the Brady's Bend Iron Works store, and Liter was
bookkeeper for Tack Brothers «.V Company, of Pittsburg, until 1869. < >n the
death of his uncle, James (Jilmore Campbell, he and his brother William inherited
their uncle's interest in the firm of f. G. Ac W. Campbell, and at their father's
death became sole proprietors. Mr. Campbell is the principal stockholder in.
and president of. the Butler Electric Light Company, in the organization of
which he was the leading spirit, and he was also the principal promoter of North
Side cemetery. He was a member of the Bald Ridge < >il Company, and has
operated extensiyely in the oil fields of Butler county, under the firm name ol
McBride & Campbell. Their celebrated well at McBride City, struck December
13, 1S84, came in at the rate of nearly 1(1.000 barrels per day, and they sold half
of it and the lease for $90,000. He has been actively engaged in oil producing
since 1869, in various parts of this county and West Virginia. lie is also the
owner of a tine stock farm in Center township, and is engaged in breeding Jer-
sey cattle anil high grade horses. Mr. Campbell was married October 0. 1885, to
Jennie E., a daughter of R. J. Rogers, of Attica. New York, and has two chil-
dren : Richard R.. and John S. He is prominent in the local councils of the
Democratic party, and although not a member, he attends the Presbyterian
church. lie is a leading member of the Masonic order, and is also connected
with the R. A., K. of II.. A. E. of H.. and the A. O. 1". W.
Maurice Bredin is well and favorably remembered by the older inhabit-
ants of Butler, where the greater portion of his life was passed. He was a
native of County Donegal, Ireland, a son of James and Jane (I)unlap) Bredin.
In 1802 the family settled in Donegal township, Butler county, where the father
obtained 2()0 acres of land by settler's right. In 1812 they removed into what is
now Summit township, about two miles southeast of Butler. Maurice was
reared amidst pioneer surroundings, and was inured to the trials and hardships
ot early days. After reaching manhood he removed to Butler, where the remain-
ing years of his life were passed. He married Ann Xiblock, a sister of Rev.
Isaiah Xiblock. to which union were born the following children : James M.:
John ; Mary: Mrs. Maria Caldwell: Mrs. Xannie Kirker ; Mrs. Sarah Lamber-
ton, and Benjamin W. Air. Bredin served two years in the borough council, in
1819and 1821 ; was justice of the peace for many years afterward ; served four years
as register and recorder of Butler county, and also as county commissioner. In I 823
himself and brother, John Bredin, established the Repository, which they published
several years. They were also among the prominent pioneer merchants of the bor-
ough, and carried on business on the south side of the Diamond. He died August | ] .
1852, aged seventy-two years. Ilis widow removed to Franklin and there died.
Mr. Bredin was a unique character, inflexibly honest, transparently sincere, intelli-
gent, confiding, generous and unsophisticated as a child, and always true. He
was intensely loyal to Butler county and her people, and a slight or indignity
offered to either, under any circumstances, evoked his sharp and stern rebuke.
He had but little regard for the conventionalties of society, as to tnanm is. dress,
or equipage, and keenly critized the innovations upon the simplicity of pioneer
life. This trait in his character was often misinterpreted and misunderstood, hut
692 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
if censoriously called in question to his face, received from him such withering
retorts as he alone was capable of giving. Mr. Bredin possessed a tall, dignified,
and commanding presence. He was genial, companionable and cheerful in all
the associations of life, a devoted husband, a kind and indulgent father, an ear-
nest, faithful christian. He lived and died in Butler, closing a long life without
a stain upon his integrity, a marked and honored character in Butler's history.
He was intensely Democratic in his political views, while in religion he was a
practical member of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal church.
James Dunlap was horn on the corner of Main and Jefferson streets, in
Butler, Pennsylvania, April is, 1807, anil was one of the first children born within
the borough limits. His grandfather, Rev. James Dunlap, was the second presi-
dent of Jefferson College, and his father, [ames Dunlap, was a pioneer lawyer of
the Butler bar, whence he removed to Mississippi and served on the bench a long
term of years as United States district judge. The subject of this sketch was
reared in Butler, received a good academical education, and early developed a
strong taste lor the surveyor's profession, which he studied under the aide pre-
ceptorship of David Dougal, the pioneer surveyor of Butler county. On April
17. 1888, he married Margaret Murdoch, a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Con-
nor) Murdoch, of Washington county. She became the mother of four children,
as follows : Samuel M., of Butler: Mary L. , wife of Robert Henry, of Alle-
gheny ; Lydia R., wife of YV. J. McKee, of Butler, and James, deceased.
In 1862 he became a partner of W. S. Boyd, and the firm of \V. S. Boyd &
Company carried on merchandising on the corner of Main and Jefferson streets
for many years, and subsequentlv he and Mr. Bovd engaged in dealing in real
estate. Although following mercantile pursuits, Mr. Dunlap did not give up
surveving. As years sped by he became an enthusiast in his profession, and was
always recognized as an excellent surveyor. He possessed a strong, clear, ana-
lytical mind, and was gifted with great energy and a constitution well fitted to
bear the hardships of his laborious duties. Through judicious study and practice,
lie became a high authority on the land titles and surveys of this section ol the
State, and for years he was a most trusted witness in the establishment of
boundary lines. He was celebrated for his clear, direct and positive statement of
facts, supported by accurate and concise field notes and drafts. At the time of
his death, July 2'.*, 1892, there were few men in Butler county who had so large
a personal acquaintance with its people as James Dunlap. His memory stretched
back over a period of more than three-quarters of a century, and his name was a
familiar one in nearly every home.
Mr. Dunlap was one of the leading Democrats of the county, and always in
line with the advanced thought of his party. Thoroughly familiar with current
history, and equally conversant with the maxims of sound political economy, he
was a keen and dangerous opponent in debate, and sought rather than avoided
political discussion. Aggressive and uncompromising in the assertion and
maintenance of his convictions, he was always careful that political differences
should not disturb the harmony of personal friendships. In 1860 he was a dele-
gate to the National Democratic Convention at Charleston, South Carolina, was
county surveyor for several years, always took a decided personal interest in the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 693
growth and progress of education, and served on the school board for a long
period. He was a man of exemplary moral character, unassuming in manner,
dignified and courteous in address, chaste in conversation, and upright in all his
dealings with his fellowmen. His name and memory deserve a worthy place in
the annals of his native town.
John Duffy, second son of Charles and Ellen Duffy, was born in Ireland,
in November, 1784, and immigrated with his parents to Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, in 1793, where the family resided until the spring of 1796, and
then crossed the Allegheny river into what is now Butler county, with the ad-
vanced guard of pioneers. They were among the first settlers of Donegal town-
ship, and located on the tract since known as the Duffy farm, where John grew
to manhood. In August, 1814, he was appointed, by Governor Snyder, captain
of a company in the Twenty-fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, and served
in that capacity many years. In 1816 he was elected a justice of the peace,
which position he filled until 1823. In that year he removed to the borough of
Butler and established a general store, which business he followed until 1840,
when he was appointed one of the associate judges of Butler county. He served
upon the bench until 1850, and then retired from all active business. He was
never married, and died in June, 1864, aged eighty years. Judge Duffy was a
man of the strictest integrity, and possessed those sterling qualities which charac-
terized the lives of the first settlers.
Peter Duffy, third son of Charles and Ellen Duffv, was born in Donegal
township, Butler county, March 30, 1798. He was reared upon the homestead
farm until he was eighteen Years of age, attended the pioneer subscription schools,
and endured the privations and trials incident to pioneer life. In L816 he came
to Butler and took charge of a woolen mill and carding machine attached to the
old grist mill, which then stood across the Connoquenessing, above the site of
the present Reiber mill. This old mill was erected by William Neyman in 1800,
and was one of the first of the kind in Butler county. In 1823 he entered his
brother John's store, and afterwards became a partner in the business. In 1827
he engaged in contracting on the Pennsylvania canal, and continued upon that
public improvement until it was completed. Mr. Duffy was appointed post-
master of Butler December 10, 1830, and held the office two years. He was then
appointed prothonotarv and clerk of the courts of Butler county, and served in
that capacity until 1836. In 1833 he married Deborah Dougherty, to whom were
born three children, as follows: Mary, who became a Sister of Mercy, and in
1861, when the government established a soldier's hospital at Pittsburg, in which
there were, during the greater part of the war, thousands of sick and wounded
Union soldiers, she was placed in charge as Sister .Superior, held that position
until the close of the Rebellion, and died in February. 1870; Charles, who suc-
ceeded his father in business in 1873, and has since carried on merchandising at
the same place, and James E., now pastor of St. John's Catholic church, East
Albany, New York. When the gold excitement broke out in 1849, Mr. Duffy
went to California, where he remained until 1858. Returning to Butler he re-
sumed merchandising, which business he continued until 1863, and then retired
from active business. The great oil development in Butler county embraced his
<h)4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
farm in Donegal township and brought him a large royalty. Mr. Duffy was one
of the pioneer Catholics of Butler, and assisted in the erection of the old stone
chapel, as well as both of the present church buildings. Throughout his long resi-
lience here he was recognized as one of the most charitable and useful citizens of
the community. He was a man of wide information, broad views and great
force of character. lie died in December, lss;$, at the ripe old age of eighty-six
years, a veritable patriarch of his native county.
Hugh McKee, second son of Thomas and Martha McKee, was born in
the Tuscarora valley, Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, in 17><-i, and died in the
borough of Butler in KSilo. He came with his parents to this county when
about fourteen years old, learned the tanner's trade, and later established a
tannery on the site of Berg's bank, which business he followed for many years.
This tannery is one of the well remembered industries of early days. Mr. McKee
was a soldier in the War of L812, serving in a company from Butler county. He
was one of the first elders of the United 1'resbyterian church, and tilled that
office for more than thirty years. In 1810 he married Margaret Dunbar, a
daughter of John Dunbar, of Butler township, to which union were born the
following children: lane, who married (ieorge Potts, of Altoona ; Thomas;
Robert; Maria, who married Alexander McBride, of Butler; Martha; Margaret;
Isaiah ] ., who died in California in 1861, and James Cooper, a retired surgeon of
the United States army, the last being the only survivor of the family. Mrs.
McKee survived her husband more than fort}' years, and died in fsTo.
Col. |.\Mi-s Coopek McKee, a retired surgeon of the United Slates army,
was born in the borough of Butler. Pennsylvania. May 18, 1830, and received his
education in the public schools and at the Butler Academy. He then taught for
two winters in Middlesex and Summit townships, and in 1848 attended Duquesne
College. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. William C. Thompson,
of Indianapolis, attended lectures at the Medical University of Pennsylvania, and
graduated from that institution in 1852. Dr. McKee commenced practice at
Altoona, where he continued until 1856, ami for the next year was located at
Hollidavsburg. In 1857 he was examined by the medical board of the regular
army, passed, and was commissioned assistant surgeon in the I nited States
army in 1858. His tirst duty was in charge of a body of recruits from Fort
Leavenworth across the plains to Fort Union, New Mexico, a march of SOU
miles. In the winter of 1858 he went to old Fort Massachusetts, Colorado, from
where he was ordered into the Navajoe Indian country, New Mexico, during the
Indian war, and was there until 1859. He was next stationed at Fort Filmore,
New Mexico, then ordered into Arizona, and served in the Apache Indian cam-
paign until 1860, when he returned to Fort Filmore and was ordered into a
winter campaign under General Canby against the Navajoe Indians. In the
spring of 1861 he returned to Fort Filmore, and, the Rebellion having broken out,
he was taken prisoner by Major Baylor, who commanded a Texas Militia regi-
ment, was paroled and finally returned to Fort Leavenworth, and thence to
[efferson Barracks, Missouri. He was soon afterwards ordered to Fort Wayne,
and then to Camp Butler, Illinois, where he had charge of the rebel prisoners of
war. Here he was relieved from parole by exchange, and went to Chester,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 695
Pennsylvania, where he organized a hospital ; was next ordered to join General
Pope's army, at Second Bull Run, and served as assistant medical director of the
army, At the battle of Antietam he was made assistant medical purveyor of the
army, and stationed at Frederick City, Maryland, after the battle. lie after-
wards took charge of a hospital at Baltimore, and was next sent to organize a
general hospital at Pittsburg. In 1863 Dr. McKee was promoted to the rank of
captain, and was placed in charge of Lincoln United States Hospital, Washing-
ton, D. C, with a capacity of 3,000 beds, where he remained until the close of
the war. During this period 25,000 sick and wounded men passed under his
attention. He was next ordered to Xew Mexico as chief medical otlicer, with
headquarters at Sante Fe, where he met with an accident, was sent to Fort
Wadsworth, in New York harbor, and remained there between three and four
years. After a visit to Europe he became medical director of the department of
Arizona, afterward served in the same capacity at Vancouver Barracks, Wash-
ington Territory, department of Columbia, and was finally retired from active
service, in 1891, for injuries received in the line of duty, with the rank of lieuten-
ant colonel. lie returned to his old home in Butler, which has since been his
place of residence. Colonel McKee is a gentleman of tine literary tastes, digni-
fied character, broad views and a wide knowledge of men and books. lie is the
author of a pamphlet giving the details of the surrender of his command at Fort
Filmore, which has run through three editions, anil is highly prized by mil-
itary men.
Maj. George \Y. Reed was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, July
II, 1803. His father, a native of Scotland, died when our subject was five
years old, and his mother, who was born in Holland, subsequently married a gen-
tleman named Ash. George W. was reared upon his stepfather's farm. At the
age of twenty-one he visited his cousin, J.J. Sedwick, who was engaged in the har-
ness and saddlery business at Butler, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sedwick induced him
to learn the harnessmaker's trade, and after serving his apprenticeship he located
at Harmony, Butler county, where he worked at his trade for a few months.
Returning to Butler he soon after purchased the saddlery and harness business
and property of William Criswell, ami carried on that business for some time.
He next bought the site and built the home where his daughter now resides, also
a store building which then stood on the site of Alfred Wick's residence. He con-
ducted business here until 1863. Mr. Reed was originally a Whig, but on the
formation of the Republican party he joined that organization ami was ever after-
wards a stanch defender of its principles. In 1841-42 he served in the borough
council, in 1845 was elected sheriff, and in 1861 treasurer of Butler county. In
18:28 he was one of the viewers appointed by the court to lay out the road from
Butler to Kittanning, and in 1845 he was one of the viewers who surveyed the
road from Butler to Brady's Bend. Mr. Reed was active in the State Militia,
first serving as captain and major, and in 1835 he was elected brigade inspector
for Butler and Beaver counties, and in 1842 for Butler county alone. In 1848 he
was elected brigadier-general, and subsequently adjutant and major of his battal-
ion, which he virtually commanded. Major Reed was among the early oil oper-
ators of Butler county, and later in life, while not an active operator, had valu-
696 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
able interests in the Hundred Foot field and in other parts of the county. Though
not actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, he owned and operated a farm close
to the borough up to the time of his death, which is still in the possession
of his family. lie was reared in the Lutheran faith, hut after his marriage he
joined the United Presbyterian church, ami was a prominent member of the
Butler society.
Major Reed was married in 1882, to Mary A. Potts, whose parents were
natives of Glasgow. Scotland, whence they removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Nine children blessed this union, as follows : Anne J., widow of J. T. Lane of
Davenport, Iowa : Catharine A., widow of Simpson Walker; Eliza, deceased
wife of James A. Ralph ; Alfred G., who was mortally wounded at Fredericks-
burg ; Nelson P., deceased, for many years a prominent publisher of Pittsburg ;
Agnes L.. who resides in the old home at Butler; George \V., deceased; Mary,
wife of Charles A. Sullivan, a member of the Pittsburg liar, and Joseph, a resi-
dent of the same citv. Mrs. Reed died in Butler, May 8, 1887. Her husband
survived her nearly six years, and died in the old homestead, February 16, 1893.
Their married life extended over a period of fifty-five years, and throughout their
long residence in Butler they enjoyed the love and confidence of a large circle of
friends. The gentlemanly bearing of Major Reed in all the walks and depart-
ments of life, had much to do with winning the admiration and respect of his fel-
low citizens. He possessed a most genial and sociable nature, and a rectitude
and integritry without a stain. Temperate and moral in all things, an active and
useful citizen, he earned the esteem of all, and passed away at the advanced age
.of nearly ninety years without leaving an enemy behind.
Nelson P. Reed, second son of Maj. George W. Reed, was born in But-
ler, Pennsylvania, August 14. 1841, where he also received his education in the
public schools and at Witherspoon Institute. When his father was elected
county treasurer. Nelson P. entered the office as assistant, and at the same time
took charge of -the register and recorder's office for C. E. Anderson, the register
and recorder, who was in the army as captain of Company C One Hundred and
Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers. In 1863 he was appointed book-keeper
for the Pittsburg Dispatch, and subsequently business manager of that paper.
He next purchased the Pittsburg Gazette, and later consolidated it with the
Pittsburg Commercial, under the title. Commercial- Gazette, and published that
paper to the time of his death. Mr. Reed was twice married, his first wife being
Miss Lizzie Robb, to whom was born a daughter, Bessie, wife of Alfred G. Reed,
of Pittsburg. His second wife was Miss Emma Dunlap, who survives him, and
is the mother of one son. Nelson, deceased. The ability of Nelson P. Reed, as
publisher of the Commercial-Gazette, is known throughout the State, and his
success reflects credit on the place of his birth.
Alfred G. Reed, in whose honor A. G. Reed Post, G. A. R., of Butler,
was named, was born July '1, 18^59, in Butler borough, son or Maj. George W.
Reed. He was educated in the common schools and at Witherspoon Institute,
and commenced reading law with John X. Purviance. Before his admission to
the bar, at the first call for for troops in 18(il , he enlisted as a private in Company
II, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was one of the first regiments to
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I»)7
cross the Potomac into Virginia. At the expiration of his three months' term.
he re-enlisted for three years in Company II, Seventy-Eighth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, and was commissioned second sergeant. His regiment was assigned to
General Negley's command, operating in Kentucky and Tennessee. After a
brief period he obtained permission from the colonel of his regiment to return to
Butler and raise a company of mounted men ; but subsequently joined C. E.
Anderson, in recruiting Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, for the nine months' service. He was commissioned first lieu-
tenant of this company, on August 14, 1862, and was promoted to the rank of
adjutant, on October 1', following. He was frequently complimented by General
Humphrey on being one of the most efficient drill masters in the division. In
that terrible charge at Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, he was mortally
wounded, and died on December 28, following. His remains were brought home
and now rest in North Side cemetery. Adjutant Reed married Mary B. Miller,
of Allegheny, who still resides in that city. One son was born to this union,
Alfred G., now one of the owners of the Commercial-Gazette , of Pittsburg.
Hon. Jacob Ziegi.er was born in Gettysburg, Adams county, Pennsylvania.
September 19, 1813, the second in a family of nine children born to George and
Gertrude Elizabeth Ziegler of that place. He attended the schools of his native
town during his boyhood, or until the removal of the family to a farm some three
miles from Gettysburg, where he continued to assist his parents in the necessary
work. Finally tiring of agricultural pursuits, he concluded to seek his fortune in
a more congenial occupation. Leaving home without his parents' knowledge,
with a capital of but one dollar and twelve cents in his pocket, he went to
Gettysburg, thence proceeded to Pittsburg, and from the latter city came to But-
ler, traveling the whole distance afoot and living on the scantiest fare during the
journey. lie arrived at William Beattv's tavern on the evening of August 21.
1831, with only twelve cents of his capital left. That kind-hearted gentleman,
after learning the circumstances, gave him his supper and a night's lodging. Dur-
ing the evening he met David Agnew, an old schoolmate, and the following day
he took up his abode at Mr. Agnew's home. About a month later he entered the
Repository office for the purpose of learning the printer's trade. James Mc-
Glaughlin, one of the editors, asked him to take the place just made vacant by
the death of a former apprentice, Neil McBride, and he says : " I agreed to do
so on condition that I was to eat at the same table with the family. He said, cer-
tainly, but I would find the victuals d — n poor.'' "The agreement," says Mr.
Ziegler, " was written with chalk on the inside of the front door of the office,
and was about in these words :
September, 1831.
Jacob Ziegler came to learn the printing business with McGlaughlin & McClelland.
He agrees to stay two years and six months, when he will be free. During that time we
agree to furnish him with victuals, clothing and lodging.
McGlaughlin & McClelland. Jacob Zieglek.
He remained faithful to this agreement, served his full time, and continued to
work in the office as a journeyman. Some time later his parents, learning of his
whereabouts, came to see him, and were so well pleased with his progress and
698 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
good record that his lather purchased him an interest in the office. In
May. 1842, lie became cine of the proprietors of the Herald, with which
lie was connected a few years at that period. His name is inseparably linked
with that paper, which in later \ears was known far and wide as " Ziegler's
Herald."
In the meantime he became quite prominent in public affairs, and began to
wield a great influence in the councils of the Democratic parts. From IS)!.") to
1S38 he served as clerk of the board of county commissioners, and in the latter
year he was appointed prothonotarv of Butler county by Governor Porter. In
October, 1838, he was elected as his own successor, and served three years. Dur-
ing this period he had studied law under lion. John Bredin, was admitted to the
liar April 18, 1836, and practiced bis profession a few years. In 1843 he was
chosen transcribing clerk in the Slate Senate, served in that capacity for two
sessions, and afterwards as assistant clerk of the same body one year. In 1 S47 he
was elected a member of the legislature, served one term, and was then appointed
a clerk in the pension department at Washington, D. C. When General Taylor
became president, the heads of many Democratic clerks fell under the official ax,
and Mr. Ziegler's was one of them. In 1849 he went to California and spent
fourteen months in the mines of the Golden State. Returning to Pennsylvania,
he was appointed chief clerk in the office of the secretary of the Commonwealth,
and served in that capacity during Governor Bigler's administration. He was an
assistant clerk in the House in 1N.~>7, ami chief clerk from 1858 to 1860. In 1861
he was elected chief clerk of the Senate, and served during one session. While
acting as chief clerk of the House, Mr. Ziegler wrote a book on parliamentary
law. which embraced the rules ami laws governing the General Assembly, and
various other matters of interest. This work, known as " Ziegler's Manual,"
was the foundation of what is now " Smull's Legislative Hand Book." He was
a recognized authority on parliamentary law. and few men of his time possessed
so thorough a knowledge of the rules governing legislative bodies. It may not
be generally known that Mr. Ziegler was the originator of the Credit Mobilier,
and that from his fertile brain sprung that great plan to raise funds for the con-
struction of the Union Pacific railroad. He, however, made little out of it, while
millions were made by other prominent public men who utilized this product of
his brain. So wide wa- his reputation for some years succeeding the Rebellion,
that the Xew York Herald once mentioned bis name among the prospective
presidential candidates. In 1882 he was again elected to the legislature by
the people of Butler county, and was a recognized leader of the Demo-
cratic party in the House. Captain Ziegler was a fluent and forcible-
speaker and a ready and vigorous writer. His speeches were full of pith and
point, permeated with a vein of humor, and illustrated by appropriate anecdotes,
which he seemed to have always ready for the occasion. He was celebrated as a
storyteller, and the life of every social gathering.
His title of captain was derived from his connection with the DeKalb Greys,
the crack military company of Butler county prior to the Rebellion. He organ-
ized, equipped and drilled this command, and was its leading spirit during its
existence. When Sumter was tired on and the Hag insulted. Captain Ziegler,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 699
seeing no hope of an honorable peace, took a firm stand in defence of the Union,
lie became a voluntary recruiting officer in raising men for the service, and did
all in his power to assist the government during tiiose four long years of civil
strife. He served as burgess of Butler several terms, and also in the borough
ouncil. In 1867 he again became the owner of the Herald, took his son, Alfred
(>.. into partnership, and continued as an editor and publisher to the time of his
death, which occurred at his home in Butler, Tune 19, 1888, in the seventy-tifth
year of his age. As a distinguished mark of respect, all places of business in
Butler were closed during the funeral, and the whole town assumed the appear-
ance of mourning. Honest, kind, generous, helpful, charitable, he died without
an enemy. Both in his public career and in his home life, he had won the
warmest esteem and friendship of the community. His sterling character
endeared him most to those who knew him best, while the affectionate and
familiar title of " Uncle lake," given to him bv young and old alike, was but
another tribute to his kindness <>l heart and fatherly bearing from the people
among whom he had lived for more than half a century.
Captain Ziegler was married June 30, 1835, to Sarah Brinker, a daughter of
Capt. Abraham Brinker, a pioneer tavern keeper of Butler, and later an honored
resident of the Bonny Brook settlement. Three sons and four daughters blessed
this union, named as follows : Amelia ; Ceorge \V; Julia E. ; Annie L., wife of
\Y. A. Lowrv: Mary A.; Alfred G., and Henry, all of whom are dead except
George \V. and Mrs. Lowrv. both residents of Butler. Mrs. Ziegler died March
18, 1881. She and husband were zealous members of St. Peter's Protestant
Episcopal church, and tor many years he was a vestryman and warden in that
society. •
George W. Zieglek was born October 26, 1838, in Butler. Pennsylvania,
son of Jacob and Sarah (Brinker) Ziegler, the latter a daughter of Abraham
Brinker, a pioneer of Butler. He received a common school education, and
learned the printer's trade in his father's office. From 1858 to I860, he worked
at stove moulding, and was a conductor for three years on Ridge Avenue line in
Philadelphia. In 1862 he went to Venango county, and was engaged in the oil
business and in various other occupations for seventeen years. He then returned
to Butler and opened a tin shop, which he carried on three years, when lie again
returned to the oil fields of Venango, Armstrong and Butler counties, where he
spent three years, and then resumed the tinning business in Butler, which he fol-
lowed until 1892. In that year he established his present business of "fixer."
He was janitor of the court house from 1 SS 1 to 1888, burgess of Butler in
18M-82, and tax collector in 1886-87—88, when he resigned the office. lie was
again elected burgess in February, 1893, and filled that position for one year. In
politics, he has always been a Democrat, of which party his father was one of
the leading members throughout his long residence in Butler county. Mr.
Ziegler married Rachel, a daughter of John Shirley, and they are the parents of
nine children : J. Walter; Emma, wife of George Keck; Anna, wife of Will-
iam McKee ; John: Gertie, wife of Edward Tibbals ; Frank; Pattie; Claude,
and Mabel.
/OO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Hon. William Beatty. one of the leading citizens of Butler county for
many years, was a native of Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland, born in
1787. He was reared in his native land, and immigrated to Pennsylvania in
1807, finally settling in Butler. He served as a sergeant in Captain Thompson's
company from Butler county in the War of IS 12. In a few years he began to
wield great influence in the councils of the Democratic partv, and became a
valued and representative citizen. lie served one term as sheriff of Butler
county, three terms in the legislature, and in 1836 was elected to Congress and
re-elected in 1S88. He discharged the duties of these responsible positions with
unswerving faithfulness and recognized ability. For many years he was a popu-
lar leader of his party in this county, his strength with the people springing
from his innate force of character, rugged common sense, and invincible honesty
of purpose. He was one of the pioneer hotel keepers of the borough for a long
period, his place being a kind of Democratic headquarters, and also the stopping
place for the stage lines. Mr. Beatty was enterprising and public spirited, and
though stern and austere in appearance and brief of speech, he was kind-hearted
and charitable to those in need of assistance. He finally purchased a farm imme-
diately west of the borough, built the brick residence vet standing, and resided
there during the last years of his life, dying April 2, 1851. Throughout his
residence in Butler he enjoyed the confidence and esteem of its best people, and
was honored as a man and citizen by all with whom he came in contact.
Oliver David, for many years one of the well known merchants of Butler,
was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, August 22. 17>>S. His parents, John
and Rebecca David, lived on the Chambersburg road, about eight miles from
Harrisburg. Towards the close of the Eighteenth century the family removed
to what is now Butler county, settling in Middlesex township, where the parents
resided until their death, and here Oliver grew to manhood. In September,
1814, he married Ann Wells, a native of Dauphin county. She was a daughter
of Joseph and- Jane Wells, who removed from Dauphin to Beaver county about
the same time the David family settled in Butler county. The young couple
took up their abode in Middlesex township, where Mr. David engaged in farm-
ing, also carried on a tannery until his removal to Butler. Four children blessed
their union, one son and three daughters, the son living in infancy. The daugh-
ters were as follows; Jane, who married William Campbell, of Pittsburg, ami
after his death Henry Boyd, of Butler ; Rebecca B., who became the wife of James
Campbell, of Butler, and Annalanah, who married William Adams, of Fairview
township. About 1882 Mr. David removed to Butler, where his wife died in
1840. .Soon after locating in this borough he entered on a successful mercantile
career that lasted about a quarter century. He died here November 5, I S7 1 •
Both he and his wife were leading members of the Presbyterian church of Butler.
Mr. David was an industrious, careful and economical man, who devoted his en-
tire attention to his business affairs. He was strictly honest in all his dealings,
possessed a character of great firmness and decision, and was quite remarkable
for his self control.
Jamks Campbell was one of the prominent and best known merchants of
Butler throughout a long and successful business career. lie was born near
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. /O I
Kennet Square, Chester county, Pennsylvania, January 11, 1802, son of James
and Margaret Campbell, natives of Ireland, and early settlers of Middlesex town-
ship, Butler county. He resided with his parents until after the settlement of
the family in this county, assisting in the erection of buildings and in clearing
the land. In 1833 he and his brother William established a grocery store in
Pittsburg, and at the same time opened a store at Hookstown, Beaver county,
which James took charge of and continued to manage until his brother's death, in
1835. I lis father died the following vear, and James then erected a store building
on the farm in Middlesex township, where he carried on merchandising for a short
time and also looked after the farm. While on the farm he frequently drove a six-
horse team, with a Conestoga wagon, to Philadelphia, exchanging the produce
of the farm for goods to stock his store. He also occasionally bought cattle and
drove them over the mountains to the eastern market; thus he laid the foundation
of his subsequent fortune.
Mr. Campbell was married, January 21, 1841, to Rebecca Bell David, second
daughter of Oliver David, one of the pioneer merchants of Butler. She was
born on the homestead farm in Middlesex township, Butler county, July 23,
lSl'O, and was about twelve years old when her parents removed into the borough
of Butler. Here she grew to womanhood, and was in her twenty-first year when
married to Mr. Campbell. Six children blessed their union, as follows : William
Oliver, now pastor of the Presbyterian church of Sewickley ; Margaret A., wife
of Hon. J. D. Mcjunkin, of Butler ; James Thompson, a merchant of Franklin;
Theodore Chalmers, attorney at law, of Butler; Howard David, who died in
Allegheny in 1889, where he was filling the responsible position of treasurer of
the Pittsburg and Western Railroad Company, and Clara Bell, wife of W. D.
Brandon, of Butler. At the age of seventeen Mrs. Campbell united with the
Presbyterian church of Butler, and died in that faith, November 1'S, 1853.
In 1842 Mr. Campbell removed to Butler, became a partner with his
father-in-law the same year, and continued merchandising until 1864. He
was one of the founders of the First National Bank of Butler, and its
first president, and during his term of office the affairs of that institution
were conducted honestly and successfully, on sound banking principles,
speculation with its funds was not permitted, and the bank paid good
dividends. He was repeatedly intrusted with the settlement of estates of
deceased friends, duties to which he attended with the greatest fidelity. Mr.
Campbell became a Presbyterian in 1828, and continued a member of that
church until his death, which occurred at his home in Butler, November 1(5.
1886. He was for many years a trustee of the Butler church ami one of its most
liberal supporters. He was also actively interested in the prosperity of Wither-
spoon Institute, and a warm friend of the public schools. At the time of his
death, John H. Negley paid to his memory the following tribute in the Butler
Citizen :
During- all his long and active life as a merchant, his integrity was never called in
question. Of strict business habits, high moral principles, temperate in life, and correct
in all things, he has passed from among us at a ripe old age, leaving a name to be.
respected and an example to be followed. Mr. Campbell was a man of strong impulses,
/02 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and fearless in the expression of his views. He was always prompt in his support of
the rig-ht. and maintained his convictions with unyielding firmness. He was also a man
of quick apprehension and of far more than ordinary intelligence.
Rev. Loyal Young, his friend and pastor, spoke of him as follows:
It was my privilege to enjoy Mr. Campbell's lifelong friendship, having- been
intimate with him for more than fifty years. To this community it is not necessary
to address words of eulogy. You all know how intelligent and useful he was. Were I to
select a single word to represent his character, I would express it by the word integrity —
integrity in his dealings, in his church and family relations, in his moral character,
caused him to be trusted and honored.
Theodore Chalmers Campbell, attorney at law. was born in Butler.
Pennsylvania. January 27, 1848, son of James and Rebecca li. Campbell. The early
education of our subject was obtained in the public schools, and he subsequently
attended Witherspoon Institute, of Butler, ami Phillips Academy, at Andover,
Massachusetts. In I860 lie commenced to read law with Col. John M. Thomp-
son, completed his studies under lion. Samuel A. Purviance, of Pittsburg, and
was admitted to the bar in the latter city, in 18(39. He practiced in Pittsburg
until 1872, and then located in Butler, where he has since been engaged in the
duties of his profession . being now recognized as one of the leading members of
the Butler liar. In 1891 he was elected city solicitor, which position he tilled for
three years. In politics, he has always been a supporter oi the Republican partv,
and in religious faith an adherent of the Presbyterian chinch. Mr. Campbell
was married November In, 187-5, to [uliette Estep, a daughter of foseph P. Estep,
of Allegheny. Four children have been born to this union, vi/ : Louisa C: (can
\Y. ; James <>.. and Juliette I-:.
Hon. Ebenezeu McJunkin was born in Centre township, Butler count}-.
Pennsylvania. March 28, 1819, and is the youngest son of David and Elizabeth
(Moore) McJunkin, early settlers of the county, lie lived in his native town-
ship until 1880, when his lather bought and removed to Mt. Etna furnace-, in
Slippery Rock township, where our subject attended the common schools until
1836. In that year he entered Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, in which insti-
tution he spent five years, graduating in September. 1841. lie returned to his
home in Butler county, and soon after commenced the study of law under Hon.
Charles C. Sullivan, one of the leading attorneys of western Pennsydvania, and
was admitted to the bar September 12, 1843. He entered practice in partnership
with his preceptor, which continued about fouryears, and he was then appointed
deputy attorney-general and opened an office of his own. Through t he passing years
he won and retained a la roe and lucrative practice and became one of the best known
members of the- bar. For half a century he has been recognized as one of the
ablest, most eloquent and powerful advocates in this section of tin- State. In
1857—58 he was in partnership with lames Bredin. but from the latter year down
to the present, he has not had a law partner. Mr. McJunkin was an old line
Whirr until the birth of the Republican partv, when in unison with some twelve
or fifteen other citizens who met in the court house, he assisted in organizing the
Republican parts of Butler counts- and in placing a ticket in the field. Since that
event he has been one of the prominent and influential leaders of his partv in the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 703
State. In I860 lie was a delegate to the National Republican Convention, and was
a member of the electoral college in 1864. During Lee's threatened invasion of
Pennsylvania, in 1862, he went out as first lieutenant of the " Blackstone
Guards,'' a company largely composed of members of tlie bar of Butler county.
In November, 1870, be was elected to the Forty-second Congress, ami in
1872 was re-elected to the Forty-third, serving until the fall of IS74, when he
was elected, with James Bredin, a judge of the district composed of Butler and
Lawrence counties. He immediatclv resigned bis seat in Congress, to take effect
in January, 1875. In the drawing of lots judge Mcjunkin became president
judge of the district, and served in that capacity from January, 1875, to January,
1885. His career on the bench was characterized by marked ability, judicial
dignity and courtesy, while bis decisions were at all times recognized as fair and
impartial, lie was alwavs patient and considerate with tin- members of the bar,
but firm anil unyielding in upholding the cause of justice. Since leaving the
bench he has devoted his attention to his professional duties, and in the evening
years of bis life is enjoying the fruits of his industry. From the earliest history
of the oil development he has given aid and encouragement to that enterprise,
and was among the tirst to show his faith in the petroleum wealth of Butler
county.
Judge Mcjunkin was married on |ulv 29, 1847, to lane Bredin, eldest
daughter of Judge John Bredin, of Butler. Lour children were the fruits of this
union, viz. : John Bredin. who died in infancy ; Nannie, who resides with her
father; James I!., a member of the Butler bar, and Libbie M.. wife of Clarence
Walker, an attorney of Butler. Mrs. Mcjunkin died in December, L854. She
was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and though her husband was
reared a Presbyterian, he united with the Episcopal church, and has been a member
ot the vestry and a warden for many years. Judge Mcjunkin is a man ot tine
literary tastes, ami possesses a mind well stored with the gems of the leading
thinkers of the past and present. Of the purest integrity, he enjoys the confi-
dence ot a large circle of friends, and has always been regarded with highest
esteem by the best people of his native county.
Hon. Charles McCandless was born in Centre township. Butler county,
Pennsylvania, November 27, 1834, His paternal grandfather, George McCand-
less, a native of Antrim county, Ireland, emigrated to Pennsylvania when nineteen
years old and settled near Carlisle. Cumberland county. About 1794 George
McCandless married Mary, daughter of Nathan Fisher, with whom he bad found
employment. In 1796 he removed with bis young wife to Centre township. But-
ler countv. where he spent the balance of bis life. They were the parents <>|" six
sons and three daughters, the eldest son. John, being the father of Charles
McCandless. In 1824 John McCandless married Jemima Reaves Sullivan, a
sister of Charles C. Sullivan, long a leading member of the Butler countv bar.
John McCandless was countv commissioner in pioneer days, and subsequently
associate judge of Butler countv. lie was the father of three sons ami six-
daughters, Charles being the fifth in the family] The maternal grandfather of
our subject was Charles Sullivan, a native of James river valley. Northumber-
land count}-. Virginia, where his ancestors had settled about the year 1700
.704 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Charles Sullivan was a soldier of the Revolution from Virginia, and was one of
the first settlers of Butler county. Charles McCandless grew to manhood on his
father's farm, and received his' education in a pioneer log school house of that
locality. When twenty years of age he taught school in the same building, in
the winter of 1854—55. In 1856 he came to Butler, entered Witherspoon Insti-
tute, and proved himself an industrious and progressive student. After completing
hi- education he read law with his uncle, Charles C. Sullivan, was admitted to
the bar June 14, 1858, and his uncle at once took him into partnership. In a few
years he became recognized as a persevering and able lawyer, and entered upon a
successful legal career that closed only with his death. In I860 Mr. Sullivan died,
and our subject succeeded to his large practice, which gradually increased through
the passing years. Mr. McCandless was married October 16, I860, to Catherine,
daughter of John Michael Zimmerman, .one of the pioneer hotel keepers of But-
ler. Their children are as follows : Caroline, who married Edward P. Greely,
of Nashua, Iowa ; Mary B., who became the wife of Frederick Lee, and after his
death married George I). Ogden, of Butler; Catherine, wife of John G. Jen-
nings ; Louisa, and Charles, who died in early youth. In September, 11S62, Mr.
McCandless was elected major of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania Militia, which,
with other commands, went to the support of General McClellan at the battle of
Antietam. A stanch and unswerving Republican, his party elected him to the
State Senate in 1862, and he served in that body three years. At the Republican
caucus for speaker of the Senate he came within one vote of being nominated for
thai position. In LsTl! he was a delegate to the Philadelphia convention, which
nominated Grant ami Wilson as the Republican standard bearers. In 1874 he
was appointed by Governor Hart ran ft judge of the Seventeenth judicial district,
and the same year he received the Republican nomination for judge of the same
district, comprising Butler and Lawrence counties, his associate on the ticket
being L. L. McGuffin, of Lawrence : but a bolt took place in the convention, and
E. McJunkin, his competitor for the office, was nominated by the dissatisfied
element of the party. The party thus being divided, a combination was effected
between the friends of Judge McJunkin and James Bredin, the latter one of the
Democratic nominees. This combination was successful, and Mr. McCandless
and Mr. McGuffin were defeated. In February. 1878, Judge McCandless was
appointed by President Hayes chief justice of New Mexico, and filled that
responsible position until October. 1878, when he resigned and returned to But-
ler. He at once resumed the practice of law, and continued to prosecute the
duties of his profession until his death, which occurred March 14, 1893. His
widow resides in the old homestead, where so many happy years of their lives
were passed together. Judge McCandless was an attendant of the Presbyterian
church, ami throughout his long and prosperous career in Butler he was recog-
nized as one of the leading jurists of western Pennsylvania.
Hon. John H. Mitchell, United States Senator from the State of Ore-
gon, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1835. At an early
period of his life his parents removed to Butler county, which claims him as a son
by adoption if not by birth, and it was here that his boyhood days were spent
amid the environments of a life upon the farm, a life of constant toil and priva-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 705
tion. Having made up his mind to obtain an education, he never relaxed his ef-
forts until he was admitted to Witherspoon Institute, from which institu-
tion he was graduated. The difficulties that beset his path seemed but to
exert him to more persistent effort, and bending every energy lie overcame all
obstacles, so that at an early age he was the possessor of not only a good English
education, but was also a fair classical scholar. Thus equipped he entered upon
the studv of law, and brought to the task the same industry and indomitable will
that had hitherto marked his character. With him the study of law became a
passion, and at an early period he was so well grounded in all the branches of his
profession that his advice was sought by many attorneys of long and active prac-
tice at the bar. In I860 he left his native State for the Pacific coast, and after a
brief sojourn in California, permanently located in Portland, Oregon. Soon af-
ter his arrival in Oregon, the War of the Rebellion was inaugurated. At that
time there was a strong sentiment in California and Oregon and the adjacent
territories in favor of the formation of a "Pacific Coast Republic." Th promi-
nent leaders in this movement were men originally from the Southern States,
who had dominated the politics of the coast. Thus directed it gained con-
siderable impetus, and had it not been for the active and courageous opposition
of a number of determined men this movement would probablv have made the
task of preserving the Union still more difficult. It was at this juncture that Mr.
Mitchell first came prominently forward in public affairs. His earnest eloquence
and energy were on the side of the Union, and to his untiring efforts is due in a
large measure the failure of the movement to establish an independent govern-
ment on the shores of the Pacific. As the leader of the opposition to this scheme
he was, in June, 1862, elected to the Oregon State Senate, and for four years
presided over the deliberations of that body. In 1866, the Republican party be-
ing in control of the legislature, he came within one vote of the caucus nomina-
tion for United States Senator.
In 1872 Mr. Mitchell was elected to the United States Senate, his term of
office commencing March 4, 1873. His ability was soon recognized by his col-
leagues, and in the arrangement of the committees he was given a place on sev-
eral of the most important, particularly the committee on privileges and elections,
of which Oliver P. Morton was chairman. During the exciting period that fol-
lowed the presidential election of 1876, this committee was charged with the
duty of investigating the contested elections in Louisiana, South Carolina, Flor-
ida and Oregon. Pending the investigations, Mr. Morton was designated a
member of the Electoral Commission, and, therefore, became ineligible to serve
as chairman of the committee on privileges and elections. This condition made
it necessary for Mr. Mitchell to act as chairman, and he conducted the investi-
gations with remarkable ability and judgment. So successful was he in this try-
ing ordeal, and so uniformly fair and judicial was his conduct, that his party asso-
ciates accord him the praise of having so prepared the Republican side of the
case that when laid before the world it was without a flaw. As a legal docu-
ment defining the relations between the State and the National government, this
report was accepted by the Electoral Commission as the correct and constitutional
guide for its conduct in reaching a decision.
706 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Mr. Mitchell has endeared himself to the people of his State by his efforts to
free the Columbia river from the control of monopolists. Through his exertions
Congress has undertaken to overcome certain obstructions in this river, which so
long as they exist will make free navigation impossible. As a speaker Mr.
Mitchell is clear and concise; his sentences are striking for their clear-cut com-
pactness, and his arguments in the Senate and before the Supreme Court are
conspicuous for acuteness and correctness of thought. lie is a diligent student
and a profound thinker, but above all he is a man of strong common sense. His
success in life teaches the lesson that success comes only to those who have
the energy to strive for it, and who have common sense enough to take advantage
of opportunities as they are presented, The reasons for his success, outside of
his stock of common sense, are to be found in his rigid industry, indomitable
will and fidelity to duty, and in no man is there a higher exemplification of the
truth that " Fidelity is the bond of human society, the foundation of all justice
and above all things to be religiously observed." lie is serving his third term in
the Senate, and his standing in that body is ascertained by mentioning the
committees of which he is a member, vi/.. : judiciary, privileges and elections,
claims, post offices and post roads, transportation routes to the seabord, and
claims against Nicaragua.
Hon. Aaron I.yi.k Hazen was born in Shenango township, Lawrence
county (then a part of Heaver). Pennsylvania, February 11), 1837. He is a son
of Henry anil Sarah (Warnock) Hazen, natives of Pennsylvania. His paternal
grandfather, Nathan Hazen, was born in Washington county, son of Nathaniel
Hazen, a native of Connecticut, who was a pioneer of Washington and after-
ward of Beaver county; while his maternal grandfather, [ames Warnock, was
born in Down county. Ireland. His maternal grandmother was a descendant of
Robert Lyle, a pioneer of Northumberland county, whose descendants were also
pioneers of Washington county, Pennsylvania. Aaron L. attended the district
schools of his native township, and later the Beaver Academy, graduating from
the latter institution in 1858. He then entered Jefferson College, at Can-
onsburg, where he was graduated in 1801 . the last year being devoted to the study
of law. When Sumter was tired upon lie was among the first to enlist in
defense of the Union, and was mustered into the Twelfth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, in April, 1801. Upon the expiration of his term, he re-enlisted, but a
serious attack of deafness prevented his service in the ranks, and he was
appointed a paymaster's clerk in the Cumberland district. The last year of the
war he served as receiving and paying teller in the United States depository at
Louisville, Kentucky. In September, 1805, hi- was admitted to the bar at New-
Castle. Lawrence county, soon built up a good practice, and from 1870 to 1K7<>
he tilled the office of district attorney of that county with credit and ability. He
continued in the active duties of his profession until 1884, when his prominence at
the bar was again recognized by his nomination on the Republican ticket for judge
of the Seventeenth judicial district, then composed of Butler and Lawrence coun-
ties. Though his associate on the ticket, fohn M. Greer, was defeated, he was
elected and became president judge, and from January, 1885, until the division
of the district by the creation of a new district out of Lawrence county in 1898,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. /O/
lie filled that position, with Butler as his place of residence. The act dividing
the district named him as president judge ot Lawrence county, which position he
occupied until January, 1895. Judge Hazen was married in L865, to Amelia J.
Watson, a daughter of William Watson, of New Castle. Three children were
the fruits of this union, as follows: Mary W., who married Porter W. Lowrv,
of Butler ; Aaron Lyle, and Henry William, all of whom are dead. After the)
death of her children, the affectionate mother also laid down the burden of life,,
leaving the kind husband and father to mourn his irreparable loss.
Hon. John Morgan Greer, president judge of the Seventeenth judicial
district, was born in what is now Jefferson township, Butler county, Pennsyl-
vania, August ij, 1844. He is a son of Thomas and Margaret Jane (Morgan)
Greer, and grandson of Matthew and Isabella (Boise) Greer, natives of Tyrone
county, Ireland. He was reared on the homestead, obtained a common school*
education, and subsequently attended Connoquenessing Academy, at Zelienople.
He afterwards taught school in Winfield township, in the winter of 1861-02,
and in Jefferson township in 1863-64. En July, 1862, he enlisted in Company D,
One Hundred ami Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until
mustered out at the expiration of his term, participating in the battles of South
Mountain, Antietam. Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. In March, 1864, he
re-enlisted, in Battery E, Second Pennsylvania Artillery, but the regiment having
more than its quota, a new regiment was organized by the war department,
known as the Provisional Second Artillery, in which he served as sergeant of
Battery B , in Ledlie's Division, Ninth Army Corps, until the close of the war.
He was in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold
Harbor, Petersburg and Mine Explosion, where he was shot through the left
thigh by a minie-ball, while in command of his company. He was taken to the
hospital, remained there until March, 1865, and was present at the surrender of
Lee. He was mustered out with his regiment in February, L866. Returning
home he taught school for one term in Butler, completed his law studies with
Judge McCandless, anil was admitted to the bar September 28,1867. He at
once commenced practice alone, and, in 1868, was elected district attorney, filling
that position three years. In lST-> he formed a partnership with fudge McCan-
dless, which existed five years. In 1876 he was elected, on the Republican
ticket, senator of the Forty-first district, composed of Butler and Armstrong
counties, was re-elected in 1880, and served in the Senate of Pennsylvania for
eight years. Throughout his term of service he was a member of the judiciary-
committee. He is the author of a bill providing for an appeal to the Supreme
Court where the lower court refused to open a judgment entered on a power of
attorney on a note or bond ; also of a bill which provides that no deed, regular
and absolute on its face, shall be treated as a mortgage, unless the defeasance is-
in writing, made at the time of the deed and placed on record within sixty days;
also of another bill providing that judgment by default, against one of several
defendants, shall not bar a recovery against other defendants in the same suit.
In 1882, while still a member of the Senate, he was nominated on tin- firs!
ballot for secretary of internal affairs, and though the whole ticket was defeated
that year, he led it by a respectable majority. In 1SSI he was one of the two
70S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
judicial candidates nominated by the Republican party in the Seventeenth dis-
trict, composed of Butler and Lawrence counties, but the people of Lawrence
comity gave their support to Judges Ilazen ami McMichael, both citizens of that
county, and he was defeated by less than 200 votes. In 1887 he formed a part-
nership with Everett L. Ralston, which existed until his elevation to the bench.
The same year he was appointed by Governor Beaver inspector and examiner of
Soldiers' Orphan Schools, and after serving in that capacity four years he re-
signed. On the death of Judge McMichael, in ]N(,):2, he was the choice of Butler
county for the vacancy, was nominated on the Republican ticket and elected.
In 1893 the legislature of Pennsylvania passed a law dividing the Seventeenth
district into two separate districts, with Lawrence county as a new district, and
Judge Greer became president judge of the Seventeenth, embracing Butler
county alone. He has always been a Republican, and is one of the strongest
and most popular members of his party in western Pennsylvania. Dining
his official career he has won many warm friends by his kind and courteous
bearing and evident desire to be just and fair. He has made a good judge,
being firm and unyielding in the cause of justice, vet ever ready to listen to the
[ilea of mercy. fudge Greer was married on March 24, 1864, to Julia S. But-
ler, a daughter of John B. and Harriet N. (Stebbins) Butler. She is a native of
Clarion count}', Pennsylvania, and the mother of four children, as follows:
Hattie, who died in 1876, aged nine years; Thomas II., who is connected with
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Pittsburg; John B., an attorney of But-
ler, anil Robert B. The Judge is a member of A. G. Reed Post, Number L05, G.
A. R., and the family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. He
was one of the citizens of Butler county who were instrumental in establishing
Slippery Rock State Normal School, and he has been one of the State trustees
of that institution since the beginning.
Cot.. John M. Thompson' was born on the old homestead in Brady
township, Butler county, January 4, 1830, and is the eldest son of William II.
and Jane (McCandless)Thompson. His primary education was obtained in the
common schools, but he afterwards attended Witherspoon Institute, where he com-
pleted hisstudies. He taught in the public schools for a short period, commenced
reading law in 1852 with Samuel A. Purviance, and was admitted to the
liar in 1854. He entered into a law partnership with Purviance & Sullivan, and
upon Mr. Purviance's election to Congress, he took charge of his entire practice.
Since that time Colonel Thompson has built up a lucrative business in his profes-
sion, and is one of the oldest and most successful members of the Butler county
bar. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and was elected to the legislature in
L858, and in the session of 1859—60 he was speaker pro tern. In 1862 he was
elected major of the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
and served in the battles of Antietam, South Mountain and Fredericksburg. He
was wounded in the last mentioned battle, and then retired from the service and
returned to Butler. He is a member of the Loyal Legion and the G. A. R. In
L868 he was a delegate to the Republican National Convention that nominated
General Grant for the presidency, and was one of the electors of Penn-
sylvania in 1872, and carried the State returns to Washington. In January,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. JO\)
1875, he was elected to Congress to serve out the unexpired term of Hon. E.
Mcjunkin, who had resigned his seat as the member from this district, after
being elected judge. In 1876 Colonel Thompson was elected for a full term of
two years. He was one of the promoters of the Shenango and Allegheny rail-
road, filled many of the offices in that company, is the attorney of the road at the
present time, and has been the local attorney for the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany for twenty-two years. Colonel Thompson was married October 10, 1854,
to Anna L., daughter of William Campbell, to which union have been born
three children : O, D., attorney at law, Pittsburg; William C, an attorney of
Butler, and Anna Elora, wife of Charles Mitchell, of St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Thomas Robinson one of the oldest members of the Butler bar, was born
July 4, 1825, in Armagh county. Ireland. His parents, Thomas and Arabella
(Rilev) Robinson, were natives of the same county. The family immigrated to
Pennsylvania in 1882, and settled on a farm east of Pittsburg, removing three
years later to what is now Penn township, Butler county. Here his father pur-
chased a farm, upon which the parents spent the remaining years of their lives.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon the homestead, and his early educa-
tional advantages were such as the pioneer schools of his neighborhood afforded.
Being ambitious to obtain a better education, he entered the old Butler Academy
in 1851, where he prosecuted his studies for a period, and later taught school
for two years. In 1854 he was appointed clerk in the county commissioners
office, and was one of the active spirits who agitated and brougl t about the re-or-
ganization of township lines the same year. About this time lie commenced
reading law under George W. Smith, was admitted to the bar September 25,
1855, and soon built up a fair practice, which has grown with the passing years.
He has always looked after the interests of his clients with zeal and fidelity, and
his pleadings in the several courts of the county and State have met with more
than ordinary success.
Before his admission to the bar he had entered politics, and was a delegate
from Butler county to the first Republican convention, which met in Masonic
Hall, at Pittsburg. February 22. 1855. In I860 he was elected to the legislature.
and some years later, served as a clerk in the House-. During the war he was one
of the earnest supporters of the Union, and did all in his power to uphold the
flag in those dark days of civil strife. In 1863-64 he was chairman of the Repub-
lican county committee: in 1876 was the choice of the county for State senator,
and in 1880 was a Blaine delegate to the Republican National Convention , at
Chicago, which, however, nominated Garfield for the presidency. lie is now
superintendent ot public printing at Ilarrisburg. Mr. Robinson has been in active
political life forty years, and has been recognized as one of the local Republican
leaders during that period. Throughout his life he has been an unswerving advo-
cate of the principles of his party, and one of the most stubborn and successful
fighters within its ranks. His connection with the newspapers of Butler is full}'
spoken of in the Press chapter. During his journalistic career his literary abil-
ity was apparent in the editorial columns of his paper, which bristled with the
keenest and most vigorous invective against political opponents and their
measures.
~10 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Mr. Robinson lias always taken a deep interest in the public schools of But-
ler, and has served on the school board three years. lie has also been connected
with the prosperity ol the Slippery Rock State Normal School, and is now serv-
ing his second term as a trustee of that institution. The temperance cause, too,
has in him one of its stanchest -supporters, and much of its success in Butler
county is due to his wise foresight and legal advice. He married Ann E.,
daughter of Dr. Eli (i. DeWolf, to which union thirteen children were born, nine
of whom are living, viz. : Eli D. ; Sallie A. ; Clara B. ; Adelaide K. ; Arabella ;
Lexie ; Charles C. ; George E . and Thomas. The family are connected with the
Methodist Episcopal church.
llox. J David McTunkix, attorney at law, was born upon the old home-
stead in Centre township. Butler county, September:.. 1839, and is the eldest son
of William and Priscilla Mcjunkin. His primary education was obtained
in the common schools. He subsequently spent four years at the Butler Academy,
the Witherspoon Institute and West Sunbury Academy, ami taught school for
several years. He read law with judge Mcjunkin, and was admitted to the bar
June 8, 1863. In 18G4 he went to Franklin. Venango county, where he prac-
ticed his profession until 1S7:'>. During his residence in Franklin he was elected
to the legislature, in 18G9, and was re-elected in 1870 and 1871. Returning to
Butler in 1873 he resumed the practice of the law. In 1879 he was connected
with the Bald Ridge Oil Company, whose operations were the means of attract-
ing the attention of oil men to the further developement of the Butler field.
Politically, he is a Republican, and in 1880 and 1882, he carried Butler county
for the congressional nomination. In 1862 he served in Company (i. Four-
teenth Pennsylvania Militia, which was called out to assist in repelling Lee's
invasion of the State. Mr. Mcjunkin married Margaret A. Campbell, a daugh-
ter of the late James Campbell, to whom have been born the following children :
Clara Bell ; William David ; Mary Christie, wife of Lewis R. Schmertz : Charles
Campbell: John Welles, and Margaret Kathleen, who died in January, L888.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has always contributed liberally
towards that organization.
W. II. II. Riddle, attorney at law, was born in Allegheny county. Penn-
sylvania, December 11, 1840, and is a son of Samuel L. and Mary A. (Schroder)
Riddle, natives of Pennsylvania. His father came to Butler county in 1854, and
settled in Fairview township, where he was engaged in tanning for twenty-
five years. He then returned to Allegheny county, where he resided until
his recent death. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public
schools, and at West Sunbury ami Harrisville Academies, read law with Col.
John M. Thompson, and was admitted to the bar in 1864. In 1865 he was
elected district attorney, and since the expiration of his term in that office,
he lias continued in the active duties of his profession. Mr. Riddle was married
February 18, 1862, to Angeline, daughter of Robert Walker, one of the early
settlers in the northern part of Butler county. Three children are the fruits of
this union : Edwin S., attorney at law and court stenographer; Matilda, and
Lillian. Politically, Mr. Riddle is a stanch Republican, and was a delegate to the
Republican National Convention at Chicago in 1884. He is one of the founders
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. /I I
of the Butler County Agricultural Association, also of the Farmers' Institute,
and for the past seven years lias been a member of the State Agricultural Society.
He has always taken a deep interest in the growth anil progress of agriculture,
and has devoted much time to the encouragement of agricultural pursuits.
Capt. George W. Fleeger, attorney at law, is the third son of Peter
and Mary (Rider) Fleeger, and was born March 13, 1839, in Centre town-
ship, Butler count}', Pennsylvania. He received a good education in the pub-
lic schools, commenced teaching at the age of sixteen, and afterwards attended
West Sunbury Academy. On the 10th of June, 1861, he enlisted in the Dickson
Guards, an organization composed of the students of the Academy and young
men of the same neighborhood. This company was finally mustered into the serv-
ice as Company C, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve. Captain Fleeger participated
in the following engagements : Great Falls, Drainsville, Mechanicsville, Gaines
Hill, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Bristoe Station, Rappahannock
Station, New Hope Church, Mine Run, anil the Wilderness. He was captured
at Gaines Hill and sent to Belle Isle prison, at Richmond, but after a month's
imprisonment he was exchanged. He was also captured at the battle of the
Wilderness, and imprisoned ten months at the following places : Macon, Savan-
nah, Charleston and Columbia, and was exchanged at Wilmington, North Caro-
lina, in March. 1865. In Tune. 1862, he was commissioned first lieutenant, and
afterwards breveted captain. Returning home after the war, he commenced read-
ing law in the office of Col. John M. Thompson, and was admitted to the bar in
1866. He was associated in practice with George A. Black until 1869, and from
1887 to 1SS9 was in partnership with lames N. Moore. Since the latter year he
has continued in practice alone. Politically, Captain Fleeger has always been a
Republican, served in the legislature in 1871—72, was chairman of the county
committee in 1S74, has been a member of the State committee, and was a delegate
to the State conventions of 1882 and 1890. He was also deputy revenue collec-
tor of this district in 1869. In 1884 he was elected to the United States House
of Representatives, and set veil in the Forty-ninth Congress. Captain Fleeger is
a charter member of A. G. Reed Post. G. A. R., and* a member of Connoque-
nessing Lodge, I. O. O. F. He was one of the original stockholders of the Butler
County National Bank, and was a director of the Bald Ridge Oil Company
during its existence.
Washington- I). Brandon, attorney at law. is a son of John W. and Ruth
A. (Beighley) Brandon, and was born November 1. 1847, upon the Brandon
homestead, in Connoquenessing township. Butler county. After receiving a
common school education, he attended Witherspoon Institute at Butler, and was
graduated at Washington and Jefferson College in 1868. The following year lie
commenced reading law with Hon. E. Mcjunkin, and was admitted to the bar
in 1871. He continued to practice with Tudge Mc Junkin for three years, was
next in partnership with Clarence Walker, but since 1875 he has practiced alone
and has built up a large and most gratifying legal business. Mr. Brandon is
recognized as one of the leading members of the Butler county bar. as well as one
of its most successful lawyers. In politics, he has always been a Republican,
and was a delegate to the State convention in 1887. He is a director and attor-
7 I 2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
neyof the Butler Savings Bank ; is a director of the Butler Light, Heat and Motor
Company ; is president of the Butler Water Company, and attorney for the United
Pipe Line and National Transit Companies. He was one of the promoters of the
Bald Ridge Oil Company, and is yet interested in the development of the Butler
oil fields. He is one of the most useful members of the Presbyterian church of
Butler, is a ruling elder in that body, and is superintendent of the Sabbath
school. In all matters pertaining to the prosperity of the church he gives his
time willingly, and few members of the congregation have taken a deeper inter-
est in its material progress. Mr. Brandon was married in 1875, to Clara B.,
daughter of James Campbell, for many years one of the well known citizens of
Butler. Five children have blessed this union, as follows : Margaret; Elora ;
John W. ; James C, and Howard Allan.
William McQuistion, second son of John and Barbara McQuistion, was
born in the old stone house on the homestead in Butler township, Butler count}',
in the year 1801. He learned the tanner's trade with his father, and subsequently
established himself in that business in the borough, and carried on the same until
within a few years of his death, which occurred March 28, 1<S7— at t'1(-' age "'
seventy-one years. He married Mary A. Smith, a daughter of Major Smith, a
native of Belfast, Ireland, who settled near Wheeling, West Virginia. Six
children were born to this union, as follows; Marshall, a resident ot West Vir-
ginia; Wallace; Creasap, of Pittsburg; Sarah E., widow of Dr. Sloan; Living-
ston, and Nannie ].. wife of L. Beaumont, of New York. Mrs. McQuistion died
December 4, 1893, aged eighty-seven years.
Livingston McQuistion, fourth son of William and Mary Quistion, was
born in the borough of Butler, May Hi. 1849, and was educated at the public
schools andat Witherspoon Institute. He read law in the office of L. X. Mitchell,
was admitted to the bar June 10, 1870, and for the past twenty-five years he
has been engaged in the active practice of his profession. He is recognized as
one of the leading members of the Butler bar, anil has built up a large and lucra-
tive legal business. In 1874 he was elected district attorney, and filled the office
in an aide and satisfactory manner. Mr. McQuistion is one of the prominent
Democrats of western Pennsylvania, and wields a wide influence in the councils
of his party. He has been twice the choice of his party in Butler county for
Congress, and once for president judge. In 1880 he was a delegate to the
National Democratic Convention, which nominated General Hancock for the
presidency. In January. 1874, Mr. McQuistion married Miss Sue Beam, a
daughter of George Beam, of Harmony, one of the old substantial families of
Butler county, and has one son. Crissie L. He is a member of the United Pres-
byterian church of Butler, to which denomination his father and grandfather
belonged. He is connected with Butler Lodge, F. & A. M.. is a member of the
Chapter and Commandery, and is also a member of the K. of P.. and the B. P.
O. E. Mr. McQuistion has always taken a leading interest in local affairs, and
given his earnest support towards building up and developing his native town.
Joseph C. Vanderlin, attorney at law , is the seventh son of Stephen and
Eliza (Seaton) Vanderlin, grandson of John Vanderlin and great-grandson ot
Nicholas Vanderlin, wl>o were among the first settlers of Venango township,
^^a
l^i*-^A^y~
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. / I 3
Butler county, Pennsylvania. He was born April 1(5, 1887, upon the old
Vanderlin homestead in Venango township, and was educated in the common
schools, at Clintonville Academy and Duff's Commercial College, Pittsburg.
He taught in the latter institution for some time, then returned to the home-
stead farm, taught school for a while, and in 1870 commenced reading law
with L. Z. Mitchell, of Butler. lie was admitted to the bar in 1874, and,
in partnership with Livingston McQuistion, has continued in active practice
up to the present. In 1868 Mr. Vanderlin married Margaret J., daughter of
John Kelly, of Venango township, Butler county, and has the following
children : Horatio S., Samuel L., Gertie, Dessie, John, William, deceased,
and Victor Paul. Politically, he is an ardent Democrat, is one of the well-
known members of the Butler county bar, and in 1894 was the Democratic
nominee for Congress in the Twenty-fifth congressional district.
Newton Black, son of James and Nancy A. (Russell) Black, was born
November 2, 1844, near Black's mill, Marion township, Butler county, Pennsyl-
vania. He received a common school education, and afterwards spent one term
at Harrisville Academy. He subsequently taught in the schools of Marion town-
ship, Butler county, and Clinton township, Venango county, from 1862 until
1864. In March, 1864, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Twelfth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and continued in the service up to May, 18(3;"). He
participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna River,
Cold Harbor and Petersburg, and was wounded in the left index finger in the
last named battle, June 17, 1864. He returned to his regiment August 2 follow-
ing, and served in the battles of Weldon Railroad and Ream's Station ; was sub-
sequently transferred from the Ninth to the Eighteenth Army Corps, and was
in the engagement at Fort Harrison, September 29, 1864, where he was severely
wounded in the head, and was confined in the hospital until the close of the war.
Returning to Franklin, Pennsylvania, he spent eighteen months in the oil fields
of Warren county, and then engaged in clerking. In 1867 he went to Illinois,
taught school one year, and was afterwards employed as a traveling salesman for
a wholesale notion house of Quincy, Illinois. In 1871 he returned to Pennsyl-
vania and followed oil producing until 1874, when he commenced reading law
with the late Judge Charles McCandless and John M. Greer. He was admitted
to the bar in 1876, and has since won his way to a leading rank in his profession
and built up a large and lucrative practice. Mr. Black is prominent in the coun-
cils of the Republican party, has been chairman and secretary of the county com-
mittee, and twice his party's choice in this count}- for Congress. He is a mem-
ber of A. G. Reed Post, Number 105, G. A. R. ; also of Butler Lodge, Number
272, F. & A. M. ; Butler Chapter. Xumber 278. and Allegheny Commandery,
Number 85, of Allegheny. Mr. Black is one of the most popular members of the
bar, and has hosts of friends in every section of his native'countv.
S. F. Bowser, attorney at law, was born February 11, 1842, near Kittan-
ning, Armstrong county. Pennsylvania, son of Matthias andMargaret (Williams)
Bowser. His father was a native of Armstrong county, of English and German
extraction, and his mother a native of the same county, of Welsh and Germ an
descent. Our subject was reared upon a farm, and his early education was
14 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
obtained in an old log country school house in his native place. His preparatory
education was received at Columbia University, Kittanning, from which he
graduated in 1869. He subsequently attended Washington and Jefferson college,
and was graduated from that institution with high honors in 1872. To get a
college course he was compelled to earn the means for that purpose, and taught
toi" a number of years in the graded schools of Armstrong and Clarion counties.
While a student at Washington and Jefferson College he filled the Latin chair
for a short period and prepared a number of the Seniors in Greek for graduation.
After he graduated he was principal one year of the graded schools of East
Brady. In 187- he commenced to read law with Thompson & Scott, of Butler,
and was admitted to the Butler county bar in 1S74. Mr. Bowser at once com-
menced practice, in which he has since been activeh engaged, and now ranks as
oik' ot the leading members ol his profession in Butler county. In politics, he is
a Republican, and while he has been active in tin.- interests of his party, he has
never tilled any public office except that of director of the public schools of
Butler. He has always been deeply interested in the prosperity of the schools
and devotes a threat deal of time to educational matters. Besides his legal duties,
he is engaged in the production of oil with his brother, A. L. Bowser. He is a
member of the Presbyterian church, and is connected with the I. ( ). ( >. F., the
Encampment and the K. (). T. M. Mr. Bowser was married |unc L'T, 1876, to
Mary C, daughter of Col. Samuel Young, a resident of Clarion county, but later
l he well known editor of the Connoqucncssing I alley Arezvs, of Zelienople
Two children have blessed this union : Mary E., and George F.
W. A. Forquer, attorney at law, was born in Washington township, But-
ler county, Pennsylvania, March '.I, 1845, son of William and Margaret (Murrin)
Forquer. His paternal grandfather, John Forquer, was a native of Donegal
count v, Ireland, and one of the early settlers of Donegal township, and his
maternal grandfather, Squire John Murrin, was the founder of Murrinsville, and
tor many years one of the representative men of Butler county. The subject of
this sketch spent his early life upon his father's farm, attended the common
schools of that locality, subsequently entered West Sunbury Academy, and later
Emlenton Academy, at Emlenton, Venango county. In 1872 he commenced
reading law in the office of Col. John M. Thompson, was admitted to the bar in
1874, gradually acquired a prominent position as an attorney, and to-day enjoys
a lucrative practice. A Democrat in politics, he soon won a leading place in the
councils of his party, and in 1875 he was elected chairman of the Democratic
county committee. In IN77 he was nominated and elected district attorney,
which position he tilled for three years. In 1888 he was a delegate from this
district to the National Democratic Conventional St. Louis. Missouri, which
nominated Cleveland and Thurman. Mr. Forquer is president of the Demo-
cratic Club of Butler, served in the borough council from 1889 to 1892, and has
always taken a very active interest in upholding the principles and measures of
his party. He is chancellor commander of Butler Lodge, Number ill. K. of P.
In 1881 he married Martha M, Livingstone, a daughter of Robert R. Living-
stone, of Mahoning county, Ohio. Both he and wife are adherents ot the
Catholic church.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 7 I 5
F. J. Forqjjer, attorney at law, was born February 27, 1857, son of William
and Margaret Forquer. Ho received a common scbool education and subse-
quently attended Sunbury .Academy, and Duff's Commercial College of Pitts-
burg, lie read law with his brother, was admitted to practice in L879, ami has
since been engaged in the acth e duties of his profession. Politically, lie is a Dem-
ocrat, and has served as chairman of the Democratic county committee. Mr.
Forquer is a member of the Catholic church.
Alexander Mitchell, attorney at law. is the eldest son of James and
Sarah (Mark-) Mitchell, and was born November 22, 1842, upon the homestead
farm in Summit township. Butler county. He received a common school educa-
tion, and afterwards attended the Wit herspoon Institute. In 1864 he enlisted in
Company A. Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and served until the close of the war.
Before entering the service he was employed in the United States revenue depart-
ment. After his discharge he entered the office of Charles McCandless, under
whom he read law. and was admitted to the bar in 1869. He then accepted the
position of cashier of the First National Bank of Butler, which he filled until
| nl V. 1879, when he formed his present law partnership with Andrew G. Will-
iams, and resumed the practice of his profession. The firm of Williams &
Mitchell is well known throughout this section of the State. Mr. Mitchell is an
ardent Republican, and takes a deep interest in the success of his party. He is a
member of A. G. Reed Post. Number 105, G. A. K.. also of the I. O. O. F. and
A. <). U. W. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and a liberal supporter
of that organization. In 1868 lie was married to Annie E., a daughter of George
A. Rodgers, of Plain Grove, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, by which union
they are the parents of six children : Frank E., Charles M., Clara O., Mary B.,
Myra L., and George A.
Andkew G. Williams, attorney at law, was born in Richmond, Virginia,
September 8, 1840. son of John G. and Caroline (Snyder) Williams, the former
a native of Wales and the latter of Maryland. His parents removed to Etna,
Allegheny county, in 1848, having resided in Pittsburg for one year previous.
Our subject had meagre advantages for an education, as he entered the rolling
mill at Etna when ten years old ami Learned the trade of nail maker. In 1861 he
became interested in the war movement, ami by his personal effort raised three
companies in Etna for the service. He was elected captain of the last company,
but refused to accept that position, preferring to enter the ranks as a private
soldier. His command was mustered into the service as Company E., Sixty-third
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and at Second Bull Run he was commissioned second
lieutenant. In the spring of 1863 he was placed in command of Company F, ami
subsequently at the head of his old company, where he remained until the close
of his term of service. He was twice wounded, first at Fredericksburg. Decem-
ber 13, 1862, in the head and hand, and at tile Wilderness, August 6, ISC, I. in
the left temple, by a minie-ball. Mr. Williams participated in the following
engagements: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Seven Days' Fight before Richmond,
Harrison's Landing, Second Bull Run, Groveton, Chantilly, Fredericksburg,
Mud March, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station. Culpepper Court
House, Kelly's Ford, Mine Run and the Wilderness. After his return home, on
7l6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
account of his severe wounds, he was unable to work at his trade. He entered
Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg, and also read law at home. In 1867 he
resumed work at his trade, and continued the same until 1873, keeping up his law-
studies during this period. In 1875 he came to Butler, read law with John M.
Greer, and was admitted to the bar the same year. He at once formed a partner-
ship with Alexander Mitchell, and the firm of Williams & Mitchell has since
taken rank as one of the leading legal firms at the bar. Politically, he is a stanch
Republican, and has taken an active and prominent part in public affairs. He
tilled the ofhce of notary public from January, 1876, to 1891, was elected to the
legislature in November, 1890, and served in that body two years. He has repre-
sented his party in both county and State conventions, and has been active in its
interests during political campaigns. Mr. Williams has been twice married. His
first wife was Miss Lucy A. Lee, who died in August, 1870. leaving three chil-
dren : Carrie L., wife of A. S. Graham ; Jessie A., wife of Letter C. Patterson,
and Anna S., wife of Proctor V, Smith. His second wife was Miss Emma S.
Ramage, whom he married in November, 1876. Their children are : John (i..
Benjamin R., Andrew G.. Jr., and Mary E. Mr. Williams ha* been a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church for over forty-five years, and steward and
trustee of this church in Butler for about twenty years. He is a member of the
Masonic order, and P. M. of Zeredatha Lodge ; is also connected with Alleghenv
Chapter. and is P. E. C. of Allegheny Commandery, Number 35, K. T., and a
member of Syria Temple, A. A. ( ). N. M. S. He is a member of Butler Encamp-
ment, Number 45, U. V. L.. and of A. G. Reed Post, Number 1(1."".. G. A. R., of
Butler.
11. II. Gouciier, attorney at law, was born at Richmond, Trumbull county,
Ohio, May 9, 1847. He is a son of II. B. and Eliza J. Goucher. His mother
was a daughter of John Ramsey of Lawrence county. Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish
extraction, and his father of English descent. He was reared on a farm in Scrub-
grass township, Venango county, Pennsylvania, where his parents settled when he
was quite young. He assisted his father on the farm, and in manufacturing and
shipping lumber to Pittsburg, by the old mode of rafting, until he reached the
age of about eighteen vears. Up to this time lie attended common school dur-
ing the winter terms, took an active part in literary and debating societies,
and devoted himself to reading such literary and historical works as his limited
means and opportunities afforded. At this age he became ambitious to attain
a higher degree of education, with a view of fitting himself for the profession
of the law. His parents being in moderate circumstances, he was compelled to
resort to some business as a means to accomplish his cherished purpose in life.
He turned his attention to the carpenter trade as the most available means oi
securing money to carry out his purpose. He worked at this trade for six years,
during which time he attended school in the winter seasons, and otherwise
improved himself by the reading and study of such books as he could com-
mand. He started to complete his education by taking a collegiate course in
New Wilmington College, but owing to limited means and the lateness in
life lie abandoned his plans, and commenced the study of law with J. II.
Donlv. Esq., of Franklin, Pennsylvania, in 1871 , and pursuing his studies tor
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 7 I 7
the required time, was admitted to the Venango county bar in January, 1873,
under the late Judge Trunkey, and in the month of April of the same year he
located in Butler, where he has since practiced his profession, with the excep-
tion of an absence of five years, from 1883 to 1888, owing to ill health. During
his absence he was located at Warren, Pennsylvania, and in the City of Seat-
tle, State of Washington, and a portion of the time was engaged in the lumber
business in connection with the practice of his profession. Since his admission
to the Venango county bar he has been admitted to practice in the Supreme
Court of Pennsylyania, United States district court, in many of the courts of
the surrounding counties, and the courts of the State of Washington, in all of
which he has practiced. He was appointed United States register in bank-
ruptcy in 1878, which office he filled up to 1883. He has been in the active
practice of his profession for upwards of twenty-one years. After his return to
Butler in 1888, he purchased a tract of land in the east end of the borough,
which he laid out in lots and which is now built up with fine residences, anil
known as " Goucheryille." He is prominently identified with the Citizens' Gas
Company, which successfully compelled a reduction of gas rates in the borough,
and one of the prime movers in the effort to free the borough from the grasp of
foreign corporations, and lends his energy to every enterprise for the improve-
ment of the town. He filled the office of school director of the borough for over
four years, three years of which time he served as secretary of the board. Mr.
Goucher was married to Bertha A. Kehn,of Hamburg, New York, August 1,
1876, and by this union has three children living: Edwin L. ; Laura Dee,
and Mabel E., and one, Edith May, deceased. Politically, he is a Republican,
and has taken an active interest in political affairs. He is recognized as a
sound lawyer and a safe advocate, and stands well in the community, both as a
citizen and as an attorney.
W. II. Lusk, attornev at law, is a son of Dr. Amos and Agnes S. Lusk, and
was born in Harmony, Pennsylyania. His father was for many years one of the
leading physicians of Butler county. Our subject was educated in the public
schools and at a local academy, read law with W. D. Brandon, of Butler, and
was admitted to the liar in the fall of 1N77. He at once commenced practice,
and has since grown into a lucrative business. He is a Republican, but takes no
active interest in political matters. Mr. Lusk was married in 1882, to Matilda,
a daughter of Adam Endres, of Jackson township, Butler county, and has three
children : Arthur H., Amy M., and James L. The family are connected with
the Presbyterian church.
Alexander M. Cornelius was born in Worth township, Butler county,
December 6, 1844, and spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm. He
received his primary education in the public schools, subsequently attended
West Sunbury Academy, and completed his studies at Witherspoon Institute.
He afterward engaged in business in a music house in Pittsburg, then became
clerk in the prothonotary's office at Butler, read law with W. I). Brandon, and
was admitted to the bar in 1880. Since his admission to the bar he has continued
in the active duties of his profession, and enjoys a good practice. Mr. Cornelius
was married in June, 1869, to Mary M. Kelly, a daughter of Amaziah Kelly, of
7 I 8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Worth township. Six children have blessed this union, as follows : Clara E. :
Raymond S.; Margaret J.; Florence; Lawrence K., and Jesse. Mr. Cornelius is
a member of the United Presbyterian church of Butler, and a trustee in that
body. In politics, he has always been a Democrat, but has never taken any
active interest in political affairs, preferring to devote his attention to the prac-
tice of his profession.
Oliver D. Thomtson, attorney at law, was born in the borough of Butler.
September 24, 1855, son of Col. John M. and Anna L. Thompson. After receiv-
ing a common school education, he attended Witherspoon Institute, anil graduated
at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, in 1875, and at Yale College in
1879. He read law with his father in Butler, and was admitted to the bar in,
June, 1880. The following November he was admitted to the Pittsburg bar.
where he is now engaged in practice. Mr. Thompson married Kate W. Dresser,
a daughter of John W. Dresser, of Castine, Maine, January 20, 1881. and has
one child, Donald. In politics he is a Republican. He was admitted to practice
in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1883, and to the United States Court
in 1898.
James M. Galbiieath. attorney at law, is the second son of Robert Gal-
breath, and was born upon the homestead in Winfield township, Butler county,
September 27, 1852. He is a grandson of William Galbreath, and great-grand-
son of Robert Galbreath, the pioneer. He received a common school education,
and subsequently attended Slate Lick Academy, Armstrong county, and Wither-
spoon Institute, of Butler, lie then entered Princeton College, where he was
graduated in 1S80, and commenced reading law with \V. I). Brandon, of Butler.
In 1SS2 he was admitted to the bar, began practice in Butler, and in 1884 formed
a partnership with |. B. Mcjunkin, which is still in existence. In politics he is
a Republican, and has served as school director for six years. In 1882 he mar-
ried Sallie Iv, daughter of John Mitchell, of Butler, and has the following chil-
dren : Edith, Irene and John. Mr. Galbreath is a member of the United Presby-
terian church of Butler, and one of the trustees of that society.
James N. Moore, attorney at law, was born on the old Moore homestead
in Worth township, Butler county, August 28, 1859, son of Thomas and Mary
Moore. After receiving a common school education he entered Grove City Col-
lege, where he graduated in 1880. He taught school for four terms, read law
under the late Charles McCandless, and was admitted to the bar in September.
1S82. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession, his
office being now in the Huselton block. Mr. Moore has always been a stanch
supporter of the Republican party ; has represented the party as a delegate in
State and county conventions, and has been secretary of the county committe a
number of times. In 1894 he was one of the Republican nominees for the legis-
lature, and was elected by an overwhelming majority. He is a member of Con-
noquenessing Lodge, 1. O. (). F., and Butler Lodge, K. of P.
Gabriel Kohler is a native of Binsdorf, Ober-Ampt Suit/. , Wurtemberg.
Germany, where he was born in 1828. He received a common school education,
and subsequently learned the brewer's trade. In I S54 he emigrated to the United
States, and settled in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in farming. In
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. J I <}
1858 he began operating a brewery in the borough, which he conducted in con-
nection with his farm until 1880, and then retired from active business life. Polit-
ically, he is a Democrat, and is a member of St. Peter's Catholic church. I It-
married in his native place Regenia Schrieckenberger, and they are the parents
of nine children, eight of whom are living, as follows; Lena, wife of Joseph
Rockenstein ; Clement: Frank X.. attorney al law; Josephine, wife of John
Koppler ; John; Louis; Mary, and Frances
Frank X, Kohler, attorney at law, was born in the borough of Butler,
Pennsylvania, and is the second son of Gabriel and Regenia Kohler. IK- received
his primary education at St. Peter's parochial school, and subsequently attended
Witherspoon Institute. While a student at the latter institution, he commenced
reading law with Hon Charles McCandless, and was admitted to the bar in 1882.
lie immediately began the practice of his profession, to which he has since given
his entire attention. In politics, he is a Democrat, ami in religious faith, a mem-
ber of St. Peter's Catholic church.
Everett L. Ralston, attorney at law, the eldest -on of John and Han-
nah (McCoy) Ralston, was born at Centreville, Butler county, Pennsylvania,.
June 7, 1858, and received his primary education in the common schools of his
native township. He subsequently attended Mt. Union College, and was gradu-
ated at Grove City College in 1881. He read law with the late Judge McCand-
less, and was admitted to practice in 1883. lie began the practice of the law in
the fall of 1884, since which time he has been engaged in the active duties of his
profession. In October, 1887, he formed a partnership with John M. Greer, under
the firm name of Greer & Ralston, which continued until fudge Greer took his
seat on the bench, January 1, IS'.).'!. Soon alter the election of Judge Greer to
the bench ins son became a member of the firm under the firm name of Ralston
& Greer. Politically, Mr. Ralston is a Democrat, and one of the active members
of that party. He is an adherent of the United Presbyterian church, and is con-
nected with Butler Lodge. K. of I'. lie married, in 1888, Carrie Helen, daugh-
ter of \V. P. Smith, of Centre township, Butler county, and has three children :
Charles E; John P., and Robert C.
James B. Mates, youngest son of Amos ami Mary A. Mates, was born
in Muddy Creek township, Butler county , September 2. 1859, and reared in Penn
township, whither his parents removed soon after the birth of our subject. He
was educated in the public schools and at Witherspoon Institute, and taught
school from 1880 to 1885, during which time he read law with Charles McCand-
less, and was admitted to the bar in 1883. In 1886 be opened a law office in
Butler, where he has since been engaged in the active duties of his profession.
He is one of the leading Republicans of the count)', has served several years
on the county committee, was chairman in 1887, and in 1890 was appointed cen-
sus supervisor of the Tenth district, the duties of which office he discharged in a
satisfactory manner. In November, 1892, he was elected to the legislature, and
was known in that body as a useful and hard-working member. Mr. Mates was
married August 81, 1887, to Nordena, daughter of A. C. Wilson of Butler.
Three children have blessed this union : Ada C. ; Helen, and James. The fam-
J20 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ily are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church of Butler, and Mr. Mates
is a member of Connoquenessing Lodge, I. U. (). F.
Alfred M. Christley, attorney at law, was born in Cherry township, But-
ler countv, January 13, 1860. He is a son of Thomas F. and Ann C. (Hill)
Christley, and a grandson of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Christley, a sketch of
whom appears among the biographical data of Slippery Rock and Cherry town-
ships. His primary education was obtained in the common schools, and he after-
wards attended West Sunbury Academy and Grove City College. He read
law in the office of Col. fohn M. Thompson, of Butler, and was admitted to the
bar in 1888. He has since been engaged in the active duties of his profession,
and has built up a fair practice. Mr. Christley is one of the active Republicans
of the county, lias been chairman and secretary of the county committee, and has
always given his earnest support to the candidates and measures of his party.
He is a member of Connoquenessing Lodge, I. O. O. F. and Butler Lodge,
K. of P.
Albert T. Scott was born in Kiskiminetas township. Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, October 21, 1856, son of Samuel and Mary S. Scott. His father,
a native of Donmacmay, County Tyrone, Ireland, was born November 11, 1821,
came to Pennsylvania with bis parents in 1824, and settled in Kiskiminetas
township, Armstrong county, where he grew to manhood. He learned the
stonecutter's trade, and worked at that business the greater part of his life. He
married Mary S. Erwin, a daughter of James S. Erwin, of Steubenville, Ohio,
May 5, 1853, and became the father of six children, as follows: Sherman \V. ;
Albert T.; Henrv G. C, deceased; Mary J. ; Samuel E., and James F.. the two
last mentioned being dead. Mr. Scott died on August 24, 1891, and his wife
January 23, 1893. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and in
politics, he was an adherent of the Republican party. The subject of this sketch
was reared in his native township, and received his primary education in the
public schools. He afterwards attended Elder's Ridge Academy, Indiana county,
and the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, Hardin county, Ohio, leaving the
latter inslitution in 1884. He then taught school, and in April, 1886, com-
menced t<> read law in the office of Mcjunkin & Galbreath, of Butler. He was
admitted to the bar in the spring 1888, and has since been engaged in the practice of
his profession. Mr. Scott was married on June 5, 1892, to Jean Covode, a
daughter of Henry Taylor, of Indiana county. They are members of the Presby-
terian cliur;h, and in politics, he is a Republican. In June. 1887, Mr. Scott
enlisted in Company P., Fifteenth Regiment, X. G. P., and is now orderly ser-
geant of Ins company. He is a member of the K. O. T. M., and takes an active
interest in public affairs.
Thompson M. Baker was born in Reaver township, Beaver county, April
24, 1862, son of George K. and Martha Baker. He received his primary educa-
tion in the public schools, afterwards attended West Sunbury Academy, and
Grove City College, and finished his classical course at the former institution,
where he received the first diploma granted by that school. In 1885 he com-
menced reading law with John M. Russell, was admitted to practice in Sep-
tember, 1888, and became a member of the firm of Coulter & Baker. He has
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. J2\
since continued in the active duties of his profession. On February 24, 1887,
he married Nannie E. Painter, a daughter of Simon P. Painter, of Clay town-
ship, and has two children, Clarence D., and Stella G.
James W. Hutchison, attorney at law, was born June 17. 1864, in Parker
township, Butler county Pennsylvania, son of James G. and Susan (Dauben-
speck) Hutchison. His grandfather, William Hutchison, was one of the early
settlers of Parker township, where he cleared a farm upon which he resided
until his death. He was the father of three children : Rebecca J.; William, and
lames G. The last was born upon the old homestead and grew to manhood
under the parental roof. In 1862 be enlisted in Company G, One Hundred Thirty-
fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died in 1864, from injuries received in the
service. His family consisted of two children : Emma, deceased, and Janus
VV. The latter received a common school education, and. in 1879, entered
North Washington Academy. In 1881 he entered Westminster College, New
Wilmington, Pennsylvania, where he graduated in lSST. He also took a com-
mercial course at Duff's Commercial College. Pittsburg. In September, 1887,
he entered the office of S. F. Bowser, with whom he read law. ami was admitted
to the bar, December 2, 1889. Since that date he has been engaged in the prac-
tice of his profession. Politically, he is a Republican; is a member of Conno-
quenessing Lodge, Number 278, I. O. <). F. ; of Butler Lodge. Number 21 1. K.
of 1'., and is an adherent of the United Presbyterian church. In 18S9 be mar-
ried Ida M. Campbell, daughter of John H. Campbell of Butler, and has two
children.
A. B. C. McFarland, attorney at law, was born June; 20, 1852, in Bellaire,
Ohio, son of Andrew and Margaret (Marshall) McFarland. His primary educa-
tion was obtained in the public schools, and he subsequently attended \\ est-
minster College, at New Wilmington. Lawrence county. Pennsylvania, and
Monmouth College. Illinois, graduating from the latter in 1875. He then
entered Allegheny Theological Seminary, Allegheny City, and graduated from
that institution in 1878. He was licensed to preach the gospel in April ol that
year, and ordained the following September, by the Butler Presbytery ol the
United Presbyterian church. He was at once called as pastor of the Fairview
church, where he remained eleven years, and then entered the law office of the
late Judge McCandless. He was admitted to the bar May 25, 1891, and has
since been engaged in the practice of his profession in Butler. In politics, be is
a Republican, and takes an active interest in the success of the principl
measures of his party.
Elmer E. Young was born in Summit township, Butler county, April 9,
1864, son of Simon P. and Eli/.a Young. He was educated in the common
schools and at Witherspoon Institute, graduated from the latter institution in
L885, and then entered Washington ami Jefferson College, where he spent two
years. In 1887 he began the study of law in the office of the late Judge Mc-
Candless, was admitted to the liar in June. 1890, and has since been engaged in
active practice. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Presby-
terian church. Mr. Young was married Tune 28, 1894, to Miss Bella A. Moore,
daughter of Mrs. Mary M. Moore, of Butler. Pennsylvania.
J22 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John I). Marshall, eldest son of James M. and Ruth A. (Riddle) Mar-
shall, was born June 20, L860, at Prospect. Butler county. He received a good
education, and taught in the public schools of the county for several years. He
later read law with YV. 1). Brandon, of Butler, and was admitted to the bar in
1882, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr.
Marshall was married on December 25, 1880, to Margaret Leise, and has two
daughters. Anna M. and Margaret. Politically, he is a Democrat, and is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church of Butler.
William C. Findley, attorney at law, was born in Clay township. Butler
county, March 2;3. 1854, and i> the eldest child of Samuel and Sarah Findley.
lie was educated in the common schools and at West Sunbury Academy and
Grove City College, taught school for eight terms, and read law with George A.
and A. T. Black of Butler. He was admitted to the bar June 3, 1878, and is
now engaged in the practice of his profession at Butler. He has taken an active
interest in politics, was chairman of the Republican county committee in 1888,
and a delegate to the State Convention in 1889. The Findley family are Pres-
byterians, and have always been liberal supporters of religious, benevolent and
educational institutions.
Dr. TenSARD ROBINSON DeWolf was born in Butler, Pennsylvania,
October 16, 1824. eldest son of Dr. Henry C. DeWolf, a native of Hartford, Con-
necticut, and a pioneer physician of Butler. He obtained his primary education
in the public schools, and at the Butler Academy, the latter institution being
partly supported by the State. In IS II he became a student at Canonsburg
College, and graduated from that institution in the fall of 1844. He then entered
his father's office as a student of medicine, subsequently attended lectures at the
Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, during the winters of
1848-49 and 1850, graduating towards the close of the latter year's course. He
then entered into partnership with his father in the practice of medicine, which
continued until his father's death, lulv 24, 1854. He still pro.secuted the duties
of his profession until a short time before his death, which occurred August 24,
1859. from abscess of the lungs, leaving a widow and one son, Henry. Dr.
DeWolf was married in June, 1852, to Maty A. McElvaine, a daughter of Rob-
ert McElvaine, one of the early settlers of Butler county. Her father was a man
of some literary attainments, and belonged to a family well known in this part of
the State. Mrs. DeWolf survived her husband many years. She ami husband
were members of the Presbyterian church, and lived and died in that faith.
Henry DeWolf, only son of Dr. Tensard Robinson DeWolf. was born in
the borough of Butler, June 17. 1853, and was educated in the public schools and
at Witherspoon Institute. He learned the printer's trade in the office of the
Butler Eagle, spending three years in that business. In November, 1872, he
took a position on the Pennsylvania railroad as fireman , and in 1876 as brake-
man, was promoted to the position of baggage master, anil in 1886 to that of con-
ductor, which he has tilled up to the present In February, 1875, he married
Sarah E. Cuthbert, of Butler, who bore him two children. Tensard and Eleanor.
Mrs. DeWolf died in January, 1890, ami in January. 1891, he was married to
Anna B. Cupps, of Butler, to which union has been born one child, Henry
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 723
Edwin. Mr. DeWolf is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in
politics, he is a stanch Republican.
Abraham M. Neyman, second son of John ami Mary Neyman, was born
in Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, in IT'.U, and came with his parents to
Butler county during the War of 1812. He remained with his father on the
farm in Centre township for a time, but subsequently engaged in keeping tavern
on the site of the Arlington Hotel, in Butler. lie married Eleanor, daughter of
Thomas McCleary, of Centre township, in October, L823, and had two children :
Thomas, and A . M. lie and his son Thomas were killed. April 12, lSl'T, while
visiting his parents in Centre township, by a tailing tree that was blown down
during a storm. Like his father lie was an ardent Whig, and in religion, an
adherent of the Presbyterian church.
Dr. A. M. Neyman, only living child of Abraham M. and Eleanor
Xeyman. was born in the borough of Butler. February 6, 1826, and was a little
more than one year old when his father was killed. He grew to manhood in
Butler, and was educated at the old Butler Academy. At the age of sixteen he
commenced teaching and taught in Cranberry, Centre and Butler townships,
and later taught the English branches, under Dr. White, in the Butler Academy.
In 1845 he went to Zanesville, Ohio, and commenced reading medicine with Dr.
Washington Morehead, also clerked in his drug store for two years. In 1 850 he
entered the office of Dr. X. J. Randolph, of Butler, and attended lectures at the
Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, in the winter of 1850-51.
In the latter year he commenced practice in partnership with Dr. Randolph, and
tor the past forty-four years he has continued in the active duties of his profer-
sion. In the spring of 1853 he graduated from the Western Reserve Medical
College, and then resumed practice alone. Being without means. James Camp-
bell assisted him to buy a horse and sufficient drugs to use in his practice, while
Samuel G. Purvis erected his office, and to these two men he feels indebted for
his start in life. There is perhaps no member of the medical profession in Butler
county with a wider reputation than Dr. Neyman, as his many years of practice
have made him known in nearly every household. He has built up through the
passing years a large and lucrative business, and is still one of the busiest men in
the profession. In politics, he has been a Republican since the war, prior to
which he was a Democrat. He has been a member of the United Presbyterian
church since its organization, and a trustee for many years. Dr. Neyman mar-
ried Emmelme, a daughter of Gen. John N. and Eli/.a J. (Pott.-.) Purviance. She
died December 31, 1887. leaving a family of five children, as follows: Eleanor.
wife of Charles S. Haines, of Boston, Massachusetts; Eli/.a T. : George P.;
Abraham M., and Alonzo H. The Doctor has been living on the site of his
present home over sixty-six years, the lot and original residence having been pur-
chased by his mother in January, 1829.
Samuel Graham, physician and surgeon, was born January 81, 1836, in
Butler, Pennsylvania, son of John B. and Sarah (Gilkey) Graham, and grandson
of Robert Graham, one of the first settlers of the borough. He received his early
education in the public schools of his native town, anil subsequently attended
Witherspoon Institute. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. L. R.
724 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
McCurdy, and at the age of twenty-three he entered the National Medical Col-
lege at Washington, D. C, where he remained two years. In 1861 he answered
the call of his country and enlisted in Company II. Thirteenth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and served three months. lie then entered Jefferson Medical Col-
lege from which he graduated in March, 1862. He again entered the service of
the United States as assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Seventy-fourth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, with which he remained until 1863. In ISC, 1 he joined
the United States Medical Staff of Emory Hospital, Washington, D. C, and was
subsequently appointed surgeon of the Eighty first Pennsylvania Volunteers,
with which regiment he remained untilthc close of the war. Returning to But-
ler, he resumed the duties of his profession, and since that time has enjoved a
lucrative practice-- Dr. Graham is a member of the county and state medical
societies, and has been a member of the United States pension hoard of this
district for ten years, and is now its president. He has been connected with the
school board ol [Butler for fifteen years and ranks as the senior member of that
bo Iv. In politics, he was a Republican up to 1881, but since that time he has
affiliated with the Democratic party ami is one of its never failing workers. He
is a member of the A. G. Reed Post. Number 102, G. A. R., and also of the I.
(). ( ). !".. K. of 1'.. and the A. < ). 1". W. Dr. Graham was married in 1867, to
Eleanor, daughter ol Robert and Eleanor Cunningham, and has two daughters,
Mary and Eleanor, lie and family are members of the Presbvterian church.
Among his professional brethren. Dr. Graham takes a high rank, and. as a citi-
zen, he commands the respect ol the community in which his life ha- been spent.
Dr. X. M. Hoover was born in North Buffalo township. Armstrong
county. March 4. 1836, son of David L. and Mary Hoover. lie was educated in
the common schools and at Freeport Academy, and taught in the public schools
of the county for some year-. He began reading medicine under Dr. Thomas
Magill, of Freeport. and attended lectures at the Western Reserve Medical Col-
lege, Cleveland. Ohio, in the winter of 1860-61. Soon after the breaking out of
the Rebellion, lie enlisted in the Sixty-first Ohio Volunteers, anil was detailed in
charge of the medical supplies of the Third Brigade, Third Division. Eleventh
Armv Corps, and served in that capacity for two years and a half. Returning
home he resumed his medical studies, attended lectures at refferson Medical Col-
lege, Philadelphia, and graduated from that institution in March. 1S65. He was
then commissioned by Governor Curtin assistant surgeon of the Eighty-seventh
Pennsylvania Volunteers,, ami served until the close of the war. In the fall of
1865 he located at North Washington. Butler county, where for more than
twenty-two years he enjoved a large and lucrative practice, and became one oi
the best known physicians in the county. In D7'.1 he took a post graduate
course at Jefferson College, and has always kept well abreast of the improve-
ments and discoveries in medical science. In 1888 Dr. Hoover removed to But-
ler, where he has since continued in the active duties of his profession. On April
l' I. 1866, he married Mrs. Susan Bates, nee Buffington, who died in 1881. He
was again married, in 1883, to Sarah Halderman, of North Washington. Dr.
I looser is an anient Republican, is a member of the Masonic order, and the I. O.
I ). V.. and is one of the charter members of the U. V. L.. of Butler. He is a
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 7^5
member of the State and county medical societies, and has tilled all the offices in
the latter. Outside of his profession he has devoted considerable attention to
oil producing, and put down the first well on the McClelland farm, in Concord
township, which came in at 550 barrels per day. lie has been quite successful
as an operator, and is the owner of considerable valuable oil property. Dr. Hoover
is a director in the Butler County National Bank, and is recognized as one of
the leading and progressive citizens of the community.
Sylvester D. Bell, physician and surgeon, was born in Perry township.
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, June 30, 1847, son of Samuel S. and Margaret
(McClymonds) Bell, and grandson of Samuel Bell, a native of Westmoreland
county, and an early settler of Washington township, Butler county. He was
reared in this county, obtained a common school education, and afterwards
attended West Sunbury Academy and Witherspoon Institute. He commenced
reading medicine under Dr. T. M. McMillan, of Fairview township, and attended
lectures at the medical department of the Western Reserve College, Cleveland,
Ohio, in Ls70-71 and 1873-74, graduating in March, 1874. Dr. Bell commenced
practice at Millerstown, Butler county, where he continued in the active duties
of his profession until May, 1890, when he removed to Butler, anil has since built
up a verv large and lucrative practice. lie is one of the surgeons for the Pitts-
burg and Western Railroad Company, and his practice equals that of any other
physician in his native county. lie has been president of the Butler Countv
Medical Society for one year, and has filled the office of secretary and treasurer of
the same for three terms. He is a member of the State Medical Society and of
the American Medical Association, and was vice-president of the former in
lN(.(l-'.>:2, and is also a member of the National Association of Railway Surgeons.
Dr. Bell was married December l' 1 . 1871, to Mary E.. a daughter of William
Alexander, an early settler of Fairview township. Seven children are the fruits
of this union, viz. : Harry A.. Lana A., Charles E., Bessie. Gertrude, Margaret
Helen and Sylvester D. He and family are connected with Grace Lutheran
church. The Doctor is an active Republican, has served as chairman of the
count}- committee, was elected to the legislature in 1881, and was one of the
presidential electors in 1892.
John E. Bvers. physician and surgeon, was born in Summit township.
Butler county. June 15, 184S, was educated in the common schools, at Wither-
spoon Institute and at Iron City College. He read medicine with Dr. A. M.
Neyman, attended lectures at the Medical University, New York, and graduated
in 1878. He commenced practice in Butler, and lias since continued in the active
duties of his profession, having built up a large and successful practice. He has
been surgeon for the Pennsylvania Railroad Company at Butler for fifteen years,
and is one of the well-known physicians of the countv. lie is a member of the
Butler County Medical Society, also of the State Medical Society, and of the
National Association of Railway Surgeons, and takes a decided interest in the
growth and development of his profession. Dr. Byers was married, October 10.
1878, to Mary Katharine Stephenson, a daughter of James Stephenson, of Sum-
mit township. They are members of the Presbyterian church of Butler, in
which the Doctor fills the office of trustee. In politics, he is a Republican, and
/2b HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
has served in the borough council. lie is a member of the K. of 1'. and the \V.
of \\'.. and is a charter member and a director of the Citizens Natural Gas
Company.
SAMUEL M. BlPPUS, physician and surgeon, was born in Oakland township,
Butler county, October 19, 1861, son of Capt. John G. and Rachel (Myers)
Bippus, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany. He attended the common schools of
his native township, and Sunbury Academy, and graduated at Waynesburg Col-
lege in L879. He studied medicine with Dr. Samuel Graham of Butler, attended
lectures at Jefferson Medical College, and graduated from that institution in
1884. He at once commenced practice, but owing to a severe illness, gave up
the duties of his profession until 1886, when he located in Butler, where he has
since built up a lucrative business, and is recognized as one of the leading young
physicians of the county. Dr. Bippus is a member of Butler County Medical
Society, also of the State Medical Society. He is connected with Butler Council,
Number 242, Jr. O. U. A. M., and in politics, he is a Republican. He married
Nannie, daughter of John Mitchell of Butler, and both he and wife are members
of the Presbyterian church.
Lysander Black, physician and surgeon, was born in Marion township,
Butler county. May 16, 1854, son of Jamesand Nancy (Russell) Black, and grand-
son of John Black, one of the first settlers of Marion township. He was reared
on the homestead farm and attended the district school of his neighborhood until
1865, when his parents removed to Franklin, Pennsylvania, where he completed
his studies in the schools of that place. At the age of seventeen he engaged in
the oil business, and subsequently operated in the oil and gas fields of Venango,
McKean and Butler counties. In 1883 lie was engaged in drilling gas wells in
Allegheny, Westmoreland and Washington counties. He commenced the study
of medicine with Drs. Walter anil Benninghoff of Bradford, Pennsylvania, in
lSSl-Si>, but later engaged in the natural gas enterprise. In 1886 he entered the
Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, ( >hio. from which he was graduated
in 1890. lie at once located in Butler, and has since continued in the active duties
of his profession. Dr. Black was married January 1, 1874, to Lizzie Emery, a
daughter of Robert Emery of this county. She died June 5. 1885, leaving three
children : Jessie M., Lois and Alfred E. He is a member of the Masonic order,
being connected with the Lodge, Chapter and Commanderv, and is also a mem-
ber of the B. P. (). E. of Butler. Since beginning practice Dr. Black has built
up a large professional business, and is one of the busiest as well as most popular
physicians in the borough.
Josi. rn Forrester, physician and surgeon, was born in Peterboro, Prov-
ince of Ontario, Canada. July 1. 1860, a son of Thomas and Catharine A.
(Ilorton) Forrester, natives of England. In 1865 his parents settled in Erie,
Pennsylvania, where he was reared and received a common school education. He
subsequently attended Edinboro' State Normal School, from which he graduated
in 1884. He then taught for one year as principal of West Springfield Academy,
in Erie county, and two years as principal of the public schools of Mt. Alton,
McKean county, ami was afterwards general secretary of the Y. M. C. A. in
Johnstown and Butler for two years. He commenced the study of medicine with
•4
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Dr. John E. Byers, of Butler, ami graduated from Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, in 1891. Dr. Forrester at once located in Butler, practicing with
Dr. Byers the first year, and has since built up a gratifying practice. lie is sec-
retary of the Butler County Medical Society, and a member of the State Medical
Society, and is one of the well known young physicians of the borough. Dr.
Forrester is a member of the Presbyterian church, and takes an active part in
church work. He is also connected with the K. of P., and the K. ( ). T. M.. of
which he is tent physician. Politically, he is a Republican.
Dr. McCurdy Bricker, son of John Bricker, was born on the home-
stead in Buffalo township, Butler county, April 2, 1868. After receiving a
common school education, lie attended the academies at Slate Lick, Tarentum,
and Freeport. and then taught school for six years. In the meantime he con-
cluded to enter the medical profession, and commenced his studies in the Medical
Department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, and completed them at
the Medical College of Indianapolis, where he graduated on March :?<*>, L894. He
soon afterwards became associated with Dr. X. M. Hoover, of Butler, and has
continued in practice in this borough down to the present. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church: is connected with the Jr. ( ). I'. A. M.. and in
politics, is an adherent of the Republican party.
STEPHEN A. Johnston, D. D. S., third son of Jesse ami Sarah J. (Allen)
Johnston, was born September 6, 1846, in Portersville, Pennsylvania. lie
received his primary education in the common schools, subsequently attended
Witherspoon Institute, and graduated from Iron City College, Pittsburg, in 1868.
He studied dentistry with Levere & Moore, of Butler, and in 1873 located in
Downington, Chester county. Pennsylvania, where he practiced his profession
for over seven years. In 1881 he graduated from the College of Dental Surgery.
Philadelphia, and in 1882 he located in Butler, where he has since built up a
lucrative practice. Dr. Johnston was married in 1870, to Ocilla, a daughter of
William Stoops, of Butler township, to which union nine children have been
born : Frank A. ; Sarah I]. : Minnie ( ). ; Charles W. ; Flora M. ; Wesley K. ;
Marion; James C, and Irene C. Dr. Johnston has given considerable atten-
tion to oil producing, in which he has been quite successful, and is president of
the Producers Torpedo Company. Politically, he is an independent voter, ami
is recognized as one of the leading professional men in the community.
Vol nicy McAlpine, dentist, was born in Crowland, Welland county,
Ontario, Canada, May 27, 1830, son of Christopher and Sarah (Houx) McAlpine.
the former a native of Xew York and the latter of Maryland. After receiving a
good English education, he commenced the study of dentistry under Dr. Brown,
of Niagara Falls, and later studied under Dr. Whitney, of Buffalo, and others.
He commenced practice at Welland. Ontario, subsequently removed to London,
Ontario, whence he returned to Welland. in 1864. In 1865 he located at
Petroleum Centre. Venango county, Pennsylvania, removed to Rouseville, in
1871, to Petrolia, in 1874, and to Duke Centre, McKean county, in 18S0. The
same year he settled at Cleveland, Ohio, where he practiced his profession until
1888, and then went to Sitka, Alaska. He remained there in practice until the
end of 1888, returned again at the end of 1S89, and remained until October, 1S90,
728 HISTORY OK BUTLER COUNTY.
and then tamo direct to Butler, where he has since built up a lucrative business.
For some years Dr. McAlpine was a member of the Erie Dental Association.
He was married in 1853, to Lavina, daughter of William Chapman, of Pelham,
Canada, and they are the parents of the following children : Archie, a dentist of
Bradford; William, a physician of New York City; Amos C, a dentist ot War-
ren; Kenneth ; Victor II., and Jasmine, a physician of Wilkinsburg. He is an
attendant of the Presbyterian church of Butler, and is connected with the K. of
II., ami the Royal Templars. In early lite he was a Republican, but is at present
an ardent supporter of the Prohibition parly.
William Purvis, a native of Ireland, immigrated to Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Westmoreland county, about 1812, and
settled on a farm. Owing to financial losses, he sold his farm about 1821 and
came to Middlesex township, Butler county, where lie purchased 120 acres of land,
upon which he spent the remaining years of his life. lie married Isabel Dick-
son, who died in January, 1860. Mr. Purvis died on December 25, 1850. Their
children are as follows : Nancy, who married Andrew Fulton; Isabel, who mar-
ried Henry Sefton ; Oliver: Samuel G. ; Mary Ann, who married Robert White;
Sarah ; William ; Robert ; Allies, who married John Dodds, and Levi, allot'
whom are dead. Mr. Purvis and wife were members of the Covenanter church,
and were buried in Glade Run United Presbyterian cemetery.
Samuel G. Purvis was born May 28, 1808, in Cumberland county, Penn-
sylvania, eldest son of William and Isabel Purvis. He resided on the farm with
his parents until the aye of twenty-three, ami then went to Pittsburg to learn the
carpenter's trade. In 1832 he came to Butler, where be continued to work at his
trade for two years, a part of the time in the construction of the Presbyterian
church. About 1^:'>I he commenced contracting and building, and continued the
same until 1807, in which year the firm of S. (i. Purvis & Company was formed,
his son. Joseph L., becoming a partner. In lstj'.l they embarked in the planing
mill and lumber business, which they carried on in connection with contracting
and building. They abandoned the hitter line of trade in 1878, but continued
the lumber and planing mill business, which has grown from small beginning's
into one of the leading manufacturing institutions of Butler county. In ls7b
Levi ( ). was taken into the business, which is still carried on, under the old firm
name, by Joseph L. and Levi ( >. Purvis. Mr. Purvis was a stanch Democrat,
served upon the school board, and filled the office of justice of the peace for six-
teen years. lie was a lifelong member of the United Presbyterian church of
Butler, and an elder and trustee in that organization for many years. He was
prominent in public matters ami always took a commendable interest in the
growth and progress of his adopted home. He was at one time the owner of the
Democratic Herald, and one of the original stockholders in the Butler ami Alle-
gheny Plank Road Company. He was one ot the projectors and first president
of the Butler Water Company, and was also president of the Butler Mutual In-
surance Company from its organization until his death. Mr. Purvis married
Elizabeth Logan, a daughter of Joseph Logan, of Middlesex township, and their
children are as follows : Joseph L. ; Isabel; Samuel D; William I., deceased ;
stsCrV^<-^f
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 7-1',
Levi O., and Sarah J., deceased wife of Harrison Black. lie died on May 28,
1879, and his wife, in April. L892.
Joseph L. Purvis, eldest son of Samuel G. and Elizabeth Purvis, was born
in Butler, October 4, L838. He obtained a public school education, learned the
carpenter's trade with his father, and entered into partnership with the latter in
1867. In that year the firm established a planing mill and two years later added
the lumber business, both of which they have since conducted. Mr. Purvis is one
of the original members of the Home Natural Gas Company, is president of the
Butler Savings Bank, and superintendent of the Butler County Agricultural So-
ciety. He is one of the leading and useful members of the United Presbyterian
church, of Butler, was one of its trustees for a number of years, and chairman of
the building committee in the erection of the new church building. In politics, he
is a Democrat, has been a member of the borough council, and lias served on the
school board for fourteen years. In 1869 Mr. Purvis married Mary Ellen Bailey,
a daughter of E. II. Bailey, of Parker, and their children are as follows: Mary
M. ; Samuel H. ; William B. ; Wilson L., and Joseph D.
Levi O. Purvis, third son of .Samuel G. and Elizabeth Purvis, was born in
Butler. May 12, 1846, and was educated in the public schools and at Witherspoon
Institute. He learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1876 he became a member of
the firm of S. G. Purvis & Company, with which he has since been connected.
He was married to Zoe, daughter of Capt. Francis Dempsey, of Erie, Pennsyl-
vania, of which union have been born to them live children: Harold, Clara .
Florence. May and Bessie. The family are adherents of the Presbyterian church.
In politics, Mr. Purvis is a Democrat, and has been a member of the school board
for five years. lie is connected with Butler Lodge, F. & A. M., also with the A.
o. u. w.
Samuel D. Purvis, son of Samuel G. and Elizabeth Purvis, was born in
the borough of Butler, January 20, 1842, received a common school education,
and learned the carpenter's trade with his father. He afterwards worked at 1 1 i -
trade in Pittsburg and Franklin, but returned to Butler in 1865, and has since
been foreman in the sash and door factory of S. G. Purvis & Company. On Feb-
ruary 20. 1866, he married Valeria Evans, a daughter of Abijah Evans, of Centre
township, — one of the California Argonauts of '40, — who is the mother of the
following children: Annie E.; Ella; Perry E., deceased; Frank; Alfred B. ;
Samuel G., and Gracey Ferguson. Mr. Purvis is an elder in the United Presby-
terian church, and is a leading member of that denomination. In politics, he is a
Democrat, and at present is a member of the school board. He is a director in
the Building and Loan Association, and has always been active in educational
and religious work.
Jacob Mechling, Si:., was born in Northampton county, Pcnnsvlyaiiia.
December 8, 1770, and was a son of Jacob and Catherine Mechling, natives of
German}-, who settled in Northampton county, whence they removed to West-
moreland county, where they died, November 1, 1827. and August IS. 1832,
respectively, each having reached the ripe old age of eighty-four years. Their
son Jacob enlisted in the United States army, and in 1792 was sent with his
company to Chamber's Station, Westmoreland county, to guard the settlers
730 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
against the Indians. In 1796, after the Indian troubles had subsided, he came
to Butler county and purchased a tract, of land in what is now Washington town-
ship, whence he removed to the borough of Butler and engaged in the hotel busi-
ness, lie/was also one of the pioneer merchants of the town. In 1803 he was
elected county commissioner, and in 1804 a member of the legislature, and served
continuously by re-elections up to 1808. In 1809 he was appointed prothonotary,
in which office he served nine years. lie was also a justice of the peace in ISO).
He served several terms in the council, and was chief burgess of the borough for
three years. He took an active interest in public affairs, and was widely known
among the pioneers. A Democrat in politics, he voted fur Washington in 17'.(2,
and for every Democratic president from Jefferson to Buchanan. In religious
belief he was a Lutheran, and died in that faith, January 10, 1861. Mr. Mechling
married Mary Magdalene Drum, December 30, 1794, and their children were
as follows: Jacob, born October 20, 1795; Susanna. July S. 17'.'7. married John
McCleary, and subsequently a Mr. Cole; George, June 3, 1799; Simon, Septem-
ber It'.. 1801; Philip, August 20, 1803; Catherine B., March 3, 1806, deceased
wife of Judge Joseph Buffington ; Christian, January 24^ L808 ; Benjamin, March
28, 1810; Henry. March 22, 1812; Samuel. June 21, 181 I, and Thomas, August
MO. 1816, the last being the only survivor of the family.
Jacob Mechling, Jr., eldest son of Jacob and Mary Magdalene Mechling,
was born in Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, October 20. 17'.'"). and died in
Butler September 11, 1873. He succeeded to the hotel business of his father,
and, like the latter, was one of the leading men of his day. He carried on the
hotel up to 1865, when he retired from active business. Politically, he was a
Whig and afterwards a Republican, and served as associate judge, prothonotary,
and treasurer of Butler county, and was also chief burgess of Butler in 1849. He
was a soldier in the War of 1812, and served as lieutenant of a company from
Butler, which was stationed at Black Rock, on the Niagara river. In early life
he was connected with the Lutheran church, but in later years united with the
Protestant Episcopal church of Butler, and was a leading member ol that body,
and for many years a vestryman and senior warden. Mr. Mechling married Jane,
a daughter of John Thompson, and sister of the late chief justice, James Thomp-
son. She died in Max. 1872, the mother of the following children : Mary J.,
deceased wife of L. L. Lord : Susan D.. wife of Col. Archibald Blakeley of Pitts-
burg; William T.. who graduated from West Point, was a colonel in the regular
army, anil now resides in Texas; Jacob J., of California; Simon S.. deceased,
and Joseph B., of Butler township.
Simon Mei iiling, son of Jacob and Jane (Thompson) Mechling. was born
September Hi. 1834, in Butler. Pennsylvania, and received a common school edu-
cation in the schools of that borough. He was employed for many years in the
various offices in the court house, and died September 30, 1866. He married
Elizabeth Ziegler, and by this union they were the parents of three children :
William T. ; Josephine, wife of J. O. Jackson of Franklin, and George S. of
Butler. Mrs. Mechling is a resident of the borough. Politically he was a
Republican, and was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 731
Col. William T. Mechling, eldest son of Simon and Elizabeth (Ziegler)
Mechling, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1856. He learned the
printer's trade in the office of the Democratic Herald, at which he worked for
two years after serving his apprenticeship. He then engaged in clerking for
various persons in the oil held, and subsequently filled the position of first deputy
clerk of courts under Cochran and Wright for four years. lie was afterwards
bookkeeper for S. G. Purvis & Company eight years, and filled a similar position
with the Tarecki Manufacturing Company, and now occupies the position ot
assistant manager with the Oil Well Supply Company. In 1886 he was elected
to the council, ami served in that body six years, being president during this
time. He was elected with others of that period on the question of public
improvements, independent of party, and during his service the street paving,
sewering, lighting and many other improvements were carried out by the coun-
cil and the town has since become quite modernized. Colonel Mechling was one
of the promoters and original stockholders of the Armory Building, and in many
other ways has shown his public enterprise. He is one of the leading Democrats
of Butler county, and takes a deep interest in the success of his party. He
joined Company A, Old Thirteenth Regiment National Guard, served two years
as a non-commissioned officer, and was then promoted to second lieutenant of
Company E. Sixteenth Regiment, and afterwards to first lieutenant, serving
eight years in those two ranks. He was then elected captain of Company
E. Fifteenth Regiment, and subsequently colonel, which position he now holds.
He served in the Pittsburg riots of 1S77 with the Thirteenth Regiment, and
spent seventy-one days at Homestead in 1892, with the Fifteenth Regiment, being
provost marshal of the town during that period. Colonel Mechling was married
April 10, 187s. to Mary I-]., daughter of Hon. J. T. Mcjunkin, and they are the
parents of five children: Mary E., Martha Helen , Clara Magaw, Georgia E.
and Margaret E. lie is a member of Connoquenessing Lodge, Number 278,
I. O. O. F., also of Butler Lodge, Number 170, 15. P. O. E. Both he and his
wife are members of the Protestant Episcopal church of Butler.
Robert Graham. Sr., was a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania.
His father immigrated from Scotland in the last century and settled close to Har-
risburg, Pennsylvania, where Robert was born. After arriving at manhood Rob-
ert removed to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and about 1797 came to Butler
county and purchased a tract of one hundred acres, which he afterwards sold to
the commissioners who laid out a part of the town of Butler thereon. This land was
conveyed to the Governor of the State under the act of 1803. in connection with
the Cunningham tract of 200 acres. He then removed outside the borough limits
and purchased 400 acres, upon which he built a log cabin, now the site of John
Berg's residence. Here he resided until his death, in 1S40. He married in 1800,
Sarah Brown, a sifter of Robert Brown, one of the early justices of Middlesex
township. His family consisted of the following children : William ; Robert ;
bmies; John; Samuel: Williamson; Ebene/.er ; Rachel, who married Festus
Young; Mary, who married Daniel Heiner ; Sarah, who became the wife of
Walker Reed : Lydia, who married John Crawford. Politically, Mr. Graham
732 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was a life-long; Whig. In 1S;)2 he was elected a commissioner of Butler county.
He was an elder in the Presbyterian church forty years.
John Graham, fourth son of Robert and Sarah Graham, was born in
1809, on the old homestead just outside the borough limits of Butler. lie
was reared a farmer, and was educated in the common schools. In connection
with the farm his father was engaged in the manufacture of brick, and after John
grew to manhood he took charge of that business and continued in it until retir-
ing from active life. He located on Main street, Butler, in 1831, on what is
now known as the Graham property, where he resided fur nearly half a cen-
tury. He always took an active interest in the prosperity of Butler, and though
he never held any public office, was identified with the Whig and Republican
parties. He was a life-long member of the Presbyterian church. When the
North Western railroad was built, he was one of the original stockholders, and
took an active interest in its success. Mr. Graham married Sarah, a daughter of
Charles Gilkey, a pioneer of what is now Lawrence county. Their children are
as follows : Walter L; Lydia, deceased wife of William 1'orlerlield ; Samuel;
Robert, an attorney of Meadville ; Louisa, wife of Joel Stoddard, of Butler, and
three who died in infancy. At his death, in 1898, Mr. Graham was one of the
oldest residents of Butler.
Walter L. GrAHAM, attorney at law, son of John and Sarah Graham,
was born in the borough of Butler, October 2.1. 1831. He attended the com-
mon schools of the town, also Witherspoon Institute, and graduated from Jeffer-
son College in 1854. He commenced reading law with Samuel A. Purviance,
completed his studies with Charles C. Sullivan, and was admitted to the bar in
1855, since which time he has continued to practice here and at Pittsburg. In pol-
itics, he is a Republican, and was a delegate to the National Convention, in 1860,
which nominated Lincoln for the presidency. He has been president of the bor-
ough council, and has always taken a deep interest in local affairs. Mr. Graham
enlisted in Company G, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Militia, in 1862, that went out
to assist in repelling Lee's invasion. He subsequently filled the office of notary
public, by appointment of Governor Curtin, for three years. He was married in
1854, to Catherine, daughter of Emanuel Keller, of Cumberland county; she died
July 4, 1861, leaving three children : Prank, deceased ; Walter II., ami Annie Y.,
deceased. His second marriage occurred in 1867, to Margaret A., daughter of
John Michael Zimmerman, by which union two children have been born to
them: John C, and Margaret. Mr. Graham is a member of the Presbyterian
church, and for twenty years he has been a trustee in the Butler organization.
Lewis Walker was one of the early settlers of Butler county, where many
of his descendants still reside. He was a native of Newburyport, Massachusetts.
and came to what is now Allegheny count)', Pennsylvania, with the Plumer
family, prior to the Revolution. About the time of his majority he located on a
tract of 800 acres of land in what is now Cranberry township, Butler county,
where he lived until his removal to Butler. He erected several houses on North
Main street, was recognized as an enterprising man. and died in 1845. Mr. Walker
married a Miss Parks, and their children were as follows: John, who died in
Cranberry township ; Parks, who died in Wheeling, West Virginia ; David, who
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 753
was quartermaster of the Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died at
Mercersburg, Kentucky; Samuel, who died in Cincinnati, Ohio; Simpson, who
died in Washington, D. C. ; Nathaniel, who died in Butler; Mary, deceased
wife of James Borland, and Keziah, deceased wife of James Frazier.
Nathaniel Walker, son of Lewis Walker, was born on the homestead in
Cranberry township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, and there grew to manhood.
In 1846 he removed to Sharon. Mercer county, and the following year came to
Butler, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick, purchasing his brother
David's yard, which business he continued many years. He was elected treas-
urer of Butler county in 1862, and also tilled the office of justice of the peace for
a long period. Mr. Walker was one of the early Abolitionists of the county, and
maintained a station on the Underground Railroad for runaway -.hives. He was
a leading member of the Presbyterian church and active in all good works. He
was twice married. His first wife was Grizella, a daughter of John and Jane
(Pollock) Crowe, who bore him two children : Samuel and John, of Butler. His
second wife was Sarah M. Slater, and their children were: Lconidas, a lawyer
of Denver, Colorado; Caroline, wife of W. D. Johnson, of Ohio; Clarence, and
Leverett II., first lieutenant in the Fourth United States Artillery. In politics,
Mr. Walker was fir^t a Whig and afterwards a Republican.
Capt. Samuel Walker, son of Nathaniel and Grizella (Crowe) Walker,
was born January 1',), 1835. He was reared on his father's homestead in Cran-
berry township until his twelfth year. lie subsequently attended school at
Witherspoon Institute. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Thirteenth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was discharged August 6, 1861. On the 22nd of
August, 1862, he joined Company F. One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and served with them until March 12, 1864. Captain Walker was
commissioned second lieutenant in the Reserve Corps February 20. 1864, and
captain March 18, 1865, and was honorably discharged from the service August
27, 1868. He was one of the last twelve soldiers, including General Howard,
discharged from the volunteer service. lie was commissioned a second lieutenant
in the regular army September 10, 1868, and was retired from the service
December 31, 1870. During the Rebellion Captain Walker participated in the
battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, losing his right leg at
the last named battle. May :!. 1863. While in the United States army he war-
located at Memphis. Nashville, Chattanooga and Knoxville, being connected
with the Freedmen's Bureau ;i- agent, under General Howard. After retiring
from the service he returned to Butler, and was teller in the Fir.~t National Bank
until 1S7;3. In 1890 he was elected tax collector for the borough, which position
lie has since occupied. Captain Walker married Caroline Zimmerman, a
daughter of Tohn Michael Zimmerman, a well remembered citizen of Butler.
Two children are the fruits of this union : Samuel and Catherine McC. He i-
a Republican in politics, a member of Butler Encampment. Number 45, U. V.
L., also of the K. of H. and A. < >. I . W. Captain Walker is one of the highly
respected citizens of Butler, and enjoys the confidence of the community in
which he has so loner resided.
734 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Clarexce Walker, attorney at law, was horn in Butler, Pennsylvania.
March '24, 1848, son of Nathaniel and Sarah (Slater) Walker. He received his
primary education in the public schools, afterwards attended Witherspoon Insti-
tute, read law with Judge Mcjunkin, and was admitted to the bar in [871. He
has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Walker was
married in 1*77, to Elizabeth M., daughter of Hon. E. Mcjunkin, and their
children are as follows : Wayne McJ. ; Victor B. ; Helen; Lucile ; Clarence I...
and Elizabeth. He is one of the managers of the Producers Oil Company, and
is interested in oil production. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a member
of the R. A., and the A. O. U. W.
[ohm Walker, son of Nathaniel and Grizella (Crowe) Walker, and grand-
son of Lewis Walker, was born at Tarentum, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1886. I IN
vouth was spent upon the old homestead in Cranberry township, and he was
educated in the public schools and at Witherspoon Institute. At the age of six-
teen he was apprenticed to learn the tinner's trade in Pittsburg, at which lie
served four years. At the expiration of this time he continued working at his
trade for three years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company (j. One Hundred and
Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months as first ser-
geant of his company. He participated in the battles of South Mountain,
Antietam and Chancellorsville. After his discharge he was appointed to a
position in the provost marshal's office in Pittsburg, which he resigned to fill the
unexpired term of his father as treasurer of Butler county. At the expiration of
his term as treasurer he went to Oil City, and was engaged in buying oil for the
refineries, which business he followed until 1865. He was then appointed to a
clerkship in the Freedmen's Bureau, and was stationed at Knoxville, Tennessee,
under his brother, Captain Walker. In 1865 he returned to Pittsburg, where lie
engaged in the tinning business until 1S78, when he was appointed cashier of
the German National Bank, of Millerstown, which position he tilled acceptably
for twelve vears, when the bank wound up its business because of the oil supply
giving out in that locality. He then received an appointment as teller in the
First National Bank, of Oil City, where he remained six years, and then resigned
on account of poor health. In IS',11 he returned to Butler to accept his present
position as book-keeper for Thomas W. Phillips. Mr. Walker was married
October 9, 1878, to Sarah C. Bosler, of Philadelphia, and both he and wife are
members of the Presbyterian church. Politically, he is an ardent Republican,
and is connected with the K. of II.
David Walker, son of Lewis Walker, was born in Cranberry township,
Butler county, in 1803, and grew to manhood upon the homestead farm. He
subsequently went to Pittsburg and engaged in the manufacture of brick, and
then returned to Butler where he established a brick yard, which he carried on
extensively for several years and then sold out to his brother Nathaniel in 1S47.
He afterwards engaged in buying horses ami cattle, which he drove to the New
York markets, and continued in this business until 1854, when he obtained a con-
tract on the North Western railroad for making a cut three miles below Butler.
In 1861 lie enlisted in Company H, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
in February, lSIJi, died from disease contracted through exposure in the service.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 73 5
Politically, he was a Whig and afterwards a Republican, anil served as justice of
the peace of Butler township for ten years. He was one of the early members of
the Presbvterian church of Butler, and contributed liberally of his means towards
that institution. He married Jane, daughter of John Gilliland, and the follow-
ing children were born to this union : Elizabeth, who married Rev. D. Hall ;
Lewis 1". ; Mary E., wife of William Slack; Kesiah, wife of F. W. Rhoades ;
Hugh B. ; Sarah B., wife of O. D. Lewis, and Martha J., wife of J. W. Yea-
man. Mrs. Walker died in 1848, in the faith of the Presbyterian church.
Lewis P. Walker, notary public, was born in the borough of Butler,
March 10. 1833, son of David and Jane (Gilliland) Walker, and grandson of
Lewis Walker. He received a good common school education, and was after-
wards connected with his father's business until 1856, when he engaged in haul-
ing goods between Butler and Pittsburg, which he followed some eight years, or
until the construction of the railroad, when he engaged in the oil business at
Petroleum Center, Venango county. From 1864 to ls74 he followed the oil
business at that point, and then returned to Butler, where he continued the oil
and lumber business up to 1880. Mr. Walker has tilled the office of justice
of the peace in Butler for eleven years, and was subsequently appointed a
notary public. He was married in November. 1856, 1" Mary D., daughter of
William Bell, of Warren, Pennsylvania, to which union six children have been
born: Emma J.; William S. ; Harry L. ; Flora 1!.. wife of T. II. Davis; Frank
H.. and Mary L. Mr. Walker is one of the charter members of Butler Lodge,
Number '.14, A. O. U. W., and is a member of the Presbyterian church.
JAMES McJuxkix was one of the early settlers of Butler county. Three
brothers, James, John and William Mc [unkin, immigrated from the North of
Ireland to Pennsylvania about 1796. James and William settled near what is
now- known as Muddy Creek church, in Butler county, in IT'.)'.). The former was
born in 1777, and died in 1838. He married for his first wife Asenath Turk.
She was born in Ireland in 1788, and her family were among the first settlers of
Parker township, Butler county. She was the mother of two sons, David and
William. Mr. Mcjunkin was married to Nancy Turner, in 1818, who became
the mother of eight children : Mary ; James T, ; Hannah ; Samuel ; John R. ;
Sarah J.; Martha, and Susan.
James T. McJuxkix, eldest son of James and Nancy Mcjunkin. was born in
1820 upon the old homestead. He received a common school education and in
early life taught school for several years. In 1848 he was elected to the office of
register and recorder, and re-elected in 1851. He engaged in the insurance busi-
ness in 1860, ami from that date up to 1873 followed that busines in connection
with a foundry and marble shop. In 1867 he was elected to the legislature, and
served in the sessions of 1868-69. He continued in the insurance business to the
time of his death. March Hi. 1885. He married Martha, daughter of John Rose,
a native of New Jersey, but a resident of Butler, and his family consisted of
seven children, as follows: John P., who died February 6, 1S6(>: Agnes D.,
widow of George A. Black ; Mary E.. wife of W. T. Mechling ; James C. ; Loyal
S. ; Ira, and Minnie, deceased. Politically, he was a Whig and afterwards a Repub-
lican, and a leading spirit in public affairs. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G.
736 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Fourteenth Pennsylvania Militia, which went out to assist in repelling Lee's
invasion of the State. He was a member of Connoquenessing Lodge, Number
278, I. O. O. F., and Butler Lodge, Number 272, F. .X: A. M. In religious
belief, he was a Presbyterian.
Loyal S. McJunkin, son of James T. Mcjunkin, was born in Butler, May
22, 1856. He attended the public schools of his native town, and at his father's
death he succeeded to the insurance business, and represents many of the leading
companies of England and America. He is a Republican, and was a delegate to
the State convention in 1880. lie is a member of the Masonic order, and is con-
nected with the Presbyterian church. From 1875 to 1881 he was a member of
the National Guard of Pennsylvania.
Ira McJuNKIN, attorney at law, was born in Butler, Pennsylvania. Feb-
ruary 13, 1860, son of fames T. and Martha Mcjunkin. He received a common
school education, and subsequently attended Witherspoon Institute, and at the
age of seventeen he was appointed, by Col. John M. Thompson, to the United
States Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Maryland, from which he graduated in
1881. He then spent two years on the Asiatic Station in the United State- serv-
ice, and after his return stood a final examination, and by an act of Congress
received an honorable discharge in 1883. In the fall of that year he commenced
the study of law with Judge Mcjunkin, and was admitted to the bar April 10,
1886, -'.nee which time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession. In
1892 he was elected district attorney of Butler county, which position he is now
filling. He has also held the office of school director for three years, lie is a
Republican in politics, and takes an active interest in the success of the measures
and principles of his party. Mr. Mcjunkin is a member of the Masonic order.
also of the 1. ( >. O. F.. and is captain c( Company E, Fifteenth Regiment
National Guard. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, and both as a lawyer
and citizen stands well in the community.
Georgi .Vogeley, Si;., was a native of Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany,
born August 5, 1793, He immigrated to the Unit eel States in 1836, first set-
tling in Pitt-burg, where lie followed the shoemaker'- trade three years. He then
removed to Butler count}- and settled at Saxonburg, where he opened a general
store, which he carried on in connection with his trade, lie subsequently engaged
in the hotel business in that village, which Ik- conducted about twenty-five years.
In 1866 he retired from active business and removed to Butler, where he died.
February 22, 1871. Mr. Vogelev wa- married in Germany, to Anna E. Mardorf,
who became the mother of eleven children, as follows: Conrad, who died in
Pittsburg, in 1883; Christopher, who died in Allegheny county, in 1871 : John,
who died in California, in 1871 ; William, who died in Butler, in 1873; George,
of Butler; Edward, who died in California, in 1 s.>i ) : Anna, widow of Frederick
Holeman ; Annie G., who died in infancy; Mary E., who also died in youth;
Charles C, a resident of San Francisco, and Hannah, wife of Frederick Weigand.
Mr. Vogeley was for many years a leading citizen of Saxonburg. In early life
he was connected with the Evangelical church, but alter locating in Butler county
he united with the Reformed church, of which he was an active member for
many years. In politic-, he was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 73/
William Vogelev, fourth son of George and Anna E. Vogeley, was
born in German)-, December 10, 1S22, and received a limited education in
his native town. He worked for his father at Saxonburg, until 1842, when he
came to Butler and soon after purchased what was then known as the Rising
Sun tavern, a log structure, which stood upon the site of the Vogeley House,
now the Arlington. He subsequently erected the latter and conducted it up to
1867, when he retired from active life. Mr. Vogeley was interested largely in
real estate, was also extensively engaged in farming, and operated an early coal
mine on his farm He was a public-spirited citizen, and took an active interest
in local affairs. He was one of the original members of the Reformed church of
Butler, and contributed liberally towards the erection of the old church building,
on Mifflin street, now occupied bv the Baptist congregation. He was one of the
first directors of the Butler Savings Bank, and was identified with that institu-
tion for many years. Mr. Vogeley married Mary E., daughter of John (Jester-
ling, of Summit township, a native of Germany. Their family consists ot eleven
children, six of whom died in youth, andfivegrew to maturity, as follows : David
E., who was teller of the Butler Savings Bank, and died in 1875: Annie, wife
of W. H. Ensminger ; Mary, wife of W. F. Metzgar ; Amelia, wife ot W. A.
Stein, and Theodore. Mr. Vogeley died, October 5, 1878; his widow is a resident
of Butler.
George Vogeley, Jr., fifth son of George and Anna E. Vogelev, was
born in Germany, November 9, 1824, and came to Allegheny county with
his parents. After his father removed to Butler county, he remained in Pitts-
burg and learned the tobacco business, and on the completion of his trade he
engaged in business for himself at Kittanning and Bridgewater, Pennsylvania.
In March, 1852, he located in Butler, where he has since carried on a wholesale
and retail tobacco trade. Air. Vogeley was married in 1850, to Mary N. Gass,of
Pittsburg, who died in 1878. Seven children were born to this union : Edward ;
Jacob; Henry; Aaron E, deceased; Sarah; Emma, and Clara. The family are
connected with the Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican. He
was one of the original trustees of St. Paul's Orphan Home, and is to-dav one of
the oldest merchants in active business in Butler.
Theodore Vogeley, youngest son of William and Mary E. Vogeley,
was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 1867. He attended the public schools
of the borough in youth, and subsequently Capital University, Columbus, Ohio,
and Duff's Commercial College, of Pittsburg. He then entered the employ of
the Fisher Oil Company, as book-keeper, and later filled the position of superin-
tendent for the same company. He afterward engaged in oil producing, and in
1891 established his present real estate and insurance business, which he carries
on in connection with his oil operations. He represents many of the leading
insurance companies of Europe and America. Mr. Vogelev is a member <>( the
Lutheran church, and in politics, an ardent Republican.
William Haslett was born in Antrim county, Ireland, in 1 S 1 ( "> . and was
the youngest son of William Haslett a manufacturer of linen, who emigrated to
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, about 1817, where he engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness, and died in 183(5. William Haslett, Sr., was a son of Joseph and Rebecca
47
J $$ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
(McMasters) Haslett, who were born in the vicinity of Dublin, Ireland, and
spent their lives in their native land. He was the father of two sons and one
daughter : Joseph ; Eliza, who married Joseph Rhodes, and William. The subject
of this sketch was educated in the common schools of Pittsburg, and at the
Western University in the same city. About 1832 he came to Butler, soon after
commenced reading law with Judge John Bredin, and was admitted to the bar
December 11, 1837. He followed his prefession for a brief period and then
embarked in the newspaper business. His connection with the newspapers of
Butler, as editor and publisher, is fully spoken of in the Press chapter. His early
political affiliations were with the' Whig party, and upon the organization of the
Republican party he united with it. In 1844 he was elected a member of the
legislature, and in 1849 he was elected to the State senate. He always took a
very active part in local politics, and gave an unswerving support to the Whig
and Republican parties. In 1870 he was appointed United States store keeper,
which position he filled until his death. Mr. Haslett was married to Harriet T.,
daughter of [ohn X. Purviance, and eleven children blessed this union, seven of
whom grew to maturity, as follows: Samuel P., who died in the army; Will-
iam: Charles, deceased; form of Butler; Mary; Louisa, and Eleanor. Mr.
Haslett died December 10, ISTl'; his widow survived until May 3, 1881.
Chari.es 11 \ si. kit. third son of William and Harriet T. ( Purviance) Haslett.
was horn in the borough of Butler, August 4. 1853, and was educated in the pub-
lic schools ami at Witherspoon Institute. He learned the printer's trade with his
father and Jacob Ziegler, and followed his trade for a short period. In 1 S7-"> he
purchased some oil wells upon the Dougherty farm, near Petrolia. and later
operated five wells in Centre township. In 1878 he went to the Bradford held,
where he operated for some years, then went south, anil was engaged in mining
for five years in the lames and Shenandoah valleys, Virginia. Returning to Butler
in ISS-7. he again embarked in oil producing, and developed many wells
in different parts of the county. In politics he was a Republican, and served
in the borough council. Mr. Haslett married Alice, daughter of Moses Walton,
a deceased attorney of Woodstock, Virginia, who has two children: Virginia
ami Walton.
Ki.ixGi.ER Family — The grandfather of Hermann Julius klingler. of But-
ler, lived in Buttenhousen, Wurtemberg, Germany, and died in the early infancy
of his grandson. It is known that the grandfather had one sister, and that he
was twice married. The first union resulted in two daughters and one son : the
latter. John Jacob, born [line 6, 1791, was the father of Hermann Julius. John
Jacob spent his early days in Buttenhousen. and later took up his abode in Mar-
bach, Wurtemberg, Germany, the poet Schiller's birthplace, where he was mar-
ried July 1 I. 1816, to Fredericka Magdalena Koch, who was born there Decem-
ber 24, 1800. She had one sister, and two brothers. Christian and Gottlieb. Her
father was engaged in the milling business, and his mill, situated at Marbach on
the Xeckar, consisted of twelve run of stone, and derived its water power from
three immense dams. In 1817 the tide of emigration was directed towards the
unsettled lands of Russia, to which the government gave possession and title
after occupation for a number of years, and after making the improvements re-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 73O
quired by law. At this time Father Koch and family joined the emigrants to
Russia, but died near Odessa during the voyage. His son-in-law, John Jacob
Klingler, thus came into possession of the mill at Marbach, and operated the same
for nineteen years, until 1836, and it is worthy of notice here that the old family
mill property was sold in L891, to the government, for 276,000 marks, about
$70,000, and that the vast water power is now being utilized for the electric light
plants of Stuttgart and Cannstadt. The children of John Jacob Klingler, horn
in Marbach. who survived, were: John Gottlob Frederick. |anuarv 12, 1818;
Barbara Augusta Fredericka, May 29, 1820; Matilda Henrietta, fanuary II.
1828. and Hermann Julius, January 9, 1830. Another son, Gottlob William,
was born July 1. 1S42. in Ilohen Xeuffen, near by, to which place the family
had removed in 188<>, where they conducted one of the largest hotels in the town,
and had in addition considerable suburban property. Here the family lived until
May 2»5, 1844. when they embarked for America ; the trip occupied thirty-six
days. Frederick had preceded the family to the new world five years, and had
settled in Philadelphia. He returned at this time to his native country for the
purpose of conducting the family to their new home. On his way out he met
his sister, Fredericka, by accident, at Havre-De-Grace, France, and assisted her
in procuring a berth on a ship, as she was on her way to New York to join her
husband. The family's first settlement was in Philadelphia, where they remained
less than a year, afterwards removing to Armstrong county, and purchasing a
large tract of land situated in Manor township, now occupied by the works of
the Pittsburg Plate Glass Company, of Ford City. Here they lived six years
following agriculture, and then removed to Butler, Pennsylvania. The lather,
John Jacob Klingler, died November 1, 1857, while on a visit to his native coun-
try. His wife's death occurred at Butler. May 10. I860. Frederick died in Phil-
adelphia, September 27, 184S. Fredericka, who married Henry Pecker, died in
St. Louis. Missouri, in July, 1851, and William died in Worthington , Pennsyl-
vania. October, 30, 1858.
Hermann Julius Klingler is the only surviving male member of the old
family, and with his sister, Matilda, wife of Oeorge Munsch, constitute the rem-
nants of the first Klingler emigrants to this country. Hermann Julius was four-
teen years old when the family arrived in America. He obtained his education
at a " Re-al Schule," in Nilrtingen. near his native place. After taking to
himself a wife, he left the farm in Manor township, Armstrong county, at the
age of eighteen, and accepted a situation as clerk in a store at Kittanning.
Remaining there about one year, he, in 1849, settled in Butler, and purchased
the old United States Hotel property, corner of Main and Jefferson streets, the
present site of the Lowry House, which he conducted for three years. In 1852
he built the present Lowry House, and for ei<jht consecutive years continued to
be its landlord. During this time he was also engaged in other enterprises.
Forming a copartnership with James Campbell, under the style of Campbell &
Klingler, the firm carried on a dry goods store for rive years on the northwest
corner of Main and Mifflin streets. Later he was associated with Martin Reiber.
as Reiber ec Klingler, in the foundry business. In I860 he sold the hotel and
built his present residence on the southwest corner of Jefferson and McKean
740 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Streets. Two years later he severed his other business connections, and with
|olin Berg, St\. for several years operated in the oil fields above Oil City. It
was in 1863 when Mr. Klingler and )ohn Berg, Jr.. took a cargo of crude oil to
Liverpool, England. He was among the first to introduce petroleum in the old
world, visiting, at the same time, his native laud and other points of interest in
Germany. The oil was put in barrels at Oil City, transported down the Alle-
gheny river to Pittsburg, and from there shipped by rail to the seaboard at Phil-
adelphia. Upon his return, in 1865, he led in the organization of the Butler
County Oil Company, and during its existence of two years, served as its super-
intendent. In this capacity he leased 12. 000 acres of lands in Butler, Armstrong
and Beaver counties, the greater part of which were located between Martins-
Inns;', along Bear creek on the north, and Coylesville on the south. lie drilled
four test well-, one at Buhl's mill, Connoquenessing township: one near Mar-
tinsburg, on Bear creek, in Parker township ; one at C roll's mill, on Slipper)'
Rock, in Brady township, and one on Buffalo creek, in Armstrong county. As
none of these wells were drilled to the second sand no oil was obtained, and the
richest oil territory known in this section, extending from Parker to below Mil-
lerstown, although leased for ninety-nine years, was abandoned and left for later
enterprise to develop and produce therefrom millions of barrels of oil.
Following in the footsteps of his forefathers, Mr. Klingler at last embarked
in the milling business, and in 1867 erected the grist mill located on Mifflin
street, know n as Klingler's Mills. The present main office, L89 East Jefferson
street, lie built during the Centennial year. After operating the mill for ten
years, he remodeled the same with the new process, a method which reground
the purified middlings on a small millstone. Several years later he introduced
rolls into his mill, being among the first in the State to use them. In L883-84 he
reconstructed the mill to the entire roller system, naming it the Oriental Roller
.Mills, acknowledged as one of the most advanced roller plants in the United
States. In 1885 he erected a shipping house, fifty by one hundred and ten feet,
opposite the West Penn railroad station. On March 1, 1886, he associated with
liim his two suns. Harry S. and Fred J., under the style of H.J. KlinglcrcS: Com-
pany, to carry on the business more extensively. In 1889 the (inn built the
Specialty Roller Mills and West Penn Elevator, on the site of the shipping
house, utilizing part of the hitter. The Oriental Roller Mills was enlarged and
again remodeled, externallv and internally, in 1891. A fortune equal to four
times the original cost of the mill has been expended in experiments and improve-
ments on this plant in the last fourteen years. Mr. Klingler has been engaged
in milling twenty-seven successive years, and one hundred years of milling
history has been completed by the Klingler family.
Mr. Klingler was also prominently identified with many of the leading
enterprises of this community. He was one of the originators and directors of
the First National Bank, of Butler, and four years afterward withdrew to become
one of the prime movers in the organization of the Butler Savings Bank, of
which institution he was a director for a number of years. Dissolving his con-
nection here, he took part in the organization of the German National Bank, of
Millerstown. and served as a director as long as he was a stockholder in that
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 741
institution. He was president of £he Home Natural Gas Company from its
organization until the company sold out to its present owners. For years he,
served the town as a school director and councilman, and was chairman of
both bodies. In 1887 he was elected the first president of the Butler Improve-
ment Association. It was at this time and in this capacity that he secured the
location at Butler of the .Standard Plate Glass Factory, in which project he fig-
ured as one of the principals. For the first two years he was president of
the company, and during part of this time was general manager of the works.
Upon his retirement as head of the concern, he simultaneously severed his con-
nection with the company. He left the impress of his discretion upon the town
by platting, in 1890, twelve acres of land into thirty-nine lots, between
Mifflin and Penn streets, and donated to the city the land occupied by the
streets and alleys, at the same time creating the new thoroughfare now known,
as Broad street. The entire length of Broad street, on each .side, he planted with
shade trees, and by deed required each lot purchaser to build twenty feet from
the street line. Quite a number of private residences were erected by him in dif-
ferent parts of Butler.
In his religious belief, Mr. Klingler is a Lutheran, of which church he has
been a life-long member. His name is conspicuous in the history of the denomi-
nation in this section, as an energetic worker in various capacities. In the gen-
eral body he has held numerous positions of trust. For main years he was a
director of Capital University, Columbus. Ohio, the largest educational institu-
tion of the Evangelical Lutheran Joint Synod of Ohio and adjacent States, and
for over ten years he was also treasurer of that body. lie was a delegate from
the Pittsburg Synod to the General Council Lutheran Assembly, which convened
at Fort Wayne in the autumn of 1893. Politically. Mr. Klingler affiliated with
the Democratic party until a recent date, but is now a strong Prohibitionist.
While he always took an active interest in public matters, and though he was
often urged to accept public office, the cares of a business life compelled him to
deny the importunities of his fellow citizens. Mr. Klingler married, October
24, 1848, Anna Barbara, daughter of Martin Reiber, Sr.. one of the settlers of
1839, of Summit township, Butler county, and bv this marriage they are the
parents of eight children, four sons surviving : Harry Samuel ; Frederick Julius ;
Charles Washington, and Paul Gerhardt.
Harry Samuel Klingler, eldest son of Hermann Julius Klingler. was
born in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 3, 18-50. His education was obtained in the
public schools of Butler ami at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. Direct
from college in 1875, he entered his father's mill with a view of mastering the
details of the business, and in 1878 he took charge as general manager, the duties
of which position are still discharged by him, as a member of the firm of H. J.
Klingler & Company. In the mill from boyhood, and since then without inter-
ruption for eighteen years manager of the two mills ami elevator of his firm, he is
recognized as a successful, practical and progressive miller. Mr. Klingler is well
known among the millers of the United States as an author of man}- articles on
milling, and in his connection with, and lectures before, the Pennsylvania Millers'
State Association. In July, 1883, he was awarded the prize by the American
74- HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTV.
Miller for the best essay on "The Handling of Middlings anil the Use of Puri-
fiers," and in 1884—85 he was a monthly contributor to that paper; at the same
time and for four years, he informally supported by his pen the Milling Engi-
neer, writing occasionally for other trade papers. As "Random Reflector" he
won notoriety from a column he edited, headed " Random Reflections." When
the Pennsylvania Millers' Mutual Fire InsuranceCompany was organized in Decem-
ber, 1886, he was one of the prime movers and has ever since been a director, lie
was in the past interested in a number of Butler enterprises, but never to such an
extent as to neglect his life's work, milling. A life-long Lutheran, he has served
his church energetically as superintendent of the Sunday school for nearly a
decade. At the fifty-first convention of the Pittsburg Synod of the General
Council, held at Greensburg. Pennsylvania, September 18-20, 1898, he was
elected trustee of Thiel College, Greenville, Pennsylvania. Mr. Klingler married,
February 5, 1878, Louisa Catherine, daughter of Jacob Keck, of Butler, Penn-
sylvania, and they are the parents of five children : Charlotta Fredericka ; Will-
iam Julius; Alberta Barbara; Clara Louisa, and Harry Samuel.
Frederick Julius Klingler, second son of Hermann Julius Klingler, was
horn in Butler. Pennsylvania, January i'l', 1859. He was educated in the public
♦schools of his native town, and then attended Duff's Commercial College of
Pittsburg, where he was graduated January 15, 1875. Upon securing his diploma
he was appointed book-keeper of the German National Bank of Millerstown , and
served in that capacity for three years. Impaired health caused him to seek a
snore congenial climate at Cullman, Alabama, where he sojourned for a season.
Returning, he entered the office of his father as book-keeper, which position he
filled until the firm of H. J. Klingler & Company was organized, when he became
a member, and took charge of the main office and the finances of the company.
He married, September 4, 1888, Margaret Ewing, a daughter of Harold Rogers,
of Baltimore, Maryland, and by this union they have two children : Emily
Bryant, and James Hermann. Mr. Klingler was one of the organizers and original
trustees of the Mutual Water Association of the South Side. In politics, he is a
Prohibitionist, and, like all of his family, he is an adherent of the Lutheran faith.
Charles Washington Klingler, third son of Hermann Julius Klingler,
was born in Butler April 12, 1861, where he was reared and educated. He
attended for a time elsewhere a higher school than his native place afforded, hut
soon developed a preference for the handling of machinery, in which direction
he early displayed considerable skill. He filled acceptably the position of engi-
neer in the Oriental Roller Mills for several years, and upon the erection of the
Standard Plate Glass Works of Butler, immediately entered the employ of that
company as booker. Being one of the oldest employes of the factory, serv-
ing the company for six successive years, he is familiar with every detail of the
business, and now occupies the position of time-keeper and foreman. Mr. Kling-
ler married, April 1(3, 1885, Alice Ann, daughter of Alexander Baxter, of Butler,
and their family consists of two daughters and one son : Mabel Irene, Carl Julius
and Laura Marguerite.
Rev. Paul Gerhardt Klingler, youngest son of Hermann Julius Kling-
ler. was born August 19, 1867, in Butler, where he was reared and received his
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 743
early education. At the age of fifteen he entered Capital University, Columbus,
Ohio, and graduated in 1887. Thereupon he entered Mount Airy Seminary, of
Philadelphia, and was graduated May 27, and ordained June 30, 1890. During
his theological course he established missions at Manavunk, Pennsylvania, and
Lansingburg, New York, and in April, 1890, was called to the pastorate of St.
Michael's Lutheran church, one of the oldest of the denomination in Philadel-
phia. Here he labored until October, 1891, when he removed to Sherodsville,
Ohio, pursuant to a call from the Bowerston charge, comprising three congrega-
tions and four churches. After two years of service in this field he was called,
in October, 1898, to Trinity Lutheran church, of Catasauqua, Pennsylvania,
where he now resides. He was married, June 25, 1890, to Alberta, daughter of
the late Prof. William F. Lehmann, president of Capital University, Columbus,
Ohio, and by this marriage they have three sons: Paul Lehmann, Hermann
Julius and Jerome.
John Berg, Sr., was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, June 9, 1812,
and was a son of John and Marian Berg. lie was educated in his native land,
and there learned the baker's trade. In 1832 he immigrated to the United States,
in company with his uncle, Casper Ritzert, and first settled at Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania, where he found employment in a rolling mill. lie afterwards
removed to Pittsburg, and worked at his trade until 1835. In that year he came
to Butler and opened a small bakery and grocer store upon the site of the hard-
ware house now occupied by George A. Cypher & Company, which building he
afterwards erected. He carried on business here until about 1848, when he and
his brother Herman leased the property on the corner of Main and Cunningham
streets, erected a warehouse and engaged in a general store, produce and wool
business, under the firm name of John Berg & Company. This partnership
lasted until 1856, when Herman Berg retired and John Berg continued the busi-
ness alone until 1870. In that year Mr. Berg founded the banking house of John
Berg & Company, which has been in successful operation for the past twenty-
four years. In 1874 he erected the brick building, 121 South Main street, and
taking in'o partnership his son in-law, George A. Cypher, engaged in a hard-
ware business, under the name of Berg & Cypher, until his death. In 1880, in
partnership with his son John, he embarked in a general grocery and wool busi-
ness, which they carried on until 1882. Mr. Berg was one of the pioneer oil
operators on the Allegheny river, Venango county, in 1859, in connection with
H. J. Klingler, and was extensively engaged with other operators during the
early oil days of Venango and Butler counties. In partnership with Mr. Klingler
he shipped, in 1863, 1,000 barrels of crude oil to Liverpool, which was one of the
first shipments of petroleum made to England. It was consigned to Boult, Eng-
lish & Brandon, and was sold by the ton. He was also associated with Mr.
Klingler in the lease, of 12,000 acres of oil lands, which they finally abandoned,
and which afterwards proved to be the richest oil field in Butler county. lie
was one of the largest, if not the largest, real estate owners in the borough and
county. Mr. Berg was a Whig in politics until the organization of the American
or Know Nothing party, when, because of the sympathy existing in the Whig
party with Know Nothingism, he became a Democrat. In religious faith he was
744 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
a Catholic, and, with his brother, was among the pioneers of St. Peter's church
of Butler, and gave liberally towards the erection of that building. He married
Martha, daughter of Roman Eyth, and nine children blessed this union, as fol-
lows: Mary ; John ; Magdalene, a Sister of Mercy in the Convent of the Sacred
Heart, Ridgely, Maryland; Margaret; Elizabeth, deceased wife of George A.
Cypher ; Henry A. ; Annie ; Mark ; Louis, and Charles. Mr. Berg died June '.I.
1884 ; his widow survives at the age of seventy-one years.
|i>n\ Berg, Jr.. was born June 23, 1842, in Butler, and is the- eldest son of
[ohu Berg, Sr., and the head of the banking house of John Berg & Company.
In 1867 he was appointed teller of the First National Bank, of Butler, and after
a few months was elected cashier of that institution, which office he filled until
the fall of 1869. In the autumn of 1870 his father founded the banking house of
John Berg & Company, and he was a partner in that institution, ami the practi-
cal head of the bank from its establishment up to the present time. Mr. Berg is
one of the most extensive real estate owners in the county, as well as one of it-
most successful business men. In politics, he is a Democrat, and in religious
faith, a member of St. Peter's Catholic church.
Henry A. and Louis Berg, junior members of the firm of John Berg &
Company, were born in Butler, in 1857, and 1862, respectively. After attend-
ing the common schools of the borough they entered St. Vincent's "College,
Westmoreland county, where they completed their educatiou. Henry A. was
engaged in the hardware business until the re-organization of the bank firm,
when he became a member of the latter. Louis has been a partner of the firm
since 1889. Both are adherents of the Democratic party, and members of the
Cat ho ic church.
Hon. Joseph Hartman. president of the Butler County National Bank, is the
eldest son of William and Mary (Winters) Hartman, and was born in Arm-
strong county, Pennsylvania, October 18, 1<S:27. lie worked at the blacksmith's
trade with his. father until seventeen years of age, and then found employment in
the oe mines and at contracting until January, 1855. In 1849 lie purchased a
farm in Donegal township, Butler county, with money judiciously saved from
his earnings, upon which his parents settled the same year. In 1856 he located
upon this farm and resided there until his removal to Butler. In 1862 he enlisted
in Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
served nine months. In 1864 he commenced operating in the oil fields of
Venango county, subsequently transferred his operations to Butler county, and
has been successfully identified with oil producing for the past thirty-five years.
Mr. Hartman has operated extensively in the Millerstown field, also in Allegany
county. New York, while his production on the Black farm, in Butler county, was
sold by him at a high fisjure. He has also operated in Armstrong county, and in
the St. Joe. Jefferson Centre, Callery Junction and Hundred Foot fields, as well
as in the McDonald field, and is now prominently connected with the develop-
ment of the Mannington field, of West Virginia. He is a stockholder in the
United States Pipe Line Company, ami the Producers Pipe Line Company. At
the time the movement was inaugurated to curtail production. Mr. Hartman
earnestly supported Mr. Phillips in his plan to set aside 2,000,000 barrels of oil
-T^/r ///l rX / ^f£/-?7^£^^ f-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 74;
for the protection of the labor engaged in the petroleum industry. In connec-
tion with other capitalists he purchased the Kelly Silver Mines, of New Mexico,
and is a stockholder in the Trade Dollar Mining Company, of Idaho. Soon after
the organization of the Butler Count}' National Bank, Mr. Hartman was elected
president, to succeed Mr. Taylor, and has filled that position in a very satisfac-
tory manner down to the present. He is an ardent Republican, and in 188-1 was
elected to the legislature, serving in 1885—86. He is a member of A. (i. Reed
Post, G. A. R., of Butler, ami a warm friend of the old soldier. Mr. Hartman
has been twice married. His first wife was Margaret Black, a daughter of John
Black, of Donegal township, whom he married in January, 1853. She died on
July 5, 1869, leaving a family of live children, as follows : Mary E. ; Lizzie ]..
wife of Patrick Gallagher; Anna L., wife of Michael Leonard ; Eva F., and
Joseph. His second marriage occurred in 187-5, with Miss Mary McFadden, who
died on April 17, IS'.):.'. Mr. Hartman and family are members of St. Paul's
Catholic church, of Butler, to which denomination his ancestors belonged. He i-
one of the substantial, enterprising and wealthy citizens of Butler, where he has
resided since November, 1892, has always been a generous contributor towards
religious and educational institutions, and was a prominent member of the build-
ing committee in the erection of St. Patrick's church, at Sugar creek.
J. V. Ritts, vice-president of the Butler County National Bank, was born
at St. Petersburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania, October 7, 1852, son of tlias
and Elizabeth (Vensel) Ritts. His boyhood days were passed upon his father's
farm, and his primary education was obtained in the public schools. He after-
wards took an academic course, and also attended Iron City College, of Pittsburg,
where he received a thorough commercial training. After graduating, he was
offered, without solicitation on his part, the professorship of the book-keeping
and banking department of the college, which position he filled for two years.
In 1872 he was appointed book-keeper in the St. Petersburg Savings Bank, and
one year later was selected to fill the position of cashier. The stock of this insti-
tution was subsequently purchased by Elias Ritts, J. V. Ritts. and several other
well known citizens of Clarion county, the bank re-organized, and Mr. Ritts
became one of the directors, as well as cashier. He has been associated with the
St. Petersburg and Clarion Railroad Company, now the Pittsburg and Western,
as director ; was treasurer of the Foxburg, Kane, and Bradford Railroad Com-
pany ; a stock holder and director in the Parker, Karns City and Butler Railroad
Company for several years, and also filled the office of secretary and treasurer of
the St. Petersburg and Foxburg Turnpike Company. He has been interested in
the organization of the following banks : Eldred Bank, of Eldred, Pennsylvania :
First National Bank, of Salina, Kansas ; Seaboard National Bank, of New York :
Dallas National Bank, of Dallas, Texas; Meriden National Bank, of Mississippi,
and the Keystone Bank, of Pittsburg. In April, 1890, Mr. Ritts was one of the
leading spirits in the organization of the Butler County National Bank, was
chosen first vice-president of that institution, was one of the original stockholders,
and lias been the virtual controller of its financial policy during the past five
years of its successful existence. Aside from his banking interests, he has been
extensively engaged in oil producing in Clarion and Butler counties. Mr. Ritts
74'' HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was married in August. 1882, to Irene C. Blakeslee, a daughter of W. X. Blake-
slee. of New Yoik, and has three children, viz : Elias ; Maud A., and Leonard C.
The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, of Butler, in
which Mr. Ritts is one of the trustees. 1 le is a member of the Masonic order, and
one of the progressive and public-spirited citizens of the community.
Col. Alexander Lowry was horn in Blair county (formerly a part of Hun-
tingdon), Pennsylvania, February 18, 1814. His great grandfather, Lazarus
Lowry, came from the north of Ireland, and in 1729 settled in Donegal, Lan-
caster county, on the celebrated farm known as " Donegal,'' now owned by Sen-
ator Cameron. Col. Alexander Lowrv, a son of Lazarus Lowry, and one of the
most noted and successful Indian traders in the history of Pennsylvania, pur-
chased from his father the homestead, and after living there for some time, sold
the farm and removed to Huntingdon county. Here was born his son Alexander
Lowrv, father of Col. Alexander Lowry, of Butler. The maiden name of the
mother of our subject was Margaret Bouslough, who was born and reared in Hun-
tingdon county. When eighteen years old, Alexander became an apprentice at
the cabinetmaker's trade, and after serving three years he continued working at
the trade until 1N;57. In 1839 he opened a hotel at Yellow Springs, Blair county,
and removed from there to Water Street, on the line of the Pennsylvania canal,
in 1842, where he was in the hotel business until 1846. In that year he located
t Hollidaysburg, and was proprietor of the American House until September.
1850, when he removed to Butler, and purchased the Beatty House, which stood
on the site of the Troutman Block, and afterwards known as the Lowrv House
as long as the building was used for hotel purposes. In 1868 he purchased the
present Lowrv House, and, in 1873, after the first oil excitement had com-
menced, sold the property to Cross & McOmber, but repurchased it in 1879.
He continued as its proprietor until 1875, when he retired from the hotel business
to his home on West Pearl street, where he has since resided. In 1841 Colonel
Lowry was married to Margaret Spear, of Williamsburg, Blair county, who died
in Butler, December 11, 1886. His family consists of one daughter and seven
sons, as follows : Belle W. ; W. A. ; Charles S.; John F. : Porter W. ; George
W. ; Thomas L.. ami J. L., all of whom are living. Colonel Lowrv is now in his
eighty-second year, and is an active, well preserved man. He has well earned the
name of having been one of the most successful and best known hotel men in
the State.
Porter W. Lowry, attorney at law, is a son of Alexander and Margaret
Lowry, and was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1855. He
attended the public schools in early boyhood, and completed his education at
the Witherspoon Institute. He read law with Hon. Fbenezer Mcjunkin, was
admitted to the bar in 1876, anil has since been engaged in the practice of his
profession. Mr. Lowry was married January 30, 1890, to Mary W. Hazen,only
slaughter of Hon. -V. L. Hazen, president judge of the Seventeenth judicial dis-
trict. She died on March 20, 1891. He has always been an active Republican,
was elected chairman of the Republican county committee in 1894, and had the
honor of being at the head of the party organization when Butler county gave
the largest majority for the Republican candidates since the foundation of the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 747
party. Mr. Lowry is a member of the Presbyterian church, of Butler, has been
president of the Christian Endeavor Society two terms, and for several years has
been actively identified with the growth and prosperity of the church.
Louis Stein was born in the City of Marburg, Hessen, Germany, July ;!.
L81 1, a son of Prof. George Stein. When Louis was about thirteen years of age
his father was appointed a professor at the Medical University of Bonn ami
removed with his family to that place, where he died some .sixteen years ago,
aged 100 year.-. The subject of this sketch was educated at the University of
Bonn, immigrated to Xew York City in 1832, and was employed in a large
German importing house for rive years. In 1837 he located at Wapakoneta,
Ohio, and engaged in general merchandising in partnership with Bernard Roess-
ing, which they conducted until the spring of 1840. They then removed to But-
ler, Pennsylvania, and embarked in the same business under the firm name of
Roessing & Stein, which existed until 1871, when Mr. Stein purchased his part-
ner's interest and carried on the grocery, queensware and dry goods business
until February, 1882. His son William A. was then admitted to a partnership,
and the firm became L. Stein & Son, and continued the dry goods business
exclusively. The first store of Roessing & Stein was in a part of the Vogeley
Hotel building, whence they removed to the corner of Main and Mifflin streets,
and finally erected the building now occupied by their successor. In 18iSr> Mr.
Stein retired from active business, and continued to enjoy "the fruits of his frugal-
itv and industry until his death, July 20, 1 S< )4 , in the eighty-fourth year of his
age. He was always an ardent Democrat, but his very active business life pre-
vented him from devoting much attention to public affairs, with the exception
of serving on the school board. Mr. Stein was a member of the German Luth-
eran church, of Butler, and a liberal supporter of that society. In August, 1848,
he married Matilda Dieker, a daughter of Anthony Dieker, of Wapakoneta,
Ohio, to which union were born six children, as follows: Emily, deceased wife
of John X. Patterson ; Julia, wife of J. F. Strong, of Cincinnati; William A.;
Louis B. ; Albert O., and Charles, deceased. Albert O., was born in Butler.
March 23, 1858, was educated in the public schools and at Witherspoon Insti-
tute, followed the tinner's trade for several years, and has clerked for the past
nine years in the store of L. Stein & Son. Although Mr. Stein retired from the
active management of his business in 1885, hardly a day passed, when in health,
that he was not at the store assisting in the work. He enjoyed good health
until a few months before his death. He was energetic and enterprising, and
was an active mover in every effort made for the advancement of the town. In
his business life he was successful, and in his social intercourse with the peo-
ple made hosts of friends. His business career was marked by the strictest
integrity and the most honorable dealings with those who in the past half cen-
tury were patrons of his store.
William A. Stein, eldest son of Louis and Matilda Stein, was born in the
borough of Butler, October 1). 1853, and was educated in the public schools and
at Witherspoon Institute. In 1873 he entered his father's store as clerk, which
position he filled until INN:.', when he became a member of the firm of L. Stein &
Son, and has continued in active business up to the present. He is a director in
74^ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the Butler Savings Bank, and is one of the original stockholders and organizers
of the Standard Plate Glass Company of Butler. Mr. Stein was married in 1878, to
Amelia, daughter of William Vogeley, and has five children : Gertrude F. ;
Cora M. ; Albert A. L. ; Clarence L., and Emily II. Mr. Stein is past master
and secretary of Butler Lodge, Number 272, F. & A. M., and also secretary of
the Chapter. He is a Republican in politics, and attends the German Lutheran
church.
Louis B Steix, second son of Louis and Matilda Stein, was born in Butler,
December 28, 1855, and received his education in the public schools and at YVith-
erspoon Institute. In May. 1873, he was chosen book-keeper of the First National
Bank of Butler, was appointed teller in 1S77, and tilled that position until the
failure of the bank in July, 1870. He then entered the employ of Joseph Home
& Company, of Pittsburg, where he filled the position of book-keeper for two
years, and then returned to Butler to take charge of the books of L. Stein & Son.
On February 11, 1885, he was appointed teller of the Butler .Savings Bank,
which position he has filled for the past nine years. Mr. Stein was married,
January 1, 1885, to Julia, daughter of Philip YVisener, of Butler, and has two
children: Laura M., and Edna M. Politically he is a Republican, and is a
member of the German Lutheran church.
Thomas Steiii.e, Sr., was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1818, was
there educated, and learned the lock and gunsmith's trade. He came to the
United States in 1832 and settled in Butler, where he worked at his trade. He
kept a store on what is now South Main street, and afterwards bought the John
Negley property. He also purchased the Christian Otto property and the Pro-
ducers Bank building, where Stehle's store now stands, besides the Miller
property, corner of Main and North streets, and the old fair grounds, which he
purchased of Judge Bredin. He was one of the successful and prosperous busi-
ness men of the borough. Mr. Stelile married Josephine Stehle in 1888, and
was the father of seven children, as follows; Mary, widow of D. T. Pape ;
Annie, widow of William Aland ; Joseph, deceased; Elizabeth ; John, deceased :
J. F. T., and Thomas. Jr., deceased. Mr. Stehle was a member of St. Peter's
Catholic church, and died September 13, 1887. His widow resides in Butler.
John* F. T. Stehle, son of Thomas Stehle, Sr.. was born in the borough of
Butler, February 21, 1852, and here received a common school education. He-
first clerked in his father's store, and in 1871 he engaged in the notion and toy
business with his brother Thomas, under the firm name of Stehle Brothers, but
he is now carrying on the business alone. Mr. Stehle married Lena M., daughter
of John Moral, of Butler, September 22, 187'.'. They are the parents of seven
children: Joseph T. ; Victor: Raymond, deceased; Thomas, deceased ; Gerard;
John, and Paul. Mr. Stehle and wife are members of the Catholic church, and
in politics, he is a Democrat.
D. T. Pape was born in Westphalia, Germany, in 1837. and came to the
United States when thirteen years old, locating at Pittsburg, whence he removed
to Butler, Pennsylvania. He was a salesman here for Thomas Stehle one year,
then returned to Pittsburg and clerked in Spencer's dry goods store. In 1858he
again came to Butler, and married Mary, daughter of Thomas and Josephine
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 749
Stehle. He embarked in the dry goods and millinery business, which he contin-
ued up to his death, October 7. 1885. The business is now carried on by his
widow under the old firm name. Seven children were born to I). T. and Mary
1'ape. as follows : Josephine, deceased wife of John R. Grieb ; Charles F. T. ;
Theodore D. ; Gerard P.; Mary L. ; Destella L., and Eugene A., who was born
in Butler, August 15, 1874, educated in the common schools, and is now an
apprentice with his brother in the jewelry business. Mr. Pape was a member of
St. Peter's Catholic church, and in politics, he was a stanch adherent of the
Democratic patty.
Charles F. T. Pape, eldest son of D. T. and Mary Pape, was born in the
borough of Butler, August :.':_', 1863, and was educated in the public schools and
al St. Vincent's College. He learned the jeweler's trade with F. 11. Weiser of
Pittsburg, and in 1881 he engaged in the jewelry business in Butler, which he
still carries on at 122 South Main street. He was married October 6, 1891, to
Annie, daughter of Patrick and B. Golden, of Butler, and ha.- one son, Leo C.
II. Air. Pape is a member of St. Peter's Catholic church, and in politics, he is
a Democrat. In 1886 his brother. Gerard P.. became a partner in the jewelry-
business, and the linn has since been C. F. T. Pape & Brother.
Theodore D. Pare, second son of I). T. Pape, was born in Butler, July 28,
1865, and received a public school education. Since his school days he ha- be< i
a salesman in the store of D. T. Pape. now carried on by his mother. lie is it
member of the Catholic church, and is connected with the C. M. B. A. of
Butler.
Gerard P. Pare, third son of D. T. Pape, was born in Butler. July 30,
1867, and was educated in the public schools. He learned the jeweler- trade
with John R. Grieb, and in 1886 became a member of the firm of C. F. T. Pape
& Brother. lie is a member of the Catholic church, is a Democrat in politics,
and is connected with Butler Lodge, B. P. O. E.
William Aland was a son of Ambrose and Margaret Aland, natives of
He-se Darmstadt, Germany. His parents settled in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania,
where William was born in 1845, ami where he received a good common school
education. His father was a merchant tailor, and carried on business in that
city, and the subject of this sketch learned the cutter's trade with him and man-
aged his business after arriving at manhood. In 1874 he located in Butler, and
established a merchant tailoring business on South Main street. In 1888 he
erected the building in which his -on. Joseph VV., now conducts business, where
hi' carried on merchant tailoring until his death. October 1'.). 1888. He married
Annie, daughter of Thomas Stehle. one of the early residents of Butler, and
became the father of eight children, as follows : Joseph \V. ; Charles F. ; Estella :
Bebeana ; Florence, deceased; Edgar; Lillian, and Blanche, deceased. Mr.
Aland was a member of St. Peter's Catholic church, and in politics, he was a
Democrat. He never took much interest in political affairs, but devoted his entire
attention to the prosecution of his business. He had the town's prosperity ever
at heart, and always encouraged home industries. His widow resides with her
family in the old homestead on South Main street.
Joseph W. Aland was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. May ;.'!>, 1869, and
75© HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
is the eldest in the family of William and Annie Aland. He was reared in Butler,
and was educated in the public schools and at Witherspoon Institute. He after-
wards entered the employ of his father, and owing to the lattcr's failing health
he took charge of the business, about 1886. After his father's death the entire
business devolved upon his shoulders, and he has since conducted it very success-
fully. Mr. Aland is one of the active young business men of Butler, and stands
in the front rank as a merchant tailor. He is a member of St. Peter's Catholic
church, and in politics, he is an adherent of the Democratic party.
Francis X. Grieb was burn in the Black Forest. Grand Duchy of Baden,
Ober-Ampt, Harb-Rexingen, Wurtemburg, German}', February 1, 1820, where
he was also reared and educated. He learned the watchmaker's trade in bis
native land, and in 1848 he immigrated to the United States and settled at Phila-
delphia. In 1849 he came to Butler and established himself in business in what
was then known as the Major Hughes property, and carried mi the repairing of
watches, jewelry, etc. In 1852 he purchased the property now occupied by the
jewelry store of Henry Grieb, remodeled the building and opened the first jewelry
store in Butler, which he conducted successfully until his death, in 1865. Mr.
Grieb was married in 1849, to Elizabeth Hepfle, a native of Bavaria, Germany,
who survives, and resides on East North street. She conducted the business until
1883, since which time it has been carried on by her son Henry. They were
the parents of the following children: Jennie; Henry; Alexander, deceased:
Frank, a merchant at Braddock ; John R.. Charles K.. deceased: and Louis
M. Mr. Grieb was a practical member of the Catholic church, and a pioneer of
St. Peter's congregation, to which organization the whole family belong. In
politics, he was a .Democrat, and throughout his long residence in Butler was
recognized as a successful merchant and a good citizen.
Henry Grieb, eldest son of Francis X. Grieb, was born in the borough of
Butler. April 8, 1852, and received his education in the public schools. In 1865
he went to Pittsburg, where he learned the watchmaker's trade, and since his
father's death has had practical control of the jewelry store established by the
latter, and now conducted under the name of E. Grieb. lie married Lena Lieb-
ler of Butler, in 1876, and they are the parents of one son. Edward F. X. Politi-
cally, he is a Democrat, and is a member of the borough council. He is a mem-
ber of St. Peter's Catholic church, and is connected with Branch, Number 56, C.
M. B. A., also the B. P. O. E.
John K. Grieb, fourth son of Francis X. Grieb, was born in Butler, Penn-
sylvania, September 3, 1858, and was educated in the public schools of the bor-
ough. At the age of fourteen he commenced learning the watchmaker's trade
with his brother, and remained with the firm of E. Grieb until 1883. In April
of that year lie established a jewelry store at ll'O South Main street, where he
remained until 1891, and then located at I'J'i North Main street, from where he
moved to his present place of business in April. 1894. In 1889 he formed a
partnership with R.J. Lamb, for the purpose of dealing in pianos and musical
instruments, and the firm of Grieb & Lamb carried on that business in con-
nection with the jewelry store, up to June 15, 1894, when they dissolved partner-
ship, and the business is now carried on by Mr. Grieb at 118 South Main street.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 75 f
Mr. Grieb was married January I, 1883, to Josie, daughter of I). T. Pape. ( >ne
son was born to this union, Raymond, who died in August. 1884. Mrs. (irieb
died in October, 18U2. Politically, Mr. Grieb is a Democrat, is a member of St.
Peter's Catholic church, and is one of the enterprising young business men of
the borough.
Isaac Colbert was born in (ireenc county, Pennsylvania, in 171.1<S- His
parents died when he was about two years of age, and he was reared by William
McCollough, of Armstrong county. He learned the hatter's trade, and in 1835
came to Butler county and settled in Butler township, where he built a shop anil
commenced the manufacture of hats, also carrying on a small farm at the same
time. In lS3(i he removed to Butler, and located on Main street, where he con-
tinued the manufacture of hats and conducted a retail hat store. This business
he carried on until his death, July .">, 1872. at which time he was the oldest mer-
chant in the borough, with the exception of the late William Campbell. In 1824
he was married to Miss Fanny Ramsey, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to which
union were born four children, as follows: William R., of Butler; Robert, a
physician ot Oil City: Eliza ]., wife of J. C. Redick, of Butler, and Harvey, a
merchant of the same borough. Mrs. Colbert died in 1874. Both were life-
long members of the Presbyterian church. Politically, he was a Whig, but
joined the Republican party at it^ birth, and was elected by that parts treasurer
of Butler county.
William R. Colbert, eldest son of Isaac and Fannie Colbert, was born in
Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, fanuary 31, 1825. He learned the
hatter's trade with his father, and was connected with him in business until he
Stopped the manufacture of hats. He then engaged in engineering, which busi-
ness he has followed up to the present, having had charge of stationary engines
at Pittsburg, Butler and other points. He married Jane, daughter of John
Badger, of Centre township, Butler county, and they are the parents of nine
children: Isaac X., deceased: Isabel: Ada; William II.. deceased; Edwin D.;
Henry B. ; John L. ; Eliza J., wife of C. E, Graham, of Oil City, and Frank.
Since 1843 Mr. Colbert has been a member of the Presbyterian church, joining
that denomination at the age of eighteen years. In politics, he was identified
with the Whig party up to the formation of the Republican party, since which
he has been a supporter of the latter organization.
Edwin I). Colbert is the oldest living son of William K. and Jane Colbert,
and was born November 24, 1856, in Butler. Pennsylvania. His primary educa-
tion was received in the public schools, and he completed his studies at Wither-
spoon Institute. He then entered the employ of J. & II. Schneideman, of Butler,
as clerk, and worked for that rirm. Harvey Colbert and others until 1 S79, when
he was appointed clerk in the United States mail service, which position he held
for ten years. In 1889 he formed a partnership with David E. Dale, under the
firm name of Colbert & Dale, and they have since carried on one of the leading
hat and gents furnishing houses in Butler. Mr. Colbert is an adherent of the
Republican party, and in religion, he is a member of the Presbyterian church.
He is connected with Butler Lodge, Number 272, F. & A. M.. Butler Chapter,
R. A. M.. the K. of P.. the R. A., and the B. P. 0. E.
7 52 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
David E. Dale, merchant, and ex-register and recorder of Butler county,
was born April 18, 1862, in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, son of Rev.
Abner and Sarah (Adams) Dale, the latter a daughter of James Adams of Slip-
pery Rock township. Abner Dale was a native of Dale's Mills, Center county.
Pennsylvania, and was educated for the ministry. About L856 he came to Butler
county as pastor of the Sugar Creek and Fairview Reformed churches, where
he remained a short time, anil then accepted a call to a church in Mercer county.
About 1870 he returned to this county to accept the pastorate of the Sugar
Creek, Fairyiew and Millerstown Reformed churches, but subsequently, on
account of failing health, he resigned all but the Fairview charge, where he died
January 16, 1875. His widow resides with the subject of this sketch in Butler.
Their family consisted of four children: David E. ; Margaret; James, and
Thomas A., all of whom are dead except the first mentioned. After his father's
death the family removed to Butler, where David E. attended the common
schools and Witherspoon Institute, subsequently spent one year at Thiel Col-
lege, Greenville, Pennsylvania, and completed hiseducation under private tutors,
in January, INS:.', he entered the register and recorder's office as clerk under II.
\V. Christie's administration, and remained in that office until 1887, when he
resigned to become a candidate for the office of register and recorder, but was
defeated tor the nomination. He then engaged in the insurance business until
1889, when he entered the gent's furnishing business with E. D. Colbert, under
the firm name of Colbert & Dale, which is still in existence. In November,
1890, he was elected register and recorder, and retired from office in January,
1894. In politics, he is a Republican, and in religious faith, a Presbyterian. He
is a member of Butler Lodges, Number 272, F. & A. M.. and 278, I. O. O. F.,
and also of the K. of P. Mr. Dale was married October 7. 1891, to Mary, a
daughter of Alfred Wick of Butler. He is a popular ami enterprising citizen,
and stands well in the community where a large portion of his life has been
passed.
John Cleeland, eldest son of Robert and Phoebe (Wimer) Cleeland,
and grandson of Arthur Cleeland. was born July 16, 1811, upon the old home-
stead in Muddy Creek township. Butler county, Pennsylvania. He learned the
blacksmith's trade, ami commenced business in a shop on the home farm, whence
he removed to Portersville, where he carried on business fourteen years. In 1854
he located in Perry township, Mercer county, where lie conducted business until
1879, m^ then removed to Sandy Lake, and continued business at that point until
March. 1892. At that time he retired from active life, and now resides with his
son, David L. of Butler. He lias -always been connected with the Whig and
Republican parties. In religion, he is a Presbyterian, and one of the early mem-
bers of the Portersville church. Mr. Cleeland married Betsey, daughter of
William Morrison, of Muddy Creek township. She died in 1.SS3, the mother of
eleven children, whose names are as follows : Robert, deceased ; William M.. a
resident of Great Falls, Montana: Phoebe, who married Lewis E. Clark, and
after his death J. R. Snyder; Sarah, wife of Jacob Kibler ; Maria, wife of John
Pattison : Arthur K.. who was a member of Company F, Eighty-third Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, died from exposure while in the service, and was buried at
£2
c^-^f^/"
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 753
Harrison's Landing; Isaac, deceased; John S. ; Hamilton, deceased; David L.,
and Lizzie, wife of C. M. Farrah, of Sandy Lake.
David L. Cleeland, jeweler, was born in Perry township, Mercer county,
Pennsylvania, June 4, 1855, and is a son of John and Betsy Cleeland. After
receiving a good English education, he entered the employ of J. R. Snyder, of Har-
risville, Butler county, with whom he learned the watchmaker's trade, and subse-
quently purchased the business. In LS81 he removed to Butler, where he continued
the same business, and in 1888 he became a member of the firm of Cleeland & Ral-
ston. This firm conducted business until the fall of 1893, when Mr. Cleeland opened
his present commodious jewelry house, in a building purchased by him in 1890,
which he remodeled and fitted up for the purpose. Mr. Cleeland is a professional
optician, and holds a diploma of graduation awarded him June 15, 1889. He was
married November 14, 1S7S to Miss Flora Cubbison, a daughter of George Cubbi
son, of Harrisville. They are the parents of four sons, as follows: Earl C; Frank
\V.; Roy A., and Carl L. Mr. Cleeland and wife are members of the Presbyterian
church of Butler, in which body he fills the office of elder. He is connected with
Connoquenessing Lodge, 1. O. O. F., and in all the relations of life he is one of
the respected citizens of the community.
Martin J. Reiber was born in Goeningen, YVurtemburg, Germany, and
was a dealer in seeds, flowers and fruit trees in his native land. He emigrated
to New York City in 1832, where he followed the occupation of a market gar-
dener and importer of seeds, bulbs and flowers. From New York he came to
Butler county, and purchased what was later known as the Reiber Hotel, in
Summit township, whence he removed to the borough of Butler, where he died
in 1865; his wife died in I860. He was one of the charter members of St.
Mark's Lutheran church, of Butler, and was an elder in that organization. He
also served in the borough council at one time, and was a very worthy citizen.
Mr. Reiber married Catherine Fetzer, in Germany, a native of the same town
where he himself was born, and six children blessed this union: Catherine;
Martin; George ; Barbara, who married H. Julius Klingler, of Butler ; Jacob, and
Margaret, who married Martin Loefler.
Martin Reiber was born in the same town as his father, and learned the
florist business with the latter.. He came with his parents to New York, and
thence to Butler, where he was married, in 1846, to Mary, daughter of Isaac
and Mary Yetter of this borough. He at once purchased the old tavern which
stood on the site of the Hotel Lowry, which he conducted until his removal to
Millerstown, where he embarked in the mercantile business and carried it on
some five years. Returning to Butler he erected the brick store still standing on
the northwest corner of Main and Jefferson streets, and establishing the linn of
Reiber & Yetter, began dealing in general merchandise. In 1859 he sold out his
interest in the store and went into the foundry business, on Washington street,
in partnership with H. J. Klingler. During this time he also operated a dis-
tillery. In 1875 he engaged in the grocery business under the firm name of M.
Reiber & Son, and in 1880 removed to the George Reiber block. He died in
1882 ; his widow resides in the old homestead. To Martin and Mary Reiber
were born the following children : Ferdinand ; Lena ; Albert ; Martin H. ; Emma,
7 54 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNT V.
who married Charles F. Hosford of Wheeling, West Virginia; Howard; Aaron
E., and Cora, deceased. Mr. Reiber was a charter member of St. Mark's
Lutheran church, and was connected with the I. ( >. (). F. Politically, lie was a
Whig in early days and afterwards a Republican. He was one of the charter
members of the Bald Ridge Oil Company, and was a successful, enterprising and
progressive business man.
Ferdinand Reiber, eldest son of Martin and Mary Reiber, was born at
Millerstown. Butler county, June 19, 1847. He received a common school edu-
cation, entered Washington and Jefferson College in 1868, and graduated in
1867. He then commenced reading law with Colonel John M. Thompson, and
was admitted to the bar in IS69. In 1871 he was elected to the office of district
attorney and filled that position until lSTo. lie continued to practice law until
1881, when lie went into the oil business, organizing the Bald Ridge Oil Com-
pany, the pioneer company in the oil development south of Butler. Mr. Reiber
was also connected with the Mutual (Jas Company, in which he held the position
of secretary and director. lie is now operating very successfully, and is joint
owner of some ot the most valuable oil properties in Butler county.
Aaron E. Reiber, youngest son of Martin and Mary Reiber, was born in
the borough of Butler. April II. 1863. After receiving a common school educa-
tion he attended Witherspoon Institute, and subsequently entered Washington
and Jefferson College, and Princeton College, New Jersey, graduating from the
last mentioned institution in 1882, at the age of nineteen. On his return to
Butler he commenced reading law with T. C. Campbell, was admitted to prac-
tice in 1885, and in 1889 was elected, on the Democratic ticket, district attorney
of Butler county, and served in that capacity until January I. 1898. Since leav-
ing that office he has devoted his attention to the practice of his profession. Hi'
is connected with the K. of P.. and is a director in the V. M. C. A. of Butler.
He is a member of the English Lutheran church, and takes an active interest in
the prosperity .of that organization.
George Reiber was born in Win temburg, Germany, November 23, 1815,
son of Martin J. and Catherine Reiber. lie was reared in his native land, and
in 1834 immigrated to New York, where he joined his father and brother Martin,
who had preceded him to the New World. He engaged ill the hotel business,
ami also followed the occupation of a market gardener. In 1839 he came to
Butler county and settled in Summit township, where he erected a saw mill. In
1846 he purchased a farm at Hannahstown, removed to Millerstown in 1848, and
kept a general store in that borough for several years. In 1856 he purchased a
grist mill ami 137 acres of the Clymer tract, on the northeastern limits of Butler,
and for the past thirty-eight years he has successfully conducted the milling busi-
ness. He has remodeled ami improved the property several times, until it is
to-day a comparatively new structure, and contains a full roller process, besides
the original buhr system. He also operated a distillery from 1865 to 1878. Mr.
Reiber was married in |n4l\ to Mary Rigger, a daughter of Jacob Rigger, of
Summit township. Eleven children were born to this union, as follows : Martin
G. ; Caroline, wife of William F. Miller, of Butler; Henry; Wilhelmina, wife of
Rev. Mieser. of Detroit : Mary P. : Anna M. ; Elizabeth ; (ieorge P. : Edward ; Ida
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 75 5
F., and Agatha, deceased. Mrs. Reiber died on March i?, 1888. Henry, George L.
and Edward Reiber. are prominently identified with the natural gas business, as
the owners of the Independent Natural Gas Company, of Butler. Mr. Reiber is
one of the oldest and best known citizens of the borough, where he has been
engaged in business for nearly forty years. Inheriting a robust and vigorous
constitution, his whole life has been marked by rigid industry, perseverance and
energy. Coming to western Pennsylvania comparatively penniless, he has accum-
ulated through the passing years ;i large estate, and ranks as one of the wealthiest
men of Butler county.
George Reihek, Sb , second son of John M. Reiber, was born in Germany,
was educated in his native land, and there learned the blacksmith's trade. It»
1838 he emigrated to New York, where he remained about six years, and then
came to Butler, Pennsylvania, and became a member of the firm of Walter A
Reiber. subsequently changed to Reiber & Boos, and finally to Reiber & Brother.
He afterwards engaged in the distillery business, as a member of Jacob Reiber &
Company, then in the wholesale liquor business, which he continued until his
death, April 10, 1892. He married Margaret, daughter of Michael Burkhalter,
of Alsace, Germany, in 1841. The fruits of this union were nine children, six of
whom died in their childhood. Those living are: George J.; Mary, wife of
John McComber. and Alfred M., all residents of Butler. Mrs. Reiber is living
in the old homestead, which was erected by her husband in 1848. The family
are adherents of tbe Lutheran church, and in politics, Democratic.
GEORGE J. REIBER, son of George Reiber, was born in the borough of
Butler, September' 22, 1850. He received a public school education, ami after-
wards spent a year and a half in a grocery store. In 1879 he went to Colorado
and was engaged in the silver mining business for eight years. Returning to
Butler he clerked in the dry goods store of Alfred M. Reiber a number of years,
and is now a member of the linn. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and
Democratic in politics.
Alfred M. Reibek, son of George Reiber, was born in Butler. Pennsyl-
vania. November 2'2, 1855, was educated in the public schools, and then engaged
in clerking for Joseph Home & Company, of Pittsburg, and afterwards for Home
& Ward, of the same city. In 1886 he returned to Butler and engaged in the
dry goods business, which he has successfully continued up to the present. Polit-
ically, he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Lutheran church.
Jacob F. Reiber is the third son of John M. and Mary C. Reiber, of
Goeningen, Germany, where his father practiced medicine. His parents were
married in 1800, and had a family of six children, as follows: John M., and
George, both deceased ; Jacob F. : Martin : Mary C, wife of Christian Hauben-
sauk, and Barbara, deceased. The parents botli died in Germany, the father
dying in 188;!. and the mother in I8(*)7. Jacob F. was born at Goeningen, No-
vember 5, 1828, and there learned the business of a market gardener. He served
in the German army, and in 1S54 immigrated to the United States and settled in
Butler. Pennsylvania, whither his brother George had preceded him. He en-
gaged in clerking for Roessing & Stein, and afterwards for Eli Yetter, then
traveled through the south in the wholesale seed business. In 1856 he formed a
j6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
partnership with his brothers, George and Martin, under the firm name of Jacob
.Reiber & Company, erected a distillery and operated the same until they went
into the wholesale liquor business. The firm was dissolved in 1S71 , Martin retir-
ing, but the firm continued in the wholesale business. Mr. Reiber was married
in L859, to Melissa, daughter of David Henshaw, of which union have been born
iseven children: Jacob, deceased; Annie, wife of Dean Campbell of Millers-
town; Margaret ; Frederick T. ; Mary: Elizabeth, and Bertha. The family are
connected with the Lutheian church. In politics, Mr. Reiber is a Democrat, and
has tilled the offices of overseer of the poor and collector.
Frederick T. Reiber, son of Jacob F. and Melissa Reiber, was born in
•Butler, February 8, 1866. 1 le received a common school education, supplemented
•by a course at Iron City College and at Witherspoon Institute. lie worked first
for J. C. Hill & Company, of Pittsburg. He was next employed as a hotel clerk
for about six years, two years of which he spent at the Willard Hotel, in Butler,
and four years at the Central Hotel, East Liberty. In November, 1891, he went
■into the grocery business in his present store building, on the corner of Jefferson
.and McKean streets, Butler, erected by his father the same year. He is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran church, in politics, is a Democrat, and is connected with
Good Will Hose Company.
Jacob Keck, justice of the peace and merchant tailor, was born June 26,
1830, in Baden, Germany, on the River Rhine, son of John George and Catherine
Keck. He received a common school education in his native land, and also
obtained a good knowledge of the French language, and after coming to Butler
he took a course in English under a private teacher. He learned the cabinet-
maker's trade in Butler, Pennsylvania, to which place he immigrated in 1850. In
I860 he started in business for himself, and conducted a growing trade until
. ISSli, and from the beginning up to 1892 he was also extensively engaged in the
undertaking business. From 1S77 to 1883 he carried on a book and stationery
store in connection with merchant tailoring, the latter of which he still con-
tinues. In 1869 he was elected a justice of the peace, which office he has filled
continuously up to the present. He has been a member of the borough council
six years, has served on the school board for the same period, and is secretary of
'the Workmen's Building and Loan Association, which position he has filled live
years. In politics, he is a Democrat, and one of the active members of his party.
Since 1850 he has been a member of the Lutheran church, and has liberally sup-
ported that organization. Mr. Keck was married in 1853, to Margaret Kradel, a
daughter of John Kradel. of Summit township. She died in 1872, leaving three
-children, viz. : Elizabeth, wife of Louis Keck; Louisa, wife of Harry S. Kling-
ler, and George F. He married for his second wife, Louisa, a daughter of Adam
Trautman, of Pittsburg ; she died in 1887, the mother of four children: Theo-
dore C. H. ; Edward A., deceased; Gertrude Mary, and Walter J., the last de-
ceased. Squire Keck is one of the public-spirited and progressive business men
of Butler, and during his residence here of forty-five years he has won the con-
fidence and respect of its best people.
Jacob Boos, grocery merchant, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany,
( »ctober 21, lSo-">. and is a son of Charles Boos, born in the same place March 6,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 75/
1800. His father was a blacksmith by trade, and died in 1880, having served as
a soldier in the German army. He married Barbara, daughter of John Eich, ill
1820, and they were the parents of four children : Barbara, who married John*
Fell, of Germany; William, deceased ; Elizabeth, who married Jacob Hahn, of
Germany, and Jacob. The mother died in 1853. Both she and her husband-
were members of the German Reformed church. The subject of this sketch-
learned the blacksmith's trade in Germany, and emigrated to the United States--
in 1853- He settled at Pittsburg, and worked at his trade in that city until Sep-
tember 12, 1854, when he came to Butler and entered the employ of Walter &
Reiber, blacksmiths. In 1857 he embarked in the blacksmithing business for<
himself, and in 18(30 he purchased the George Egner farm in Butler township,
upon which he resided ten years. In 1870 he sold the farm and bought the.
interest of George Webber in the firm of Webber & Troutman, which title was-
changed to Troutman & Boos. In 1872 he purchased a half interest in the flour-.
ing mills of Grohman & Walter, which then became Walter & Boos, and he-,
owned a half interest in the property until 1890. In 1881 he embarked in the-
grocery business on the corner of Main and Wayne streets, which site he pur-i
chased in 1889, and afterwards erected his present substantial store building.-
Mr. Boos is one of the enterprising and successful merchants of the borough.*
He was married, October 21, 1855, to Barbara, daughter of Jacob Walter, of-,
Butler, to which union ten children have been born : Annie M., deceased wife
of Adam Hoffner ; George, deceased; Louisa, wife of William Voskamp, of
Pittsburg; Emma, wife of Charles Kaufman, of Butler; Augusta, deceased ;•
Charles, deceased; Clara, wife of Charles Gregg, of Butler; William, deceased ;;'
Catherine, and Lida. Mr. Boos is a Democrat in politics, and the family is
connected with the English Lutheran church.
Thaneus Niggel was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in IS14, ami learned
the stone cutter's trade in his native land. He emigrated to America in 1836 and?
settled in Butler township, Butler county, Pennsylvania. He married |ulia, a
daughter of Frederick Stehle of Butler township, in 1S44, and located at Bald.
Ridge, whence he removed to the borough of Butler in 1846. He worked at his
trade and also ran a restaurant for some years, and then rented the Faller Hotel,
which he carried on for two years, and afterwards engaged in operating a res-,
taurant and bakery in Dougal's row. He was also in the stock-raising business.
for some time. He died in 1802; his widow resides with her son David. They
were the parents of five children : Joseph ; Thomas F. ; John ; David, and Rose,
wife of S. B. Hughes of Pittsburg. Mr. Niggel and family were early members.
of St. Peter's Catholic church of Butler.
Joseph Niggel was born in Butler township, Butler county, August 15,.
1845, and is the eldest son of Thaneus Niggel. He attended the common schools
in boyhood and learned the cabinetmaker's trade, at which he worked until 1866;
and then engaged in the restaurant business for one year. lie afterwards,
embarked in general merchandising on the corner of Main and Jefferson streets,
which was subsequently changed to the hardware business, under the firm name,
of C. Koch & Company. In 1872 the firm became Niggel & Brother, and for the
past twenty-three years this firm has carried on a successful hardware business.
758 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Mr. Niggle was married October 5, 1869, to Barbara, daughter of A. Rocken-
stein, Sr., of Butler, to which union have been born six children : Florian T. ;
Bertha R. N. : Mary D., deceased.; Emma C. ; Valetta, and Mary. In politics,
Mr. Niggel is a Democrat, and has filled the office of assessor for two terms. He
is a member of the Butler Brass Band, and the Germania Orchestra. lie is also
connected with the C. M. B. A., and U a member of St. Paul's Catholic church
Of Butler.
Charles Koch was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1834, received a
a good education in his native land, and was a clerk in a government office
before his immigration to Williamsburg, New York, in 1S54. The following
year he located in the borough of Butler, where he found employment as a sales-
man in Boyd's store. In 1868 he engaged in the hardware business, as senior
member of the firm of C. Koch tv. Company, but in 1872 he sold out and embarked
in the grocery business, which is still carried on under the firm name of C. Koch
& Sons. Mr. Koch was married in New York to Cresentia Stegher, a daughter
of Aurelius Stegher, June 14, 1854. Eight children blessed this union, as
follows: Mary, deceased; Frank \V. ; John G. ; Caroline: Charles T. : Stephen
A.; Josephine, deceased, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Koch died at his
home in Butler, August 5, 1872. He was a life-long member of the Catholic
church, to which faith the family belong. His widow is now head of the firm
which he established.
Frank W. Koch, eldest son of Charles Koch, was born in Butler June 1,
1858, received a common school education, and afterwards attended St. Vincent's
College. He then entered his father's store, where he continued clerking until
1887, in which year he became a member of the firm of C. Koch & Sons. He is
a member of St. Peter's Catholic church, and in politics, a Democrat.
John G. Koch, son of Charles Koch, was born in Butler July 12, 1801, was
educated in the common schools, entered his father's store as a clerk, and became
a member of the present firm in 1887. In politics, he is a Democrat, and is a
member of St. Peter's Catholic church.
William Richey was a son of Nathaniel Richev, a native of Wales,
who settled in Armstrong county, where William was born in 1811. He
grew to manhood in that county, and in 1830 came to Butler and was engaged
in teaming between Butler and Pittsburg until 18(30. He also conducted a store
and bakery in the borough for many years. In early life he was a Whig, subse-
quently a Republican, and later a Democrat, and filled the office of constable in
the borough. He was reared in the Lutheran faith, but in later years he united
with the Presbyterian church, and afterwards became a member of the Protes-
tant Episcopal church, in which faith he died. Mr. Richev married Amy Brinker.
August 4. 1840, to whom were born five children : Abraham B. : Louisa, wife of
Joseph Henry ; John A. ; Mary, wife of Edward Fleming, and one who died in
infancy. Mrs. Richey died in 1854, and he married for his second wife Mrs.
Simon Mechling, nee Ziegler, ami had two children : Charley, and Julia. Mr.
Richev always manifested a deep interest in public matters up to his death,
which occurred August 15, 1892.
John A. Richey, second son of William and Amy (Brinker) Richey,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 759
was born in the borough of Butler, June 13, 1848, received a public school
education, and subsequently learned the baker's trade in Pittsburg. In 1869 he
established a bakery at Butler, in partnership with his father, but in 1870 he
removed to Greece City, Butler county, and remained there three years. In
1N73 he was appointed county detective, which position he tilled for rive years,
and in 1S79 engaged in the hotel business at Karns City. Three years later he opened
a hotel at Renfrew, which he carried on for five years, and then returned to
Butler, where he established his present bakery and confectionery and also
engaged in the ice business. Politically, he is a Democrat, and was a candidate
for clerk of courts in 1874, but was defeated in the convention by only one vote.
Mr. Richey was married December 28. 1873, to Lydia, daughter of Philip Burt-
ner, of Saxonburg. and has had one child by this union, which died in youth. lie
is a member of the I. (). O. F., and K. of P., and is an adherent of the Protes-
tant Episcopal church.
A. B. Riciiev was born in Summit township, Butler county, Pennsylvania,
January 9, 1842, where he was reared and received a common school education.
He learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked until his enlistment in
Company H, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers. His company went
into camp at Kittanning, where he was mustered into the service, thence to
Pittsburg, and down the Ohio to Kentucky. He served in the Greene river
campaign under General Buell, thence to Alabama, and Tennessee, where he
participated in the siege of Nashville. He next took part in the battle of Stone
River, under General Rosecranz, where the Seventy-eighth made one of the
grandest charges during the war. The regiment here became a part of the
Fourteenth Army Corps, and Mr. Richey participated in the following battles in
which that corps served: Dug Gap, Chickamauga, Buzzard's Roost, Dalton,
New Hope Church, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Atlanta and Jonesboro. In the fall
of 1863, at Decker Station, he served as provost guard of General Neglev's head-
quarters, and was in charge of the ambulance corps in the Fourteenth Army
Corps. Under General Rosecranz order, dated at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Feb-
ruary 14, 1863, establishing a roll of honor for the promotion of courage and
efficiency in the army, Mr. Richey was chosen by his company for that honor.
He never missed a roll call, march or battle in which his regiment was engaged
during his term of service. When his term had expired he was sent back to
Nashville, and volunteered to serve in a raid on General Forrest. Returning to
Kittanning, he was honorably discharged, November 4, 1864, whence he came
to Butler. Mr. Richey was married May 7, 1866, to Amanda, daughter of
George Christley of Centreville, and lias six children: Harry; Clara, deceased ;
Leah; William, deceased; Amie, deceased, and Orrie. Mr. Richey worked at
his trade after the war, but in 1880 he went into the coal business, which he has
continued up to the present. Politically, he is a Republican, has served as
assistant burgess of Butler, and was postmaster at Centerville from 1866 to 1868.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been a trustee in
that organization. He is connected with the E. A. U., and is a charter member
of A. G. Reed Post, G. A. R., of which organization lie is now commandant.
760 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Mr. Richey has been elected three times a delegate to the State encampment,
and in 1893 was a national delegate to the (i. A. R. convention at Indianapolis.
Charles N. Boyd is a son of W. S. and Margaret (McCafferty) Boyd, and
was born at Sarversville, Butler county. Pennsylvania, May l'7, 1852. His
paternal grandfather, Rev. Abraham Boyd, was a native of Ireland, ami came
with Ids father, John Boyd, to Westmoreland county at an early date. Rev.
Abraham Boyd was a graduate of Canonsburg College, and formany years was
located in Allegheny county. He established the Westminster and Buffalo
Presbyterian churches of Butler county, and was one of the well known ministers
of pioneer days. He first wife was Eleanor Hillis. Some time after her death,
he married Mrs. Allies Scott. W. S. Boyd, the father of our subject, was born
in Allegheny county in 1818. In 1850 he located at Sarversville, Butler county,
where he was engaged in general merchandising until 1854. In that year he
settled upon a part of the old homestead, in Allegheny county, ami spent the
remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. He was an elder in the Presby-
terian church for many years, ami died July 25, 1865. By his marriage to Mar-
garet, daughter of James McCafferty, he was the father of three children, as fol-
lows : James S. ; Mary E., deceased wife of J. S. Christie, and Charles X. The
subject of this sketch was reared in Allegheny county, and learned the tinner's
trade. In bS74 he formed a partnership with his brother, James S., and estab-
lished a drug business at Tarentum, removing to Connellsville in 1876, where he
remained three years in the same business. He also carried on the drug business
in Somerset county. In the spring of 1SS7 he established his present drug store
in Butler, ami has since built up one of the leading business houses of the
borough. Mr. Boyd was married in 1880, to Delia (i., daughter of David Car-
son, of Connellsville, who died in 1882. His second wife was Agnes, a daughter
of the Rev. J. M. Barnett, of Washington, Pennsylvania, whom he married
December 5. 1889. One daughter, Martha Eleanor, is the fruit of this marriage.
Mr. Boyd is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is an elder in the Butler
organization. He belongs to the Masonic order, anil in politics, is a Republican.
He is one of the public-spirited and enterprising business men of the borough.
Joseph Kemper was born in Westphalia, Prussia, November 10, 1828. In
1844 he immigrated to the United States, and located at Pittsburg, Pennsylva-
nia, where he learned the harnessmaker's trade. After serving his apprenticeship
he located in business at Worthington, Armstrong county, in July, 18555, and in Oc-
tober, 1854, purchased a farm in Clearfield township, Butler county, upon which he
resided until September, 1865, when he moved to Butler, and established the har-
ness store carried on by his son, Prank, up to 1895. He conducted this business suc-
cessfully until 1889, when he retired from active life. Mr. Kemper married Eva,
daughter of Andrew Korb of Clearfield township, which union was blessed with
five children: Bernard; Prank; Mary; Maggie, deceased wife of Michael
Duffy, of Bradford, Pennsylvania, ami Joseph, who is known as Father Peter,
of the Capuchin Order. Mrs. Kemper died in 1865, and he married for his sec-
ond wife Margaret Bruner, to which union have been born four children : Anna,
wife of Joseph Jordan ; John ; Anthony, and Eva. The family are members of
St. Peter's Catholic church, and in politics, Mr. Kemper is a Democrat.
A
CTi^
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. "6 I
Bernard Kemper, eldest son of Joseph and Eva Kemper, was born in
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1854, and received his education in
the public schools and at St. Peter's Parochial school of Butler, and subsequently
attended Witherspoon Institute. In 1869 he commenced learning the shoe-
maker's trade, worked at that business for several years in various places, then
embarked in business under the firm name of Kemper & Shank, which lasted for
two years. He then continued working at his trade until 1891, when he started
a general repair shop, which he has since continued. Mr. Kemper was married
in 1874, to Philomena, daughter of Joseph Weigand, of Butler, to which union
have been born six children : Frank; Mary ; Wilbert ; Eleanor; Aloysious J.,
and Raymond B. The family are members of St. Peter's Catholic church, and
Mr. Kemper is connected with the C. M. B. A., and the B. P. (J. E. In politics,
he is a Democrat.
Frank Kemper, second son of Joseph and Eva Kemper, was born in Clear-
field township, Butler county, February 15, 1856, and received his education in
the common and parochial schools of Butler. He learned the harnessmaker's
trade with his father, and in 1889 he bought out the latter and up to 1895 con-
ducted business at the old stand. Mr. Kemper married Lena, daughter of Jos-
eph Fisher of Butler, and they are the parents of three children, all of whom are
living : Ernest F. ; Anna M., and George M. The family are members of St.
Peter's Catholic church, and Mr. Kemper is connected with the C. M. B. A.
Politically, he is a Democrat.
William J. Ayres was born in the borough of Butler, in March, 1811, son
of Gen. William Ayres, one of the prominent, influential pioneers of the town.
He was educated at a subscription school, and followed the manufacture of
woolen goods, erecting what was long known as the Union Woolen Mills. In 1836
he married Harriet F. McCarns, a daughter of James McCarns, of Fayette county,
and to this union were born five children, viz. : Jane E., who married Dr.
Thomas McMillan; Margaret A., who married William A. Jackson, of Shenango
township, Mercer county ; Hugh A. ; William II. II., deceased, and DeWitt C.
Mr. Ayres died April 9, 1867, and his wife, in October, 1886.
Capt. H. A. Ayres was born in Butler borough, February 10, 1839, eldest
son of William J. and Harriet F. Ayres. He received a common school educa-
tion, and learned the jeweler's trade with W. W. Wilson of Pittsburg. On the
breaking out of the Rebellion his was the first name enrolled in Company II,
Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, the first company raised in Butler count)-.
He enlisted April 17, 1861, and was mustered into the service at Harrisburg
eight days later. His company was commanded by Capt. John N. Purviance,
and served three months. When his term of service expired, he and William S.
Jack recruited Company II. Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, of which
he was elected second lieutenant. While serving on Gen. John F. Miller's staff,
he was promoted to captain, for meritorious services in the field and fidelity and
judgment in the performance of his duty. He commanded his company until
November 4, 1864, when his term of service having expired, he again became a
member of General Miller's staff until the close of the war. Returning to Har-
risville, Butler county, he engaged in merchandising, and afterwards, went into
762 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the oil industry. In L887 he was elected register and recorder of Butler county,
on the Republican ticket, and served in that capacity for three years. Captain
Ay res was married on October 17, 1861, to Elizabeth Kerr, a daughter of Judge
James Kerr, of Harrisville, to which union have been born six children, as fol-
lows : Priscilla, wife of Thomas H. Greer; Harriet L., wife of John C. Graham;
Mar}r; James K., deceased; John, and Paul, the last deceased. The family are
■connected with the Methodist Episcopal church.
George Ketterer is a son of Frederick and Dorothea (Householder)
Ketterer, natives of Germany, where his father was born in 1819. Frederick Ket-
terer was a farmer, and both he and wife died in Germany, the former in 1882,
and the latter in IN'JI. Their family consisted of the following children : Fred-
erick, deceased : Jacob; Henry, deceased; Dorothea, who married Frederick Foell ;
(ieorge ; Charles; Philip: Sarah, who married Philip Hoffner ; Frederick,
deceased, and one who died in infancy. The subject of this sketch was born in
Alsace, Germany, September 14, 1854, and in 1870 emigrated to Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, where he learned the upholstering trade. He came to Butler in 1874,
and in 1876 embarked in business for himself. He subsequently added the fur-
niture business, which he is still engaged in. He erected the building which he
now occupies, also the Western Union Telegraph building, and the Citv Hall.
Mr. Ketterer was married September 30, 1878, to Sophia, daughter of Valentine
Feigel of Butler. Seven children are the fruits of this union as follows : Fred-
erick ; Albert G. ; Augusta K. ; Edward L. ; Clarence H. ; John W., and Doro-
thea M. The family are adherents of the Reformed church, in which body Mr.
Ketterer tills the office of deacon. He is a Democrat in politics; is a member of
the Masonic order, and is connected with the A. L. of H. He has also served as
school director, and takes a commendable interest in the prosperity of his adopted
home.
William Cooper was born in Huntington, Huntingdonshire, England,
February f>, 1846. His father, John Cooper, was born in the same shire Novem-
ber 5, 181'.), and was a merchant tailor and clothier. He was ordained a minister
of the Baptist church in 1850, and in connection with his business devoted a por-
tion of his time to preaching the gospel. He married Ann, daughter of John
Watts of the same place, in March, 1848, to which union were born ten children
Mary A., wife of John Ward; Amelia, wife of Richard Palmer; William
Henrietta, wife of Richard Watts; Emma, wife of Thomas Bridge; John
George; Esther; Alfred, and Florence, deceased. The subject of this sketch
learned merchant tailoring at Leeds, Yorkshire, England, commencing his trade
at the age of thirteen years. He worked as a tailor for several years, and then
went to London, where he took a course in the art of cutting, remaining there
three years. He then emigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he entered the
employ of Alfred Eyers, with whom he remained three years and a half, subse-
quently spent two years and a half with Carson & Company, and three years
with Henry Beckman & Company. These were the largest firms in Cleveland at
that time. From Cleveland he went to Newburg, Ohio, and worked for George
Small some two years. Returning to Cleveland he became designer and cutter
for S. Mann-Austrian & Company, with whom he remained two years, and for
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 763
the next eighteen months traveled through Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, working
at his trade. Again returning to Cleveland he tilled the position of pattern
designer for a wholesale house for eighteen months, and afterwards entered the
service of the Cherry Valley Iron Company at Leetonia, Ohio, where for three
years and a half he rilled the position of manager of their merchant tailoring and
clothing department. Coming to Butler he filled the position of cutter for Will-
iam Aland until January 1. 1894, when he engaged in business as a member of
the firm of Young & Cooper. The former retired January 1, 1895, and the firm
then became Cooper & Company. Mr. Cooper was married November 27, 1867,
to Harriet, daughter of Daniel Charles, of Cambridgeshire, England. They are
the parents of seven children : Florence : Kate ; William ; Nellie ; John ; Peter,
and Paul.
Jacob S. Young, merchant tailor and oil operator, was born in Lawrence
county, Pennsylvania. December '2i), 1856, son of John Young, and was reared
on the homestead farm in Butler county. In 1888 he engaged in general mer-
chandising at Brownsdale, which he continued for nearly three years, and was post-
master at that point during this period. He afterwards carried on a store for three
years at Dutchtown. Since l,H8i{ he has been an oil producer, and quite successful
in that line of business. In 1890 he purchased a resilience in Butler, where he
has since resided. He embarked in the merchant tailoring business January 1(1,
1894, as a member of the firm of Young tS: Cooper, which was dissolved Januarv
1. 1895, Mr. Young retiring. He then established the present store of J. S. & J.
P. Young, on the corner of Main ami Jefferson streets. Mr. Young was married
February 15, 1891, to Nannie 1'., daughter of William Graham, of Forward
township, and has three children : Florence M. ; Harry W., and Edna G. He
is a member of the United Presbyterian church, ami politically a Republican.
George Miller was born near Harper's Ferry, Virginia, in 1799, grew to
manhood in his native county, and learned the cabinetmaker's trade. He
removed from Virginia to Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, and thence to
Butler, where he purchased property and engaged in the furniture business,
which he followed for many years, In 1828 he married Eliza Maharg, a daugh-
ter of John Maharg of Forward township, Butler county, to which union were
born eleven children, as follows: Catherine, who married Dickson Barkley :
John; Joseph, deceased; James H. : Presley, deceased; Newton, deceased:
Eliza J., wife of George McBride of Butler; William A, deceased; Mar-
garet, wife of William Daubenspeck ; Henry, and Sarah B., who married Clar-
ence Bolton. Mr. Miller died January 31, 1878, and his wife in September,
1898. They were members of the United Presbyterian church, and among the
pioneers of the Butler congregation, in which he held the office of elder. Politic-
ally, he was a Republican, anil served as county commissioner and treasurer of
Butler county.
James H. Millei: was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, April 1^, 1833, was
educated in the public schools of the borough, anil learned the chairmaker's
trade. He afterwards engaged in the furniture business, which he followed until
the spring of 1890. In September. 1801, lie enlisted in Company H, Seventy-
eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was mustered into the service at Kittanning,
"64 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and served three years, being honorably discharged in August, 1864. In 1881 he
was elected, on the Republican ticket, treasurer of Butler county, and served a
full term, and in February, 1890, he was elected overseer of the poor of Butler
borough. Mr Miller is a member of the United Presbyterian church, is a char-
ter member of A. G. Reed Post, G. A. R., also of the Union Veteran Legion,
and is connected with the K. of II. He has been twice married; first to Miss
Mars A. Cunningham, in 1857, who died the following year. He married for
his second wife, Mrs. Harriet Milligan, widow of Joseph Milligan, of Armstrong
county, in 1867.
William II. Ritter, son of Karl L. Ritter, a native of Hesse Darmstadt,
Germany, and Sarah J. (Gibson) Ritter, a daughter of William Gibson, of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, was born in Allegheny City, August 3, 1843, and
obtained a common and select school education. He began life for himself as a
salesman in Pittsburg, continuing until he enlisted in Company D, One Hun-
dred and Ninety-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he served until the
regiment was mustered out. when he returned home. In 1868 he purchased the
general store of James R. Sampson, at Newport, Pennsylvania, which was car-
ried on until 1870 under the name of Ritter & Ralston. The firm then sold out
and located in Butler, where they began business September 20, 1871. and for
many years carried on the largest dry goods and millinery business in the bor-
ough. Mr. Ritter was married September 4, 1878, to Minnie II. Patterson, a
daughter of Col. Joseph P. Patterson, of Butler, to which union six children
have been born, as follows : Charles P. ; William H. ; Joseph L. ; Susan F. ;
Sarah J., and Edna M. Himself and wife are members of the United Presby-
terian church. In politics, he is an ardent Republican, lias served as a member
and secretary of the state central committee, has been a delegate to party con-
ventions, and is recognized as one of the most active and successful workers in
local politics. He is a member of A. G. Reed Post. G. A. R., and also of the
Royal Arcanum.-
William S. Graham was born in New Enterprise, Bedford county, Penn-
sylvania, May 25, 1855, and is a son of James II. and Susan( Snoeberger) Graham
of Penn township. He received a common school education and subsequently
attended the State Normal School at Indiana, Pa., afterwards teaching for five
years. He was a salesman for Berg & Cypher of Butler, and was next
appointed agent for the United States Express Company, which position he filled
for three years at Butler, and one year at Dunkirk, New York. In 1SS7 he
embarked in the grocery business as junior member of the firm of Bellis <.V. Gra-
ham, and was also interested in the oil business. In 1891 he retired from the
grocery business, and became agent for the United States Express Company in
Allegheny City. In June, 1893, he again went into the grocery business at his
former stand in Butler, and still continues the same. Mr. Graham was married
September 4, 1881, to Esther, daughter of Israel Seaman of Penn township, and
has five children : Charles; Dora; Harry; Nanny, and Ethel. In politics, he is a
Republican, and in religious faith, a member of the Presbyterian church.
John B. Reed was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and
grew to manhood in that county. He received a common school education, and
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 763
devoted a portion of his life to teaching music. He was a boatman on the Penn-
sylvania canal, and lived at Tarentum, Allegheny county. In 1864 he went into
the genera] merchandising in that town, removed to Riddle's Cross Roads three
years alter, where he engaged in the same business, and was also postmaster at that
point. He afterwards conducted a store at Flick, whence he returned to Taren-
tum, where he continued merchandising until 1875, when lie sold out and retired
from business. Mr. Reed married Matilda, daughter of John Miller of Mt.
Chestnut. Butler county, to whom were born six children : John M. : Rachel I?.;
Adam W. ; Martha T.. who married \V. T. McCandless of Franklin town-hip;
fames II., and Carson X. lie was a member of the Presbyterian church, a leader
in the choir for many years, and also an elder in that organization. His wife
died March 16, 1875; he survived her until June 10. 1890.
John M. Reed, eldest son of John B. Recti, was born in Buffalo township.
Butler county, February 9, 1860, and received a common school education. In
February, 1876, he engaged in clerking for Bellis & Gerlach of St. Joe, Butler
county. The following June he took a similar position in the store of Ritter &
Ralston, of Butler, with whom he remained until July, 1883. He then filled the
position of salesman in B. C. Huselton's store until December, 1889, when he
embarked in the grocery business, which he sold February 1. 1894, and purchased
the agency for all the Pittsburg daily papers coming to Butler. Mr. Reed was
married March 29, 1881, to Elizabeth, daughter of John McFall of Smith's Ferry,
Beaver county, ami has rive children : Susan M. ; Bessie B. ; Nellie I. : Endell
X.. and Ralph E. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Butler,
in which he is financial secretary of the official board, and has been secretary of
the Sabbath school for seventeen years. He is a Republican in politics, and is
connected with Connoquenessing Lodge, Number 272, I. 0. U. F., also the 1*.
II. C. and is secretary and accountant of the John S. Campbell Hose Compam .
Peter Biehl was born in Rolenburg, Germany, in 1820 grew to manhood
in his native place, and there learned the trade of coppersmith. He immigrated
to Pennsylvania in 1848 and located in Butler, where he went into the tin and cop-
persmith business. In 1859 he purchased the present location of his son Henry,
and in 1873 he bought a part of the Millard tract, in the borough of Butler. He
married Martha Bodesheim, a native of Germany, and was the father of five chil-
dren : Henry: Conrad; William G. ; George C, and one that died in infancy.
Mr. Biehl died February 7, 1876; his widow resides in Butler. He was an adher-
ent of the Reformed church.
Hexry Biehl, eldest son of Peter Biehl, was born in the borough of Butler.
July 30, 1850. After receiving a public school education, he took a course' in
book-keeping at Duff's Commercial College, Pittsburg, and afterwards learned
the tinning and roofing trade witli his father. In 1875 he obtained an interest in
the business, and July 1, 1889, he purchased the interest of all others ami has
since been sole proprietor. Mr. Biehl was married May 5, 1885, to Ida I!. May,
a daughter of Rev. Josiah May, pastor of Sugar Creek Reformed church, Arm-
strong county. She died November 23, 1887. He was again married, Septem-
ber 3, 1891, to Joanna M., daughter of Eli Naly, of Greensburg. Pennsylvania.
One child, Eleanor H., deceased, has been born to this union. Mr. Biehl is a
766 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
member of Bethany Reformed church, <>t' which he has been deacon, and is now
an elder, and is also librarian of the Sabbath school. Politically, he is a Democrat.
John I), [ackson was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1845,
and is a son of John E. [ackson. His father was born in Chester county.
Pennsylvania, August S, 1812, and was a wheelwright, and carried on business
at Springfield, Pennsylvania. His mother was Maria, daughter of Joseph Milnes
of Berks county, and his parents were married in 1882. They had seven children :
Elizabeth; Joseph M. ; David E. ; Marx E., and Samuel, both deceased ; John
I)., ami Hannah M. The parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. The subject of this sketch received a common school education, ami sub-
sequently attended the State Normal School at Millersville, Pennsylvania. He
afterwards learned the miller's trade, and in 1870 he entered his brother's store at
Freeport, Pennsylvania, as salesman. In 1ST* he came to Butler and embarked
in the hardware business as a member of the firm of Jackson t\: Mitchell, which
lias since carried on business successfully. Mr. Jackson was married December
l(>, 1ST:!, to Agnes J., daughter of Judge James Mitchell, of Summit township,
ami has one son. John II. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Butler, in which organization he has been a steward, and is
now one of the trustees. Politically, he is a Republican, and one of the liberal.
enterprising citizens of the community.
John Mitchell, son of lames Mitchell. Sr., was born on the homestead
farm in Summit township. Butler county. December 7. 1828, received a com-
mon school education, and afterwards attended W'itherspoon Institute. He fol-
lowed agriculture until 1864, and then removed to the borough of Butler where
he became a member of the firm of Mitchell & Company, in the livery business.
He sold out in 1868 and went into the lumber business in partnership with
George Webber, but engaged in the livery business again in 1875. He was after-
wards assistant assessor in the United States revenue service, and in 1878 he was
appointed sheriff of Butler county. Mr. Mitchell was married June 5. 1856, to
Angeline Mcjunkin, a daughter of William Mcjunkin, of Centre township. The
following children were born to this union : Margaret H., wife of J. C. Mcjun-
kin; George, deceased ; Sarah E., wife of J. M. Galbreath; Nancy P., wife of
Dr. S. M. Bippus; Edith J., wife of L. M. Shira, and Orwell II. Mrs. Mitch-
ell died December IS. 1891. Mr. Mitchell is a stanch Republican, is a member
of the Presbyterian church, and is connected with the Masonic order.
Christopher Stock, Su., was born in Germany, September 16, 1815,
received a parochial school education, and was apprenticed to the trade of archi-
tect and contractor. In 1*47 he married Elizabeth Wentzel, of Dettinger, Ger-
many, who became the mother of six children, as follows: Mary; John; Phil-
opena; Christopher: Christopher, (2) ; Margaret, who married J. W. Higgins,
all of whom are dead, except the two last mentioned. Mr. Stock immigrated to
the United States, anil settled in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he purchased prop-
erty of John Negley. He resided in this borough until his death, June 27, 1859.
His widow died December 16, 1881. They were members of St. Peter's Catholic
church, to which faith their descendants belong. Politically. Mr. Stock was a
UIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 767
Democrat, hut outside of exercising the rights of franchise, he took little interest
in political affairs.
Christopher Stock was born in the borough of Butler, April 28, 1855,
and was here reared and educated. In 1869 he attended the coal business of
James A. Negley, and the following year began learning the tinning and roofing
trade with Anthony Rockenstein, for whom he worked until 1879. He then pur-
chased the business of A. C. Xaggle, and has been conducting the tinning and
rooting business ever since. In 1885 he purchased his present store property, then
known as the old Wise stand, which he has since rebuilt. Mr. Stock was mar-
ried October 13, 1881, to Elizabeth, a daughter of Anthony Rockenstein, of But-
ler, to which union one child, Ernest F., was born, January 18, 1883. Mrs.
Stock died January 22, 1883, and he was again married, October 14, 1884, to
Amelia, daughter of Joseph Wagner, of Butler. Five children have been born to
this marriage, as follows: Amelia; Christopher: Mary; Lillian, and Charles
Joseph, the two last mentioned being the only survivors. Mr. Stock and wife
are members of St. Peter's Catholic church, of which he was secretary for two
terms, and in politics, he is a Democrat. He is also a member of the Catholic
Knights of St. George, of which he is secretary and treasurer. In 1888 he went
into the oil business, and is now interested in seventeen producing wells in Butler
county. In connection with his tinning and rooting business, he carries a stock
of hardware, glass and paint, and is one of the substantial merchants of the
borough.
William H. O'Brien, plumber, gas fitter, etc., was born in Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, June 11. 1847. son of Samuel and Eliza (Devlin) O'Brien. His grand-
father, Michael O'Brien, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to which city his
father immigrated from Waterford. Ireland. Michael married Margaret Hook,
a native of Philadelphia, December I, 1801, the ceremony being performed bv
Dr. Carroll, the first Catholic Bishop of the United States. In June. L806, Mich-
ael and family came to Pittsburg, where he died in L81G. His widow died at
Latrobe. in 1854. He was an architect, but never followed that profession, de-
voting his attention to mercantile pursuits. Samuel O'Brien, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Pittsburg, about 1813, grew to manhood in that city, and fol-
lowed contracting and building. He married Eliza Devlin, and was the father
of the following children : Margaret, widow of James Call ; Joseph, deceased,
who served in Company II, Sixty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers; Mary, wife of
F. J. Totten ; Samuel F., agent of the Humane society, of Pittsburg; William
H., and Elizabeth, wife of William Kane. Mr. O'Brien died in 1869 ; his widow
is living in Pittsburg. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native city,
received a common school education, and at eighteen began learning the pattern-
maker's trade, but after a few months changed to the plumbing and gas fitting,
at which he worked in Pittsburg for eighteen years. He next spent three years
in Oil City, where he carried on business with G. F. Shutte. In January, 1888,
they started in business on Jefferson street, in Butler, and in the spring of 1892
Mr. O'Brien bought out his partner, and became sole proprietor, but has since
taken in his son Albert F., the firm now being W. II. O'Brien & Son In 187<>
he married Elizabeth Wendling, a daughter of John Wendling, of Pittsburg.
768 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
which union has been blessed with the following children: Albert F. ; Stella;
Ida ; William II. : Bessie ; Samuel ; Marie ; Joseph II. ; Camilla ; Murry. and two
that died in infancy. The family are members of St. Paul's Catholic church, and
Mr. O'Brien is connected with the C. M. B. A. lie is a stanch Democrat, and
is one of the energetic and progressive business men of the borough.
Frank J. Huff, son of David and Melinda Huff, natives of West Virginia,
was born at Niles, Michigan, December ;.",», 1854. After receiving a common
school education, he learned the plumber's trade, at Cleveland, Ohio, and subse-
quently worked in Baltimore, ami Washington, D. C, whence he returned to
Cleveland. In 1887 be located in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he purchased the
plumbing establishment of Jefferson Burtner, which he has since carried on. In
1882 he married Theresa, a daughter of Henry Kline, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio,
and has two children : Forrest, and Frank II. Mr. Huff is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
George C. Bei.lis. second son of Sipe and Mary (Myers) Bellis, was born
in Portersville, Butler county. Pennsylvania. December 2 1 , L849, and received a
common school education in the schools of that vicinity. In L865 he engaged in
the lumber business, which he continued until 1873, and then embarked in mer-
chandising at Greece City, and subsequently at St. Joe. He was also in the oil
business during this period. He came to Butler and embarked in the grocery
business in 1879, as a member of the firm of Bellis & Miller. They sold out to
Mays & Murphy, but continued the business at another point. In 18sr> he
bought out Mr. Murphy's interest in the old firm, which then became Bellis iV
Mays, but again sold in 1890. In 1891 he formed a partnership in the grocery
business under the firm name of Bellis & Golden, which has since been changed
to Bellis & Myers. Mr. Bellis is a member of the United Presbyterian church, is
a Democrat in politics, and is a member of the K. of P. He was married January
28, 1875, to Grizella, daughter of Josiah Miller of Mt. Chestnut, and has five
children : George F. ; Plummer L. ; Charles ; May, and Blanche B.
RunoLi'ii Weser was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1826, and learned
the stonemason's trade in his native land. He came to the United States in 1848,
ami settled in the borough of Butler, Pennsylvania, where he followed his trade
as a contractor. lie built the jail. Jefferson street school building, the Judge Mc-
Candless resilience ami the Dougherty building, and also erected the jail at
Greensburg, Pennsylvania. In 1870 he was married to Annie, daughter of Leon-
ard Wise, of Butler, to which union were born five children: Xorbert T. ;
Gertie ; Rose ; Bertha, and Mark. Mr. Weser died October 7, 1881'), in the faith
of the Catholic church, to which denomination bis family belongs. Politically.
la- was a Democrat, and a good, industrious citizen. His widow- resides with her
son Xorbert.
Xorbert T. Weser, eldest son of Rudolph Weser, was born in Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania, January 25, 1871, and was educated in the public schools
and at Duff's Business College, Pittsburg. He was then appointed assistant
book-keeper at the Butler Glass Works, and afterwards clerked for J. F. T. Stehle.
In the spring of 1SN7 he opened a stationery and news depot, which he sold to J.
S. Jack in April, 1898. He is now manager for the Butler Automatic Machine
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 769
Company, also district manager for the Metropolitan Loan and Savings Associa-
tion of Camden. New Jersey, for western Pennsylvania. He is a member of the
Catholic church, and is connected with Branch Number 56, C. M. 15. A., also the
15. P. O. E. Politically, he is a Democrat, and lias been elected to office several
times. He is a member of Company E, Fifteenth Regiment, National Guard,
also of the Good Will Hose Company.
Oui\ M. Philips was born in Penn township. Butler county, December 11.
1857, and is the eldest son of John Philips. After receiving a common school
education, he found employment in a brickyard, ami in 1S77 he began clerking
for G, Wilson Miller & Brother, of Butler. In 1885 he went on the road as a
traveling salesman for the wholesale grocery house of Reeves, l'arvin tV. Company,
of Philadelphia, anil in 1888 he embarked in the grocery business in Butler, as a
member of the firm of Haley A: Philips. In 1889 he bought Mr. Haley's interest.
since which time he has carried on the business alone. Mr. Philips married
Nettie, daughter of S. C. Nice, of Sandy Lake. Mercer county, and is the father
of two children : Lucile, deceased, and Francis. Politically, he is a Republican,
anil is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Absolom Grove was born in New Lebanon. Mercer count)-, Pennsylvania,
in 1836, received a common school education, and learned the carpenter's trade
before arriving at maturity. He followed his trade until I SO 1 , when he enlisted
in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, com-
manded by Captain Douglass, and participated in all of the battles in which that
regiment \s as engaged down to Gettysburg, where he was killed. In 1857 Mr.
Grove married Anna M. Ramsey, who bore him a family of three children:
Jacob II.: William II., and Odessa G.,wife of James 1.. Cannon, of Clark's
Station. Mrs. Grove resides in French Creek township, Mercer county.
William II. Grove, youngest son of Absolom and Anna M. Grove, was
born in New Lebanon, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, April 13, I860, and was
reared and educated in Ill's native township. He followed agriculture for the
years, and then engaged in merchandising at New Lebanon. In ISS'.I he went
to Venango, Crawford county, where he carried on a general store until 1891,
then sold out and located in Butler. lie established a grocery store in this bor-
ough, which he has since conducted successfully. Mr. Grove is a member of the
Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican. On November lit,
1888, he married M. Alice McMullen. a daughter of Andrew J. McMullen, of
Sandy Lake, Mercer count) .
Mark Schneidemas was born in Transtadt, Germany, in 1820, and learned
the hatter's and furrier's trades in his native land. He immigrated to Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania, in 1846, where he followed his trade for twelve years. In
1S49 he married Miss Hannach, of Pittsburg, to which union were born two
children, as follows: James A., deceased, and Hyman. His wife died in Is.").").
He married for his second wife a Miss Roesenthal. To this union was born one
child, Jennie, now Mrs. Lippman, of Philadelphia. About two years later he
was called to part with his second wife. After the lapse of some sears lie mar-
ried a third time, to which union was born one son. Dr. T. 1!. Schneideman, a
prominent physician of Philadelphia. Mr. Schneideman came to Butler in 1858
7/0 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and established a general store, which he conducted until 1871, when he
embarked in the clothing business exclusively. In I y77 he sold out and removed
to Philadelphia, in which cit\ he still resides.
Hvman Schneidesian was horn in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, July 15, 1853,
and is the second son of Mark Schneideman. lie was educated in the public
schools of Butler and at Witherspoon Institute, and subsequently entered his
father's store, for whom he clerked until the spring of 1873, when he embarked in
business for himself, as junior member of the firm ol I. A. & II. Schneideman.
His brother died in 1876, since which year lie was sole proprietor until a recent
date, when he sold out. On February 18, 1880, lie married Ella B. Martin, a
daughter of Thomas Martin, of Jefferson township. Butler county. Three chil-
dren have been the fruits of this union, viz.. : Clara; Martha E., deceased, and
Mary L. Both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and in pol-
itics, he is a Republican. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. In 1885 Mr.
Schneideman purchased his present business house, and besides his mercantile
business lie is also extensively engaged in real estate dealing. lie is one of the
charter members of Rough Run Manufacturing Company, Limited, which was
organized in January, 1892. Mr. Schneideman U one of the enterprising busi-
ness men of Butler.
Daniel A. Heck, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Rose) Heck, was born in
Centre township, Butler county, February IS. 1888. He received a good educa-
tion, and followed school teaching tor seven years. In 1864 he entered the store
of Charles Duffy, of Butler, for whom he clerked until 1866. In that year he
embarked in business at Apollo. Armstrong count) , as a member of the firm of
Maxwell & Heck, but returned to his old position in Mr. Duffy's store in 1868. In
April, 1873, he became a member of the firm of Heck & Patterson, which existed
until 1883, and he then established his present business. On January 10, 1870,
Mr. Heck married Mary J. Chambers, a daughter of J. B. Chambers, of Apollo.
To this union have been born six children, viz.: Martha E. : |ohn C. ; Eliza-
beth A., deceased; Mary G. : William A., and Edith R. Mr. Heck and wife are
connected with the Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican. He-
has served in the borough council, and is one of the enterprising business men of
the town. He is a member of both the Lodge and Chapter, F. & A. M., is also
connected with the A. O. V. W., the K. of II.. the A. L. of H., and the E. A. U.
William G. Douthett, son of David ami Jane E. Douthett, was born
upon the old homestead in Forward township, Butler county, March i'0, 1862,
and received his education in the district school. At the age of sixteen years he
took charge of his father's farm, and conducted it until January, 1891, when he
removed to Butler, and engaged in the liver) business. lie carried on the livery
down to August 1, 1892, when he sold out. In March, 1893, he formed a part-
nership with Hart \V. F. Graham, under the firm name of Douthett & Graham,
and established their present clothing and gent's furnishing store on the corner of
Main and Cunningham streets, which is one of the leading establishments of the
kind in Butler. Mr. Douthett married Sarah C. Bart lev. a daughter of Williamson
Bartley, of Penn township, and has two children : Jennie B., and Elizabeth B.
He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, has been a Sabbath school
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
teacher since t he- age of twenty-seven, and is now the assistant superintendent of
the Sabbath school of the Butler congregation. Politically, lie is a stanch Repub-
lican, and is one of the enterprising young business men of the borough.
EbENEZER Graham was born within the present limits of Butler, Decem-
ber 25, 1824, son of Robert and Sarah (Brown) Graham. His father settled
on the site of Butler in lT'.'T, and his mother was a daughter of Robert Brown, a
pioneer justice of the peace of Middlesex township. He was reared upon the
homestead farm, and afterwards learned the brickmaker's trade, and manufac-
tured the brick for one of t he first houses erected in the borough of Butler. In
1850 he married a Miss Thompson, who lived but two months after marriage.
October 18, 1853, he married Wilhelmina Fetter, a daughter of Rev. VV. A. Fet-
ter, of Butler, to which union were born the following children : Adolphus \V. ;
Salome C. ; Louis I.., deceased; Edmund T. ; Johanna K., deceased ; Hart W.
F. : AlvinR.; Earnest ().. and Andrew 1. M. Mrs. Graham died March 20, \*7~>.
Both she and husband were members of the English Lutheran church of Butler,
and pioneers of that society.
Hart \V. F. Graham was bom in the borough of Butler, August 20, 1866,
son of Ebenezer and Wilhelmina Graham. Alter receiving a common school
education, he entered the Union Woolen Mills, of Butler, where he learned
the trade of manufacturing flannels, blankets and yarns, and worked at that bus-
iness until October. 1883. He then entered the store of II. Schneideman, as a
salesman, with whom In- remained until January I. 1893. In the following
March he formed a partnership with William G. Douthett, under the firm name
of Douthett & Graham, and established a general clothing and gent's furnishing
store on the corner of Main and Cunningham streets, where they have since car-
ried on business. Mr. Graham was married October HI. 1SS7. to Anna J. Sher-
idan, a daughter of Bernard Sheridan, of Clearfield township, and has two chil-
dren : Alvin A. II.. and Le Moyne R. lie is a member of the English Lutheran
church, of Butler, in which he i- now deacon and secretary of the church council.
lie is also connected with Tent, Number 34, K. O. T. M.. ami is R. K. of that
society.
Alexander S. McBride was bom near Lowellville, Ohio, March 3. 1814,
son of Samuel and Ann (Struthers) McBride, of the same county. His father
was born in 1786, and died May 28, 1827. His mother died May 26, 1865. They
were the parents of four sons and three daughters. The subject of this sketch
was reared upon his lather's farm, sand attended the pioneer subscription
school in boyhood. In 1881, when seventeen years of age, he wenl to Warren,
Pennsylvania, where In- learned the printer's trade, after which he located
in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he continued at this occupation until his death.
Prior to 1851 he was appointed clerk of the House of Representatives, at Ilar-
risburg, which position he filled lor several consecutive terms. He after-
wards resumed work al his trade, and was at one time editor of the Butler
Herald. Mr. McBride was married April 30, 1889, to Maria A. McKee, a
daughter of Hugh McKee. one of the pioneers of Butler. Seven children were
the fruits of this union, as follows: Hugh W.. who died in New Mexico. Sep-
tember i'ii. 1884; Samuel F., who enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and
772 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, served until the close of the war, and is now
employed in the government printing office at Washington; George A., who
died in Butler, April 7. 1883, from blood poisoning, caused l>\ an injur) to one
of his feet while in the silver mines of Colorado; Isaiah J., a resident of Butler;
Cooper F.. who read medicine with Dr. Xevman. graduated at the University
of Pennsylvania, March ll'. 1875, ami is now a practicing physician of Youngs-
town, Ohio; Robert D., a resident of Hemet, California, and Stephen H. Mr.
McBride died September 7, 1805, and his wile. May 18. 1881. They were mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian church, of Butler. He was a stanch Democrat,
in politics, and was a member of Connoquenessing Lodge, 1. ( >. O. F.
Isaiah J. McBride was horn in I Finishing. Pennsylvania, January 19,
IMS. son of Alexander S., and Maria A. McBride. After obtainining a common
school education, he learned the painter's trade, which business he lias followed
up to the present. In April, 1891, he formed a partnership with Charles R.
Elliott, and established a wall paper and painter's supply store, and the firm of
McBride A: Elliott existed until January l".). 1894. Mr. McBride then purchased
his partner's interest, and has since carried on the business alone. lie was mar-
ried on July 18, 1871, to Jennie Mcintosh, of Evans City, and has three children,
viz.: Hugh A.. Mary McKcc. and James C. Mr. McBride is a member of the
United Presbyterian church, is connected with the A. C). U. W. and is a stanch
adherent of the Democratic party.
Joseph J. Elliott was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1833,
was reared in his native countv, and there learned the painter's trade, which he
has followed up to the present. In 1856 he married Caroline Rose, of Monon-
gahela City, and eleven children have been horn to this union, as follows: Mary
U., deceased; Charles R. ; Mary A., wife of W. C. McCandless ; Elizabeth,
deceased wife of O. P. Cochran; Carrie, wife of David Scott ; Julia, deceased :
Loretta; John '1'. ; Joseph: Frank, and Grace. In ls.r>,s Mr. Elliott came to the
borough of Butler, where he has since been engaged in working at his business.
Politically, lie is a Democrat, was doorkeeper in the Senate in 1871, and of the
House of Representatives in 1883; has been a member of the borough council,
and also burgess of Butler lor two term-. I le is a member of St. Peter's Pro-
testant Episcopal church, and lias been a vestryman in that society.
Charles R. Elliott was born in Monongahela City. Washington county,
Pennsylvania, January 31, 1858, son of Joseph |. Elliott, and came with his
parents to Butler in infancv. He was reared in this borough, received a common
school education, ami learned the painter's trade with his father. In 1891 he
engaged in business as a member of the firm of McBride & Elliott dealers in
wall papers, etc. He sold his interest to his partner in January, 1894, and the
following month opened a similar establishment on West Jefferson street. Mr.
Elliott was married Jul) 10, L885, to Henrietta Fiedler, of Harmony, and has
lour children, viz. : Julia F. ; Clifford A. ; John J., and Clara. He is an adher-
ent of the I lemocratic part v.
James IF Douglass, son of Samuel and Jane Douglass, was born in Ros-
traver township, Westmoreland countv, Pennsylvania, November 9, lSi'y, and
was reared and educated in his native countv. He learned photography at
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 773
Uniontown, Fayette comity, and in the fall of 1857 removed to Kittanning,
Armstrong county, and embarked in dentistry. In 1863 he located at Free-
port, where he followed the same business. He was appointed postmaster
of that place in 1878, and served two full terms. In 1886 he came to
Butler, and embarked in the book and stationery business, which lie still con-
tinues. Mr. Douglass was married on November 13, 1860, to Amanda Henry, a
daughter of Alexander Henry, of Kittanning, and has three children, viz. :
Madge, Harriet L.. and Charles II. lie is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, in which society he tills the office of trustee. In politics, he is a Repub-
can.
William Miller was born in Newport township. Luzerne county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1821, and is a son of John Miller, a native of this State. He was
reared upon his father's farm in Luzerne county, and after arriving at manhood,
he settled upon a farm in the same township, where he was engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits until 1 S.j'.*. In that year he removed to Butler county, purchased a
farm of 150 acres in Butler township, ami resided upon it until 1889, when he
retired to Butler, where he at present lives. Mr. Miller has been twice mar-
ried, his first wife being Helena Hauk, who died in 1860, leaving a family of
three children, as follows: G. Wilson, of Butler; Henry, of the same borough,
and Emmeline, wife of I. F. Andrews. His second wife was Miss Emmeline
Yetter, who has borne him one daughter. Mary, wife of William W. Manny, of
Butler. Politically, Mr. Miller is a Democrat, and in religious faith, he is a
Lutheran, the family being adherents of the English Lutheran church of Butler.
Henry Miller, second son of William and Helena Miller, was born in
Newport township, Luzerne county. September 15, 1851, and received a com-
mon school education. In November, 1869, he began clerking for S. R. Dieffen-
bacher & Company, of Butler, and remained with them and their successors for
some two years. He next entered the employ of Charles Duffy, for whom he
clerked for three years. In 1N75 be formed a partnership with his brother, G.
Wilson, under the firm name of G. Wilson Miller .V. Brother, which continued
until 1890. In 1891 he established his present grocery store and has since built
up a good trade. Mr. Miller is one of the original stockholders of the Citizens'
Gas Company, ami the Butler Agricultural Association. In politics, he is a
Democrat, but takes no active interest in political matters. He was formerly a
member of the German Reformed church, but is now connected with the Ger-
man Lutheran church. He was married July 25, 1875, to Mary, daughter of
Henry Eitenmiller, to which union have been born three children : Charles II.;
William W., and Alice E., deceased.
Henry Eitenmiller was born in 1821, in Darmstadt, Germany. Ik-
learned the tailor's trade in youth, and early in the forties settled in Butler,
where he engaged in that business. In 1N69 he opened the Diamond Hotel, now-
known as the Park, which be carried on for several years. In 1888 be purchased
tin- property now known as the Hotel Butler, which be carried on as the Eiten-
miller House until 1892. He then retired from active business, and died May
30, 1893. He married Elizabeth Rimp. of Germany, who survives him. They
were the parents of one daughter, Mary, now the wife of Henry Miller. Mr.
774 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Eitenmiller was a stockholder in the Bald Ridge Oil Company, and was quite
successful in the accumulation of real estate. Ik- was a Democrat in politics,
and was a member of the German Lutheran church.
Marshall A Berkimer was horn in Rochester, Pennsylvania, August 23,
L859, and is a sun of George II. Berkimer. The latter was burn in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, August I I, 1838, and alter arriving at manhood, he was a sales-
man in the dry goods house of John Dean of that city, also at the Bee Hive. In
1865 he started a general store at Rochester, and then traveled in the wholesale
boot and shoe business until his death, which occurred November 12, 1892. In
ISolJ he married Annie M., daughter of William D. Renno, Sr. , of Rochester,
and had two children, Jennie E., and Marshall A. His widow resides with her
son in Butler. Mr. Berkimer was a member of the Royal Arcanum, and also of
the I, < ). O. F. The subject of this sketch received a common school education
and learned the undertaking business with John Murphy & Company, of Pittsburg,
with whom he was ten years prior to January 1. 1893, when he established
the undertaking business at 251 South Main street, Butler, under the firm name
of Berkimer & Taylor. lie married Mary J., a daughter of the late Rev. James
A. Clark, of Prospect. Butler county, February 3, 1887. He and wife are mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
| ACOB C. Burckhalter, son of George and Mary Burckhalter, was born in
the City of New York. December 19, 1850, received a common school education,
and learned the blacksmith's trade with George Reiber, of Butler, where he
located in 1867. He followed his trade for many years, and finally went into
the undertaking business, purchasing an establishment in L893, from E. H.
Anderson, which he sold to Berkimer & Taylor. On December L>;i, 1873, Mr.
Burckhalter married Maggie Koch, a daughter of Fred Koch, of Butler, anil
has two children, George N. and Charles ). He is a member of the German
Lutheran church, and in politics, he is an adherent of the Democratic party,
lie Served as constable for two years, and has been a member of the Butler Fire
Department since its organization. Mr. Burckhalter has recently opened an
undertaking establishment on West Cunningham street, in the Troutman block.
RoiiEKT M. HARPER, son of Thomas and Margaret Harper of Concord
township. Butler county, was born in that township, Ma\ 9, 1830. He was
reared upon a farm, and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1850 he went to Cali-
fornia, worked in the gold mines for two years, then returned to Butler county,
and embarked in merchandising at North Washington. In 1872 he engaged in
the oil industry at Parker, and in 1890 removed to Butler, where he is at present
residing. He married Eliza J. Mechling, a daughter of Joseph Meching, of
Washington township. The following children are the fruits of this union:
Alwilda; John II.; Agnes, who married E. II. Anderson, of Butler; Elmer,
deceased; Josephine; Jessie, and Frederick. Mr. Harper is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a trustee, anil in politics, he is an
adherent of the Republican party.
[ohn II. Harper, son of Robert M. and Eliza J. Harper, was born at North
Washington, Butler county, August 23, 1857, received a common school educa-
tion, and clerked in his father's store at North Washington for several years. He
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 775
was afterwards in business at that point as a member of the firm of Harper
Brothers. In 1886 he came to Butler and opened a general store, which he has
since carried on. Mr. Harper was married March 20, 188)5, to Agf^ie Graham,
a daughter of Malcolm and Mary Graham of Wilkinsburg. The}- are the par-
ents of two children, Frances L., and Grace K., deceased. He is a member of
the United Presbyterian church, in politics, a Republican, and has served in the
borough council. He U connected with Ziegler Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the
K. of I'.
Philip Schaul, son of Sigismond and Minna Schaul, was born in the town
of l?uk, Province of Posen, Prussia, Augusl 1, 1866, and came to the United
States with hi- parent- in 1874. They settled at Hornellsville, New- York,
when- he was reared and received a common school education. He began clerk-
ing in the clothing house of Simon Turk, and in 1SS5 went into the clothing
business as a member of the linn of Schaul Brothers, at Hornellsville. In 1890
the firm of Schaul Brothers & Company was formed and located in Butler, and
continued in the clothing trade until IS1,):!, when our subject formed a partner-
ship with Philip Nast, purchased the interests of Schaul Brothers and organized
the present firm of Schaul & Xast. This store is one of the largest of its kind in
this section of the State, anil the largesl clothing, bat and gent's furnishing goods
establishment in Butler county. Mr. Schaul is a member of Ziegler Lodge, I. ( >.
O. F., and of Clement Encampment, and is connected with Tent, Number 34, K.
O. T. M., also with Butler Lodge. Number 17(1, B. P. O. E.
Philip Nast, son of Meyer and Etta Nast, was born at Schusk, Prussia, in
October, 1851, and came with his parents to Seneca Falls, New York, in August,
1861. He sold goods in his father's store, and also traveled on the road in the
same capacity. In 1890 lie came to Butler as a member of the firm of Schaul
Brothers & Company, which was succeeded in 1893 by the present firm of Schaul
& Nast. Mr. Nast was married on July 29, 1890, to Sarah, a daughter of Rev.
Sigismond Schaul, of Hornellsville, New York, and has two children, Max and
Etta. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and one of the progressive busi-
ness men of the community.
Ia.mks P. Aikkx, son of Alexander Aiken, of Wurtemburg, Lawrence
county, Pennsylvania, was born in that village on October 12, 182(3. He received
a good education, and followed school teaching and farming. He was a justice
of the peace for three terms, associate judge of Lawrence county for two terms,
anil served many years as a member of the school board. In 1855 lie married
Nancy J. Frew, a daughter of David Frew, of Slippery Rock township, Law-
rence county. Eight children were born to this marriage, as follows: David
L. ; Agnes, wife of Charles Rhodes; Elsie M., wife of James E. Campbell;
Thomas VV. ; Elizabeth C. ; James A. ; Annie, wife of Luther Clark, and Edna.
Mr. Aiken and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and died on
October 12, 1892, and November 20. 1893, respectively.
David L. Aikkx was born on the homestead at Rose Point, Lawrence
county, September 27, 1856, and was educated in the common schools, at Edinboro
State Normal, and at Duff's Commercial College, graduating from the latter insti-
tution in 1884. The following year he came to Butler, and subsequently embarked
JjO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
in general merchandising, as a member ol the firm of Aiken <Y. Campbell, which
is still carrying cm the same business. He was married on November 12, 1880, to
Mary V., daughter of Maj. James II. Klein, ol' Slippery Rock township, Law-
rence county, to which union have been horn three children, \ i/.. : Lillian,
deceased ; lames C.. and Hazel J. Mr. Aiken is a member of Company E, Fif-
teenth Regiment, X. G. I'., and served with his company in the Homestead riots.
Politically, he is a Republican, is a member of the United Presbyterian church,
and is connected with the I. O. O. P., K. of P.. and the K. O. T. M.
|a.mks E. Campbell, son of Edward and Lavina Campbell, was born in
Hickory township, Lawrence counts, |une d. 1858, attended the common schools
of his district, and followed farming and the plasterer's trade. Alter reaching his
maturity, he embarked in the mercantile business at Grant City, Butler county,
and was postmaster of that place. In 1888 be entered the firm of Aiken & Camp-
bell, and has since been engaged in merchandising in Butler, as a member of that
firm. On June 30, 1881, He married Elsie M.. a daughter of James P. Aiken, of
Lawrence county, and has five children. viz. : James E. ; Roy A. ; Lela : Prank
II.. and Clarence E. Mr. Campbell is a member of the United Presbyterian
church, anil in politics a Democrat. lie is connected with the K. of P. and the
W. of \V. The firm of Aiken & Campbell is interested in oil producing, and
also stockholders in the Armory Building.
Peter Mangold was born in Buffalo township, Butler county, August 11.
1862, son of John anil Caroline Mangold. He was reared in his native township
and at Freeport, and received a public school education. He afterwards followed
mining in California. Colorado and Idaho until November. 1887, when he
returned to Butler county and started a bakery in this borough. He sold out in
1889, and then purchased the grocery store of Charles Minnick, which he has
since carried on. Mr. Mangold was also in the ice business, which he disposed
of to I). II. Sutton. He was married January 10, 1888, to Anna M. Kline, of
Allegheny township. Westmoreland county, and is the father of three children,
viz.: George, deceased ; Clara May. and one that died in infancy. Politically,
he is a Republican.
Tdhn George Muntz, a native of Germany, there married Christina Rapp.
They immigrated to the United Stalls, arriving at Baltimore, Maryland, July 1.
1804, proceeded to Columbiana county. Ohio, and finally to Harmony, Butler
county, Pennsylvania, where they were among the first to build a home, in March.
1805. In 1806 they bought a tract of land in Beaver county, and lived there
until Mr. Munt/.'s death, by accident, on June 4. 1812.
[ohn G. Muntz, youngest child of John George Muntz. lived on the farm
in Heaver counts until the spring of 1820, when he joined his brother Henry, and
they carried on a -tore at Zelienople, Butler county. In the fall of 1826 he went
to Natchez. Mississippi, to till the position of general manager of a store, whence
he returned to Zelienople. In 1835 be was appointed postmaster at that place,
which position he held until 1840, and then embarked in the mercantile business
at Pittsburg, where he continued until 1854. He then located at Butler, and
opened a general store on the site of the Boos building, where he carried on busi-
ness until 1861. In that vear he commenced the coal business, and was exten-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. "~
sively engaged in mining down to 1871- He was then elected justice ol the
peace, and was re-elected in 187(5, which office lie held at the time of his death,
April 1i\ 1880. He was aii ardent Democrat, and an active and prominent
worker in the party. Throughout his long residence in Butler he was a promi-
nent member of the English Lutheran church, and also took a deep interest in
the prosperity of the public schools, being a member of the school board for a
number of years. Mr. Muntz married Mary I!. Negley, a daughter of John
Negley, one of the first settlers of Butler, to which union were born five children,
viz.: Mary A., wife of W. 11. II. Fithian; Annie E., and Emeline, both of
whom died in infancy; John X.. and Catherine R., widow of Judson (i. Crane.
Mrs. MlintZ resides in the old homestead on South Main street.
|on\ X. Muntz, only son of John (J. and Mary B. Muntz. was born in
Allegheny, Pennsylvania, reared and educated in Butler, and served an appren-
ticeship at the printer's trade, which he followed for a few years. In 1872 he
commenced operating in coal, which has since been his principal business. Mr.
Muntz was married in 1886, to Mary D., daughter of the late John P. Kramer, a
hanker of Allegheny. They are the parents of three children, as follows : John
P.; Edward K., ami Richard.
Joseph Coulter was horn in Fermanagh county, Ireland, in 1817, a son ot
Henry and Sarah (Carson) Coulter. His parents immigrated to the United
States when he was a young man. and settled in Franklin township, Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, where they died. The subject of this sketch was reared
on a farm, and afterwards spent one year in the wholesale grocery store of his
brother Henry, in Pittsburg. He then went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he
was employed as a salesman in the wholesale house of K. A. Parker & Company-
four years, and later was connected lor two years with a branch ol the same
firm at Xevv Orleans. On his return from the South, he opened a general store
at Wurtemburg, Beaver county, which he carried on for a short period. In June,
1847, he located at Unionville, Butler county, opened the first general store in
that village, and conducted it successfully forty-four years. He was also exten-
sively engaged in farming and was postmaster of Unionville for many years. Mr.
Coulter was married in July, 1859, to Margaret A. McCleary, to which union
were born live children, as follows : Annie, wife of Thomas F.Wiley, of McKees-
port ; Joseph H. ; William, deceased: John C and Margaret. Mr, Coulter
was one of the founders of Unionville Presbyterian church, and contributed lib-
erally of his means towards that organization. He was a stanch Democrat, and
took an active interest in the success of the measures and principles of his party.
In April, 1891, he retired from active business, removed to Butler the following
June, and died on September I'll, 1891.
James Sellers was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, June 27, 1828, son ol
Robert Sellers, a native of Yorkshire, England. His father was a tailor, and
was married three times, his second wife being the mother ol four children, viz. :
Thomas; Mary A., who married Captain Dunbar, of Cleveland; Robert, and
James, all of whom are dead. In l.si'Ci the family immigrated to Cuyahoga
county, Ohio, where Mr. Sellers worked at his trade, and also carried on
the merchant tailoring in Cleveland, where his wife died in 1830. He mar-
7/S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ried for his third wife a Mrs. Ogram, a native of England, who bore him
two children, Elizabeth, wife of Solomon Smith, and Jeffrey, who was drowned
in Frazier river, British Columbia. He died in the fall of 1859. The sub-
ject of tin's sketch worked on a farm lor many sears, anil when twenty-one
Years of age went to California, and spent thirteen years in the gold mines. In
1864 he came to the oil country and the following year located in Franklin,
where Ik- carried on the livery business for ten years, and afterwards conducted
the same business at Millerstown, until the spring of 1882. He then located in
Butler, conducted a livery stable lor a year and a half, and then purchased the
Eitenmiller House. lie ran this hotel until March, 1893, when be sold it to F. S.
Clark, and retired from active business. Mr. Sellers was married on November
16, 1866, to Melvina J. Lindsey, of Franklin, and was the lather of two chil-
dren. Frank and Charles. Politically, be was a Republican, was a member of
the K.of 1'., of Millerstown, and also the A. 0. U, W.,of which he was past M. W.
Philip Daubenspeck, son of George and Elizabeth Daubenspeck, was born
on the homestead in Parker township, Butler county, August 28, 1829, and grew
to manhood beneath the parental roof. In 1851 he married Nancy Scott, a
daughter of James Scott , of Fairview township, and in 1854 he purchased the
Keep farm, consisting of ninety-seven acres, which he sold in 1861 and pur-
chased the William Barnhart farm. He resided in Fairview township until
1884, and then removed to Butler, where he hail pin-chased a house and lot of
twelve acres of land within the limits of the borough. He has since devoted his
principal attention to dealing in real estate. Mr. Daubenspeck is a deacon in
the Reformed church, and was the largest contributor towards the erection of the
new church building in Springdale. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist. lie is
one of the wealthy, substantial citizens of his native county.
William Borland was born east of the mountains, in 1799, and was reared
upon a farm in Butler counts-, where his parents settled when lie was a child.
In 1818 he married Annie Freeman, of Butler township, to which union were
born thirteen children, viz : James; Lucinda, who married Abner Bart ley ;
John; Margaret, who married Ellis Russell; William; Rachel, who married W.
C.Glenn; Mary ]., who married Thomas Armstrong; Lydia A., who married
Thomas I). Christie; David P. ; Nancy, who married Thomas Graham ; Martha ;
Samuel, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Borland and wife were members of
the United Presbyterian church, in which he tilled the office of elder for
many years. In politics, be was a Democrat. He died in 1867, and his wife
in 1843.
David P. Borland was born in Butler township, Butler county, March 1 1,
1834, and was reared upon his father's farm. On April 7. 1858, lie married
Prances ]. Ramses, a daughter of William Ramsey, of Butler township, and has
five children, as lollosss; William J.; John S.; Emma J., wife of J. B. Argyll-;
Charles E. and I. sun I). The last mentioned was born in Butler township,
December 23, 1867, and in 1883 entered the dry goods store of Ritter & Ralston,
and has continued in the same establishment down to the present. He is a mem-
ber of Connoquenessing Lodge, I. O. O. F., of which he is P. G., and also of
Clement Encampment, and is connected with the B. P. ( ). E., of Butler. David
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 7/9
F. Borland is a member of the United Presbyterian church. In politics, he is a
Democrat, and has filled the offices of school director, overseer and supervisor.
He is engaged in farming and in the dairy business.
John Michael Zimmerman is well remembered as one of the prominent
citizens of Butler during his residence here of half a century. He was born at
Goeningen, in the Kingdom of YVurtemburg, Germany, in June. 1802, the eldest
in a family of live children, ami obtained a fair common school ediicat inn. In
L816 he accompanied Martin J. Reiber to Holland, where they purchased a sup-
ply of bulbs and flower seeds, and establishing their headquarters at Moscow,
Russia, traveled over that empire disposing of their goods, also through Turkey,
Egypt, and other eastern countries, as well as the southern nations ot Europe. A
severe illness in the fall of 1824 compelled Mr. Zimmerman to return home, and
he did not resume his business until the spring of 1826. The following two years
he spent in selling his seeds over his former routes. After a brief rest at home,
he laid in a supply of flower bulbs and seeds, and crossing the Atlantic located
at St. Louis, Missouri, and spent nearly two years selling goods through the
southern states and portions of Mexico. In 1830 he returned to Germany, but
the following year he again visited this country, bringing with him a supply of
seeds, besides a number of old fashioned wooden clocks so familiar in pioneer
days, which he sold in the principal towns of the northern states and Canada.
Returning to Germany once more, he broughl with him his wife and child to
Philadelphia, and in 1832 came westward to Butler county, settling on the old
Brinker farm, in Summit township. In 1833 he moved into the borough of But-
ler, taking charge of the tavern which then stood on South Main street, where
Miss Sarah McQuistion now resides. About 1838-39 he bought the old Rising
Sun tavern, later known as the Vogeley House, which he carried on until 1S47-
IN, when he sold it to William Vogeley, and purchased the Pennsylvania House,
where the present Willard Hotel now stands. He conducted business here until
1868, then f*ald the property to Benjamin lack and retired to private life. Mr.
Zimmerman married Mary B. Vatter, a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, to
which union were born fourteen children, eight of whom grew to maturity, as
follows: Mary, deceased ; Margaret, wife of Walter L. Graham ; Jacob, and
Annie, both deceased ; Catharine, widow of Charles McCandless ; Caroline, wife
of Capt. Samuel Walker; George M. and Frederica, wife of II. A. Wise. Mr.
Zimmerman died in 1876, and his wife in 1883. They were Lutherans in relig-
ion, and he tood quite an active part in the erection of the old German Lutheran
church, of Butler. In politics, he was a Democrat, rilled the office of county
treasurer one term, and served in the borough council for several years.
Du. George M. Zimmerman, son of John Michael Zimmerman, was horn
in Butler. November IS, 1842, he received his primary education in the public
schools, afterward attended Witherspoon Institute, and graduated from Washing-
ton and Jefferson College in 1867. He commenced reading medicine with Dr.
Weaver of Canonsburg during his senior year, and after graduation he contin-
ued his studies under Dr. Stephen Bredin, of Butler. He attended lectures at
the College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, in 1867—68, and was grad-
uated at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in March, lSjl). lie began
780 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
practice in Butler, but removed to Hubbard, Ohio, in the spring <>f 1871, and in
1872 went to Winona. Minnesota. In 1873 he returned to Butler, where he has
continued in active practice up to the present, having been also interested in a
drug store during this period. Dr. Zimmerman is a Republican, and has served
as a school director for three years. Since 1 S(JG he has been connected with But-
ler Lodge, Number 272, F. eC A. M. He was married in August, 187*;. to Mrs.
Jennie E. Ralston, a daughter of Charles E. Hitter, of Allegheny. Four children
have been born to this union, viz.: Mamie <i.; Sadie: Frederick M ., and John
Donald.
Benjamin |.uk was born in Worth township. Butler county, Pennsyl-
vania, in L823, received a common school education, and followed farming until
1S5*. when he came to Butler and took charge of the old Lowry House. He
carried on this hotel for three years, then returned to Worth township and con-
tinued to farm until 1864, when he purchased the present Lowry House, which
he conducted until 1868. He then purchased the Zimmerman Hotel, now the
Willard. where lie died. February 12, 1*77. Alter his death the property was
sold to Robert Barron. Mr. Jack was married in lN.")o, to Hannah, daughter of
John Kelly, of Parker township. They were the parents of six children, as fol-
lows; John S. ; Annie E.. wife of L. B. Roessing ; Benjamin II.; William P.;
Clara A., anil James P. Mrs. Jack resides with her son. John S. She is con-
nected with the Presbyterian church, to which denomination her husband be-
longed. In politics, he was originally a Whig and then a Republican, and was
an enterprising business man.
Ioiin S. Iack, eldest son of Benjamin Jack, was horn in Worth township,
Butler county, January 5, 1855. He received a common school education, and
clerked in his father's hotel until the death of the latter. He subsequently
became book-keeper for J. G. it W. Campbell, with whom he remained until April
1, 1898, when he purchased the book and stationery store of Xorbert T. Weser.
which lie has since carried on successfully. Mr. Jack is a member of Conno-
quenessing Lodge, and Clement Encampment. I. 0. 0. F., and in politics, he
is a Republican.
Howard Thompson was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, November i' 1 , 1852,
son of John and Elizabeth (Murray) Thompson. In lSb.s be located in Venango
county. Pennsylvania, where he found employment in the oil field. In 1S72 he
came to Butler county and engaged in oil producing, in which business he has
been very successful. In 1890 he formed a partnership with John D. Brown.
purchased the Hotel Lowry, and conducted it until July 81, 1894, when they
leased the property and took charge of the McClure House, Wheeling, West Vir-
ginia. Mr. Thompson is still largely interested in oil producing in the Pennsyl-
vania and Indiana helds. In 1878 he married Alice Watters, of Martinsburg, But-
ler county, to which union, one son. Arthur, has been born. Mr. Thompson is a
Republican in politics, and is a member of Butler Lodge, F. & A. M.
John D. Brown was born at Monroeville, Buffalo township, Butler county,
October 7. 1858, son of Thomas and Sarah (Hoover) Brown, and grandson of
John Brown, an early settler of Butler township. 1 le obtained a good education
in the public schools of his native township and at Freeport, and in 1878 entered
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. jXl
the employ of George \V. Campbell, as hotel clerk. He remained with Mr.
Campbell until 1887. when he engaged in the torpedo business and later in oil
producing, which lie continued until 1890. In that year he formed a part-
nership with Howard Thompson, and purchased the Hotel Lowry, which the
firm of Thompson iV Brown conducted very successfully until July 31, 1894, when
they leased the property ami took charge of the McClure House, at Wheeling,
West Virginia. In 1879 Mr. Brown married Zilla Campbell, a daughter of
George W. Campbell, bhe died February II, 1887, leaving five children, viz.:
Carrie; Blanche; Nellie; Claude, and Charley. In polities. Mr. Brown is a
Republican. 1 Ie is a member of the Masonic order, and is connected with the
Lodge, Chapter and Commanderv. He is also a member of Connoquenessing
Lodge, 1. (). O. F., and the R. A.
William Henry Reihing was bom in the borough of Butler. Pennsylvania,
in March. 1861, son of Jacob and Ann (Korn) Reihing. His father was a native
of Germany and his mother of Pittsburg. lie was reared in Butler until his
eighteenth year, and then went to Pittsburg, where he remained several years.
He there met Miss Mattie C. Golden, a daughter of Timothy Golden, of that city.
whom he married in September, 188l'. Three children were born to this union,
viz. : Harry ; George, and Edna. Soon after his marriage he returned to Butler and
entered the employ of George W. Campbell of the Willard Hotel. A year later
he leased the property, carried on the business a couple of years successfully, and
then purchased it. In 1891 he rebuilt the old structure and fitted it up in first
class style, spending $30,000 on the improvements. The new hotel at once took rank
with the leading houses of western Pennsylvania, a position it still retains. After
reaching this prosperous anil successful stage in his career, Mr. Reihing was taken
ill, and died February 22, 1892. He was born and reared a Catholic, and died in
that faith, to which he hail ever given a generous support. Whole-souled and
charitable to a fault, he possessed hosts of friends, while his enterprise and public
spirit were unbounded. He was connected with the B. P. (X E.. and one of the
most popular members of Butler Lodge. Mr. Reihing was a good husband, a
kind father, a warm friend and a generous supporter of everything calculated to
benefit his home.
Frank S. Clark was born in New Wilmington, Lawrence county, Penn-
sylvania, December 1, 1845, and is a son of George II. and Mary E. Clark, both
of whom died in that town, in 1S67 ami 1893, respectively. His father was born
in York. Pennsylvania, in 1811, and was a tailor In" trade. He settled at New
Wilmington. Lawrence county, at quite an early day and engaged in merchant
tailoring, ami afterwards in general merchandising. He there married, in 1834,
Mary E.. daughter of Francis Scott, of New Wilmington, to whom were born
five children : Mary L. ; William A. ; Frank S. ; Elizabeth, and George I'., the
last two of whom are dead. Mr. Clark was a Whig, and afterwards a Republi-
can, and was at one time postmaster of New Wilmington. He was a member
and steward of the Methodist Episcopal church of that borough. The subject of
this sketch learned the carriage blacksmith's trade, at which he winked eighteen
years ; he subsequently embarked in the agricultural implement trade in Iowa,
and went on the road as a traveling salesman. In April. 1891, he located in But-
?§2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
lev. as a member of the firm of Loveless & Clark, oil well contractors, subse-
quently purchased Mr. Loveless's interest, ami carried on the business alone until
March. 1898. At that time he purchased the Diamond Hotel, changed the name
to the Park Hotel, and titled it up with modern improvements. Mr. Clark mar-
ried Femima Thompson December 20, 1865, who died in 1878. On September 8,
1880, he married Louie, daughter of John Locke, of Iowa. In politics, he is a
Republican, is a member of the Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery in the Masonic-
order, and is also connected with 1. O. O. F., and B. P. O. E.
1. II. FAUBEL was horn in Monroe county, Ohio, November 15, 1858, son of
George II., and Anna (Baker) Paubel, natives of Bremen Hesse, Germany,
whence they immigrated to Ohio. His parents removed to West Virgina in 1804,
where our subject was reared and educated. He then went to Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, and took a clerkship in the Red Lion Hotel, in 1ST'.), ami the following
year leased the house and carried it on for two years. He then leased the Hamil-
ton Hotel in the same city, and conducted it for seven years. In ISSN he came
to Butler and leased the Vogeley- House, carried it on for three years, and then
sold his interest and went to Wheeling, West Virginia, near where he located
on a stock farm of ."it 10 acres, known as the Virginia Stock Farm, which he hail
purchased in 1885. He is still engaged in the breeding of standard trotting
horses, imported and American and Clydesdale horses, and Holstein and Friesian
cattle. In 1892 he purchased the Eitenmiller Hotel, which he remodeled, and
changed the name to the Hotel Butler, and is its present landlord. Mr. Faubel
is a member of the Butler Land and Mining Company, of the Marshall County
Oil anil Coal Company, of Wesl Virginia, and of the Sportsman Association of
Cheat mountain, the latter State. He has been interested in the development of
the oil fields and owns valuable interests in that industry. He is a member of the
Masonic order, also of the 1. O. O. F., K. of P., and B. P. O. E. In politics, he
is a Republican. He was married in 1879, to Alice E., daughter of William Fit/.
Patrick, of Bellaire, Ohio, and has two children : Zuleika L. , and Charlotte I.
William ). McCaffehty, youngest son of John and Mary A. (Murrin)
McCafferty, was born on the old homestead in Parker township, Butler county,
March 16, 1862. He received a common school education, and lived with his
parents until reaching the age of nineteen years, when he embarked in the oil
business in Bradford county. He subsequently returned to Butler. Pennsylvania,
and engaged in the liverv business, also conducted the bus-line, in which he con-
tinued four years. Selling out his stock he engaged in oil producing and later
opened a restaurant. In 1891 he formed a partnership with I). 1'". McCrea,
under the firm name of McCafferty & McCrea, and established a wholesale liquor
house, and in August, 1894, they became proprietors of the Hotel Low ry. Mr.
McCafferty has always been an active Democrat, and while a resident of Parker
township was chairman of the township committee. Although he has never
sought public office, he has ahvays contributed liberally in time ami money toward
the success of his party. He was married June L6, 1886, to Anna J., daughter of
Michael and Elizabeth (Collins) Conway, of Crawford county, Pennsylvania,
and both he and wife are members of St. Paul's'Catholic church. He is a mem-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 783
ber of Branch, Number 56, C. M. B. A., and is also connected with Butler Eodge.
Number 17<>, B. P. < ). E.
Alexander Williams was born at Kittanning, Armstrong county, Penn-
sylvania, May 19, 1861. His father. Wilson Williams, was a native of the same
place, horn in 1834, and a molder 1>\ trade. lie was also a pilot on the river for
many years. He married Henrietta, daughter of Alexander Mc Kin lev of Indiana.
Pennsylvania, in 1860, who bore him a son, Alexander. Wilson Williams
enlisted in Company A. Eighth Pennsylvania Reserve, in which he served as
orderly sergeant to the close of the war, taking part in all the battles fought by
the Army of the Potomac. After his discharge from the service he returned home
and continued his previous business as pilot on the river up to his death in 1X70;
his willow resides at Indiana, Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch learned
the trade of tinner, gas and steam titter, and also that of jeweler. In 1881 he
went into the music business, handling pianos, organs, and sewing machines, at
Blairsville, Punxsutawney, Leechburg, Clarion, Titusville, Warren and North
Clarendon. In 1885 he came to Butler and carried on the same business until
October, 1898, when he embarked in the hotel business in a block which he
erected in 1891, on South Main street. He was married February IS, 1890, to
Mary Aba. daughter of Martin V. Moore, of Middlesex township. Butler county,
and has one son. James (i. Blaine. Mr. Williams is a Republican, in politics,
and a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Joseph Criley was born in Alsace, German}-, in 1818, and was but rive
years of age when his father immigrated to Butler county, and located on a farm
in Butler township. He grew to manhood in this county, and received a public
school education. In 1840 he married Catherine Laverv. of Penn township.
Fourteen children were born to this union, nine of whom grew to manhood and
womanhood, as follows : Joseph, deceased ; Nicholas ; Francis ; Mary, wife of
Peter Schiler, of Clearfield township: Catherine, deceased: John; Andrew;
Jacob, and Jane. Mrs. Criley was a member of St. Peter's Catholic church, and
died in that faith in 1I-77. Mr. Criley was a Democrat, and filled the offices of
school director and other minor positions in his township.
Nicholas J. Criley was born in Summit township, Butler county, Septem-
ber 1. 1851, and was reared upon his father's farm. After receiving a common
school education, he attended Witherspoon Institute, and graduated in lsijs. He
taught school in Evans City and in Summit township, was subsequently a sales-
man for Charles Duffy, and then purchased the Mclntire photograph gallery,
which business he has since followed. lie was burned out in the fire of 1878, but
soon repaired his losses and continued in business. Mr. Criley was married May
10, 1883; to Miss Annie Aland, of the East End, Pittsburg, and has one child,
Annie. Mrs. Criley was a member of the Catholic church, and died November
15, 1884. In 1888 he went into the oil business, and is still engaged in oil pro-
ducing. He is a member of the Catholic church, and in politics, a Democrat.
Gebhardt Wagner was bom in Deggingen, Wurtemberg, Germany,
August 7. 1830, son of John and Francisca (Spaeth) Wagner, natives of
the same place. He was reared in Binsdorf, and received a parish school educa-
tion. He afterwards learned the painter's and plasterer's trades, which he followed
784 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
in his native land until June, 1854, when he immigrated to Butler, Pennsylvania.
Here he has continued in the same line of business for more than forty years. Mr.
Wagner was married, August 1, 1856, to Josephine Fisher, :i daughter of Martin
.iikI Helena (Stehle) Fisher, also a native of Germany. Seven children have
blessed this marriage, all of whom arc li\ ing, viz. : John A. ; Helena V. : Martin
C, a leading photographer of Butler ; Joseph C. : Mary 1-:. ; Julia, wile of Will-
iam Lanz, and Bertha E, The family air members of St. Peter's Catholic church,
and in politics, Democratic. Mr. Wagner lias been fairly successful during the
passing years, anil is now enjoying the fruits of his industry. He is one of the
oldest and most respected members of the German Catholic population of Butler.
John Martin Riesenman was horn in Frichtingen, Wurtemberg, Germany,
December 8, 1831, son of John M. and Barbara (Burker) Riesenman. natives of
Germany. His father was born in L780, and was a shepherd the greater part of
his life. He was twice married. By his first marriage he was the father of five
children, viz.: Jacob; Michael; Mary; Christina, ami Catharine. His second
wife was the mother of two children, as follows; |ohn Martin, and Barbara,
deceased wife of George Yerger. The father died in 1866, and the mother in
1874. The- subject of this sketch was reared in his native land, and there learned
tin- weaver's trade. In 1854 he immigrated to Pennsylvania ami settled in But-
ler borough. He worked at gardening for a lime ami then entered the store of
John Berg & Company, and later engaged in hauling goods from Pittsburg. Ik-
was afterwards employed for Roessing & Stein for two years and a half, and
then purchased a team anil hauled freight from Pittsburg for seven years. In 1878
he engaged in the wholesale grocery and feed business, as a member of the firm
of Roessing & Riesenman, but after six years he sold out and again engaged in the
teaming business, which he has followed down to the present. Mr. Riesenman
was married in Butler. Butler county, by Rev. Father Killian, January ;i, 1855, to
Dorothea Kohler. a daughter of Joseph Kohler. Six children have been born to
this union, as follows; Joseph C, of Franklin ; Belle B., deceased wife of Her-
man Berg, of Butler; Annie C, wife of William Liebler ; John M., of Franklin;
Mary M.. and Josephine. Mr. Riesenman and family are members of St. Peter's
Catholic church. In politics, he is a Democrat, and lias served in the borough
council.
Daniel II. Sutton was born in Penn township, Butler county, October 27,
1852, eldest son of John R. and Elizabeth Sutton. He- remained with his parents
until 1868, when he accepted a position with tin- Citizens Traction Company, of
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, which position he held until 1S77. and then embarked
in merchandising at Maharg, where he continued in business until 1890. In that
year he located in Butler and engaged in the ice business, which he followed up
to the year 1895. On September 30, 1875, Mr. Sutton was married to Lizzie
Elder, of Pittsburg. He has been quite active in political affairs, and is a lead-
ing member of the Democratic party. He is an adherent of the Presbyterian
church, ami is a member of Ziegler Lodge. Number 1039, I . O. O. F. Mr. Sut-
ton is one ot the public-spirited business men of the community.
Martin Eisler was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, March 12, 1843, and
grew to manhood in his native land, lie learned the grardener's trade and fol-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 785
lowed that business in Germain until 1809, in which year he immigrated to But-
ler, Pennsylvania, where he has since made his home. lie established the first
greenhouse in the borough, and still continues the same business. In September.
1869, he married Emma Knoes, of Wurtemburg, who came with him to Butler.
Ten children are the fruits of this union, vi/,. ■. Edward W.; Carl M. ; Emma;
Paul; Bertha; Mary: Albert: Margaret; Ernest, and Walter J. Mr. Eisler
was a soldier in the German army for six years, and served in the war between
Prussia and Austria. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and is secretary of
the church council. Politically, he is an ardent Democrat.
Edward W Eisler was born in the borough of Butler June 24, 1S7<>, and
has spent his entire life in his native town. lb' attended the common schools,
and learned telegraphy in the Western Union office at Butler, in which be is at
present an operator. In 1890 be engaged in the oil business, and is quite a suc-
cessful producer, bis operations being confined to the Glade Mills field. On
October 5, 1893, Mr. Eisler married Luella Westerman. of Butler. They arc
members of the Lutheran church, and he is an adherent of the Democratic party.
Joseph Hauck was born in Bissingen, Hohenzoller, Germany, in 1833, there
learned the tailor's trade and when about twenty years of age immigrated to
Pennsylvania, and settled in the borough of Butler, where he continued to fol-
low his trade. In 1854 be married Barbara Xebel, a daughter of Wendolin
Xebel, of Summit township, to which union were born eight children, viz. :
John A.; Frank; Albert; William A.; Mary; Joseph R. ; George, ami Charles
H. Mr. Hauck was a member of St. Peter's Catholic church, and politically, a
Democrat. He died February 5, 1885. Hi-- widow resides on the old homestead,
which they purchased in 1870.
William A. Hauck was born in the borough of Butler, November 111.
lSI')2, was educated in the public schools, and afterwards clerked in a drug store
for three years, lie then learned telegraphy, and has been manager of the West-
ern Union office in Butler since 1887, one of the most important repeating
offices between New York anil Chicago. Mr. Hauck is a stanch Democrat, and
is a member of St. Peter's Catholic church.
John C. Manny was born in the borough of Butler, Butler county, Penn-
sylvania, February IS, 1837, and was a sun of John J. anil Frances (Mangle)
Manny early settlers of the town. He learned the moulder's trade in Pittsburg,
and worked in that city for three years afterwards. In 1866 be returned to Penn
township, Butler count v. and engaged in the huckstering business, subsequently
moved to Butler, and in 1875 went into freighting and draying, which he fol-
lowed until his death. Mr. Manny was married February IS, L862, to Mary
Laurent, a daughter of Joseph Laurent, of Butler township. Ten children were
born to this union, viz.: Joseph F. ; Frances I!., wife of James Mulholland,
of Butler : Rose A., who first married Omer Colinet, and afterwards John
Carney; John A.; Mary A.; Sylvester C: Clara P.; Catherine IL. ami Lawrence
A., the last six of whom died of diphtheria, within six weeks, and Agnes M. Mr.
Manny was a life-long member of the Catholic church, to which denomination
the family belong, and was serving on the church committee when he died.
Politically, he was a Democrat, and filled the offices of burgess, tax collector,
786 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
high constable, and street commissioner of Butler. He died March 5, 1884; His
widow is still a resident of the borough.
|om:pii F. Manny, eldest in the family of form C. and Mary Matins, was
born in Penn township. Butler county, February 2 I . lsiv!. lie received a good
common school education, and spent lour terms at Witherspoon Institute. lie
was afterwards employed on the Pittsburgh and Western railroad, and next
engaged in the freighting business, which he has continued up to the present, lie
married Annie E. YVhiskaman, of Brady's Bend, Armstrong counts. October I'd,
ISS7. which union has been blessed b) three children, as follows: Kathleen F. ,
George J., deceased, and Anna M. Mr. Manny is a member of St. Paul's
Catholic church : is on the church commit tee. and is president of 1 '.ranch \o. 56,
C. M.I!. A. In politics, he is a Democrat, and a stanch adherent of Demo-
cratic principles.
Richard Hughes, Si:., \sas born in New York cits, in IT'-1?, learned the
barber's trade in earls south, and in 1885 came to Butler, anil engaged in the
jewelr\ , clothing, livery and barber business, lie ssas appointed counts auction-
eer bs the Governor and tilled thai office lor several sears. On March 1(5, 1836,
he married Maria Burkhart, and they became the parents of five children, vi/.. :
fames C, ssho seised in the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers ; Richard;
Cornelius; Samuel G., ssho ssas a member of the One Hundred and Thirty -
fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Aaron I!., who served in the One Hundred
and Third regiment. Mr. Hughes ssas ;i member of the Protestant Episcopal
church, and in politics, ;t Republican. lie died on October 28, 1873, and his
wife, |ulv II. 1878. Thev sserc among the carls business people of this com-
munity .
Richard Hughes ssas born in the borough of Butler, and learned the bar-
ber's trade with his father. In September, 1802, he enlisted in Company (i.
Fourteenth Pennsylvania Militia, and ssas honorably*discharged at tin- end of his
term of service-. On March 1'. L881, he married Ida Martin, a daughter of John
Martin, of Forward township, and has three children, si/.: Angenora; Twila
J., and Eugene M. In I860 he purchased the Dr. DeWolf property on Main
street, anil erected his present business house and residence in 1872. The family
are connected ssith the Protest. nit Episcopal church, and in politics, he is a
Republican.
fAMES Ckayton Kssisi.s was born in Mercer counts, Pennsylvania, in
1812, ssas educated at a subscription school, and learned the hatter's and mould-
er's trades, which he fallowed lor main sears. In 1884 he married Susan Grubbs,
a daughter of John Grubbs, of Allegheny county, and settled in Butler in 1S:',S.
'Flies were the parents of seven children, as lolloss s ; John, deceased : William ;
Catherine, wife of William J. Mitchell; Mary, deceased ; Frances A. , wife ol
fames Oliver ; Sarah, deceased, and James C. Mr. Ramsey died in 1865. He
ssas a member of the Covenanter church, and in politics, a Democrat. His
widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Oliver.
I.smks C. R smsks , son of |ames Crayton and Susan Ramsey, ssas born in
the borough of Butler, February 8, 1854, attended the common schools of the
town, and learned the barber's trade. In 1882 he began in business for himself,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 78/
and still carrier cm the same cm West Jefferson street. On March 9, 1881, he
married Annie Xi list man , a daughter of Isaac Tinstman. of Butler county, and
has two children, Bessie L., and Oliver ). Mr. Ramsey i- a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and politically, an adherent of the Republican
party. He is a member of the E. A. U., and the I. 0. O. F., also of Company L,
Fifteenth regiment, X. <i. 1'. In 188(3 he purchased the Samuel I>. 1'urvis prop-
erty, upon which he erected his present residence.
T i > 1 1 n F\\\ all was horn in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, there grew to man-
hood, and learned l he wagonmakers trade, lie worked at his trade in Germany
anil France until 1845, in which year he immigrated to Butler, Pennsylvania.
Soon after coming he opened a small wagon shop on Cunningham street, and built
up through the passing years quite an extensive business. In later years he
removed to the corner of Washington and Cunningham streets, and in 1872, began
the manufacture of carriages and buggies on quite an extensive scale, which busi-
ness he continued until his death, in November, I S 7 7 - lie married Elizabeth
Frederick, daughter of Peter Frederick, of Summit township, and a native of Ger-
many. Four children were born to this union ; John ; Catharine, wife of George
Miller; Jacob F., and William, the last of whom died in childhood. Mr. Lawall
was a Democrat, and served in the council several terms. lie was a member of
the German Lutheran church, to which denomination his widow also belongs.
After his death the business was carried on b\ his sous. John and Jacob F., until
1883, when they embarked in the liven business, which thev have since followed.
William M. Kennedy, is a son of fohn D. and fane (Maxwell) Kennedy,
the latter a daughter of Abraham Maxwell, one of the first settlers of Butler
township. Butler county. Our subject was born |nne I, 1858, in Jefferson town-
ship, Butler county, and received a common school education in the schools ol
Butler. lie worked at the liven business until 1880, when he went to Troy,
Ohio, and traveled lor the fruit tree firm of Wilber McKnight up to 1882, then
returned to Butler and embarked in the liven business, first as Flick & Ken-
nedy, then as Starr A; Kennedy, and Crawford & Kennedy. In June, 1892, the
firm of Bickel & Kennedy was established on West Jefferson street. Mr. Ken-
nedy married Ella, daughter of Edward Mays of Perm township, Butler county,
and has had three children: Jean: Belle, and Rachel, the last deceased. In
politics, he is a Democrat, but takes no active interest in political matters. lie is
a member of the K. of IV, K. of M., and the E. A. L~.
Eli May was born in Whitestown, Butler county, June lii. 1858, and is
the second son ol' Henry ami Annie Maw He received an English and (ierman
education, ami followed farming until 1888. In that year he engaged in the
livery business at Butler, as senior member of the firm of May & Albert, which
he continued until November, 1893. lie then sold out and bought the interest of
Jean Ford, wholesale fish, oyster and poultry dealer, the firm now being May iV.
Divel. Mr. May was married October 30, 1883, to Phoebe C, a daughter of Fred
Burry, of Butler, and is the father of three children : Gertrude I-., deceased;
Harry L., and Eva C. He is a member of the Lutheran church, is connected
with the I. O. O. F., and in politics, he is a Democrat.
788 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Robert |. Gregg was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1801,
where he followed farming for n:.m\ years. In 1840 he became weighmaster on
thi canal at Allegheny, and resided there until 1854, in which year In- located in
Butler county. lie was married in 1828, to Alice Hogan, a daughter of William
Ilogan, of Washington county, and was the father of four children, viz.: John
and Harriet, boil, deceased; William S.. and Robert. The mother died in 1838,
and the father, January 31, 1893. They were members of the Protestant Episco-
pal church, ami in politic-, he was a Democrat.
William S. Gregg was born in Washington count}-, Pennsylvania, Septem-
ber 3, 1831, son of Robert J. and Alice Gregg. He came to Butler count) with
his parents, and settled at Monroeville, where he kept hotel, and afterwards
operated a hack line between Preeport and Butler. In 1880 he removed to But-
ler, where he continued the hark business in connection with a livery stable. Mr.
Gregg was married in 1852, to Catherine Kuhn. of Butler county. Ten children
have been born to this union, as follows: John: Ralph; Ellen, wife of John
Waters ; Harry ; William, deceased; Isabel, wile of Charles Breneman ; Annie
M., wife of John Fuller-ton; Charles, and one that died in early youth. Mr.
Gregg is a stanch Democrat, and is one of the industrious and energetic business
men of the borough.
Warren Albert, son of Andrew and grandson of Adam Albert, was born
in Centre township, Butler county, September 13, 1859, and was educated in the
common schools and at Witherspoon Institute. In 1886 he went into the livery
business, at Butler, as a member of the firm of McCandless .V Albert, afterwards
i hanged to May & Albert, and in 1893 to Albert & Weigle, which firm is still
carrying on the business. ( )n April 1 1'. L886, M r. Albert married Ada L. Mil linger,
a daughter of Pern Smith, of Centre township, and has three . children, viz.:
Floyd W. : Ralph C.. and Leora. He is a member of the Church of God, and in
polit ics, a Repul ilican .
John M. Wl [GJ I . of the firm of Albert & Weigle, was born in Prospect.
Butler county, December 6, 1801, son of Samuel and Barbara Weigle. He
attended the common schools of the borough, learned the carpenter's trade, ami in
1892 removed to Butler, and the follow ing year became a member of the present
firm. In May, 1889, he married \annv Alexander, a daughter of Robert Alex-
ander, of Mmhlv Creek township, and has one child. Karl M. Mr. Weigle is a
Republican, am! a member of the Lutheran church.
Conrad Roessixg was born in Herchfeldt, Germany, October 5, L804, and
when fourteen years of age started in life for himself. Coming to the United
States some years later, he commenced in business at Cobelskill. New York, with
bis brother Justus, but they were burned out and lost everything. After work-
ing for a company in New York state lor a period, they went to Ohio and estab-
lished a large tannery. Here bis brother died, and Conrad sold the business, and
in 184] came to Butler. He erected a tannery on North Washington street,
which he operated lor forty-five years very successfully. In August. 1882, he
established the business now carried on by his son, Barnhardt E., who became
his partner mi January 1. 1884, under the firm name of C. Roessing & Son. In
Mas-, 1886, Mr. Roessing retired from active business, and tin- following year
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETI HES. ; S< I
went to Pittsburg, where he is now living with his daughter. He married
Martha .V. Hooker, who bore him a family of four children, as follows: Barn-
hardt E. ; Dora, deceased ; Dietrick, who resides in California, and Anna E.,
wife of II. O. Stahley, of Pittsburg. Mrs. Roessing died on October 18. 188(5.
Barniiardt E. Roessijjg was born in Butler October 23, 1852, eldesl child
of Conrad and Martha A. Roessing. When sixteen years of age he entered bis
father's tannery and worked at thai business until he was thirty-two years old,
when he engaged in his present business with bis father on Jefferson street. In
1888 he purchased bis present business place, on North Main street, where he
manufactures harness and deals in all classes of buggies, carriages, wagons and
sleighs. Mr. Roessing was married on December 17. 1885, to Anna J, Gibson,
a daughter of Harvey S. Gibson, of Butler, and lias two children : Edna A. and
Harvey L. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and in poli-
tics, he is a Republican. lie is connected with the Legion of Honor, of which
he has been commander and collector, and is now treasurer.
Jacob Walter was a native of Germany, born in 1815, near Strasburg, son
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Keck) Walter. lie emigrated to the United States in
1835, and located in Butler, Pennsylvania. He was a blacksmith, and worked in
Peter Baker's shop, which stood on the site of J. Q. A. Kennedy's residence, but
subsequently removed to West Cunningham street, and built a shop on the site of
Livington McQuistion's residence. He carried on the principal business in that
line for several years, but in 1859 he purchased the mill now owned by his son
George, and in partnership with John C. Grohman embarked in the milling bus-
iness, which he followed until his death. Mr. Walter always took a deep interest
in educational affairs, was a member of the school board, and connected with the
borough council for twenty-five or thirty years. He was a Democrat in politics,
and was quite active in local political circles. He was an elder in the Lutheran
church for many years, and organized the first Sunday school connected with
the German Lutheran church, which then stood upon the site of the old Opera
House. Mr. Walter married Mary, a daughter of Jacob La wall, to whom were
born ten children, four of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Barbara, wife of
Jacob Boos; Maggie, wife of G. Wilson Miller: Mary, deceased wile of William
Feigle, and George. Mr. Walter died September 11, 1865, and his wife, in the
fall of 1892.
George Walter, miller, was born September II, 1843, in Butler. Penn-
sylvania, son of Jacob and Mary Walter. He attended the public schools of the
borough in youth, and subsequently learned the miller's trade with his father,
with whom he was afterwards associated, and at his father's death he succeeded
to the business. In 1 S7G he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, sheriff of But-
ler county, but was deprived of bis office after a bitter legal fight. He has tilled
the office of councilman for seven terms and that of school director for three
terms. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and is also connected
with A. O.U. W. In 1866 he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam
Troutman, of Penn township. She died in 1874, leaving four children : Jacob)
A., a member of George Walter iV Sons; Mary A., wife of E. < >. Chambers;
Charles E., also a member of the firm, and G. Wilson, deceased. In ! >■ 7 < '> Mi.
790 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Walter married Mary Troutman, a sister of his tirst wife, who is the mother (if
one daughter, Kitty. Mr. Walter is a member of the Christian church, and is
one of the well-known citizens of Butler, where he has spent his entire life.
Peter Schexck, Si;., was a native <>f Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, born in
ISO,"). He learned the harnessmaker's trade in his native land, and subsequently
served in the Prussian army. In [832 he immigrated to the United States and
settled at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, where lie worked at his trade for a short
time and then came to Butler county and purchased a farm in Summit township.
In 1850 he bought a farm of 135 acres in Butler township, upon which he
located. He was one of the many who went from Butler county to California
during the gold excitement, whence he returned t<> his son'- home in Butler
stricken with Panama fever, of which he died the day alter his arrival. lie was
married in Germany, in 1828, to Christina Ripper, and had one son Adam.
Both he and wile were members of the Lutheran church.
Adam Schexck was horn in I les-e Darmstadt, Germany, [line 81), 1827, and
came to America with his parent- when H\e years of age. He received a com-
mon school education, learned the shoemaker's trade and subsequently engaged
in farming. He was twice married, his first wife being Catherine, daughter of
|ohn Oesterling, of Summit township, whom he married in 1847. They were
the parents of ten children : Christine, who married Adam Dambach oi Summit
township; Leonard: Margaret, deceased; George: Peter; Adam; Philip; John;
William A., deceased, and Catherine P.. deceased. Mrs. Schenck died in 1866,
and in 1870 he married Catherine, daughter of Samuel Kreps, ol Beaver county,
of which union, three children were born : Annie M., wife of George ( (esterling;
Elizabeth, deceased, and David. Mr. Schenck went into the hoot and shoe busi-
ness in Butler, as a member of the linn of Bickel iY_ Schenck, which he continued
until 1856, and then moved to the homestead farm, where he resided until his
death, in 1881. .His widow lives in Centre township. Mr. Schenck was a
member of the Lutheran church, and an elder in that body for over thirty years.
In politics, he was originally a Whig and afterwards a Democrat, and Idled the
offices of school director and supervisor. He w as also a member of the I. O. O. F.,
and was at one time connected with the Stale Militia.
Peter Schexck, son of Adam and Catherine (Oesterling) Schenck. was
born in the borough of Butler, April 27, 1854, and received a common school
education. He afterwards entered a draughting school in Allegheny City,
where he also learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked five years and
then returned to Butler. He was married May 7. 1878, to Julia A., daughter of
Philip Gelbach, of Glade Run, to whom have been born three children ; Ida L. ;
Erna S., deceased, and Florence K. Mr. Schenck is an architect, and a con-
tractor and builder, ami in connection with the linn of Schenck Brothers, built
two churches at Harrisville, and .me at Grove City; also l he Diamond block,
the llusellon and Anderson block-, the Troutman and Armon building-, in But-
ler, ami St. Pidelis' College at Herman station. Me was one of the incorporators
of the Citizens Natural Gas Company, and i- now president of the same. Polit-
ically, he i- a Republican, and was a member of the town council and treasurer
of the borough during the three years in which the paving and sewerage improve-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 791
ments were carried out, and took a very active part in these commendable
improvements, which have made Butler one of the healthiest towns of its size in
the State. Mr. Schenck and family are connected with the Presbyterian church.
George Schenck, son of Adam and Catherine Schenck, was born in the
borough of Butler May 6, 1852, here grew to manhood, and learned the carpen-
ter's trade with H. Bauer & Co., of Butler. lie followed his trade lor two years
and then went into business for himself as a contractor and builder. He after-
wards became a member of the firm of II. Bauer & Company, at I Ierr's Island.
Allegheny county, and two years later returned to Butler and became senior
member of the firm of Schenck Brothers. They dissolved in 1891, since which
time Mr. Schenck has been carrying on business alone. He was married on June
1. 1876, to Mar\ L. Forcht, a daughter of John and Margaret Forcht, of Carbon
Centre, to which union have been born six children, viz. : Charles G., deceased;
Alfred A.; George O. ; Margaret L. ; Walter L.. and Etta E. The family are
connected with the Lutheran church, and he is a member of the church council.
Mr. Schenck embarked in the oil business in 1890, and billowed producing lor
one year. He is one of the well-known contractors and builders of the county,
and among the buildings erected by him are the following: Springdale school.
St. Peter's Catholic .school, St. Paul's Catholic school and convent, the postoffice,
Diamond, lluselton and Troutman blocks, the Stein. Aldinger, Baldauf, and
Campbell & Templeton store buildings ; also the Armory building, and the Scien-
tific Hall at New Wilmington.
J. George Stamm, manufacturer of brick, was born at Schaffhausen,
Switzerland, November 10. 1845, son of J.George and Barbara (Stamm) Stamm.
He received a public school education in his native town, and emigrated to the
United States in 1866. He learned the puddler's trade at Sharpsburg, Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania, which he followed live years, and later acquired the
brickmaker's trade, at which he worked until 1871. In that year he settled in
the borough of Butler, where he was employed in the brickyard of Jesse Kinzer
and others until 1880, when lie established a plant on Penn street. 'Ibis he oper-
ated until 1882, and then opened his present yard in the western limits of the
borough. In politics, he is a Democrat, and in February, L891, was elected a
member of the borough council, was re-elected in February. 1894, and is now
president of that body. Mr. Stamm married Lucinda, a daughter ol James
Harvey, of Prospect. Puller county, and is the lather of six children, as follows :
Clara J.; Gertrude B. ; Lucy; I. George; Frank, and Nellie. The family are
connected with the Presbyterian church. lb- is a member of Butler Lodge,
Number 272, F. t\: A. M.. also of Butler Chapter. Number 273, and Pittsburg
Commandery and Consistory; also Connoquenessing Podge. I. O. O. P.. Butler
Lodge. A. (). U.W., and Butler Lodge. Number 170, B. P. ( ). F.
George Schaffxer was born in Slippery Rock township, Butler county,
Pennsylvania, December 17, 1841, and is a son of Jacob and Anna Maria
(Martini Schaffner, natives of Bavaria, Germany. He received a common
school education, and soon after the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in
Company H. Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered into
service at Camp Orr, Kittanning, September 17. 1861, From there the regiment
79- HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
moved by railroad to Pittsburg, where it was presented with a flag by Governor
Curtin, on the West Common, in Allegheny. It was assigned to General Neg-
ley's brigade, was transported down the Ohio river to Louisville, Kentucky,
and then marched to Bacon creek, and later to Greene river. The brigade was a
part of General Sherman's command, who was there relieved by General Buell.
The latter advanced on Nashville, and the Seventy-eighth guarded Buell's line
of communication while he went to re-enforce Grant at Shiloh. and in the tall
of 1862 fell hack to Nashville, joined Xeglev's division and assisted in holding
that citv until the return of Rosecrans' army from Kentucky, in December, 1862.
The army was then re-organized and the Seventy-eighth was placed in the Eighth
division, General Negley commanding. On December 26, 1862, the army moved
on the Stone River campaign, and in the battle of Stone River, the Seventv-
eighth lost 196 in killed and wounded. The regiment captured tin- colors of the
Twenty-sixth Tennessee, also a battery of four pieces that had been captured by
Jackson from the English at the battle of New Orleans, in 1815, and the flag of
the Seventy-eighth was the first to float over the court house at Murfreesboro.
While the regiment lay in that city, Mr. Schaffner was detailed to guard the res-
idence of Colonel Reedy, father-in-law of Gen. John Morgan, ami captured the
hitter's sword, which is still in his possession. The regiment next went on
the Tullahoma campaign, marched to the Tennessee river which it crossed on a
pontoon bridge, thence across Lookout. Sand, and Raccoon mountains, flanking
Chattanooga, the command hauling the artillery over the mountains when the
horses gave out. The Seventy-eighth were the first troops to set foot on the soil
of Georgia, September S, 1863. Mr. Schaffner was one of the one hundred
men who at Dug (jap. Georgia, held the rebel army in check for four hours.
(See Bates' History.) They next participated at Chickamauga, September 19,
and 20, 1863, then fell back on Chattanooga and assisted in holding that town
until the arrival of re-enforcements, suffering the starvation of that siege, after
which they started on the Atlanta campaign. Mr. Schaffner participated in all
the battles of the Fourteenth Army Corps, and was shot through the right shoul-
der and left hand at Pickett's Mills, Georgia, May 27, 1864. I le was sent to
Kingston, Georgia, thence to Nashville, Tennessee, ami afterwards to Pittsburg
Hospital, where he was honorably discharged, October 1:2, 1864, his term of serv-
ice having expired. He afterwards took a course at Duff's Commercial College,
and kept books for Schnelbach & Schott, of Pittsburg, in 1866, and the same
year came to Butler. lie sunk the first coal shaft in Butler county, located south
of Butler, in Butler township, which is still operated by his brother Samuel, and
which proved a successful venture. Since that time he has followed general con-
tracting. Mr. Schaffner was married November5, 1867, to JaneTracv, a daugh-
ter of James and Mary Tracy, of Butler township. Ten children are the fruits
of this union, as follows : Mary Cresentia, wife of John McCune, Jr. ; James;
Anthony J.; Clarence A.: William J.; Estelle G. ; George; Alice; Charles,
and Leroy, the last three of w hom are dead. In 1868 Mr. Schaffner was appointed
!'nitcd States ganger for the Twenty-third internal revenue district, and served
nine years. In 1879 he became employed b\ the government on Davis Island
dam, upon which In- worked four years, being superintendent of the works
H
, <* J^
/V ^hUajUjuduli
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 793
the lust two years. He is a Republican, in politics, has served in the council fin-
six years, and is a prominent member of Encampment, Number 15, I . \ . L., of
which he was elected colonel in 1893. In October of the same year he was
appointed, at Cincinnati, Ohio, adjutant general of the I'. V, L., for the United
States. In June. 1894, he was appointed by Governor Pattison a member of the
commission from Pennsylvania to locate the positions occupied by Pennsylvania
troops at the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and
Wauhatchie Valley. Mr. Schaffner and family are members of St. Paul's Cath-
olic church, and he is one of the well known citizens of his native county.
FREDERICK M. Re.NNO, manufacturer ami dealer in monuments and man-
tels, was born March l>7, 1842, in Butler township, Butler countv, son of John
ami Margaret Renno. the latter a daughter of Michael Eminger, a soldier in the
Warofl812. The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools,
and afterwards learned the moulder's trade, which he followed for fifteen years.
In 1875 he engaged in the manufacture of monuments, etc., under the firm name
of Renno Brothers, which continued for fourteen years. He then purchased his
brother's interest, and has since carried on the business alone. In 1862, he
enlisted in Capt. C. E. Anderson's company, hut being under age they would
not accept him. He nevertheless remained with the company, and participated
in all of the engagements in which his regiment served until the death of Adjut-
ant Reed, when he was detailed to bring that officer's horse to his family in But-
ler. Mr. Renno married Sarah, daughter of Peter Keil, ami has four children :
Cora, wife of Joseph McCandless; Carrie; Loretta C. and Albeit. Politically,
he is a Republican, but takes no active part in public affairs.
Georgk J. Renno. youngest son of John and Margaret Renno, was born in
Butler township, Butler county. June 19, 1852, and grew to maturity in this
county. He was educated in the public schools, and subsequently went one
term to Witherspoon Institute. He afterwards learned the marble cutter's trade,
and in 1875 he became a member of the firm of Renno Brothers, which continued
until December. 1888. At that time he sold his interest to his brother, and in
August, 1889, went into business for himself, at 300 North Main street. On
May :?7, 1874. he married Louisa Rieger, a daughter of George Rieger, of Win-
field township, and has seven children, viz. : Ida M. : George X.; Margaret L, ;
Edward J.; Frederick W. ; Emma G., anil Alma A. The family are connected
with the English Lutheran church, anil in politics, Mr. Renno is a stanch
Democrat.
I. W. McKee, president of the Butler Manufacturing Company, was born
November IS, 1845, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, son of John and Mary
A. (Crawford) KcKee. He received a common school education and afterwards
learned the molder's trade, which he followed for five years. He then engaged
in carpenter work, afterwards removed to the oil fields of Venango and McKean
counties, where he manufactured wooden wheels for oil wells until 1874, and
then located at Freeport. He operated a planing mill at the last mentioned place
for three years, when he went to Petrolia and entered the employ of his brother.
In 1878 he returned to Bradford, McLean county, and resumed the manufacture
of wooden wheels. In 1888 he came to Butler and erected the plant now known
794 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
as the Butler Manufacturing Company, purchased stock in the company, and
took charge of the foundry. Since that time he has lilled different positions in
the works and is now general manager of the company. Mr. McKee married
Miss Nellie March of New Castle, Pennsylvania, and has our son, Vance 1*'.
Benjamin Massetii was horn March 1(1. [840, in Rochester, New York,
son of Exavia and Mary A. Masseth, natives of Germany, who settled in Roches-
ter in 1885. He was educated in the public schools of his native city, and at till-
age of fifteen entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad Company,
as bell boy, and later went to Ohio as an employee of the Toledo, Wabash &
Western Railroad Company, as fireman. He subsequently became an engineer
on that road, which position he occupied until 1862, when he erected the Pavilion
Hotel, at Plumer, Venango county, Pennsylvania, which he operated for a few-
months. He then went to i 'i t hole. Venango county, and purchased the United
States Hotel, which he carried on for one year. In the spring of 18(50 he
embarked in his present business at Pithole, where he remained until 1869, and
then removed his works to Shamburg, and afterward- to Parker. Modoc. Karns
City, and Butler, successively. Mr. Masseth has since built up a profitable busi-
ness, and the firm of Masseth cv_ Black is recognized as one of the representative
manufacturing institutions of the borough.
W 1 1 m \ \i K hssi. i.m ,\ \ . manufacturer, was born in Saxony. Prussia, in 1832,
son of Philip and Christina ( Landwhir) Kesselman. He received his education
in the public school- of his native land and there learned the machinist's trade.
In 1856 he came to the United State- and located in New Castle, Pennsylvania,
where he was employed at his trade for seven years. lie then became a partner
in the New Castle Manufacturing Company, and subsequently established a
machine shop at Parker. Pennsylvania, which he removed later to St. foe. In
1881 he established his present business in Puller, where he has since built up a
prosperous trade. In 1863 he married Miss Maggie Moser. of New Castle. Penn-
sylvania, and their children are as follows : Edward; William; Lewis; Mintie,
ami Floyd. Mr. Kesselman is a Democrat, in politics, and in church affiliation,
i- connected with the English Lutheran congregation of Butler, in which body
he fills the position of elder.
Joseph B. Siiekmax, son ol Henry and Charlotte Sherman, was born at
Cru-oe Island. Cayuga county, New York, May 1 2, 184(5, learned the machinist's
hade in Auburn. New York, and went to Rochester in 18(58, where he worked
lor the New Yoik Central Railwav Company until IS75. He then found employ-
ment as an engineer of a boat on Lake Ontario for one year. In 1876 he came to
Butler county and located al Ram- City, where he established a machine shop,
and carried on business at that poinl down to 1890. when he removed to Butler
and became a member of the firm of Sherman & Masseth. 1892 he sold his inter-
est in that establishment and purchased a shop at Caller} Junction, which he
di-po-ed ol in 1893. He established his present machine -hop- al Puller, in the
old Union Woolen Mill building, known as the Star Iron Work-, in 1894. Mr.
Sherman was married December 29, 1873, to Isabel Williamson, a daughter of
Thomas Williamson, of Rochester, New York. Six children have- been born to
this union, viz. : Olive M. : [va B. ; Clifford W., deceased ; Lulu M. ; Florence
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 795
A., and Josephine B. Mr. Sherman is a Republican, was burgess of Karns
City for one term, and a school director for ten years. lie is a member of the
Presbyterian church, and is connected with the K. of P.. and the A. O. U. W.
During a residence of nearly twenty years in Butler county, Mr. Sherman has
been closely identified with its manufacturing interests in the oil fields, and is a
progressive and public-spirited citizen.
James W. Hcgiies. of the linn af Hughes Brothers, proprietors of the But-
ler Boiler Works, was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, April 23, 1864, son of
Thonias and Bridget ( 1 Ienrv ) Hughes, natives of Ireland. Our subject was
reared in Franklin, Pennsylvania, and at the aye of thirteen, commenced to learn
the trade of boiler maker at the Franklin Boiler Works, and followed that busi-
ness until 1891, in Buffalo, New- York. He then located in Butler, and. in part-
nership with his brother John C purchased the Butler Boiler Works, which they
have since carried on successfully, under the firm name of Hughes Brothers. Mr.
Hughes was married March 80, 1888, to Blanche Stoneburner, of Indiana, and
they have one child. Walter. lie is connected with the Butler Lodge, K. of P.,
and in religious faith, is a member of St. Paul's Catholic church.
John C. Hi cues, of the firm of Hughes Brothers, was born in Meadville,
Pennsylvania. June II. 180(3, son of Thomas and Bridget Hughes. He was reared
in Franklin. Pennsylvania, and learned the boiler maker's trade at the Franklin
Boiler Works. He lias been connected with bis brother James W.. for nine
years in his various business enterprises. lie married Allie Hogue, September
25, 1892. He is a member of Butler Lodge, K. of P., and both he and wife are
members of St. Paul's Catholic church.
Thomas J. Sin i ii. i\ was born in Arcade. Wyoming county, New York,
December 7. 1855, son of John and lane (Malone) Shufflin, and grandson of
James and Nancy Shufflin. His father was born in New York city, in August,
1832, married lane Malone. October 20, 1850, and settled at Arcade. Wyoming
county, New York, where he still resides. His family consists of the following
children : Anna, wife of P. H. Silliman : Thomas J. : Christopher F. : Francis
S. ; John J.; Mary, wife of John Reilley ; Michael I!.. and Matthias V. The
family are members of the Catholic church, and in politics. Democratic. The
subject of this sketch received a common school education, and engaged in tank
building and contracting. In 1878 he went into the oil business in the Bradford
field, came to Butler county in 1880, locating at Millerstown, and the following-
year removed to Butler, where he has since been engaged in business, devoting
his attention to the manufacture of tanks for the storage of petroleum, in which
he has been quite successful. On Februarys, 1889, Mr. Shufflin married Mar\
Green, a daughter of Terence Green, of Arcade, New York. Politically, he is a
Democrat, and is a member of the borough council. He is a member of the k.
of P.. of Millerstown. L ;i charter member and treasurer of the B. P. (). E.. of
Butler, and is president of the Butler Branch of the Metropolitan Loan and Sav-
ings Association. Mr. Shufflin and wife are adherents of St. Paul's Catholic
church, and he is one of the energetic and enterprising business men of the
boron Mi.
796 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
R. B. Taylor, contractor and oil producer, was horn August 13, 1832, in
Halifax. Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, son of James ami Anna (Bryan) Tay-
lor. The Tax lor family were among the early settlers of Dauphin county. The
subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's farm until the age of sixteen,
when he went to Jersey Shore, Lycoming county, where he learned the carpen-
ter's trade, with Henry Dippie, serving four years. He then located at Lock
Haven, and engaged in contracting, which business he carried on for four years,
and then removed to Clearfield, where he continued the same business for eight-
een years. From Clearfield he went to Reynoldsville, Jefferson county, in ls7>>,
and carried on business at that point until his removal to Butler in 1884. Mr.
Taylor has erected many of the public buildings in Pennsylvania and other
states. Among those built by him are the Pennsylvania railroad depot at Cape
Max, Xew Jersey, the opera house and Methodist Episcopal church at Clear-
field, the court house in Butler, the high schools at Mansfield and Kittanning,
and the Schuylkill county court house, at Pottsville. lie has operated exten-
sively in the oil fields of Thorn creek, the Eastern Belt. Saxonburg, and the
Hundred Foot field, of Butler county; also in Clarion county, Allegheny
county, and in Indiana. Mr. Taylor was one of the organizers of the Butler
County National Bank, and was the first president of that institution. He is
president of the Bradford Glass Company, and is a man of much public enter-
prise, lie married Annie, daughter of Joseph Ruffhead, of Jersey Shore, Penn-
sylvania, to whom have been born the following children : Ida, wife of C. C.
Benscoter; Maltha A., wife of G. S. Swope of Bradford; Mary 15.. wife of E.
C. Hughes of Allegheny, and William I. Mr. Taylor is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, and politically, he is a Republican.
Edwakd E. Weigand was born in Hesse Cassel, Germany, October (>.
1849, and is a son of Frederick Weigand of the same place. His lather was a
carriage maker and fanner, and married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Grubing,
of Hesse Cassel. who bore him two children : Elizabeth, and Edward E. The
latter learned the cabinet maker's trade in Germany, came to the United States
in 1868, and settled at Tionesta, Pennsylvania, where he remained three years.
Returning to Germany, he spent eight months in his native land, and again came
to Pennsylvania and located at Titusville, where he was a rig builder and carpen-
ter. He remained at Titusville until July, 1874, when he located at Butler, and
worked at his trade until 1881. He then went into the contracting business, as
a member of the firm of Mcjunkin & Weigand, which was dissolved in 1888.
Since that time he has continued business alone. Mr. Weigand was married
January 19, 1 ST-~>. to Margaret, daughter of William Kalb of Butler township,
and has two children : Adam F.. and Frank L. Politically, he is a Democrat,
and is a member of the Lutheran church.
Lewis C. W ick was born in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, Decem-
ber 1 1. 1852, Min of Henry E. and Elizabeth Wick, both natives of this county.
With the exception of four years spent in Bourbon, Indiana, and Chicago, he has
always been a resident of Butler county. He commenced active business when
about sixteen years of age, consisting of a genera] store, wholesale Hour anil feed,
and lumber business, the latter of which he is now engaged in at Butler and at
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 797
Milliard Station. The Butler yard was started in February, 1884, by L. C. and
\V. S. Wick, who during the year 1885 bought out ihe firms of Leech Brothers,
McGee & Dunlap, and W. C. Eleiner. W. S. Wick sold his interest to C. K.
Hammond in March, 1887, and L. C. Wick bought out Mr. Hammond in Maw
1888, and has since been sole proprietor of the business. Mr. Wick was married
February 1(1. 1874, to Mary Frances Curran, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah
Curran, of Centreville. Butler county, who died December 1(1, 1874. He was
again married October 16, 1878, to Florence P. Curran. a daughter of Rev.
Richard A. and Elizabeth Curran, of Decatur, Indiana. To this union have
been born four children, viz. : Richard II.; Helen E., and Louisa ()., both
deceased, and Olive Bartine. He is a memher of the Reformed church of Spring-
dale, and an ardent Prohibitionist, casting his first vote for that party in 1882.
John Goetz was born in Bavaria, Germany, April 14, 1828, son of Nicholas
and Mary A. (Persow) Goetz. He grew to manhood in his native land, anil
engaged in the butcher and the hotel business, which he followed until 1854. In
that year he immigrated to the United States and settled at Freeport, Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania, erected the Ljas works at that point, and carried them on
in connection with the Butler Gas Works until 1875. He then came to Butler,
where he was superintendent of the Butler works until 1883. in which year he
built his planing mill on Spring avenue. His mill is a two-story building, fifty
by fifty, with an extension fourteen by thirty feet, equipped with the newest
machinery, and operated by an eighteen horse-power engine. Mr. Goetz is also
engaged in contracting and building, in which bu-iness he has been quite success-
ful. He was married in Germany to Margaret Heid, and has four children:
Annie, wife of Bart Nebbel ; Leonard ; Mollie, and Winnie. Mr. Goetz and
family are members of St. Peter's Catholic church, and in politics, he is a stanch
adherent of the Democratic party.
Vai.kxtine Feigel was horn in Rubenheim. Germany, August 7, 1805,
there grew to maturity, and served in the French army oxer fourteen years,
under Charles X.,and Louis Phillippe. He learned the carpenter's trade, and in
1839 immigrated to St. Louis, Missouri, and the following year took up his resi-
dence in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade for many years. In
1843 he married Christina Obitz, of I Iannahstow n. Butler county, to which
union were born eleven children, viz.: Valentine, ami Philip, both deceased;
William; Margaret, and Mary, the last two deceased; Catherine, wife of
Christopher Troutman ; Ferdinand; Sophia, wife of George Ketterer, of Butler;
Carolina, wife of C. D. Aldinger, of Butler; Louisa, and Annie. Mr. Feigel
has occupied his present residence since 1854. He has served as burgess of But-
ler, and is an adherent of the Democratic party. The family are connected with
the Lutheran church.
Ferdinand Feigel was born in the borough of Butler, October 21. 1853,
son of Valentine and Christina Feigel. He received a common school education,
and learned the carpenter's trade with his lather, which business he has followed
the greater portion of his life. In 1893 he engaged in ihe manufacture of picture
frames, under the title of the I. X. L. Picture Frame Company, which business
he carries on at 309 South Main street. On May 25, 1882, Mr. Feigel married
rg8
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Margaret Radii, a daughter of Peter Rader, of Petersville, and has two children,
Ernest and Ollie-. The family are members of the English Lutheran church,
and in politics, Mr. Feigel is a Republican. lie- is connected with Ziegler
Lodge, I. O. o. F.
John Kopp was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, December 6, 1835, son of
John and Christina (Fitch) Kopp, native- of the same place. His lather was
born October II. 1811, served several years in the German army, and in 1858
immigrated to the United State- and settled in the borough of Butler, where he
continued to canyon the trade of marble and stone cutting. In 1874he returned
to Germany, where he died, in 1890. His wife died in 1883. Thc\ were tin-
parents of two children : fohn, and Christina, who married [acob Zeller. The
subject of this sketch came to the United States in 1854, and completed his trade
at Cincinnati, with John Slauterbeck, remaining in that citv a year and a half,
lie then located in Butler, where he has ever since carried on the marble busi-
ness. ()n April '28, 1858, he married Christina Wcckheckcr. a daughter of
Henry and Anna W'eckbecker. of Butler. The following children have been
born to this union: Carolina, deceased; William 11.. deceased; Annie K.,
deceased; Elizabeth, deceased wife of William Wingard, of Clarion county;
Emma, wife of Thomas Finucan, of Pittsburg; Helen I)., deceased; Edward C. ;
Laura M. : Bertha A., and Maggie C. Mr. Kopp and family are connected with
the Lutheran church, and politically, lie is a Republican. Me is a member of
Lodge. Number '22, 1'. II. C.
Charles II. Kennedy, oldest son of William C. and Elizabeth (Christy)
Kennedy, w as born near Elarlansburg, Lawrence count v. Pennsylvania, and
received a common school education. When t\vent\ years of age lie engaged in
teaming, and subsequent 1\ learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed some
four years. He then went to work in a bottling works.it \e\\ Brighton, Leaver
county, and subsequently worked at the same business in Sharon. In Sep-
tember, 1890,' became to Butler, purchased the bottling works of Mechling &
Smith which lu- has since carried on successfully. These works were established
in 1886 by T. E. Gamble, at their present location. |5tS Race street, and is the
onb plant of the kind in Butler. Thev have a capacity of loOcasesa day, or
3,600 bottles. Mr. Kenned-\ manufactures all kinds of soft drinks, and charges
soda fountains lor his patrons in Butler, also supplies many of the small neigh-
boring towns. 1 le was married Ma\ 2, 1888, to Ilattic E.. daughter of Henry
and Elizabeth Boyer of Sharon, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Pres-
byterian church. Mr. Kennedy is connected with the K. (). T. M.. and in poli-
tics, i-, a Democrat.
John (I. Wiseneh was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in August, 1812,
was reared in his native- land, and learned the butcher's traele. IK- afterwards
immigrated to Pennsylvania, and opened a meat market in Butler, where he
resided until his death, Ma) IS, 1849. In 1835 he married Margaret Nicklas, a
daughter of Peter Nicklas, of Summit township, who became- the mother ot
seven children, as follows ; Elizabeth, wife of Matthew Seegar ; Philip; Mark ;
John G. ; Lewis; Annie- E., wife of Matthew Speer, and Susannah, wife of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 799
Wesley Elliott. Mrs. Wisener died on June 6, L880. They were members ol
the Lutheran church.
Philip Wisener was born in the borough of Butler. January 11, 1838,
eldest son of John G. and Margaret Wisener. lie received a common school
education, and learned the blacksmith's trade, and carries on that business at
the present time. ( >n March 10, 1861, he married Mary Knause, a daughter of
Christian Knause, of Summit township, and has six children, viz. : Elizabeth,
wife of Jacob Lawall ; Julia, wife of Louis B. Stein : Etta, wife of Elmer Kell) ;
George; Charles, and Mary. Mr. Wisener is a member of the Lutheran church :
is a stanch Democrat, and has served on the school board and in the borough
council, lie has always lived on Jefferson street, and erected his present home
in 1876. He takes quite an active part in public affairs and gives an earnest
support to every improvement.
John Lefevre was born on the homestead in Jefferson township. Butler
county, August 27. 1847, was reared in his native township, and learned the
blacksmith's trade with George C. Roessing, of Butler, commencing his appren-
ticeship in September, 1866. In March, 1880, he established his present business,
on West Jefferson street, where he has since carried on a carriage repair shop.
Mr. Lefevre was married January 3, 1870, to Eximnia Shaffer, of Armstrong
county. They are the parents of lour children, viz. : Ella A., deceased; James
W.. born February 10, 1877, who works with his father in the shop; Alice G.,
and Charles M. The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal chinch,
in which Mr. Lefevre has served as steward for ten years. In politics, he is a
Republican, and is now serving in the borough council. He is a charter member
of Good Will Hose Company, of which he is a trustee, and was a delegate to the
Fireman's State Convention, at Norristown, September IS, 1894.
Joseph Parkin was born in Cornwall, England. August 23. 1832, son ol
John and Margaret Parkin, natives of the same place. 1 1 is lather was bom in
1786, and married Margaret Pasco in 1813. They were the parents of seven
children, viz. : Philip, who died in Illinois; John, and Lavina, both deceased;
William; Philipi, who married James llohnan; Joseph, and Elizabeth, deceased
wife of Hannibal Rowe. Mr. Parkin died in 1864. The subject of this sketch
immigrated to Illinois in 1859, and afterwards resided at Superior City, Michi-
gan. In iSI'il he visited his native land, whence he returned to California, anil
worked in the gold and silver mines until 1865. In that year lie went to New
Jersey, returned to Illinois in LS76, and in February. 1877, located at Karns City,
Butler county, where he engaged in farming and butchering. In 18S6 he came
to Butler, and established a meat market, which is now being carried on by his
sons. He has also been engaged in the bakery and confectionery business. Mr.
Parkin married Laura M. Webb, February 1 I, 1862, and has seven children, viz. :
loseph; Ldgar ; Reginald ; Herbert ; Lucy; Thomas, and Richard. Politically,
he is a stanch Republican.
Joseph W. Parkin*, son of Joseph and Laura M. Parkin, was born in Corn-
wall, England, October 12. 1864, came to the United States with his father in
1S(')7. and remained with his parents until he was twenty years of age. He then
located in Butler, where he lias since been engaged in carrying on a meat market.
800 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
On December 12, 1888, lie married [ennie Wilson, a daughter of William |. Wil-
son, of Butler, and has had two children, fennie, deceased, and foseph. In politics,
he is a Republican, and is a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Wii.i.iam II. Miller, one of the early business men <>f Butler, was born
near Berlin, Germany, there grew to manhood anil learned the cabinet maker's
trade. About 1834 he immigrated to Pennsylvania and located at Butler, where
he engaged in the cabinet making and furniture business, on North Main street.
He carried on this business for more than forty years, retiring in L875. Mr.
Miller died in September. 1878. He was married in this borough to Charlotte
Weisensteirt , who survives him, and resides in Butler at the ripe age of eighty-
one years. They reared three children, viz. : William F. ; Henry A., and Mary L.
Mr. Miller and wife were among the original members of the German Lutheran
church, and in politics, he was an ardent Republican.
Wii.i.iam F. Miller, eldest son of William II. and Charlotte Miller, was
born in Butler. |anuarv 1, 1 S;',',), learned t lie cabinet maker's trade with his father,
and was afterwards a partner in the business, under the firm name of W. H.
Miller & Son, which existed until his father retired from business. In 1870 he
established his present factory, and has since carried on mantel, stair and portico
building, scroll-sawing, turning and fancy wood-work, in connection with a
planing mill business. Mr. Miller married Caroline Reiber, a daughter of George
Reiber, and has five children, viz. : Loretta C. ; Bertha ; Cora ; William, and
Analine. The family are members of the English Lutheran church, and In poli-
ties, adherents of the Republican party.
Rev. Peter C. Prugh, D. I)., superintendent of St. Paul's Orphan Home,
was born September 18, IS2i'. in Montgomery county, Ohio, and is a son of John
and Catherine (Havnes) Prugh. His father was a native of Carroll county.
Maryland, born near the town of Westminster in 1 7'.*5, and his mother in the
same county, in lT'.'l. They were the parents of ten children, our subject being
the fourth son. In 1818 the family removed to Ohio, and settled in Van Buren
township, Montgomery county, where the father died in 1879, and his wife
three years previous. Mr. Prugh was reared on the homestead farm, anil after
receiving a common school education, entered the Dayton Academy. In
1845 he entered Marshall College. Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, from which
iie graduated in the year 1849. He then entered the Theological Sem-
inary of the Reformed church at the same place, where he completed
his studies and was called to the pastorate of the Reformed church at Xenia,
Ohio, in 1851, remaining there twenty-five years. During the war Mr. Prugh
was connected with the < )hio Relief Society, and did duty at Washington, Port
Royal, the Wilderness and White House Landing, caring for the wounded sol-
diers, and was also connected with the Ohio Militia at the time of Gen. Kirhy
Smith's attempted raid upon Cincinnati. During bis residence in Xenia he was
mainly instrumental in founding the Soldier's Orphan School located at that place,
being chairman of the committee to raise funds for the purpose. By his own
personal efforts he secured in Greene county alone $25,000. After the completion
of the Home, he was appointed its chaplain and tilled that position two years. In
1878 he accepted a call from the Church of the Cross. Cincinnati, Ohio, where
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 801
he remained three years. lie then located in Germantown, Ohio, and took charge
of the Reformed church of that place, and remained thereuntil 1882, in which
year he accepted his present position as superintendent of St. Paul's Orphan
Home. Since his connection with this school many improvements have been
made, one change being the enlargement of its capacity of from fifty to Lio
pupils. At one time lie had under his charge 160 children of deceased soldiers,
and at this period the State inspector reported his school as being one of the best
in the State. In politics. Mr. Prugh was in early life a Whig, but joined the Re-
publican party on its formation, and has since supported that organization. In
his youth he joined the Washingtonian temperance movement and has always been
a strong advocate of temperance. lie was married April 2, L852, to Charlotte, a
daughter of Jacob Hassler of Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, a musician in the^W ar
of 1812. They are the parents of eleven children, seven of whom lived to man-
hood and womanhood : Edwin X. : John H., pastor of Grace Reformed church of
Pittsburg ; Daniel K. ; William S. : Etta K.. deceased, who had charge of the
school at the Home five years ; Mary A., ami Frances Grace. Mr. Prugh is recog-
nized as a man of superior ability, and has won the respect and confidence of
the citizens of Butler.
Rev. John S. McKee, pastor of the United Presbyterian church of Butler,
was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. June 22, 1850. His grandfather, David
McKee, was born in County Down, Ireland, about 1797. was a carpenter by
trade, and came of Presbyterian stock. He married a Miss Donnan, and died
in 1869, aged seventy-two years. His wife survived him until 1S72, dying at the
ripe old age of eighty-two years. They were the parents of six children ; Will-
iam S. ; Mrs. Jane Wilson ; Mrs. Ann Stewart McKee ; Mary ; David, and Alex-
ander D. William S., the eldest of the family, and father of our subject, was
born in County Down, Ireland, in 1824, learned the carpenter's trade in his native-
land, and came to America in 1844. He settled in Pittsburg, where he was
engaged in contracting and building for a great many years, but in 1886 he
removed to Denver, Colorado, where he continued the same business. He died
June 18, 1894. He was twice married; rirst to Elizabeth Shields of Pittsburg, in
1849, to whom were born five children, only two of whom grew to maturity :
John S., and William G. The mother died in 1859, and in 1862 he married Miss
Jane Cox, to whom were born six children : Elizabeth, deceased ; Thomas C,
an architect; David, deceased; Heberton X.; Harry C, and Alexander A. The
parents were members of the United Presbyterian church, in which denomina-
tion Mr. McKee tilled the office of ruling elder.
The subject of this sketch received his primary education in the common
schools, afterwards attended East Liberty Academy, and the Western University,
and graduated from the latter institution in 1869. He then entered the United
Presbyterian Theological Seminary, in Allegheny City, where he was graduated
in 1878, and subsequently spent one year in the Free Church College, Edin-
burgh, Scotland. Mr. McKee was licensed to preach the gospel June 24. 1873,
by the Monongahela Presbytery, and was ordained and installed pastor oi East
Brady Congregation October 19, 1875. He remained with that charge until
1880, when he received a call from the United Presbyterian church of Mercer,
802 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Pennsylvania, which he accepted, and was pastor of that chinch until October
I, 1884. Un thai date he received and accepted a call from t he United Presby-
terian chinch nt Butler, and lor the past ten years has ministered to that congre-
gation. Under his pastorate the church has prospered both materially and spirit-
ually, the beautiful new church building recently erected being evidence of the
prosperity of this congregation. Mr. McKee is an ardent Prohibitionist in
politics, and has always taken an active and prominent part in fighting intemper-
ance and in trying to obtain anti-liquor legislation. Mr. McKee married Sophia
M., a daughter of Robert and Mary S. Templeton, of East Brady, Pennsylvania,
in fune, 1878, and has one child, [eannie E. fie is one of the best known and
most popular ministers in Butler county.
Rev. William E. Olleii, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Butler, was
born upon hi- lather's farm in Washington county. Pennsylvania, fanuary 18,
1852. He i- the fourth in a family of eight children horn to Daniel and Cather-
ine (Myers) Oiler, of that county. His father was a native of Kammerer.
Washington counts', and Ins mother a daughter of lacoh and Mary Myers, of
Somerset township, in the same county. They were married in 1848. and were
loving helpmates lor nearly half a century, when the link was broken by the
death of the husband and father, September 6, 1891. William E. received his
primary education in the public schools of hi- native county, afterwards entered
Washington and Jefferson College, from which lie graduated in 1n7-"> : then
entered Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny City! and was graduated
from that institution in 1878. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of
Washington, at Burgeltstown, in April. |s77. lie accepted a call from the
Presbyterian church of Tarentum, Allegheny county, and was ordained and
installed pastor of that church, September It). 1878. Mr. Oiler remained in
charge at Tarentum for nearly four years, and fune 19, 1882, accepted the pas-
torate of the Presbyterian church of Butler, for which he has preached during the
past thirteen years. His ministry has been marked by a rigid devotion to his
duties, and an unswerving christian rectitude in the prosecution of his labor-.
Under his pastorate the church has prospered, and his earnest, untiring efforts
have borne good fruit in the steady, substantial growth of the congregation, and
the development ol a generous christian sentiment among its members. Mr.
Oiler was married October 1(1. 1878, to Miss Ella D. Creigh, a daughter of Dr.
Allied Creigh, ol Washington, Pennsylvania. Pour children are the fruits of
this union, as follows : Nellie C. : Julian S. ; Katrina L., and Florence B.
Prof. EllEX] xhi: M \CKKY, superintendent of the public schools of Butler,
was born on Friday. August I 1, 1857, in the old homestead near Walker avenue,
Butler. Pennsylvania. His mother, Mrs. Sarah Mackev. made it the aim of her
lite to educate him, and taught him to read almost as soon as he could talk.
Pilgrim's Progress, the Bible anil Plutarch's Lives were his favorite reading and
inexhaustible mine- of material for the greater part of thought and play in an
otherwise lonely childhood. He attended the district school regularly, with sum-
mer terms at Witherspoon Institute, German Lutheran school and elsewhere,
(udge Greer and Dr. Brugh are among the names held in dear remembrance as
teachers that lifted him up to higher things. After three or four years' study of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. SOj
the higher branches at the Institute, he entered the senior preparatory class of
Mercersburg College. The five years under the direct personal influence of such
teachers as Hon. 1-:. E. Higbee, I). I)., LL. I).. Rev. J. I!. Kieffer, Ph. D..
and others of like ability and self-sacrificing devotion, were doubtless the forma-
tive period of his life and the seed-lime of his best fruition. lie joined the Col-
lege Chapel Reformed church in 1875. In 1878, the year of his graduation, he
was appointed principal of St. Paul's Orphan Home school, and taught there
three annual terms. In the effort to choose and make preparation for a profes-
sion, he read Blackstone, studied Gray's Anatomv, and pursued the studies of the
first year in theology.
In 1881 he was elected principal of the public schools of Butler, then having
nine teachers and about 4< II I pupils. His first work was to introduce a system of
regulations and course of study that led to the graduation of the tirst class in
1885, and the first commencement exercises in the history of education in the
borough. His summer vacations have been spent largely in attending State and
National educational meetings, in travel through the United States, Canada and
Europe, and in special study of psychology and pedagogy at Clark University,
Worcester, Massachusetts. Professor Mackey was married December 20, lv'.i:;,
to Miss Anna Welshons. That he is superintendent of the Sunday school and
treasurer of the Reformed church, president of the Y. M. C. A., a trustee of
Franklin and Marshall College, secretary of the board of directors of the ( >rphans"
Home, president of the Mutual Water Association, and a member of the execu-
tive committee of the State Teachers' Association, may serve to show that in
other lines, as well as that of his lite work as teacher, he is endeavoring to realize
the motto of his name.
Rev. Henry E. Sxyder was born near Boquet, Westmoreland county.
Pennsylvania, January 1. 1804, and is a son of David L. Snyder. Ilis father was
born in Westmoreland county, November 19, 1833, taught school tor twelve
years, and was later engaged in merchandising and farming. lie now resides
upon a farm in Penn township, Westmoreland county, which he purchased in
1886. He is a trustee and has been a deacon in the Reformed church, and in
politics, he is a Republican. He married Mary A., daughter of |ohn Kline, of
Penn township, Westmoreland county, in 1850. and has the following children :
Addison C. ; Elizabeth E. ; Amanda J.; Henry E. ; Emma S. ; Daniel I.: Anne
M.. and Norah V. The subject of this sketch received a common school educa-
tion, and then attended Delmont Academy , and later, Murrysville Academy. He
next taught school for three years, and in L885 entered the univcrsit\ at Tiffin.
Ohio, where he was graduated in 1888. He afterwards attended Franklin and
Marshall Theological Seminary, at Lancaster, completed the full course, gradu-
ated May 14, 1891, and was licensed to preach by Westmoreland Classis, al
Pleasant Unity. Westmoreland county, on Saturday. May 23, 1891. In June.
1891, he received and accepted a call from Bethany Reformed church of Butler,
and has since had charge of that congregation. Mr. Snyder was married May
11, 1891, to Miss Imogene M. Long, of Lancaster, anil has two children : Ce< il
1... and Alpheus X.
804 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William C. Neglev, son of John II.. and Mary (Harper) Negley, and
grandson of John Negley, the pioneer, was horn in the borough of Butler,
December is. 1850. He attended the public schools of (he borough, and passed
;i short term in what is known as '' The Old Stone Academy." In 1865 he
entered the United States Academy at Annapolis, and there studied for four
years, when he was assigned to service and spent a few years at sea. The con-
dition of his health obliged him to abandon the naval service, and returning to
Butler he became associated with his father in the publication of the Citizen,
fully mentioned in the chapter on the Press. Mr. Negley was married in Janu-
ary, 1878, to Mrs. Emma Stauffer, daughter of Squire Armor of Zelienople. To
them have been born seven children, three of whom are living: William. Emma
and John. Mr. Negley has always been a stanch Republican, and in his capacity
as editor of the Citizen has rendered invaluable services to his party in this
county.
Eli D. Robinson, son of Thomas and Ann Eliza (De Wolf) Robinson,
was born in Penn township. Butler county, March 4, 1855. In 1863 his parents
removed to Butler, where he received a practical common school education in
the public schools of the borough, and subsequently studied for five years in the
Witherspoon Institute. In the winter of 1875—76, he entered his father's law
office, and read law for eighteen months, and then abandoned his studies in that
direction. Preferring journalism, he purchased the Eagle from his father in 1879,
and was one of the editors and publishers of that paper, its political department
being under his direction, until February 7. 1895, when he became sole proprietor,
lie wields an earnest, forceful pen. which is used in the advocacy of positive
conviction. Mr. Robinson was married March 1 1, 1883, to Emily E. Rogers, of
Harrisburg, to which union three children have been born: Ann De Wolf;
Bertha Ewing, and Carl Irving. The family are connected with the Methodist
Episcopal church, and in politics, Mr. Robinson has always been an ardent
Republican.
James Monroe Carson was born in North Beaver township, Eawrence
county, Pennsylvania, November 11, 1857, son of William and Prudence (Calvin)
Carson, natives of Eawrence county, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His paternal
grandfather, William Carson, was a native of Ireland, who came to America
prior to the Revolution, espoused the cause of the colonists, and served as a sol-
dier in the Colonial army in its struggles for independence. After peace was
declared he married Rachel Wilson, of Delaware, and located in Virginia, where
he remained until 1799, when he settled within the present limits of Eawrence
i ounty. His maternal ancestors emigrated from Scotland to western Pennsylvania,
towards the close of the Eighteenth century. The subject of this sketch removed
with his parents to Marion township. Butler county, in November, 1868, anil
spent his youth on his father's farm, receiving his education in the public schools
and from private tutors. In 1873 he entered the office of the Butler Eagle, as
an apprentice to the printing trade, and served the full term of three years. He
afterwards worked at his trade in Sharon and Sandy Pake for several years. In
1881 he purchased an interest in the Eagle, and entered into partnership with
Eli I). Robinson, with whom he was associated, as editor and publisher, under
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S05
the tirm name of Robinson <Y. Carson, until February 7. 1895, when he retired
from the firm. Mr. Carson is a Republican, has always taken an active interest
in the success of the principles and candidates of his party; was secretary of the
count)' committee in the presidential campaign of 1888, and has served on other
important party committees and conferences. He received the unanimous indorse-
ment of Butler county for State Senator in 1892, but Armstrong county being
entitled to the district nomination , it was conceded to t he candidate of that county
without a contest. In 189] Mr. Carson was elected reading clerk of the State
Senate, and filled the position so acceptably that he was re-elected in IS1.):!, and
again in 1895. He was married, in 1882, to Letitia Donaldson, and three daugh-
ters have blessed this union, viz. : Luella ; Bessie Prudence, and Bertha Max.
Mr. Carson and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, of Butler.
Charles E. Herr, proprietor of the Butler County Records was born in
Somerset, Pennsylvania, Februarv 21, 1850, son of Joseph and Mary (Koontz)
Herr. His father settled in Somerset about 1830, and his mother, as well as his
maternal grandparents, were native- of that town. The subject of this sketch
was reared in his native county, learned the printer's trade in the office of the
Somerset Democrat , and subsequently held the foremanship of the Somerset
Herald. In 1 S 7 7 . during the highest stage of the oil excitement at Petrolia, he
went to that town and established the Petrolia Record. Its publication was - -
cessfully continued there until June, 1S8S, when the establishment was moved t<>
Butler, and the name of the paper changed to ■'The Butler C<nir.:\ /.', -
Mr. Herr was married on May 25, 1882, to Emma B. Patterson, of Bridgeport,
Ohio, and ha- three children : Mary; Edgar, and Helen. lie and wife are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politic-, lie has always been inde-
pendent.
Prof. P. S. Bancroft was born in Litchfield countv, Connecticut, when
hi- parents and maternal grandparent- long resided. Hi- maternal grandfather.
Grove Pinney, Esq., was for several sessions a member of the legislature, and
afterwards of the constitutional convention of the State. His paternal grand-
father was born in Springfield. Massachusetts, and his father was a native of the
latter State. His ancestors on both sides settled in New England at an early day,
the Bancroft- coming from England, and the Pinneys from Scotland. Earl Ban-
croft, father of the subject of this -ketch, moved to Crawford countv. Pennsyl-
sylvania, when the latter was eight years old. settling on a farm near Meadville.
The son was brought up on the farm and educated at Allegheny College, where
he graduated in 1855. For two years he taught Greek and Latin in Madison
College. Uniontown. Pennsylvania. In LS61 he entered the One Hundred and
Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, as second lieutenant, and subsequently became
a member of the Third Regiment, Veteran Reserve Corp-, serving in all nearly
four years, during the last two of which he held the rank of captain. In 1866
Prof. Bancroft married Bella Blinker, youngest daughter of Col. facob Brinker,
and granddaughter of Abraham Brinker, one of the first settlers of Butler.
Three children have blessed this union, viz.: Earl I).: Flora Gertrude, and
Grove G. In 1877 he came to Butler, and was for several years principal oi
\\ itherspoon Institute, but finally abandoned teaching t<> engage in newspaper
s, ,6
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
work. In March, L8S8, he began writing for the Butler Eagle, and became
associate editor of the Butler County Record, October 1, 1889, upon which
journal he is still engaged. Prof. Bancroft and family are members of St. Peter's
Protestant Episcopal church, of Butler, and in politics, he is a supporter of
the Republican party.
\V. <i. Ziegleh, son of \V. S. and Susan (Schleppy) Ziegler, was born
in Butler township, Butler county, May 2-3, 1858. His father was a sun of
George Ziegler of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and brother of Capt. |acol> Ziegler
the founder of the Democratic Herald, and was born in 1789, and died August
29, 1848. His mother was a daughter of Jacob Schleppy, one of the early settlers
of Butler county, and was born in Luzerne county, and died in this county Feb-
ruary 14. 1878, aged eighty-seven years. His maternal grandmother was a Mc-
Candless, was born in Ireland, came to Butler county in youth, settled in Muddy
Creek township, and died in Butler township, April 25, 18(>(3. His paternal
grandmother was a Chritzman, was born in Germany, May 1. 1792, came to
America in 1801, settled in Baltimore, and died in Butler, April 28, 1805. The
subject of this sketch learned the printer's trade in the Herald office, with which
he has been connected for the past twenty years, as apprentice, foreman and
publisher.
Robert McKee, son of James and grandson of Thomas McKee, was born
in Butler township, Butler county, June 17. 1M7. He was reared upon the
farm, and in 1847 he married Mary J. Kirk, a daughter of John Kirk, an early-
settler of Clarion count}'. They resided upon a farm in Butler township until
1888, anil then removed to Butler, where Mr. McKee died on December 18,
1890, leaving two children, Mary A. and lames A. The widow resides with
her children in Butler. Mr. McKee was a justice of the peace in Butler town-
ship for thirty years, and was a, prominent member of the United Presbyterian
church.
Iami.s A. McKee was horn in Butler township, May II. l8G5,son ofRobert
and Mary McKee. lie was educated in the public schools and at Witherspoon
Institute, and subsequently attended Wooster University, at Wooster, Ohio.
After completing his education he returned to Butler county, and taught school.
In 1888 the family removed into the borough, and be shortly afterwards formed
a partnership with \V. (i. Ziegler. and purchased the Democratic Herald, with
which he has since been connected as editor and publisher. He is an active
member of the Democratic parte, has been prominent in the local councils ol that
organization, and is a member of the United Presbyterian church.
Henry C. Heixeman was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, June
13, 1828, son of Daniel J. and Catherine A. (Roth) Heineman, natives of Ger-
many. In [uly. 1835, tin' family landed in Philadelphia, and in 1838 came
westward to Butler county, settling on a farm near the site of (neat Belt, whence
they removed to Allegheny, thence to Philadelphia, and later to McKean county.
In 1842 they came again to this county and settled in the borough of Butler,
where the parents spent the remaining years of their lives. When the family
first located in this county, Henry C. worked in a confectionery in Butler, and
■••-ion after their return here, he entered the employ of William Campbell & Sons,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 807
for whom he clerked rive years. In January, 1850, he went to California by
water, worked in the mines until the following December, and then returned to
his home. In March, 1852, he crossed the plains to the Pacific slope and
remained working in the mines until June. L856, when he again returned to But-
ler. In February, 1857, he embarked in the book and stationery business, which
he has followed continuously up to the present. Mr. Heineman was married,
October 29, 1857, to Mary E. Coyle, a native of Ireland. Seven children have
blessed this union, all of whom are living. Their names are as follows: Cath-
erine A., wife of W. \V. Blackmore; Charles M. ; Harry I).; William |. ;
Matilda R. : George E., ami Joseph A. Mr. Heineman and famik are members
of the Presbyterian church, ami politically, are stanch adherents of the Demo-
cratic party. He has rilled the office of school director for two terms; is a mem-
ber of Connoquenessing Lodge, Number 278, I. < '. ( '. F., Butler Lodge, Number
272, F. & A. M.. the R. A.. A. < ). U. W., and E. A. I". From the beginning of
its history up to the present, lie has been prominent in the volunteer tire depart-
ment of Butler, and is regarded as the father of the department. Mr. Heineman
is one of the oldest business men in the borough, carries on its pioneer book stole,
and is highly respected by the leading people of the community.
Charles M. Heineman, one of the editors of the Times, was born in the
borough of Butler July 24, 18(52, and is a son of Henry C. and Mary (Coyle)
Heineman. He was educated in the public schools and at Witherspoon Institute.
and after his school days had ended he entered his lather's store as clerk. During
this period he gave some attention to journalism, establishing one or more ama-
teur ventures in the journalistic field as early as 1881. He was one of the
founders of the Times in 1884, ami has since been the editor of that paper, in
connection with his brother, William J. Mr. Heineman was married to Ella,
daughter of James II. Black, November 26, 1885. She is a native of this county
and a member of the old family of that name, of whom so many are known here
in the trades and professions. Two children have been born of this marriage :
Henry N., and Charles C.
John Findley, secretary and treasurer of the Pittsburg Refining Company,
Limited, of Pittsburg, was born on the Findley homestead in Mercer county,
Pennsylvania, July lit, 1838. He is a son of David and Grace (Cunningham)
Findley, and grandson of John Findley, one of the pioneers of Mercer county,
who came there from Westmoreland county about 1799. John Findley, Sr., married
Elizabeth Amberson, of Mercer, and became the father of the following children:
William, a United Presbyterian minister; David; John, an Associate Reformed
minister; Patterson, and five who died in infancy. Patter-on Findley is the
only surviving member of the family. David Findley. the father of our sub-
ject, married Grace Cunningham, a daughter of Thomas Scott Cunningham, also
a pioneer of Mercer county, who represented his county in Congress several
terms. They were the parents of the following children : James Galloway Din-
widdie, and Thomas Scott Cunningham, both deceased; John ; Mary Elizabeth;
Jennie; Matilda Grace, wife of W. V. Evans, of Tarentum ; William Oliver,
and three who died in infancy. John was reared on the home farm, and received
his early education in the public schools, ami later graduated at Iron City Com-
808 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
mercial College; removed to Butler county in 1873 and to Butler in 1886. Mr.
Findley was married in 1861, to Melissa Painter, a daughter of Philip and Jane
( McCoy) Painter, of Mercer county, and is the father of the following children :
William Edgar, formerly court stenographer in Butler, now engaged in the rail-
road business in New York city; Ada Grace; Charles Donald, also in the rail-
road business in New York city; Norman Painter; Lucretia Jane, and one who
died in infancy. In politics. Mr. Findlev is a stanch Republican, has served as a
member of the school board for a number of years, and is now secretary of the
board. Mr. Findlev and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of
Butler, of which be is treasurer, lie is also a member of the R. T. of T., and
the K. of P.. in both of which he has filled positions of trust.
Maj. Cyrus E. Anderson was born in Washington county. Ohio, August
4. IS22, and was reared in Allegheny county. Pennsylvania. He is a son of
Robert and Magdalene (Roth) Anderson, the former a native of Allegheny
county, and the latter of Perry county, Pennsylvania, and of German extraction.
He served two years at the harness maker's trade in Pittsburg, came to Butler
county at the age of fifteen, where he worked in the summer and attended
school in the winter until twenty-one years of age. He then engaged in teach-
ing, which lie followed for fifteen years in Pennsylvania and Iowa. In 1S43 he
went to Iowa, returned to Pennsylvania in the spring of 1844, located at Mead-
ville in 1S54, and in 1857 returned to Butler. He was appointed deputy register
and recorder that year, and filled the position for three years. In 1860 he was
elected, on the Republican ticket, to the office of register and recorder, and was
serving in that capacity when he joined A. G. Reed, in August, 1862, and
recruited Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, ami entered the service as captain of said company. He served in the bat-
tles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville ; was commissioned major of his reg-
iment February 17. 1863, ami was discharged at Harrisburg. May 26, 1863, by
reason of expiration of his term of enlistment. Returning home be completed
his term as register and recorder. In December. 1863, he became associated
with Thomas Robinson in the publication of the American Citizen; was ap-
pointed district deputy provost marshal in 1864, and sold his interest in the
Citizen to Mr, Robinson. He served as provost marshal until the close of the
war. In 1865 be became business manager of the Citizen, and in 1866 purchased
the plant and conducted the paper until 1869, when he sold it to John II. Xeg-
ley. He was elected prothonotarv the same year, and after tilling that office for
one term, be was employed in the various offices in the court house as clerk. In
1891 he was elected justice of the peace, and in the spring of 1894 he was
elected burgess of Butler for a term of three years, which positions be is now fill-
ing. Mr. Anderson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, was at one
time a local preacher in that denomination, and has been a teacher of a bible
class in the Butler church for thirty-seven years, lie is a member ot A. G. Reed
Post, Number 105, G. A. R., and is connected with the Masonic order, the I. O.
O. F., and the R. A. Major Anderson was married in 1S47, to Ruth Brown, a
daughter of Adam and Sarah Brown, of Cranberry township, Butler county, to
which union have been born six children, two of whom died in infancy, Sarah
<z?
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 8og
Magdalene, and Robert. Those living are : Leonidas L. ; Alvin A. ; Estella E.,
and Ulysses S. G.
John T. Kelly, son of Thomas and Miriam Kelly, was horn in Washing-
ton township, Butler count}-, Pennsylvania, November 25, L838. At the age of
seventeen he commenced learning the blacksmith's trade, which he followed
until June, 1861. He then enlisted in Company C, Eleventh Pennsylvania
Reserve, and served in the Rebellion for three years, holding the rank of ser-
geant. He participated in all the engagements in which his regiment took part.
except South Mountain and Antietam, from Mechanicsville to Bethesda Church.
At the .Seven Davs" tight before Richmond, he was captured, and spent fortv
days in Libby and Belle Isle prisons. lie was wounded at Fredericksburg,
December 13, 1862, and was honorably discharged from the service, June 13.
18(34. Returning to his home in Butler" county, he worked at his trade until
1872, in which year he was elected sheriff, on the Republican ticket. At the
expiration of his term, he engaged in various enterprises down to May 20, L892:
on which date he was appointed postmaster at Butler, and still occupies thai
position. Mr. Kelly was married August 25, 18(34, to Miss Eli/.a [. Shira, and
their children are as follows: Millie E., and Ha Hie, both deceased; Howard
A. : Ilallet W. ; Josie, deceased : Gertrude ; Amy, deceased, and Jean. Polit-
ically, he is a stanch Republican, is a member of A. G. Reed Post. G. A. R..
and colonel of Encampment, Number 45, U. V.L. Both he and wife are mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian church, in which denomination he has filled the
office of elder for many years.
Joseph Criswell, clerk of the courts of Butler county, was born in Clin-
ton township, Butler countv. April 8, 1840. lie worked upon his father's farm
and attended the common schools of the district at intervals until his twenty-
first year, when he enlisted as a private in Company H, One Hundred and Sec-
ond Pennsylvania Volunteers, for a term of three vears, at the end of which
he re-enlisted in the same company. He was wounded at the Wilderness, and
was honorably discharged at the close of the war. On April 25, 1864, he married
Catherine S. Burkhart. a daughter of Elijah and Rebecca (Richardson) Burk-
hart, and settled upon a farm in Butler township. They are the parents of two
sons and four daughters, as follows : James ]>., a resident of Knoxville, Tennes-
see : Jean R., wife of John P. Wilson, a lawyer of Pittsburg ; Letitia M., wife ol
R.C. Little, a resident of Meadville ; Kathleen M.. who assists her father in the
office; William Clifford, and Josephine. Mr. Criswell is a past master Mason, a
member of A. G. Reed Post, G. A. P.. and of Butler Encampment. Number 45.
U. V. L. The family are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church. ' Mr.
Criswell is a stanch Republican, and was elected clerk of the courts in 1890, by a
majority of '.155, and was re-elected in 1893, by a majority of 1,917, the largest
majority given to any man on the ticket, lie is one of the most popular officials
in the county, and has won and retained a wide circle of friends.
Andrew Graham Campbell was born on the old homestead farm in Con-
cord township, Butler county, July 1. 1*42. and is the youngest in the family of
Alexander and Eliza Campbell. He was reared upon his father's farm, and also
followed milling, his father being the owner of a mill. In 18(38 he embarked in
SlO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
merchandising in Concord township, whence he removed to Mounl Chestnut,
afterwards to Brownsdale, then to Butler, and finally to Boydstown, lie mar-
ried Rachel J., daughter of George Hutchison, of Oakland township, August 7,
1802, and they are the parents of six children, as Follows: Alexander M. ; Eliza
A., wife of John 11. Robb; Thomas A. ; William J.; Charles F., and Millard
II. In August, 1862, Mr. Campbell enlisted in Company C. One Hundred and
Thirty -fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered in at Harrisburg the
same month. The regiment was moved to Arlington Heights, and took part in
the battle of Antietam. lie afterwards served on detail service witli the supply
train, and continued in that capacity until his discharge, (une lii, 1865. Return-
ing to hi- home he resumed his old business of farming and milling, and also
embarked in merchandising. In 1893 he was elected, on the Republican ticket,
sheriff of Butler county, and took charrge of his office January 1, 1894. Mr.
Campbell is a capable and popular official, and has many warm friends in every
township ol his native county.
Richard Kelly, third son of Thomas and Miriam (Wilson) Kelly, was
born in Washington township, Butler countv, March S, 1841. He grew to man-
hood on the I arm. working at farm labor during the summer and attending
school during the winter, and thus gained a fair common school education. At
the age ol nineteen he began teaching, receiving fourteen dollars per month ami
"boarding round" with the scholars, and witli the exception of two winters dur-
ing the Civil war. he has been engaged in teaching in the 'public schools of But-
ler counts ever since. Mr. Kelly received an academic education in institu-
tions oi that kind at Fairview ami Harrisville, Butler county, and at Dayton,
Armstrong county. In the lall of 1861 he enlisted in Company B, One Hun-
dred and Thiul Pennsylvania Volunteers, and saw some hard service on the
march ami on the battle held, being engaged in the siege of Yorktown, in the
battles of Williamsburg. Fair Oaks, Jones Bridge, and other battles and skir-
mishes incident to a change of base from the York to the lames river. Near
Harrison's Landing he became disabled l>v reason of chronic diarrhoea and lung
disease, and was sent from that point to the general hospital on David's Island,
Xew York, where he was treated without success, and in the spring of 1863 he
was honorably discharged as unlit for further service in the army. After
remaining a! home for about a year, and having partially regained his health.
lie was overtaken h\ the draft of 1864, and went back again to the army as a
member of Compam G, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. With this regi-
ment he engaged in tin' siege of Petersburg, and spent most of the winter of 1864
at Fort MeGilvery, on the Appomattox river. At the close of the war he was
honorabh discharged and returned to his home, hut being unable to engage in
heavy labor he resumed his life work as a teacher. In May, 1869, Mr. Kelly was
married to Nannie J. Ilillard. of Venango township. Butler county, who became
the mother of his eight children, \ i/,. : Theodore P. ; Nola B. ; Ivy M. '. Richard
A. : Ethel I. ; Zillah M. : Jonathan R.. ami Marcus R. lie was at one time a
candidate tor county superintendent of common schools, but was defeated. In
1893 he was nominated for the office of countv commissioner, by the Republican
party, and was elected to said office, which position he now occupies.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 8 I I
William Russell was born in Down county, Ireland, in 1820, and when
six years of age his parents immigrated to Philadelphia, where he grew to man-
hood, receiving in the public schools of that city a common school eeucation.
He came to Butler county when a voung man, and purchased property in Har-
risville, Mercer township. He followed school teaching for some years, and in
1S49 went to California and remained on the Pacific coast twenty-six years,
then returned to Butler, where he died October 20, L8S5, at the home of hi- -on,
Alexander. In 1887 Mr. Russell married Sarah Buchanan, a daughter of Alex-
ander Buchanan, of Mercer town-hip. to which union were born seven children,
as follow-, Manila, who married Dr. McConnell. of Mercer township ; Alex-
ander; David ii. : Mary, wile of Stewart Duncan, of Mercer county ; Nancy J.,
wife of Henry Watson, of Clarion county, and two that died in infancy. Mr.
Russell and wife ware members of the United Presbyterian church. Politically,
he was a Republican, and filled the office of justice of the peace for some years.
Alexander Russell, eldest son of William and Sarah Russell, was born
in Harri-yille, Butler county. November 11). L840, received a common school
education, and completed his studies at the Rimersburg Academy and the Har-
risville High School, then under the principalship of Dr. W. T. Hamilton. Mr.
Russell followed school teaching for many years, and in 1878 was elected, on
the Democratic ticket, prothonotarv of Butler county, and filled the office to the
satisfaction of the people. Since 1888 he has been deputy prothonotarv, under
Mr. Brown and Mr. Seaton, the latter being the present incumbent. In August,
1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, wa- mustered into the service at Harrisburg, arid served in the battles
of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsvillc, when his term of service having expired,
he was honorably discharged, May :_'ij. 1808. Mr. Russell i- a member of A. G.
Reed Post. G. A. R.. of Butler, of which he lias been commander. lie i- a
member of the United Presbyterian church, has filled the office of elder in that
society, and i- one of the leading member- of the Democratic party in Butler
county. In 186S he married Ann Eliza Conwav. a daughter of Hugh Conway,
of Cherry town-hip, and has a family of four children, viz. : William (i. ; Delia;
Sadie, and John.
Nathan Slatek was born near Plainfield, Connecticut, in L786, wa- reared
upon a farm, and learned the carpenter"s trade. He married Freelove Crossman.
of Xew York, and became the father of five children, as follows: Sarah M.,
who married Nathaniel Walker, of Butler county ; Amaty M., deceased ; Henry,
and Calista F., both deceased, and Nathan M. In 1820 Mr. Slater came to But-
ler county, and -ettled. upon a farm in Cranberry township, near the site oi
Callery Junction. His wife died upon this farm in 1852, and lie subsequently
removed to Sharon. Pennsylvania, where he died at the home of hi- daughter, in
1870. He was a member of the Baptist church, and a very worthy man. In
politics, he was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party, when he
joined that organization. He tilled the offices of school director and supervisor
in Cranberry township, and during his residence there was one ot its well known
citizen-.
812 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Nathan M. Slater, youngest child of Nathan and Freelove (Grossman)
Slater, was horn in Cranberry township, Butler county, December 1, 1822;
received his education in the district school, and subsequently studied civil engi-
neering, which he has followed since early manhood. In 1865 he was elected
surveyor of Butler county, was re-elected in 1868. and again in 1871; was
appointed to the same office by the court of common pleas in 1875, and was again
elected in 1880. Since the expiration of his last term of office, he has devoted
his attention to civil engineering, Mr. Slater was married April 28,- 1848, to
Sarah McCandless, a daughter of James McCandless, of Middlesex township.
Seven children are the fruits of this union, as follows: Howard; Daniel C. ;
James M. ; Matilda B., wife of Paul Mitchell ; Angelica C. ; Leila A., and Mary
L. Mr. Slater is one of the most thoroughly informed men in (he county in
regard to the early surveys and land titles, because of the many years he served
as county surveyor ; while his long residence in the county has made him familiar
with its pioneer history, upon which he is a very good authority. He is an
unswerving Republican, and delights in political discussion.
Capt. Henry Pillow was bom in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1824,
a son of William Pillow, one of the pioneer carpenters of the county, who
died in Connoquenessing township. William Pillow was twice married, and by
his first marriage was the father of four children, as follows : William; Henry;
John, and Ellen, wife of C. Shanor. By his second wife he was the father of
one son, Matthew. The subject of this sketch learned the carpenter's trade with
his father, at which he worked many years, and was later a surveyor, following
the latter business until his death, lie married Caroline Ensley, and their chil-
dren were as follows: Susan, wife of J. M. Lieghner ; Raymond II.; George;
Sallie, who married Edward Vogeley ; Carrie, wife of Valentine Hickman, and
Alta, wife of Adam Sarver. Captain Pillow commanded Company F, One
Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the late Rebellion. He
was a leading Republican, served in the legislature in 1805—66, anil was a man
of some local prominence in political circles. lie died in 1881. His widow
resides in Butler.
Charles F. L. McQuistion was born in Brady township, Butler county,
April 17. 1867, and is the eldest in the family of Janus P. and Eleanor Mc-
Quistion. He received a public school education, and subsequently prosecuted his
studies at Grove City College. He learned civil engineering under R. F. Hunter,
of Pittsburg, and located in Butler in 1888, where he has since been engaged in
the duties of his profession. He has been city engineer lour years, and is now
serving his second term as county surveyor. Mr. McQuistion was married Janu-
ary lit, 1887, to Sarah, a daughter of James Stewart, of Washington county.
Pennsylvania. His wife died March IS, 1890. He was again married, May 1 1.
1891, to May, daughter of William Royle, of Allegheny township, Butler county,
and has two children : Vane I... and Byron P. Mr. McQuistion is a member of
the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
Isaac Meals, clerk of the board of county commissioners, was born in
Washington township, Butler county, November P.), 1843, son of Joseph (>.
and Hannah (llilliard) Meals. He was reared on the homestead farm, was edu-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 813
cated in the common schools and at West Sunbury Academy, and graduated at
Iron Citv College, Pittsburg, in 1867. The autumn after graduating he com-
menced teaching in his native township, which he followed during the winter
seasons for five years, working on the farm in summer. lie followed agricul-
tural pursuits until February, 1891, when he was elected to his present position,
which he lia^ since filled in a highly satisfactory manner. Trior to his removal
to Butler, he filled the office of county auditor, from 1871 to 1873. Mr. Meals
was married December 22, 1870, to Clara Gilmore, a step-daughter of Judge
lames Kerr, who is the mother of three children, as follows : Horace G. : Hernice.
and Erla. The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, anil
in politics. Mr. Meals is a consistent Republican.
Adam Kamerer was born in Brady's Bend township. Armstrong county.
Pennsylvania, February 2, 1845, son of Daniel and Anna Harriet Kamerer. He
remained with his parents working upon the farm until February, 1864, when he
enlisted in Company C, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was mustered
into the service at Pittsburg. He went with his company to Martinsburg, West
Virginia, and participated in the Shenandoah campaign. He was honorably dis-
charged at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, August 24, 1865, and returned to his home
in Butler county. Mr. Kamerer was married May 9, 1*67. to Julia A. Ilepler, a
daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Hepler, of Fairview township, and to this union
have been born seven children, viz. : Lizzie A., wife of Harry Turner, of But-
ler: Cora J., deceased; Maggie E. ; Mary E. ; Calvin E., deceased; Annie O.,
and Ida P. Mr. Kamerer followed farming in Donegal township until his
removal to Butler in 1890. He is now filling the position of janitor in the court
house. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a member of Connoquenessing
Lodge. Number 278, I. O. O. F„ Butler Tent, Number 34, K. O. T. M., and A.
G. Reed Post. Number 105, G. A. R.
John Huselton was born near Lambertsville, New Jersey, in 1815, received
a common school education, and was reared a farmer and tanner. He removed
to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, where he embarked in farming in connection
with the lumber business. From there he came to Butler county and settled in
Butler township, purchasing a farm of ninety acres. He also followed butcher-
ing, and was a contractor in the construction of the plank road. He finally pur-
chased property in Butler, upon which he built a home, where he resided until
his death, February 2, 1893. His wife survives, and resides in the old homestead.
Mr. Huselton was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a very
worthy citizen. lie was a Republican in politics, ami served as justice of the
peace for fifteen years. He took a very active part in developing the oil fields
of Butler county.
John F. Huselton was born in Butler county. August 9, 1853, and is a son
of John Huselton. After receiving a common school education.be remained
with his parents until attaining his majority, then went to Philadelphia, where
he was married to Josephine, daughter of Christopher Hinchberger of that city.
Four children were born of this union : Christopher H. : John F. ; Elmer S.. ami
Josephine E. After his marriage he returned to Butler county, followed farming
for two years, and then removed to Philadelphia, where he engaged in a wholesale
8 14 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
stationery business, which he has continued up to the present. Desiring to make
his home in Butler, he purchased a part of the Doiigal property, upon which he
erected the Huselton Mock, and two year- later bought the Anderson block
adjoining, also the residence of Frank Biedenbach, on McKean sireet. in which
he resides. Mr. Huselton is a member of the Episcopal church, and in politics,
he is a Republican.
Stephen II. Huselton was born in Butler township, Butler county, July
5, l^til', son of John Huselton. lie received a common school education, came
to Butler with his parents, and read law in the office of W. D. Brandon. lie
was admitted to the bar April 10. 1886, and in 1888 embarked in the oil busi-
ness, which he has since continued in connection with his legal practice. Mr.
Huselton was married May 25, 1891, to Leverne, daughter of Capt. I). R.
Rodgers, of Butler. Politically, he is a Republican, and was chairman of the
County committee during the gubernatorial campaign of 1890.
Charles A. Bailey, cashier of the Butler County National Bank, is a -on
of Capt. Daniel YV. and Mary T. (Rorke) Bailey, and was born in Buffalo, New
York. February 18, 1858. His father came to Pithole, Venango county, in 1st')."),
and subsequently embarked in the fancy goods business at Franklin, with branch
-ton- at the different oil centers of Butler county. He returned to Buffalo, where
In- was appointed book-keeper in the pension department, which position he still
occupies. The subject of this sketch was reared in Venango and Butler counties,
and received his education in the public school- and at the State Normal School,
at Edinboro. lie was employed in the postoffices at Franklin, l'etrolia. Millers-
town, Butler and Pithole, at different period-, his father being postmaster at the
last mentioned place. In [882 Mr. Bailey was appointed teller of the Butler
County Bank, of Millerstown, held that position three years, and. in 18S5, became
book-keeper of the Butler Savings Bank, which position he filled until January,
1890. He then became book-keeper for the Butler Manufacturing Company,
entered the Butler County National Rink in the capacity of assistant cashier
that year, and in August, 1891, was elected cashier ofthe latter institution. In
1^77 Mr. Bailey was married to Abbie I.., a daughter of Luther Badger, of War
ren county, and is the father of six children, as follows: Julian G. ; Bell T. ;
Raymond \V. ; Francis P. : Agnes M., and Reese C, the last two of whom are
decea-ed. lie is a trustee in the Methodist Episcopal church of Butler, is a
Prohibitionist, in politics, and is connected with K. of P.. anil K. of II.
John \V. Brown was born in Harrisville, Butler county, Pennsylvania,
November '.I. 1843, -on of Samuel and Eliza I. (Waddell) Brown, and grandson
of Ebene/,er Brown, one of the first settlers of Mercer township. He grew to
manhood in his native village, obtained a good common school education, and
also received instruction from private teacher-. He learned the tanner's trade,
which he followed until 1879, and was then appointed to a clerkship in the pro-
thonotary'.s office, by Alexander Russell. He served under Mr. Russell and his
successor, M. X. Greer, for several years, and in 1885 was elected a justice ofthe
peace for Butler, which position he held until 1887, He was then elected to the
office of prothonotary. and was re-elected in 1890, tilling that position six years.
Mr. Brown was ;ilso a jury commissioner in 1870 and a director of the public
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Si;
schools for six years. Politically, lie is a Democrat, and one of the leading mem-
bers of his party in Butler county. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Company II,
Sixth Heavy Artillery, and served until discharged, because of sickness. May I'l',
1865. lie is a member of A. G. Reed Post, G. A. R., also of the !.(>.( ). F.,
K. of P., A. O. U. \V.,and B. P. <). E. Mr. Brown married Emma F.. daughter
of \V. S. Bingham, of Centreville, Pennsylvania, and they are the parents of -i\
children, four of whom are living: Jennie M. : Maude, wife of II. II. Goff. of
Erie, Pennsylvania; Bertie, and Horace B. The family are connected with the
Presbyterian church of Butler.
Edward Everett Abrams was born July 9, 1856, at Rimersburg, Clarion
county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of James II. and Hannah (McCutcheon)
Abrams, and grandson of David Abrams, whose parents were pioneer settlers at
Turkey Foot. Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Their ancestors came from
Scotland, and the bible, over 100 years old. containing the beautifully written
family record, is now in possession of Mr. Abrams. The subject of this sketch
was reared in his native town, where he attended the common school and Clarion
Collegiate Institute. He also attended the seminary at Clarion, and Dickinson
Seminary, at Williamsport. Pennsylvania. He received Ins business education at
Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, New York, and his military training
at Tarrytown-on-Hudson. He was, when eighteen years old, first sergeant of
Company F. Seventeenth Regiment. X. (i. P.. and while in camp with two reg-
iments was complimented by inspecting officers for best records. His father
being largely engaged in the oil business, he began to assist him at Kanis City
in 1876, and from ls77 to 1879 they operated in the Bradford oil Held. On
August 20, 1879, Mr. Abrams was married, by the late Bishop Stevens, to M.
Genevieve, daughter of Charles M. Allen, late consul to the Bermuda Islands, to
which position he was appointed by President Lincoln during the Rebellion,
and continued to till it through every administration since that time up to his
death, in 1888. Having purchased the farm on which Karns City is situated,
he removed there in 1879, and thence to Butler in 1S86. He is an ardent Repub-
lican, was elected a delegate to the State convention that nominated Senator Quay
for State treasurer, in 1885, served his party as chairman of the Republican
county committee in the Beaver campaign, in 1880, and in 1892 was elected
alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention at Minneapolis. Hav-
ing been in a banking house several years, lie was one of the active incorpora-
tors of the Butler County National Bank, of which he continues to be a director
and member of the discount hoard. He continues to manage his property at
Karns City and is engaged in the oil business and other enterprises. He is a
newspaper writer of known reputation, haying written many letters and sketches
both for the oil country and metropolitan press, under the nom de flume of "Van
Winkle." Mr. Abrams' family consists of the following children : Mvra Gene-
vieve ; Edward Everett : Allen: Lucile ; Eleanor, and John McClelland. The
death of Dorothy Hannah, aged two years, recently occurred. The family are
adherents of the Presbyterian church. He is recognized as one of the progres-
sive citizens of the community.
8l6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Charles A. Abrams, son of Janus II. and Hannah (McCutcheon) Abrams,
was born March 5, L858, at Rimersburg, Clarion county, Pennsylvania. He was
educated in the public schools and at Clarion Collegiate Institute, and afterwards
attended Sprague Commercial College, Kingston, New York. He then settled
at Pittsburg, where he engaged in the brokerage business, and also filled the posi-
tion of private secretary to |. H.Walter, of the Penn Hank. In 1888 he came to
Butler and embarked in the real istati* and insurance business, which lie has suc-
cessfully continued up to the present, and has been secretary of the Mechanics'
Building and Loan Association of Butler for four years. In 1885 he married
Fennie B., a daughter of William Blakely, of Pittsburg, and has two children,
Louisa II.. and James II. Mr. Abrams is a supporter of the Republican party,
and in religious faith, he is a member of the Presbyterian church.
Hon. Thomas \\". Phillips, the leading oil operator of western Pennsyl-
vania, and member of Congress from this district, was born in what is now Law-
rence county, Pennsylvania, February L'i.i, 1835. Though a resident of New Castle,
his prominence and success in the development of the Butler oil field have made
his name a household word in every town and hamlet of Butler county. His
father was a native of New Jersey and his mother of Philadelphia. They settled
on the site of Old Enon, Lawrence county, in 1818, where his father soon after
erected a fulling mill anil saw mill. Ten years later they removed to a farm of
one hundred acres near Mt. Jackson, where his father died, leaving a family of
eight children, Thomas, the youngest, being about ten months old. The devoted
wife and mother had a long and painful struggle to rear, support and educate her
children. Thomas obtained his education in the common schools, supplemented
by private instruction and self application in later years. He improved every
opportunity and became well versed in the most practical branches of a general
English education. He read, widely and judiciously, history, biography and
scientific literature, was fond of the lyceum, and obtained local distinction as
an original thinker and debater. He finally concluded to enter the ministry of
the Disciples church, and at the age of twenty gave promise of attaining the
ambition of his young manhood, but an injury to his lungs compelled him to
abandon this purpose and turn his attention to some out-door pursuit, with a view
to restoring his health.
About this time the oil business was attracting considerable attention, and
he visited the oil region , embarked in the industry, and success crowned his efforts
from the start. The business thus commenced was continued tinder the firm of
Phillips Brothers, and attained such magnitude as to place this firm among the
largest and most successful operators in the world. The firm was finally dis-
solved, and for a number of years Mr. Phillips has been pursuing the business
alone. Prom that time down to the present he has continued the development
of many different fields, and has led the van of enterprising operators to whom
Puller county largely owes its present prosperity. In every movement for the
protection or improvement of the producing industry, Mr. Phillips has taken an
active and leading part, and the producers anil operators of western Pennsyl-
vania owe him a debt of gratitude for bis watchful care in thwarting hostile legis-
lation. When the movement was undertaken to limit production and thus reduce
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Si 7
the excessive stock of oil on hand, he firmly refused to curtail operations
until a satisfactory provision, which he proposed, was made to compensate and
protect the labor engaged in the industry, by setting aside 2,000,000 barrels of
oil for its benefit.
Mr. Phillips has had a remarkable business career, both for its success and
the courage, honesty and tenacity displayed, when success was followed by
reverses and the latter by greater good fortune. That which would have appalled
a less courageous man onlv served to bring out his strong character, and, when
almost overwhelmed with losses brought on by the unforeseen panic of ISTo. the
firm declined any financial compromise for their benefit, saying they would pay
their indebtedness with interest. With indomitable energy Mr. Phillips launched
into oil producing on a vast scale and a plan exclusively his own, and in the
short term of fifteen years paid off over $800,000, and made good his promises to
his creditors. Not onlv did he pay his indebtedness, but he accumulated besides
a handsome fortune. It is not strange that he has won the unbounded confidence
of the people of western Pennsylvania. His whole career has been characterized
by remarkable executive ability, untiring industry and perseverance, great public
enterprise, unswerving integrity and munificent charity.
Mr. Phillips came prominently into public life in 1880, during the Garfield
campaign. Being an ardent Republican and a warm personal friend of (ieneral
Garfield, he laid aside his business and devoted his time and energies to the suc-
cess of his friend and party. He conceived and planned the Republican text-
book of that campaign, the first ever published, assisted in its compilation and
became its financial backer. By his efforts in that campaign, he was brought into
political prominence, and during the subsequent contest in the Pennsylvania
legislature for the United States Senatorship, he repeatedly received votes in the
open convention of both Houses. In the fall of 1890 great dissatisfaction existed
in the party at the means claimed to have been used by the friends of the suc-
cessful candidate in obtaining the nomination for Congress in the Twenty-fifth
district at the New Castle convention, and Mr. Phillips was afterwards prevailed
upon to be a candidate. He was nominated at Harmony. Butler county, made
the race, and, though it was impossible to elect a Republican with two candi-
dates in the field, he polled such a large vote as to clearly demonstrate that he
was the strongest Republican in the district. Two years passed away, and in the
fall of 1892 he was the choice of his party, ami was elected by over 4,000 major-
ity. In 1894 he was re-elected by 11,741 majority, the largest ever given in the
district, and is now serving his second term. He is a member of the committee
on labor, and also that on merchant marine and fisheries. In the extra session ot
the Fifty-third Congress, he introduced a bill for the coinage of silver, based
upon the natural law of supply and demand, believing there has been no sensible
silver legislation since the Rebellion. This bill was favorably commented on by
the press and a number of men of recognized financial ability.
At the second session of the Fifty-third Congress, Mr. Phillips introduced
a bill, •'Authorizing the appointment of a non-partisan commission to collate
information and to consider and recommend legislation to meet the problems pre-
sented by labor, agriculture and capital." This bill was introduced late in the
Sis history of butler county.
second session and referred to the committee on labor, and its author looks for-
ward to its favorable consideration in some future session. It is a broad, com-
prehensive measure, and has been very favorably received by leading men,
labor leaders, and newspapers of the country. It-, importance may be judged
from the fact that it deals with industrial and social problems now pressing for
solution, which are the greatest political problems of the age. His many years
of experience in the commercial and financial world have thoroughly fitted Mr.
Phillips for the duties of legislation, while his rigid industry and sterling integ-
rity leaves no doubt that the interests of the district are safe in his hands.
Mr. Phillips is prominently identified with many of the leading interests of
his home. lie is president of the Citizens National Hank, of New Castle, holds
the same position with the New Castle Street Electric Railway Company, is a
trustee of Bethany College, in West Virginia, and also of Hiram College, in
Ohio. He is a member of the State executive board of the V. M. C. A., and
few men have contributed so generously to religious, educational and charitable
institutions. In ISO'J he married Clarinda Ilardman, oi Low ellville, Ohio, who
died in November. 1866, leaving two son-. Herbert C, and Norman A. Lour
years later he married Pamphylia Ilardman. a younger sister of his first wife, and
has three mius and one daughter by this union, viz. : Victor K., who is general
and financial manager of his father's oil business; Thomas YV. ; Clarinda G.,
and Benjamin Dwight.
Victor K. Phillips was horn in New Castle, Lawrence county. Pennsyl-
vania, February 7. 1ST—, and is a son of Hon. Thomas \V. Phillips, member of
Congress from this district, and one of the most prominent oil operators in the
United States. After receiving a public school education, and graduating at the
High School, in New Castle, he studied under private tutors, but was compelled
to give up his studies on account of weakness of the eves. He came to the oil
country when eighteen vears of age. has been connected with his lather ever
since, and is now the general and financial manager of his father's extensive oil
business in Butler county. Politically, he is a Republican.
|on\ (^ A. Kennedy, oil operator, was horn in Winfield township. But-
ler county, [une 8, 1828, and is the eldest son of [ohn and Ann C. Kennedy. >
pioneers of that township. He was reared upon the farm, and was educated in
t he common schools and at Butler Academy. He followed school teaching for
several years, and during the war was assistant provost marshal of this district.
In 1860 he went into the oil business, in which he has been quite successful, is
now one of the leading producers and operators in the count \ .and owns valuable
production. On June 4, 1846, he married Hannah Maharg, a daughter of John
Maharg, of Penn township, and is the fat her of two children, viz. : John G., and
Newton, deceased. Politically, Mr. Kennedy is a Republican, and has tilled the
office of justice of the peace, and also burgess of Butler. lie is a member of the
United Presbyterian church, and one of the well known, enterprising citizens of
the borough. In 1884 he purchased the Clint Wiser property in Butler, where
he has since resided. He is recognized as one of the solid and substantial busi-
ness men ot his native county.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Sl<)
Andrew White McCoi. lough was born on the old White homestead, in
Franklin township, Butler county, April 15, 1840. son of Matthew and Jane
(White) McCollough. His paternal and maternal grandparents were pioneers
of Franklin township, and anions the leading farmers of early days. His mother
died when Andrew W. was only four years old, and he then went to make his
home with his grandparents. Andrew S. and Angelina White, with whom he
remained until he arrived at manhood. He was educated in the common and
normal schools, ami in Connoquenessing Academy, at Zelienople, and taught
in Connoquenessing, Jackson and Franklin townships four terms. He then
embarked in merchandising at Prospect, which lie followed from 1861 to 1871.
In the latter year he engaged in oil operations at Parker, Hear Creek, Millers-
town, and Greece City, wnich he followed for several years with varied success.
He was afterwards connected with the oil business in all its departments, and for
the past thirty-three years he has been interested in oil and gas production, in
the latter of which he has been eminently successful, having developed six of the
largest gas fields in Pennsylvania. Mr. McCollough is one of the best known
and most widely informed gas and oil men in the State, is a recognized authority
on the geological structure of the gas and oil regions, ami possesses the largest
private collection of standard works on geology in western Pennsylvania. His
sound judgment and gratifying success in that line is admitted by all leading
operators.
When at the height of a prosperous career, Mr. McCollough met with
unlooked tor reverses that swept away the earnings of many years and left him
deeply involved on his own account and as an endorser for other-. With inspired
energy lie went bravely to work to rebuild his shattered fortunes, and with abid-
ing faith in the great gas belt of western Pennsylvania, he turned his attention to
its exploration and development. His wonderful success in this direction soon
built up his financial condition, and, with rare honesty, he has since paid off his
entire indebtedness, besides tens of thousands of dollars for which he was but an
endorser, in spite of the fact that he had gone through bankruptcy, and was not
compelled, legally, to pay one cent. This exhibition of moral integrity has
stamped him as a man of sterling honesty, who values his good name far more
than riches. Mr. McCollough was married on October 17. 1867, to Miss Man
Bredin, a daughter of Edward M. and Adelia (Purviance) Bredin, both well-
known pioneer families of Butler. Three children have blessed this union, viz. :
Marian: Kelt, and Harry Ford. Mrs. McCollough and daughters are members
of St. Peter"s Protestant Episcopal church, while Mr. McCollough is a member
of the Presbyterian church. He has always been a stanch Republican, and has
been connected with Butler Lodge. F. & A. M., since early manhood. He has
given liberally of his means towards the advancement of education ami religion,
and enjoys the respect and confidence of the community.
Thomas Doxagiiy was born in County Antrim. Ireland, April 1 I. 1828, and
is the eldest son of Joseph Donaghv. He received a public school education in
Allegheny Citv. Pennsylvania, and spent his early manhood on the homestead in
Brady township. In 1854 he embarked in the mercantile business at Adams-
ville, Crawford county, where he remained some four years, then sold out and
820 HISTORY OF BCTLER COUNTY.
removed to Washington, Iowa, where he taught school for one winter. Returning
to Centerville, Butler counts-, he spent two years, working on the homestead in
Brady township most of the time, and then went to Venango county and worked
in the oil tields up to 1865. In that year he was elected justice of the peace in
Cornplanter township, Venango countv. and served five years. In 1870 he
removed to Greenville, Mercer countv, boughl a farm and resided upon it two
years, operating- in oil.' In 1872 he sold the farm and located in Butler, where he
worked for the United Pipe Line Company two years. He then entered the pro-
thonotaiv's office under Dr. Conn, and also served under his successor, II.Tcbav.
when he was made deputy sheriff by George Walter, and tilled the same position
under John Mitchell and W. H. Hoffman. In 1882 he was elected sheriff of But-
ler countv. and after serving his full term of three years, he continued as deputv
sheriff under Peter Kramer. After leaving this position he embarked in the oil
business in the Harmony field, where he is still operating. Mr. Drjtiaghy was
united in marriage November 9, 1854, to Miss Rebecca Lyon, of Mercer countv.
to whom have been born seven children: Joseph M., deceased; Harry ].;
Emma F.; Rosa A., widow of George \V. Ziegler, and three who died in infancy.
Mr. Donaghy is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, and both he and wife
are members of the United Presbyterian church.
Alfred Wick, eldest son of Andrew and Sarah (Shryock) Wick, was bom
in West Sunbury, Butler county, August 31, 1887. He clerked in his father's
store lor some years, and subsequently became a member of the firm of Wick &
Son. of West Sunbury. In 1862 he located at Rouseville, Venango county, and
i ngaged in the hotel businesss. removing the following year to a farm in Wash-
ington township, Butler county, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until
1S76. He then located in Butler, purchased the old Finlev Hotel, changed the
name to the Wick House, and carried it on until 1884. In 1885 he embarked in
oil producing, has continued in that business up to the present, and is one of the
leading operators of the counts. In politics, he was a Republican until two years
ago, since which time he has been a Prohibitionist. He is an elder in the Pres-
byterian church of Butler, ami a liberal contributor to that church. Mr. Wick
was married, September 15, 1859, to Sarah A. Mechling, a daughter of Joseph
Mechling, of Washington township. Seven children have been born to this
union, viz.: Alice; Harry, deceased; Mary, wife of David E. Dale: Stella A.,
wife of A. E. Russell : Sarah Blanche; Frances G., and George B.
ToiIN H. Sutton was born in Clav township, Butler countv, Pennsyl-
vania, November 11, 1838. His father, Jeremiah Sutton, was born in Fair-
view township, Butler county, in 1808, where his parents settled at an early day.
leremiah was a shoemaker by trade, and also followed farming. He married
Mrs. Margaret Harper, nee Shryock, of Butler county, in 1835. She died in
1842, leaving two children : Chambers S., and John II. The father died July
1 1, 1852. Both were members of the Presbyterian church. The subject of this
sketch was educated in the district school, and. in 1853, commenced clerking in
the store of Harper Brothers, at North Washington, where he remained until
1858. 1 le spent the following three Years in Iowa and Colorado, and then return-
ing to Butler countv. enlisted in Company C, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 82 I
and was sworn in at Camp Wright, June 10, 1861. His regiment joined the
Army of the Potomac, and he participated in the following battles: Gaines Mill,
Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. lie was cap-
tured at Gaines Mill, and taken to Belle Isle, where he was kept a prisoner forty
davs and then exchanged. He returned to his regiment in September, 1862, and
was promoted to second lieutenant. He was wounded at the battle of Fredericks-
burg, was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison for two months, being
paroled February 14, 1868, and sent to Annapolis Hospital, Maryland, lie was
honorably discharged July 8, 1863, and returning to Butler county, became a
member of the firm of Harper Brothers, at North Washington, in 1864. In 1865
he sold out hi.s interest and settled on a farm, where he remained until his elec-
tion as clerk of courts in 1X7:?. On the expiration of his term he embarked in
the oil business, in which he is still engaged. Mr. Sutton was married March 1.
1864, to Marie M., a daughter of Joseph and Xancv Mechling, of Washington
township, to which union have been born seven children : Emma L., wife of II.
W. Christie, of Butler; Frank M. ; Agnes E., wife of W. F. McClung, of But-
ler ; Maud H.; William D.; Angie A., and John C. Mr. Sutton was originally
a Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist, and is a prominent member of the
Methodist Episcopal church of Butler.
Maj. Robert J. Phipps, one of the division superintendents of the Forest
Oil Companv. is a well known and popular citizen of Butler, which has been
his headquarters for several years. He was born in Clinton town-hip. Venango
county. Pennsylvania. January 24, 1839, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Lowrie
(Whann) Phipps. both pioneer families of that county. He WHS reared in hi.s
native township, enlisted in Companv II. Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, October
I 1. 1861, and served until the close of the war, participating in fifty-six engage-
ments and skirmishes, including even- important battle in which the Army of
the Potomac was engaged. lie tilled every grade in hi- regiment from private to
major, served a year and a half as inspector general of the Second brigade. Sec-
ond division, Cavalry corps, Army of the Potomac, anil was breveted lieutenant
colonel near the close of the war upon the recommendation of General Sheridan,
" for gallant, efficient and meritorious services in action." Major Phipps was one
of the most efficient soldiers from Venango county, and his comrades gladly accord
him that honor. After the war he followed merchandising for a considerable
period, and was also a justice of the peace at Clintonville twelve years. In 1875
he entered the employ of the Phillips Brothers, then opeiating in the Bullion oil
field, and confined as one of their most valuable anil trusted men throughout
their operations in Venango and Butler counties until 1890, when he became
associated with the Forest ( )il Company, anil has since occupied his present
responsible position. Major Phipps was married January 16, 1865, to Ilattie A.
Cross, a daughter of Judge Robert Cross, of Clintonville. Of their two children.
Marshall L. survives, and is a member of the Venango bar. Major Phipps is a
Republican, but takes no active interest in public affairs. He was one of the
organizers of Encampment, Number 45, U. V. P.. of Butler, of which he has
been colonel commander, and is also a member of the G. A. P.. the F. ^V A. M..
and other fraternal societies.
822 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Isaiah J. McCandless, oil operator, is a son of Nathan F. and Elizabeth
(Thompson) McCandless, and was born on the homestead in Centre township,
Butler county, August l' 1. 1848. He received his primary education in thecom-
mon schools, and afterwards attended West Sltnbury Academy, Prospect Acad-
emy, and Withetspoon Institute, anil taught in the public schools of the county
lor several years. In l,Xf>4 he enlisted in Company A, Two Hundred and
Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. In 1865
lie went into the oil Melds of Venango county, and subsequently operated in But-
ler, Armstrong and McKean counties. Prom 1873 to L878 he was engaged in oil
producing at Greece City, and in Concord township, and in 1882 he located
in Butler. Ill— present production is in Connoquenessing and Washing-
ton townships, and lie is also engaged in farming the old McCandless
homestead, which he owns. lie was secretary of the Soldiers' Monument
Society, and took an active interest in the erection of the monument in Butler,
lie is a member of A. G. Reed Post, G. A. R., and also of Butler Lodge. Num-
ber 272, P. & A. M. He has always taken a deep interest in the progress of edu-
cation, and has served as a school director for several years. He has been a life-
long member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, is a stanch Republican.
Mr. McCandless was married in 1869, to Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Kelly,
of Butler township. They are the parents of three children : Aden B. ; Rosa-
mond, and Lillian. He has erected many of the private dwellings in the bor-
ough, is one of the successful oil producers of Butler county, and is a stockholder,
director, and treasurer of the Citizens Gas Company, of which he was one of the
incorporators. He is recognized as an enterprising, iiberal and progressive busi-
ness man.
Harvey S. Gibson was born on the Gibson homestead in Parker township,
Butler county, September 2, 1844, son of James and Jane Gibson. He was.
reared on a farm, received a common school education, and learned (he carpen-
ter's trade. In 1869 he went to Petroleum Centre, where he engaged in rig
building, which he followed through the extension of the oil fields down to Bar-
ker, where he commenced as an operator. He has continued in the oil industry
in connection with contracting down to the present, removing to Butler in 1880,
where he had purchased a property in 1873. Mr. Gibson was married on March
21, 1866, to Margaret Gahegan, of Washington township. Armstrong county.
They are the parents of five children, vi/,. : Anna I., wife of Barnhardt E. Roes-
sing ; Mary A. : Cora !>.. wife of William J. Rice : Minnie E., and Stella A. He
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a trustee in the Butler
congregation. In politics, he is independent, has served in the borough council,
and is now president of the board of health. Mr. Gibson is a member of Camp
Number 14, \V. of W.
Hendekson \\ . Christie was born in Portersville, Butler county. March
11. 1845, eldest son of Thomas G. ami Nancy R. Christie, and grandson of
Thomas Christie, a pioneer of 1812. After receiving a common school educa-
tion he attended a select school at Centreville, and also Witherspoon Institute.
In 1^70 he was severely injured by a fall, which resulted in necrosis, and he was
bedfast for ten years. In 1882 he was nominated and elected, on the Repub-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 823
can ticket, register and recorder of Butler county, and served a full term. He
went into the oil business in. 1886 at Renfrew, his first well producing twenty-
five barrels per day. He put down his second well on the Williamson Bartlev
farm at Thorn Creek, which came in at 7,000 barrels per day. Since that time
he has operated in the Evans City, the Amberson and Little Creek fields in But-
ler county, and also in West Virginia, but is at present confining his operations
to the Amberson, Callery and Garvin fields. On December 1). 1884, he married
Emma L. Sutton, a daughter of John II. Sutton, of Butler, and has five children,
viz.: Georgia M. ; Catherine: lean: Charles II., and II. W.. ]r. Mr. Christie
is a member of the United l'resbvterian church, and is recognized as one of the
most energetic business men of the county.
W. V. Hardman was born at Minerva, Stark county, Ohio, September 20,
1840, and was a son of David W. and Nancy (Alter) Hardman. After reaching
manhood he was employed in his father's grist mill at Lowellville, Ohio, for some
years. lie was afterwards appointed by William Pitt Fessenden, secretary of
the United States treasury, supervisor of the port at Cairo. Illinois, which posi-
tion he filled until the close of the war. He then engaged in the grocery business
at Centralia, Illinois, and there married Mary M., daughter of Andrew Scott.
July 28, 1865. After his marriage he removed to Lawrence county, Pennsyl-
vania, and soon after entered the employ of Phillips Brothers, Boyles & Company
as a pumper, subsequently took charge of the steam pump for supplying the
water in their oil operations in the Petroleum Centre field, Venango county, and
later was promoted to superintendent of the Petroleum Centre and Pithole fields,
which position he filled until the dissolution of the company. He was then
appointed general manager for the Phillips Brothers in their Butler county oper-
ations, and from 1873 to ]87~> was engaged in leasing oil lands in Butler and
Clarion counties. In connection with Maj. R. J. Phipps, he leased all the lands
now operated by the Forest Oil Company in the Glade Run field, and was after-
wards engaged in leasing and disposing of gas and oil properties for Thomas W.
Phillips. Mr. Hardman was in confidential business relations with Mr. Phillips
from his first oil operations to the time of his death, July 23, 1894. His family
consists of two sons and one daughter, as follows : Charles S., a lawyer of the
Pittsburg bar; William, a photographer, and Edith, wife of II. M. Wertz.
Politically. Mr. Hardman was a Republican, and was one of the well-known citi-
zens of Butler, where he resided for twelve years. The family were members
of the Protestant Episcopal church of Butler, and liberal supporters of that
organization during their residence here.
Wilson E. Reed was a son of Wilson E. and Sarah S. Reed, and grand-
son of Colonel Robert Reed, a pioneer of Harrisville, Butler county. He was
born at Whitestown, in Connoquenessing township, June lit, 1846, and was
reared on the homestead farm, assisting in the farm duties and attending school
during the intervals, when not engaged in his labors at home. While still a
youth, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundreth Pennsylvania Volunteers, bet-
ter known as the " Roundheads,'" and served with that command until the mus-
ter out, July 24, 1805. Returning to Butler county, he found, in a few years, a
new line of labor opened to him, and going into the Parker oil field engaged in
824 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
rig building. Becoming a contractor, lie drilled many of the early wells in the
Parker field, thence went into the Bradford field, and in 1880 followed the devel-
opments southward until he again found himself in his native county. From that
period down to the close of 1891 he was largely interested in oil production and
controlled many wells. He also became interested in other enterprises, and was
identified with the general progress of the community. Late in 1891, or early in
1892, he began to experience the existence of financial stringency. His invest-
ments depreciated and the rewards of almost a quarter century's labor and judic-
ious speculation were threatened with ruin. His nature could not brook such a
radical reversal of fortune, and his death was recorded October 18, 1893. He was
a member of the Protestant Episcopal church of Butler, also of the school board
and council. Mr. Reed married Miss Susan Mook, of New Lebanon, Pennsyl-
vania, April 1 1, 1867. To this marriage six children were born, namely : Elsie
O. ; Delmar F. ; Lucy E. : Nora ; Raymond E., and Daisy E., deceased. During
the spring of 1893, Mr. Reed was exposed to repeated attacks of sickness, which
recurred at intervals until the close of his life. He was a member of the I. O. < ).
F., K. of P., A. <). V. \V., K. O. T. M.. B. 1'. O. E., and other kindred associa-
tions, and was highly respected by the people of this community.
Aaron Biegiiley, second son of Michael and Catherine Bieghley, was born
in Lancaster township, Butler county, February 25, 1844, was reared upon his
father's farm, and received a common school education. In August. 1862, he
enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, was mustered into the service at Pittsburg, and served until I line 1. 1863,
when he was honorably discharged. On February 15, 1864, he re-enlisted in
Company F, One Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteers, went with his
regiment to Georgetown Camp, thence to Fort Ethan Allan, Cold Harbor, City
Point. Weldon Railroad Chapman's farm, and Petersburg, and was discharged
at Philadelphia. |anuaiv 29, 1866. Returning to his home in Butler county, he
afterwards learned the carpenter's trade, and worked in New Castle, Lawrence
county, until IS76. In that year he located in the Bullion oil field, and has since
been connected with the oil producing interests of western Pennsylvania. In
1880 he came to Butler, and is now superintendent oi rig building for Thomas
W. Phillips. Mr. Bieghley was married in May. 1872, to Matilda Mover, a
daughter of Samuel Mover, of Lancaster township, to which union have been
born nine children, viz. : Ada E.: Elsie II. : Samuel E. : Howard P.; Julian C,
deceased; Ilosea \Y. ; Plummer M. ; Nora L.. and l)arle\ M. lie is a member
of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
James A. Bonner, son of Archibald D. and Susannah Bonner, was horn
in Clinton township. Venango county, Pennsylvania. October 18, L847. He
attended the public schools of his township, and worked upon his father's farm
until 1864, when lie went into the oil business at East Sandy, Venango county,
and subsequently followed the same business at Scrubgrass, Foxburg, and Foster
Island, also operated at different points along the Allegheny river, and at Bullion.
Venango county. In IsTti he entered the employ of the Phillips Brothers, and has
continued with them for the past eighteen years. In 1881 he came to Butler
county, and located in the borough of Butler, and in 1891, purchased a part of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 825
the Heiner property, upon which he erected his present residence. Mr. Bonner
was married in 1866, to Catherine Riddle, a daughter of John P. Riddle, of
Clinton township, Venango county, to which union have been born the following
children : John R. ; Ada C. ; Tilton A. ; Linnie L. ; Charles P. ; Florence J.,
and Floyd A., twins, and Edna K. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Politically, he is an ardent Democrat, and is a member of the school
board.
Horace Z. Wing was born in Stillwater, New York, May 28, 1845, son of
Charles H. and Fannie (Keech) Wing. His father was a son of Isaac and Per-
melia Wing, and was born in Saratoga county, New York, in 1815. He was an
inyentor and a manufacturer of stoyes, plows and machinery. In 1839 he married
Fannie, a daughter of Rey. Israel Keech, of Clifton Park. New York, and died
in 1850. His wife died in 1S07- They were the parents of four children, viz. :
Elon G. ; Laura O. ; Horace Z., and Lottie A. The subject of this sketch was
educated in the public schools, and afterwards clerked in a general store until the
war commenced. He then enlisted in Company H. Second New York Infantry,
and went to Washington, D. C, where he was rejected because of his youth.
Returning to his home, he afterwards enlisted in Company H, Fifteenth New
York Infantry, and participated in all the battles of his regiment. He was mus-
tered out at Raleigh, North Carolina, in June, 1865. He then went to Hoosic
Falls, and learned the carpenter\s trade. In 1869 he located at Titusville, and
engaged in the oil business, and in 1872 came to Parker City, Armstrong county .
in the employ of the Union Pipe Line Company. From there he removed to
Karns City, Butler county, where he was employed by the same company, which
consolidated with the United Pipe Line Company in 1877-7>s. In 1888 he settled
at Millerstown, and in 1890 removed to Butler, where he now resides. In July.
1892, Mr. Wing accepted the superintendency of the Producers and Refiners Oil
Company, Limited, which position he now holds. On May 13, 1871, he was
united in marriage with Caroline Wickes, a daughter of Owen Wickes, of Dela-
ware county, New York, and has two children, Fannie and Millie. Mr. Wing i-
a Republican, is a member of McDermott Post, Number 223, G. A. R., of Millers-
town, and Butler Encampment, Number 45, U. V. L. He is also connected with
the Union Ex-Prisoners of War Association, of Allegheny county.
J. B. Black, oil operator, is the eighth son of James and Nancy A. (Rus-
sell) Black, and was born on the homestead in Marion township, Butler county,
July 0, 1S47. He attended the schools of his native township until the age of
fourteen and then went to Clarion county, where lie learned the tanner's trade
with John Reynolds. In 1863 he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-seventh Penn-
sylvania Militia, and served six weeks. He subsequently entered the employ of
James Caller}-, a tanner of Pittsburg, with whom he was employed until Febru-
ary 2."). 1864, when he enlisted in Company II. One Hundred and Sixteenth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war, being discharged
July 14, 1805. Mr. Black participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spott-
sylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. Returning to Franklin in
1865, he soon after located at Pithole, Venango county, and engaged in the
oil business, since which time he has followed oil producing ami contracting in
826 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the oil fields of Pennsylvania and New York. He married Emma, daughter of
Rev. Edmund Burke, November 19. 1884, and has three children : Kate; Maude,
and lames E. He was chairman of the borough council in 1891—92, when the
streets and sewer improvements were made, lie is P. M. of Butler Lodge, Num-
ber 272. F. & A. M . is a member of Butler Chapter Number 273, Tancred L'om-
mandery. Number 48, anil Consistory of Pittsburg, and is connected with A. G.
Reed Post, G. A. R.. the I. ( >. O. F.. K. of 1'.. and B. B. ( ). E. He takes an
active interest in political and public affairs, and is a stanch adherent of the
Republican party.
lonx \ OUNKINS, son of William and Sarah Younkins, was horn in West-
moreland county, Pennsylvania, May •">, 1848, received a common school educa-
tion, and was reared upon a farm, In |ulv. 1869, he went into the oil business
at Barker's Landing, afterwards at Shamburgh, Venango county, and then at
Mount Hope. Clarion county. In 1871 he came to Petrolia, Butler county, and
subsequently operated in the Bradford and Warren fields, whence he returned to
Butler in September, 1884, since which time he has followed oil producing in
this county. < )n December 27, ls77. he married Naomi C, a daughter of Robert
Campbell, of Parker township, Butler county, and has a family oi tour children,
viz. : Edith M. : Myrtle F. : Earl I... and Vera G. Mr. Younkins is an adherent
of the Democratic party, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In February. 1894, he was elected tax collector of the borough of Butler, which
office he is now filling. lie is a member of Ziegler Lodge. I. ( ). ( >. F., and is a
charter member of McNair Lodge, A. O. U. W.
Daniel Younkins, oil operator, was born near Slate Lick. Armstrong
county, fune 27, 1854, son of William and Sarah Younkins. natives of West-
moreland county. After arriving at maturity, he came to Butler county, and in
the fall of 1870 he engaged in the oil industry at Fairview, whence he went to
the Bradford held, thence to McLean , Forest and Warren counties, successively.
In 1884 he returned to this county and settled in the borough of Butler, which
has since been his home. On September L0, 1884, he married Eva F. Minteer.
a daughter of Joseph Minteer, of Craigsville, Armstrong county, and has five
children, viz. : Tosie S. ; Mabel V. : William M.; Victor D„ and Florence E.
In 1889 he erected his present residence on Brady street, and is also the owner
of a brick block on South Main street, besides a farm of eighty acres in Arm-
strong county. Mr. Younkins is a member of the United Presbyterian church,
and a liberal contributor towards that society, Politically, he is a Democrat, and
is a member of the borough council. Hi- is connected with Ziegler Lodge. I. O.
O. F., and also with the W. of W.
Amos STEELSMITH, oil operator, was born near Fdcnburg, Clarion county,
Pennsylvania. September 15, 1851, son of Michael Steelsmith, a native of the
same place, born March lit. 1812. In 1848 Michael Steelsmith married Mary E.
Levy, a daughter of Christopher Levy, of Union county, who bore him the fol-
lowing children: Mary A.; Nancy: Jane F. : John IF; Alice: 1'ermilla (>.:
Amos, and Vine P. In 1858 the family removed to Mercer county, where tin-
mother died, January 19, 1889. Her husband survived her nearly six years, dying
July 7. 1894, at the home of his daughter Mary, in New Lebanon, Mercer county.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 827
They were members of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, adherents of the
Republican party. Amos was about seven years old when his parents removed
to Mercer county. lie was reared upon the homestead farm, and attended the
common schools of his district. In I S7 4 he engaged in the oil business at Eden-
bury, subsequently at Sandy Point, Butler count}', and later at Clarendon, War-
ren county. In May, 1886, he went to the Findley, Ohio, oilfield, where he remained
until coming to Butler county, in January, 1890. He commenced operations in
the Glade Run Held, where- he is still interested, and is also operating successfully
in the Cooperstown Held. In 1893 he established the Butler Lubricating Oil
Company, the business office being at 1 I'.l West Jefferson street, Butler. Mr.
Steelsmith was married August 15, 1S7-J. to Elizabeth Davidson, a daughter of
Thomas Davidson, of Emlenton, Venango county. One daughter, Sadie, wife
of Prof. William F. Braun, of Pittsburg, was horn to this union. The family are
connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, Mr. Steelsmith is
a Prohibitionist. lie is a charter member of the Producers Protective Associa-
tion of Butler, and is extensively engaged in the refining business.
Blair Hooks was horn in Washington township. Armstrong county,
July '■'. 1850, son of William and Penina Hooks, of Cambridge county, Ohio.
He was reared in his native county, and afterwards went to Venango county,
where he worked in the oil fields. In L867 he located at Parker, spent six years
at that point, and then removed to the Millerstown field. In 1SS4 he began oper-
ations at Martinsburg. w here he remained seven years. Coming to Butler in
1890, he embarked in the natural gas business, later assisted in organizing the
Peoples' Gas Company, oi Butler, of which he was chosen the first president, and
is still actively engaged in the same business. Mr. Hooks was married August
14. 1875, to Sarah E. Phillips, a daughter of George Phillips, of Brady's Bend.
Three children are the fruits of this union, viz. : Ilarrv (i.: Elsie M., and Grace.
Jonx F. Anderson was horn at Mt. Chestnut, Butler county, February 14,
1852, ami is a son of James D. and Mary A. Anderson. He was educated at the
public schools, and Witherspoon Institute, subsequently taught school and then
went west, where he remained for three years. Returning to Butler county, he
embarked in merchandising at Renfrew, in partnership with his brother, under
the firm name of Anderson Brothers. He sold out his business and came to But-
ler, where he engaged in oil producing, but is now hook-keeper for the Natural
Gas Company. Mr. Anderson was married (une 25, 1883, to Miss Iona M.
Heap, ami has two children : Frank C and James (i. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church of Butler, is a ruling elder in that body, and is president of
the Christian Endeavor Society of the Presbyterian church.
Kl.ziK II. An HE 1: son. -on of James I), and Mary A. (Martin ) Anderson, was
born in Prospect, Butler county, July 2-. 1854. He obtained a common school
education and then took a course at Witherspoon Institute, after which he taught
for two years. He afterwards entered the register and recorder's office as assis-
tant to his lather, who was elected to that position in November, 1875, remained
until the election of 1 1. II. Gallagher, and served with him during his term of
office. In 1882 he went to Denver. Colorado, but returned to Butler county in
May. 1883, and embarked in merchandising with his brother John P.. at Ren-
828 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
frew. In October. 1886, he sold his interest in the store, and removed to Butler,
and engaged in the grocery business. He erected a new store building, which he
sold to Kirkpatrick iV Reed, in 1890, and then purchased his present home on the
corner of Clay and Blu ft' streets. In 1892 he bought the undertaking establish-
ment of Jacob Keck, which he carried on some two years. In 1893 he became
manager for the Butler Lubricating Oil Company, and has since tilled that posi-
tion. Mr. Anderson was married on February 18, 1875, to Agnes Harper, a
daughter of R. M. Harper, now a resident of Butler, and has three children,
viz :. Eugene E. ; Madge 15.. and Helen A. He is a member of the Presbyterian
church, and has been a trustee in that organization since 1886. Politically, he is
a Democrat, and is a member of Ziegler Lodge. I. (). O. F., and also of the Y.
M. C. A.
Morgan Davis, oil operator, was born at Queenstown, Armstrong count}',
Pennsylvania, February .">. 1855, son of William ].. anil Susannah (Voyle)
Davis, who were the parents of sixteen children, eleven sons and two daughters,
thirteen ol whom are living. Morgan received a common school education, and
after arriving at manhood he engaged in the oil business near his home, a- a
driller. He afterward became a contractor and operator, which he has continued
down to the present. He is now interested in the Butler oil field, also in the
Sisterville field, where he has been quite successful. Mr. Davis has always been
an ardent sportsman, an admirer of a good dog and a good horse, and among his
dogs may be found sons of the champion, Breeze Gladstone, and other leading
hunters. On April IS, 1893, Mr. Davis married Margaret Oesterling, a daugh-
ter of Leonard Oesterling, of Summit township, Butler county. IK' is one of the
well known residents of the borough, and a gentleman of enterprise and public
spirit. In politics, he is an ardent Republican, and is a prominent member ot
the Masonic order.
Philip V. Davis, son of William J. and Susannah Davis, of Brady's Bend,
Armstrong county, was born at Brady's Bend. July I'd. 1853. He obtained a
common school education, and when twenty-one years of age he commenced the
business of tool dressing, at Criswell City, and within two years began operat-
ing. Since that time he has been contracting and oil producing, with the excep-
tion of two years, during which he traveled through the gold and silver produc-
ing states, and the California oil region, with Emmett Queen, now of Queen &
Guffev, of Pittsburg. Mr. Davis is now operating in the Cooperstown, Hickey,
Gould and Herman fields. In politics, he is an unswerving Republican, and is an
active party worker. lie is a member of the Masonic order, and is connected
with the Lodge, Chapter and Consistory, and is also a member ol' Butler Lodge,
Number 170. B. P. O. E.
John Xlvix Johnston', son of John and Elizabeth (Crawford) Johnston,
was born in Pine township, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1856. He
obtained a common school education and took a commercial course at Duff's Com-
mercial College, Pittsburg, graduating in 1878. He then carried on a general store
at Grove City until 1879, when he engaged in the oil business on the Grant farm, in
Butler county. He hail previously been in the same business in Hovey township.
Armstrong county. In 1882 he located in Butler, and has since continued in the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S29
oil business. His first operations were in the Bald Ridge field, and he subse-
quently operated in the Thorn Creek, Glade Run. Mats. Petersville and Adams
township fields, lie afterwards operated in Washington county, hut returned to
Butler county in 1S93, where he has continued operating in the Brownsdale
and Cooperstown districts. Mr. fohnston was married May 11. 1892, to Lulu
Y . Fritz, a daughter of Frank R. Fritz, of St. Petersburg, Clarion county, and
has one daughter, Helen R. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church,
and in politics, a Republican He is connected with Ziegler Lodge, I. ( >. (). F.,
and is a charter member of tiie Producers Protective Association.
John Ferguson was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, in 1822, was
educated at a subscription school and learned the stone mason's trade. In 1851
he came to Butler county and the following year married Julia Graham, a daugh-
ter of Capt. Alexander Graham, of Forward township, soon after moved to Arm-
strong county, and. in 1853, returned to this county and located at Petersville.
He subsequently removed to Prospect, where he died October 2, 1867. He was the
father of five children, as follows: Rolandus II.. Margaret A., wife of S. C.
Bell of Millerstown : Sarah A., wife of A. K. Gillespie of Bradford; Alexander
L., and Eliza J. I lis widow survived him several years, dying February 25,
l^v7. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in that
faith.
Rolandus II. Ferguson was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania,
April 10, 1858, eldest son of John and Julia Ferguson. He learned the painter's
trade, and worked at it until 1S72, in which year he embarked in the oil business
at Greece City. Since that time he has followed drilling and oil producing at
Greece City, anil St. Joe. also in Bradford and Warren counties, and at Evans
City, Butler county. In 1887 he located at Butler where he has since resided.
Mr. Ferguson hail charge of the Bovaird & Seyfang Company's business, in But-
ler, until February, 1894, since which time he has been in the machinery and oil
well supply business. He is a stanch Republican, is a member of the Masonic
order, and is a trustee of Butler Lodge. B. P. < >. E.
JEFFERSON C. Caknek was born in Rockland township, Venango county,
January 1, 1859, son of John Carner. and grandson of John Carner. His father
was born at Bellefont, Centre county, March 22, 1817. removed to Venango
county with his parents in 1827, and settled in Rockland township t where his
father purchased a farm. He married Sarah A. Turk, of that township, in 1^47.
and became the father of seven children, as follows : Elizabeth, deceased wife
of Benjamin F. Donaldson ; Eva, deceased wife of Frederick Fry; Albert; Sarah,
deceased; Jefferson C. ; Gilbert C, and Martha J. John Carner is still a resi-
dent of Rockland township. The subject of this sketch was reared 141011 his
father's farm and went to work in the oil country as a pumper. He followed the
oil industry until 1880, and then engaged in the torpedo business, removing to
Butler in 1884, where he continued the same. In 1886 he went to Allegany
county, New York, where he followed drilling and afterwards put down two
wells in Venango county for himself. He finally located in Butler permanently,
becoming a member of the torpedo firm of C. II. Ford & Company. In 1889 he
sold his interest to O. M. Russell, and has since devoted his attention to oil pro-
830
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ducing. Mr. Carner was married November i".t, L888, to Ella A. Stevenson, a
daughter of Nathaniel and Martha Stevenson, of Centre township, Butler count v.
Three children have been horn to this union, viz. : Georgia A., and Glennie S..
both deceased, and Hellen 1. Me is a member of the United Presbvterian church,
and in politics, a Republican. He is connected with Ziegler Lodge. Number
1039, and Clement Encampment, Number 238, 1. O. O. F., also with Tent, Num-
ber 34, K. O. T. M.
Lawson E. Brackne^ was born on the homestead in Clay township. Butler
county, lanuarv Id. 1851, was reared upon the (arm. anil attended the Common
schools of his district. He went to Parker's Landing in 1870, and became a tool
dresser and driller, and in 1880 began operating in the Washington township
field. He afterwards operated several years in the Bradford held, coming to the
borough of Butler in 1885, since which time he has been engaged in oil produc-
ing in the Glade Kim held. Mr. Bracknev was married to Elizabeth Hunt, a
daughter of Samuel Hunt, of Clay township, October I'd. 1872, and has four
children, viz.: Orvill J.; Harry; Ralph, and Ruth, lie is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he is ;i Democrat. lie is connected
with Ziegler Lodge, 1. ( ). O. F„ and the Uniform Rank. K. of 1'.
Elmer L. Kei.lv son of Thomas \\". and Kosanna Kelly, was born upon
the homestead farm in Parker township, Butler countv, October '-\. 18(31 , obtained
a common school education, and when fifteen years of age commenced working
at the oil business, al which he has since continued. In 1878 he went to Colo-
rado and Arizona, whence he returned to Butler county and located at Petrolia,
where he was connected with a pipe line company lour years. In 1886 he
located at Butler, and became superintendent of the \V. and A. Pipe Line.
Upon the organization of the Citizens Gas Company, he became superintendent,
which position he still occupies. On November:',, 1801, he married Dorette
Wisener, a daughter of Philip VVisener, of Butler. Mr. Kelly is one of the active
workers in the Republican party, and is a member of Millerstown Lodge. K.
of P., Petrolia Lodge, R. A., and Butler Lodge B. P. ( >. E.
Thomas 1. McBride, son of Francis McBride, was born in Butler. Pennsyl-
vania, in 1832, and was reared and educated in his native county. In 1862 he
enlisted in Captain Frampton's company, Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, was mustered in at Mercer, and served with his regiment until the close of
the war. In 1865 he embarked in the oil business, and continued to follow it
until his death. In 1854 he married Ellen Bailey, of Mercer county, to which,
union were born seven children, as follows: Laura, who married |. S. Cooper;
Sarah, who married Dennis O'Connor: William C. ; Mary ; Frank, deceased; Paul
J., and Jerry, deceased. Mr. McBride was a member of the Catholic church.
and in politics, a Democrat. He died in Butler, October I, 1888.
Paul J. McBride was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, March 11,
1867, received a common school education, and when quite a youth commenced
working at the oil business. In 1876 he went to Parker. and three years later located
ted at Bradford, where he remained until the Thorn Creek excitement, and then
came to Butler. He continued operating in the Butler field until 1892, since
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S3 I
which year he has been engaged in West Virginia. Mr. McBride is a stanch
Democrat, and in religion, is a member of the Catholic church.
Mark Hargem Brooks was born in Groton, Tompkins county, New York,
son of Mark II. and Betsey (Wood) Brooks, of that town. His parents were
nativesof New York, his mother being a daughter t>{ David Wood, a deacon in
the Presbyterian church, to which denomination both she and husband belonged.
The subject of this sketch was the youngest in a family of nine children, eight of
whom an- living, was reared in his native place, and received his education
at (iroton Academy. I lis eldest brother, Samuel, having studied law with
John W. Ryon, of Lawrenceville, Tioga county, Pennsylvania, located there
in practice, and Mark II.. while on a visit to Lawrenceville. engaged in teach-
ing school in Tioga county, where he followed that vocation for three terms.
He afterwards engaged in clerking in a hotel in connection with the insur-
ance business, which he has since followed in western Pennsylvania. In
1890 he came to Butler as a clerk in the Willard Motel, and has since been con-
nected with the Willard and Lowry. At the present time he has charge
of the business of George Palm, of Butler, a patentee of ami dealer in oil well
supplies. Mr. Brooks is an unswerving Democrat, and during his fifteen vears
residence in Mercer county he became a popular member of that parts', and was
nominated for clerk of the courts in 1890. Although the county had a Repub-
lican majority of 1,400, he was defeated by less than 4( « ) votes.
CHAPTER LXXI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Butler, Summit, Clearfield, Winfield and Buffalo Townships — Jefferson Town-
ship and Saxonburg Borough— Clinton. Penn and Middlesex Townships.
Thomas McKee, a soldier of the Revolution, was the progenitor of the
McKee family of Butler township. He was horn in Ireland, in 1749, a son of
David McKee, and came to Pennsylvania with his brother John in I T ' *> T - They
settled in the Cumberland valley, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and on the
breaking out of the Revolution, Thomas enlisted in Captain Cluggage's Com-
pany, First Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line, and was in the battles of Brandy-
wine and Germantown. At the close of the war he settled in the Tuscarora
valley, Mifflin county, whence he removed to Ligonier, Westmoreland county,
in 171*4. In 17(.'ti he came to Butler COUnty, whither his son James had preceded
him. and settled on a tract of land three miles west of the site of Butler, the farm
now occupied by William Barnhart. His wife was Martha Hoge, and they
832 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
reared a family ol seven sons and two daughters, as follows: lame-., who served
as sheriff of Butler county, and also in the legislature, and died in 1S32; Hugh,
who died in Butler, in 1835; Roberl ( 1). who died in infancy; David, who
joined the Mormons, and died at Nauvoo, Illinois; John, who died on the Mis-
sissippi; Thomas, who moved to Kentucky, and was mortally wounded while
making an arrest as a police officer; Robert, who died on Red river. Arkansas,
in 1^17; Letitia, who married John Dunbar, and moved to Indiana, and lane,
who married fames McKee, of Butler county. The father died in fune, 1815,
and was buried in the old cemetery at Butler.
James McKee was horn in 1780, and was the eldest child of Thomas Mc-
Kee. lie came to Butler county in lit)-"), one year before his father, and pur-
chased a tract adjoining that of his father, in Butler township. He married
Mary McKee. a daughter of John and Mary (Hoge) McKee, of (he Tuscarora
valley, who became the mother of seven children, as follows: John, who served
one term as sheriff of Butler county, and died in 1864; Robert, who resided upon
the old homestead until 1888, then removed to Butler, and died December
18, 1890; Martha, who died in youth; Thomas, who died at the age of
twenty-one ; Mary A., who resided in Butler down to her death. July 2, 1890;
[ames, who was drowned in the Ohio river in 1852, while en route to Califor-
nia, ami Hugh, a surveyor of Butler county, and afterwards appointed surveyor
of Kansas, by President Buchanan, died April SO, 1886. lames and his brother
Hugh, served in the War of 1812, ami both did the duty required of them in
common with the other soldiers of the county. The former served as sheriff of
the county, also one term in the legislature, and died on October 1, 1832. 1 1 is
wife survived him more than thirty years, and died in 1S74, aged eighty-seven.
John McQuistion was born in Donegal county, Ireland, in 1767, of Scotch-
Irish ancestry, came to the United States in 1793, and lived in Philadelphia for
three years. In May. 17'."'>, he removed to Butler county, and purchased 500
acres of land in Butler township, from Robert Morris, the celebrated financier of
the Revolution. He erected the old stone house now in possession of the Doerr
heirs. He subsequently bought an adjoining 500 acre tract, which is partially
embraced in the Boyd 'addition to the borough of Butler, better known as Spring-
dale, and a portion of it occupied by the Standard Plate Glass Works. He
cleared and improved 300 acres of this tract, built and operated a tannery, and
resided here until his death, which occurred May 18, 1841. He married Barbara
Arters. a native of Ireland, who died on March 5, 1SM7. They were the parents
of the following children: Joseph ; Jane, who married Dr. II. C. DeWolf;
William; Mary, who married James Borland; John; Margaret, who married
James C. Smith; Nancy, who married William L. Hartley; James; Sarah, who
married David II. Potts; Barbara, who married Andrew E. Marshall; Elizabeth,
who married John L. Bartlev. and Thomas. Margaret is -till living at the age
of ninety-three years. Mr. McQuistion was one of the earliest settlers of this
locality, and one of the founders of the United Presbyterian church of Butler,
lie donated the land for the erection of a church, and was a liberal supporter of
that denomination. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat, and one of the influ-
ential men of his day in local affairs.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 833
James McQuistion, son of John and Barbara McQuistion, was burn upon
the homestead farm in Butler township, in L806, and there grew to maturity.
He afterwards settled on 200 acres of his father's land, where his son Robert H.,
now lives, and died upon this property in 1851. He married Mary Ilindman. a
daughter of John Hindman, of Washington township, who became the mother oi
eight children, viz. : John K.. deceased; Jane, wife of Thomas White; Barbara.
deceased wife of George McCandless ; Margaret, wife of Joseph B. Mechling ;
Robert II.; Mary E., widow of John Balph ; Sarah B., and Agnes, wife of
Samuel Graham. Mrs. McQuistion died in January. 1880. Both she and hus-
band were members of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a
Democrat.
Robert H. McQuistiox, son of James and Mary McQuistion, was born on,
the homestead farm in Butler township. May 6, 1843, anil has always resided
thereon. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A, Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and
served until the close of the war. lie then resumed his duties upon the farm,
and has continued the same up to the present. Politically. Mr. McQuistion is a
Republican, and is an adherent of the United Presbyterian church. He is a
member of the G. A. R., and also of the I. O. ( >. F.
John Burkhart was of German descent, and came to Allegheny county.
Pennsylvania, with his parents, about the year 177"). When a boy of ten years
of age, he was captured by the Indians near Girty's run. was a prisoner tor ten
months, and obtained his freedom July 4. 177<1. by running the gauntlet. He
received a tomahawk wound on that occasion, the scar from which he carried to
his grave, and for which he received a pension from the State. He subsequently
settled on a large tract of land about three miles from the site of Butler, and was
one of the well known hunters of pioneer days. He understood the tanning
business and had a tanyard on his farm. Mr. Burkhart married Margaret Powell,
and was the the father of twelve children, seven of whom grew to maturity. He
was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and died in his ninetieth year,
in April, 1855. His wife survived him ten months. Their second son, David,
was born in 1801, lived on the old homested down to his death and then lett it
to his son John. The latter died November 16, 1898, and left the homestead to
his sisters and a sister's children.
Elijah Burkhart, third son of John Burkhart. was born upon the old
homestead in Butler township. January 12, 1803, grew to manhood on the farm,
and learned the carpenter's trade with George Wolfe. He assisted in building
some of the first frame houses in Butler. He married Rebecca, daughter oi
Joseph Richardson, whose ancestors came to this country with Perm. She was
of Quaker origin. Her father was a teacher nearly all his life, and removed to
Indiana, where he died in LS70, at the age of eighty-two years. After his mar-
riage, Elijah Burkhart settled about a half mile from his father's home, on a part
of the same farm. After living on this farm for twenty years, the Gilmores
took out a patent for it and he was compelled to purchase it from them, lie was
the father of eight children ; Maria, who married John Emerick ; Hiram P.. who
died in infancy; Joseph E., who resides in Kansas; Rebecca M.. and Washing-
ton F., both of whom died in childhood; Katharine S.. wife of Joseph Cris-
S34 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
well, clerk of the courts of Butler county; Baxter C, a member of Company
K, Ninth Pennsylvania Reserve, who died at Camp Pierpont, Virginia, Febru-
ary 111, 1802, and Jacob J., who died in infancy.
William Karns (originally spelled. Kearns) was a native of Ireland, who
tirst settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, whence he came to Butler
county, in 1795-96. He entered between 800 and t. 00(1 acres of land in what is
now Butler and Summit townships, a portion of the borough of Butler, being
now upon a part of this tract. lie cleared up two farms, one of ISO acres situa-
ted where the Connequenessing bridge crosses that stream on Center avenue,
which he gave to his son William, and another of seventy-two acres, which he
gave to his son fames, and now in pos-e—ion of his grandsons. Mr. Karns was
, one of the leading farmer* in that part of the county, and carried on a sort at pri-
vate banking business among the early settlers. Through going security he
suffered much los-. anil lost a large part of his real estate, lie was a prominent
member of the United Presbyterian church, and an elder, in that body for many
years. He gave liberally of hi- mean- toward- the erection of the old United
Presbyterian church building of Butler. Mr. Karn- married Annie Gold, and
was the father of the following children ; William : fames; Patton : |ane, who
married Joseph Gold ; Sarah, who married fames Sweeney of Clarion county;
Mary, and Margaret, who became the wife of George Crosier. Mr. Karn- died
in 1880; his widow survived him several year-.
|.\mks Karns, second -on of William Karns, was born on the homestead in
Butler township, March 17, 1810, and after reaching hi- inajoritv he located on
the farm which he received from bis father. lie learned the cabinet maker-'-
trade, but did not follow that occupation very long. lie removed to the borough
of Butler, but continued to carry on his farm. lie was appointed by the court
to as-i-t the sheriff of Butler county, in which capacity he served for seventeen
year-, and for nearly half a century In- was one of the well known auctioneers of
the county. ' In 1855 he was elected county treasurer, and in 1840 he was com-
missioned a colonel in the State Militia. Mr. Karns married Abigail, daughter
of Samuel R. Richard-, one of the contractors who built the Pennsylvania canal.
Their family consisted of the following children: James R. ; Emma, wife of
Albert Roessing ; Mary, wife of Prank Wheaton ; Ada, who married Newton
Miller, and after hi- death fohll Kellerman : William I>.; |ohn [,; Eleanor, wife
of George R. Eaton, and Theodore C. Mr. Karn- died November 111. 1892. His
widow resides upon the old homestead.
James R. Kahns, eldest son of fames Karns, was born in the borough
of Butler, September lio, 18-18. and received a public school and seminary
education. After arriving at manhood he removed to Kansas, where he was dep-
uty United States marshal in that State for four years. He was also deputy
sheriff of Eldorado county, Kansas, two years, ami city marshal of Eldorado City
lor one year. In March. 1874, he returned to Butler, and was appointed the first
county detective of Butler county, in which position he served fourteen months.
Since returning to Butler he has followed the business of auctioneer, in connec-
tion with the cultivation of bis farm. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Karns
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. »33
married Mary A. McCormick, and they are the parents of five children, as fol-
lows: Blanche; Myrtle: Paul ; Raymond, and James.
Samuel Kelly was horn in Down county, Ireland, December l'-">. 1800,
and emigrated to the United States at the aye of eighteen years. He found
employment with James George, of Mercer township, Mercer county, Pennsyl-
vania: was later employed in the construction of the Pennsylvania canal, obtain-
ing a few small contracts, but subsequently became one of the prominent con-
tractors after the completion of the Erie section, and took several large contracts
on the Johnstown and Blairsville branch of the canal, but eventually met with
heavy financial losses. He then retired to a large tract of land lie had previously
purchased in Slippery Rock township. Butler county, cleared up a farm and
lived upon it forty years. In 1865 he purchased 160 acres in Butler township,
where he continued to reside until his death. April 1. L881. Mr. Kelly was
married in 1831, to Elizabeth, daughter of Richard McKee, a native of Antrim
County, Ireland, who settled in Muihh Creek township. Butler county, in 1831.
Her death occurred March 2 1 . 1881, just ten days before her husband passed
away. To this marriage were horn eleven children: David, of Armstrong
county: Jane, wife of F. M. Shira : Samuel, a residenl of New Castle, Pennsyl-
vania: John C. ; Elizabeth, wife of I. J. McCandless, of Butler : Ague-, deceased
wife of Perry Stewart ; William, anil Margaret, both residing in ( )hio, and three
who died in infancy. Mr. Kelly was a Democrat in politics, and tilled the office
of justice of the peace and other minor position- in hi- township. While a resi-
dent of Slippery Rock, he was a member of Harmony church, Harrisville, and in
later days was connected with Shiloh United Presbyterian church of Jefferson
township.
John C. Kelly, third son of Samuel and Elizabeth Kelly, was horn upon
the homestead farm in Slippery Rock township, Butler counts. February 13.
1840, and received a common school education. lie learned the carpenter's and
millwright's trades, which he followed until 1 SI')."), ami the next two year-, he was
engaged in tilling his father-in-law's farm in Cranberry township. In 1807 he
purchased a farm in Adams township, but after his father's death he re-
moved to Butler township, and purchased KID acres of the homestead
place, upon which he still resides. He also owns a farm of ninety acre- in For-
ward township, and one of seventy acres in Adams township. In 1884 Mi'. Kelly
was elected county commissioner, and was re-elected in |SS7. He was again one
of the Democratic candidates in 1893, hut was defeated. He is now serving his
second term as justice of the peace for Butler township. Since arriving at man-
hood he has been an unswerving adherent of the Democratic party, and as linn
as a rock in his support of its measures and principles. He was a member of the
county committee for many years, ami has given liberally of his mean- towards
the success of that part v. He has been a member of the United Presbyterian
church since 1865. Mr. Kelly was married in 1865, to Nancy C, daughter of the
late Capt. Alexander Gillispie, of Cranberry township, and ha- six children :
Olive J., wife of George McCormick : Alexander G. ; Minerva, wife of Clinton
D. Bole, of Butler: Mary I.: Nannie (i. R.. and Clarence II. Of these, three
are teachers: Alexander G., Mary I., and Nannie <i. B.
R36 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Joseph B. Mechling, youngest son of Jacob and Jane (Thompson) Mech-
ling, was born in the borough of Butler, Februarj 28, 1888, was educated in the
public school, and at Butler Academy, read law with L. Z. Mitchell, was admit-
ted to the bar in 1863, and practiced his profession for a number of years. In
April. 1801, he enlisted in Company 11, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
and served three months. He then re-enlisted in Company H, Seventy-eighth
regiment, was elected first lieutenant, and served in that command two years.
Mr. Mechling was for many years identified with the public schools of Butler, as
a teacher and superintendent of the borough schools, and has always been inter-
ested in the advancement of education. Politically, he is a Republican, and
though he lia^ never sought public office, he has been deeply interested in the
successes of Ids party. Mr. Mechling resides upon his farm in Butler township,
and is recognized as an intelligent, progressive citizen.
George Jacob Schaffner was born in Wissenburg, Germany, in L806,
son ol Xicholas Schaffner. lie received a public school education, and in 1881
emigrated to the United States and settled in Butler township. Butler county,
Pennsylvania, lie was engaged in various occupations in and around Butler, and
purchased a small tract of land north of the borough, upon which he lived for
some veals, and later bought forty acres where |ohn Schaffncr now re-ides. lie
next moved to Slippery Rock township ;uul lived there rive years. He after-
wards engaged in coal mining upon the same farm, which business he followed
until his death. lie was married in his native land, to Mary Ann Martin, to
which union were born seven children, five of w hom grew to maturity : Frances,
a sister in the convent of Notre Dame; Samuel: Maria, wife ot Frank Koch ot
Butler; George, of Butler, and John, a resident of Butler township. Mr. Schaff-
ncr died in I S 7 7 : his wife died the previous year. They were members of the
Catholic church, and in politics, he was originally a Whig and afterwards a
Republican.
Samuel Schaffner, eldest son of facob Schaffner, was born in Butler
township. Butler county, October 81, 1833. lie attended the district school, and
t hroughout his boyhood days assisted his parents on the farm, and afterwards was
engaged with his father in operating the coal mine. In 1858 he purchased ten
acres of land and opened a new coal mine, which he worked until 1804. In
1862, when Let- threatened to invade Pennsylvania, he went out as fourth ser-
geant ol' Company G, Fourteenth 'Pennsylvania Militia. In 1864 he enlisted in
Company D. Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and served ten months. Returning
to his home he went to Oil City, and engaged in the coal business in Cranberry
township. Venango county. One year later he came back to Butler township and
resumed coal operations here, which he has continued down to the present. lie
also cultivates a farm of 170 acres, and is interested in oil producing. He was
formerly a Republican, but at the formation of the Greenback party he joined
that organization, and was its nominee lor the legislature in 1871- Since that
time he has been independent in politics, and is now a Populist. In 1870 he
was elected justice of the peace, tilled that office five years, and has also been
township auditor. In religious belief, he is a Catholic, and is a member ot St.
Paul's congregation of Butler. Mr. Schaffner was married June 20, ls.>s. to
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 857
Josephine, a daughter of Anthony ;ind Barbara Hinchberger. She died February
2, 1893, being the mother of the following children : Mary C, deceased; Josie,
wife of Joseph Wuller; George A., who married Mary Sullivan, and who has
three children, Josie. Maria and Jacob; Jacob; Christopher; Samuel, who mar-
ried Laura Yinroe ; Frank; Xorbert, deceased; Edward, anil Herbert.
Eberiiart Family. — Paul Eberhart, a natiye of Lehigh county, Pennsyl-
vania, and a descendant of the Eberharts of Germany, removed to Westmore-
land county in 1778. His son Christian, born in Lehigh count v, March 11, 1 77— .
married Mary Ann Snyder, anil was the progenitor of the Eberhart family of
Butler county. Joseph Eberhart, born in Westmoreland county, March 19,
1800, was the third son of Christian Eberhart, At the age of twenty-one he
married Catherine Kistler. He was a tailor by trade, and followed his trade
until 1835, when he removed to Mercer county, Pennsylvania, subsequently to
Millerstown, Butler county, in 1845 to Armstrong county, and in L854 to Doug-
lass county, Kansas, where he died at the age of eighty-two years. His family
consisted of fifteen children, as follows : Nancy Ann. who Hist married Henry
Hemphill, and for her second hasband William Byerly ; Obadiah ; Priscilla, who
married Andrew Barnhart ; John; Joseph; Henry S. ; Sarah C, who married
Thomas Pugh ; Samuel; Marie E., who married Tohn Gimlet: Susannah E.,
who married Calvin Millard; Margaret R., who married Charles I rick ; David
H. ; Noah A. ; Naomi M. ; Lewis ]., and Andrew.
Jonx Eberhart, second son of Joseph Eberhart. was born in Mercer county,
Pennsylvania, August 16, 1827. At the age of seventeen hi' came with his
parents to Millerstown, where he learned the carpenter's trade. In 1 S-57 he pur-
chased a farm of seventy acres in Fairview township, Butler county, which he
cleared and improved, and here he resided, engaged in farming, down to his
death, August 11. 1885. He married Catherine, daughter of Rudolph Barnhart.
of Fairview township, and their family were as follows : Simon J., deceased ;
Andrew O. ; Susannah, and Henry C. F., both of whom ,11 e dead ; Lewis D. A.,
who resides near Millerstown; Jonathan, who resides on the old homestead;
Sarah P., and Permelia, both of whom are dead. Mr. Eberhart was a prominent
member of the Reformed church, in which he tilled the offices of deacon and
elder. Some good oil wells were drilled upon his farm, which placed him in very
comfortable circumstances. His widow is living upon the old homestead.
Andrew (). Eberhart, second son of John and Catherine Eberhart, was
born in Fairview township, Butler county, December 26, 1851, and was educated
in the district school. He remained with his parents until his majority, and then
purchased a small piece of land in Fairview township, which proved to hi' oil
producing, lie afterwards sold this, and purchased the Yetter farm of 170 acres
in Butler township, and later the William Bryson farm of 100 acres. He rebuilt
the Bryson residence, where hi- has since resided, engaged in fanning and oil
producing. Mr. Eberhart was married March 11, 1878, to Mary E., daughter of
Philip Barnhart , of Millerstown, to whom have been born the following children :
John C. and Joseph, both deceased; Tessa T. ; Jeremiah; Henry II.. and Etta E.
Politically, he is a Republican, is now serving his fourth consecutive term as consta-
ble, and is one of the school directors of his township. He takes an active interest
838 HISTORY OF BUTLEK COUNTY.
in the progress of the public schools, and has been a director of St. Paul's Orphan
Home for fifteen years. In 1894 he was a candidate for jury commissioner, and
with eight candidates in the field he was second highest on the ticket, coming
within a few votes of election. For the [last seventeen years he has been an
elder in the Reformed church, and donated the land upon which was erected St.
John's Reformed church and parsonage, to which purpose he gave liberally of
his means. lie is active in public and political matters, and is a member of the
R. A., P. of II.. the Jr. ( ). U. A. M., and Connoquenessing Lodge. I. O. O. F.
Pktki; Haiku was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1803, and
emigrated with his wife and three children to Maryland, settling close to the
Pennsylvania line. In 1846 he came to Jefferson township, Butler county, pur-
chased a farm, and resided thereon down to his death, in 1867. I lis wife's
maiden name was Anna Margaret Deer, and their children are as follow.-:
Catherine, who married Charles Krumpe : William; Conrad; Henry: George:
Benjamin : Philip, and Elizabeth, who became the wife of William Leithold.
Mrs. Bauer died in 1888. Both she and husband were members of St. Mark's
Lutheran church of Butler, in which organization he tilled the office of deacon.
Politically, he w, is a Democrat.
Geokge Bauer was born in Maryland, in 1838, and is the fourth son
of Peter and Anna Margaret Bauer. He came to Jefferson township, Butler
county, with hi- parents, was reared on the homestead farm, and received his
education in the public schools. He learned the machinist's trade, and engaged
in the manufacture of agricultural implement- at Butler, under the firm name of
Bauer Brother-, which the firm carried on for fifteen years. In 1ST- he sold his
interest and purchased hi- present homestead of seventy-six acres in Butler town-
-hip, upon which he has since lived. Mr. Bauer wa- married in 1863, to Cather-
ine, daughter of Michael Smith. She died June I'd, 1893. They are the par-
ents of eight children : Margaret, wife of Howard McCandles-; Charles; Edward;
(jussie : Maud, wife of Samuel McKnight ; William : Barbara, anil Leonard. In
1862 Mr. Bauer enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, and served nine months. He was in the battles of Freder-
icksburg and Chancellorsville, and was slightly wounded in the latter en-
gagement.
William Barxhart, son of Jacob Barnhart who settled in Butler county
in 1796, wa- born on the original homestead in Donegal township, and grew
to manhood under the parental roof. He married Mary A. Daubenspeck, by
which union thev were the parents of the following children: Solomon; Ann,
wife of Frank Hav- ; David George, deceased ; Gabriel : Andrew W., and Kam-
erer, deceased. Mr. Barnhart died about 1845. His widow was twice married
afterward-, and died in Armstrong county. Her second husband was Andrew-
May and her third David Barnhart. The subject of this sketch was a farmer all
his life, and resided at his death in Fairview township, where all of his children
were born.
Axdrew \V. Barxhart was born on the homestead in Fairview town-
ship. Butler county, March 28, 1839, and is a son of William and Mary A. Barn-
hart. The early death of his lather prevented Andrew W. from receiving the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 839
advantages the common schools afforded, and he grew to manhood among
strangers. After reaching his majority, he purchased a farm in Concord town-
ship, Butler county, upon which he resided until the second year of the war. On
May 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company (J, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
and at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, he received two gun-shot
wounds in the right leg and one in the left, and was transferred from the field
hospital to Lincoln Hospital, Washington. D, C. He was discharged from the
service June II, 1S68, and returned to his farm. One year afterwards he went
to the Venango county oil fields, where he worked until I860. He then removed
to Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, where he followed farming until
1886, in which year he purchased his present farm of 130 acres in Butler town-
ship, Butler county, upon which he has since resided, engaged in farming and
oil producing. Mr. Barnhart married Melinda, daughter of William Murtland,
of Fairview township. She died July 1, 1891, the mother of the following chil-
dren : Clare E.. wife of Edward E. Bryer ; Minnie A. ; Eva A. ; Loretta ; Will-
iam L., and Lena T., the last two of whom are dead. Politically, Mr. Barnhart
is a Republican, is a member of A. G. Reed Post, Number 105, G. A. R.. and of
St. John's Reformed church, of Butler township.
Casper Hartung was born in Saxe-Wiemer, Prussia, in 1806, and was a
weaver. In 1842 he came to the United States, accompanied by his father, Adam,
his mother and two brothers, Henrv and Conrad, and one sister. Henry and
Conrad enlisted at Pittsburg for the Mexican war, and served throughout that
struggle. Both purchased farms in Winfield township, Butler county, and at
the breaking out of the Rebellion, Henry went into the army, and was killed at
the battle of the Wilderness. Conrad removed to Kansas where he now resides.
Casper and his father settled in Winfield township, Butler county, where they
purchased a small tract of land, and subsequently a farm of 136 acres in the same
township, which they cleared and improved. Casper Hartung married Catherine
Aubbel, a native of Germany, which union was blessed with seven children, four
of whom grew to maturity, as follows : Lizzie, deceased wife of Robert Clark ;
Katie, wife of Martin Weckerle, of Virginia : John, and Henry, deceased. Mr.
Hartung was a Lutheran in religious faith, and a Democrat in politics. Both he
and wife resided in Butler county until their death.
John Hartung, only living son of Casper Hartung, was born in Germany.
November 0. 1836, and was reared on his father's farm in Winfield township, But-
ler county. In 1870 he purchased a farm in Jefferson township, where he
remained five years, then removed to Ohio, but in 1882 he returned to Butler
county and purchased a farm two miles west of Butler, containing eighty acres.
Here he lived until 1889, when he purchased a site of four acres near Butler, erected
his present residence and retired from active business. Mr. Hartung married
Maggie, daughter of Adam Schrump, of Winfield township, and has one daughter,
Anna L., wife of Christian Leichner, of St. Joe, Butler county. He is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran church, and in politics, he is a Democrat. In 1864 he enlisted
in Company L, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served in the battles of
Fisher's Hill and Winchester. On December 14, 1864, while on scouting duty,
his command was attacked by the rebels, and he was struck on the head with a
84O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
revolver, taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison three months. IK- served
in the army one year, and was then honorably discharged.
William Nesbit was born at Harmony, Butler county, Pennsylvania, May
28, 1805, and was a son of Thomas Nesbit, a native of Ireland, who settled at
Harmony about lT'.'T. William received a limited education in the pioneer sub-
scription schools, learned the blacksmith's trade, and followed that occupation
for twenty years. He inherited a farm in Cranberry township, upon which he
resided until his death, December 27, 1891. lie married Emma Croft, of Cran-
berry township, to which union were born ten children, as follows: Mary ).,
deceased wife of David G. Marshall, of Adams township; John, deceased:
Lenora ; Nancy, deceased: Ida. wife of Milton J. Covert, ol Cranberry town-
ship; Walter, deceased; Martha, deceased: William K.: Joseph L., who resides
on the old homestead, and Nettie A., wife of Charles Fowler, of Allegheny
county. Mr. Nesbit ami wife were members of the Presbyterian church. The
latter died, March 29, L893.
William R. Nesbit, son of William and Emma Nesbit. was born in Cran-
berry township, Butler countv, July 11. 1856, and received a common school edu-
cation. He has always lived upon a farm, and in November, 1891, he purchased
his present homestead in Butler township, from George Haley. Mr. Nesbit was
married December 31, 1878, to Laura D. White, daughter of Robert White, now
a resident of Butler, but formerly of Evans City. Three children are the fruits
of this union : Edith P. : Ethel M.. and Dean A. Mr. Nesbit and wife are mem-
bers of the Presbyterian church, ami in politics, he is a Republican
John Renno was born in Alsace-Lorraine. France. November 1."). 1800,
was reared in his native land, and followed the vocation of a coal miner. lie
immigrated to the United States in 1832, came to Butler the following year, and
subsequently settled in Butler township, where he resided until his death, Feb-
ruary 19, 1853. His wife survived him until April 21, 1885. Her maiden name
was Margaret Emminger, and she was a resilient of Donegal township at the
time of her marriage to Mr. Renno. in May, 1836. She was a daughter of
Michael Emminger, a veteran of the War of L812. They became the parents of
nine children, as follows : Regina, who married Edward Elbe! ; Mary, deceased
wife of Harry Burdette : Rebecca, who married John Brink : Frederick M. ; John ;
Elizabeth, wife of William Parke; Rose C, wife of J. K. Goodrich; Adam, and
George ]. The parents were members of the Lutheran church, and in politics,
Mr. Renno was a Democrat.
Imi \ Young was born in Lawrence countv, Pennsylvania, in 1826, and was
reared and educated in bis native county. lie learned the carpenter's trade, and
in 1858 he came to Butler countv- and settled in Butler township, where he pur-
chased a part of the old Mangel farm. He afterwards purchased the McNair
farm of 122 acres, but trailed it for 108 acres of tin- old Borland property, upon
which he now reside-. In L850 he married Mary B.. daughter of Thomas Bur-
ton of Lawrence countv, to whom have been born ten children, nine of whom
grew to maturity : Thomas 1!. ; William (..; Susan J., wife of A. M. Ilauk.
of Wampum ; Jacob S. ; James B. ; Martha L.,wifc of A. P.. McCandless, of
Butler township; John P.; Samuel W.. and Mary II.. wife of George Graham,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 84 1
of Clarion county. Mr. Young and wife arc members of the United Presbyteri n
church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
Capt. Abraham Brinker was one of the pioneer tavern keepers of Butler,
where he erected a log building on the site of the Citizen office in l^n}. lie was
a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, whence he removed to West-
moreland county, and later to Butler, lie carried on the Mansion House until
1809, and then sold out to Jacob Mechling, who conducted this well remembered
hostelry for many years. After disposing of his tavern. Captain Brinker purchased
a tract of land on Bonny Brook, in what is now Summit township, and erected
the old stone mill vet standing, about three miles northeast of Butler, at the mouth
of Brinker's run, named in his honor. Here he operated a grist mill, a carding
mill and a distillery, in connection with a large farm. He was one of the prom-
inent men of pioneer days, and a man of considerable enterprise and public spirit.
He commanded a company under Col. John Purviance at Erie in the War of
1812, composed of the hardy sons of Butler county. He served as county com-
missioner two terms, was also a justice of the peace, and filled several of the
local offices during his residence on Bonny Brook. Captain Brinker married
Louisa Moser, and their children were as follows : Jacob, a well remembered
hotel keeper of Butler ; John: Henry; Mrs. Catherine McCandless : Mrs. Susan
Henry; Mrs. Polly Henry; Mrs. Eliza Prosser : Mrs. Louisa McGlaughlin :
Mrs. Sarah Ziegler. and Mrs. Amy M. Richey, all of whom are dead. Captain
Brinker died at his home on Bonny Brook in 1850. His wife survived his death
some y-ears, and died in Butler at the home of her son-in-law. Captain Ziegler.
Many of their descendants are still residents of the county and among its worthy
citizens.
James Mitchell, Sr., was one of the pioneers of Butler county, coming
from Ireland with two brothers to Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, whence,
in 1796, he removed to Butler county and settled in what is now Summit town-
ship. He cleared up a farm upon which he resided until his death, in 1844. He
married a Miss McGahey and they were the parents of six children: James.
Samuel and Alexander, all deceased: John: Jane, who married Tohn Jamison,
and Margaret, deceased wife of I. Seaman. Mr. Mitchell was a soldier in the
War of 1812, and was one of the leading pioneers of this locality until his death.
Judge James Mitchell, eldest son of James Mitchell. Sr.. was born upon
the homestead in this county and spent his younger days in teaching school. In
1851 he was elected county commissioner, and subsequently associate judge ol
Butler county. He took a deep interest in educational matters and tilled t! e
office of school director nearly all his life. Politically, he was a stanch Whig, and
on the formation of the Republican party he joined that organization and for
many years was one of its leading members. In religious faith, he was ,i Pri s-
byterian, and filled the office of elder for many years. He was twice married,
his first wife being Sarah Marks, who died in 1850, leaving five children : Alex-
ander ; Harvey J.; Agnes, wife of J. D. Jackson ; James B., and Mary, deceased.
He married for his second wife Jane S. Hunt, and died in October, 1891. Judge
Mitchell was one of the representative citizens of his native county, and through-
out his long and useful life was foremost in every worthy cause.
842 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William Lindsey was born in Down county, Ireland, lune 24, 1800, a
son of Mo«'s and Jane (Meek) Lindsey. He came to Pennsylvania about 1884,
and found employment in a planing mill in Allegheny for two years, and later
engaged in farming in North Fayette township, Allegheny county, where he
resided for twelve years. In 1849 he purchased a farm of 212 acre-- in Summit
township. Butler county, upon which he settled the following year. He subse-
quently increased his farm to 300 acres, cleared the greater part of it, and erected
all of the buildings. His wife was Sarah Alexander, a daughter of Joshua Alex-
ander, of Down county, Ireland, who bore him ten children, viz. : Mary, wife
William McCracken ; Thomas; Moses: Joseph: William; Susan; |ane: Sarah;
Elizabeth, and Margaret. Mr. Lindsey was a member of the Protestant Episco-
pal church, and resided in Summit township for thirty-six years. lie died Novem-
ber 1, 1885, in the eighty-sixth year of his age.
Thomas Lindsey. eldest son of William and Sarah Lindsey, was born in
Down county, Ireland. January 2, 1825, and came with his parents to Allegheny,
Pennsylvania, in 1834. lie was educated in the common schools, and from 1850
lo 1868 was a traveling salesman for the dry goods and notion house of Daniel
McConville, of Steubenville, Ohio. Since the latter year he has resided on the
old homestead in Summit township, and is one of the prominent and enterprising
citizens of the community. He is a member of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal
church, of Butler, and in politics, is an adherent of the Democratic party.
Michael Emrick, a native of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, came
from Northumberland county to Butler county, with his wife. Elizabeth, four
sons and two daughters, in 1813. He located near Saxonburg, where he followed
the wheelwright's trade, but in later life engaged in the manufacture of baskets.
He died at Butler in 1852. His children were as follows ; Elizabeth, wife of
Samuel Jones : Andrew : Jacob ; John ; William ; Catherine, wife of John Hicks,
and Michael.
Andrew Em hick, eldest son of Michael and Elizabeth Emrick, was born in
Northumberland county in 1803, and came with his parents to this county when
about ten years old. He was one of the founders of Saxonburg, and broke the
first ground and erected the first dwelling on the site of that village. He cleared
and improved two farms near Saxonburg, and a third in Clearfield township. In
1851 he purchased a farm in Summit township, resided there until 1856, then
sold out and removed to Penn township, where he lived until 1885. In that year
lie removed to Summit, and made his home with his son John until his death,
May 15, 1885. His wife was Catherine Burtner, a daughter of John Burtner, a
pioneer of Buffalo township. Ten children were born to this union, eight of
whom grew to maturity, viz. : Michael ; Christina, wife of John E. Gallagher;
John; Elizabeth, wife of George YV. Fair: Barbara, wife of Franklin Fisher;
Andrew B.; Maria, wife of Michael Fair, and Daniel. Mr. Emrick was a man
of the highest integrity, and a respected and worthy citizen, lie held numerous
public offices, the duties of which he performed faithfully and well. He was an
adherent of the Republican party, and in religious faith, was a member of the
Lutheran church.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 843
John Emrick, second son of Andrew and Catherine Emrick, was born in
Clearfield township, Butler countv. December 26, 1881. I Ie was reared in his
native countv. was educated in the common schools, and began his career as a
farmer in 1855, working on his father's farm in Penn town-hip. until L861. In
that year he removed to his present homestead in Summit township, upon which
he has since erected all of the buildings and improvements, and brought his land
to a high state of cultivation. In November, 1855, he married Maria Antoinette
Burkhart, a daughter of Elijah and Rebecca (Richardson) Burkhart, and grand
daughter of John Burkhart. one of the first settler- of Butler township. Mrs.
Emrick'.- maternal ancestors came to America with Penn. She i- the mother of
eight children, viz. : Daniel 15.; William J.; Asa W. ; Rebecca C wife of
Augustus M. Swart/.: Albert F. ; Barbara A.; Samuel M., and Mary E., wife of
Samuel G. Hughes Mr. Emrick was a member of Company F, One Hundred
and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, from September 19, 1864, to June '20, 1865,
when he was honorably discharged from the service, at Whitehall. Bucks county,
Pennsylvania. He participated in the battles of Gravelly Run, White Oak Roads,
and other engagements down to the surrender of Lee. Mr. Emrick is a member
of the Jefferson Summit Presbyterian church, and is connected with A. G. Reed
Post. G. A. R.. of Butler. Politically, he is an ardent Republican.
Simon I'. Young was born in Luzerne countv. Pennsylvania, February 17.
l^L'o, son of Henry Young, who came to Butler county with his wife and family
in 1829, and settled in Butler town-hip. The family consisted of the following
children: Polly; Sarah; Elizabeth: Anna ; John: Simon 1'. : Amos : William
H. : Catherine C; Rebecca S.. and George. The father died in 1s4l'. The sub-
ject of this sketch was reared in Butler township and learned the tanner's trade,
which he followed in connection with farming. In 1846 he married Eliza J.
Barrickman, a daughter of Peter Barrickman, of Butler township. Nine chil-
dren were born to this union, as follows: Mary P.. wife of R. M. Forsythe ;
Titus S. ; Margaret G.. and Permilla. both deceased; Henry B.; Elmer P.: Will-
iam L. ; Barton E.. and Howard G., deceased. In 1855 Mr. Young purchased
his present homestead of ISO acres in Summit township, and has since devoted
his attention to farming. His wife died May 3, 1893. She was a member of
the Presbyterian church, to which denomination he also belongs. In politics, he
has aKvays been a Republican. lie is a charter member of Connoquenessing
Lodge, 1. O. O. F., and during the war was enrolling clerk for Summit
township.
William Bvers was born in Washington countv. Pennsylvania, March s.
1808, and was reared and educated in his native countv. In 1S-57 he was married
to Rebecca McCurdy, a daughter of lames McCurdy, of Summit township, Butler
countv, ami in 1838 he settled upon a farm in that township, where he resided
until his death, in ls77. His wife died in 1854. Thev were the parents of eight
children, as follows : Margaret L, wife of D. M. Roney ; Rachel M., wife of
Leander Wise: Thomas S.,and James M.. both of whom died at Florence. South
Carolina, while prisoners of war. being members of Company E, One Hundred
and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers; Matilda A., wife of NY. W. Dinsmore ;
S44 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William S., deceased; John E., and Rebecca C, deceased. Mr. Byers and wife
were members of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a Republican.
Nicholas Riott, a native of Bavaria, Germany, immigrated to Baltimore.
Maryland, in 1825. In 1830 he purchased a farm of 310 acres of land in what is
now Summit township. Butler county, cleared and improved it. and died in his
eighty-third year. He married Eva Bard, and was the father of three sons, viz. :
Francis ; Nicholas, and Jacob. They succeeded to the old homestead, which was
equally divided between them. Mr. Riott and family were members of the
Catholic church, and among the first Germans of that faith who settled in Sum-
mit township.
Francis Riott, eldest son of Nicholas and Eva Riott, was born in Bavaria.
Germany, April 3. 1814, came to America with his parents in 1825, and rive
years afterwards located in Summit township, Butler county. At his father's
death he succeeded to one-third of the original tract, containing 1 1 I acres, all oi
which he cleared and improved, and upon which he still reside.-. He subse-
quently added to his farm, until it now aggregates 220 acres, the larger portion
of which is under a high state of cultivation. In July. 1837, Mr. Riott married
Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of John and Eva (Richard) Smith, of Oakland
township. To this union have been born ten children, as follows: Nicholas:
Jacob ; Mary, wife of John Leech; Francis; Margaret: Barbara, wife of John
Nulett ; George; Catharine, wife of John Weyland ; Joseph, and Elizabeth. Mr.
Riott and family are members of St. Marv's Catholic church, at Herman, and in
politics, he is a Democrat. He has been prominent in both church and public
affairs, has held nearlv ever office in the township, and has served five terms as
justice of the peace. He is one of the substantial and wealthy citizens ot the
community.
John Oesterling, a native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, came to Penn-
sylvania in 1831, and settled in Summit township, Butler county, near Herman
station. Five years afterwards he removed to the farm now owned and occupied
by his sons, Ad-am and Peter, on which he made many improvements, residing
there down to his death, in March, 18f>4. in the sixty-seventh year of his age.
He was married in his native land to Elizabeth Ripper, who became the mother
of fourteen children, eight of whom grew to maturity, viz. : John ; Catherine,
wife of Adam Schenck ; Elizabeth, wife of William Vogeley ; Leonard ; Ann I-].,
wife of George Frederick; Peter; Adam, and Margaret, wife of Adam Freder-
ick. Mr. Oesterling was a member of the German Lutheran chinch of Butler.
Leonard Oesterlinc;, son of John and Elizabeth Oesterling, was born in
Bremen, Germany, April is, 1881. His parents immigrated to Butler county the
same year, and he was reared to manhood in Summit township. In 1852 lie
engaged in farming for himself, in Summit township, and the following year
removed to Armstrong county, where he found employment in the rolling mills
at Brady's Bend, until 1872. In the latter vear he returned to Summit township.
and located on a farm of 200 acres which he still occupies. Here he has made
nearly all the improvements in buildings, etc., and has brought the land to a high
state of cultivation. On February 15, 1852, Mr. Oesterling married Margaret
Flohr, a native of Germany. She is the mother of twelve children, seven of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. K45
whom grew to maturity, viz. : John ; Mary, wife of William Kellerman ;
Leonard; Maggie, wife of Morgan Davis; William, and Lewis. Mr. Oesterling
and wife ara members of the German Lutheran church, of Butler, and in politics,
he is a Republican.
Peter Oesterling, son of John and Elizabeth Oesterling, was burn in
Summit township. Butler county, October ',1. 1835, and was reared on the family
homestead, where his parents settled in 1836. lie received a limited education
in the common schools, and has always followed farming as a vocation. Luring
the Rebellion he was drafted twice. The first time he sent a substitute, but the
next time he went into the army as a member of Company B, One Hundred and
Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers. lie participated in the battles of Hatcher's
Run, and Weldon Railroad, and after nine months' service was honorably dis-
charged, in June, 1865. He was married August l'.l. 1858, to Catherine Shoup,
a daughter of Jacob ami Catherine (Ginter) Shoup, of Oakland township, and
has ten children, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of John Brown: Kate, wife of
James Spencer : Marv, wife of Milton Shaner : Peter; James; Bertha, wife of
Thomas Hite : George; Laura; Amelia, ami Florence Edith. Mr. Oesterling and
family are connected with the German Lutheran church, of Butler. He is a
stanch Democrat, and is one of the prominent fanners of Ids native township.
Matthias Bleichxek was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France. January 2,
IT'.N. a son of Matthias Bleichner, who lived and died in his native land. In
|s;;| he immigrated to Pennsylvania, ami settled in Summit township, Butler
county, on the farm now owned by bis son Jacob. lie cleared and improved
this property, and resided upon it down to his death, in 1884, in the eighty-
seventh year ol his age. He was married in his native land to Catherine Engel-
man, a native of Alsace-Lorraine, who bore him a family of six children, viz. :
Laurence; Nicholas: Dorothea, wife of Nicholas Hinchberger; George; Jacob,
and Eva. wife of Laurence Struckens. Mr. Bleichner was a member of the
Catholic church, and one of the founders of St. Mary's congregation, at Herman
station.
Jacob Bleichner, youngest son of Matthias and Catherine Bleichner, was
born on the old homestead in Summit township. February 21. 1836, and received
bis education in the public, schools. He was reared on the farm, ami was
engaged in mining coal for public work some five years. but farming lias been his
principal occupation throughout his life. He has owned the old homestead since
1864, and has resided upon it permanently since that time. ( )n September 29,
I x">7, be married Marv Miller, a daughter of Joseph and Ann (Ritter) Miller,
of Summit township. Eleven clildren have been born to this union, named as
follows: Mary, wife of Headley Morris; Clara, wife of George Smith : Joseph ;
lames: John; William; Elizabeth, wife of William Guest; Tillie; Louisa:
Andrew, and Annie. Mr. Bleichner and family are members of St. Mary's
Catholic church. Politically, he is a Democrat, has held every office in the gilt
of his township with the exception of justice of the peace, ami has been a school
director for twenty-one years. He is one of the substantial and progressive citi-
zens of the community.
846 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Jacob Eichenlaub, a native ot* Weissenburg, Franco, immigrated to the
United States, with his. wife, three sons and two daughters, in IS31, and the fol-
lowing year settled in what is now Summit township, Butler county, Pennsyl-
vania, on lands still owned by his descendants. Here he spent the remaining
years of his life. His children were as follows: Francis; William: Michael:
Catherine, who married Matthias lleil, and Barbara, who married Joseph
Reiman. Mr. Eichenlaub and family were members of the Catholic church,
and among the first German settlers of Summit township.
Francis Eichenlaub, eldest son of Jacob Eichenlaub. was born in France,
in 1801, and came with his parents to Butler county. lie cleared ami improved
the farm in Summit township now owned by his son William, who assisted him
in the work, ami died there in 1S77. in the seventy-seventh year of his age. He
married Margaret Schanneman, and their children were as follows: William :
Barbara, wife of Martin 1'fiester ; Mary, wife of Joseph Schillinger ; Sophia,
wife of Gabriel Girard ; Matthias, and Agnes, wife of Matthias Hirsch. Mr.
Eichenlaub was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, at Herman, and one
of the founders of that congregation,
William Eichenlaub, eldest son of Francis and Margaret Eichenlaub,
was born in Summit township, Butler county, September 8, 1884, ami was
reared on the old homestead, which he now owns and resides upon. In early
manhood he was engaged in teaming and mining at Brady's Bend and Pittsburg,
but has been a permanent resident of Summit township, since 1808. On April
L'7, 1858, he married Mary A. Schell, a daughter of Bernard and Mary A. (Swick)
Schell, of Summit township, and has four surviving children, viz.: Joseph F, ;
Peter: William |.. and Florian 11. Mr. Eichenlaub and family are members of
St. Mary's Catholic church, at Herman, in which congregation he has served as
trustee for several years. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has tilled the office
of school director for twelve years.
|on\ Spohn was born in Alsace. France, March '2'2, 1814, a son of Martin
and Margaret (Bleichner) Spohn. He was reared in his native land, received a
common school education, and immigrated to the I'nited States in 1830. Some
three years later he settled in what is now Summit township. Butler county, upon
the farm where he still resides, which he has cleared ami improved. He earned
most of the money to pay lor his land by working on the canal, and has always
been one of the most industrious men of his township. Mr. Spohn was twice
married, his first wife being Mary Entreiner, who died without is.siie. His second
wife was Eva Hoffman, a daughter of Michael and Louisa (Doll) Hoffman, of
Summit township. They are the parents of nine children, who grew to
maturity, viz. : Philip : Catherine : Mary, wife of Adam Xeinhauser ; John ;
Anna J., wife of Peter Snyder; J. Joseph; Nicholas; Magdalena. wife of Ed-
ward Ninlist, and Eva, wife of fohn Voltz. Mr. Spohn is the oldest German
resident of Summit township, and is one of the founders of St. Mary's Catholic
church, at Herman stat ion. to which denomination the family belongs. In poli-
tics, he is independent, always casting his vote for those whom he regards best
fitted for the office.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 847
Peter Sciinuk was born in Prussia, Germany, January 20, 1824, a son of
George and Anna (Kupple) Schnur, who came to the United States in 1836, and
settled in Louisville, Kentucky. Ilis mother died soon after their arrival, and
his father removed to Pittsburg, where for a time he was employed at his trade
of stonemason. He also worked in Buffalo. New York, and for twenty years
was employed in the Schonenberger rolling mills, at Pittsburg. lie died at the
age of sixty-six. leaving three children, viz. : Catherine, wife of Nicholas Leech;
Peter, and John. Tile subject of this sketch was reared in Pittsburg, anil was
educated in the parochial and public schools of that city. lie afterwards entered
the rolling mills of Mr. Schonenberger, where he was employed for ten years,
and later worked on a farm for four years, lie was subsequently engaged in
gardening near Pittsburg, which business he followed for seventeen years. In
1876 he removed to Summit township, Butler county, and settled upon a farm
which he had purchased in 1870. Here he has since resided, devoting his atten-
tion to agriculture. Oil has been found on his farm, and two w ells are now pro-
ducing on an average of eight barrels per day. Mr. Schnur married Elizabeth
Fry, of Pittsburg, to whom have been born fifteen children. Six sons and one
daughter survive, viz. : George W, : Peter J. : Charles F. : Frank J. : David A. .
Gertrude M.. and Lawrence A. The family are members of St. Mary's Catholic
church, and in politics. Mr. Schnur is a Democrat.
Joseph Heixzer was born in Canton of Schwytz, Switzerland, October 7,
1825, and is a son of Francis and Mary A. ( W'ieget) Hein/.er. He was reared
ami educated in bis native land, ami came to the United States in 1847. He first
located in Ohio, removing to Pittsburg the following year, where lor the suc-
ceeding seven years he was engaged in the dairy business, the last two years for
himself. In 1853 he came to Butler county, and settled in Summit township, and
in 1868 located on the farm where he now lives. lie cleared a good share of the
land himself, ami has made all of the improvements, in buildings, etc. On
November 17, 1851, he married Anna Mary Sailer, a daughter of Andrew and
Anna (Kesselmeyer) Sailer, of Bavaria. Germany. Twelve children blessed this
union, ten of whom grew to maturity, viz. : Theresa, wife of Stephen Michel ;
Mary, wife of Peter Leinenbach : Barbara, wife of John Spohn ; Joseph; Eliza-
beth : Anna C. : Magdelena, wife of Peter Green ; Frank ; Andrew, and Martin.
Mr. Heinzer is one of the leading and enterprising farmers of Summit township.
He and his family are members of the Catholic church, and in politics, he is an
ardent Democrat.
M. B. Dittmer was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 12, IS56, a son of Bene-
dict and Margaret (Snyder) Dittmer. He was reared and educated in his native
country, and there learned the tailor's trade. In 1873 he immigrated to Penn-
sylvania, and located in Butler county, working at his trade in various towns
until 1882. In that year he embarked in merchandising at Herman station,
where lie has continued to carry on business successfully down to the present. In
August, 1881, he married Catherine Bayer, a daughter of Frank and Mary
(Scbrozenstaler ) Bayer, ot Armstrong county, and has six children, viz. : Frank :
Albert; Ludwig; Katie; Margaret, and Anna Regine. Since 1887 Mr. Dittmer
has been passenger and express agent at Herman station, and in June. 1894, he
-+S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was appointed postmaster at Herman, and fills his numerous positions with gene-
ral satisfaction to the public. lie and his family are members of St. Mary's
Catholic church. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and has filled the office
oi township auditor for six years, and overseer of the poor for two years, lie is
one of the popular and enterprising citizens of the community.
John Kradel, a native of Prussia, Germany, and a son of George and Bar-
i Shaffer) Kradel. immigrated to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania , in L830, and found
employment in a rolling mill in that city for four years. In 1834 he removed to
Harmony, Butler county, where he was engaged in farming until 1843. In the
latter year he purchased the farm in Summit township now owned and occupied
by his son Adam. He and his soib cleared and improved this property, upon
which he died in 1859, at the aye of fifty-five years. He married Dora Nicholas,
a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Nicholas, of Wurtemberg, Germany, who
-till survives at the age of eighty-four. Eight children were born to this union,
as follows : Margaret, deceased wife of Jacob Keck ; Anna, wife of Jacob Hol-
stein ; John; Adam: Eliza, wife of Charles Welfel ; Elizabeth, deceased wife of
Adam Frederick ; Christina, wife of Adam Frederick, and Barbara, wife of Henry
Farner. Mr. Kradel was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran church, of Butler.
Adam Kradel, son of John and Dora Kradel, was born at Harmony, But-
ler county. November 80, 1839, and was reared on the homestead in Summit
township, which he assisted his father to clear and improve. Since the home-
stead came into his possession, he has made nearly all of the present improve-
ments, including the buildings, etc. On May 7. 1863, he married Christina Dam-
bacher, a daughter of Nicholas and Barbara (Hock) Dambacher, of Butler town-
ship. Nine children have been born to this union, viz. : Dora, wite of John
Miller: Christina, wife or John Sehenck : Emma, wife of Lewis Harold ; John;
Leonard; Anna; Kate; Minnie S.. and M. Gertrude. Mr. Kradel and family-
are members of St. Mark's Lutheran church, of Butler, and in politics, he is
independent.
Frederick Bauer, Si:., a native of Saxony, Germany, immigrated to Penn-
sylvania in 1837, and settled near Saxonburg, Butler county, where he cleared
and improved a farm, erected a grist mill, and resided down to his death, which
occurred in 1853. His wife. Christina Myers, bore him a family of nine children
who grew to maturity, as follows : Mena. deceased wife of John Knoch ; George
L. ; Augusta, wife of John Knoch: Sophie, wife of Peter Tuscherer; Rose A.,
wife of I Icnry Heller : Frederick : August ; Charles, and Caroline, wife of Henry
Bauman. Mr. Bauer was a member of the German Lutheran church, and in pol-
itics, an adherent of the Democratic party.
Frederick Bauer, son of Frederick and Christina Bauer, was born in Sax-
ony, Germain. February Is. 1831. and came to Butler county with his parents
when about six years of aye. lie was reared in this county, received a limited
education in the public schools, and continued to work upon the homestead until
I S63. He lived in Jefferson township until 1867, and then removed to his present
farm in Summit township, a good -hare of which he has cleared and improved.
(>n January 17, L856, he married Hannah Krumpe. a daughter of Christopher
K'.umpe. of Jefferson township, and has ten living children, viz.: Charles:
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
William; Frederick; Albert; Edward; Emma, wife of William Sloan; Caro-
line, wife of Henry Bachmnn : Amelia; George, and Andrew. Mr. Bauer and
wife arc members of the German Lutheran church, of Butler, lie is a stanch
Democrat, and is recognized as one of the substantial and progressive farmer'- of
the township.
Patrick McBride, a native of Donegal county, Ireland, was one of the
pioneers of Clearfield township, Butler county, where he settled in 1798. He
built his cabin in the midst of an unbroken forest, upon a tract of tOO acres of
land which he hail purchased, lying a short distance east « ► t " the site of Covles-
ville. For the first few years hi- most numerous neighbors were the wild animals
that roamed at will, and the first year he lived on the product of a small patch of
corn and the game killed with his trusty rifle. For making the settlement he
jeceived 100 acres of the tract from Archie McCall, the agent for the lands in
that section. Mr. McBride was married in Ireland to Mary Dugan, who came
with him to his new home in the wilderness. They were the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Nancy, who married Michael McGinlev ; Bridget, who mar-
ried William Spencer; Cornelius; Enos, who died while serving in the Union
army; Francis; Catherine, who married fohn Swain: Sallie. who married
Daniel Coneverv, and Mary, who married Joseph Downey. The la-t mentioned
is the only survivor of the family. Mr. McBride and wile spent the remaining
years of their lives upon the homestead in Clearfield township, where he died in
1848, his wife dying some years before. He left hi- property to his son Enos,
daughters Catherine and Sally, and a daughter of Mi's. Nanc\ McGinlev. The
old homestead is now in possession of hi- grandson, John Swain. The family
were among the first Catholic -ettler- of Fuller county, and belonged to the first
congregation of that faith organized within its limit-.
CoKMi.ti- McBride, eldest son of Patrick and Mary McBride. was born
in Clearfield town-hip. Butler county, in L813, was reared upon the farm.
and received his education in the pioneer schools of his neighborhood. About
1848 he purchased ISO acres of land in Clearfield township, now owned l>\ bi-
son Francis 1'. Here he cleared a farm, erected buildings and resided to the time
of his death, which occurred January 7, 1894, at the advanced age of eighty-one
\ears. Mr. McBride married Mary McDevitt, a daughter of James McDevitt,
of Donegal county, Ireland. She was the only member of her family who came
to this country. By her marriage to Mr. McBride she became the mother of the
following children : Francis F. ; James C. ; 1 lenry J : Mary, wife of Smith Titus,
ami Susan, of Butler. The mother died on April F.I. 1869. Mr. McBride was
an ardent Democrat, ami tilled most of the township offices at different periods.
He and family were members of the Catholic church, and gave liberally towards
the erection of St. John's church, of Clearfield township.
FRANCIS F. McBride, eldest son of Cornelius and Mary McBride. was
horn upon the homestead in Clearfield township, in 1852. Me received a
public school education and was reared upon the farm, assisting his parents in
the home duties. He followed agriculture until 1891, when he engaged in oil
producing, operating in the Hundred Foot field. In lS'dl' he located at Braddock,
as a foreman for the Edgar Thomson Steel Company, which position he resigned
5-1
85O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
to accept one upon the police force of Braddock. He continued to act in that
capacity until March, 1894, and t lien returned to the old homestead in Clearfield
town-hip. Mr. McBride is a Democrat, was elected a justice of the peace in 1880,
and is now serving his fourth term in that office. In 1S8S5 he was a delegate to the
State convention, and has been a member of the county committee many times.
He married Emma Rodgers, a daughter of James Rodgers. of Pittsburg, May 8,
bs77, and has the following children: Mabel G. ; Estella C. ; Stephen; Tillie,
and Joseph E. The family are members of St. John's Catholic church, of Clear-
field tow nship.
Hugh Gallagher, a native of Donegal county. Ireland, immigrated to
Pennsylvania about 1800, and settled in Clearfield township, Butler county. He
purchased 800 acres of land, erected a cabin, and spent the remaining years of
his life engaged in making a home for his family. The old homestead is now
occupied by Paul Kausler. He married Jennie Butler, a native of Marvland, and
their family consisted of the following children : John, who died in Winfield
township: William, who died in Clearfield township; Hugh, who died upon the
old homestead ; Eunice, deceased wife of Patrick Dougherty ; Marjorie, deceased
wife of Robert McCormick ; Bridget, deceased wife of Mr. Cole; Mary, deceased
wife of John Dugan ; Catherine, wife of Edward Winner, of Oakland township,
and Jane, who married Abraham Brinker, and for her second husband John
Cochran. Mr. Gallagher and family belonged to the Catholic church, and he was
buried in the old Catholic cemeterv at Butler.
William Gallagher, second son of Hugh and Jennie Gallagher, was born
in Clearfield township, Butler county, in 1811, there grew to manhood, and
spent his entire life in his native township. After arriving at his majority, he
purchased 100 acres of land, for which he paid $300, and to this he afterwards
added seventy-five acres. He cleared and improved this farm, and there died,
December 1'. 1891. His wife survived until December 26, 1893. Her maiden
name was Grace Dugan. a daughter of Andrew Dugan, one of the early settlers
of Clearfield township. They were the parents of four children, viz. : Andrew;
Simon; Sarah A., wife of Dennis O'Donnell, and Hugh P. Both he and wife
were members of St. John's Catholic church, anil liberal supporters of that con-
gregation. Politically, he was a Democrat, and one of the respected citizens ol
the communit v.
Andrew Gallagher was born on the homestead farm in Clearfield town-
ship, July 20, 1841, son of William and (irace Gallagher. He obtained a com-
mon school education, and remained with his parents until their decease. lie
received 100 acres of the home farm, anil has devoted his whole attention to agri-
culture. He married Elizabeth McLaughlin, a daughter of Patrick McLaughlin,
of Clearfield township, and their family are as follows; William; Daniel; Grace;
Edward, deceased; Leo; Joseph; Michael, and Ella. Mr. Gallagher and family
are members of St. John's Catholic church, of Clearfield township, and in poli-
tics, he is a stanch Democrat.
CHARLES Reilly was born in Kihlare county. Ireland, in 1831, son of John
and Catherine (Fagan) Reilly. At the age of eighteen he immigrated to the
United Stales, and remained in New York citv for several months. He then
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S5 1
went to Pittsburg, and entered the employ of John Oliver, of Allegheny City, as
a dri\er in his livery stable, with whom he remained until 1857. In that year
he removed to Cincinnati. Ohio, where he continued the same business, but
returned to Allegheny in 1859, and entered the employ of John Painter, as coach-
man, lie subsequently purchased, in partnership with Lewis Hancock, the
livery stables of John Oliver, his former employer, but remained in the employ
of Mr. Painter until 1864. In that year he removed to his present farm in Clear-
field township, Butler county, consisting of 1;")!) acres, which he purchased in
1859. Since settling upon his land he has cleared the majority of it and made
all the improvements. Mr. Reilly married Ellen Clark, of Albany, Xew York,
a daughter of William Clark, a native of Ireland. Thev are the parents of
thirteen children, as follows: John, deceased; Charles; William A., a resident
of Washington ; James, and Michael, both deceased; John H., of Glade Run;
Joseph F., Stephen J.; Richard ]., and four that died in infancy. Politically,
Mr. Reilly is a stanch Democrat, has filled the office of school director for eighteen
years, and treasurer and overseer of the poor fourteen years, also jury commis-
sioner for three years. He and family are members of St. John's Catholic church,
of Clearfield township, and he is one of the enterprising and respected citizens
of the community.
Edward George Leithoi.d, was born in Saxony, Germany, in IS 19, and at
the age of twenty years immigrated to Pennsylvania, and purchased fifty acres
of land in Jefferson township. Butler county, which he cleared and improved.
His father came to Jefferson township shortly after our subject, accompanied by
his two daughters, and settled upon a farm. In 1873 Mr. Leithold removed to
Delano, opened a hotel, and also engaged in the mercantile and lumber business.
He married Henrietta Bauer, and reared a family of three children, viz. : Caroline,
wife of Charles Whitehouse; Amelia, wife of Alphonso Krause, of Winfield
township, and William, of Clearfield township, lie was a member of the Sax-
onburg Lutheran church, in which society he filled the office of elder. In poli-
tics, he was a Democrat, and quite active in the local councils of his party, lie
died December l'7, 1893.
William Leithold, only son of Edwatd George and Henrietta Leithold,
was born in Jefferson township, Butler county, January 15, 1844. He was reared
a farmer and received his education in the public schools. He first settled in Jef-
ferson township, and in 1870 purchased his present farm of 164 acres, in Clear-
field township, upon which he has erected all of the buildings, and otherwise
improved it. He married Elizabeth Bauer, a daughter of Peter Bauer, and has
three children : Clara ; Benjamin, and William. The family are adherents of the
Lutheran church, and aie connected with the Butler congregation. In politics,
Mr. Leithold is a Democrat, but in local affairs is an independent voter. He is
the owner of one of the finest improved farms in the county, upon which he
has three producing oil wells, which bring him in considerable income. He is a
man of commendable public spirit, and is recognized as a successful and enter-
prising citizen.
Robert Galbreath, Sr.. came to Butler county in company with his four
brothers, from Indiana county, Pennsylvania, about the close of the last century.
852 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and settled in Buffalo (now Winiield) township. Ii is >.iiJ thai three of his
hrothers settled in the southeast pari 1 1 the ountv and one in the northern part.
Robert took up ;i tract of 100 aen 1 leared .1 farm and resided thereon up to
his death. lie was one of the early justices of what is now Winiield township,
in which part the family settled. His children are as follows : Robert ; William;
and Joseph, allot' whom died in this county; Samuel, who died in Allegheny
county ; Mrs. Man Ralston; Mrs. Elizabeth McCain; Mr-. Margaret Hill;
Rebecca, and Mrs. lane Rayburn, all of whom are dead. William and Joseph
resided upon the homestead until their decease, anil it is now the property oi
their descendants.
William Galbkeatii, second son of Robert Galbreath, was born in Indiana
county. Pennsyh ania, and came with his parent- to 1 Sutler county. He married
Esther Riddle, and their children were: Robert; Mary, wife of Thomas Wat-
son, and Anne, who married William McClung, all of whom are dead, excepting
Mrs. McClung. who resides in Oakland township. The father died about 1857.
He was prominent in the Whig party, and was a member of the Covenanter
church.
Robert Galbkeatii, only son of William Galbreath, was horn on the
homestead in what is now Winiield township in 1819. He followed farming
throughout his life, and died in his native township. He was active in the Whig
and Republican parties, and was recognized as a worthy citizen. For many
years he was an elder in the United Presbyterian church. He married Isabella.
daughter of James McCaffert} of Buffalo township, to which union were horn
nine children, six of whom grew to maturity: Annie, deceased wife of James
Thompson; Henry, w ho resides on apart of the old homestead; Caroline, wife
of Dr. McKee of Armstrong county ; Mary, wife of R. P>. Ivory, an attorney of
Pittsburg; Indie.' who reside- at home, and James M . a practicing attorney oi
the Butler bat
Mai nn as C\ imiek. a soldier of the Revolution, is believed to have set thai
in the Shenango valley, Virginia, whence he removed to Winfield township, But-
ler county, Pennsylvania, about 1708. He purchased 250 acres of land, upon
which he settled, situated where Ins grandson, William Cypher, now lives. Here
he resided until his death. He married, in Virginia, Elizabeth Little, and was
the father of the following children : John, who died in Winiield township;
David, who served in the War of 1812, and died in the same township ; William,
who also died in Winfieid ; Matthias, who died in Jefferson township; Theresa,
who married Patrick Collins. Hannah, who married Peter Gallagher; Mrs.
Nancy McCandless; Mrs. Ann Rufner; Mrs. Peggy Morrow. Mrs. Catherine
Friel, and Mrs, Betsey Marshall, all of whom are dead.
Jons Cypher, was born in Virginia, in 17<S7. son ol Matthias and Eliza-
beth Cypher, and came with hi- parents to Butler county when about eleven
years old. He was reared in Winiield township, and in 1S37 purchased the farm
now owned by Mrs. Keck. Here he resided until his death, engaged in clearing
anil improving his land and making a home for himself and family. He mar-
ried Mary Hagen, a native of Ireland, and their children are as follows: John;
Philip; Matthias; Bernard; Mrs. Kale Miller; William; James; Michael;
BH 'GRAPHICAL SKE1 Mil
8S
Henry; Barbara, who married Joseph Smith, Kesiah, and Francis. Mr. Cypher
died in 1871, and his wife in 1872. They were life-long members of the Catho-
lic church, and arc buried in St. John's graveyard.
Philip Cypher, second son of John and Mary Cypher, was born upon the
homestead in Winlicld township, Butler county, June 13, lvHi Ele was reared
a farmer, and in 1 85 1 purchased eleven acres of land, where his son Martin now
resides, and settled upon it. He afterward- added fifty acres to this tract, and
devoted his life to agriculture. lie was a prominent member of the Democratic
party, and filled the office of justice of the peace for many years. He married
Nancy Denny, a daughter of fames Denny of Clearfield township. She was
born June (>, 1820. They were married by Father Cody, July 5, 1842, and lived
to celebrate their golden wedding, July 5, L892. Six children were the
fruits of this union, as follows: William: lames Martin; John B. ; Mar}',
and Philip, all of whom are dead with the exception of Martin. Mr. Cypher.
like his father and grandfather, was a member of the Catholic church,
and was connected with St. John's congregation. He died on March 12, 1894,
and is buried in St. John's graveyard. His widow resides upon the old home-
stead.
Mar us Cypher, only living child of Philip and Nancy Cypher, was born
upon the homestead faun in Winlicld town-hip, June 20, ls17- lie received a
common school education, and afterwards spent three years at Witherspoon Insti-
tute, where he was graduated, lie engaged in teaching in connection with farm-
ing, and taught in the public schools of Butler county for nineteen years. Mr.
Cypher married Eva Blcichner, a daughter of Nicholas Bleichner, of Clearfield
township, at Summit Catholic chinch April II. 1870. Thev have had nine
children: Martha, born April 20, 1871, wife of Alfred Fleming, of Buffalo town-
ship, to whom she was married at Mavville. New York. June I1-"). 1891 ; Mary
Agnes, born December 29, 1872, married a! St. John's church. Clearfield town-
ship, to William Hutzler, June 7. 1894; Vincent, born December 13, "1874;
Harry, born March 1."), 1876; Philip, born August 7, bs77; Helen, born Jan-
uary 27. 1879 ; Philomen, born October 11. 1880, and died August 10, 18S1 ;
Melinda, bom April 15, Ism', and Martin P>..born January lit, 1884. Mr-.
Cypher was born April 5, 1852, ami died April 5, 1886. The family are mem-
ber- of St. John'- Catholic church, and in politics, Mr. Cypher is a Democrat.
He is one of the most intelligent and progressive citizens of his native township.
James Denny was bom in Donegal county. Ireland, in 177^, a son of
Michael Denny. In 1794 he immigrated with his parents to Pennsylvania
and -ettled in Cumberland county, near Carlisle. He was a shoemaker, and fol-
lowed his trade in that county, as well as after his removal to Butler county,
where he settled in 1799. His parent- came with him, al-o 1 is brother William.
Another brother, Michael, settled in Armstrong county, ami died there. \\ ill-
iam afterwards located on the lands first entered by James, married Ann Daugh-
erty, and his descendants are still residents of the township. James Denny entered
200 acres of land in Clearfield township, upon which he lived until 1803, and
then purchased 200 acres in tin- same township, where he resided down to his
death, February 25, 1872. lie married Mar\ O'Donncll, a daughtei -l Arthui
554 ' HISTORY OF BL'TLER COUNTY.
O'Donnell, of Clearfield township, who immigrated from Ireland to Butler
county, in IT'.tS. She died on July I, 1885. They were the parents of the fol-
lowing children : James, who married Eliza Ha/.lett, reared three children and
died in 1 844 ; Michael, who married Elizabeth Dugan, and died in Nevada ;
William; Arthur, who died in Clearfield township, married Bridget Sheridan,
and had eight children ; Mary, deceased wife of Edward Cypher; Daniel ; Nancy,
widow of Philip Cypher, and John. The family were among the first members
of St. John's Catholic church, and in politics, Mr. Denny was a Democrat. lie
was one of the substantial pioneers of Winfield and Clearfield townships.
William Dknny , third son of James and Mary Denny, was born in Clearfield
township, Butler county, February 15, 1812, and was reared to manhood upon
the homestead. In 1830 his father purchased 500 acres of land in what is now
Winfield township, and James Denny. Jr., and William Denny went into busi-
ness on it in 1837. James Denny died in 1844. and his interest was purchased
bv Daniel Denny. In 1847 William. Daniel and John Denny went into busi-
ness together, and have continued their partnership to the present time. They
rebuilt the old mill and have carried on farming and milling. In 1S70 they built
three miles of the West Penn railroad, and on the completion of the road they
opened a general store at Delano, where our subject was the first postmaster, the
office being named in honor of the family. The Dennys operate 600 acres of
land, and are among the leading farmers of the county. Mr. Denny is a mem-
ber of St. John's Catholic church, of Clearfield township, is a Democrat, in poli
tics, and is an energetic and enterprising citizen.
Daniel Denny, son of James and Mary Denny, was born in Clearfield
township, Butler county. May 4, 1818, attended a subscription school of pioneer
days, and since early manhood has been associated with the business enterprises
of his brothers, William and John. He married Helen McLaughlin, who died
in 1866, leaving four children, viz. : Elvira, wife of John Easley, of Armstrong
county : James, of Salt Lake city; Mary, who is unmarried, and Eleanor, wife
of John Millhauser. Mr. Denny was married again to Margaret Easley. The
family are connected with St. John's Catholic church, and in politics, he is a
Democrat.
John Denny, .son of James and Mary Denny, was horn August 15, 1824,
upon the old homestead in Clearfield township. He was reared to manhood
upon the farm, and has since been connected with the various business enter-
prises of his brothers. I le married Sarah A. Sheridan, and both he and wife
are members of St. John's Catholic church. Politically, Mr. Denny is a stanch
Democrat.
Lewis A. Krause was born in Saxe-Wiemar, Saxony, Germany, in October.
1809, and lived upon a farm in his early youth. lie received an excellent educa-
tion, and tilled an important public office before his immigration to this country.
In IS.")*} he settled on a farm in Jefferson township, Butler county, where he
resided until 1861, and then took up his residence at Ilannahstown. He engaged
in the hotel business, which he continued until 1863, and then retired. In
1859 be organized the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, anil filled
the office of president until his death, in June. 1871. Mr. Krause was married
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S55
iii his native hind to Fredericka Schmerbaugh, who became the mother of the;
following children : Alphonso ; Alma, widow of Joseph Rhey ; Robert ; Pauline,
wife of Charles Redick ; Julius, chief car inspector of the Pennsylvania Railroad
Company, at Pittsburg ; Thielo, a merchant of Saxonburg, and Richard, deceased.
Mrs. Krause survived her husband sixteen years, dying in 1SS7. They were
members of the Saxonburg Lutheran church. In politics, Mr. Krause was an
ardent Democrat, and though an active and influential member of his party, lie
would never accept public office.
Alphonso Krause, eldest son of Lewis A. and Fredericka Krause, was
born in SaxeAViemar, Saxony, Germany, May 25, 1837, was educated in his
native town, and came with his parents to Butler county in 1853. lie was
engaged in farming until 1868, when he formed a partnership with his brother
Robert, under the firm name of R. & A. Krause, and embarked in merchandising
at Ilannahstown, removing to Delano in 1871. He has been engaged in mercan-
tile pursuits up to the present, in connection with various other business enter-
prises. In 1888 he was elected president of the Farmers Mutual Lire Insurance
Company, which position he has filled up to the present. Mr. Krause was mar-
ried on May 11. 1862. to Amelia Leithold, and has seven children, viz. : Emma,
widow of Henry Paul ; Albert, railroad agent at Delano ; Lvdia; Josie ; Philip;
Clara, and Hattie. The family are connected with Hannahstown Lutheran
church, in which Mr. Krause has been treasurer for many years, lie is also a
member of the board of managers of the Concordia Orphans' Home, of Jefferson
township. He was a school director in Jefferson township since 1866, and when
he moved to Winfield township was elected to the same office in said township,
and held the position of secretary up to 1802, since which year he has been presi-
dent of the school board. In politics, he is a Democrat, and is one of the leading
citizens of the community, as well as one of its most successful business men.
Robert Krause, second son of Lewis A. and Fredericka Krause, was
born in SaxeAViemar, Saxony, Germany, September 8, 1*42, and was eleven years
old when his parents immigrated to Butler county. He received a common
school education in his native land, and only attended school for six months after
coming to this county, lie worked upon the homestead farm until the autumn
of 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve, and
served until mustered out in ISC)"). He participated in the battles of Gaines Mill.
where his whole regiment was captured and sent to Belle I.sle prison, but
exchanged in forty days, Second Bull Run. South Mountain, Antietam, Fred-
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness, with many other
lesser engagements. His regiment was again captured at the Wilderness, and he
was held a prisoner at Danville, Andersonville, Florence, and Castle Thunder,
for different periods, until the surrender of Lee. Returning to his home in But-
ler county, he resumed work upon the farm. In 1867 he purchased a store at
Ilannahstown, and soon afterwards became associated with his brother, Alphonso,
under the firm name of R. & A. Krause. In 1S71 they located at Delano, where
they have ever since conducted a successful mercantile business. They also
carry on a planing mill at Freeport, and are one of the prosperous firms of Butler
county. Mr. Krause married Maria Camphire, to whom have been born the fol-
856 HISTORY <>F BUTLER COUNTY.
lowing children : Annie, wife of William Fruhling ; William; Lewis; Minnie;
Flora; Richard, and Elsie. Tlie family arc connected with the Hannahstown
Lutheran church, in which Mr. Krause has filled the office of treasurer and trus-
tee In politics, he is a Democrat, but conservative in his political views and
opinions, lie is treasuier of the Farmers Mutual Lire Insurance Company, and
is a leading and influential business man, as well as a progressive and public-
spirited citizen .
Tiiielo KiiAfSE, merchant, was born in Saxe-YViemar, Germany, October
i'7. 1848, son 11I Lewis A. and Fredericka Krause, and came to Butler county
with his parents. lie was reared in Jefferson township, learned the harness-
maker's trade and carried mi that business for himself eight years. In 1H75 he
took charge of the store of E. A. llelmliold \ Company, at Saxon Station,
and upon the death of Mr. llelmliold. he continued .is a partner under the
linn name of Krause, llelmliold & Company, at Saxonburg. In lNN',1 he
purchased the interests of his partners, became sole proprietor of the store.
ami lias since carried it on successfully. On May 13, 1^7-1. he married Minnie
C. llelmliold. a daughter of Ernest A. Ilelmbold. She was born July 5, 1853,
and is the mother of eight children, as follows: Elvira; Laura; Antoinette;
Carrie C, deceased; Delia; Julius; Luella, ami Maude, deceased. Mr. Krause
is an ardent Democrat, ami has tilled all of the offices in Saxonburg at different
periods. lie is a member of the I. O. O. P.. both Lodge and Encampment.
John M. Scott, physician ami surgeon, was born in Indiana county, Penn-
sylvania, September 26, 1849, son of John and Mary (Reed) Scott. His father
was a native of limiata county, born in L807, and married a Miss Henderson, ol
Blairsville, who bore him one son, Thomas J., deceased. In 1888, he married
Mary Reed, a daughter of Samuel Heed, of Indiana county, who became the
mother of five children, vi/.. : James S., a resident of Altoona; Sarah E.,
deceased; |ohn M.. and two that died in early youth. John Scott removed from
Johnstown to Indiana county, where he purchased a farm of 10(5 acres, upon
which he died, April 13, 1860. His wife survived, and resides with her son.
John M.. at Carbon Black, Butler county. The subject of this sketch received a
common, school education, and taught in early manhood. He afterwards read
medicine with Dr. Willian C. Parker, of Jacksonville, Pennsylvania, attended
lectures at Starling Medical College, Columbus, Ohio, whence he returned to
Livermore, Pennsylvania, where he was associated in practice with Dr. M. R.
Banks for a year and a half. In March. 1873, he located at Carbon Black, But-
ler county, where he has since built up a lucrative practice. Dr. Scott was mar-
ried on September 26, 1*7:.', t" Agnes M. Black, a daughter of John A. Black, of
Greensburg, to which union have been born si\ children, five of whom survive,
vi/.. ; Mary ).; Carrie V.; John I!.; Helen, and Jane W. The family are
connected with the Presbyterian church, and in politics, the doctor is a stanch
Republican. He i- highly respected by (he citizens of the community, and in his
professional duties has won the confidence of a large clientele. He is one of I he
well known physicians of I he count v. ami stands w ell with his medical bret lire 11.
William Witte was born in Prussia, Germany, in 1804, there grew to
manhood and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1848 he immigrated I" Pittsburg,
/Z^tf^
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. K57
Pennsylvania, where he followed his tr.ide until 185(5. In that year he purchased
fifty acres of land in Winticld township, Butler county, now the property of his
sun. Fred W. He improved this farm and resided upon it the balance of his
life, dying in l^s7. lie married Sophia We h ling before coming to this country.
and one son was bom to this union, Fred W. Mrs, Witte died in 1883. They
were members of the Lutheran church, and in politic-, he was a Republican.
Fred W. With., only child of William and Sophia Witte, was born in
Prussia, ill 18-34, and came to Pittsburg with bis parents when about fourteen
years of age. lie learned the glass-blower's trade, and obtained an education by
attending the night schools in Pittsburg. He followed his trade until about 1808,
when he purchased I HI 1 acre- of his present farm, to which he has since added
thirty-six acres. He also owns two other farm- of fifty and 125 acres, respect-
ively, which property he has accumulated by his own industry. Mr. Witte mar-
ried Amelia Bicker, a daughter of II. II. Bicker. She died in 1809, leaving one
son, William II.. of Buffalo township. Politically. Mr. Witte is a Republican,
has always taken a decided interest in politics, and has filled the office of school
director, and other minor positions in his township, lie was a delegate to the
congressional convention of 1880, and is a member of the county committee, lie
i- one of the leading and public-spirited citizens of Winticld township, and is
always ready to give his support to every worthy enterprise.
Geouge Fruhling was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1816, and is
a son of Henry and Elizabeth K. Fruhling. Hi- parents died when he was a
child, and he was reared upon a farm and educated in the public schools of his
native land. In 1849 he immigrated to Pennsylvania, and joined his brother
Casper, who had previously come to Armstrong county, and the following year
he settled in Winlield town-hip. Butler county. He found employment at the
Buffalo furnace, in Clarion county, where he continued to work until 1853,
when he took up his permanent residence in Winticld township. He purchased
sixty seven aires of land, now owned by his -on August, upon which he still
resides. He married Margaret Svphers, in Germany, and is the father of the fol-
lowing children : August; Maggie, deceased, and Henry. Mrs. Fruhling died
in 1>77. She was a member of the Evangelical church, to which denomination
her husband belongs. In politics, he i- a Republican.
August Fruhling, eldesl son of George an I Margaret Fruhling, was born
in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1 S 4 7 , came with his parents to Pennsylvania
in early childhood, and grew to manhood upon the homestead in Winticld town-
ship, where he i- now cultivating 105 acres of land. He married Henrietta
Bicker, a daughter of Rev. II. 11. Bicker, to which union have been born eleven
children, viz. : Annie, wife of II. II. Roenick ; Charles ; Mary ; Herman; Emma;
Ida: Walter: Albert; Edwin; Harvey, and William. Mr. Fruhling is a mem-
ber of the Evangelical church and a trustee in that society. In politics, he i-
a Republican, ha- filled the offices of school director and overseer of the poor,
and i- the present assessor and collector of the township. lie i- a member of the
K. ot P.. of Saxonburg, and and a worthy and enterprising citizen.
[achbGiesi eh was horn in llesse-Cassel. Germany, and grew to manhood
in hi- native land. He was twice married before hi- immigration to this country.
S58 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
His first wife left two children, Julius and Elizabeth. His second wife was
Christina Seppel, who bore him five children, viz. : William ; Margaret ; Elesa;
Christina, and Kate. In 1848 the family immigrated to Pennsylvania, and set-
tled in Harmony, Butler county, the following year. Mr. Giesler subsequently
purchased a farm of sixty acres in VVinfield township , where his son William
now resides. He cleared and improved this property, and died upon it in 1855.
His wife survived him eight years, dying in 1868.
William Giesler, only son of Jacob and Christina Giesler. was born in
Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in 1888, came with his parents to Butler county, and
here grew to manhood. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and
Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months. In February,
1864, he again enlisted, in Company B, Second Pennsylvania Artillery, and
remained in the service until January, 1866. After his discharge he returned to
Butler county and subsequently purchased the old homestead, owning at the pres-
ent time seventy-one acres of well improved land. In 1862 he married Martha
Voland, a daughter of Henry Voland. Ten children are the fruits of this union,
viz.: Mollie, wife of Charles Gebhart; Henry; Kate; John ; Tillie ; Albert;
William ; George; Emma, and Lewis. Mr. Giesler is independent in politics,
and has filled the offices of school director and overseer of the poor. He is a
member of the Saxonburg Lutheran church, and is connected with A. (i. Reed
Post, (i. A. R.
Henry Keasey was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1811. His
father was connected with the management of one of the early furnaces of that
locality, and Henry thus acquired a knowledge of the business. In 1847, he
came to Butler county, with William Spear, and built the Wintield furnace, in
Winfield township. He managed the furnace for Mr. Spear and his successors,
as long as it was kept in operation. He then purchased the Duff farm of 200
acres, in Winfield township, and engaged in farming until L890, when he sold
the place to Joseph Brittain, Jr., of Butler. Mr. Keasey married Elizabeth
Campbell, and was the father of the following children : George W. ; Henry C. ;
Margaret, wife of lames Dugan, a superintendent in the Carnegie Iron Works;
Mary, wife of Augustus Acre, of Ohio, and Webster, of Winfield township.
Mr. Keasey died on May 1, 1890; his widow is still living. He was a member
of the Lutheran church, and connected with the Worthington congregation.
Politically, he was a Democrat, and was one of the influential members of his
party in Butler county.
George W. Keasey, eldest son of Henry and Elizabeth Keasey. was born
in Shippenville. Clarion county. March 26, 1848. He was reared in Butler
County, and was educated in the common schools of Wintield township, and at
the high school of Holidaysburg. lie remained upon the farm until he was
twenty years of age, and then went into the oil fields of Venango county, and
subsequently followed the same business in Armstrong, Beaver and Butler coun-
ties, as a driller and tool dresser, until 1883. In that year he returned to Butler
county and engaged in the purchase of live stock for the Butler and Pittsburg
markets, which he has followed down to the present. He also carries on a retail
butcher trade in connection with farming. lie settled upon his present farm in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. K 59
1883. Mr. Leases married Bridget Patterson, a daughter nf Thomas Patterson,
of Armstrong county, to which union have been born nine children, vi/. . : Lillian ;
Henry, who died in September, 1893; Cora ; George ; Lulu; Henrietta; Cleve-
land; Charley, and Harry. The family are adherents of the Lutheran church,
and in politics, Mr. Keasev is a Democrat.
Henry C. Keasey, second son of Henry and Elizabeth Keasev, was born
May 19, 1849, at Winfield furnace, Butler county, and was reared upon the
homestead in Winfield township. In 1SS1 he went to Karns City, Pennsylvania,
and engaged in the hotel business, remained three years and subsequently conducted
hotels at Bennett and Tarentum, Pennsylvania. In February, 1894, he went
into the hotel business at Saxon Station. Butler county, where he is still located.
Mr. Keasev married Fannie Burtner, a daughter of Philip Burtner, who has
borne him one daughter, now deceased. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has
held the offices of constable and tax collector in Winfield township. lie is a
member of Allegheny Lodge. K. of P., of Allegheny.
Webster Keasey, youngest son of Henry and Eliza Keasev, was horn
in Winfield township. Butler county, February 4, 1856, received a common
school education, and in 1876 found employment in the oil fields of McKean
and Butler counties. In 1 ST'. • he went to Leadville, Colorado, and engaged in
railroad contracting for four years, then returned to the homestead and followed
farming until 1889. In that year he formed a partnership with J. A. Ransom,
and engaged in the lumber business until 1893, when they leased the lime quarries
now operated by the Acme Lime Company. Limited, and the following year
organized that company, of which he is superintendent and one of the original
stockholders. In May, 1894, Mr. Keasev was appointed postmaster of Rough
Run, and is the present incumbent of that office. Politically, he is a Republican.
He married Nannie Campbell, a daughter of Johnson and Annie Campbell, and
has one son. Mr. Keasey is one of the enterprising citizens of his native town-
ship.
John II. Flemming, a native of Saxe-Wiemar, Saxony, immigrated to
Butler county, in 1836, and settled at Saxonburg. lie was a tile manufac-
turer, but did not follow his business in this country. Soon after coming here
he went to Butler, and was employed in the stables of the Beatty House.
Remaining there for a short time he went to Pittsburg, and took charge of the
stables of the Red Lion Hotel, filling that position for seventeen years. In 1853
he settled in Winfield township upon a tract of seventeen acres, disposing of a,
farm of 112 acres which he owned in Buffalo township, and subsequently added
forty acres to his homestead, upon which he resided down to his death. July 15,
1893. He married Christina Wiefel, who died in 1 S 7 7 . Their children were
as follows: John M., deceased; Charles, and Emma, wife of August Asche. In
politics, Mr. Flemming, was a Democrat, and in religious faith, a member of the
Evangelical church.
Charles Flemming, son of |olm 11. and Christina Flemming, was born
September L'(3, 1 857, upon the homestead farm in Winfield township. He
learned the carpenter's trade ami followed it for fifteen years. In 1881 he
purchased his present farm of fifty-three acres, retired from the carpenter busi-
S6o HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ness in 1886, and has since, devoted his whole attention to agriculture. He mar-
ried Mary Gerner, a daughter of Anthony Gerner, of Winfield township, and has
four children, vi/.. : Clara; Tillie ; Emma, and Minnie. The family are con-
nected with the Hannahstown Lutheran church, in which he has served as trus-
tee. In politics, Mr. Flemming is a Democrat, and is a member of Grange. Num-
ber 1105, P. of H.
George Wiefel was born in Prussia, came to Butler county in 1S.-57,
and purchased a farm in Winfield township, adjoining the Flemming home-
stead, in 1840. Here he resided until his death, which occurred in 1868.
His widow resides with her grandson, Charles Flemming. She is the mother
of two children, Christina, deceased wife of |ohn II. Flemming, and Han-
nah, widow of Fred Fries. Mr. Wiefel was a Democrat, in politics, and was
a member of the Evangelical church.
1 1 > 1 1 x Lefevre, Sr., son of Jacob Lefevre, was born in Jefferson township,
Butler county, March ill, L818, was reared upon his father's farm, and followed
farming in connection with the carpenter's business and undertaking. In 1860
he was elected coroner of Butler county, on the Republican ticket, and has also
served as constable, collector and assessor, of Jefferson township. In 1S42 he
married Mary E. Patton, of Oakland township, to which union have been born
five children, viz.: Mary E., wife of Robert Elliott; James, deceased ; John ;
Rachel, wife of Henry Kaufold. and Isabel, wife of Benjamin Saryer. Mrs.
Lefevre died in March, 1*77. ^I11-' was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Mr. Lefevre is now a resident of Winfield' township.
Jacob Frantz was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1806, a
son of laculi l'rant/. of the same county. His father was a miller and farmer,
and reared a family of nine children, viz. : Jacob; Delilah, who married Peter
Painter; Sarah, who married George Berger ; Abraham; Isaac; Emma, who
married John Scott; Peter; Mary, who married John McCormick, and Eliza-
beth. The family lived in Armstrong county, where both the father and mother
died. Jacob learned the milling business with his father, and also the shoe-
maker's trade, which he followed in connection with farming. In 1842 he mar-
ried Agnes Forrester, of Armstrong county, who bore him the following chil-
dren : Annie, who married Hiram A. Shaffer; Jeanette, and Agnes, both
deceased; James, who was killed in battle while serving in the Union army;
Margaret, who first married Prank P. Painter, and for her second husband, Will-
iam II. Ray worth ; William; John S., and Stephen A. Mr. Frantz was a mem-
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and a charter member of Center
congregation, in which he tilled the office of deacon for many years. In politics,
he was a Democrat, held most of the township offices, and was a member of
the early state militia. He died at Slate Lick, Armstrong county, in 1883.
His widow resides upon the old homestead in that county.
John S. Frantz was born at Slate Lick, Armstrong county, son of Jacob
and Agnes Frantz. He received a common school education, entered the West-
ern University, at Allegheny, in 1884, and spent two years at Waynesburg
College. He studied engineering, and has been employed at Ford City in that
capacity. 1 le came to Butler county in 1888, resided in the borough of Butler
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. X6 1
one year, and then removed to Allegheny, in which city hi- lived for two years.
Returning to Winfield township, Butler count}-, he purchased thirty acres of
land, upon which he has erected a fine residence, and has since made this county
his home. On October 6, 1885, he married Josephine Bricker, a daughter of
John Bricker, of Buffalo township. Three children have been born to this
union, one of whom, Edward S., survives. Mr. Frantz is a licensed preacher in
the Methodist Episcopal church, but devotes his attention principally to his trade
and agriculture. In politics, he is a Republican.
Thomas Fleming was born in Scotland, there grew to manhood, and after-
wards immigrated to eastern Pennsylvania. About 1798 he came to Butler
county and purchased 1,100 acres of land, in what is now Buffalo township. He
built his cabin in the midst of an unbroken forest and commenced the work of
creating a home for his family. He cleared a portion of the land, and the bal-
ance he divided among his sons. He married a Miss Henderson, and hail a fam-
ily of nine children, as follows: John: Robert: Allen; Thomas; Samuel;
Alexander; James; Rebecca, and Elizabeth, who first married Johnson Cravat,
and afterwards John Anderson. Mr. Fleming kept a distillery, and dealt quite
extensivelv in live stock, which he took to the eastern markets. While on one
of these trips in 1836, he took sick on the summit of the Allegheny mountains,
and there died. His wife died in 1833.
Samuel Fleming was born in Buffalo township, Butler county. May 14,
1800, fifth son of Thomas Fleming. He was reared upon the homestead, and in
1828 married Annie Johnston, a daughter of Robert Johnston of Summit town-
ship. They became the parents of five children, viz. : John, deceased; Rebecca,
deceased wife of George Ha/dett ; Samuel H.; Robert, anil one that died in early
youth. Mr. Fleming died October 30, ISC):',, and his wife, in November. 1869.
Thev were members of the Lutheran church, and in politics, he was an adherent
of the Republican party.
Samuel H. Fleming was born on the homestead farm in Buffalo township,
May 18, 1833, son of Samuel and Annie Fleming. He received a common school
education and has always been engaged in farming. On December 26, 1861, he
married Margaret Ann Ekas, a daughter of Thomas Ekas, of Buffalo township.
Ten children are the fruits of this union, as follows: James W. ; Harry B. ;
Homer H. ; Charles W. : Emma M. ; Rachel E. ; Florence M. ; Samuel M. : Ella
M., and John G. Mr. Fleming and wife are members of the Lutheran
church, and in politics, he is a Republican. The family reside upon the old
homestead in Buffalo township.
Robert Fleming was born in Buffalo township, Butler county, March 18,
1836, and is a son of Samuel Fleming, and grandson of Thomas Fleming. 1 Ie was
reared upon the homestead farm, and received his education in the common
schools. In I860 his father gave him a portion of his present farm, to which he-
has since added bv purchase, and is now the owner of 135 acres of well improved
land. On April 26, 1860, Mr. Fleming was married to Sarah J. Brown, a
daughter of John Brown, of Buffalo township. To this union have been born
nine children, as follows : Elmer E. ; Jerry A. ; John H. ; Rebecca A. ; Alice P. ;
Ulysses Grant ; Albert A. ; George O.. and Oliver H. The family are connected
862 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
with the Lutheran church, and in politics, Mr. Fleming is a Republican. T It- has
filled the office of school director, and takes a commendable interest in the pros-
perity of the public schools.
John Weir was born in Donegal county. Ireland, May 1. 1777. grew to
manhood in his native land, served in the Irish Rebellion of 179N, and in 1SIMI
immigrated to Wilmington, Delaware, where lie worked in a powder factory for
fourteen years. In 1812 lie married lane Roney. a daughter of lames and
Elizabeth Roney, natives of Ireland, and early settlers of Butler county.
Soon after his marriage he enlisted in the War of 1812, and served in that
struggle against England. In 1818 Mr. Weir came to Butler county, and
purchased 256 acres ot land in Buffalo township, known as "Disappoint-
ment, and the following year, with his wife and five children, he settled
upon his farm. His wife's parents came with them and settled in Winiield
township. Mr. and Mrs. Weir were the parents of eight children, vi/.. :
[ohn ; William, deceased; Elizabeth, who married John Murray; Mary, who
married David Callam ; Margaret, deceased wife of Dennis Martin; Sophia,
wife of Robert Morris; Alfred I)., deceased, and fane, who married John H.
Baird. Mrs. Weir died in 1864, aged seventy-five, and her husband, in 1872, at
the advanced age of ninety-five years. He served as captain of militia until he
was sixty years of age, took a deep .nterest in churches and schools, was one of
the first school directors in his township, and was recognized as a worthy and
upright man.
Alfred D. Weir was born in Buffalo township, Butler county, August 155,
1823, was reared upon the Weir homestead, and received a good education. He
followed school teaching in early manhood, and was a school director for more
than twenty years, always taking a deep interest in educational matters. In
1853 he was elected a county auditor, and associate judge in 1876, and served on
the bench a full term. He married Elizabeth J. Morris, a daughter of Robert
Morris, of Freeport, April 1:2, 1855, to which union were born six children, as fol-
lows : Isabella, deceased; Margaret M., wife of Dr. R. C. McCurdy; Ida.
deceased wife of Dr. J. M. Blain ; John; Jennie, deceased, and Alexander M.
Judge Weir was a member of the Presbyterian church, held the office ot elder in
that denomination for thirty-five years, and was a delegate to the general assem-
bly, at Detroit, in 1891. He was one of the most prominent and progressive citi-
zens of his native county, and closed his long and useful life, on his homestead, in
Buffalo township, in June, 1894.
Thomas Greer was a son of Matthew and Isabella (Boise) Greer, who
emigrated from Tyrone county, Ireland, in ISl'l', with a family of four sons and
one daughter, named as follows: Charles; Robert; Matthew; Thomas, and
Margaret. They settled in Washington county. Pennsylvania, where the father
died some ten years later. In 1835 the widow, with her three youngest children,
came to Butler county and settled in what is now the southeast corner of Jeffer-
son township, where she resided until her death. Matthew ami Thomas pur-
chased farms here, the former afterwards removing to Buffalo township. Thomas
was married in 1848, to Margaret Jane Morgan, a daughter of Isaac Morgan, to
which union were born two sons : John M.. president judge of Butler county, and
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 863
Robert. Mr-. Greer died in October. 1846, and her husband married Elizabeth
Cooper, a daughter of William Coope"r, who became the mother of three sons,
vi/.. : William II, who is in the pen-ion department at Washington; Matthew
S.. of Jefferson township, and Samuel W., of Butler. Mr. Greer was a member
of the Lutheran church, and a stanch adherent of the Republican party. He died
upon the old homestead, where his widow i- -till living, January 81. 1880.
Matthew Greer was born in Ireland, November 8, 1811. immigrated to
Pennsylvania with his parents. Matthew and Isabella (Boise) Greer, when eleven
years old and settled in Washington county, where he grew to maturity. In
1832, he married Rebecca Nesbit, a daughter of John Xesbit, of Washington
county, who bore him three children, viz. : John, deceased : Matthew X.. and
Rebecca, who married Alexander Black, deceased. In 1835 Mr. Greer came to
Butler county, and purchased a farm of L*S7 acres in Buffalo (now Jefferson)
township, near I Iannahstown. His wife died in 1838. In 1845 he married
Elizabeth Sarver. a daughter of John Sarver. of Buffalo township, to which
union were born six children, as follows : Marv J., who married Charles Krumpe ;
Ella, who married Johnson J. Hesselgesser; Elizabeth: Eliza, and Letitia, who
married John Montgomery, and Thomas II. Mr. Greer sold all of his land with
the exception of seventy-five acres, upon which he resided until 1850. In that
year he bought a part of the McCall tract, of 175 acres, and here died on October
11, 1883. His wife survived him ten years, and died in June, 1893. In politics,
he was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican, and served as county commis-
sioner, school director, auditor and collector.
Matthew N. Greer was born near Hickory, Washington county, Penn-
sylvania, March 14, 1835, and came to Butler county in infancy. He received a
common school education and afterwards attended Witherspoon Institute and the
Butler Academy, and then engaged in teaching. ( >n September IS, 1856, he married
Grizzella M. Walker, a daughter of Jonathan Walker, of Clinton township, and
in 1861 he purchased the Robert Bartley farm, in Buffalo township, upon which
he has since resided. Nine children have been born of his marriage to Grizzella
M. Walker, four of whom are still living, as follows : John B., who is now probate
judge of Marion county, Kansas ; Emma, wife of Elmer E. Campbell ; Grizzella,
wife of Robert M. McFarland, and Thomas DeWolf. In 1862 Mr. Greer enlisted
in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, was
mustered in at Ilarrisburg, on August 23, and sent to Washington, D. C. He
participated with hi- regiment in the battle- of South Mountain, Antietam, and
Chancellorsville, and was discharged on May 31, 1863. He served as orderly
sergeant until the resignation of Lieutenant Harvey, and then became second
lieutenant. In February, 1864, be re-enlisted in Company L, Fourteenth Penn-
sylvania Cavalry, and was sent to Martinsburg, West Virginia. He was cap-
tured July 3, 1864, and taken to Andersonville prison, was exchanged in Decem-
ber following, and came home on furlough. In April, 1865, he rejoined his regi-
ment, and was sent to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was honorably discharged
on August 8, l.SljO. He returned to Butler county anil resumed the duties of
farm life. In politics, Mr. Greer i- a stanch Republican, and has filled the offices
of overseer of the poor, township clerk, school director and audit"!", and in 1872
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was elected register and recorder of Butler county. In I ss ! he was elected
prothonotary , and is now assessor of his township. lie has been one of the prom-
inent and active Republicans of the count}-, and has always taken a decided
interest in public affairs. lie is a member of the Lutheran church and an elder
in that denomination. Like the majority of old soldiers, he is connected with
the G. A. K.. and is a member of James Harvey Post, Number 51 I
Michael Heckart was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in
1763, there grew to manhood, married and reared a family of eight children, as
follows: John; Peter; Joseph; Elizabeth, who married Jacob Miller; Cather-
ine, who married Michael Stepp ; William ; Michael, and Francis. In 1812 Mr.
Heckart removed to Butler county, and settled in Jefferson township, whence he
afterwards went to Connoquenessing township. He died at Whitestown, and
was buried in Mt. Nebo cemetery. He was a member of the Lutheran church.
Francis Heckart, youngesl son of Michael Heckart, was born in North-
umberland county, lulv 1. 1808, came to Butler county with bis parents when
about four years old. and spent the remaining years oi his life in this county. In
1832 he married Lvdia Seaman, a daughter of John Seaman, of Harmony. Thir-
teen children were the fruits of this union, as follows: Michael S.; Paul.
deceased ; George VV. ; Catherine, deceased; Caroline, wife of John Dufford ;
William; John; Mary A, wife of Samuel S. Fleming; Sarah, wife ol William
W.Brandon; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew McCafferty ; Lvdia. wife of James
Harbison; Amelia, wife of Seward Brandon, and Rachel L. In 1S1C Mr. Heck-
art purchased a farm in Connoquenessing township, upon which lie resided until
his death, January 17. 1889. His wile died on July 5, following. In early life
he was a member of the Lutheran church, but afterwards united with the Re-
formed denomination. In politics, he was a Republican.
Michael S. Heckart was born in Connoquenessing township. Butler
county, April 23, L833, was reared upon the farm, and learned the carpenter's
trade, which business be followed for many years. On September l(">, J 802, he
married Elizabeth C. Fleming, a daughter of James ami Margaret Fleming, anil
the same year located on his present homestead in Buffalo township. Three
children were born of this union, viz. : Mina M., wife of John Harbison; Lvdia
E., and John F . a minister ol' the Lutheran church. Mrs. Heckart died on April
18, 1868. She was a member of the Lutheran church, in which society Mr.
Heckart has tilled the office of elder for thirty years. Politically, he is a Repub-
lican, anil has served as school director, and tilled other minor positions.
Jacob Byeri.y was born in Westmoreland counts', Pennsylvania, February
25, 1799, was reared in his native counts', and learned the cabinet maker's trade.
On January 10, 1822, he married Susannah Hepler, a daughter of John Hepler,
of Armstrong county, and the following year came to Butler county, and pur-
chased seventy acres of land in Buffalo township. He afterwards bought adjoin-
ing tracts, until he owned 247 acres of will improved land. Here he died on
March 13, IS;").). His wile survived until July Hi, 1884. They were the parents
of nine children, as follows: Martha, who married Jacob Burtner ; Mary, wile
of Thomas Ekas : Phoebe, deceased wife of John Reiger; John; Michael; Jacob;
Benjamin, and Elizabeth ].. the last three of whom are dead, and Adam. The
HlOr.RAPHICAI. SKETCHKS. 865
parents were members of the Lutheran church, and in politics. Mr. Byerly was a
Republican.
John Byerly, eldest son of Jacoband Susannah Byerly, was born upon the
homestead in Buffalo township. December 7, ISl'7, received a common school
education, and has followed farming since boyhood. He is one of the most ex-
tensive and successful farmers in the county, and is the owner of over 700 acres
of land in Butler and Allegheny counties. He resides upon the old homestead.
and has fifteen producing wells on the Jefferson township farm, in which, how-
ever, the Byerly heirs have an interest. In politics, lie is a stanch Republican,
ami one of the representative citizens of his township.
Thomas Harbison, sixth son of John and Massy Harbison, was born in
Armstrong countv, Pennsylvania, in 179S. was reared upon his father's farm,
and attended the pioneer subscription school of his neighborhood. He married
Jane McCurdy. a daughter of John McCurdy, of Allegheny county. May 15,
1823, and the following year purchased the present Harbison homestead in Buf-
falo township, containing 260 acre. Here he died April 30, 187< >. and his wife.
October 7, 1N72. They were the parents of six children, viz. : John, deceased:
Mary, who married Jacob Hilliard, of Washington township; James; David:
Elizabeth, who married John Mitchell, and tor her second husband, Joseph (Jib-
son, and Sarah, deceased. Mr. Harbison and wife were members of the Presby-
terian church, and died in that faith. He was an adherent of the Republican
party, and filled the offices of supervisor, collector and constable in Buffalo
township.
James Harbison was born upon the old Harbison homestead, in Buffalo
township. Butler county, September 13, 1828, son of Thomas and Jane Harbison.
He was reared upon the farm, and attended the district school during his boyhood
days. On November 11, 1852, he married Susannah Gibson, now deceased, a
daughter of Joseph Gibson, of Allegheny counts. Five children were born to
this union, viz. : Joseph P. ; Elzena J., deceased : Annie P. : Melna, S.. deceased,
and Margaret J. (i. Mr. Harbison was engaged in merchandising at Monroe-
ville for a period, and kept a hotel in Freeport from 1SS2 until 1S87. He then
returned to the farm where he now resides. He i* a member of the United
Presbyterian church, is a Republican in politics, and has been township auditor
and supervisor. He is a direct descendant of Massy Harbison, the storv of whose
capture and escape will be found in this work. He possesses the only picture of
Mrs. Harbison in existence, and also owns the spinning wheel which she used
during pioneer davs.
Thomas Bakti.ev. fifth son of Thomas and Margaret Bartlev, was born in
Penn township, Butler countv. in 1S1l>. and was reared upon the old homestead.
He afterwards went to Allegheny and learned the brickmaker's trade, and was
there married, in 1837, to Mary Dick, a daughter of David Dick. In 1857 he-
purchased 240 acres of land in Oakland township. Butler countv. and lived upon
it until 1871, then sold out and returned to Allegheny, where be was engaged in
the manufacture of brick down to his death. March 14, 1S77. His widow resides
at YVilkinsburg. Thev were the parents of seven children, viz. : William J. :
Isabel, wife of Samuel Patton, of Oakland township: Thomas A.: David.
866 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
deceased; Mary L., wife of William Kennedy, of Allegheny; Joseph, and Mar-
garet A., wife of William Cummin, of Allegheny. Mr. Bartley was a member
of the United Presbyterian chnrch, ami in politics, a supporter of the Democratic
party.
William 1. Bartley was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania. January 10,
1840, and was seventeen years of age when his parents settled in Oakland town-
ship. He remained on the farm until September, 1804, when he enlisted in Com-
pany K, Fifth Pennsylvania Artillery. His command went to Camp Wright,
thence to Washington, and guarded the Orange and Alexandria railroad until
going into winter quarters at Fairfax Court House. The following spring his
company was sent to the battle field of Hull Run, and detailed to bury the
remains of the soldiers who fell in that tight. He was honorably discharged at
Vienna, Virginia, July 2, 1865, and returned to his home. Mr. Hartley was
married October IS. 1,SG<'>, to Emeline Mellinger, a daughter of Lewis S. Mell-
inger, of Oakland township, to which union have been born live children, viz. :
Harry M. ; William D. ; Lewis S.. deceased: James L. and Zetta V. In the
spring of lsTT be purchased the Robert Hartley farm in Buffalo township, upon
which he has since resided. Politically , Mr. Hartley is a Democrat, and is secre-
tary of the school board of his township. Like his parents, be is a member of the
United Presbyterian church, anil a liberal supporter of that denomination.
Alexander Watson was born in Wigtonshire. Scotland, October 10,
1810, a son of Alexander Watson, who was born in the same place, in 1780.
His father married Agnes Richardson, a daughter of Thomas Richardson, who
bore him seven children, viz. : Mary, who married James McNish ; Isabel ; Sarah,
who married James Carter: Agnes, who married Samuel Smith; William:
Elizabeth, who became the wife of Andrew Raney, and Alexander, all of whom
are dead. The subject of this sketch learned the blacksmith's trade in his native
land, which he followed in connection with farming. In 1834 he married Eliza-
beth Arnot. a daughter of James Arnot, of Scotland, and became the father of
live children, as follows: John A.; William; Alexander; Thomas, deceased, arid
Isabella, wife of John Myers, of Buffalo township. In 1849 Mr. Watson immi-
grated to Butler county, ami purchased a farm of eighty-four acres in Buffalo
township, upon which he lived for twenty-five years. He then purchased a home
in Monroeville, where his wife died on April 15, 1892. He was one of the old-
est citizens in the county at the time of his death, August 17, 1894. He was a
member of the Freeport Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Republican.
John A. Watson, son of Alexander ami Elizabeth Watson, was born
in Wigtonshire. Scotland. January 27, 1836, left Scotland when nine years
old and came to Butler county with his parents. On October HI, 1865, he mar-
ried Mary A. Roney, a daughter of James M. Roney, of Buffalo township, and
is the father of the following children: James A.; William J. C. ; Josiah M..
deceased: Alon/.o M. ; Elizabeth M. W. ; Jennie; Alfred D. W. ; Mary A.
(the last three mentioned are dead), and David M. Mr. Watson followed agri-
culture until 1868, when he embarked in merchandising at Sarversville. where he
continued in business for four years. He afterwards carried on a general feed
store at Greece City, ami was also engaged in contracting. He then removed to
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 867
Sciota county, Ohio, remained there three years, anil returned to Butler county,
and purchased ninety-five acres of land in Buffalo township, upon which he has
since resided. In filly, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Fourth United States
Cavalry, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and participated in the following bat-
tles : Bull Run, Yorktown, Williamsburg, West Point, Hanover Court House.
Fair Oaks, Mechanicsville, Peach Orchard. Gaines Mill. White Oak Swamp,
Nelson's Farm, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Hickory Gap, Savage
Station, Ashby's Gap, Fredericksburg, Snow Hill Farm, Franklin, Middleton,
Lebanon, Sparta, Chickamauga, Oklona. and Shelbyville. He was honorably-
discharged at Kenesaw Mountain, July 1. 1864, and returned to his home. He
is a member of the Freeport Post. Number 210, G. A. R., and also of Butler
Camp. Number 4">. U. V. L Mr. Watson is an elder in the Presbyterian church,
has rilled the office of school director in his township, and in politics, he is a
Republican. He is one of the worthy and progressive citizens of his township.
David L. Hoover was horn in Dauphin county. Pennsylvania, in 1X07.
eldest son of |ohn Hoover of that county, who came of German ancestry.
When our subject was quite young his parents removed to Armstrong county,
where he was reared upon a faun. He there married Mary Myers, a daughter ot
Nicholas Myers, who became the mother of li\e children, viz.: George F.. "1
Washington township ; Emily, widow of John Phillips: Sarah, wife of Thomas
Brown ; Nicholas M.. of Butler; and Albert M.. of Parker. In 1842Mr. Homer
removed with his family to Buffalo township. Butler county, purchased a farm
of eighty-seven acres, and spent the remaining years of his life thereon. He died
in January, 1892. He was a member of the Lutheran church of Freeport, and
in politics, a stanch adherent of the Republican party.
John McIntyre was born in the town of Stranraain, Wigtonshire, Scot-
land. October 23, 1823, and is a son of William Mdntyre, a native of the same
place, born February IT. 177<s. His father was a cooper and tanner, and mar-
ried Mary McNish. a daughter of William McNish, the postmaster of the town,
April II. 1801. They became the parents of eleven children, viz. : lane, deceased:
William, deceased : lane; Margaret, who married Anthony Douglass; James:
Jessie, who married Henry Camp: Mary A., deceased wife of Robert Hender-
son : Carolina, deceased: John ; Archibald C. F., and Caroline A. E. The fam-
ily immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1882, anil settled in Armstrong county,
where the father purchased 300 acres of land. lie cleared and improved this
property, and resided upon it down to his death, January 15, 1851. His wile
survived him twenty-nine years, dying February 9, 1880. The subject of this
sketch came with his parents to Armstrong county, and was reared upon the
homestead farm. In 1851 he settled upon his present farm in Buffalo township,
Butler county, and on March L\ 1852, was married to Mary J. Miller, a daugh-
ter of Nathaniel Miller, of Harrison township, Allegheny count v. Four children
have been born to this union, viz. : Nathaniel : Mary, wile of David II. Easley :
Jennie A., wife of Washington 15. Alter, and Caroline A. E. Mr. Mdntyre is
an elder in the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
He has served in the office of school director nine years, and ha^ also been assessor,
collector, and supervisor in his township.
S68 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Nathaniel McIntyre was born in Buffalo township, Butler county, May
20, 1853, and is the onl\ son of l"hn and Mary ]. McIntyre. He received a
common school education, and afterwards attended the Freeport Academy. On
Mas i!(), 1879, he married Mary E. McLaughlin, a daughter of George McLaugh-
lin, of Clarion county, and lias two children, Alva M. and John N. He is a
member of the United Presbyterian church, and has been the choir leader for
twenty years.
John Bricker was born in South Buffalo township. Armstrong county,
June 15, 1N24. son of John and Isabel Bricker, of that counts. His father was
born in Armstrong county in IT'.W, was married in 1815, and reareil a family of
ten children, as follows: Elizabeth, who married John Trimble; Martha, who
married John Holmes: Nicholas; James ; David ; John; Samuel; William: Har-
vey, anil Hiram. Mr. Bricker died in 1875, and his wife the following year.
They were members of the Presbyterian church. The subject of this sketch was
reared upon a farm and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in
connection with agriculture. He came to Butler county in the spring of 1855,
and settled in Buffalo township in lSHT, purchasing tin- Pugh farm, consisting
ot 109 acres, upon which he now resides. Mr. Bricker was married October 5,
ls4f), to Agnes Hesselgesser, a daughter of William Hesselgesser, of Winfield
township. Nine children were born to this union, as follows: Murphy L. ;
Josephine, wife of J. S. Frantz ; Anna J., wife of James W. Miller; Perry B. ;
Al/.ina ; John T. ; William L. ; Hiram C, and McCurdy. Mr. Bricker is a mem-
ber <>t tin- Methodist Episcopal church, is a Republican in politics, and has filled
the offices of road commissioner, supervisor, overseer of the poor. etc. He is
one ot the well known farmers of Buffalo township.
Joseph Westerman was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1819, came to New
York in 1836', and there learned the carpenter's trade. He subsequently removed
to Sharpsburg. Pennsylvania, and afterwards to Etna, and worked at his trade
in both places. In 1839 lie married Catherine Shult/., a daughter of George
Shultz, to which union were born eleven children, viz. : form C, and Joseph,
both deceased; Magdalene, wife of Peter Redfox ; Louisa, deceased; Charles :
Daniel, deceased; William ; Frederick : Lida, wife' of William Ehrman ; Mary E.,
wife of Gilmore Clark, ami Annie II., who married Albert Cruikshank, and
subsequently Daniel Miller. In 1848 Mr. Westerman came to Butler comity
and settled in Buffalo township, where he owned 165 acres of land, He resided
there until his death. March 2, 1873. His widow resides with her son Samuel.
Mr. Westerman was a member of the Evangelical church, and a class leader in
that society. In politics, he was a Republican.
Samuel Westerman, son of Joseph and Catherine Westerman, was born
upon the homestead in Buffalo township, November 17, 1853. He was reared to
manhood on the farm, and received a common school education. On November
12, 1875, he married Elizabeth Eslep, a daughter of William Eslep,of Allegheny
county. Eight children have been born to this marriage, as follows ; Minnie
E., deceased; Joseph W. : Emma M. ; Raymond C. ; Elmer W. ; Edward S.,
deceased: Edna I., and Ralph Albert. Mr. Westerman is a Republican, and is
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S69
a school director, and also collector in his township. He resides upon the old
homestead, and is a good, practical farmer.
A. W. Leasure, merchant, was born in Winfield township, Butler county,
in 1854, son of William and Ellen (Hazlett) Leasure. lie was educated in the
public schools, and afterwards learned boat building at McKeesport, and followed
that business in connection with the carpenter's trade for twelve years. In IS1.):!
he located at Monroeville and engaged in merchandising, which he has con-
ducted up to the present. In 1894 he was appointed postmaster of Silverville,
established the same year. Mr. Leasure married Alice Young, of Armstrong
county, and has four children, viz. : Charles M. ; Nellie J. ; Erfie M., and John
M. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a member of the U. C. and J. of A.
Conrad Nolf was born in Northampton county. Pennsylvania, in 1790,
and there grew to maturity. His mother dying when he was quite young, he
was adopted by Christian Stenninger, with whom he remained until manhood.
In 1813 lie married Susannah George, of Northampton county, who became the
mother of fourteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity, viz.: Farion, who
married Susannah Toomas; Fayette, who married Daniel Brocius ; Aaron, who
married Sarah King; Susannah, who married Mathew Humphrey ; William, who
married Angelina Bohlen ; Anthony, who married Martha Roland; Elizabeth.
who married William Rowley; Emma, who married Michael Truby : Christina,
who married Lewis Foster, and Sarah, who married Emil Wickenhagen. All
are now deceased except Aaron. William and Anthony. In 1815 Mr. Nolt
purchased 200 acres of land in Jefferson county, upon which he remained twenty-
eight years, and then located at Freeport, where he carried on the hotel and
lumber business for two years, then removed to Cook county, Illinois, and two
years later returned to Freeport. His wife died in 1869. He finally took up his
residence with his son William in Buffalo township. Butler county, where he
died May 12, 1883. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and filled the
offices of elder and deacon in that society. Politically, he was a Republican,
and served as a school director and supervisor.
William Nolf, son of Conrad and Susannah Nolf, was born in Jefferson
county, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1826. He was reared on the farm, and fol-
lowed lumbering with his father. In 1843 he located at Freeport. where he
married Angelina Bohlen, a daughter of Edward Bohlen, December 1(5. 1852.
Five children were born to this union, four or whom are living, viz. : Mary E. :
Margaret B. ; William R., and Angie L. In 186:2 Mr. Nolf purchased his
father's saw mill at Freeport, and in 1868 he bought the Buckley farm, in Buffalo
township. Butler county, containing 120 acres, upon which he now resides, and
dealt extensively in grain and hay for a number of years. He is a member ot the
Lutheran church, in which he is a trustee and member of the council, and has
served as deacon for ten years. In politics, he is a Republican, ami has filled the
offices of school director, collector and assessor.
William M. Ralston was born in South Buffalo township. Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania, February 18, 1861, son of Joseph W., and Isabel Ralston,
of that county. His father was born at Slate Lick, Armstrong county, in 1826,
was a school teacher for many years, and afterwards a farmer. In 1849 he went
8/0 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
to California, remaining there until 1854, then returned to Armstrong county
and purchased the Clapole farm, in North Buffalo township. He sold this in 1859,
purchased a farm in South Buffalo town-hip, which he afterwards disposed
of and bought another at Mackvillc. where he now resides. Joseph \V. Ralston
and Isabel Miller, daughter of William Miller, of North Buffalo township. Arm-
strong county, were married on May 20, 1856, and art- the parents of nine chil-
dren, six of whom survive, viz.: John J., a United Presbyterian minister:
William M. ; Harry W.: Edward L. ; James C, and Carrie. Mr. Ralston is
now serving as a justice of the peace, and is a member of the school board. The
family are connected with the United Presbyterian church. The subject of this
sketch was reared and educated in his native county, and has always followed
farming. In 1885 he purchased the Weaver farm in Buffalo township. Butler
county, containing 187 acres, upon which he has since been engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits. Mr. Ralston was married on September 9, 1886, to Sarah A.
Sarver, a daughter of John Sarver, of Buffalo township, and has four children,
viz. : lames II. : Edna M. : Phoebe P., and Alice B. He is a member of the
I'nited Presbyterian church, and politically a Republican.
Iohm Mangold was born in Germany in 182'.), there grew to maturity and
followed the business of a stonecutter anil contractor. lie came to Pennsylvania
in early manhood, and settled in Buffalo township, Butler county, where be fol-
lowed his trade until 1S7(>, in which year he embarked in the grocery business at
Freeport. He died in that borough in October, 1870, and his wife in 1873. He
was married in 1858, and was the father of six children, as follows : Henry W. :
Christian; John: Peter; George I., and Louisa, who married J. C. Wvle. Mr.
Mangold was a member of the Lutheran church, anil in politics, lie was a
Democrat.
fOHN |. Randolph was born in Patterson, New Jersey, in 1816, a son of
Samuel F. Randolph . and a descendant of John Randolph of Roanoake. His
father married Nancy Girard, of New Jersey, and reared seven children, viz. :
Abraham ; Charlotte ; John ; Mary; David: Sarah, and William. Samuel F. Ran-
dolph was postmaster of Liberty, Pennsylvania, for several years, and in politics,
was an adherent of the Democratic party. Both he and wife were members of the
Methodist Episcopal chinch, ami died in 1872, and in 1882, respectively. The
subject of this sketch learned the shoemaker's trade with his father, and in 1841.
was married to Mary A. Shaffer, a daughter of John Shaffer, of Westmoreland
county, where he now resides. He is the father of seven children, as follows:
William; Samuel F. ; Amanda : John J.; Emma; Charles J. .and Nancy. In
politics, Mr. Randolph is a Democrat, and is connected with the Methodist
Episcopal church.
Charles |. Randolph, youngest son of John J. and Mary A. Randolph,
was born in Westmoreland county, October 31, 1855, attended the common
schools, anil learned the printer's trade. On January 21, 1*7">. he married Hen-
rietta Hoffman, a daughter of Philip Hoffman of Westmoreland county, to which
union have been born five children, viz. : Jacob; Emma; Walter; Ida, deceased,
and Grace. The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, and
in politics, Mr. Randolph is a Democrat. In September, 1891, he purchased the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 8 - I
old Johnson farm in Buffalo township, Butler county, containing fifty acres, upon
which. he has since resided.
Patrick Graham, a native of Ireland, was no doubt the first settler in Jef-
ferson township, Butler county, Pennsylvania. He immigrated to Westmoreland
county, there married Elizabeth McKee, came to Butler county in 1796, and
erected a cabin upon a tract of land which he had previously selected in what is
now Jefferson township. He then returned for his wife, Elizabeth, and three chil-
dren, Rosanna, Joseph and Daniel, whom he brought on pack horses to his new
home in the unbroken forest of Butler county. ^Including the children born in
Westmoreland county, the following are the names of their family : Rosanna,
who married Alexander Martin ; Joseph; Daniel, who settled in Brady township,
and there died: Patrick, born upon the homestead May '2-y, 179*. the first white
child born in Jefferson township, and resided upon the same until his death ;
Elizabeth, who married James Pryor ; James, who settled in Mercer county, and
died there ; John, who died in Connoquenessing township, was a merchant at
Whitestown, and Harrison who located in Beaver county. Though not a large
man, Patrick Graham possessed a strong and vigorous constitution, a tireless
energy, and wonderful endurance. He died in 1844, at the remarkable age of
ninety-seven years.
Joseph Graham, eldest son of Patrick and Elizabeth Graham, was born
in Westmoreland county, in 1794, and was about three years old when his parents
came to Butler county. His youth was passed amidst pioneer scenes, and he grew
up inured to the hardships and privations of that period. He was a soldier in
the War of 181:2. and served as a major in the early militia. After arriving al
maturity he located upon the farm now owned by H. Kirchner. He married Eliza-
beth Freyer, who died without issue, and he subsequently married Nancy Thomp-
son, to whom were born four children, as follows : Robert T. ; Elizabeth ; James,
who served in the Mexican war and also in the Rebellion, and Esther. Mrs. Gra-
ham died, and he was again married, to Margaret Balph, who became the mother
of eight children, viz. : William B.; Rebecca J., wife of Thomas McConnell ;
Joseph: George K. ; Susan, wife of John M. Stark; Margaret, who married
Matthew McKane : Eli, and Nancy E., wife of William S. Bartley. Joseph Gra-
ham died May 4, 1880, and his wife August 7, 1890. Both he and wife were
members of the Presbyterian church, in which he was an elder. Mr. Graham
was a Democrat, served one term as county commissioner, and three terms as a
justice of the peace of Jefferson township.
William B. Graham, eldest in the family of Joseph and Margaret ( Balph)
Graham, was born upon the homestead farm, in Jefferson township, Feb-
ruary 2, 1837, was reared a farmer, and subsequently learned the carpen-
ter's trade, which he has followed in connection with agriculture. Fie was
married February 8, 1864, to Eliza J. Bartley, a daughter of Joseph Bartley, of
Penn township, where the family settled at an early day. They are the parents
of the following children : Ague- R. , wife of James Sefton ; Margaret C, wife
of J. H. McKeever; Mary E. , wife of S. N. Shaw; Emma L., wife of Thomas
Harbison: Joseph L., who married Lizzie Covert : William F. : George R.. and
John H. Mr. Graham and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.
S72 HISTORY OK BUTLER COUNTY.
and in politics, he is a Democrat. He lias filled the office of school director, and
takes a commendable interest in educational affairs.
Thomas Welsh, Sr.. was a native of Londonderry, Ireland, and immigrated
to the United States about 1798. His father, William Welsh, was a man of
wealth and prominence, but in aiding friends he lost the most of his property, and
Thomas was obliged to seek his own fortune. lie learned the baker's trade in
his native land, and upon reaching Philadelphia he readily found emplovment at
his trade. Possessing industrious and thrifty habits, he soon saved sufficient
means to start in business for himself, and by strict attention he became in a few
years the head of a prosperous business establishment, About 1810 lie married
Elizabeth Welsh, a native of Derry county, Ireland, and she became the mother
of twelve children. After a prosperous business career of twenty years, and
having a large family, Mr. Welsh decided to remove to Butler county, where he
purchased 4,500 acres of land in fefferson township, to which he brought his
family in 181'.*, coming the whole distance with a team of horses through a track-
less forest. He settled near the southeast corner of the township, on the farm
where his grandson, John Welsh, now lives, and resided there until his death,
which occurred in 1853, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. He and wife were
members of the Presbyterian church, in which denomination he tilled the office of
elder. He was a man of powerful physique, peaceable and kindly in disposition,
and was much esteemed lor his charity, and genial, pleasant manner.
George Welsh was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 5, 1812,
and was in his eighth year when his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Welsh, set-
tled in Butler county. He lived at home until the age of twenty-three years,
obtaining such an education as the pioneer schools afforded, and then commenced
business for himself. In 1S45 he built a saw mill on the creek and soon after-
wards a gristmill, at what is now known as Frazier's Mills, which he carried on
for several veals in connection with the lumber trade. In 1835 he married Jane
Davis, a daughter of John Davis, a native of Ireland, who died in Jefferson town-
ship, in 1853. Nine children were born to this marriage, as follows: Matilda,
wife of Arthur Turner; Thomas; John; Joseph, who was a member of Com-
pany G, One Hundred and Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died in
1S72; Eliza, wife of Thomas W. Fraziei ; Emily, deceased; Elvira; Rebecca,
deceased, and Sarah, wife of John Walker. In 1859 Mr. Welsh located in
Allegheny City, for the purpose of educating his children, and was employed by
the government in the custom house for four years. In 1862, when Governor
Curtin called for troops to repel Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania, Mr. Welsh,
though exempt by age from military duty, was among the first to respond to the
call. He joined the Eighteenth regiment, ami went to the front , thus display-
ing that undaunted patriotism which is a distinguishing mark of the Celtic race.
In 1863 he returned to Jefferson township, where he has since been engaged in
farming. He owns lot) acres of the original lands purchased by his father, and
has been one of the most successful agriculturists in the county. Mr. Welsh has
been a life-long Democrat, anil cast his first vote for Andrew Jackson. Like his
lather, he is a man of powerful physique and robust constitution. He is agenial,
pleasant and intelligent gentleman, and has always occupied a leading position
6*^hl^tJ^
<A
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 873
among the representative farmers of Butler county. Though in his eighty-third
vear, lie is still hale and vigorous, and with the exception of being afflicted with
partial blindness, he is as liappv anil bright as if in the prime of manhood.
foHN Welsh, [r., was born in fefferson township. Butler county, March I,
1839, and i> tiie second son of George and Jane (Davis) Welsh. lie ha^ always
resided upon his present homestead of 100 acres, a part of the original purchase
of his grandfather, Thomas Welsh, excepting the lew years his father lived in
Allegheny. lie was educated at the Pittsburg public schools, anil since his
father returned to Jefferson township he lias been engaged in farming. lie was
married January l",t, 1869, to Sarah Ann Welsh, a daughter of Thomas and Anna
Eliza ( McKenzie ) Welsh. 1 ler father was an uncle of her husband's, was a farmer.
owning loo acres of land adjoining that of George Welsh, but subsequently
operated a linseed oil mill in Pittsburg for twenty-five years. Her mother was
a daughter of Alexander McKenzie, a Scotchman, who first located on the Island
of Jamaica, where he had a sugar and coffee plantation. He sold his property
and came to the United States with the intention of buying land, but his family
never heard of him again and it was supposed that he was murdered. In 1815
his wife and family came to Philadelphia, where they resided for some time, com-
ing to Uutler county about the year 1820. Mrs. Anna Eliza Welsh died in 1850,
and her husband, Thomas Welsh, in L883. Mrs. John Welsh was born Decem-
ber 16, 1837, and is the mother of seven children, five of whom are living, viz. :
Charles C. ; Jennie F., wife of Theo. II. Stepp ; Frank J . ; Annie E., and George
M. Mr. Welsh is a Democrat, and both he and wife are members of the Presby-
terian church.
John* Welsh, Si:., was a native of Ireland, who immigrated to Philadelphia
with his family early in the present century. He hail learned the baker's trade
in his native land, and soon after coming to Philadelphia he established himself
in that business, and carried it on for many years. He was a brother of Thomas
Welsh, Sr.. and in 1821 came to Butler county and purchased 300 acres of land
from his brother, located in what is now Jefferson township. Thomas had settled
here two years previous, anil bought a large tract of land, a portion of which In-
sold to John. The latter remained on this farm until his death, and both he and
wife are buried in this township. lie married Bathia Marshall, and reared a
family of two sons and five daughters, as follows: William; Thomas; Sarah;
Margaret; Rebecca; Elizabeth, and Martha.
Thomas Welsh, son of John and Bathia Welsh, was born in Ireland, May
5, 1802, and came with his parents to Philadelphia when about eight years old.
He was reared in that city, and was nineteen years of age when his father located
in Butler county. He married Mary Cunningham, a daughter of lames Cun-
ningham, of Lancaster county, who settled in Penn township. Butler county,
upon a tract of 300 acres, early in the present century. James Cunningham was
a son of Matthew Cunningham, also an early settler of Butler county. Thomas
erected a saw mill in 1830, on Thorn creek, near Jefferson Centre, and continued
in the lumber business in connection with agliculture until his death, Tanuan
7. 1858. His sons. James Q., Loyal Y., and William J., are residents of this
township. Both he and wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian church
8/4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
(if Butler. He was elected an elder in 1839. Politically, Mr. Welsh was a stanch
Democrat, tilled the office of school director in his township, and served as com-
missioner of the county.
William [. Welsh was horn upon the homestead in fefferson township,
Butler county, September '.). 1847, son ot Thomas and Mary (Cunningham)
Welsh, lie was reared a farmer, and inherited 120 acres of the old homestead,
upon which he now resides. ( >n May !••, 1878, he married Julia A. Patterson, a
daughter ol William R. Patterson, ol Penn township, and has a family of four
children, viz. : William P. ; Ada B. : Thomas M.. and Clarence. Mr. Welsh
and wife are members of Jefferson Summit Presbyterian church, in which he was
elected an elder in 189-4. In politics, he is a Republican, and has tilled the office
of school director for fifteen years. He is a member of the 1. O. O. F.. both the
Lodge and Encampment.
Thomas Frazier was born in Armagh county, Ireland, in August, 1801,
son of James Frazier, a native of Scotland, born in 1773. I lis father married
Elizabeth McCarroll, to whom were born six children: Arthur; fames; Archi-
bald ; Nancy, who married James Turner : Thomas, and Mary, who married
Arthur Frazier. The father died in 1827, and the mother many years before.
The subject of this sketch was reared in his native land, and followed farming as
a vocation. He married Alice Thompson, a daughter of William Thompson of
Armagh county, Ireland, t<> which union were born the following children :
James ; George T. : Samuel J. ; Andrew ; Thomas W. ; David, ami I lance M., the
last two of whom are dead, George T., and Thomas W., served in the Seventh
Pennsylvania Cavalry. Mr. Frazier immigrated to Carroll county, Ohio, in 1832,
and some years later settled in Butler township. Butler county. Pennsylvania,
resided there until 1857, and then located in Jefferson township, purchasing from
(ieorge Welsh what is now known as the Frazier mill property. Here he died
in April. 1876, and his wife in March. 1871. They were members of the United
Presbyterian church, in which he held the office of elder. In politics, he was a
Democrat.
James Pi: \zii:k was born in Armagh county. Ireland, October 6, 1828, eld-
est in the family of Thomas Frazier. and came with his parents to Butler county
when he was only four years of age. He grew to maturity in this county, received
a common school education, and is now engaged in farming in Clay township. He-
was married April 10. 1851, to Isabella Gilliland, a daughter of John Gilliland of
Summit township, to which union were born the following children : John (>.:
Thomas A.; Alice ].. who married William Sterling; Elizabeth; Robert A.;
Margaret, wife of Henry George; James E. ; Maria A., wife of Edward Pogue,
and Isabella, deceased. In 1886 Mr. Frazier located in Clay township, where he
purchased the Brown farm. His wife died April 5, 1*74, anil in 1882 he mar-
ried Sarah Allen, of Lawrence county. Mr. Frazier is a member of the United
Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is an adherent of the Democratic part3-.
Thomas W. Frazieh was born in Carroll county. Ohio, ( >ctober 25, 1839,
son of Thomas and Alice (Thompson) Frazier. He came with his parents to
ibis county, and in September. 1861, be enlisted in Company C, Seventh Penn-
sylvania Cavalry, and was in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga and
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 875
Atlanta, was taken prisoner at Thompson Station. October 1. 1864, and confined
in rebel prisons for ten months. lie returned to Butler county in |ulv, 1865,
hut his health was so shattered from long confinement that he did not recover for
nearly two years. Mr. Frazier made a good war record, has always been a
stanch Democrat, and gives his unswerving support to the principles ot that
party. lie is a member of the 1'. Y. I... and is also connected with the Masonic
order. He was married July 18, 1868, to Eliza Welsh, a daughter of George
Welsh. She was born in Jefferson township, September 24, 1*1 1, and has one
daughter, Bettie, wife of 1". [. Byers. The family are adherents of the Presby-
terian church.
Thomas A. Fraziek, second son of fames and Isabella Frazier, was born
in Butler township, Butler county, April S, 1852, and has always resided in his
native county and in the city of Allegheny. lie worked for six years at the mill-
ing business, was subsequently engaged, as a contractor, in the plastering busi-
ness, and for the last nine years he has devoted his attention to operating in oil
and gas, his present fields being at Belmont, Virginia, Jefferson Centre and
Coylesville, Butler county, and Port Royal, Westmoreland county. lie controls
1:2, •)()<> acres of leaseholds, and is quite an extensive operator. Mr. Frazier was
married December 22, 1874, to Harriet R. Bicket, a daughter of Matthew Bicket,
of Clinton township, and they are the parents of the following children : Nettie
J.; Eugene G., deceased ; Chauncy E. ; Howard M., deceased; Frank; Elva ; Bes-
sie; Hazel, and Hattie. lie is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and
politically, he is a stanch Democrat. He is now filling the office of school direc-
tor, and has always taken a deep interest in public affairs.
John Walker was a native of Scotland, there grew to manhood, and mar-
ried Esther McMillan, and about 1848 they immigrated to Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. They lived in that county for several years, and came to Butler
county in 1860, where they purchased a farm of eighty-five acres in Clinton
township, where Mr. Walker resided until his death. August 1;"), 1892. His
widow still resides upon the homestead. They were the parents of six children,
three of whom grew to maturity, as follows : Mary, who married Jonathan
Grinder, of Venango county, and died September |0. 1878; fames, and John,
the latter residing with his mother. Mr. Walker was a member of the Presby-
terian church, to which denomination his widow also belongs.
James Walker was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January is.
1857. eldest son of John and Esther Walker. He resided with his parents until
187(5, when he purchased his present farm of 100 acres, in Jefferson township,
upon which he now resides. He has given considerable attention to the import-
ing and breeding of fine stock, and claims to have imported the first Clydes-
dale horses from Great Britain brought to Butler county. On December 20,
1879, Mr. Walker married Harriet Mai/.land. a daughter of George and Elizabeth
(Seif) Maizland, the former of Scotch and the latter of German descent. Her
grandfather. (Ieorge Maizland. was a native of Scotland, and settled in Butler
county in 1857. Mrs. Walker is the mother of four children, viz. : Alonzo E.,
born September 17, L880 ; Ida Marian, November 20, 1883; Hattie E., Novem-
ber 12, 1887, and Paul M., October 1, 1891. Politically, Mr. Walker is a Dem-
876 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ocrat, and both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church of Clinton
township.
John Burtseh was a native of Clinton township, Butler county. Pennsyl-
vania. His parents came from Berks county late in the Eighteenth century and
settled on 200 acres of land, now known as the Krumpe farm, in Clinton town-
ship. The family are of German origin, and were among the organizers <>t the
German Lutheran church at Saxonburg. John Burtner was the father of five
sons and five daughters, viz.: Jacob ; Philip; William; Daniel: Andrew; Bar-
bara; Betsy; Catherine: Polly, and Christina. Philip grew to manhood in
Clinton township, served as a soldier in the War of ISli', and married Ellen
Gallagher, a native of Ireland, whose parents were among the earliest settlers of
this locality. They reared live children, as follows: John ; Peter; Philip; Will-
iam, and Mrs. Fannie Haslett. The father died in 1828.
Philip Burtner, son of Philip and Ellen Burtner, was born July 8, 1820,
in Clinton township. Butler county, within one mile of his present residence.
When he arrived at the age of twenty years he commenced working on the
Pennsylvania canal, and finally became captain of a boat. He afterwards
engaged in farming, which vocation he has since followed. In I S4l' he married
Rebecca Shobert, a daughter of John Shobert, of Luzerne county, who served as
a soldier in the War of ISli'. They are the parents of ten children, as follows:
Henry; John; Mary; Helen: Eliza; Xettie ; Rebecca; Fannie; Anna, and
Edward. The last two named are dead. The eight surviving members of this
family are heads of families. Mrs. Burtner is a member of the Baptist church.
Since 1N47 Mr. Burtner has been connected with the I. O. O. F., and is one of
the highly respected citizens of the community.
Isaac P. Burtner was born near Tarentum, Allegheny county. Pennsyl-
vania, June 10. 1849, son of Jacob .and Martha (Byerly) Burtner, the former a
native of Allegheny county, and the latter of Buffalo township, Butler county,
where her father. Jacob Byerly, settled at an early day. Philip Burtner, grand-
father of Isaac P., came from eastern Pennsylvania to Allegheny county in 1802,
and located three miles north ot Tarentum, in Harrison township, his farm being
three miles from the Butler county line. Jacob and Martha Burtner were the
parents of eleven children, eight of whom grew to man and womanhood, as fol-
lows : John X.. who served in the Rebellion one year; Margaret; Isaac P.;
Harmon; Henry; Lavina ; Wilhelmina, and Luther. The subject of this sketch
was reared in his native county, and followed the coal trade for some years. In
1882 he purchased a farm in Jefferson township. Butler county, upon which he
has since erected substantial buildings and made many other improvements. He
was married July 22, 1*74. to Amanda Singer, daughter of David and Amanda
(Bole) Singer, of Armstrong county. Her father was a carpenter, ami was
reared in Armstrong county, where the family were early settlers. He died in
1862, aged fifty-two years. Her only brother, Donald, was a soldier in the
Rebellion for nearly two years. Mr. Burtner is the father of five children, as fol-
lows: Roy; Dorcy ; Ethel; Forest, and Claire. Mr. Burtner is a Republican,
and is one of the progressive citizens of the township.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 877
Isaac Lefever, Sr.. was a native of France, who settled in the present
township of Winfield, Butler county, Pennsylvania, early in the century. He
was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving with the troops from western Pennsyl-
vania. He reared a family of six children, as follows : Samuel ; Isaac; Joseph ;
Jesse: Nancy, and Mary. The parents and all of their children, excepting
Jesse, removed to Ohio at an early day, where they spent the balance oi their
lives.
JESSE LEFEVER was a native of eastern Pennsylvania, there learned the car-
penter's trade, which he followed in Pittsburg, whence he came to Butler County
and purchased a farm near I Iannahstown, in Buffalo township, where he died
soon afterwards. He married Catherine Step]), a daughter of Bernard Stepp, of
Buffalo township, and was the father of four children, as follows : John ; Levi :
Isaac, and Elizabeth, deceased. Mr. Lefever died in 1826, and his widow mar-
ried James Martin, of Donegal township.
Isaac Lefever, youngest son of Jesse and Catherine (Stepp) Lefever. was
born in Butler county, June 30, 1822, was reared upon a farm, and has always
been engaged in agriculture. On November 23, 1845, he married Hannah
Cooper, a daughter of William Cooper, a pioneer of Jefferson township, who
served in the War of 1812. Seven children have been born to this union, as tol"
lows: Catherine, who married Joseph Mo.-er; William J., and Eliza J., both
deceased; Isaac S., who married Maggie Snyder; Lydia E., wife of James Gib-
son : David W., who married Jennie G. Negley, a daughter of Felix H. X'egley,
and Susan Belle, wife of A. D. Sutton. In 1846 Mr. Lefever purchased the
farm upon which he now resides, not an acre of it being then improved, and now
owns over 200 acres of land containing first class improvements. He is a Dem-
crat, in politics, and rhe family are members of St. Luke Lutheran church of
Saxonburg.
Joseph Logan, Sr., came to Penn township. Butler county, in ISO", and
settled upon a farm of 300 acres purchased from his parents, Thomas and Agnes
Logan, natives of Ireland, who immigrated to Pennsylvania with their family
about 1798, and settled in Lancaster county. Thomas purchased' the land in
1S04 from Edward Burd, the original owner, but did not settle upon it. Joseph
brought his wife, Elizabeth, from Pittsburg to his home in the forest of Butler
county, and both resided here until their decease. He died in July, 1839; his
wife survived him eleven years, dying in August, 1850. The names of their
children are as follows: David; Levi; Joseph; Nancy; Isabel: Mary: Bar-
bara, and Elizabeth.
David Logan, eldest son of Joseph and Elizabeth Logan, was horn in Lan-
caster county, Pennsylvania, in 1802, and came with his parents to Penn town-
ship when about five years of age. He grew to manhood in this county, anil
purchased 225 acres of land in Jefferson township, now known as the Logan
homestead, upon which he made the first improvements. To this he afterwards
added 125 acres, and resided upon this farm the remainder of his life. He mar-
ried Eliza Davis, to which union were born nine children, as follows : Nancy J.,
deceased; John; Joseph; Levi; Baxter; Samuel : Matilda: Calvin, and Eliza B.
Four of the sons, John. Levi. Baxter and Samuel, served in the Rebellion, Sam-
878 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
uel being killed at Plymouth. Mrs. Logan died in 1850, and he then married
Mrs. Mary Ann Cox, nee Sefton, who bore him two children, viz.: David II..
and Edward P. His third wife was Nancy C>x. who died in 1892. Mr. Logan
was a Whig in early life, and afterwards a Republican, and filled the office of
justice of the peace for many years. lie was a member of the United Presbyte-
rian church, and was one of the founders of the Clinton and Shiloh churches, lie
died February 1. 1878, aged seventy-five years.
Joseph Logan, second son of David and Eliza (Davis) Logan, was born
upon the homestead (arm. in |efferson township. March 2, 1835, was reared a
farmer, and was engaged in agriculture until his death, May 17, 1894. In 1866
he purchased a portion of his late homestead, to which he added, until he owned
about 190 acres, containing one of the finest residences in the township, erected
in 1892. Mr. Logan was married February l'">, 1860, to Amelia Ilartman, a
daughter of Joseph Ilartman, who settled quite early on a part of the homestead.
Six children are the fruits of this union, viz. : Clara M., wife of (i. W. Maur-
hoff; Anna L, wife of George Ralshouse ; Melinda M.. wife of George Baugh-
man : Eli/.a, wife of Amos Graff: Emma, and Milton. Mr. Logan was a mem-
ber of the Evangelical Lutheran church, to which society his widow belongs.
He was a Republican, was tax collector of his township for two terms, and also
filled the office of school director.
Calvin Logan, youngest son of David and Eliza (Davis) Logan, was born
upon his father's farm in lefferson township, Butler county, July 17. 1S45. He
was reared in his native township, received a common school education, and
settled upon fifty acres of the old homestead, which he has since improved, erect-
ing thereon a tine residence in 1887. On October 19, 1876, he married Mar\ J.
Hazlett, a daughter of Lewis and Vieanna (Morehead) Hazlett, early settlers of
Win tie hi township. Mrs. Logan was born September 2C>. 1851, and is the mother
of (Our children, as follows; Oro Xeta. born July 27. 1878: Elva Vieanna,
July 26, 1880; Tillie Zetta, September 6, 1881, and Zella Marie. June 6, 1892.
The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in which he holds an official
position. Politically, Mr. Logan is a Republican.
David II. Lck, an was born in Jefferson township, Butler county, July 14.
1858, son of David and Mrs. Mary Ann (Cox nee Sefton) Logan. He was
reared upon his fathers farm in his native township and received a common
school education. In 1865 his father pu! chased a part of the old Jacob Mechling
farm, of 125 acres, which David II. now owns. ]n 1890 he erected thereon a
fine residence and has made many other commendable improvements. Mr. Logan
was married January 20, 1881, to Martha B. Cook, a daughter of 'Squire Cook,
of Allegheny count) , where she was born April 10. 1859. They are the parents
of lour sons, as follows: Harvey \\ .. born December IS, I SS I ; Clifford G.,
June 11, 1883; Earl R, May 22, 1890, and Elery R. February .">. 1892. Mr.
Logan is a stanch Republican, and both he and wife are members of the United
Presbyterian church.
Levi Logan, second son of Joseph Logan, Sr., was born in Lancaster
county. Pennsylvania, and came with his parents to Penn township, Butler
county. lie learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in connection
BIOGKAPHICAI. SKETCHES. 879
with farming in this township. In 1837 he married Mary Davis, a (.laughter of
John Davis, of Clinton township, t 1 which union were born eight children : Eliz-
abeth. who was twice married, first to William Lambie, and afterwards to Mr.
McLaughlin; Joseph D.; Sarah, who married James Williamson; John R.; Benja-
min: William; Levi, and David. Mr. Logan was a member of the United Pres-
byterian church, and in politics, he was a Democrat. He died August 1 1, 1871,
and his wife, February 10, 1891.
JOSEPH I). LOGAN, eldest son of Levi Logan, was born in the borough
of Butler, January 22, 1839, received a common school education, and was
reared to farm life. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Thir-
ty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, was mustered into the service at Harrisburg,
then went to Washington, D. C, and was stationed at Camp Hammond. From
there the regiment proceeded to Antietam, then went into camp at Stony I [ill, next
to Washington City, was then moved to Benning's Bridge, on the East Branch ot
the Potomac, and then to Aquia creek, Virginia. The regiment next moved to
Fredericksburg, thence to Belle Plain, and served in the second battle of Freder-
icksburg, where they encamped until mustered out of the service. Mr. Logan
was married November 24, 1864, to Mary J., daughter of Samuel Marshall, of
Middlesex township. They are the parents of live children, as follows: Eva,
wife of John Monks ; one died in infancy ; Clara : Ella, and Bertha. Politically,
Mr. Logan is a Democrat, and both he and wife are members of the United Pres-
byterian church.
Benjamin B. Logan was born in Middlesex township. Butler county,
Pennsylvania, in 1844, and is a son of Levi and Marx (Davis) Logan, and
grandson of Joseph Logan, one of the early settlers of Penn township. He was
reared upon his father's farm, from whom he learned the blacksmith's trade,
which he worked at tor twenty years, in connection with farming. In 1869 lie was
married to Mary Black, a daughter of Robert Black, of Middlesex township, and
is the father of the following children : Robert: Frank II. : Jennie I.. : Antoinette;
Samuel P. : Tohn, and Jessie, deceased. Mr. Logan is a member of the United
Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is an adherent of the Democratic party.
He was supervisor of his township for four terms, and always takes an active inter-
est in public matter*.
John Knoch was born in Saxony, Germany, in 17l~>7. grew to maturity in
his native land, and there learned the blacksmith's trade. He married Johannah
llartman, a native of the same place, anil immigrated to Jefferson township,
Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, settling on the farm now owned by their
son Herman in 1838. He built a shop and engaged in blacksmithing and tann-
ing, lie assisted John A. Roebling to make the first wire rope manufactured
at Saxonburg, he and his son, John A., being the first and only blacksmiths in
the town for many years. His wife died in I860, aged sixty-five years; he sur-
vived until 1862, dying at the age of seventy-five. They were among the origi-
nal members of the German Lutheran church of Saxonburg. They reared a
family of five children, viz. : John A., deceased ; Joseph, deceased; Henry;
Rachel, wife of Henry Stuebgen, and Herman.
880 HISTORY OF BUTLEK COUNTY.
Herman Knoch was horn in Saxony. Germany, in 1835, and came with
his parents to Butler county when a child of two years of age. IK- was reared
upon his father's farm, adjoining the borough of Saxonburg, and was married
March I'M. 1858, to Amelia Roebling, a daughter of Charles F. Roebling, a
brother of John A. Roebling, the celebrated engineer ami bridge builder. Her
mother was Wilhelmina (Filbert) Roebling. and both were natives of Saxony,
Germany. They were the first couple married at Saxonburg, where her father
died in 1838, when she was only about one year old. Mr. Knoch is the father of
se\en children, as follows: Charles, a blacksmith: William II.: Julius, principal
of a school in Arkansas: Elvira; Franklin, principal of the West Sunburv
school ; Edward, a teacher, and Alfred. The family are members of the German
Lutheran church. Politically. Mr. Knoch is a Democrat, and has filled mauv of
the local offices in his township. lie served ten months in the Rebellion, as a
member of the Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery,
William II. Knoch was horn in Jefferson township, Butler county, Penn-
sylvania. June 21, l!*M>6, son of Herman and Amelia (Roebling) Knoch, and
grandson of John Knoch. His mother is a niece of the celebrated engineer John
A. Roebling. lie received a common school education, and followed the occu-
pation of a driller lor some years. In 1892 lie began clerking for Mrs. Theodore
Helmbold & Son, with whom he remained until March, 1893, when he accepted
a position with Thielo Krause, which he tilled until February 1, 1894, when he
resumed his former occupation of driller. Mr. Knoch is one of the owners of the
new < )pera House. Charles Redick being his partner. He was married April 21,
1892, to Hattie Rhey.and has one child, Harold, born April 25, 1893. Politically.
Mr. Knoch is a Democrat, and has filled the office of borough auditor. He is a
member of the German Lutheran church, and is connected with the I. O. O. F.,
and the k. < >. T. M.
John B. Caldwell was born in Jefferson township. Butler county. Penn-
sylvania, December 3, 1844, son of William and Sarah Jane ( Beatty) Caldwell.
His father was a native of Washington county, and a son of Dr. loseph Caldwell,
lor many years one of the leading physicians of that county. Dr. Caldwell was
a native of Scotland. \\ illiam removed to Armstrong county, where he resided
until 1839, and then located on a farm near Frazier's Mills, in Jefferson town-
ship, Butler county, where the remainder of his life was spent. The subject of
this sketch was reared in his native township, and in 1866 settled upon the old
Robinson farm, containing 120 acres, where he has since lived. In October, 1865,
he married Nancy |. Robinson, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah |. (Ramsey)
Robinson, early settlers of the township. Joseph Robinson and wife died upon
that farm. Mrs. Caldwell was born in 1844, and is the mother of six children,
as follows: Joseph C. ; William Ellery ; Sarah Bell, wife of Zeno Ziegler ;
Lynn; Orin, and Leverne F. In 1863 Mr. Caldwell enlisted in Company B,
Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and served thirteen months in the Union army.
Politically, he is a Republican, has been overseer of the poor in bis township, and
was the census enumerator in 1890. He and wife are members of the United
Presbyterian church.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 88 1
Gottfried Reinhold was born in Saxony. German}-, February 10, 1825,
son of Godfrey and Augusta (Quass) Reinhold, natives of the same place. The
subject of this sketch immigrated to St. Louis. Missouri, in 1849, and one year
afterwards he went to the gold fields of California, where lie was engaged in
mining for four years, with much success. In 1S54 lie returned from California
to Saxonburg, Butler county, and purchased the farm upon which lie now lives.
It then contained fifty-nine acres, to which lie has since addeil seventy-one acres,
and is now the owner of a nicely improved place. He also owns forty-seven
acres of coal land in Buffalo township and three houses in Butler borough, south
side. On February 22, 1855, he married Mary Krumpe, a daughter of John M.
Krumpe. a pioneer of Clinton township, born in September. 1885. Mr. Rein-
hold served ten months in the Rebellion, as a member of Company I). Sixth
Pennsylvania Artillery, his term closing with the end of the war. He is the
father of eight children, as follows: \V. Godfrey, who married Maria Pol tz ;
John ; Herman ; Edward ; Mina, wife of George Freithly : Louisa, wife of John
Riemer ; Emma, wife of Charles Beckman, and Tillie. Mr. Reinhold is a Dem-
ocrat, and the family are members of the German Lutheran church.
Richard Smalley was born in Manchester. England. September 3, 1833,
son of John and Maria (Westerman) Smalley, natives of the same place. His
father, who was a shoemaker, was married February is, 1829, and emigrated to
America about 1834. settling in Allegheny, where he continued to follow his
trade for about twelve years. He also spent a year or more in East Liverpool,
Ohio. He purchased a farm in what is now Jefferson township, to which he
removed in 1844, and on which he resided until his death. September 111. 1808,
aged fifty-six years. His wife died December 27, I860, in the fifty-sixth year of
her age. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, he being a
regular attendant and devout member of the Knox chapel, in Winfield township,
during most of his residence in this county. They were the parents of eleven
children, three of whom are now living, viz. : Amelia ; Elizabeth ; Priscilhl ;
Richard: Joseph: Emily; Mary Jane; William, who died in Armory Square
Hospital. Washington, 1). C, February IS. 1863: John I)., deceased, who served
three years in the war of the Rebellion'; Sarah Ann. and George Henry, a suc-
cessful contractor of Allegheny. The onlv surviving members are Priscilla,
Richard and George II. The subject of this sketch resides upon the homestead
farm, where he has lived since the coming of the family to Butler county. In
1858 he married Helena Hill Bicket, a daughter of Matthew and Jane (Sefton)
Bicket, early settlers of Clinton township, Mr. Bicket being now over ninety
years of age. Mr. Smalley has a family of four children, as follows ; Matthew
)., a Presbyterian minister; Ella M. ; Mary E.. and William 11. In politics, he
is a Democrat, and both himself and wife are members of the United Presbyter-
ian church of Clinton township, in which society lie fills the office of ruling
elder.
Henry J. Lonitz was born in Prussia, Germany, in February. 1847. son of
George and Mary (Beyer) Lonitz, natives of Prussia. The family came to the
United States in August. 1852, and settled at Saxonburg, Butler county. Penn-
sylvania. There were two children, Henry L, and Hannah, the latter since
882 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
deceased. The lather died in 1882, and the mother in 1890. Both were mem-
bers of the Evangelical Protestant church. Mr. Lonitz served an apprenticeship
to the carriage maker's trade, at Pittsburg, and worked at that business for
twenty years. About 1881 he returned to Saxonburg, where lie carried on a
shop for a time. In April. 1887, lie purchased the old Bauman farm, a short dis-
tance west of Saxonburg, and the following Tulv one of the finest oil wells in
that part of the county was opened up upon his farm. In September a well pro-
ducing 2,600 barrels per day was brought in upon his mother's place, and alto-
gether there have been about thirteen producing wells upon his farms. This good
fortune has made him one of the prosperous citizens of the community. He is the
owner of 140 acres of land, in one of the best producing oil belts of the county.
On August 2, 1S68, he married Caroline J. Bushman, a daughter of Frederick
and Catherine Bushman, of Pittsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Lonitz are the parents of
two sons and four daughters, as follows: George, born April 13, 1869; Mary,
November 23, 1870, wife of William Aderhold ; William, April IS, 1872; Clara.
March 9, 1874; Anna, June 6, 1877, and Florence, December 23, 1887. The
family are members of the Evangelical Protestant church, and politically, Mr.
Lonitz is a Democrat.
Alpheus Darling, oil producer, was born in the Juniata valley, Juniata
county, Pennsylvania. August 24, 1851, son of Thomas J. and Jane (Purvis)
Darling, the former being at one time an oil producer on Oil creek. Venango
county. He died March 22, 1883, aged sixty-six years: his widow still survives.
Mr. Darling has been in the oil business since early manhood, and is the patentee
ot the Darling (ias Regulator, a well known invention used on gas wells. Since
attaining bis majority he has been in business for himself, first on Oil creek,
Venango county, lor thirteen years, whence he removed to Butler county, locat-
ing at Criswell, and coming to Saxonburg in 189(1. He has been the owner of a
number of good wells, one of which produced for a time 1.00(1 barrels per day,
another 500 barrels, and another 10(1 barrels. Mr. Darling was married June
27. 1881, to Lydia Parker, a native of Armstrong county, and a daughter of
James A. and Sarah A. (llilb'ard) Parker, both of whom are living.
Charles F. Yaehnig was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1822, son of Carl
Yaehnig, a native of the same place. Charles F. was the eldest in a family of
five children, grew to maturity in his native land, and in 1854 married Christina
Ilerold. to which union were born seven children, as follows: Charles F. ;
Adolph G.. deceased ; William A. ; Mary B. : Adolph G. ; Charles, and one that
died in early youth. In 1867 Mr. Yaehnig immigrated to Pittsburg, whence he
came to Saxonburg, Butler county, and followed cattle dealing for several years,
at the end of which period lie purchased the Prank farm, upon which he now
resides. The family are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics, Mr.
Yaehnig is a Democrat.
Charles P. Yaehnig, |k.. eldest in the family of Charles F. and Chris-
tina Yaehnig, was born in Frankenberg, Germany, September 11. 1855, and
came with his parents to the United States in 1867. He grew to manhood in
Saxonburg, and assisted his father in cattle dealing and farming. On April 20,
1882, he married Hannah I!. Heller, a daughter of George L C. Heller of Jeffer-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 883
son township, and has tour children, viz.: Albert F. ; Edmund C. ; Clara I).,
and Emma J. Mr. Yaehnig came to hi* present homestead in 1881, and has
since devoted his attention to farming. He is a member of the Lutheran church,
in which he holds the office of secretary, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
George J. C. Heli.ei: was horn in Germany, December 11, L811, was
reared in his native land, and in 1835 married Sophia Xeuhert. Five children
were born to this union, onlv one of whom survives, Hannah B., wife of Charles
F. Yaehnig. Some years after his marriage Mr. Heller immigrated to Butler
county, purchased a farm in Jefferson township, upon which he resided until his
death, July 26, 1894. His wife died in 1 SS 1 . Both were members of the
Lutheran church, of Saxonburg, in which he had tilled the office of treasurer.
Politically, he was a Democrat.
Joseph L. 15i.akei.ey, son of Andrew and Sarah Jane Blakeley, was born
in Forward township. Butler county, July 22, 1858, and was reared upon the
homestead in that township. He followed farming until 1890, and then embarked
in the grocery trade in Allegheny, which he followed for two years. In 1886
he purchased the George Mechling farm, in Jefferson township, containing 123
acres, and in 1892—93 he erected a substantial resilience and has also made many
other improvements. Mr. Blakeley was married May 12, 1887, to Mary A.
Ziegler, and has three children, viz.: Delia E. ; Myrtle A., and Alvin \Y.
Politically, he is a Republican, and both he and wife are members of the I'nited
Presbyterian church.
Charles Roettig was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 2'2, 1841,
son of William and Caroline Roettig nee Hoffman, natives of Germany. His
father was a tanner, and worked at his trade in Pittsburg until his death,
about 1846, and his mother then removed to Saxonburg, with her three sons,
William J., Charles and Henry, the last mentioned being killed in 1881. The
widow married Charles Kohler, and had one daughter by this union. Hedwig,
wife of John Kohler. of Pittsburg. The subject of this sketch learned the shoe-
maker's trade, and worked at that business until 1866, when he purchased his
present farm in Jefferson township, upon which he has since resided, and is
quite a prosperous farmer. He was married December L'T. 1867, to Paulina
Krause, a sister of Thielo Krause, of Saxonburg. She was born September 4,
1844, and is the mother of four children, as follows : Hedwig, deceased : Clara ;
Charles R., and Alice. Politically, he is a Democrat, has rilled the office of
school director, and served seven years as township auditor. He was a soldier
in the Rebellion, serving one year. He is connected with the I. ( ). ( ). P.. being
a member of both Lodge and Encampment.
Rev. Jacob Wilhelm was born in Germany August PL 1837, and was
educated for the ministry and ordained a minister of the Lutheran church. He
afterwards went as a missionary to Africa, and in 1868 immigrated to Butler
county and settled at Evans City, where he took charge of the Lutheran church.
In 1873 he removed to Beaver county, and in 1874 to Green Oak, Allegheny
county, having charge of a church in each place. In 1876 he located at White
Hall, Allegheny county, as pastor of the Lutheran church at that place, but
owing to ill health was unable to continue his pastorate. He then came to But-
884 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Ier county and purchased the Moser farm in Jefferson township, hut subsequently
removed to Sharpsburg, where he ilieil September S. 1888. His family returned
to the homestead in Jefferson township, where they have- since resided. Mr.
Wilhelm was married April 28, 1868, to Fredericka Maier, a daughter of Gottlob
Maier, of Kornthal, Germany. Nine children were born to this union, as fol-
lows: (iottlieb T. ; Frederick P. ; John P. ; Emanuel J. ; Clara C. M. ; Martha
L. I).; Emilie E. L. ; Emma M. T., deceased, and Hannah J. F. Emanuel J.
was kicked on the head by a horse November 28, 1894, and died December 4.
following, never having fully regained consciousness. He was buried in the
1 Iannahstown cemetery.
Gottlieb T. Wilhelm, eldest in the family of Rev. Jacob Wilhelm. was
born in Evans City, Butler county, April 9, 1870, received a common school
education, and since the death of his father he has been engaged in farming
upon the homestead in Jefferson township. He is a member of the Lutheran
church, and in politics, a Republican.
Rev. Frederick Wilhelm, director of Concordia Home, was born in
Wurtemberg, Germany, July 29, 1840, son of Jacob, and Christina (Jeutter)
Wilhelm. natives ot the same place. lie was educated in a school in his native
town, and subsequently studied at a Theological Missionary Institution, at Chris-
chona, Switzerland. He immigrated to Michigan in 1868, and was ordained
October 11th of that year. He became pastor at Albion, and subsequently at
Kalamazoo, of a German Lutheran church, coming to Butler county in 187", as
pastor of the German Lutheran congregation of Jefferson township, known as
St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran church, of which he had charge for twenty-one
years. He also preached at Freeport, Summit, and Little Germany, in Buffalo
township, in connection witli his regular pastorate. In 1891 he was elected to
his present position, where he has charge of the orphans and aged people which
this charitable institution succors. Mr. Wilhelm's father died in 1S77, and he
went to Germany and brought his mother to this country, where she spent the
remaining years of her life at his home, dying in 1888. lie was married June
Hi. l^To, to Louis Krauss, a daughter of William Krauss, a German Lutheran
minister. She was born May 2, l*-37. and although thev have had no children,
they have reared three from infancy, viz.: Philip Wilhelm. a minister of the
Lutheran church, now residing in Wisconsin: Edward llahn, a teacher, and
Frederick Lang, of Sharpsburg. In politics. Mr. Wilhelm is independent, always
casting his vote for those whom he regards as best fitted for the office.
Hexry I Iai: I'I-.ns ii:i \ was a native of Saxony, Germany, grew to manhood
in his native land, immigrated to Butler county about IMS. and settled on a
farm in Jefferson township. It contained 100 acres, and was located near the
center of the township. He resided upon this farm down to his death. He mar-
ried Augusta Leithold, in Germany, and they were the parents of four children,
as follows: Herman, a steel worker in Ohio; Lewis, of Great Belt ; Caroline,
wife ol Fred Wetzel, of Jefferson township, and Henrietta, widow of Jacob
Beck. The parents were members of the German Lutheran church, and both
died in December. 1892.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 803
Lewis Hartenstein, merchant, was born upon the homestead farm, in
Jefferson township, Butler county, in 1848, son of Henry and Augusta Harten-
stein. lie remained with his parents until 1873, when he embarked in merchan-
dising at Great Belt, where he has continued to carry on business up to the pres-
ent. For the past twelve years he has been postmaster at that point. Mr.
Hartenstein was married in 1872, to Caroline E. Divener, of Millerstown, whose
parents were among the early settlers of that locality. Two daughters are the
fruits of this union, viz. : Clara, and Mollie. The family are members of the
German Lutheran church of Hannahstown, and in politic.-.. Mr. Hartenstein is
a Republican.
Herman G. Koegler. undertaker, was born in Jefferson township. Butler
county, Pennsylvania, near the village of Hannahstown, April 11, 1865, son ol
August and Sophia Koegler, natives of Germany, who came to the United States
in 1845, and settled in Butler county. His father was an undertaker and cabinet
maker, and carried on business in Jefferson township until his death, which
occurred in 1887. His mother is living at the age of seventy-two years. They
were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living, viz. : Louise, wife
of Henrv Grimm, of Winfield township; August F., a resident of the same town-
ship ; Mary, wife of Albert Slupe of Jefferson township, and Herman G The
subject of this sketch learned undertaking and cabinet making with his father,
and since the death of the latter lie has continued to carry on that business. He
was married April 15. L886, to Barbara Bolt/., a daughter of John Bolt/., deceased,
and has three children, viz. : Clara, born July 9, 1887 ; Gilbert, January 2'.), 1889,
and George, June Kb 1892. Mr. Koegler and wife are members of the German
Lutheran church, to which denomination his parents also belonged. Politically.
he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M.
John F. Mudkr, retired furniture dealer and cabinet maker, was born at
Mielhausen, Prussia, February 12, 1820, son of Henrv and Veronica (Gersting)
Muder, natives of the same place. The family came to the United States in 1832,
and arrived at Saxonburg, Butler county-, Pennsylvania. August 24, of that year.
They were among the first settlers of the town, which contained at that time
only one house. Henry Muder was a hotel keeper, but later engaged in farming.
He died at Saxonburg in 1854, anil his wife in 1864, aged sixty-one years, and
sixty-eighty years, respectively. They were among the organizers ot the Evan-
gelical Protestant church of Saxonburg, and were the parents of three sons,
as follows: Godfrey, who died in Pittsburg in early manhood; John E., and
Henry, who died while serving as a soldier in t he Rebellion, from disease con-
tracted in the service, aged sixty-two years. The subject of this sketch learned
the cabinet maker's trade in Pittsburg, and established himself in business a1
Saxonburg in 1840, where he continued to carry on the furniture trade down to
a recent date. Mr. Muder married Amelia Stuebgen. to which union were born
the following children, viz.: Theodore; Josephine; Charles, and William, all
of whom are deail ; Matilda, wife of Van Buren Smith; Robert, and Mary, both
deceased; Henry, who succeeded to his father's business, and John E., an under-
taker of Saxonburg. Mrs. Muder died February 12. 1893. She was a life-long
member of the Evangelical Protestant church, to which denomination hei husband
886 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
also belongs. Politically, he is a Republican, and has been a member of the bor-
ough council, and filled the office of school director for many years. Mr. Muder
is chic of the most respected and representative citizens of Saxonburg, as well as
the oldest living man of the original settlers of that town.
John G. Helmbold was born in Langensalza, Prussia, about 1796, and
in early life became a large land owner and sheep grower. Wishing to keep
larger (locks than was possible in his native land, he visited the United
States in the summer of lNo 1, and on reaching Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, he con-
cluded to come to Saxonburg. Butler county, where were living many of his
friends from the Fatherland. He soon made up his mind to remain in this county,
and bought 1,000 acres of land near the village, which heat once began to
improve. In 1835 be was joined by his wife, whose maiden name was Amelia
F. Specht, and their children, named as follows: Ernest A. ; Emil ; Paulina,
who married August Xagler : Nathalia, who married George Schmidt; Bertha,
who married a Mr. Hettinger; Othelia, who became the wife of Gottlieb .Starke;
Mina, who married Frederick Starke; Matilda, who married Charles Schrepperd;
Emma, wife of Louis Biehl, and Theodore. In the course of a few years Mr.
Helmbold became a very extensive farmer, and one of the wealthiest and most
prosperous citizens in the county. He resided in Saxonburg until his death,
which occurred March 6, 1887, at the ripe old age of ninety years. His wife died
February 28. 1876, aged seventy-six years. They were among the organizers of
the Evangelical Protestant church of Saxonburg, and always gave liberally of
their means towards that society.
Ernest A. Helmbold, eldest in the family of John G. Helmbold, was born
at Sunthausen, near Langensalza, Prussia, June 18, 1819, and was a college
student preparing himself for the ministry at the time his father decided to immi-
grate to the l'nited States. This changed the course of his life, as he was com-
pelled to abandon his studies and give up bis intention of becoming a minister.
After locating in Puller county he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and subse-
quently in merchandising, which became his life vocation. He was married
March 28, 1845, to Christine Nagler, a daughter of John F. and Christina D.
(Meyer) Nagler. natives of Saxony, Germany, where she was born August 31 . 1826.
Her parents came to the l'nited States in ls;$7, and settled in Jefferson township,
Butler county, Pennsylvania, where her father died in 1856, and her mother in
1878, aged sixty-two and seventy -five years, respective!)'. They were members
of the Evangelical Protestant church of Saxonburg, and died in that faith. Mrs.
Helmbold is the mother of six sons and six daughters, only four of whom are
living, viz. : Hedwig ; Mina, wife of Thielo Krause, a merchant of Saxon-
burg; Anna, wife of E. 11. Haeppel, anil Othelia. wife of Christian T. Raabe,of
Saxonburg. Mr. Helmbold was a very successful farmer for several years, being
the owner of six hundred acres of land. In 1N47 he engaged in merchandising
at Saxonburg, and was one ol the successful merchants of the county for a long
period. He was an ardent Democrat, and the Democratic candidate for member
of the legislature at one time, and though he carried Butler county by a hand-
some majority, was defeated by the heavy Republican vote of Lawrence county.
He was a prominent member of the Evangelical Protestant church of Saxonburg,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 8S7
and a very generous contributor towards that organization. He died May 24,
1885, after a residence in Butler county of nearly halt a century. His widow is
a resident of vSaxonburg, and the whole family are connected with the Evangeli-
cal Protestant church.
Theodore Helmbold was born in Saxonburg, Butler county, Pennsylvania,
November 3, 1838, youngest child ot John G. and Amelia F. Helmbold. early
settlers of that village. lie was educated in the public schools of his native
town, anil subsequently took a course at a business college in Pittsburg, then
entered the store of his brother, Ernest A., as a clerk. At the age of twenty
years he embarked in merchandising at Saxonburg, which he continued for over
thirty years. On July 17, 1860, Mr. Helmbold married Mary E. Graham, a
daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wilson) Graham, of Connoquenessing town-
ship, where she was born August 4, 1843. Ten children were born to this union.
as follows: John R. ; Etta L. ; Charles R. ; Edward F., deceased; Louis A.;
Aurelia L, and Marie A., both deceased; Elmer G. ; Clarence E.. and James
A. Mr. Helmbold was one of the successful merchants of the county until
his death, which occurred November 21, 1891. Throughout his long business
career he won and retained the respect and confidence of the people of the com-
munity, and accumulated a large fortune by strict attention to his business and
judicious investments. His widow and son. Louis A., have continued the busi-
ness established by Mr. Helmbold. under the firm name of Mrs. Theodore Helm-
bold & Son. Politically, he was a Republican, was burgess of Saxonburg, also
a school director for many years, and a prominent anil useful member of the
Evangelical Protestant church, in which faith he lived and died.
Louis A. Helmbold was born in Saxonburg, Butler county, June 7, 1869,
son of Theodore, and Mary E. Helmbold. After receiving a common school
education, he entered his father's store as a clerk, and upon the death of the lat-
ter he became a member of the firm, and for the past three years he has assisted
in managing the business. Mr. Helmbold was married August 19, 1891, to
Melinda Christie, a daughter of John and Mary (Lamb) Christie, and has one
son, Theodore Raymond, born December 22. 1892. Politically, he is a Repub-
lican, is a member of the I. O. O. F.. the K. of P.. the K. O. T. M. and the Jr.
O. U. A. M.
Emil Maurhoff was a native of Hanover, Germany, and immigrated to
Butler county, Pennsylvania, about 1832, settling in .Saxonburg. He was an
engineer and surveyor, and assisted in surveying a large amount of the lands in
this county. He married here, Johanna Pollard, a native of Germany, who came
with her parents to this county about 1838. Mr. Maurhoff embarked in mer-
chandising at Saxonburg, which he carried on down to his death. January 2-").
1885. His widow is still a resident of Saxonburg. She and her husband were
among the first members of the Evangelical Protestant church. In politics, he
was a Republican, was justice of the peace for many years, clerk of the courts of
Butler county for one term, and was postmaster at Saxonburg for a long period.
George W. Maurhoff, merchant and postmaster, was born in Saxonburg,
Butler county, January 16, 1854, son of Emil anil Johanna Maurhoff. He was
educated in the public schools of his native town, and was subsequently employed
888 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
as a clerk in his father's store. lie soon after engaged in the hardware and tin
trade, and in 1881 embarked in general merchandising, which he lias continued
up to the present time. In 1891 he was appointed postmaster of Saxonburg.
which office he still occupies. Mr. Maurlmff was married October 26, 1881, to
Clara Logan, a daughter of Joseph Logan, of Jefferson township, and grand-
daughter of David Logan, one of the pioneers of that subdivision. They have
three children, as follows : Oliver; Harry, and Ralph. lie and wife are mem-
bers of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and in politics, he is an ardent
Republican.
Henry F. Aderhold was a native of Saxony, Germany, born in 1805, was
reared in his native land, and came to the United States in 1831, in the same
vessel with John A. Roebling. lie settled in Saxonburg, Butler county, in 1833,
where he erected a hotel opposite the present school building, and was the first
hotel keeper in the village. It was known as the Saxonburg Exchange, and will
be remembered by many of the early settlers. He married Johanna Xaiba, and
to them were born thirteen children, six of whom are living, viz.: Henry; Albert;
II. Harmon; Louisa, wife of Frederick Bauman; Amelia, wife of Emil Pfabe, and
Cecelia, widow of Washington Warnick. The father died January 7, 187V, and
the mother. March !!. ISlii?. aged fiftv-seven years.
Albert Aderhold, second son of Henry F. and Johanna Aderhold, was
born in Saxonburg, Butler county, June 1',), 1842. His birth occurred in the first
hotel erected in that village, and he was reared to the duties of hotel life. He
also worked upon his father's farm, and has continued to follow agriculture since
attaining his majority, being now the owner of a farm containing 120 acres. He
has also an interest in several oil wells upon his farm, and is quite a prosperous
man. Mr. Aderhold was married, February 22, 1870, to Mary Sewering. Her
father. Henry Severing, was born February L 1802. at Hanover, Osnabrekan,
served in the German army, and then immigrated to the United States, enlisted
in the army and served under Capt. \V. T. Sherman, in the Seminole war. He
died April 7. 1888. Mrs. Aderhold's mother's name was Mary Katel, also a
native of Germany. Three children are the fruits of Mr. Aderhold's marriage,
viz.: William; Charles, and Anna. His wife died in April, 1885. Mr. Ader-
hold is an adherent of the Democratic party, and has filled many of the local
offices in his township. He is a member of the K. O. T. M.
Francis Laube, Sr., was a native of Saxony, Germany, born February 14,
1819, son of Nicholas and Fredericka (Hoffman) Laube. natives of the same
place. His father was a brewer, and Francis learned that trade before coming
to the United States in Is:;."). He traveled for two years in this country with a
theatrical troupe, settled at Saxonburg, Butler county, in 1837, established a
brewery and carried on that business for nearly thirty years. From 1865 to
1869 he was engaged in the hotel business as proprietor of the Union Hotel, and
in 1875 he purchased the Michel property, which he rebuilt and remodeled and
opened as the Hotel Laube. He was proprietor of this house until 1885, when
he sold it to his son Francis and retired from business. Mr. Laube was married
in 1850, to Fredericka Hoffman, a native of Saxony, born April 1. 1821. Eight
children were horn to this union, three of whom are living, viz. : Malvena ; Ida,
K <^^J^^>c^^^C^
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH IS. 889
and Francis. Josephine died June 18, 1894. Mr. Laube died July 31, 1891,
and Mrs. Laube, October 15, 1893.
Francis Laube, onlv son of Francis and Fredericka Laube, was horn in
Saxonburg, Butler county. April 2, iSoi'. attended the public schools of the bor-
ough, and learned the brewing business with his father. lie continued with him
in the hotel business down to 1885, when he purchased the Hotel Laube from
his father, ami carried it on until December, 1890, when he sold it to C.J.
Raabe, since which time lie has been engaged in contracting for stone paving
and sidewalks. In 1892 he removed to Butler, where he now resides. In
December. 1893, he became a partner in the Freeport planing mill. On October
8, 1873, he married Mary DmimeyiT, of Punxsutawney, Jefferson county, where
she was born January '22. 1855. Thev are the parents of four children, as fol-
lows: Richard; Lydia ; Ella, and Josephine. Mr. Laube is a Democrat, in
politics, and is a member of the I. O. O. F.
Andrew' Dresher was a native of Saxony, Germany, born in 1813, there
married Fredericka Sengle, a native of the same place, and came to Saxonburg,
Butler county, in 1836. Thev had a family of three children when they came to
this countv. and three were born after their coming. Their names are as fol-
lows : Christina, who married Henry Muder ; Hannah, who married Ilenrv
Edgar; Henry; William: Pauline, wife of Joseph Kohnfelder. and Harmon,
deceased. Mr. Dresher was a carpenter, and followed that business until his
death, in 1862. His wife survived him until 1886. Thev were among the
organizers of the German Lutheran church at Saxonburg.
William Dresher, second son of Andrew and Fredericka Dresher. was
born at Saxonburg, Butler county, June 15, 1838, learned the carpenter's trade
with his father, and also served an apprenticeship to the wagonmaker's trade.
He has carried on the latter business at Saxonburg for many years, and has the
only wagon shop in the borough at the present time. Mr. Dresher was married
in L862, to Dora Bohn. a native of Germany, born Septembers, ls42. Her
father, Christopher Bohn. came to this country in 1848, and is a farmer and a
musician. Six children have been born to this union : Ella, deceased ; Edmund ;
Lydia. wife of Henry Lang: Charles: Wanda, and Emma. The family are
members of the German Lutheran church, and in politics. Mr. Dresher is a Dem-
ocrat. He served in the army during the Rebellion, as a member of Company
E, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for ten months. Hi- has been a
member of the borough council of Saxonburg, and is connected with the K. of I'.
Dr. E. B. MerSHON, of Saxonburg. was born at Youngstown, Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania, May 4. 1849, son of Daniel II. and Mary (Fiscus)
Mershon, the former of French, and the latter of German ancestry. To them
were born two sons and one daughter, all living and prosperous, vi/.. : Emma
H., wife of Thomas McKelvy, a resilient of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania : Dr.
H. L. Mershon. now located at New Kensington. Westmoreland county, and
Dr. E. B. His father was a leading merchant of Youngstown for main years,
was prominently identified with the militia of the county and district and took
an active part in public affairs. The subject of this sketch received an academi-
cal education and engaged in teaching, devoting his spare moments to the study
89O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of medicine. In 1868 he abandoned teaching and devoted his whole time to the
study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. John Dickson, Sr., a leading
practitioner of Pittsburg. In 1872-73 he attended lectures at Jefferson Medical
College, Philadelphia, and in 1 S7f >— 77 at the medical department of the University
of Buffalo, New York, graduating from the latter institution in the spring of
1S77. He also spent considerable time at several of the city hospitals, and there
received much practical knowledge not obtainable from other sources. Dr.
Mershon began his professional career at Youngstown. lie also practiced in
Buffalo, New York, hut his health failing him he was compelled to abandon city
life, and about 1877 located at Saxonburg, where for the past seventeen years he
has enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, ami is recognized as one of the lead-
ing physicians of Butler county. He was married September 14, 1887, to Laura
II. Graham, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Ash) Graham, natives of Forward
township, where (he Grahams were among the first settlers. Two children have
been born to them, one of whom, a son, Edward B. Jr., is living. Dr. Mershon
is a member of the Butler Countv Medical Society, and has been very successful
in his practice. lie is a man of liberal ideas and ranks among the prominent and
substantial citizens of the county.
John Sachs, lumber dealer, was born in Allegheny county. Pennsylvania.
November'.), 1855, son of Frederick and Johanna (Greenert ) Sachs, natives of
Saxony, Germany. His father was a carpenter, learned his trade in Berlin, and
immigrated to Saxonburg, Butler county, in 1852, where he married Johanna
Greenert, who came to this country with her parents in 1887. In 1857 Frederick
Sachs located at Jefferson Centre, in Jefferson township, where he followed
farming and carpentering. In April. 1891, he removed to the borough of Sax-
onburg, where both he and wife reside. The subject of this sketch learned the
carpenter's trade with his father, and worked with him until 1876, when he
became a partner. In 1878 he formed a partnership with Charles Wetzel, as
builders and lumber dealers, which still exists. Mr. Sachs was married July 24,
1877, to Caroline Steinhauser, a daughter of Gottlieb Steinhauser. of Jefferson
township. Her mother was Johanna Raabc.'a sister of Christian Raabe. and
her parents came from Saxony, Germany, to the United States, in 1849. Her
father died July 16, 1890, aged seventy-eight years. Her mother still survives at
a ripe old a<_re. Mr. Sachs has a family of four children, as follows : Clara, born
May 80, 1878; Amelia. October 1. 1 SS 1 ; Ida. deceased, and Lenetta, born May
l!4. 1892. Thi' family are members of the German Reformed church. Politically,
Mr. Sachs is a Democrat, has served in the borough council and also as chief
burgess of Saxonburg. and for several years has filled the office of school director.
He is a member of the I. ( ). ( ). F., the K. of P. and the K. O. T. M.
Frederick Owens was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, born in 1826,
there grew to maturity, and. in 1844, married Mary Harper, also a native of Ire-
land, born in 1828. In IMS they immigrated to New York, thence proceeded to
New Orleans, and located in Allegheny City in 1850, where Mr. Owens went
into the commission business on the site of the West Penn depot. He was one
of the first commission merchants in Allegheny, and transacted a large and lucra-
tive business. During the Rebellion he was under a contract to furnish salt and
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 89 1
dried apples to the Union army, and amassed a large fortune. lie was the first
man in Pittsburg to invest his means in government bonds, thus setting an
example of confidence in the government during the dark days of civil' strife. He
owned a tine farm at Saxonburg, Butler county, and much other valuable real
estate in various places. Mr. Owens was a stanch Republican, and although an
active member of the party, he had no inclination to hold office. He was a
charitable man and contributed freely towards the support of the poor. For
twenty-five years preceding his death, he was a member of the North Avenue
Methodist Episcopal church. By his marriage to Mary Harper, he became the
father of twelve children, five of whom are living, viz. : Mary Jane, wife ol
John Galley : Lizzie, wife of Samuel Morrison; Sarah, wife of Ephron Black ;
Bella, wife of E. H. Becker, and Julia. Mr. Owens retired from business in
1873, and died at his residence in Allegheny, April 13, 1892. During the war
he was instrumental in raising several regiments for the Union army, and was
imbued with very commendable patriotism. Mr. Owens was a gentleman widely
known and esteemed, and gave liberally of his means towards every worthy
object. IIi>- summer residence was at Saxonburg. and he thus became interested
in Butler county.
Joseph \Y. McKee, dentist, was born in Plum Creek township. Armstrong
count v. Pennsylvania, September 26, 1843, son of Thomas A. and Jane (Green-
land) McKee. His grandfather was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to
this country early in the present century, settling in Armstrong county. His
father was born in the latter county, where he is still residing, being now almost
eighty years of age. The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's
farm, obtained a common school education, and at the age of nineteen enlisted
in Company E, Fifty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for three months' service.
Upon the expiration of his term, he re-enlisted in Company M, Fifth Pennsyl-
vania Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war, participating in the
many engagements in which his regiment took part. He commenced the study
of dentistry- in 1869, graduated in 1870, and in 1871 began practice at Elder-
ton. Armstrong coun'v. In 1872 he located at Saxonburg, Butler county, where
he has since continued in the successful practice of his profession, being the only-
dentist in the borough. Dr. WcKee was married March 1. 1866, to Pauline
Woodward, a daughter of James G. and Lavina Woodward, and granddaughter
of Judge Woodward, of Armstrong county. They are the parents of three chil-
dren, viz. : Alice G. ; Albert T.. and Mary P. In politics. Dr. McKee is an
independent voter, while in religion, he adheres to no particular denomination.
His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. All through life he
has been an ardent admirer of secret societies, and at the present time is a mem-
ber of the I. O. O. F., Jr. O. U.A. M., K. O. T. M.. and the G. A. R.,andholds
responsible positions in most of these lodges.
Weston W. Lasher, physician and surgeon, was burn upon his lather's
farm in Armstrong county. Pennsylvania, July 12, 1870, and is a son of Johns-
ton and Nancy C. (Hall) Lasher, and a grandson of Abraham Lasher, a native
of Armstrong county, born about 1809. Abraham was a farmer, married Mar-
garet Gould, and became the father of twelve children. He died in 1885, and
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
his wife in 1888. They were members of the Church of God, in which society
he filled the office of elder. Johnston Lasher was the fifth son in the family of
Abraham Lasher; was born upon his lather's homestead, in 1849; grew to man-
hood in Armstrong county, and in 1869 married Nancy C. Hall, a daughter of
Weston Hall, of the same county. They became the parents of seven children,
four of whom survive, viz. : Weston W.; Annie C. : Clara R., and Lawrence L.
In l^v:> the family removed to Phillipsburg, Beaver county, where they remained
for four veals, then located in Allegheny, where Mr. Lasher is engaged in the
business of sewer building. The subject of this sketch received a common school
education, and completed his studies at Tarentum Academy; he afterwards com-
menced the study of medicine, attended lectures at the Baltimore Medical Col-
lege and subsequently at West Penn Medical College, graduating from the latter
institution in March, 1893. He took charge of the practice of his uncle, l)r. W.
T. Hall, of Tarentum. during the hitter's absence in Europe, and located at
Saxonburg, Butler county, in August. 1893. Dr. Lasher was married December
15, 1890, to Eva Fyock, of Pittsburg, and has one son, Ralph C. He is a
Republican in politics, and takes an active interest in public affairs. Since com-
ing to Saxonburg, Dr. Lasher has succeeded in building up a good practice, and
stands well among his professional brethren.
Elmer E. Graham, principal of the Saxonburg public schools, was born
in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, April HI, 1*01. lie received his
primary education in the schools of his native township, and subsequently at-
tended the public schools of Butler and the Witherspoon Institute. In 1882 he
commenced teaching in Butler, ami afterwards taught in Buffalo, Summit and
Middlesex townships. In the fall of 1888 lie was appointed principal of the
Saxonburg schools, which position he has since occupied to the entire satisfaction
of tin- community. Mr. Graham was married May f>, 1891, to Ida Kaabe, a
daughter of Christian Raabe, of Saxonburg, and has one daughter, Viola, born
March 21, 1893. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, of Butler,
while his wife is an adherent of the Evangelical Protestant church. Mr. Graham
has been quite active in local political affairs for several years, is a stanch
Republican, and has been a member of the county committee at different times.
He is connected with the K. of P.. the Jr. O. U. A. M., the K. ( ). T.M.,the O.
T. W., and the I. O. O. E.
Christian L Raabe, son of the late Christian and Caroline (Schroth)
Raabe. was born in Saxonburg, Butler county, Pennsylvania, March 25, 1867.
He received a practical education in the schools of the borough. In 1881 he
went to Freeport and learned the barber's trade. In 1883 he returned to Saxon-
burg and opened a shop of his own. which he carried on until 1891, when he
purchased the Hotel Laube, which he -till conducts. Mr. Raabe is an active
member of several lodge-., belonging to the Encampment ami Rebekah degrees.
1. O. (). F. : K. of P.. and W. of W. He is a member of the German Lutheran
church, and takes an active part in church affairs, In politics, he is a stanch
Democrat. In 1892 he was a delegate to the State convention at Harrisburg, and
in 1894 was one of the Democratic candidates tor the legislature. June 20, 1889,
be married Ofhelia. youngest daughter of the late 1-:. A. Helmbold, of Saxon-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 893
burg, to which union have been born three son>, viz.: Herbert, born Julys.
1890; Norman, July 15, 1892, and Ellsworth, December 27, 1893.
Frederick Pfaue, proprietor of the Saxonburg Hotel, was burn in Jefferson
township, Butler county, February 20, 1860, son of Henry J. and Wilhelmina
(Hoffman) Pfabe of this township. His father died in 1885, and his mother in
1890, aged sixty-four and sixty-six years, respectively. Frederick was reared
upon the homestead farm, and was subsequently employed upon the West Penn
railroad. In 1890 lie engaged in the hotel business in Saxonburg, since which time
he has carried it on very successfully, Saxonburg being quite a well known sum-
mer resort for citizens from Pittsburg. Mr. Pfabe was married April 18, 1881,
to Alwena Ruediger, and has three children, viz. : Lydia : Hattie, and Herbert.
Politically, Mr. Pfabe is a Republican, and is a member of the K. of P., and
the I. O. (). F.
Frederick Bau.max, marble dealer, was born in Saxony, Germany,
September 19, 1887. son of Christian Bauman and J. Christina Corning,
natives of Germany. In 183s his parents immigrated to Butler county, and set-
tled on a farm in Jefferson township. His father was a carpenter, and worked
at his trade in connection with farming, down to his death, October 20, 1883,
aged eighty-four years. I lis mother died April 19, 1886, at the age of seventy-
five years. Both were members of the German Lutheran church, and died in
that faith. Frederick was reared upon a farm and learned the carpenter's trade
with his father. At the age of eighteen he began to learn marble cutting, and
engaged in business at Saxonburg in 1858, where he has been the only mar-
ble dealer for many years. On November 20, 1860, he married Louisa Aderhold.
a daughter of Henry F. and Johanna Aderhold. She is a sister of Albert
Aderhold, of Jefferson township, and was born in Saxonburg. July 12, 1840,
her parents being natives of Germany, who settled in this locality in 1833. Ten
children have been born to this union, as follows: William H. : Aaron L. :
Charles E. ; Harris E. ; Clara E.. deceased; Alice A.; Mary Emelie ; Robert
M. : Louis E., and Walter L. In February, 1865, Mr. Bauman enlisted in Com-
pany E, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of
the war. His brothers, Herman C, and Ernest A., were also soldiers in the
Rebellion. John H. was the only brother not in the service. Politically, he is
a Republican, and in religious faith, a Lutheran.
William J. Chesney, contractor, was born in Slippery Rock township,
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, February 1 I, 1S43. son of John and Cath-
erine (Stoner) Chesney. His father was a native of Ireland, and was brought
by his parents to Chester county, Pennsylvania, when a year old. there grew
to maturity, and removed with his mother to Lawrence county, where she
died, his father having died in Chester county. William J. learned the black-
smith's trade from his father, and worked at that business until 1863, when he
became employed in the oil fields, first as a laborer and then as a contractor in
drilling wells, which business he has since followed successfully. Mr. Chesney
located at Saxonburg in 1891, where he has resided for the past four years. lie
married Eunice Elizabeth Grimm, in February, 1872. She was born January l(i.
I S47. and is a daughter of Michael ami Mary (Hammel) Grimm, of Columbiana
894 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
county, Ohio, where her father is an oil operator and merchant. She is the
mother of five children, as follows: Lloyd, born November 10, 1872; May. Octo-
bers, ls7-".; Kitty. October 18, 1877: Maggie, March 3, 1880, and Willie-. March
28, 1884. Mrs. Chesney is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Polit-
ically, Mr. Chesney is a Republican, is a member of the 1. O. O. F., and is con-
nected with the American Legion of Honor.
Ciiaui.es Wetzel, builder, was horn in Saxonburg borough, Butler county.
Pennsylvania, June 17. 1856, son of Gottfried and Caroline (Raabe) Wetzel,
natives of Germany. Gottfried Wetzel came to this country in early manhood
with his parents, was a wagonmaker, and among the early settlers of Butler
county. He died in 1880; his widow is still a resident of the county. The sub-
ject of this sketch learned the wagonmaker's trade with his lather, subsequently
acquired the carpenter's trade and has been a carpenter and builder for several
years, and also a dealer in lumber. He has recently erected for himself one of
the most commodious resiliences in Saxonburg. Mr. Wetzel was married June
10, 187U, to Mary Seibert, a daughter of Conrad Seibert, a retired fanner. She
was born October 3, 1856, and is the mother of four children : Albert, born Jan-
uary 7, 1883; Walter, born June 7. 1886; Howard, born January HI. 1890, and
Delia, born March If,, 1894. Mr. Wetzel is connected with the I. O. O. F..both
Lodge and Encampment, and is also a member of the K. of P.
Charles Pfeiffek, merchant ami liveryman, was born in Alsace, Ger-
manv, August 15, 1851, son of Anton and Elizabeth (Goetz) Pfeiffer, natives
of Germain. His father was a cooper, and died in 1852. His mother died in
1865. In 1872 Mr. Pfeiffer came to the United States and settled in Pittsburg,
where he worked at his trade, that of shoemaker, for eight years. He then came
to Saxonburg.- where he continued the same business until 1890, when he opened
a flour and feed store, which he carried on in connection with a livery Stable. He
also operates the stage line between Saxonburg and the railroad station. Mr.
Pfeiffer has been twice married; first to Amelia Glontz, to whom were born
seven children. She died in 1887, and he was again married, to Mrs. Minnie A.
Wagner, to which union have been born two children. Mr. Pfeiffer is a
Republican, and is a member of the K. of P.. and the K. O. T. M.
|.\MKs C. Gray, ganger, was horn in Indiana county, Pennsylvania.
December 22, 1853, son of William ami Eleanor (Beck) Gray, the former of
Irish and the latter of German nationality. The family came to Butler county
about 1876 and located at Millerstown, where the father died at the age of
seventy-two years. William and Eleanor Gray, were the parents of eight chil-
dren, seven of whom are living, viz. : Sarah, wife of William Turner; Charles
C. ; Carrie, wife of F. A. Sutton; William II.; Mary, deceased; Hannah J.,
wife of Thomas Moore ; John W., and James C. At the age of fourteen the last
mentioned began to work in the oil fields, and since 1887 he has been in the
employ of the National Transit Company, being now their gauger tor the thirty-
third district, embracing Jefferson township and some adjoining territory. Mr.
Gray was married August 26, 1875, to Ilanna J. Ritchie, a native of Indiana
county. He is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the A. O. I . W..
the I. O. O. F., and the K. of P.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S95
Henry Lang, blacksmith, was born in Jefferson township, Butler county.
October 21, 1863, son of John and Eva (Kronfenstine) Lang, natives of Brier,
Germany. 1 1 i- lather was born July 1. 1815, came to the United States in 1850,
worked at Ii is trade of blacksmith, in Pittsburg, until 1 S~>7. anil then located at
Saxonburg, Butler county, where he followed blacksmithing down to 1880,
when he retired from business. John Lang is a son of Conrad Lang. Henry
learned the blacksmith trade with his father, and assumed control of the business
in 1880, upon the retirement of the latter, since which time he has continued in
successful business. He has been quite prosperous, and lias recently erected for
himself one of the finest residences in the township. lie is a member of the K.
of P., and in politics, he is a stanch Democrat. Mr. LanL,r married Lydia
Dresher, in April, 18S7. She is a daughter of William Dresher, of Saxonburg,
and is the mother of one son, Elmer, born August 8, 1891. Mr. Lang and wife
are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church.
Henry Sefton was born in Antrim county, Ireland, and was reared to man-
hood in his native land. He immigrated to Pennsylvania when a young man.
and in 1790 purchased a farm, then in Buffalo, but now in Clinton township,
Butler county, containing 200 acres of unimproved land. The same year he mar-
ried Jane Quinn, erected a cabin in the unbroken forest, and there the young
couple began their married life. He was offered an adjoining tract for his riile,
but refused the offer, considering the rifle of more value than the land. lie became
the father of nine children, named as follows : Edward ; James; John ; Jane, who
married Matthew Bicket : Henry; Mary Ann, who married Robert Cox, and
for her second husband, David Logan; Catherine, who married William Logan ;
Ellen, and William, all of whom are dead. Mr. Sefton and wife were members
of the Union church. He died in 1*40, his wife surviving him several years.
In politics he was first a Whig and afterwards a Democrat, and filled the office
of township collector and other minor positions.
Edward Sefton. Si:., was born on the homestead in what is now Clinton
township. Butler county. September 1(), 1802, was educated at a subscription
school, and followed farming throughout his life. In IM'7 he married Elizabeth
Thompson, a daughter of Robert Thompson, of Middlesex township, who became
the mother of eight children, viz. : Edward; Jane; Robert; Esther, who mar-
ried David Campbell, and afterwards Morris Craven: Eli/.a, who married John
Westerman ; Henry, deceased ; Isabel, who married David Hazlett, and William.
Mr. Sefton died in 1869, and his wife. September 12, 1887. They were members
of the Seceder church, in which he tilled the office of elder for twenty-five years.
In early life he was a Whin', was afterwards a Republican, and tilled the offices
of school director and assessor in Clinton township.
Edward Sekton was born in Perm township, Butler county, May 9, 1828,
and is the eldest child of Edward and Elizabeth Sefton. He was reared upon the
farm, learned the carpenter's trade, and follows that business in connection with
farming. On April 2(1, 1852, he married Margaret Hay, a daughter of James
Hay, of Middlesex township, to which union have been born ten children, as fol-
lows : Edward; James M. ; John; David 11. ; Eliza J.; Maggie L. ; William
S. : Joseph M. ; Robert, and Thomas. Mr. Sefton is a member of the United
896 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY,
Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican. He ha*, filled the offices
of school director and road commissioner, and i- one ol the enterprising citizens
of his township. < )n Februan 1J. ISG5, he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-
eight Pennsylvania Volunteers, was mustered in at Pittsburg, whence he went
to Harrisburg, and was sent to Nashville, Tennessee. He remained at the latter
point until September 11. and on his \\a\ home was taken sick at Cincinnati
with typhoid fever, was brought on to Pittsburg, hut did not recover for eight
months, lie was honorably discharged at Harrisburg, and then returned to his
home.
William Love, Sit., was one of the early settlers of Clinton township,
locating upon the Harvey farm in lSOI'i. He was ;i native of Ireland, and came
from Delaware to Butler county with his wile and family, lie was married in
Ireland to Martha Sorson. Several years alter his settlement, he purchased 200
acnes of land where his grandson. Samuel M.. now lives, and here died in Octo-
ber, li^4!~\ his wife having died the previous May. Both were buried in the
Westminster graveyard. Their children were as follows: James, who died in
early manhood ; Samuel, who married Elizabeth Holsten; Rachel, who married
George Kernahan; Robert, who married Sarah Holsten; William, who married
Mary Thompson: Martha, who became the wile of James Kerr, and Elizabeth
who married Samuel Trimble.
William Love, son of William and Martha Love, was born in 1803, and
came with Ins parents to Clinton township, Butler county, when three years old.
Here he grew to manhood, and afterwards received 100 acres of the homestead
from his father. He erected the brick house now occupied by George Wiske-
man. spent his entire life in farming pursuits, and died on February 27, 1892.
lie married Mary Thompson, a daughter of Robert Thompson, who died January
1, 1885. Fourteen children were born to this union, as follows : Samuel M ;
Isabel, deceased wife of Robert Speer; Thompson ; Martha, wife of John W.
Loech ; Mary, wile of Francis Donaldson; Ann. wife of John E. Thompson:
Rachel, deceased: fames; William; Elizabeth; Nancy, wile of William Peaco:
Robert; George, and Newton. Politically, Mr. Love was a Whig in early days,
and later a Republican. He was tirst a member of the Seceder church, but upon
the organization of the United Presbyterian denomination, he united with that
society.
Samuel M. Love, eldest son of William and Mary Love, was born on April
7. L830, in Clinton township. He learned the carpenter's trade, and followed
that business until 1898, in which year he settled on a portion of the old home-
stead. He married Mary J. Harbison, and they are the parents of the following
children: II. W. ; George 11.. deceased; Ella M. ; Maggie J.; Inez, wife of
George Wiskeman : James 'I'.; Mary E. ; Samuel II.; |ohn II. K.. deceased,
and Charles A. Mr. Love is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and
in politics, he is a Republican.
II. W. Love, eldest son ol Samuel M. and Mary J. Love, was born Feb-
ruary Hi, IS";;}, in Clinton township, was reared on the homestead, and at the
age of seventeen commenced learning the blacksmith's trade. He afterwards
engaged in business at Saxonburg. and followed his trade until the spring of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. $97
1893, when he formed ;i partnership with VV. A. Krumpe, under the firm name
of Krumpe & Love anil began the manufacture of brick and tile. Their plant
consists of three acres of pits, a building twenty-four bv eighty, a brick machine
with a capacity of 20,000 bricks a day. and 15,000 tiles, a kiln with a capacity of
50,000 bricks and 20,000 tiles, all operated by a twenty-five horse power engine.
They give employment to six men. Mr. Love married Lizzie Krumpe, a daugh-
ter of C. Krumpe. and lias two children. Charles anil Ira. He is a member of
the United Presbyterian church, is connected with the Jr. ( >. U. A. M.. and in
politics, he is a Republican.
\V. A. Krumpe, son of Charles and Kate (Bauer) Krumpe. was born
December 9, 1869, in Clinton township, and was reared upon a farm. At the
age of seventeen he became a salesman for the McCormick Reaper Company,
which business he followed until the spring of 1893, when he formed a partner-
ship with II. VV. Love, under the firm name of Krumpe i\: Love, and has since
been engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile. He is a member of the
Lutheran church, is connected with the Jr. ( >. U. A. M.. and is an ardent sup-
porter of the Republican party.
James Love, a native of Ireland, born in 1790, came to Butler county, in
1816, leaving bis wife in Ireland, and settled in Buffalo, now Clinton township.
His uncle. William Love, hail previously settled in the township, and it is be-
lieved he induced James to come to the United States. He was a son of Samuel
and Betsey Love, who came from Ireland with lames' wife, some two years
later, and settled on a small farm in Clinton township. Two other sons. Samuel
and Robert, came with their parents. Samuel located in Jefferson township, and
Robert in Washington county. The subject of this sketch was a weaver, and
followed his trade in Clinton township, in connection with farming. He first
settled on the farm now owned by George Maizland, but in 1824 purchased the
property, now comprising the home of W. W. Armstrong, his son-in-law. It
contained 2(>0 acres, and was originally settled bv John Heckart, and John Sny-
der. This farm he improved, and spent the remaining years of his life thereon,
dying in 1857. Mr. Love, was a very social, genial man, and played on the fid-
dle for the amusement of his neighbors, having brought the instrument from his
native land. He possessed considerable enterprise and took an active interest in
the development of his adopted home. His wife's maiden name was Nancy
Hutchison, who became the mother ot the following children : James, born in
Ireland, and died on the homestead in IS'.IO; Samuel, who died in 1857 : John, a
resident of Clinton township; George, who lives on the old farm ; William, who
died in Missouri; Obadiah, who died in Clinton township, in 1893; Mary Ann.
deceased wife of William Heckart; Robert, a resident of Westmoreland county,
and Sarah J., wife of W. VV. Armstrong, of Allegheny, Mrs. Love survived
her husband twenty years, and died in 1,^77. The)" were members of the Cove-
nanter church, and connected with the Lovejoy congregation. In harmony with
his religious convictions, Mr. Love took no interest in political matter-.
George Love, son of James and Nancy Love, was born on the farm first
settled bv his father, in 1824, but was reared upon the second homestead. He
received a common school education, and remained with bis parents until their
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
decease, lie after wards purchased the farm, and owned it until 188U, then sold
it to Ids brother-in-law, VV. W. Armstrong, and purchased the William Walker
farm, but still resides upon the old homestead. lie is a member of the Reformed
Presbyterian church, a genial, intelligent gentleman, and one of the enterprising
and successful farmers of the township.
James Criswell was born in the City of Deny, Ireland, in 1791, there
grew to manhood, and in 1819, made up his mind to come to the United States.
After a stormy voyage across the Atlantic in the ship " Constellation," occupy-
ing some thirty days, the vessel was wrecked off the coast of Nova Scotia, anil
the passengers lost everything except the clothes upon their backs. From St.
John's, New Brunswick, Mr. Criswell worked his passage to Philadelphia, anil
walked from that city to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was glad
to get work on a farm at tour dollars and fifty cents per month, and take his pay
in trade. Here he met and married, in 1825, Jane Brownlow. a native of Derry
county. Ireland, horn in 1S(>4. She came with her parents to Philadelphia, and
thence by wagon to Washington county, Pennsylvania. They had to pay seven
dollars and fifty cents in gold per 100 pound- for their baggage transportation
from Philadelphia to Pittsburg, and she. too, was weighed and charged for at the
same rate, her parents walking the whole distance to save expense, and spending
fourteen days on the journey. In 1830 Mr. Criswell purchased a farm from Hugh
Davis, ot Allegheny, containing "200 acres more or less," lying in Clinton town-
ship, Butler county, for which he paid $500. When the tract was afterwards
surveyed it was found to contain 240 acres. There were some four acres cleared
and a small log cabin, with puncheon flooring and a door made of sawed boards,
with wooden hinges, in fact one of those old fashioned structures so common in
pioneer days. Mr. Criswell resided upon this farm forty years, dying April 30.
1870. His wife died on August 11, 1882. They reared a family of six sons and
three daughters, and three children died in infancy. The oldest. William, was
horn in Washington county, February 13, 1829, learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed in Allegheny, and resides in that city; James, horn January
27, 1831, resides at Sharpsburg ; Letitia, horn October 17, 1832, married Moses
Marshall in 1854, and died in Kansas, March L9, 1894 ; Thomas, born August 15,
1834, went west with his sister Letitia and her husband, followed the lumber
business down to the war. served in the Seventh Minnesota Regiment, and now
resides at West Elizabeth, Pennsylvania; Robert, born October 11. 1831); Eli/.a
Jane, born November 28, 1837, married John C. Norris, of Clinton township,
and died November 8, 1862; Joseph, born April 7. 1840, remained on the home-
stead with his parents, until August 11, 1861, then enlisted in Captain McLaugh-
lin's company, served until the close of the war, and now resides in Butler town-
ship; John A., horn February 25, 1JS42, served in Captain Hutchison's Com-
pany, .Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and is now a resident of Washington, Penn-
sylvania; Robert Ross, horn December 12, 1845, who also served in Captain
Hutchison's company, and is an inmate of the Soldiers' Home, at Erie, and
Susannah Belle, born October 4, 1849, married |ohn Burtner, and resides in
Clinton township. All of the children except the eldest were born upon the old
homestead in Clinton township.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. S99
Thomas Westermam was born in Manchester, England, December II.
1809, there grew to manhood and learned the machinist's trade. lie immigrated
to Pennsylvania, and settled in Allegheny City, where he continued to work at
his trade. In 1^82 he married Hannah Tenant, a daughter of William Tenant,
and in 1839 purchased a farm of KM) acres in Clinton township, Butler county,
upon which he settled the same year. Both he and wife resided here the balance
of their lives. lie died August 16, 1887, and his wife, November '.). 1871. They
were the parents of ten children, as follows: William T. ; John II.: Thomas;
Mary A., who married Harrison Norris ; George R. ; Henry J.; Sarah J.;
Edward; Hannah I?., who married Perry McCall, and Eli/.a E., who married
Seth Mead. Mr. Westerman was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.
Edward Westerman was born in Clinton township. Butler county. August
2, 1M51, and is the youngest son of Thomas and Hannah Westerman. He was
reared upon the farm, assisting his parents with the home duties, and received a
common school education. In January. 1875, he married Emma C. Burtner, a
daughter of William Burtner, of Clinton township, and they are the parents of
the following children : Ethel M. ; Ella M. ; Margaret E. ; William P.; Sarah E. ;
Emily E. ; Philip R. ; James R. ; Hannah, and Cora. Mr. Westerman is a
Republican.
Stewart Montgomery was a native or Derry county, Ireland, and immi-
grated to Pennsylvania, in 1881, and settled in Pine township, Allegheny county,
where his son Samuel had preceded him. He subsequently removed to West
Deer township, settling close to the Butler line, where he purchased KM) acres of
land and spent the remaining years of his life thereon, dying about IS;")'.). He was
married in Ireland to Jane Patterson, to whom were born the following children :
Mrs. Mary Stewart, who lived and died in Ireland : Samuel ; John : Archibald :
Elizabeth, who married George Ewing: Thomas, who died in Allegheny county,
in 1894, and Margaret J., a resident of the same county. The others all died in
Clinton township. Mr. Montgomery was an early member of Pine Creek United
Presbyterian church.
Samuel Montgomery, eldest son of Stewart and lane Montgomery, was
born in Derry county, Ireland, in 1S0-J. grew to manhood in his native land, and
immigrated to the United States in 1827. The following year he settled in Pine
township, Allegheny county, subsequently removing to Pittsburg, where he fol-
lowed the brickmaker's trade until 1S47. in which year he purchased 224 acre- of
land in Clinton township, Butler county. Here he settled and remained until
1858, when he removed to Pittsburg, ami died in that city in 1865. Mr. Mont-
gomery was married in Ireland, in 1827, to Eleanor Bard, who died in Pittsburg,
in 1880. Five children were born to this union, vi/.. : John; Mary J., wife of
Thomas Watson ; Archibald, and Samuel, both deceased, ami Margaret, deceased
wife of James Harrison. Mr. Montgomery was a member of Pine Creek United
Presbyterian church, anil in politics, he was a Republican.
John Montgomery, eldest son of Samuel and Eleanor Montgomery, was
born in Philadelphia, December 18, 1*27, and was reared in Pittsburg. lie was
educated in the common schools, and learned the brickmaker's trade, which he
followed until 1817, then came with his father to Butler county, and in 1857
900 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
located on a farm in West Deer township, Allegheny county. lie afterwards
purchased 108 acres of the old homestead in Clinton township, erected buildings,
and has since been engaged in farming. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Com-
pany F, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until the close of the war,
participating in the following engagements: Bridgewater, Fisher's Hill, Cedar
Creek. Mount Jackson, and Waynesboro, close to Winchester, Virginia, and was
discharged on June 1:.', 1865. In politics. Mr. Montgomery is a Republican, has
served as school director for ten years, and tilled other township offices. lie is a
member of James Harvey Post, (!. A. R. lie married Catherine Flick, a daughter
ol Henry Flick, who iias borne him the following children : Samuel ; Henry F. ;
Emma E. ; Mary E.. wife of R. E. Morrow ; George W.; Albert: Harvey C. ;
Margaret J., wife of Thomas Morrow ; William II.. and Bertha E. Mr. Mont-
gomery is one of the enterprising farmers of his township.
Henry Halstead was bom in Lancastershire. England. April 24, 1809, the
son of Robert llalstead. He was reared in his native country, and was a calico
printer by trade. In 1832 became to Philadelphia, and thence removed to Pitts-
burg, where he was engaged in peddling notions until 1838. In that year
he purchased a farm at Sarversville, in Buffalo township. where he
remained until 1846, and then bought and settled upon the farm where
his son John now resides. He developed the coal deposits upon this farm,
opening three banks, ami carried on an extensive business for some years. He
died June .">. 1886. lie was married in England to Jane Martin, a daughter of
James Martin, and their children are named as follows: Margaret, wife of Sam-
uel Snyder: John; Mart ha , wife of Martin Hartung ; James, deceased: Jane,
deceased w ife of William Sheppard : Henry 11. ; Mary A., wife of Jacob Hartung;
Isabel, deceased wife of Milo Johnson, and Samuel M.. of Kansas. Mrs. Hal-
stead died on November ."). 1888. In politics, he was a Democrat until 1856, when
he became a Republican.
JOHN HaI-STEAD, eldest son of Henry and Jane llalstead. was born April 7.
is:;;"), and was reared in Pittsburg, and in Butler county. In 1861 Ik- enlisted in
Company C, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve, and served three years, participat-
ing in all the engagements of his regiment up to the battle of Gettysburg, where
he was severely wounded and sent to the hospital at York, Pennsylvania. He
was discharged at the expiration of his term of service, and returned to his home
in Clinton township. He subsequently embarked in the hotel business in Alle-
gheny, but returned to the farm and is now engaged in farming and mining on
tin- homestead. IK- married Sarah A. Hazlett, and their children are as follows:
James II. (). ; John E. M. ; Franklin W. II.; Etta A. M. ; Jane E. 15.; Sarah M.
P., and Samuel E. E., deceased. Mr. llalstead is a member of Puller Camp,
Number 45, V . V. L., also of James Harvey Post, Number 514, (i. A. R.
HENRY II. Halstead, son of Henry and Jane llalstead, was born near
Sarversville, Butler county, March IS. 1843, was reared upon the farm and edu-
cated in the common schools. In October. 1862, he enlisted in Company E, One
Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months.
In February, 1864, he again enlisted, in Company F, Independent Eight Artillery,
and served until June 26, 1865. A few months after his enlistment he was
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. OO I
detached for duty under General Hunter, in the Shenandoah valley, and remained
there until the war closed. Returning home, he engaged in droving for the
Pittsburg market, was next engaged in coal mining for nine years, and in 1875
purchased his present farm of 107 acres, in Clinton township, upon which lie ha-,
made all of the improvements. Mr. Ilalstead was married in November, 186(5,
to Sarah Griffith, a daughter of Joseph Griffith, of Allegheny county, and has
five children, viz.: Eliza J.: James G. ; Joseph C; Albert 11. S., and Everet J.
11. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, has served as school director for nine
years, and is quite an ardent supporter of the public schools. lie is a member of
Emery Chapel, Methodist Episcopal church, and is connected with James Har-
vey Post, G. A. R. lie is one ot the leading farmers and public -spirited citizens
of his township.
William Morrison was born in Venango county. Pennsylvania, about
1820, son of Matthew Morrison, a native of Mifflin county, horn March 14. 1 707.
Matthew Morrison married a Miss Howe, who was born in Philadelphia,
December 24, 1801. He died September 1 1, 1867, and his wife. August 26, 1882,
in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. After arriving at manhood, William Mor-
rison came to Butler county. In 1847 he married Martha Stewart, of Lawrence
county, and carried on a wagon factory in the borough of Butler for several
years. He finally moved to Penn township, where he purchased fifty acres of
hind, and died upon his farm in 1867. During the Rebellion he served in Com-
pany B, Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and had charge of the magazine. Mr.
Morrison was the father of nine children, viz : Robert A. ; John II.; Elizabeth
]"... who married Robert Critchlow ; Charles \Y. : fames C. ; Joseph S. ; Har-
riet L.. who married William Wood ; Nancy, who married William Emrick, and
William M.. deceased. The family were connected with the Methodist Episco-
pal church, in which society Mr. Morrison served as Sabbath school superin-
tendent. In politics, he was a Republican.
Charles W. Morrison was born in Butler borough. Butler county, July
27. 1856, son of William and Martha Morrison. His education was obtained in
the common schools, and his whole attention has been devoted to farming. On
July 4, 1877, he married Jennie Williams, a daughter of Morgan Williams, of
Allegheny county. They are the parents of the following children : Martha M.:
William M. ; Charles R. ; Clarence W . : Lila I.: Harry T. ; Alti I., and Olive
E. In 1889 Mr. Morrison purchased the Criswell farm, containing 1 4-"> acres.
where he has since resided. He also owns a farm in Penn township, and has
been a successful oil operator for many years. In politics, he is a Republican,
and one of the enterprising citizens of his township.
Charles Boick was born in Buffalo, New York, October 24, L840, son of
Isaac Boice, a native of Brunswick. New Jersey. His father was a sailor, and
about 1835, was married to Rosanna Rogers, of Buffalo, where he was working
at his trade. They were the parents of six children, viz.: Cornelius, deceased :
William, a resident of St. Paul. Minnesota; Leonard; John 11.. deceased;
Charles, and Eliza A., deceased. The mother died in Buffalo in 1861, and her
husband removed to Pithole, Venango county, in 1864, thence to Hunter's Point,
New York, and then to Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, where he died in 1880.
f>02 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
The subject of tills sketch received a common school education, and learned the
plumber's and gas fitter's trade, at which he worked in Buffalo until his removal
to Plumer, Venango county, in 1863. He afterwards worked at Pithole for six
years, and for the following six years had charge of the Empire Oil Works, at
Hunter's Point, New York, whence he removed to Etna, Allegheny county. In
1881 he settled in Clinton township, Butler county, where he has since resided.
Mr. Boice has been twice married. In March, 1864, he married Susan Over-
heim, a daughter of Daniel Overheim, of Plumer. Venango countv, who bore
him six children, viz. : Sarah F. ; William; Daniel; John II., and Elizabeth.
both deceased, and Charles. Mrs. Boice died February 21, 1*75, and he was
again married. November 29, 1880, to Sarah Overheim. a sister of his first wife.
He has been a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and in politics, is a
Republican. Mr. Boice is superintendent of the Natural Gas Company, Lim-
ited, which position he has tilled for nearly nineteen years.
James Simpson, son of William and Mary (Moffat) Simpson, was born in
Antrim county, Ireland. April 6, 1837. He was educated in a private school,
and learned the butcher's trade in his native land. In 1853 lie immigrated to the
United Slates, and followed carpet weaving in Philadelphia for some years. He-
then found employment in the iron mills of Pittsburg, which business he followed
for sixteen years. In 1878 he moved to his present farm of 100 acres, in Clinton
township, Butler county, upon which he has erected new improvements. He
married Mary J, Park, and has four children, viz. : John P. ; Hannah Q. ; Mary
M., and Bessie R. Mr. Simpson is a member of Deer Creek United Presbyterian
church, and in politics, he is an adherent of the Republican party.
Charles Pi aisk was born in Jefferson township, Butler county, October 8,
L846, and is a son of Henry Pfabe. He was educated in the common schools,
was reared upon a farm, and learned the carriage maker's trade in Pittsburg, which
he followed for three years. He then found employment as a tool dresser in the
oil fields, which he followed for several years. In L883 he purchased a farm in
Clinton township, containing I 1(1 acres, upon which he has since resided engaged
in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Pfabe married Sophia Miller, a daughter of George
Miller, of Saxon Station, Winfield township, and has five children, viz. : Howard
]. ; Frank A. ; Tilmer II. : Walter W.. and Sadie E. In his religious views, he
is an adherent of the Lutheran church. His farm is one of the well improved
places of the township, and he is a progressive and esteemed citizen.
Robert Brown was the first settler of what is now Penn township, Butler
countv. Pennsylvania. He was born in New Jersev, in 1770. son of Caleb
Brown, who subsequently located near Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, where
Robert grew to manhood. In 17'.'7 Robert came to Penn township, Butler
county, built a small log cabin in the primitive forest, in the southwest part of
that subdivision, and commenced the work of making a home. His parents
afterwards came here, and ended their days at the home of their son. Robert
was married here to Ruth Rathbun, a daughter of Clark Rathbun, also a pioneer
of Penn township, and of a family of sixteen children, born to this union, thir-
teen grew to maturity, as follows: Caleb; Clark; John; Robert; Nathan;
Sarah; Abigail; Rhoda ; Elizabeth; Ann: Clarissa; Lydia, and Caroline
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 903
Matilda. The last named is the only one now living. Robert Brown was a
justice of the peace in Penn township for twenty live years, and was a class
leader and steward in the Methodist Episcopal church. He died upon his farm
in 1853, and his wife in 1850.
Nathan Brown was horn upon the homestead in Penn township, in lslt;.
and received a good education. He taught school in early manhood, and was an
examiner of teachers for the township. He was also a professor of music, and
was one of the well known citizens of that locality down to his death. lie
married Sarah A. Coe, of Portage county, Ohio, and became the father of eight
children, viz. : Elizabeth C", Milton R. : Harriet, deceased; Rosaline, wife of
William Copely ; Hamlin; Clara, wife of Isaac Andrews; Anna, wife of Calvin
Glasgow, and Melissa, wife of Austin Meals. Nathan Brown died October 26,
1891, and his wife, October 17. 1889. They were members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, in which he held several offices at different periods. Politi-
cally, Mr. Brown was a Republican, filled the office of school director for several
years, and served as prothonotary of Butler county one term, to which office
he was elected in 1857.
Milton R. Brown, eldest son of Nathan and Sarah A. Brown, was bom
upon his father's farm, in Penn township, Butler county, December 9, 1848.
He attended common schools in boyhood, learned the stonemason's and brick-
layer's trades, and followed that calling for eighteen years. He is now living
upon the old homestead, engaged in farming. He married Elizabeth Critchlow,
a daughter of John L. Critchlow. of Forward township, and has four children :
Ezra F. ; Martha A. ; Almeda (i., and Ruth E. Mr. Brown is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is now filling the offices of trustee and
steward. In politics, he is a Prohibitionist, and has filled the office of township
auditor.
JOHN DodDS, a native of Ireland, known for many years as " Squire
Dodds," immigrated to Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, lived
there for eight years, and in 1808 came to Butler county and purchased scl-
eral hundred acres of land in what is now Penn township. lie located near the
present site of Brownsdale, but some years later settled on the farm where bis
grandson, David B. Dodds, now resides. He was a soldier in the War of 1812,
was a man of excellent qualities, and served as justice of the peace for many
years. His children were as follows : James; John; Joseph; Josiah; Jesse B.;
William, and Adam, all of whom are dead. He moved his family and goods
from Cumbeiland county with one horse hitched between two poles, the ends of
the latter dragging on the ground. This was known as a " slide car." He
brought with him some pits of English cherries, which he planted upon his farm,
and thus introduced this fruit into the pioneer settlement. Mr. Dodds was one
of the founders of the United Presbyterian church of Butler, as well as the church
at Brownsdale. He died in 1862, at an advanced age.
William Dodds, son of John Dodds the pioneer, was born on the home-
stead farm in Penn township, Butler county, April 28, 1814. and died Sep-
tember 21, 1872. Soon after reaching his majority he purchased a farm near
Brownsdale, now owned by W. I. Burton, upon which he erected a brick resi-
(jC>4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
dence, manufacturing the bricks on ii is farm. He married Martha J. Douthett.
a daughter of Benjamin Douthett, one of the pioneers of Forward township, Jan-
uary 2, 1843, and became the father of nine children, viz. : Emma; William J.,
who died at Camp Copeland, while serving in the Union army: Mary M. ; Ben-
jamin F. ; Findley B., of Penn township; Maggie A. ; Robert; David L, (the
last three of whom are dead) , and Joseph. Mr. Dodds was a member of the United
Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a Republican. Mrs. Dodds was
again married September 26, 1876, to II. 15. Weisz. who died at the home of his
daughter in Xclienople. Mrs. Weisz is a member of the United Presbyterian
church, and resides in Butler.
FlN'DLEY B. Dodds, son of William and Martha J. Dodds. was born upon
the homestead farm in Penn township, Butler county. June 3, 1853, was
reared a farmer, but subsequently learned the carpenter's and stairbuilder's trade-
which he followed for a few years. He then located upon his present farm in
Penn township, which contains seventy acres, and has since devoted bis atten-
tion to agriculture. On March 20, 1879, he married Belle M. Waldron, a daugh-
ter of lion. W. S. Waldron, of Forward township. Mr. Dodds is a Republican,
and has served as collector and assessor in his township. Both he ami wife are
members of the United Presbyterian church, to which denomination his father
and grandfather belonged.
Ai>am Dodds, youngest sun of John Dodds, the pioneer of the family in
Butler county, was born April 16, 1816, in Penn township. Butler county, and
grew to manhood upon his father's farm. lie inherited the homestead, and fol-
lowed farming the balance of his days, dying in 1887, at the age of seventy-one
years. He married Margaret Sutton, and their son. David B.. resides upon the
homestead farm. Mr. Dodds was a good neighbor and an excellent citizen, was
a member of the United Presbyterian church, and died in that faith. In politics,
he was a Republican, though he took very little interest in political affairs.
David B. Dodds, son of Adam and Margaret Dodds, was born upon his
present farm in Penn township. September 20, 1850, and has always resided
thereon. He received a common school education, ami has devoted his attention
to agricultural pursuits. He married Mary M. Hartley . a daughter of William-
son Bartley. They are the parents of four children, viz. ; Adam; Williamson:
Clora, and James. The family are connected with the United Presbyterian
church, and politically, Mr. Dodds is an ardent Republican.
John WELSH was a native of Ireland, came to America about 1770. when a
mere lad. grew to manhood in this country, and served as a soldier in the War of
the Revolution, being shot through the body at the battle of Brandywine. from
which wound, however, he recovered. After the war closed with the triumph
of the Colonies and the establishment of independence, he settled in Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania. He came to Butler county about 1800, purchased a
tract of land containing 250 acres in what is now Connoquenessing township,
built his cabin in the midst of the primitive forest, and began the work of making
a home lor himself and family. lb lived to see the country thickly settled, and
to enjoy the satisfaction of a well improved homestead, upon which he died at a
very advanced age. His children were as follows : William; James; Thomas;
£JJJyp<LrLy
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 905
John; Mrs. Susan Brandon; Mrs. Elizabeth Shannon, and Mrs. Morrow. The
sons served in the War of IN12, and, like their father, were patriotic and liberty-
loving citizens.
James Welsh, son of John Welsh, was horn in Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, about ITS"), and came with his parents to Butler county when he
was about fifteen years of age. lie grew to manhood upon his father's farm.
which lie inherited upon the death of the latter, and throughout his life he was
one of the well-known fanners of Connoquenessing township. He died upon
the old homestead in 1878, at the remarkable age of ninety-three vears. lie was
married three times and had children by each marriage. His last wife was Eliza
Mallison, who died in 1868, at the age of fifty-six vears. The parents were con-
sistent members of the Presbyterian church, in which faith they lived and died.
Mr. Welsh was a stanch Republican from the formation of that party, prior to
which he was a Whig.
Henry C. Wei.sii, son of James and Mary (Mallison) Welsh, was born on
the old homestead in Connoquenessing township, and was reared beneath the
parental roof. The farm is now the property of Henry C. and an older brother.
He has followed farming since early manhood, and has also been interested in oil
producing, several wells having been put down on the old farm. In 1891 Mr.
Welsh purchased his present farm in Penn township, located upon it in 1892,
and has erected a fine residence and other buildings since that time. It was
known as the Felix H. Negley farm, contains 100 acres, and is one of the best
improved places in the township. Mr. Welsh was married November 14. 1883,
to Lizzie S. Brown, a daughter of Joseph Brown, of Penn township, to which
union have been born four children, viz.: Lucile ; Clara B. : Stella E., and
James E. Both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, and politic-
ally, Mr. Welsh is a stanch Republican.
John Kennedy. Si:., was born in Baltimore. Maryland, in 1751, and was a
son of John Kennedv, a native of Antrim county, Ireland, born in 17:22. His
mother was a Miss Murray, a relative of Regent Murray of Scotland, and soon
after their marriage, in 174N. they immigrated to Baltimore. Our subject received
a good education, and followed school teaching in earl}- manhood. He enlisted
in the Revolutionary war. served under Washington until its close, anil drew a
pension from the government to the time of his death, in 1835. He was married
in 17*<'i, and was the father of ten children, nine of whom are dead, named as
follows: Sarah: Hannah: Catherine; James; John; Mary ; Jacob ; Margaret,
and Elizabeth. Jane is the only survivor of the family. He removed with his
family from Baltimore to the site of McKeesport, Allegheny county , Pennsyl-
vania, and in 1801 settled in what is now Winlield township, Butler county,
where the remaining years of his life wire passed.
John Kennedy was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 25,
17'.'4. and came with his parents to Butler county when about seven vears old.
He grew to maturity upon the old homestead in Winfield township, and endured
the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life. He served in the War of 1812,
was a justice of the peace, and also filled the office of county commissioner. In
1832 he purchased a farm in Penn township, where he resided until his death.
QOfi HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
In 1822 he married Ann C. Smith, of Allegheny county, who bore him nine chil-
dren, viz. : John Q. A., of Butler; Henry, and James, both deceased; Barbara,
deceased wife of Barney Stepp ; William ; Jacob ; Margaret, wife of John C.
Emerick; Nancy, and Hamilton C, who was killed at Fair Oaks. Mr. Kennedy
died January 4, 1869, and his wife, August 12, 1859. They were members of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he was an ardent Republican.
William Kennedy, son of John and Ann C. Kennedy, was born in Win-
field township, Butler county, September 15, 1831, and removed with his par-
ents to Penn township the following year, where he grew to maturity. He
learned the blacksmith's trade, and worked at it for twelve year*, since which
time he has devoted his attention to farming. He married Matilda Graham, a
daughter of Robert Graham, of Penn township, and is the father of ten children,
viz. : William J.: Ann C, wife of P. E. Gaveren; Charles; Lulu M., wife of
Morris Flachner; Clara, wife of E. W. Robbins; Clyde; George; Ada; Eva,
and Francis M. The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church,
in which society Mr. Kennedy has served as steward and trustee. He has also
served on the school board of his township, and in politics, is an ardent
Republican.
Robert Martin came from Ireland with his parents, William and Eliza-
beth Martin, to Connoquenessing township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, in
1801, where his parents died at ripe old ages. Robert became quite prominent
in that locality during pioneer days, was a justice of the peace for nearly forty
years, also commissiorer and auditor of the county. He served in the War of
1812 under Gen. David Mead, the founder of Meadville, as captain of a company
in the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Militia. In 1808 he mar-
ried Kesiah McClure, who died in 1848. He survived her four years, dying in
1847. They were the parents of seven children, viz. : William C. ; Abdiel C. ;
Robert; John; James; Mrs. Jane Dodds, and Mrs. Mary Ann Anderson.
James Martin, youngest son of Robert and Kesiah Martin, was born in
Connoquenessing township. Butler county, in 1818, and died in 1892. He mar-
ried Margaret Anderson, a native of Ireland, who came to the United States
with her parents when a child six years of age. Nine children were born to this
union, eight of whom are living, viz. : Alice, wife of Samuel Dunbar, of Pitts-
burg; William T.. who was born in Connoquenessing township, September 9,
1851, and is a farmer in Penn township; Benton O., a contractor and bricklayer,
of Allegheny; Jennie, wife of Albert Wible, of Penn township; Maggie, wife
of Albert Starr, of the same township; Robert II., of Allegheny; Aggie, and
Frank C. of Allegheny. Mr. Martin removed to Penn township, in 18(35, pur-
chasing what was known as the Wise farm, near Maharg. containing 120 acres,
where he resided until his death. His widow resides with her son, William T.,
upon the homestead. The latter is a justice of the peace, and in politics, he is a
Democrat.
Robert Harbison was horn in Jefferson township, 15utler county. Penn-
sylvania. September 10, 1807, son of William Harbison, a native of Ireland who
first located in Middlesex township, Butler county, in the last decade of the
Eighteenth century, and later removed to Jefferson township, where he settled
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. QOJ
and improved a farm. William was a soldier in the War of 1812. He had three
sons, viz. : William, who spent his life upon the old homestead in Jefferson town-
ship, and filled the office of county commissioner ; Robert, who settled on a farm
adjoining his father's, and Matthew, who located in Oakland township. Robert
received his education in a subscription school, learned the shoemaker's trade in
vouth, and followed that vocation all his life. lie mSrried Susan Ekas, a
daughter of John Ekas, of Buffalo township, about 1S47, to which union were
born ten children, as follows: John; Mary; William; Sarah; Thomas; Dan-
iel; Robert H.; Catherine ; Joseph, and Susan. The survivors of this family
are William ; Robert II. : Joseph, and Susan. Mr. Harbison died March 28,
1874.
Robert H. Harbisox, son of Robert and Susan Harbison, was born upon
the homestead farm, in Jefferson township, Butler county. December 29, 1843.
He was reared a farmer, and has always followed that vocation. In 1804 he en-
listed in Company E, One Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteers, but
the regiment having a surplus beyond the required number, he with the others
were formed into a provisional regiment, known as the Second Pennsylvania
Volunteer Artillery, in which he served in Company 1?. Towards the close of
March, 18(54, the regiment went to Washington. D. C thence to Alexandria,
where it guarded provision trains to Brandy Station, and there joined the Army
of the Potomac, marched to Mine Run, and took part in the first battle of the
Wilderness After the battles of Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna River,
Gaines Mill, and Cold Harbor, the regiment crossed the James river, and
occupied the first line of works in front of Petersburg, June 16, 18G4. It took part
in the first attack on the second line of works, on the evening of the 17th, and
captured and held that line, until the mine explosion, July HO, 1864. It was in
all of the succeeding engagements down to the surrender of Lee, at Appo-
mattox. Mr. Harbison was honorably discharged from the service, at Philadel-
phia, June 29, 1865. Returning to Butler county, he resumed his farm duties,
and was married February 26, 1867, to Lucinda Dixon, a daughter of James L.
Dixon, of Perm township. Six children have been born to this union, viz,,:
James T., deceased ; Albert L. ; George C. ; Mary A. ; Oswell B.. and Emma ().
Politically, Mr. Harbison is a Republican.
James L. Dixon was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and i> a son
of William Dixon, and a grandson of Thomas Dixon, who came from Ireland to
Butler county, Pennsylvania, about 1800, and purchased 400 acre.-, of land from
the government, located in what is now Penn township. His father was a man
of good education, and lived in Pittsburg for many years, returning to Butler
county in 1819, and settling on a portion of the land purchased by Thomas
Dixon. After coming to Butler county he taught school for many years, and
filled the office of justice of the peace for a long period. William Dixon and wife
were the parents of nine children, and spent their lives upon the homestead farm
where the subject of this sketch now lives. fames E. Dixon married Mary Mc-
Candless, who died in 1870, at the age of fifty-four years. She was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which denomination Mr. Dixon also
belongs.
90S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Winfield Scott Dixon was horn in Allegheny township, Butler county,
April 17. 1853, son of fames L. and Mary Dixon, lie- was reared upon a farm,
anil now owns the land entered by his great-grandfather. He married Annie L.
Ralph, a daughter of Joseph Balph, a fanner of this county, April 17.
1877. She was horn August 12, 1854, and was a teacher in the public schools
for several years. They are the parents of six children, viz. : George Clarence:
Winfield Russell: Charles Warren; Homer Scott; Frank Calvin, and Paul
Eugene. Mr. Dixon and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
in which organization he fills the office of trustee. Politically, he is a Republi-
can, has held the offices of justice of the peace and school director for several
years each, has tilled nearly every local office in the township, and was census
enumerator in lS'.ll).
Robert Graham was horn in the borough of Butler in |N()7, son of Robert
and Sarah (Brown) Graham. His father located on the site of Butler in 17U7-
The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's homestead, and after
reaching manhood he engaged in the manufacture of brick and as a general con-
tractor in the erection of buildings. lie married Sarah A. Wigfield. whose
parents were pioneers of Clinton township, Butler county. Nine children were
horn to this union, as follows; Eliza J., deceased wife of Theodore Huselton,
of Butler; James If. ; Wilson \V. ; Mary C, deceased wife of Arthur Hays, of
Allegheny; Matilda S., who married William Kennedy, of Perm township;
Thomas J., and three that died in earlv youth. Mrs. Graham died May 17. 1861,
aged fifty-six years, and her husband, in August, 1873, aged sixty-six years. They
were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr.
Graham was a class leader for a long period. Politically, he was a Whi<,r in
early days, and subsequently a Republican.
Wilson W. Graham, son of Robert and Sarah A. Graham, was born in
Rutler township. Butler county. August 3, 1834, and was reared upon bis father's
farm. Upon reaching his majority he purchased the Hill farm in the northeast
corner of Penn township, containing 160 acres, upon which be now resides. Mr.
Graham married Clara ]. Schrader. a daughter of John S. Schrader, an early
settler of Jefferson township. Her mother's maiden name was Jane Peterson.
Her parents died in 1875 anil 1888, respectively. Mr. Graham has a family of
three children. \ i/. : S. Jennie, wife of W. Elmer Bartley : Frank J., and Eliza-
beth M. The family are connected with the United Presbyterian church, anil in
politics. Mr. Graham was a Republican, but latterly has been a Prohibitionist.
Thomas 1. Graham, youngest child of Robert and Sarah A. Graham, was
horn in Glenshaw, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1S47, received a
common school education, subsequently spent two terms at Witherspoon Insti-
tute and one term at Mount I'nion College. He has been a farmer since early
manhood, and is the owner of a home in Penn township. He married Mary A.
Porter, a daughter "I Ross Porter, of West Deer township, Allegheny county,
to which union have been born the following children: Cora C. ; Alma F. :
Robert W.; I.ida M. ; James R. P. ; Clarissa J., deceased, and one that died in
infancy. Mr. Graham is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and has
filled the office of trustee in that organization. In politics, be is a Republican.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. QOQ
James Marshall was one of the early settlers of what i- now Perm town-
ship, Butler county, Pennsylvania, lie was a native ol Antrim county, Ireland,
and there married lean Peebles, in Xovember, IT'.1?. To them were born eleven
children before their immigration to the United States in 1822. They first
located in Pittsburg, whence, in 1824, they came to Butler county, where Mr.
Marshall purchased a tract of 300 acres of land in 1'enn township, upon which
he resided until his death, in 1854, aged eighty-six years. His wife survived
him nine years, and died in 1863, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. They were
adherents of the Covenanter church, and Mr. Marshall refused to become a citi-
zen of the United States because of his strong religious convictions that the Con-
stitution sanctioned and protected human slavery. Their children were as
follows: Marv. who married Joseph Brown: Samuel; James; Elizabeth, who
became the wife of |ohn Dean; William: Esther, who married John C. Rain-
bow : John C. ; David; Archibald M. ; Kennedy, and Thomas M., the last men-
tioned being the well known lawyer of the Pittsburg bar. Archibald and
Thomas M. are the only survivors of the family, and both are residents of
Pittsburg.
I ames II. Graham, son of William and Susan Graham, pioneers of Cran-
berry township. Butler county, was born upon the homestead farm in that town-
ship, December 31, 1825. He received a common school education, was reared
a farmer, and learned the tailor"s trade, which he followed tor six years. In
1849 he removed to Bedford county, engaged in business there, and subsequently
purchased 124 acres in South Woodbury township, upon which he lived for ten
years. In February. 1865, he enlisted in Company D, Ninety-ninth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. lie was at the capture
of Petersburg, and the surrender of General Lee's army at Appomattox, and was
mustered out in June. 1865. In 1870 Mr. Graham returned to Butler county,
and purchased a farm of 100 acres in Penn township, upon which he has since
resided. In 1852 he married Susan B., a daughter of David Snoeberger, of Bed-
ford county, whose ancestors came from Switzerland. Four sons and two
daughters survive this union, viz. : William S. and Andrew S.. both residents of
Butler; Howard, a resident of Pittsburg; Milton }.. who also resides in Butler;
Mary, wife of H. H. Bricker, and Susan O., wife of J. M. Brown. The deceased
are David. Charles and Laura. Mr. Graham is a Republican, has taken an
active interest in local affairs, and has been elected to the offices of justice of the
peace, tax collector and school director in his township. lie is an elder in the
Presbyterian church, and was superintendent of the Sabbath school for several
\ ears.
John Anderson, a native of County Down, Ireland, born in 1783, immi-
grated to the United States in 1833, and located near Prospect, Butler county,
Pennsylvania, where he purchased a farm and followed agricultural pursuits the
balance of his life. He married Mary Dunn in Ireland, and they were the
parents of six children, all of whom were born in Ireland anil came to America
with their parents. Their names are as follows ; Catherine, who married Robert
Munce ; Jane, who married James McCollough ; Elizabeth, who married Will-
iam McCollough : Margaret, who became the wife of lames Martin: Samuel
(JlO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1).. deceased, and lames 1).. of Penn township. Mr. Anderson and wife were
life long members of the Presbyterian church. She died in 1859, aged eighty
years, and her husband, in 1866, at the ripe old age of ninety years.
James D. Anderson, youngest in the family of John and Mary Anderson,
was born in Ireland, March 11, 1816, and came with his parents to Butler county
when he was seventeen years of age. He received a good education, and became
a teacher, which calling he pursued for ten winters, devoting the balance of his
time to farming. In lS4'.t he embarked in merchandising at Prospect, later pur-
chased a farm which he soon sold, and then removed to Penn township, where
he bought his present homestead in 1SI>5. It contains 133 acres, and is one of the
best improved farms in the township. lie is also the owner of another good farm
near Brownsdale, consisting of 100 acres. Mr. Anderson was married May 24,
1H42, to Mary Ann Martin, a daughter of Robert Martin, a native of Ireland,
who settled in Connoquenessing township. Mrs. Anderson was born January 1,
1822, and is the mother of ten children, eight of whom survive, as follows:
Robert M. ; John F. ; El/.ie II.; William C. ; Mary; Elizabeth; Emma, and
Florence. Mr. Anderson and family are members of the Presbyterian church,
and are liberal contributors towards that organization. He is a Democrat, in politics,
and was elected register and recorder of Butler county in 1S7<">, a tribute to his
worth and popularity in a strong Republican county. Mr. Anderson is one of
the progressive and public-spirited citizens of the community, and gives his
hearty support to every worthy object.
Robert Patterson was a native of Derry county, Ireland, where he mar-
ried Eli/.a J. Lowry, and came to the United States with his wife and one son,
William R.. in 1882. He settled first in Allegheny county, where he worked at
the tailor's trade for several years, came to Butler county in 18S8, and purchased
a farm in Cranberry township. He returned to Ireland in 1S54 for his wife's
mother, and took passage in the "Arctic" on the return trip to the United
States, but the ship was wrecked and all on board were lost excepting a few
sailors. The widow was thus left to rear her family and carry on the farm, but
this she did nobly, Hying to the ripe old age of eighty-three years, and dying in
1887. She could trace her lineage back for over two hundred years to many well
known families of Great Britain, and her son. William R.. has a photograph of
a coat of arms of the Lindsay family, which he prizes as an heirloom.
William R. Patterson was born in Ireland, in 1881, son of Robert and
Eliza J. (Lowry) Patterson, and was brought by his parents to Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, the year of his birth. He came to Butler county in 1<S;5S, where
he has ever since resided. Mr. Patterson married Lucinda Peterson, whose
father, Peter Peterson, came from York county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and set-
tled in Butler township, Butler county. In 1819 Mr. Peterson purchased the
farm of 175 acres, now occupied by his son-in-law , from John Xegley. He was
then about forty-two years of aye. He married Barbara Peterson, a cousin,
whose paternal grandfather, Garrett Peterson, settled in Butler county in the last
decade of the Eighteenth century, purchasing a large tract of land in Penn town-
ship. Peter Peterson was a soldier in the War of 1812, and spent the remainder
of his lift' in this county. The Petersons are of Dutch ancestry, and Mrs. Pat-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Oil
terson's grandfathers on both sides of the house were also from Holland. Mr.
Patterson is an ardent Republican, and is now (ls'.t4) one of the jury commis-
sioners, lie has held near]} all of the local offices of his township, and is one of
the enterprising citizens of the community.
Williamson Bartley was born in Middlesex township, Butler county,
April 15, 1822, and was a son of James Bartley, a native of Ireland, who came
to what is now Middlesex township, Butler county, about the year 1800, where
the balance of his life was passed. Williamson was reared on his father's farm,
and in 1847 he moved to a tract of 125 acres in Penn township, built his cabin in
the midst of a forest, and went to work bravely to make a home. In this he suc-
ceeded, and resided upon his farm down to his death, which occurred in 1891.
He married Elizabeth Pearce, whose father was one of the early settlers of this
county. She died in 1887, aged sixty-five years. They were members of the
United Presbyterian church, and he was a ruling elder in that body for many
years. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living.
Mr. Bartley was a Republican in politics, was quite active in township and
county affairs, and was a justice of the peace for several years. He served nine
months in the Union army, as a member of Company E, Seventy-eighth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers.
W. E. Bartley, youngest child of Williamson and Elizabeth Bartley, was
born upon his present homestead in Penn township, Butler county, in 1862, and
has always resided thereon. He was married June 12, 1890, to S. Tennie
Graham, a daughter of W. W. Graham. She was born April 13, 1809. Both
she and husband are adherents of the United Presbyterian church.
Adam Wtebeh was a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, grew to manhood
in his native land, and there married Verona Vocht. In 1824 they immigrated
to the United States, and in 1831 located in Penn township, Butler county, Penn-
sylvania. They reared a large family, the names of the sons being as follows :
Samuel ; Peter; George ; Adam, and John. Mr. Weber was a miller and worked
at that business in Pittsburg before coming to Butler county. Both he and wife
were life-long members of the Lutheran church, and were among the organizers
of one of the first Lutheran churches in Butler county. Mr. Weber died in 1873,
aged sixty-nine years; his wife died in 1878, aged eighty-one.
John Weber was born upon his present farm in Penn township, But-
ler count)-, November 10, 1838, was reared a farmer, and received his educa-
tion in the district schools. He married Maria Markel, a daughter of Zeno and
Susan (Stamm) Markel, residents of Beaver county, where her grandparents set-
tled at an early day. Her father is living at the age of seventy-nine years, and
her mother at the age of seventy-seven. Eight children have been born to this
marriage, as follows: Susan V., wife of David L. Renfrew; Mary A.; Will-
iam P. ; Clare E. ; Margaret ; Minnie X. ; John A., and David M. Mr. Weber
and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
Besides the old homestead of 108 acres, he is also the owner of 150 acres adjoin-
ing, and 110 acres more in the same township. Mr. Weber is one of the success-
ful, enterprising and prosperous farmers of Butler county.
912 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John Gibson \\ as hem on the Atlantic ocean about \1\K\. during the
voyage of hi* parents to America. They came from Down county, Ireland.
settled first in Washington county, Pennsylvania, whence they removed t<> Alle-
gheny county, and in 1828 settled in Clinton township. Butler county. His
lather purchased 16(1 acres of land at two dollars and fifty cents per acre, upon
which he spent the balance of his lite. IK- reared a large family and Lived to a
ripe old age. John was the youngest in the family, and inherited the old home-
stead in Clinton township, lie married Mary Martin, to which union were born
the following children : Nancy; Andrew; George ; John ; Eliza ; James ; Sarah
B. ; Evan; William Robert , and Thomas, only lour of whom are now living.
The parents spent their lives upon their farm in Clinton township. d\ing at the
ages of ninety-two and eighty years, respectively. John Gibson was a soldier in
the War of 1812, and was one of the well known pioneers of Butler county.
Robert Gibson was born Ma\ 14. 1833, upon the homestead farm in
Clinton township, Butler county, anil is a son of John and Mary Gibson,
lie grew to manhood attending to the duties of the farm, and has since continued
to follow agricultural pursuits. In 1866 he purchased a farm at Sandy Hill,
which he sold in 1870, and bought the old Potts farm of one hundred acres in
Penn township. In 1883 he purchased seventy-five acres of the William Logan
farm, upon which he now resides. Mr. Gibson was married January If). 1850,
to Elizabeth Wike. to which union have been born twelve children, as follows:
Thomas; John; Mary E. ; George, deceased; James; Evan: Delia A., deceased;
Lincoln : Sarah ; Andrew : Charles, and Austin. Politically, he is a Republi-
can, and has tilled several of the offices in his township. Both he and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which denomination his parents
also belonged.
Thomas Robinsox, Si:., a native of Ireland, immigrated with his wife. Ara-
bella, and family, to the United States in 1 s;!i>. and settled in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania. The children were as follows: Abraham; Sarah: Mary Ann,
and Thomas. In 1835 the family located within the present limits, of Penn
township, Butler county , where Mr. Robinson purchased a tract of land upon
which some twenty acres were cleared. He was a man of industrious habits,
and devoted his attention to clearing his farm and making a home for his family.
After many years of toil he succeeded in his object, and at his death, in 1863, he
possessed a well improved homestead. His wife died in 1861. They were con-
sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics. Mr. Robin-
son was a stanch Whig until the dissolution of that party, when he became a
Republican. He was a man of strong likes and dislikes, positive and decided in
his opinions, and unswerving in defense of what he regarded as right. His son
Thomas is one of the oldest and best known members of the Butler county bar.
Jeremiah W. Starr was horn in Concord township, Butler county, in
1831, son of John Starr, a pioneer of that township. His father was a member
of the Lutheran church, ami one of the founders of that organization in that
locality. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native township,
and married Rebecca J. McConnell, a native of this county, whose parents were
among its early settlers. Mr. Starr located in Penn township about 1875, pur-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Q I 3
chased the Leonard farm of 200 acres, which is now divided into three farms,
and resided there until his removal to the borough of Butler, where both he and
wife reside. They are member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Six chil-
dren were born to them, as follows : William M., of Butler; Albert H., of Penn
township; Alawilda J., wife of Rev. X. L. Brown; John M., of Butler; Wilber
H., deceased, and Ross L., of Butler.
Albert II. Stark, second son of Jeremiah \V. and Rebecca J. Starr, was
born May 6, 1858, in this county, and reared upon a farm, which business he has
since followed. He married Maggie E. Martin, a daughter of James Martin, of
Penn township, and to this union three children have been born, viz. : Wilber
M. ; Carl H., and Garth H. Mr. Starr is a Republican, in politics, and both he
and wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
Robert Philips was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 22,
1S06, grew to manhood in his native county, and there married Mary Townsend,
born February 20. 1808, whose father served in the Black Hawk war. In 1844
they came to Butler county and settled upon a farm of 130 acres in Penn town-
ship, where their son, Elijah T., now lives. They were the parents of six sons
and eight daughters, seven of whom are living, as follows : Sarah ; Elijah T. ;
Josiah ; Joseph: William; Mary, and Lydia. Mr. Philips was an influential
Republican in his township, and both he and wife were members of the Baptist
church. He died in 1860, and his wife in 1882.
Elijah T. Philips, eldest son of Robert and Mary Philips, was born in
Washington county, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1832, remained with his par-
ents and inherited the homestead farm. He was married March 4, 1861, to Jane
Wallace, who was born May 31, 183(5. They are the parents of five children,
viz : Walter; William; Robert; Charles M., and Hannah J. Mr. Philips is a
Republican, and takes an active interest in the public schools of his township.
He is a member of the Baptist church, while his wife is a Presbyterian.
John Philips was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, was
reared upon a farm, and received his education in a district school. He came to
Butler county prior to his marriage, and settled in Penn township, where he met
and married Sarah, daughter of Philip Miller, in 1850. Three children were
born of this union. Orin M.; Frances M., wife of Dr. H. J. Neely, of Beaver
county, and Ada J., wife of Charles Spang, of Butler. He afterwards moved to
Middlesex township, where he died in 1863. His widow survives, and resides
with her children.
Robert Cooper was born in Winfield township, Butler county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1815, son of Samuel Cooper, who came to Butler county as a young
man with his stepfather, Robert Johnson. He married here and reared a family
of eight children as follows ; John ; Robert ; William ; Jane ; Ann ; Elizabeth ;
Margaret, and Samuel. After his marriage he settled in Winfield township and
spent the remainder of his days in that locality. Robert grew to man-
hood on his father's farm, and married Sarah Sutton, a daughter of
of Jacob Sutton, of Penn township, to which union were born eight children,
viz. : Samuel H. ; Jacob, deceased; Rachel, who married Peter Kennedy; Re-
becca, who married William Lewis; Robert K. ; Sarah E., deceased; Isaac,
914 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and Lvdi.t. wife of John Stepp, of Allegheny county. Mr. Cooper and wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically, a Republican, he has
filled the office of township collector for two terms.
Samuel 11. Cooper, eldesl in the family of Robert Cooper, was born in
Wintield township, Butler county, March 8, 1841, received a common school edu-
cation, and has followed farming as a vocation. In August, 18(32, he enlisted in
Company I). One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
participated in the battles of South Mountain. Aquia Creek. Fredericksburg,
and Chancellorsville, when his term of service having expired he was honorably
discharged. Returning to his home he resumed life on the farm, and was mar-
ried January 7, 1864, to Miss Sarah Armstrong. Six children are the fruits ol
this union, as follows : Isaac S.; Rebecca J. ; Albert R. ; Chambers C. ; Robert
F., and Samuel II. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Baptist church, is a deacon
in that body, and a liberal contributor. 1'olitically, he is a Republican, has been
a school director for three years, and has also filled the office of township super-
visor. He has been a farmer since boyhood, and devotes his whole attention to
agriculture.
Samuel Ziegler was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, November 19,
1800, son of Abraham Ziegler. who came to Jackson township. Butler county, in
1814, and purchased the property of the Harmony Socief) from Father Rapp.
the founder of that society, and the following year moved bis family to his new
home. Samuel grew to manhood in [ackson township, and attended one ol the
pioneer subscription schools of that locality. Mis father was one of the organ-
izers of the Mennonite church of Harmony, and brought up his children in that
faith. The subject of this sketch reared a family of seven children, as follows:
Catherine, who married John Wise: Daniel; Jacob, and Samuel, both deceased;
Elizabeth, deceased wife of Levi Boyer ; Margaret, who was twice married, first
to a Mr. Boyer and then to J. Lynn, and Moses deceased. The mother died
October 1. 1847, and her husband, August I. 1855.
Jacob M. Ziegler was born in [ackson township, Butler county, July 2(>,
I Si5(j. received a common tchool education, and grew to manhood in his native
township. He was married March 0, 1859, to Elizabeth Markel. a daughter of
Zeno Markel. of Evans City. Eight children were born to this union, as fol-
lows: Samuel A.; Mary E., wife of Joseph L. Blakeley ; Zeno E. ; Elizabeth,
deceased; Daniel W . ; Emanuel 1).; Emma S.. deceased. andLucindaA. Mrs.
Ziegler died February i'C,. 1885; her husband .survived until December 10. L891.
Thev were members of the German Reformed church, in which denomination he
filled the office of elder. Politically. Mr. Ziegler was :, Republican, but took
very little interest in public matters.
Samuel A. Ziegler, eldesl in the family of Jacob M. and Elizabeth
Ziegler. was born in Jackson township. Butler county, December Id. 1860, was
reared in the home of his parents, and learned the blacksmith's trade. lie
afterwards worked four years at Renfrew, and two years at Mars. Me
sold out his shop at Mars in 1889, and went to Clinton township, where
he remained one year, then purchased the old Mahood farm in Penn town-
ship, upon which he lias since resided. Me married Mary L. Cooper, a daughter
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. i)\'~,
of Robert Cooper, of Penn township, who has had three children : Estella M. :
Iva E., and one that died in infancy. lie is a member of the Presbyterian
church, and in politics, he is an adherent of the Republican part}".
[esse Critchlow was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1811, Ids
parents being among the pionfiers oPthis county. lie was reared on a farm and
received his education in a pioneer subscription school. lie learned the shoe-
maker's trade, which he followed in connection with farming down to Ins death,
in 1S(3<'>. He married Catherine Wareham, a daughter of Adam Wareham, of
Butler county, and they were the parents of twelve children. \i/. : Dorcas 1...
who married William Ruchenberger ; John W. ; Elizabeth, and Henry, the
last three deceased; Catherine, who married Milton Jones; Adam, deceased;
Henry C. ; Martha, and Matilda A., both deceased: Mary J., wife of Daniel
Emerick; Robert G., and David. Mr. Critchlow was a member of the Presby-
terian church, and was an adherent of the Democratic party.
Henry C. Critchlow, eldest living son of [esse and Catherine Critchlow .
was born in Forward township, Butler county, May 1, 1845, was reared upon
his father's farm, and learned the carpenter's trade. On |une ('>, 1 8(38, he married
Mary E. Campbell, a daughter of William J. Campbell, of Middlesex township.
Thirteen children were born to this union, as follows : Josephine ; Milton; Rob-
ert ; Blanche: Julia, deceased: William: Birdenas; Rollins; Pearl; Mamie;
Walter; Frank, deceased, and Mary. Politically. Mr. Critchlow is a Democrat.
but aside from exercising the elective franchise, takes no active part in public
affairs.
George Marsh was born in Monroe county. Pennsylvania, in 1793, son of
Abraham Marsh, a Revolutionary soldier who served until the close of that war,
then settled upon a farm in Monroe county, where he resided until his death.
He was twice married, and was the father of five sons and three daughters.
George, the youngest son. was reared upon the farm, and married Christina
Sarver. They were the parents of seven children : Peter; Sarah, who married
George Wilson ; Julia, who married Aaron Ramsey; Abraham : Timothy : Han-
nah, and Mary, who became the wife of Mr. Carner. Mr. Marsh was a member
of the Lutheran church, and in politics, he was a Whig. Both he and wife spent
their lives in Monroe county.
Abraham Marsh was born in Monroe county, Pennsylvania, September 2,
1822, and is the oldest living son of George and Christina Marsh. He learned
the carpenter's trade in early manhood, and followed that business for thirty-five
years, then purchased a farm of fifty acres in Penn township. I.utler county,
upon which he has since resided. Mr. Marsh is a member of the Baptist church,
is a Republican in politics, and lias rilled the offices of school director and treas-
urer of the school board. He married Eliza M. Kinser, a daughter of Joseph
Kinser, of Connoquenessing township, who is the mother of ten children, viz. :
Lydia A., wife of Samuel McCandless ; George L. ; William Y. : Eliza 15.:
Meda, wife of Lorenzo Lyons: Elizabeth, wife of John Umstead ; Abraham W. ,
James W. ; Murilda. and Sarah, wife of R.obert Dunbar.
Andrew Wir.1.1: was born in Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, in 170'.',
attended a subscription school in boyhood, where both English and German were
9l6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
taught, and grew to maturity in bis native county. He came to Pittsburg at
an early date, and worked under Major Craig in the erection of Fort Pitt, which
was built on the site of that city. In 1799 lie married Mary Smith, a daughter
of Adam Smith, of Northumberland county, settled upon a farm, and followed
that business the remainder of his life. Thirteen children were the fruits of this
union, as follows: John; Susan, who married John McPherrin , and subsequently
James Thompson ; George; Catherine, who married John Thompson ; Adam,
(all <it the foregoing are dead); Andrew; Sarah, who married Andrew
English; Harrison; Mary A., wife of Irwin Anderson; Eliza J., wife of Will-
iam Logan : William S. ; James, and one that died in early youth. Mr. Wible
died in January. 1858, and his wife in 1873. They were members of the
Presbyterian church.
William S. Wible was born April 13, 1824, in Allegheny county, Penn-
sylvania, grew to manhood in that county, and in 184(3 married Sarah A. Stew-
art, a daughter of William Stewart, of Allegheny county, and subsequently
located in Penn township, Butler county, where he yet resides. Mr. Wible is
the father of five children, as follows : Almira ; Mary J., wife of James Strain ;
George A. ; William S., and Charles II. George A. was born in Allegheny
county. Pennsylvania, April 8, 1854, received a common school education, and
adopted farming as his vocation. He married Jennie Martin, of Penn township,
in 1884, and is the father of three children, viz.: Frank; Walter, and Imo-
gene. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Republi-
can. William S. was born upon the homestead farm, in Penn township. Butler
county, September 5, 1858, received a common school education and has been a
farmer since boyhood. He married Maggie X. Burton, a daughter of William
J. Burton, of Penn township, and has three children, viz. : Olive Myrtle ; Bessie
J., and Clara M. Politically, he is a Republican, and has filled the offices of
township auditor anil inspector for several terms. Charles H. was born on the
homestead in Penn township. May S, 1866. He received a common school
education, is a farmer, a member of the Reformed church, and in politics, a
Republican, lie married Elizabeth C. Thomas, of Connoquenessing township,
MayS. 1888, and is the father of two children : Sarah II., and Harry II. For
more than forty years Mr. Wible has been a trustee and elder in the Presbyterian
church. Politically, he is a Republican, was a school director for one term in
Allegheny county, and three terms in Butler county, and has always manifested
a deep interest in educational matters.
James Rankin- was born in Fairview township. Butler county, Pennsyl-
vania, February 24, 1846, son of David C. and Nancy (Moore) Rankin, and
grandson of David Rankin, one of the pioneers of Fairview township. Mr.
Rankin was reared upon the homestead in Fairview township, attended the dis-
trict school of his neighborhood, and adopted farming as his vocation. In Feb-
ruary. 1864, he enlisted in Company B. One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania
Volunteer-, and served until July 10, 1865, when he was honorably discharged.
On April 28, 1868, he married Mary L. Graham, a daughter of John Graham, of
Parker township, to which union were horn six children. Their names are as
follows: Nancy J. , wife of W. F. McKelvey; Cora M.. wife of George H.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. gij
Scott; David A. ; George C; John O., and Harold G. Mrs. Rankin died June
21, 1881, and he was again married, March 31, 1886, to Margaret E. Murtland,
a daughter of John Murtland, of Concord township. Four children are the fruits
of this union, viz. : Lilly T. ; Mary L. ; James W., and William P. Mr. Rankin
is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and is superintendent of the
Sabbath school. In politics, he is a Republican, and has been assessor, super-
visor and collector in his township. He is recognized as one of the leading farm-
ers of the township, as well as a representative, worthy citizen.
Felix H. Negley was born near East Liberty, Allegheny county. Pennsyl-
vania, May 24. 1833, son of Casper and Elizabeth (Fluke) Negley, natives of the
same county. His father was born March 17, 1784, grew to manhood upon his
father's farm, and followed farming all his life. He married Elizabeth Fluke, of
Pittsburg, and was the father of nine children, as follows : Mary A., who mar-
ried Aaron Reimer : John F ; Alexander YV. ; Magdalene F., who married David
Mohler; George B., deceased; Felix II.; Jacob L. ; Casper S.,and Daniel F.
Casper Xeglev died May 12. 1877. surviving his wife thirty-three years. The
subject of this sketch received a common school education, was graduated at a
commercial college, and afterwards embarked in merchandising at Pittsburg,
remaining there four years. He was married April 7. 1857, to Mary A. Simons.
a daughter of William Simons, of Allegheny county, and came to Butler county
the same year. lie purchased a farm in Penn township from John Xeglev. upon
which he has since resided. Six children were born of his marriage, as follows :
Ada L., wife of Thomas M. Gibson; Jennie G.. wife of David \\ . Lefevre :
Clara M.. wife of Thomas L. Duff : William C. ; Felix Harry, and Homer I).
The family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr.
Negley has filled the offices of trustee and steward. September 3. 1864, he
enlisted in Company D, Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and was honorably-
discharged June 13. 1865. Politically, he is a Republican, and has been justice
of the peace and overseer of the poor in Penn township.
John R. Sutton was born in Penn township. Butler county, in 1824, where
the Sutton family settled in 1815. He received a common school education, and
learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed the greater portion of his life.
In 1851 he married Elizabeth Martin, a daughter of Richard Martin, of Summit
township, to which union were born eight children, as follows: Daniel II.:
Annie M.. wife of Samuel Flemming; David I!.. deceased; William ().: Samuel
M. ; George M. ; Mary ]., wife of Milton J. Graham, and Harry R. Mr. Sut-
ton died upon his homestead in Penn township, in August, 1889. His widow is
still living in Penn township. He was a member of the United Presbyterian
church, and in politics, an adherent of the Democratic party.
Amos Mates was horn in lsli'.in Washington county, Pennsvlvania, close
to the Allegheny line. His parents were from Berks county and of German
extraction. He came to Butler county in 1840 and settled in Muddy Creek
township (now Centre), and later removed to Penn township, where he died in
1880. Mr. Mates was married about 1839, to Mary A., daughter of John Deri-
more, of Muddv Creek township, to whom were born seven children: Mary,
deceased: Sarah: Viola; Ann: W. (.; A. W., and fames B. Mrs. Mates died
91 8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
iii February, 1887. In politics,Mr. Mates was originally a Whig and afterwards
a Republican.
I<i\.\s 1 1 ah i ZEi.i. was born in Bucks county. Pennsylvania. February I,
17'.'2. grew to maturity in bis native county, learned the wagonmaker's trade,
and also followed farming. lie removed from Bucks county to Harmony, Butler
county, lived in that village about eight years, engaged in wagon making, and
tben bought a farm in Jackson township, where the remainder of his days were
spent. He married Mary Housekeeper, of Bucks county, and had a family' of
five children, as follows : Hannah, deceased wife of Jacob Goas, of Beaver
county; Jacob, and Eli, both deceased; Isaac, and George. Mr. Hartzell and
wife were members of the Lutheran church, and in politics, he was a Democrat.
Jacob Hartzell, eldest son of Jonas and Mary Hartzell, 'was born in Bucks
county. March I'.i. I Si 7, was educated at a subscription school and was reared a
farmer. He came to Butler county with his parents, where he met and married
Jane E. Brown, a daughter of John Brown, of Middlesex township. March 17.
1850. Seven children were the fruits of this union, viz.: Jonas S. : Mary A.:
Hannah, deceased : Nannie J., wife of Robert Garraux; Letitia X. ; John B.,
and Lizzie M., wife of John Glascow. In I 85 ( Mr. Hartzell purchased a farm
in Penn township, where he has since resided. He is a member of the Lutheran
church, and a Democrat in politics.
Jonas S. Hartzell was bom upon the Hartzell homestead in Penn town-
ship, February 12, 1S57, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He is the eldest son of Jacob and Jane E. Hartzell. and grandson of Jonas Hart-
zell. Mr. Hartzell was married September 28, 1885, to Anna C. May, a daugh-
ter of Henry May, of Forward township, and has three children: Floyd R.;
Charles R.. and Mary E. Politically, he is a Democrat, and in religious faith, he-
is an adherent of the Presbyterian church.
Samuel Renfrew was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and was a
son of John Renfrew . a native of Renfrew shire. Paisley. Scotland, born in 1750.
John Renfrew came to America about 1768, and served in the Continental army
throughout the Revolution. He was a member of the Covenanter church, and
died in thai faith. After the War of Independence had closed, he settled near
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, erected a grist and saw mill, and carried on the
milling and lumbering business the remainder of his life. He married Sarah
Ray, and was the father of four sons and four daughters. Samuel grew to man-
hood in his native county, and upon his father's death succeeded to the mill
property, which he conducted down to his death. The mill is still owned by a
member of the Renfrew family. Samuel Renfrew married Hannah Lindsay,
who bore him a family of lour sons, viz. : John ; Robert ; David A., and Samuel,
all of whom are dead but David A. The parents were members of the Cove-
nanter church, and were quite prominent in that denomination.
David A. Renfrew, third son of Samuel and Hannah (Lindsay) Ren-
frew, was born at Greenwood Mills. Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1817,
was reared in his native county, and went into business with his father. In 1840
he came to Butler county and settled on Connoquenessing creek, in what is now
Penn township. In 1S44 he built a saw mill, and in 1868 a grist mill, which
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 919
\v;i- the beginning of the present village of Renfrew, named in honor of it-.
founder. Mr. Renfrew has been prominently identified with oil producing, and
has several wells on his property. I lis original tract of 600 acres is now reduced
to '200, which, however, is sufficient to support him in comfort the remainder of
his life. In lsbl Mr. Renfrew married Mary Kirkpatrick, of Armstrong county,
where she was born in L824. To this union have been born ten children, as fol-
lows: Samuel, who was killed in the Rebellion; Agnes J., wife of Samuel
Mellon; Elizabeth, wife of Erastus Logan; John C who married Lena Crowe;
Robert, deceased; David, who married Susan Weber ; Hannah A., wife of
John L. Walker: Kesiah, wife of A. J. White; Melissa, wife of John 11.
Walker, anil Maggie, wife of Simeon W. Phipps, Mr. Renfrew is one of the
founders of the Covenanter church at Renfrew, and has been one of the princi-
pal supporters of that organization since the beginning.
H. S. McClymonds, physician and surgeon, was born in Portersville, But-
ler county, Pennsylvania, February S, 1857, son of James and Lydia (Vance)
McClymonds. 1 1 is father was born in Allegheny county, in 1816, of Scotch
parentage, who came to America in the Eighteenth century. Ill's mother was of
Irish descent, and was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania. She died
December 80. ISSi'. His father is still living at the age of seventy-nine years,
and has spent his lite in agricultural pursuits. Both were consistent members of
the United Presbyterian church. They reared a family of ten children, nine of
whom are living. The subject of this sketch was reared upon bis father's farm,
received his primary education in the common schools, afterwards attended the
State Normal at Edinboro, and taught for several terms. He studied medicine
with Dr. A. (i. Thomas. ofFreeport, attended lectures at Miami Medical College,
Cincinnati, Ohio, one term, and graduated at the Medical Department of the
New York University, in March, 1883. He at once opened an office at Browns-
dale, Butler county, where he continued to enjoy a good practice until 1S9:2.
when he removed to Renfrew anil purchased the drug store of ]. M. Calvert,
which he carries on in connection with his professional duties. Dr. McCly-
monds is a member of Butler County Medical Association, also of the State Med-
ical Society, and is one of the well known physicians of the county. He was
married October 11. 1887, to Ida M. Douthett, a daughter of lion. D. B.
Douthett, of Forward township, and has two children : Bell V., and lames D.
Dr. McClymonds and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and
he is a liberal contributor towards that denomination.
David L. Kikkpatrick was born in Armstrong county. Pennsylvania,
January 10, 1837, son of John L., and Nancy ( Lorimer) Kirkpatrick. and grand-
son of James Kirkpatrick, a native of Scotland, who came to the United States
at an early day and settled in Indiana county, Pennsylvania. During the last
Indian war. James Kirkpatrick had charge of a blockhouse for the protection of
the inhabitants of his vicinity. lie died at a very advanced age. John I.., the
father of our subject, was a farmer and carpenter, and died at the age of seventy-
five years, and his wife Xancv, at the aye of seventy years. They were the par-
ents of the following children : James ; Robert ; Andrew ; William ; David L. :
Marv: Elizabeth, and Harriet, all of whom grew to maturity. They were mem-
920 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
bers of the Presbyterian church, in which l';iith they reared their family. The
subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, attended the public schools
of his district, and selected farming as his vocation. In 1850 he located upon a
farm in Centre township, Butler county, where he followed agriculture for many
years, and then retired to Renfrew. In l!S6l' he enlisted in Company E, One
Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served in the army of
the Potomac until 1863, when he was discharged because of disability through
defective hearing. His brothers, Robert and William, were also soldiers in the
Union army. Mr. Kirkpatrick was married January 16, lsH<s. to Martha J.
Ramsey, a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Maxwell) Ramsey, of Armstrong
county. Her grandfather Maxwell was one of the first settlers in Centre town-
ship, Butler county. Seven children are the fruits of this union, as follows :
William; Robert; Mary, wife of Lawrence McCandless ; John; Leslie; Gertrude,
and Everett. Mr. Kirkpatrick is a Republican, in politics, and both he and wife
are members of the Presbyterian church.
Ross M. Bowser, lumber dealer and builder, was born in Valley township.
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, December 8, 1847, son of M. P. and Sarah
(Baum) Bowser. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch ancestry,
a soldier in the Civil war, and a Democrat in politics. He was in the
Seventy-eighth regiment, enlisting in the spring of 1862, and remaining in the
service for three years. He served in many hard-fought battles, was captured and
held a prisoner for some time, and is now living at the age of seventy-six years.
His mother was also of Dutch extraction, anil is living in Armstrong county at
the age of seventy-one years. The subject of this sketch was reared a farmer.
In February, 1871, he went into the coal business on the lames Milford farm,
near Parker's Landing. This business he afterwards sold out. and in 1884 came
to Renfrew, anil has since been engaged in the oil and lumber business, the
firm now being known as R. M. Bowser & Son. He is also a part owner in
several producing oil wells. Mr. Bowser was married August I 1. 1871, to
Amanda R. Anthony. She was horn July 1. 1849, and is a daughter of Benja-
min and Susannah (Zimmerman) Anthony. They are the parents of nine chil-
dren, as follows: Hattie, deceased; Harry M.. a member of the linn of R. M.
Bowser & Son ; Jessie M. ; Lillian D., deceased; Milo P.; Flodia Z. ; Harvey
P. ; Katie, deceased, and Alta E. Mr. Bowser is an adherent of the Democratic
party, and favors low taxes.
David W. Roberts, proprietor of a livery stable at Renfrew, was born
in Cardiganshire. Wales. July 5, 1834, son of Key. William anil Mary (Davis)
Roberts. His father was a Baptist minister, came to the Inited States in 1861.
was pastor of a church at Mineral Ridge, Ohio, for two years, anil died at Youngs-
town, Ohio, in L864, aged seventy years. His mother died in Wales, at the age
of sixty-live. The subject of this sketch immigrated to the United States in
September. 1855, and found employment in the mines at Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
having been a miner and rolling mill quarryman in his native land. He worked
in the mines at Pottsville for two years, then went to West Middlesex, where he
worked as a miner one year, and thence to Youngstown, Ohio, lie worked in
a rolling mill in that city four years, and also at Sharon, Pennsylvania, and later
C&t^L&J
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Q2 I
was engaged in the grocery business at Youngstown for some time, whence he
removed to Venango county in 1877. In 1882 he located at Renfrew, Butler
county, and embarked in the livery business, which he still continues. He i-
also identified with the oil interests of his locality, and is a part owner in an oil
well. Mr. Roberts was married, June 1, 1858, to Martha Ilollenbaugh, to which
union have been born seven children, as follows: Mary II. ; David J. : Nicholas :
Rebecca J. ; Margaret M. ; Isabel, and Myra E.
A. J. White, oil producer, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania,
May 10, 1846, son of David and Jane (Edwards) White, the former a native
of the same county, and the latter of Maryland. His paternal great-grandfather
was the original settler on the site of Beaver Falls, coming from Down county.
Ireland, to that point with his family. His grandfather was a native of Down
county, Ireland, and came with his parents to Pennsylvania in childhood. His
maternal grandfather was born in England, came to America with his wife soon
after marriage, and settled in Maryland. His parents, David and Jane White,
are residents of Venango county, the former being now eighty-one years of age,
and the latter seventy-six. David White held the office of justice of the peace
in his native town for twenty years. The subject of this sketch was reared on a
farm in Beaver county, but has been interested in oil producing for the last twenty
years, the first ten of which he followed the business of a driller. He is inter-
ested in quite a number of producing wells, and claims to have been the first
operator to put down a well in the Hundred Foot field. He is quite an exten-
sive contractor in sinking wells, and superintending those which he puts down.
Mr. White was married to Martha Hitchcock, who bore him three children, two
of whom survive: Effiejane, wife of Elmer Shidler, and Ella. Mrs. White died,
and he subsequently married Ida Kesiah Renfrew, a daughter of David A. Ren-
frew. He is a Democrat, in politics, and an ardent supporter of that party.
Daniel B. White was born March 4, 1851, in Venango county. Pennsyl-
vania, son of David and Jane (Edwards) White, and a brother of A. J.
White of Renfrew. He was reared on a farm, attended the district schools, and
subsequently learned the bricklayer's and plasterer's trades, which lie followed
for eight years as a journeyman. He then engaged in drilling oil wells, at which
business he has since continued, being at present employed by his brother in
putting down wells. He married Kate J. Kennedy, a daughter of William Ken-
nedy, of Mechaniesville, Venango county, and has the following children : David,
born March 19, 1874; Joseph J.. March 2, 1S77; Edward, February 2, 1870:
Bertie. July 29, 1883; Ralph, July 2, 1886; Edgar, and Grace E., November 8.
1891. Mr. White is an adherent of the Democratic party.
John H. Walker was born in Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, October 27.
1852, son of O. B. and Sarah (McLaughlin) Walker. His father was a carpen-
ter, and the subject of this sketch learned that trade with him, and was a part-
ner in the business of contracting and building for many years. Mr. Walker
came to Renfrew in 1887, where he has since been engaged at his trade, being
one of the principal builders in the township, lie was married March 15. 1882,
to Melissa II.. a daughter of David A. Renfrew, the founder of the village of Ren-
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
frew. She was born March 22. 1862, and lias two children : ( (live R . , burn May
7. 1883, and Ethel G.. April 18, 1885. Mr. Walker is a Republican, in politics.
Simeon W. Phipps was born in Clinton township, Venango county, Penn-
sylvania, October 22, 1851, son of Robert and Anna (Canan) Phipps, pioneers
ol that county. lie was reared upon the homestead farm, and received his edu-
cation in the district schools. For more than twenty years he has been a con-
tractor and driller in the oil fields of western Pennsylvania, and has an interest
in several wells. lie has put down a very large number of oil wells for different
producers. Mr. Phipps married Maggie Renfrew, a daughter of David A.
Renfrew, and has two children : Ida May, horn in May, 1885, and David L., in
October. 1887. Politically. Mr. Phipps is a Democrat. He is a member of the
Masonic order.
Andrew Watson was born in Edinburg, Scotland, in 1843, son of Andrew
and Mary (Ross) Watson. The family came to the United States in L870. His
father was a coal miner and contractor, anil died in L890, at the aye of sixty -
seven years. I lis mother survived until the age of seventy. Mr. Watson came
to Pennsylvania with his parents, anil settled in Mercer county, where he
engaged in coal mining, which he followed until 1878. IK' then went into the
business of putting down oil wells, usually known as a driller, at which he has
since been engaged, and is a part owner in some wells. He was married March
25, 1890, to Bel] McKinney, a daughter of George McKinney, of Petrolia. Ib-
is a member of the I. (). (). F.. and politically, he is an independent voter.
John D. Barnhart, boilermaker, was born April 18, 1859, at Millerstown,
Butler county, son of John B. and Hannah (McCollough) Barnhart, of that
borough. 1 lis father carried on a meat market and hotel at Millerstown, and
was captain of a companv in the Rebellion, serving throughout the war. He
died in 180(5, from the effects of disease contracted in the army. His widow
married John Shook and is still living at the age of seventy years. The subject
of this sketch learned the boilermaker's trade in Petrolia. and established his
present shop at Renfrew, in 1889, where he has since carried on business. On
September I. 1887, he married Amelda Murphy, born June ;J, 1866, a daughter
of Archibald M., and Jane (Pisor) Murphy. Her father is a cooper and carpen-
ter, and resides in Worth township, Butler county. Politically. Mr. Barnhart
is a Republican.
Henry I. Van Dyke, boiler manufacturer, was born in Tompkins county.
New York, September 27, 1843, son of H. J. and Hannah (Webb) Van Dyke.
His father was a soldier in the War of 1812, was a farmer by occupation, and
both he and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He died at
the aye of sixty-five years. The subject of this sketch learned the boilermaker's
trade, at which he worked as an apprentice and journeyman for ten years, subse-
quently carried on business at Petrolia. Butler county, for eight veals, and in
1889 established his present shop at Renfrew, where he has since carried on the
manufacture of boilers, etc. In 1863 he enlisted in Company II. One Hundred
and Seventy-seventh New York Volunteers, and served until the close of the
war. He participated in the battles of Antietam. Gettysburg. Wilderness, and
several other engagements, and was wounded at North Anna River, in the left side.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 923
by a splinter from a shell. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat, and is a mem-
ber of the (i. A. R. lie married [da McGlone of Petrolia.
Mn. ton Milled was born in Centre township, Butler count)', Pennsylvania,
September 30, IS54, son of Samuel ami Julia Ann (Curry) Miller, natives of the
sime township. His father was a sou of Michael Miller, a pioneer of Butler
■county, ami died October 17. 1892, at the age of seventy-five. His mother's par-
ents were also pioneers of this count\ . Her father, Isaac Curry, was a native ol
Ireland, and Settled at an early day near Unionville. Centre township. He
reared eight children, all of whom are dead. Their names are as follows : James
C. : Robert: David; Isaac; Barbara; Julia Ann; Nancy, and Elizabeth. Mrs.
Miller died in Julv, 1865, aged forty-two years. Roth she and husband were
members of the United Presbyterian church. They were the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Henry J.; Maria J.: William C. ; Mary M.; Harrison; Mil-
ton; Sabrina : Samuel S.: Ellsworth, and two that died in early youth. The
subject of this sketch was reared in Centre township, and on November 15, 1*77.
was married to Rose Sailor, a daughter of Peter and Hannah Sailor. Her father
was born in Germany, ami her mother in Ohio. They are residents of Cranberry
township, and are the parents of five children, as follows: Edward; Rose;
Lincoln, deceased ; Mary, wife of Ellis Terrill. and Margaret, widow of Allen
Gale. Mr. Miller and wife have three children, viz. : Everett ; Maud, and Gil-
bert. He first became interested in two oil wells in Concord township, about
1882, since which time he has been engaged in oil producing, and is now in
partnership with his brother-in-law, Edward Sailor, of Butler. They own several
wells in Penn township, southeast of Renfrew. Politically, lie is a Republican,
and is a member of the 1\. ( ). T. M.
William THOMPSON, Sr., was one of the first settlers of what is now Mid-
dlesex township, Butler county, where his descendants claim he located with
his family as early as 1795. When he was a youth, it is said he was chased by
a roving band of Indians and took refuge in a deserted log cabin. While the
savages were gathering wood with which to burn him out. he escaped unper-
■ceived through a rear window, and fled into the forest. On looking back he saw
the Indians dancing around the burning cabin, which they supposed contained
their prisoner. His wife's maiden name was Mary Sanderson, and both were
natives of the Cumberland valley, of Scotch-Irish extraction. Their first years in
this country were full of promise, but the death of the husband ami father early
in the present century threw the burdens of the home and family upon the wid-
ow's shoulders. Their children were named as follows : Robert, who was cap-
tain of a company in the War of 1812, settled in what is now Clinton township,
and there died : Jane, who married Jacob Mechling, Jr., of Butler; John ; Will-
iam : Salina. who married John Gilliland ; Martha, who remained single, and
James, who is well remembered as a distinguished lawyer, congressman and
jurist. All have passed awav. but many of their children and grandchildren are
respected residents of the county.
Capt. Robert Thompson, son of William Thompson. Sr.. was born in
1789, and came to Butler county with his parents. He was twice married. His
first wife was Marv Coulter, who bore him a family of three children, as follows:
9^4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Ellen, who married Stephen Brewer; James C, and John. His second wife
was Mary Brown, who became the mother of five children : Margaret, who
married William Brewer; William; Robert; Mary A., who married Joseph
Henry, and Catherine, who became the wife of John Montgomery. Captain
Thompson commanded a company in the War of 1812, and resided in Clinton
township until his death, which occurred in 1879. His first wife died in 1825,
and his second in 1881.
James C. Thompson was born in Clinton township, Butler county, in 1824,
and is the eldest son of Robert and Mary (Coulter) Thompson. After reaching
manhood he purchased, in 1846, what is now known as the Thompson farm, in
Middlesex township, settled upon it and died there in 1857. In February, 1851,
he married Elizabeth J. Gilliland, a daughter of Robert Gilliland, of Middlesex
township. Five children were the fruits of this marriage, as follows : Ephraim
O. ; Alphretta. wife of William McKibben ; E valine ; Margaret, and John, the
last two of whom are dead. Mr. Thompson was a member of the Presbyterian
church, and in politics, he was an adherent of the Republican party.
Ephraim O. Thompson, eldest son of James C. and Elizabeth J.Thompson,
was born upon the homestead farm in Middlesex township, Butler county, Feb-
ruary 7, 1852, received a common school education, and has always been engaged
in agricultural pursuits, in which he has been highly successful. He was married
June 22, 1875, to Elizabeth Goodwin, a daughter of Thomas Goodwin, and lias
four children : Elizabeth J. ; James E. ; Clara E., and Ephraim R. Politically,
Mr. Thompson is a Republican, and is the assessor and collector of Middlesex
township. Both he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
John Thompson was born in Middlesex township, Butler county, in 1795,
son of William and Mary Thompson. He was reared upon a farm, and learned
the hatter's trade, which he followed in connection with tilling his farm. lie
assisted in surveying Middlesex township, and was one of the well known citi-
zens of pioneer days. He married Hettie Dunbar, a daughter of Moses Dunbar,
of Middlesex township, and was the father of tour children, as follows: William
Ross; Mary J., wife of Samuel Riley: Elizabeth, wife of Alfred Richardson,
and Harriet K., deceased. Mr. Thompson was a life-long member of the Presby-
terian church, and was a trustee in that denomination. He took quite an active
interest in public affairs, was first a Whig, and then a Republican, and filled at
different periods most of the township offices. lie died upon the old homestead.
October 9, 1885; hi- widow reside- with their son. William Ross.
William Ross Thompson was born upon the old homestead in Middlesex
township, Butler county. August 22. 1841, and lias spent his entire life in his
native township, lie resides upon the farm settled by his father, upon which he
has eleven producing oil wells, and many others in process of going down. He
is a trustee in the Presbyterian church, ami is also the superintendent of the Sab-
bath school. Mr. Thompson is one of the enterprising and progressive farmers
of his township, and always takes an active interest in public matters.
William Thompson was born in Middlesex township, Butler county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1797. and was a son of William and Mary Thompson. He was
reared upon the homestead farm, and learned the shoemaker's trade, which he
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 925
followed in connection with agriculture. He married, in 1828, Mrs. Renison, a
daughter of Hugh Gilliland, of Middlesex township, and was the father of the
following children: James; Sarah B., who married Abel Comstock ; Harriet,
who married William Fleming; John; Robert G., who served in Company D,
Eleventh Reserve; William S. ; Hugh C, who served in Company E, One
Hundred and Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers; one that died in infancy,
and Kesiah E., who married James Harbison. Mr. Thompson purchased the
present homestead of Mrs. Collins, September 15. 1^46, and resided upon it down
to his death, September 5, 1883. His wife died March 5. 1881. They were
members of the Presbyterian church, in which body he tilled the office of trustee.
In earlv life he was a Whig, and afterwards a Republican. He spent eighty-six
years within the boundaries of Butler county, and endured all the privations and
trials incident to pioneer life.
William S. Thompson, fourth son of William Thompson, Jr., was born
upon his father's farm, in Middlesex township, Butler county, in November,
1840, received a common school education, and has followed farming and oil
producing. In August. 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and
Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, was mustered in at Harrisburg, then
went to Camp Curtin, where he was promoted from first corporal to fifth ser-
geant. The regiment next went to Baltimore, and then to Washington, D. C,
and afterwards to Fort Slemmer, where it remained until September. He was
present in the battle of South Mountain, and also served at Antietam, thence
returned to Washington City, where the regiment went into camp. Mr. Thomp-
son was in the hospital at Washington for some time, whence he returned to his
regiment, which went into winter quarters in November, 1862. The following
January he was sent to Emery Hospital, where he was honorably discharge Feb-
ruary 24, 1SI)3. and returned to his home. He was married October 6, 1864, to
Sarah D., a daughter of Capt. William Scott, of Bakerstown, killed at the battle
of Fair Oaks. Six children have been born to this union, as follows: Etta M.,
wife of John V. Walters; William S. ; Mary I., wife of Finley A. Mcintosh;
Harriet O. ; Leon A., and Sanderson D., the last three of whom are dead Mr.
Thompson is a member of the Presbyterian church, is a trustee in that body, and
in politics, he is a Republican. He is also connected with the I. O. O. F.. and
the Jr. O. U. A. M., and is a member of Capt. William Scott Post, Number
170, G. A. R.
James HARBISON was born in eastern Pennsylvania in 1771. and was one of
the earliest settlers of Butler county. He learned the wheelwright's trade in
Westmoreland county, and settled in Butler county in 1704-95, locating on a
farm in what is now Middlesex township, known as the Harbison homestead.
This farm he cleard and improved, building his cabin in the midst of the primi-
tive forest, and enduring all the trials and privations of pioneer life. In 1707
he married Mary Brown, daughter of George Brown, of Middlesex township, to
which union were born ten children, as follows : Matthew : Mary, who married
David Morehead ; George; James; John; William; Robert: Margaret; Thomp-
son, and Samuel, all of whom are dead with the exception of Robert, Margaret
and Thompson. Mr. Harbison and wife were members of the Seceder church,
926 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and in politics, he was an adherent of the Whig partv. He died upon li is farm
in I v 13 : his widow survived him until 1866.
Robert Harbison, oldest living child ol fames and Mary Harbison, was
born upon his father's homestead in Middlesex township. Butler county, January
7, 1811. lie grew to manhood surrounded. by the Usual scenes of pioneer life,
assisting bis parents in the duties of the farm. On ]unc 29, 1840, be mar-
ried Catherine Scott, a daughter of John Scott, of Allegheny county, and is the
father of eight children: Sarah, deceased, who married |ohn Allison; Mar} :
Margaret, who married William Miller: Catherine, who married Abraham Cun-
ningham: Ordelia, wife of William Flick: Lyda : Robert, and one that died in
early youth. Mr. Harbison is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and
in politics, he is an unswerving Republican.
Samuel McBride was born in Westmoreland, county, Pennsylvania, in 1794,
came to Butler county with his parents in 1796, and here grew to manhood. He
was married in 1827, to Margaret |. Beery, a daughter of Jacob Beery, and
they were the parents of eight children, as follows: Mary A., who married
Thomas Stewart: John M. ; Margaret J.; Prances M.. who married Thomas
Denny; William B., deceased; Alabama, vvifeof William II. Weit/el; Rebecca P..
wife of Samuel Leslie, and Elizabeth, deceased. Mr. McBride followed farming
in Middlesex township, and both be and wife spent their lives in this county,
dying upon the old homestead. The} were members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and in politics, he was first n Whig, and afterwards a Republican. Their
son William B., enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, and died soon after the battle of Fredericksburg, from a
fever. Their eldest son. John M. McBride. was born upon the homestead, in
Middlesex township. February 26, Is:.".'. has always been engaged in fanning, is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics. is an adherent of
the Republican party.
Thomas Park, Sk., was born in eastern Pennsylvania in I7I-. there grew
to manhood, and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in connection
with fanning. He came to Butler county, late in the Eighteenth century and
settled upon a farm in what is now Middlesex township, where be died in ISi!2.
He was the lather of eight children, as follows : John ; David ; Samuel : James ;
Thomas: Joseph, and two daughters, all of whom are dead Mr. Park was a
member of the Presbyterian church, but he died at such an early day that few ot
the present generation remember him.
Thomas Park was born in eastern Pennsylvania in IT'-'f. learned the
blacksmith's trade and also engaged in farming. He came to Butler county with
his father, and resided here until his death, in 1839. In IS17 he married Sarah 15.
Scott, whose parents were early settlers of Butler county, and was the father of
seven children : fames; John; William: Mary A. who married Wilson David:
Thomas: David, and Nancy J. Mrs. Park died in 1S44. surviving her husband
five years. They were members of the Scceder church, and in politics, he was
a Whig.
William Park was born upon his father's homestead in Middlesex town-
ship, Butler county. October S, 1824, and was the third son of Thomas and
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. <>:~
Sarah B.Park. His education was obtained in a subscription school, and his
entire life was spent in agricultural pursuits. He married Clara A., a daughter
of Jonas Morrison, of Middlesex township, to which union were born eleven
children, as follows: Albert; Harvey, deceased; William; James; Charles:
Joseph, deceased ; Harry; Elizabeth, wife of- William Ross; Margaret, wife of
William Morrow: Nellie, and Harriet. Mr. Park was a member of the I'nited
Presbyterian church, and was a trusteee in that denomination for many years.
In politics, he was a Democrat. He died June 1. 1894.
Harry M. Park was horn upon the homestead (arm in Middlesex town-
ship, Butler county. April]"). [862, son of William and Clara A. Park. He
received a common school education, and has always been engaged in farming.
On December 28, 1879, he married Cassie E. Pulton, a daughter of James B.
Fulton, of Middlesex township, and is the lather of three children : Howard R. .
Ethel P.. and Zella E. Politically. Mr. Park is a Democrat, and is now filling
the position of school director. He is a member of the United Presbyterian
chinch, and a liberal supporter of that denomination.
Jacob Flick was horn in eastern Pennsylvania in 1721, grew to manhood
in that part of the State, and served in the Revolutionary war. He married
Miss Mary Matthews, dso a native of Pennsylvania, and settled in what is now
Middlesex township, Butler county, in 1801, where he resided until his death,
in 1809. His widow survived until L843. They were the parents of eight chil-
dren, all of whom are dead. Their names are as follows : ( ieorge : John : 1 lenry;
Joseph; Elizabeth, who married William Kennedy; Catherine, who married
Thomas Kennedy : Sarah, who married William Leedom, and Rachel, who mar-
ried Samuel Phillips. Mr. Flick was one of the very earliest settlers of Butler
county, ami endured all the privations and dangers incident to that period.
Henry Flick was horn upon the homestead farm, in what is now Middle-
sex township. Butler county, and was one of the first children horn within
the boundaries of the township. He grew to maturity inured to the hardships
and trials of pioneer days, and diil well his part in clearing and improving the
country. About 1817 he married Mary Snyder, a daughter of William Snyder,
of Middlesex township, to which union were born twelve children. Their names
areas follows: George, and Nimrod, both deceased; Margaret, who married
Menamee List: Jonathan: Barbara A., who married Daniel McElwain ; Mary
E., who married Edward Holmes; Catherine, who became the wife of John
Montgomery: Jacob 1!.; Hiram: Rachel, who married James Hemphill: Sarah
C, wife of Alexander Cunningham, and lames S., deceased. Mr. Flick died
in 1853, and his widow, March 15, 1*77. They were members of the Presbyte-
rian church, in which he filled the office of trustee. In early days he was a
Whig, remained faithful to the principles of that party down to his death, ami
occupied many of the minor positions in his township. He was a member of the
State Militia, and a man of some local influence during the early days ol the
county's history.
Jacob B. Flick was born April '.l, 1833, upon his father's farm in Middle-
sex township. Butler county, received a common school education, and learned
the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for thirty-three years, in connection
•928 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
with farming. On September 13, 1855, lie married Eliza A. Criner, a daughter
•of John Criner, of Middlesex township, who bore him three children: Alzina ;
Henry N., and Lily A., the last mentioned being the only survivor, and now the
wife of William J. Gillespie. Mrs. Flick died November 28, 1865. He was
again married July 24, 18(3(3, to Mary J. Walling, a daughter of Carhart Walling,
of Franklin township. In 1858 Mr. Flick purchased the John Criner farm in
Middlesex township, upon which he has since resided. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church, has been a trustee and Sabbath school superintendent, and is
now a member of the session. Politically, he is a Republican, and has been
constable and collector of his township. Mr. Flick is a descendant of one of the
first settlers of western Pennsylvania.
Absalom Monks, Sr., was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, Novem-
ber 11, 1774, and was reared as a farmer in his native county. He served under
General Wayne in the Indian war from 1792 to 1795. and in the latter year
settled in Pittsburg. lie came to Butler county in 1801, purchased 212 acres of
land in Middlesex township, in 1802, now known as the Monks farm, built a
cabin thereon and commenced clearing and improving his purchase. He married
Margaret Pell, who died without issue. On May 3, 1810, he married Catherine
Kennedy, a daughter of Martin Kennedy, and the young couple took up their
residence upon the farm which Monks had settled eight years before. Here
they spent the remaining years of their lives, peacefully following agricultural
pursuits. They were the parents of nine children, as follo.ws : Rebecca, who
married James Ewing ; Mary A., who married Joseph Williamson; Margaret,
who became the wife of James Morehead ; Absalom ; Catherine A. ; Martin ;
Phoebe; Isabella, and John W., all of whom are dead with the exception of
Absalom and John W. Mr. Monks and wife were members of the Seceder church,
and in politics, he was an adherent of the Whig party.
Absalom Monks, son of Absalom and Catherine Monks, was born upon
the old homestead in Middlesex township, Butler county, October 5, 1817, grew
up upon the farm, and worked at the blacksmith's trade and farming. He was
married March 14, 1850, to Harriet Chantler, a daughter of Thomas Chantler, of
Middlesex township, and is the father of six children, four of whom survive, as
follows: Thomas; Martin; William J., and Catherine A., wife of Robert Harbi-
son, lie is now the owner of the old homestead, upon which he has seven pro-
ducing oil wells, and is one of the substantial farmers of the community. Mr.
Monks is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a trustee in that
organization. He is an adherent of the Republican part}-.
Martin Monks, second son of Absalom and Harriet Monks, was born in
Clinton township, Butler county, February 14, 1857, received a public school
education, and is a farmer and oil producer, having now four producing wells
upon his farm. On February 12, 1879, he married Cordelia H;ckey, a daughter
of Wendell Hickey, of Middlesex township, and is the father of seven children :
Leuella B. ; Warner S.; Martin R. ; Sarah M. ; Harriet ; Albert, and Emery II.
Mr. Monks and wife are members of the Methddist Episcopal church, and in
politics, he is a Republican.
^J%^£<~
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. <J2i)
Thomas Trimble was born in the north of Ireland, grew to manhood in
his native land, and immigrated to the United States in 17'.I0. In 18t»7 he settled
upon what is known as the Trimble farm, in Middlesex township. Butler county.
where he resided until his death, in 1837. He was a member of the Seceder
church, and in politics, he was an adherent of the Whig party. Mr. Trimble
was the father of five children, as follows : Mary : Margaret ; Satia : Nancy, and
Samuel. He has numerous descendants in this part of the State, many of whom
are residents of Butler county.
Samuel Trimble was born in Shippensville, Clarion county, Pennsylvania,
in 1708, and was nine years old when his parents located in Butler county. He
attended the little log school house of pioneer days, during the winter seasons,
and grew up inured to the hardships incident to that period, lie was married
three times; first to Isabella Thompson, of Middlesex township, who became
the mother of one son, Thomas. His second wife was Ellen C. Beery, a daugh-
ter of Jacob Beery, of Middlesex township, who bore him two children : Robert,
and William F. His third wife was Elizabeth Love, of Clinton township, to
which union four children were born, as follows: John II.; Thomas, who was
a member of the Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died from disease
contracted in the service ; James, and Margaret. Mr. Trimble was a member of
the Seceder church, was a Whig in politics, and belonged to the State Militia
during his early manhood. He died April 10, 1855.
Robert Trimble, eldest son of Samuel and Ellen C. ( Beery) Trimble, was
born in Middlesex township, Butler county, March 12, 1829, and received a
meager education in the early schools of his neighborhood, attending the com-
mon school the first day it was legally opened under the common school law of
1834. He was reared upon his father's farm, and served four years' apprentice-
ship at the carpenter's trade with S. G. Purvis, of Butler. lie worked for Mr.
Purvis as a journeyman for several years, and also assisted in the erection of the
court house, in 1855. In that year he located upon his present farm, where he
has since resided, devoting his attention to agriculture. He was married April
14, 1857, to Eliza A. Hays, a daughter of William M. Hays, of Middlesex town-
ship, and has seven children, as follows: Samuel C. ; Eliza J., wife of W. A.
Denny; Ruth E., wife of John Turner; William II.; Margaret A.; Mary, and
Martha. Mr. Trimble is a Republican, has filled nearly all of the township
offices, is a man of much influence in bis community, anil is well known through-
out the county.
Joiix Crinek was born in eastern Pennsylvania, in April, 1787, was reared
in his native county, and came to Butler county in 1815, where his mother pur-
chased in that year the present Criner homestead, in Middlesex township. He mar-
ried Nancy Reed, who became the mother of the following children : Philip,
deceased; James; Leslie; William, and John, both deceased ; Satia A., wife of George
Sweeney; Margaret, wife of George W. Porter; Mary, who married William
Hazlett, and Eliza A., deceased wife of Jacob B. Flick. Mr. Criner died in
1871, and his widow in 1872. They were members of the Cumberland Presby-
terian church, anil in politics, lie was a Whig in early life, and afterward- a
Republican.
59
93° HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William Criner was bom on the old homestead farm in Middlesex
township, Butler county, September 26, 1816, and was the fourth son of
|olui and Nancy Criner. IK- was reared a farmer, and received a meager educa-
tion in the subscription schools of that period. In March, 1846, he married
Lucinda Pearce, a daughter of Francis Pearce, of Butler county, and hail one
son. Wilson 1'. Mr. Criner died in 1879; his widow resides with her son upon
the old homestead farm. In politics. Mr. Criner was a Republican, but gave
little attention to political affairs, devoting his time to the cultivation of his
I arm .
Wilson P. Criner was bom in Cranberry township. Butler county,
February l'l\ hs47. received a public school education, and learned the shoe-
maker's trade, which he followed in connection with agricultural pursuits. IK
married Isabella McKay, a daughter of Alexander McKay, of Butler county, to
which union, six children have been born, as follows: Charles C. ; Henry E. ;
Minnie P.; Aubrev S. ; Irene B., and Mattie A. In politics. Mr. Criner is a
Republican, and has held the office of constable in his township. lie is one of
the enterprising farmers of his community.
Iames Campbell, Sr., was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, of
Scotch extraction, there married Margaret Congen, and in 1801, with his
wife and three children. Margaret, Sarah and William, he immigrated to this
country and" settled near Kennct Square. Chester county, Pennsylvania. Here
were born two sons and two daughters, viz. : fames; Ellen; Hetty Jane, and
Thompson. The father worked by the day, as he could find employment, until
IM 1, when the family moved to Lancaster county, and settled on a rented
(arm in Dunmore township. Here Margaret died in 1814. In 1818 the family
moved to Washington county, and six years later to Allegheny county. In 1828
Mr. Campbell purchased a farm in Middlesex township, Butler county, upon
which he located the same year and began the work of making a home in the
unbroken forest. Here he continued to reside until his death. January 6, 1836.
His widow survived until 1848. They were strict Presbyterians, and among the
respected people of the community. Their son William, who was engaged in
merchandising at Pittsburg, died December 6, 1835, and Thompson, December 6,
1868. The latter was a prominent and able lawyer, anil practiced his profession
in Illinois tor some years, where he became secretary of state, and also repre-
sented the Galena district in Congress. In 1852 he was appointed one of the
I nited States land commissioners for California, and subsequently practiced
law with great success in the San Francisco courts. Fllen. who married T. II.
Lyon, died January 5, 1S77. and Sarah. May 2, 1881. James, the last survivor
ol the family, was a leading merchant of Butler lor a long period, ami died in
that borough November 10, 1886.
PHILIP Snyder was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1774, was
reared in his native county, and came to Butler county in 1815. He purchased
the White farm, in what is now Middlesex township, consisting of 200 acres,
which he cleared and improved. Before coming to this county he married Bar-
bara Conkle, a daughter of William Conkle, of Lancaster county. Eleven chil-
dren were the fruits of this union, as follows : Mary, who married Henry Flick
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 931
John; Michael; Elizabeth, who married Barney Stepp ; Jacob; Margaret:
Philip: Samuel; George; Barbara, wife of David M. Dibell, and William. Mr.
Snyder died on his farm in 1850, and his wife in 1855. They were members ol
the Seceder church, and among the well remembered pioneers of the township.
William Snyder was born on the homestead farm, in Middlesex township.
Butler county. March 22, 1822, and is the youngest in the family of Philip and
Barbara Snyder. lie grew up upon his father's farm, following the usual routine
of a farmer's life, and has never been engaged in any other vocation, lie was
married January 18, 1849, to Mary A., a daughter of John Brown, of Middlesex
township, and to this union have been born six children : Philip C. : John G. ;
Jennie E., wife of George Stepp; George M. ; Barbara M.. and William S.. the
last two of whom are dead. Mr. Snyder is an adherent of the Republican party,
and has been superivsor of his township for two terms.
Samuel Crooks was a native of Derry county, Ireland, born about 17M.
and came to Massachusetts about 1801, where he found employment in a paper
mill. From there he came to Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county, and thence to
Middlesex township. Butler county, where he engaged in farming. About 1827
he moved to the Rev. Francis' farm, and afterwards purchased UK) acres ot land
near Glade Mills, from Oliver David, where he died in 1866. About 1811 he
married Miss Louisa Priest, of Massachusetts, who came with him to western
Pennsylvania. Thev were the parents of ten children, as follows: James;
Lily, who married Henry Runvon, and after bis death James McElwain ; Jane,
who married Stephen Dunbar; Mary, who became the wife of James McCol-
lum; Margaret, who married Moses Dunbar: John M. : William: Anna, who
married Armstrong Renison : Louisa, who married George Lyon, and Susan,
wife of Samuel Newell. Mr. Crooks was a supporter of the Democratic party,
anil tilled the office of school director for a number of years.
John M. Crooks was born in Middlesex township, Butler county, August
1, 1821, son of Samuel and Louisa Crooks. He received bis education in the
common schools, and was reared upon his father's farm. In October, 1861, he
enlisted in Company A, Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served
under Gen. James S. Xegley and General Woods. He was in the second day's
tight at Shiloh. April 7, 1862, was then detailed to the baggage train from Shiloh
to Corinth, and was fifty-two days on the march, siege ami capture of Corinth.
From there his command went to Bridgeport, Alabama, then camped on Mount
Zuina, crossed the mountains, and participated in the battle of Chickamauga,
wliere the regiment was badly cut up and forced to retreat to Chattanooga. It
remained there two months, until the battle of Missionary Ridge, was then re-or-
ganized, and became a part of General Sherman's army. lie took part in all ot
the battles up to Atlanta, was then sent to Nashville, and was honorably dis-
charged at Kingston, Georgia, October 11. 1864. Returning to his home he
resumed his farm duties, and has since continued in agricultural pursuits.
In November. 1862, he married Martha J. Scott, a daughter of Thomas Scott,
of Middlesex township, and is the father of the following children: Emma,
deceased: Samuel: Ida. wife of Alfred Kinj,r. of Clearfield county: William:
932 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Edwin ; Blanche, and Maud. Politically, Mr. Crooks is a Republican, and has
filled several of the minor offices in his township.
Thomas Adams was a native of Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, born in
IS17, and came with hi* parents to Middlesex township, Butler county, about
IS27. He was reared in this township, and married Annie Crawford, a daughter
of |olin Crawford, of Allegheny county, in 1856. They were the parents of two
children: Mary J., deceased, and Joseph VV. In 1861 Mr. Adams enlisted in
company K, Eighty fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Colonel Kirby,
and served through the war. lie was killed in the last battle of the Richmond
campaign, immediately before the surrender of Lee. lie was a member of the
United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a stanch Douglas Democrat.
JOSEPH W. Adams was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania. October IS,
1861, was educated in the common schools and afterwards attended the Pittsburg
High School. Duff's Commercial College, and Smith's Business College. lie sub-
sequently entered the State Normal School, at Edinbor'o. and then the Albany
Law School, at Albany, New York, which completed his education. Mr. Adams
was married June 3, 1879, to Theresa Twiford, a daughter of John Twiford, of
Allegheny county, and has four children : Victoria ; Sarah ; Joseph, deceased,
and Horace. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics,
lie is a Republican.
James I). Harbison was born upon the Harbison homestead in Middlesex
township, Butler county, received a common school education, and followed
farming as a vocation. He married Kesiah E. Thompson, a daughter of William
Thompson, of Middlesex township, in 1865. Thev are the parents of seven chil-
dren, as follows: John T. ; Cyrus L. ; William J.; Jennie B., wife of Henry
Knauff. of Middlesex township; Arthur F. ; Leonard M., and Raleigh L. The
parents are members of the United Presbyterian church, in which body Mr. Har-
bison has tilled the office of trustee. In politics, he is a Republican. He is now
residing at Haviland, Allegheny county.
William J. Harbison, son of Tames D., and Kesiah E. Harbison, was born
upon the homestead in Middlesex township. Butler county. October lit. 1868.
After receiving a public school education, he learned the carpenter's and painter's
trades, which he followed in connection with farming. He has now charge of
the old homestead, and devotes his attention to agriculture. On January 25,
1893, he married Ida M. Maizland, a daughter of George Mainland, of Clinton
township. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a member of the United Pres-
byterian church.
Friend Buxton was born in Washington county, Virginia, October l', ISIS,
was reared in his native county, anil learned the stonemason's and bricklayer's
trades, also the cooper's trade. On November 3, 1840, be married Jane Park, a
daughter of James Park, of Wesmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and the follow-
ing year the young couple came to Butler county, where Mr. Buxton worked at
his trade, in connection with farming, for about seventeen years. He then pur-
chased the Lynn farm, in Middlesex township, in 1858, upon which he resided
until his death, May 31, 1882. His widow resides upon the homestead farm
with her son. Robert \\". They were the parents of seven children, as follows:
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 933
James; John, deceased; Robert \Y. ; Martha J., wife of Andrew Ekas ; Eliza-
beth D., wife of Charles Dietrich; Melissa, wife of Christopher Fredley, and
Rachel. Mr. Buxton was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in
politics, he was an adherent of the Democratic party.
Robert VV. Buxton was born upon the homestead farm, in Middlesex
township, Butler county, May 11, 1846. He was reared upon the farm, and re-
ceived a common school education. He has been twice married: first to Mary
Carnahan, a daughter of John Carnahan, of Allegheny county, September in,
li^T'D, who bore him a family of four children : Charles; Eliza [., deceased ;
John, and Miller \V. Mrs. Buxton died January 22, 1882. I lis second wife was
Mrs. Martha H. Norris, a daughter of Capt. G. XV. Hays, whom he married
January 7, 1886. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, is an elder
in that denomination, has also filled the office of trustee, and is superintendent of
the Sabbath school. In politics, he is a Prohibitionist.
Robert Miller was born in Derry county, Ireland, July 1, 1802, was
reared in his native land, and there learned the weaver's trade. In 1N27 he im-
migrated to Philadelphia, where he resided for seven years, then came to Butler
county, and purchased the McGowan farm in Middlesex township, containing
sixty-seven acres. He resided upon this farm down to his death, which occurred
February 7, 1891. Mr. Miller was married about 1828, to Elizabeth Bigger, a
daughter of William Bigger, of Philadelphia, to which union were born eleven
children, six of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Joseph, deceased; Will-
iam; Mary A., who married William J. Whiteside; Elizabeth, who married
Henry Sefton; Benjamin, deceased, and Robert J. The mother died in April,
1884, some seven years before her husband. Mr. Miller and wife were members
of the United Presbyterian church, in which he held the offices of trustee and
treasurer. In politics, he was successively a Whig and Republican, and filled the
positions of overseer and township supervisor.
William Miller, eldest living son of Robert and Elizabeth Miller, was
born in Middlesex township, Butler county, July 10, 1889. He received a com-
mon school education, and was reared upon his father's farm. On December 22,
1864, he married Margaret A. Harbison, a daughter of Robert Harbison, of Mid-
dlesex township, to which union have been born fifteen children, as follows: Ida
E., wife of James H. Park; Clara C, wife of Thomas G. Kennedy; Ora D..
wife of William B. Hennihan : Sarah J., wife of George Stepp : Mary B.,
deceased ; Annie M. ; Robert W. ; Benjamin C, deceased; Wilbert II.; Ardelia M. ;
Eaura E. ; Ella S. ; Edna G. ; Alvin C, and Erla E. In 1*74 Mr. Miller pur-
chased the Ilyle farm, in Middlesex township, containing ninety acres, upon
which he now resides. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church and
has filled the offices of trustee and treasurer in that organization. Politically, he
is a Republican, and has been a member of the school board of his township.
James Kixgax was born in eastern Pennsylvania in 1805, there grew to
manhood and learned the bricklayer's trade. He afterwards removed to Pills-
burg, and in 1840 he came to Butler county, and purchased a farm of 100 acres
in Middlesex township. He resided upon this place until his death, in 1869.
He married Ann E., a daughter of Adam Mahood, of Penn township, and to
9^4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
this union were born eight children: Elizabeth, deceased; Nancy J., wife of
fames Flick; Samuel J.; Mary VV. : Robert A.; James, deceased; Margaret S.,
and William, deceased. Mr. Kingan was a member of the- United Presbyterian
church, and in politics, he was an adherent of the Republican party.
Samuel }. Kingan was born in Middlesex township, Butler county , April
(>, IN;");!, son of lames and Ann E. Kingan. lie received a common school edu-
cation, and has resided upon a farm all his life. He is a member of the United
Presbyterian church, and a supporter of the Republican party. Mr. Kingan
married Martha Black, a daughter of Robert Black, of Middlesex township,
[line 18, L872. Six children are the fruits of this union, as follows: James E. ;
Maggie O. ; Bessie J. ; Clara (i.: Lottie M.. and one that died in early youth.
William Marks was born in Down county. Ireland, in 1819, and grew to
manhood in his native land. About 1848 he immigrated to Philadelphia, where
he married Eliza, a daughter of George Whiteside, of that city, and soon after-
wards came to Butler county, and located on what is now known as the Ogden
farm, in Middlesex township, lie subsequently removed into Allegheny county,
where he followed farming and stock-dealing until 1879, when he again came to
Butler county, ami resided here until L888. In that year he returned to Alle-
gheny counts, anil remained in that county until his death, in June, 1885.
Nine children were born to William and Eliza Marks, as follows: Mary A.,
wife of Samuel Rankin ; John, deceased ; Eliza J., wife of William J. Shepherd;
George, deceased: William f. ; James; Robert A.; Sarah A., wife of Thomas
Marshall, and Margaret L., wife of Dr. W. C. McCandless. Mr. Marks was a
member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was an adherent of the
Republican party.
William |. Marks was born in Hampton township, Allegheny counts.
Pennsylvania, December 22, 1857, and is a son of William and Eliza Marks.
When thirteen years of age he went to work in a store, and has ever since been
connected with merchandising, lie is now located at Glade Mills, Butler
counts, where he is carrying on a general store. Mr. Marks married Sadie J.
Starr, a daughter of William Starr, of Concord township. He is a member of
the Presbyterian church, and one of the liberal supporters of that denomination.
In politics, he has always been a Republican, has tilled the offices of township
treasurer and clerk, has represented his township in the county conventions for
several years, and has been a very active participant in local political affairs,
lie is a member of the oil firm of McCandless & Marks, wdio have extensive ter-
ritory in Middlesex township, known as the Glade Mills field.
|)h. [osiah McCandless svas born in Centre township, Butler county,
upon the old McCandless homestead, March 6, L816, and was a son of William
McCandless, one of the early settlers of Centre township. He was educated at
the Butler Academy, followed clerking in Ohio, commenced reading medicine
with Dr. |. Whittaker, of Allegheny, under whom he studied three years, and
located at Unionville, Butler county, in 1889. He practiced his profession in that
locality until his death, which occurred January 5, 1875. Dr. McCandless
married Keziah, a daughter of John S. and Martha T. McCandless, June IS,
L854. Ten children were horn to this union, as follows: Everett S.; William
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 93 5
C. ; Josiah L. ; Laura K., who married Robert Kirkpatrick ; Ada; Addison;
Elmer; Quincv ; Edith J., and one that died in infancy. The survivors of the
family are William C, Josiah L., and Edith J. The parents were members of
the Presbyterian church, and in politics, Dr. McCandless was a Whig in early
life, and afterwards a Republican. Throughout his long residence in Centre
township, he enjoyed a very large practice, and was held in high esteem by I he
community at large.
William C. McCandless, physician and surgeon, was horn on the home-
stead farm in Centre township, Butler county, October 6, 1857, and was reared
beneath the parental roof. After receiving a public school education, he spent
several years at Witherspoon Institute, subsequently attended school at Waynes-
burg, and at the National Normal School, Lebanon, Ohio. He commenced read-
ing medicine with Dr. A. M. Neyman, of Butler, attended lectures for three years
at Jefferson Medical College, and graduated from that institution in 1880. He
opened an office at Glade Mills, where he has since continued in practice. Dr.
McCandless married Mary C, daughter of John Grubbs, of Butler county. Feb-
ruary 8, 1880. She died March 18, 1886, leaving three children: Josiah M. ;
Everett L., and Erla E. He was again married. July H\ . 1887, to Lulu M., a
daughter of William Marks, who is the mother of two children : William P.,
and Ruth L. Dr. McCandless is known as a great student, and since beginning
practice he has built up a successful business. As a member of the firm of Mc-
Candless & Marks, he is an extensive oil operator, and has tine producing ter-
ritory in Middlesex township.
John FERGUSON was born in Pine township, Allegheny county, Pennsvl-
vania, May 80, 1846, and is the eldest son of John and Mary Ferguson. His
father was a native of Down county, Ireland, born in 1807, and married Mary
Duff. They were the parents of six children, as follows : Elizabeth, who mar-
ried William Young; Mary, who married William Marshall; Nancy, who mar-
ried William Laughlin, and after his death William Douglass; John ; Jennie,
wife of John Scott, anil Thomas. Mr. Ferguson resided in Allegheny county
until his death, June 28, 1891. He was a member of the United Presby-
terian church, and in politics, he was a supporter of the Democratic party.
The subject of this sketch <jrew to manhood upon his father's farm, and on Sep-
tember 15, 1868, lie married Nancy E. Crawford, a daughter of Robert Craw-
ford, of Allegheny county. Eight children have been born to this union, as fol-
lows : Harry ; Robert ; Mary M. ; John; Emma E. ; Thomas; Royal, and Clara.
Mr. Ferguson is a practical farmer, has taken advantage of all the improvements
in modern machinery, and is one of the successful agriculturists of Middlesex
township. Politically, he is a Republican, has tilled the office of school director,
and has been assistant auditor for three terms. He is a member of the Presby-
terian church of Bakerstown, Allegheny county, and has been a trustee in that
organization for fourteen years.
Rev. David T. McCalmont, pastor of Glade Run United Presbyterian
church, was born near Hickory, Washington county, Pennsylvania, September
(>, 1860. His father, John McCalmont, was a native of eastern Pennsylvania,
where he was born August 18, 1818. John McCalmont removed to Washington
936 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
county with Ii i^ parents when but eight years of age, there grew to manhood,
and followed the vocation of a fanner. On April 15, 1842. he married Miss
Mary A. Moore, a daughter of John Moore, of Washington county. This union
was blessed with eight children, as follows : Margaret X. ; John II. ; Samuel A. ;
fames A. : William A. ; Mary A., wife of John P. White, of Washington county ;
Jennie E., wife of Robert G. Jeffrey of the same county, and David T. Mr.
McCalmont was a life-long member of the United Presbyterian church, was a
man of enterprise and public spirit, and died March 1(1, 1893. The subject of
this sketch received his primary education in the public schools of his native
county, subsequently attended McDonald Academy, and Westminister College.
New Wilmington, Lawrence county, and finally entered Allegheny Theological
College. He was ordained (une 29, 1890, but took charge of the Glade Run
church May 18, of the same year, where he has since been engaged in the duties
of the ministry. Mr. McCalmont was married June 5, 1890, to Miss Leoline
Donaldson, a daughter of Jacob M. Donaldson, of Washington county, and has
two children: Howard D., and Mary Mildred. Since coming to Butler county
he has won the respect and confidence of the people of this community, and
stands well both as a citizen and a minister of the gospel.
John B. Mahan was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Febru-
ary 5, 1818, son of Robert Mahan, a native of Cumberland county, born in 1791.
His father was a soldier in the War of lNlL*. and in 181(5 he married Sallie Parr,
a daughter of John Barr, of Westmoreland county, who bore him a family of
six children, as follows : John B. : Eliza, who married Robert Crawford; Mary
T., who became the wife of Archibald Glasgow ; Sarah A., who married Samuel
Dickson : Robert A., and William A. The parents were members of the I nited
Presbyterian church. The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's
farm, received' his schooling in one of the pioneer schools of the neighborhood,
and has always followed agricultural pursuits. On March l». 1843, he married
Sarah 1. Dickson, a daughter of John Dickson, of Allegheny county, to which
union were born the following children : Robert H. ; Lida, wife of Samuel Ekas;
Randall R. ; Shaffer, and Sarah J., wife of Wilson Cooper. In 1864 Mr. Mahan
purchased 150 acres of land in Middlesex township, Butler county, upon which
he has since resided. His wife died in 1875, and in 1S77 he married Mrs.
lluldah A. Greer, a daughter of William Dunning, of Washington county. She
had one son by her first marriage. John W. Greer. Mr. Mahan has been an
elder in the United Presbyterian church for the past forty-four years. In politics,
he is a Republican, and has tilled the offices of school director and supervisor.
SHAFFEU Mahan was born in Allegheny county. April 18, 1859, and is the
third son of John B. and Sarah J. Mahan. He received a common school educa-
tion, and has spent his life upon a farm. On June 18, 1879, he was married to
Annie Burtner, a daughter of William Burtner, of Clinton township, and is the
father of the following children: William J.; Samuel S., deceased; Sarah J.;
John G. ; Harper, and Floyd. Mr. Mahan is a member of the United Presby-
terian church, and is an adherent of the Republican party.
Randall Ross Mahan, son of John B. and Sarah J. (Dickson) Mahan,
was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, November 10, 1854, received a
<-,
'A C&*
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 937
common school education, and has followed agricultural pursuits up to the pres-
ent, lie was married April lit, 1878, to Mary A. Chantler, a daughter of
Thomas Chantler, of Middlesex township, and has six children : John E. ; Sarah
E. ; Thomas C. ; Ida B. ; Charles R., and Howard D. In politics, Mr. Mahan
is a Republican, and is inspector of elections in his township. Both he and wife
are members of the United Presbyterian church.
William A. Mahan, youngest in the family of Robert and Sallie Mahan,
was born in Pine township, Allegheny county. Pennsylvania. October I, 1886,
where his parents had removed from Westmoreland county. He was reared upon
his father's farm and received a common school education. He was married
December 10, 1857, to Nancy Fulton, a daughter of Samuel Fulton, of Middle-
sex township. Ten children have been the fruits of this union, as follows:
Robert T- ; Samuel F. ; Sarah J., who married James Frazier ; James A. ; Nancy
B., wife of William Hay; William B., deceased; Annie, who married Lafayette
Kelly; Eli/.a E., wife of Charles A. Klingensmith ; Jessie H., wife of Stephen
S. Donaldson, and Wilda. Mr. Mahan came to Butler county, in November, 1871,
and purchased a portion of the Fulton farm in Middlesex township, where he
still resides. He has two producing wells upon his farm, from which he receives
a good income. Mr. Mahan and wife are members of the United Presbyterian
church, in which body he has filled the position of trustee. He is a Republican
in politics, and has filled the offices of school director and supervisor in Middlesex
township.
Hamilton Gillespie was a native of Butler township, Butler county, born
May 15, 1817, was reared upon a farm, and learned the hatter's trade. In March.
1843, he married Demans Gray, a daughter of William Gray, of Connocpueness-
ing township, and settled in Whitestown, where he resided until his death, Jan-
uary 13, 1*11:2. The following children were born to this union : Julia A., who
married Arthur Hillman ; Hiram ; William J ; Alexander W. ; Mary ; Catherine,
who married Robert Thompson ; Emma, and Alva H. Mr. Gillespie was a mem-
ber of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was first a Whig and
afterwards a Republican.
William J. Gillespie, son of Hamilton Gillespie, was born in Connoque-
nessing township, Butler county, April 21, 1847, and was reared upon the home-
stead farm. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, Sixth Pennsylvania
Artillery, was sent to Fort Ethan Allen, then to Washington, D. C, and next
did guard dutv on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, whence he returned to
Fort Ethan Allen, and was honorably discharged June 13, 1865. On January 15.
1879, Mr. Gillespie married Lily A. Flick, daughter of Jacob B. Flick, of Middle-
sex township. Seven children are the fruits of this union, as follows: Eliza A. :
Hiram G. ; Henry A. K. ; Sarah M. ; Alice M. : Jacob F., and Maude. Mr.
Gillespie has followed merchandising for several years at Flick, and is the post-
master of that office, which was named in honor of his father- in law.
Adam Newell was born in eastern Pennsylvania, received a common school
education, and learned the cooper's trade. He came to Butler county some years
after reaching his maturity, and settled in Middlesex township, where he died
in 1859. He was twice married. By his first marriage he was the fat her of live
93S HISTORY (IF BUTLER COUNTY.
children: Birchard ; James; Suly, who married David List ; Mary, who married
a Mr. Powell, and Sarah J. His second wife was Christina Butler, who became
the mother of seven children: Elizabeth, wife of Patterson Grubbs ; Samuel;
William; David; Matilda, wife of John Messenger; Maria, wife of Tohn
McDonald, and John, who was drowned in youth. Mrs. Newell died in 1879,
surviving her husband twenty years. He was a member of the 1'resbvterian
church, and in politics, was a supporter of the Democratic party.
David Newell, third son of Adam and Christina Xewell, was born in
Middlesex township, Butler county, July 4, 1846. He was reared in his native
township and has always been engaged in farming. In August, 1862, he enlisted
in Company K. One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
was mustered in at Camp Reynolds, Proceeding to Washington, D. C, the
regiment joined the army of the Potomac, and he participated in the battles of
Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and several skirmishes, anil was honorably
discharged in June. 1863. He re-enlisted the following September, in the Sixth
Pennsylvania Artillery, was sent to Fort Marcy, at the chain bridge, thence to
Culpeper Court House, and then returned to Fort Marcy, where the batterv
remained until the close of the war. He was discharged from the service at
Harrisburg, July 2, 1865. Returning to his home he resumed his farm duties.
He was married August 16, 1869, to Caroline, a daughter of Moses Dunbar. In
1879 he purchased the James MeCollum farm, in Middlesex township, upon
which he has since resided. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and is an adherent of the Democratic partv.
John FrEDLEY was born in Troy Hill, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in
April, 1821, son of Jacob Fredley, a native of Switzerland, His father was a
carpenter, and followed that business in Allegheny county until his death,
in 1832. His mother was Marie Nesser. whom by her marriage to Jacob Fredley,
became the mother of six children, as follows: Jacob; Susan, who married
Thomas Black ; Catherine, who married fames Sweeney ; John ; Marie, deceased,
and Daniel. Mrs. Fredley died in 1851. Both she and husband were members
ol the Presbyterian church. The subject of this sketch was reared in Allegheny
county, where he worked at coal mining until IS;")1.!, ami then came to Butler
county, and purchased the Welsh farm, in Jefferson township. He resided upon
that farm for six years, when he bought the Kennedy farm, consisting of seventy-
five acres, upon which he has since lived. Mr. Fredley married Catherine
McGinty, a daughter of Barney McGinty, of Armstrong county, who died soon
afterwards, and he next married Mary Luty, a daughter of Rudolph Lutv, of
Allegheny county. To this marriage were born eleven children: Catherine;
Joseph, and John, all of whom are dead ; Christopher; Daniel; William; Mary
A., wife of John Hitman ; Sarah E., wife of William Snyder; Jacob, and two
that died in early youth. Mrs. Fredley died, and he married Mary J. McMillen,
a daughter of William McMillen, of Harrisville, Butler county, in 1884. He and
wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Dem-
ocrat. In September, 1864, Mr. Fredley enlisted in Company C, One Hundred
and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, joined the arms at Petersburg, served in
that battle, and in the closing scenes around Richmond down to the surrender of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 939
Lee. He was discharged at Harrisburg, June 6, 1865, and returned to his home,
where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits.
David M. Dihell was horn in Plum township, Allegheny county, Penn-
sylvania, January 2'.). 1822, son of Michael and Hannah (Metzger) Dibell. Uis
maternal grandfather. Conrad Metzger, came to America from Germany with his
parents when four years old, and at the age of sixteen years enlisted in the Con-
tinental army and served through the Revolutionary war. lie settled in Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania, afterwards moved to Wayne county. Ohio, and
bought a farm, upon which he passed the remainder of his life, dying at the
remarkable age of 103 years. His eyesight continued unimpaired to the last, and
he never wore glasses. He was married three times, and reared the following
children: Polly; David, ami Hannah, by tir>t wife: Michael, by second; and
James; John: William; Betsy; Peggie, and Peter, by third. Michael Dibell,
Sr.. was born in Allegheny county in 1 7S9 , grew to manhood there, and learned
the weaver's and cooper's trade.-., which he followed in connection with farming.
By his marriage to Hannah Metzger. he was the father of seven children, as fol-
lows : John; James; Mary; David M. ; Margaret, who married George Ander-
son; Nancy, and Jacob. The mother diedin 1881, and in 1840 he married Jennie
Kearns. who bore him one son. George. The parents were members of the
United Presbyterian church, and died in that faith. The subject of this sketch grew
to maturity in Allegheny county, and there learned the carpenter's trade. While-
working at his trade, he injured one of bis hands so severely as to necessitate
amputation, and he then engaged in farming. He came to Butler county in
1864. purchased the Brown farm in Middlesex township, and has since resided
upon it. He married Barbara, a daughter of Philip Snyder, September 3, 1863.
Both he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and politically.
he is a Republican.
Jacob Reii;ek was born in Goeningen, Wurtemberg, Germany, May 4,
1818, and is the eldest son of Jacob Reiber, a native of the same place, born in
1788. His father was a dealer in fruit and seed, and married Barbara Haube-
sauk, a daughter of George Haubesauk. in 1818. The following children were
born to this union: Barbara, who married John Simmer; Margaret; Jacob;
Mary, who married Jacob Stetsell. and Mrs. John Metzgar. The parents died in
1832. The subject of this sketch learned the baker's trade in his native land,
immigrated to New York city in 1834, and remained there lor fifteen years. He
then came to Brady's Bend. Armstrong county, carried on blacksmithing at
that point for nearly two years, and next removed to Summit township, Butler
county, where he conducted a store and blacksmith shop, also a hotel and farm.
He afterwards purchased the McGill farm, in Middlesex township, which he
sold, and then bought the Dr. Blackwood farm upon which he has since lived.
In February. 1S40, he married Catherine Simmer, a daughter of John Simmer.
She diedin December, 1841, leaving one son, John. He was again married
October 15. 184:>, to Elizabeth Marvin, of Xew York, to which union nine
children have been born, as follows: William M. ; George W. ; Emma, who
married William Phillips, and afterwards Alexander McMillan ; Rebecca,
940 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
deceased wife of W. P. Roessing; Albert S. ; Julia, deceased; Charles XX'. ;
Elizabeth D., wife of Michael F. KnaufT, and Harry A.
Frederick Swartz was born in Germany, in 1822, came to Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, in early youth, where he resided for some years, subsequently
spent four years in Ohio, and then located in Allegheny City. He learned the
carpenter's trade, and followed that occuption. In 1865 he removed to Butler
county, and located on the Carner farm. He was married February 20, 1845, to
Sophia Carner, a daughter of John Carner, of Middlesex township, who resided
upon the farm where our subject now lives. Ten children were born to this
union, as follows : Louisa, who married Frank Schrader; Charles A. ; Augustus
M.; Mary E., and Christian, both deceased; John L., Luella M. ; wife of George
Miller; Clara E., wife of William Bailey; Annie F., wife of XVilliam Wechter,
and XVilliam F. Mr. Schwartz was a member of the Church of God, and in
politics, he was a Republican. He died in Allegheny, February 17, 1891. His
widow resides upon the homestead.
John Rifle v, Su., was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, about 1807,
there grew to maturity and learned the carpenter's trade. About 1830 he mar-
ried Barbara Sphar, a daughter of John Sphar, to which union were born the
following children : Nicholas; Elizabeth, who was twice married, first to Dan-
iel Deer, and afterwards to Abraham .Smith ; T°hn : |acob. and Frederick.
Early in 1S47 the family immigrated to the United States, where the father died
the same year in Butler county, Pennsylvania, His widow survived him
until 1879.
John Rifley, son of John and Barbara Rifley, was born in Switzerland,
March 11, 11S3N. and came with his parents to the United States in the spring of
1847. After arriving at manhood, in 1858, he went to Pittsfield, Pike county.
Illinois, where lie was naturalized, and cast his first vote for president in 18(30.
lie remained in Illinois four years, and then returned to Butler county and took
charge of the homestead farm during the war, his three brothers being in the
service of the Union. Jacob was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, was
sent to Annapolis Hospital, and then to Pittsburg, whence he returned to the
front and served until the close of the war. Mr. Rifley was married May 25,
1865, to Mary A. Lyon, a daughter of John Lyon, of Penn township, to which
union have been born the following children : William II. ; John A. ; Thomas II.;
George II.: Etta M., wife of Russell Hays, of Adams township. Mr. Rifley
purchased the Haley farm, in Middlesex township, consisting of seventy acres,
upon which he now resides. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has held the
office of supervisor of his township.
Nicholas Rifley was born in Switzerland, and came to the United State-,
with his family in |S47. He was a carpenter by trade. After the breaking out
of the Rebellion he enlisted in the Union army and served through the war. He
married Laura Barclay, February 23, I860. She became the mother of five sons,
.is follows : John A. ; Harry E. ; George B. ; William II.. and Robert E., all of
whom except George now reside in Minnesota and the State of XVashington.
Mr. Rifley was killed July S. ISC'), while working at his trade. His widow
died March 8, 1876.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 94 1
Joseph Croft was a native of England, born about 1786, grew to man-
hood in his native land, and there learned the carpenter's trade. In 1813 he
was married to Mary Humphrey, a daughter of Henry Humphrey, of England,
to which union were born eight children, as follows: Frederick; Fannie; Fran-
cis; Lewis; Emma, who married William Nesbit ; Lewis; William, and Joseph.
In 1820 Mr. Croft and family immigrated to Allegheny count}-, Pennsylvania,
and then removed to New Castle, Lawrence county, whence they came to But-
ler countv. He died here in 1831 ; his wife survived until June 26, 1854.
Lewis Croft was born in Beaver countv, Pennsylvania, May 12. 1821,
and is the fourth son of Joseph and Mary Croft. He was reared beneath
the parental roof, and on December 18, 1849, he married Mary J. McIIenry, a
daughter of John McHenry, of Middle Lancaster, Butler county. They are the
parents of three children : James A. ; Sarah J., wife of George Rasley, of Mid-
lesex township, and Mary E., wife of William Jack, of the same township. For
over twenty years Mr. Croft has been a steward in the Methodist Episcopal
church, to which denomination he has belonged nearly all his life. Politically,
he is a Republican, and has been a school director in his township for twelve
years.
James .V. Croft was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, Octo-
ber 22, 1850, received a common school education, and has always followed
farming. He was married December 12, 1*74, to Mary Henry, a daughter of
Joseph Henry, of Butler township, and is the father of seven children, as follows:
Minnie B. ; John Nelson ; Lewis M. ; Joseph M. ; two that died in infancy, and
Albert C. Joseph M., and Albert C, are the only survivors.
Thomas Bailey was born in Nottingham, England, July 10, 1*32, and
came to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1848, being then only sixteen years old.
After arriving at maturity he embarked in the hotel and restaurant business on
Smithrield street in that city, which he conducted for many years. In 1873 he pur-
chased the William Crooks farm, in Middlesex township, Butler county, and settled
upon it. He died soon afterwards, his death occurring March 21, 1873. In 1850
he married Hannah Beasley, a daughter of John Beasley, of Cedar Grove, Indi-
ana. Thev became the parents of seven children, as follows : Robert, deceased;
John W. ; George; Thomas; Samuel R. ; William, and Joshua. Mr. Bailey
was a member of the Episcopal church, and a very worthy citizen. His widow
resides upon the old homestead in Middlesex township. Samuel R. Bailey was
born in the city of Pittsburg, August 28, 1858, and received his education at the
public schools, and Beaver Seminary. There are several good producing wells
on the homestead farm.
John W. Burton was born in Rostraver township, Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, July 4, 1822, and is a son of Benjamin Burton, one of the early settlesr
of Wesmoreland county. His father was a native of Down county, Ireland, and
came with his parents to the United States in early youth. They located in Ros-
traver township, Westmoreland county, where he grew to manhood, and married
Martha Wallace. Eight children were the fruits of this union : Joseph : Mary,
who married James T. Wolf; John .; Margaret, who married Thomas S.
Wolf; Hetty; Sarah, who married James Dye; Hannah; Elizabeth, who mar-
942 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ried George W. Dower. Benjamin Burton died January 9, 1839; his widow
survived until May 7. 1889. They were members of the Cumberland Presby-
terian church. The subject of this sketch learned the carpenter's trade, and
worked in the town of Washington about twenty years, then removed to Alle-
gheny county and settled on a farm. In 1882 he located in Middlesex township,
Butler county, where he purchased the Craig farm of fifty-four acres, and has
since resided upon it. Mr. Burton was married Tune 3, 1852, to Rebecca, a
daughter of John Algeo, of Mt. Pleasant township, Washington county, and has
seven children: Benjamin P.; John L.; Jennie A.: Grace; McNary ; David
C, and Harry R. Mr. Burton and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
Benjamin P. Burton, eldest in the family of John W. and Rebecca Bur-
ton, was born in Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, August 18, 1854, and has
always followed farming as a vocation. lie came to Butler county with his
father in 1882, and purchased a part of the Boyle farm, in Middlesex township,
where he now lives. He married Sarah Grabe, a daughter of Andrew Grabe, of
Clinton township, and has four children : John A. ; Frank G. ; Yernie, and
Verbie. Politically, he is a Democrat, but takes no active part in public affairs.
Matthew Moore was born in Donegal county, Ireland, in November,
1808, and was a son of Matthew Moore, a native of the same county, who immi-
grated to Canada in 1809, and settled in Ilaldeman county, where he died in
1853. Matthew Moore. Sr. . was the father of five children : Matthew ; Dennis:
John ; Margaret, who married Wellington Wilson, and Ann. The mother died
in 1841. Both were members of the Catholic church, in which faith they lived
and died. The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's farm, and in
1888 he married Mary A. Yosburg, a daughter of Martin Yosburg, of Connecti-
cut. Fifteen. children were born to this union, eleven of whom grew to matur-
ity, as follows: Cynthia, wife of Thomas Robbins ; Sophrona, who married
Thomas Crayston ; Martin V.; Thomas; Bradford; Elizabeth; Henrietta, who
married Harry Bross; Byron; George; Margaret M., and Ada M.
Martin Y. Moore was born in Haldeman county, Canada, October 0.
1843. received a common school education, and was reared upon the home-
stead farm. In 1864 lie came to the United States, and located at Petroleum
Centre, Yenango county, Pennsylvania, where he embarked in the oil busi-
ness. Since that time he has followed oil producing, with the exception of
four years when engaged in the hotel business in Cattaraugus county. New
York, and is now located in the Gold district, But ler county. Mr. Moore has
been twice married; first to Sarah Flannigan, a daughter of F. C. Flannigan.
of Westmoreland county. January 22, 1871. Two children were the fruits of
this union : Abby, wife of Alexander Williams, and Frank, who died at two
years of age. Mrs. Moore died in 1870. and he was again married November
17, 1879, to Elizabeth Fitzgerald, a daughter of Thomas Fitzgerald, of Union
City, Pennsylvania. Four children were born of this marriage, as follows:
Flora; Fidelia; Kent, and Martin. Mr. Moore is an adherent of the Repub-
lican parts', and in religious faith, he is a Protestant.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 943
William J. Davis was born in Wales, in June. 1824, and there learned the
stonemason's and bricklayer's trades. About 1847 he married Miss Susannah
Voyle, a native of the same country, and in 1851 they immigrated to Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, where they remained two years. They then removed to Brady's
Bend, Armstrong county, where Mr. Davis followed his trade, and thence to
Queenstown, and continued to reside at that place until 1883. In that year
the family removed to East Brady, Clarion county, where Mrs. Davis died,
August 3', 1891. Mr. Davis, while in Queenstown, embarked in the oil business,
but has now retired from active life, and is spending his declining years in East
Brady. Sixteen children were born to William J. and Susannah Davis, as fol-
lows : Reese ; William ; Anna, deceased wife of John Meldrum ; Mary,
deceased ; Philip ; Morgan ; James ; Jeffrey ; John ; David ; Russell ; Mackworth ;
Mary; Charles ; Annie, and one that died in early youth.
William Davis. Jr., son of William J. Davis, was born in Wales, August
2, 1849, and came with his parents to the United States in 1851. Before reach-
ing manhood, he learned the stonemason's and bricklayer's trades with his father,
and continued to work at that business until 1874. He then engaged in oil pro-
ducing at Queenstown, Pennsylvania, and has followed it ever since, as have
also his nine brothers. He was married November 15. 1877. to Margaret A. Will-
iams, a daughter of James Williams, of Brady's Bend. They are the parents of
five children: Harry W. ; Arthur G.: Florence M. ; Annie L., and Mary E.
Mr. Davis and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in pol-
itics, he is a Republican. He has five producing wells in the Gold oil Held,
Middlesex township, and three wells in the Hiekey field.
Jeffrey Davis, eighth in the family of William J. Davis, was born at
Queenstown, Armstrong county, August 31, 1858, received a common school
education, and has followed the oil business since boyhood. He is now in part-
nership with his brothers, and is one of the well known producers of Middlesex
township. Mr. Davis was married July 12, 1889, to Sarah N. Moore, a daugh-
ter of Robert Moore, of Tarentum, Allegheny county. In politics, he is a Repub-
lican, but takes no active interest in political matters.
Levi R. McFann, son of Jonathan McFann, was born in Waynesburg,
Greene county, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1889. lie obtained a common school educa-
tion, and afterwards was engaged as a salesman in a general store at Waynes-
burg. In 1865 he went to Pittsburg, and traveled for the wholesale tobacco
house of Steppe & Kennedy. In 1867 he located in business at Oil City, as a
manufacturer and dealer in tobacco. In 1868 he started a branch at Pleasant-
ville, Venango county, also one on the Renn farm ami at Parker City. He
finally quit the business, and went into oil operating at Gas City, whence
he removed to Fairview, Butler county, in 1 ^7- - He afterwards operated
at Greece City and Buena Vista, and has followed the oil developments
in Butler county ever since. In the spring of 1893 he moved to the Thomp-
son oil field, started a grocery store, and has since carried on that busi-
ness. The same year McFann postofrice was established, named in honor of
our subject, of which he has since been postmaster. Mr. McFann was married
February 15, 1870. to Mary Morris, a daughter of George Morris, of Washington
944 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
township, tn which union have been born nine children, as follows : Maggie
M.. wife of William I). Armour, of McDonald : George W.; Ida A. ; Harry II. ;
Charles, deceased; Carrie V. ; Mary S.; Levi R., and Helen B. Although inde-
pendent in politics, Mr. McFann has always been quite active in political affairs,
and lias filled the office of justice of the peace, and other minor positions. lie
is a member of Tent, Number 90, K. O. T. M., of Renfrew, and also of the I. O.
( ). F. lie served as second lieutenant of Company H, One Hundred and
Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and during his term of service was in
the battles of South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg.
Joseph Hays was born upon the old Hays homestead in Adams township,
Butler county, about the year 1820, and received his education in a pioneer sub-
scription school. He was reared to farm life, afterwards kept a store for sev-
eral years, and then returned to agriculture, which he followed the balance of his
life, dying January 1, 1891. He married Mary A. McCandless, a daughter of
John McCandless, of Butler county, and was the father of five children, as fol-
lows : Evert R. ; Elizabeth A., and John, both deceased; Joseph W., and
Mary A., wife of James Cashdollar. Mrs. Hays died in 1800. Both were
members of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a Whig,
in early days, and afterwards a Republican.
Evert R. Hays, son of Joseph and Mary A. Hays, was born upon his
father's farm in Adams township, Butler count v, and has always been en-
gaged in farm pursuits. In March, 1893, he purchased the Ramsey farm, in
Middlesex township, consisting of fifty-eight acres, where he now resides.
Mr. Hays has traveled extensively through Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Michigan,
Indiana, and West Virginia, and has also followed steamboating on the Ohio
river. Politically, he is a Republican, and in religious belief, he is an adherent
of the United. Presbyterian church.
r^^^i^U^t^r^^j
CHAPTER LXXII.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Donegal Township and Millerstown Borough— Fairyikw Township and Karns
City, Fairview and Petrolia Boroughs— Oakland and Concord Townships
—Clay Township and West Sunbury Borough— Centre Township.
Charles Duffy, Sr., was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1754, and
immigrated to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1793. He resided there
until the spring of 1796, when he removed to what is now Butler county, with
the advance guard of pioneers, and located upon the farm in Donegal township,
known as the Duffy homestead, where he resided until his death, in July, 1823,
aged sixty-nine years. In a notice of his death published in the Repository,
August 1, 1823, the following tribute is paid to his memory: " The deceased
was among the first settlers of this county; as a father he was tender, as a hus-
band, industrious, careful and affectionate, and as a neighbor he was highly
respected and esteemed," His wife, Ellen Duffy, survived him two years, dying
in 1825, aged sixty-five. Thev were the parents of four sons and five daughters,
as follows: Edward, who died in 1799, aged seventeen years, being one of the
first persons buried in Butler county ; John, who died in 1864, aged eighty years ;
Peter, who died in 1883, aged eighty-six years; Michael, who died in 1823, aged
twenty-one ; Barbara, who married Lieut. Xeal Gillespie, an officer in the War
of 1812, and died in 1875, aged eighty-seven years; Bridget, who married Pat-
rick Duffy, and died in 1855, aged sixty-two; Ellen, who died unmairied, in
1855, aged fifty-nine ; Mary, who died in infancy, and Margaret, who married
Col. Manasses Gillespie, and died in 1871, aged sixty-seven years. Charles Duffy,
Sr., was one of the founders of St. Patrick's Catholic church, at Sugar Creek,
and in politics, he was a Jeffersonian Democrat.
Philip Hartman, a native of Holland, settled near Greensburg, Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania, prior to the Revolution. He enlisted in Colonel
Ogle's regiment, of the Pennsvlvania Line, and served throughout the struggle
for independence. His brother Michael also served in the Continental army, and
subsequently settled in Manor township, Armstrong county. Prior to 1796
Philip Hartman came to what is now Oakland township, Butler county, and took
up 200 acres of land, upon which he lived for several years, dying in Armstrong
county. His family consisted of the following children: James: William;
Sarah, who married Richard Connell ; Kate, who became the wife of James
Cochran; Mary, who married Edward Poland; Margaret, who married John
Bell, and Elizabeth. The family were adherents of the Catholic church.
William Hartman. second son of Philip Hartman, was born on his father's
homestead, in Oakland township. Butler county, Julv 4, 1796. and is said to have
946 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
been the ti i-t white male child born in the township. lie resided with his parents
until his majority, then went to Pittsburg, learned the blacksmith's track- ami worked
there sonic four years. lie married Mary Winters, and settled in Armstrong
county, but in IS!'.) they removed to Donegal township, Butler county, when' he
continued to work at his trade in connection with farming until his death, Feb-
ruary 14,1879. His wife died September 10, 1804. Their union was blessed
with the following children : Catherine, who married John Elolobaugh ; Man-
Ann, who became the wife of William Holobaugh ; foseph : James; Margaret
A., wife of .Silas Dunn: Sarah Frances, who died at the age of eighteen years;
Edward F. ; William Lawrence, and John Ambrose, the last two of whom died
in childhood. The parents w ere members of the Catholic church, in w Inch faith
they reared their children.
Arciiihami Black, Si:., the progenitor of the Black lamih of this town-
ship, was a native of Donegal county, Ireland, and inherited those fundamental
principles of industry, econonm and determination of purpose so characteristic
of the Irish race. Becoming impressed with the bright prospects of the New
World, he left the associations of kindred and home, and immigrated to Pennsyl-
vania, where he found employment in the iron mills at Carlisle. There he mar-
ried Alice Haggerty, also a native of Donegal county, Ireland, who like himself,
had come to seek her fortune m the New World. In I7US Mr. Black came to
Donegal township. Butler county, and located on a t ract of land in I he southern
part of the township, and in 18051 look out a patent, in conjunction with Archi-
bald McCall, on t00 acres. The young Couple located upon their new purchase,
ami. with hopes bright for the future, set about clearing and improving the
place, hewing oul from the wilderness which surrounded their humble log cabin,
a home for themselves and their children. They were among the first settlers,
and bravely endured the privations and overcame the obstacle- of frontier life.
The pioneers had ample opportunity to indulge their love for hunting, as wild
game was plentiful, and roamed at will through the forests. While the husband
and lather was busy in the clearing, the housewife, when not assisting him by
piling the brush, would be working at her loom, weaving the !la\ and wool into
blankets and clothing for the family. Money was a very scarce article in those
days, the system of exchange being the basis of nearly every transaction. The
products of the farm would he taken to market, many miles distant, oil a pack-
saddle, and exchanged for salt, sugar and other necessaries of life. Archibald
Black was a man for the times, one of those ready, earnest souls that a new and
wild country always develops, that are equal to any emergency, prepared to face
any danger and confront an) hardship- thai max arise. lie was a representative
citizen of the period, taking an active interest in an\ public enterprise for the
improvement of his counts, and the family have been highly instrumental in the
development of Donegal township. Mr. Black and wife were practical mem-
bers of the St. Patrick's Catholic church, at Sugar Creek, anil reared their family
in the faith of their fathers, lie was a stanch Democrat, and took an active and
leading part in the public affairs of his day. Both he and wife spent the
remainder of their lives upon the homestead in Donegal township, and now lie
side by side in the cemetery at Sugar Creek. They reared the following chil-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 947
dren : James ; Daniel ; John ; Mary ; Ellen ; Peggy ; Patrick ; Nancy ; Catherine;
Alice, and Archibald. Of this family but two survive, viz. : Catherine, wife oi
John Shields, of Armstrong county, and Archibald, a resident of Donegal town-
ship.
Archibald Black, Jr., youngest son of Archibald and Alice Black, was
born upon the old homestead in Donegal township, Butler county, in October.
1820, and is the youngest in a family of eleven children, lie spent his boyhood
days upon the farm, assisting his parents in clearing and improving it. wearing
the home-made clothing, and enjoying the limited advantages of the period. For
a few weeks during the winter season he attended the subscription school ol the
neighborhood, held in a little log building, with the rudest furnishings and
accommodations. But this school house was a fair sample of the majority of the
buildings throughout Butler county during pioneer days. On April 19, 1842, Mr.
Black married Catherine McBride, a daughter of Council and Queen McBride,
early settlers of Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, w here Mrs. Black was
born in October. 1 S I 8. The young couple settled on the old homestead, and two
years later rented the farm where they now reside, which they afterwards pur-
chased, to which thev have added until the farm now contains :!()() acres, all in
Donegal township. Upon this farm are located forty-one oil wells, and the
small log cabin in] which Mr. Black and wife lirst lived has been replaced by a
more commodious structure of brick. They are the parents of the following chil-
dren : Owen F., born May 26, 1844; James. August 18, 1846, died January 5,
1888; John. January 26, 1850; Daniel, Februarj 2-'>. 1853. and Mary A., Jan-
uary 1', 1857. Mr. Black and family are members of St. Patrick's Catholic
church, at Sugar Creek. Politically, he is a Democrat, and formerly took an
active part in politics. He has held the offices of assessor, collector and constable,
and has always manifested a deep interest in the success of the measures and
principles of his party. The family are among the most prominent in the town-
ship, and are recognized as progressive, enterprising people.
Owen F. Black, eldesl in the family of Archibald and Catherine Black,
was born upon the homestead farm in Donegal township, Butler county, May
2(>. 1*44. grew to maturity under the parental roof, and received his education in
the district school. On June lb, 1868, he married Mary J. Minor, of Armstrong
county, and settled upon a farm in Donegal township. Mrs. Black died June 20.
1872, the mother of two children, viz. : Archie, and Stephen, both of whom
died in infancy. Mr. Black was again married, October 11, 1875, to Theresa
Burns, of Donegal township, to which union have been born three children, as
follows: Bessie: Vincent, and Catherine. The family are members of St. Pat-
rick's Catholic church , at Sugar Creek. Politically, Mr. Black i- a Democrat.
and is one of the leading farmers of his township.
John Black, third son of Archibald and Alice Black, was born September
10, 1*02. upon the homestead farm in Donegal township. Butler county. and was
reared amidst pioneer surroundings, lie married Elizabeth McElrov, of Donegal
township, and reared eight children, as follows : Alice, wife of Charles Webber :
Margaret, deceased wife of Joseph Hartman ; Patrick; Mary |.: lames; Archi-
bald: John F., and Matilda, wife of John McLaughlin. Mr. Black was a prom-
94^ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
inent citizen of South Buffalo township, Armstrong county, where he settled
after his marriage, and spent the remainder of his life upon his farm in that
county. lie was a member of the Catholic church, and a stanch adherent of the
Democratic party.
Archibald Black, son of John and Elizabeth Black, was born in Ann-
strong county. May 16, 1841, spent his boyhood days upon the farm with his
parents, and attended the public school of his native township. He married Miss
Catherine Malev, of Armstrong county, and subsequently located in Donegal
township, Butler county. They are the parents of six children, as follows:
James; William; Stephen; John; Charles E., and Francis, deceased. The
family are members of St. Patrick's Catholic church, at Sugar Creek, and in poli-
tics, Mr. Black is an ardent Democrat. lie is one of the leading farmers and oil
producers of his section of the county.
James Black, son of John and Elizabeth Black, was horn May 16, 1841.
upon the old homestead in Armstrong county, grew to maturity beneath the
parental roof, and was educated at the district school. In 1*79 he located upon
his present farm, a part of the homestead, and has greatly improved it by the
erection of substantial buildings. lie is one of the leading farmers of his town-
ship, and devotes considerable attention to the breeding of fine stock. He is also
an oil producer, and is quite a prosperous business man. Politically, he is a
stanch Democrat, and is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, at Sugar
Creek.
John F. Black, son of John and Elizabeth Black, was born in South Buffalo
township. Armstrong county, September 16, 1843, arid grew to manhood upon
his father's farm. He was educated in the district school of that period, and
remained with his parents until November 25, 1879, when he married Mary Gra-
ham, a daughter of John and Sarah Graham, of Sugar Creek township, Arm-
strong county, and located on a part of the old homestead. In 1891 he purchased
his present fram of 100 acres, which contains one of the finest residences in the
township, finished in modern style and architecture. Mrs. Black was born January
13, 1 Slid, and is the mother of seven children, as follows: Jerome, born April
1 1'. 1880; Henry, March 29, 1882; Albertus, September 3, 1883; Joseph, Octo-
ber 27, 1885; Leo, October 7, is1,"); John, July 10, 1892, died the following
month, and Walter, June 11. IS1.):!. The family are members of St. Patrick's
Catholic church, at Sugar Creek. Politically. Mr. Black is a stanch Democrat,
and is quite active in the interests of his party. Besides cultivating his farm, he
is also interested in oil producing, and is one of the substantial citizens of Done-
gal township.
John Slator, the progenitor of the Slator family in Butler county, was a
native of Alsace (then belonging to France). Germany. At the age of eighteen
be enlisted in Rochambeau's army, and came to America to participate in the
Revolutionary war. He served in that memorable struggle under Lafayette,
for tour years, as a cavalry man, his term of service closing with the end of the
war. He was present at the framing of the Constitution of the United States,
and was one of the few men who witnessed the signing of that famous document.
After the close of the war he concluded to remain in America, and some years
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 949
later came to Butler county and took up a claim of 200 acres, where the station
of St. Joe now stands, and now known as the Martin farm. He erected a little
log cabin on his claim, and with wild animals and Indians as his nearest and most
numerous neighbors, began the work of clearing and improving his place. Mr.
Slator removed to Clarion county some years later, where he resided a .few
years, then returned to Butler county, and made his home with his son Henry,
near St. Joe, until his death. He was a pioneer member of the Catholic church
in Butler county, and is buried in the old Catholic cemetery at Butler. His wife,
Catherine, died in Clarion county. Their children were as follows : John ;
Jacob ; Henry ; Christopher, and a daughter who died in childhood.
Henry Slator, Sr., third child of John and Catherine Slator, was born in
Donegal township, (now Oakland), Butler county, and there grew to maturity.
He married Susan Ann Dunbar, a daughter of Samuel Dunbar, a native of Ire-
land, who came to Butler county in the last decade of the Eighteenth century.
The following children were born to this union : Mary, who married Thomas
Dodson, and died in Clarion county; Samuel, of Donegal township; John
deceased; Peter, of Millerstown ; Elizabeth, deceased wife of John Sagaser ;
Susan, wife of Cornelius Hall, of Clarion county; Agnes, wife of James Sher-
key, a resident of Xew York : Magdalena, wife of Jacob Goodyear, of Pittsburg;
Margaret, wife of John McCready, of Clearfield township, and Ellen, who died
at the age of twelve years. Mrs. Slator died in Donegal township, where the
family had settled soon after marriage, and her husband married Eva Keistler.
He w-as a veteran of the War of 1812, in which he served as a corporal in Cap-
tain Brinker's company. He died in Clearfield township.
Samuel Slator, eldest living child of Henry and Susan Slator. was born
upon the homestead farm. July 16, 1817, and was reared during pioneer times
and privation-. In 1836 lie married Margaret Ransil, a native of Westmoreland
county, bornOctober 11, 1819, and a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Topper)
Ransil, both natives of Westmoreland county, and a granddaughter of Valentine
Ransil. a Revolutionary soldier. When three years of age she came with her
parents to Butler county, and both died here, her father at the age of eighty-four.
and her mother aged eighty-two. After their marriage Mr. Slator and wife set-
tled on a tract of land in Donegal township, a part of the Ransil homestead, ami
have since resided in this township. Six children are the fruits of their marriage.
viz.: Henry, who died in infancy ; Elizabeth, wife of Sebastian Wilson, of
Venango county ; Susan, wife of James Delaney, of Armstrong county; John
W., of Donegal township ; Mary Ann. and Margaret J., who died at the age of
twelve years. Mr. Slator and wife are one of the oldest couples in the township,
and botli are in the enjoyment of good health. They are members of. St. Patrick's
Catholic church, at Sugar Creek, and politically, he is a stanch Democrat.
John W. Slator, only living son of Samuel ami Margaret Slator, was born
in Donegal township, Butler county, October 25, 1846. He grew to maturity
upon the homestead farm, and attended the district school of the neighborhood.
On June 4, 1807, he married Sarah F. Wilson, of Donegal township, settled in that
township and has since devoted his attention to agriculture. They are the parents
of the following children : Samuel M. ; Sebastian D. ; Emma Isabel ; Stephen A. ;
950 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William f. : Stella M.. and Joseph. F. The family arc members of St. Patrick's
Catholic church, at Sugar Creek, and politically, Mr. Slator is ardent Democrat.
Henry Slator, son of Jacob Slator, and grandson of John Slator, was
born on the farm vet ow ned by his descendants, in Summit township, But-
ler county, in 1810. His lather was a native of Clearfield township, and
his grandfather was one of the early settlers of the county. Henry was reared on
a farm, and after attaining his majority he settled in Oakland township, where
he died in 1849, aged thirty-three years. He married Man O'Donnell, a daugh-
ter of Connell O'Donneli, an early settler. They had a family of two sons and
one daughter, viz. : lames, who died at the age of eighteen ; Jacob, and Cather-
ine, who married facob Graham, and died in 1867. Henry Slator's widow mar-
ried a Mr. Callen, and is now living with her son. Mr. Slator was a member of
the Catholic church, to which denomination his widow belongs.
Jacob Slator, son of Henry and Mary Slator. was horn on his present
homestead in Oakland township, and was educated in the public schools and
at Witherspoon Institute. He has always followed farming, and inherited
the old homestead settled by his father. He married Kate Langraff, a daughter
of Conrad Langraff. She was horn in Germany, hut came to Butler county with
her parents in childhood. Four children have been horn to this union, viz.;
Augusta: Jennie; Charles, and Fronie. The family are members of St. Joseph's
Catholic church, of North Oakland. Mr. Slator is a Democrat, and has filled
several of the minor offices in his township.
Connell O'Donnell was one of the lirst settlers ol what is now
Clearfield township. Butler county. Pennsylvania, where he located in 17'd*.
He was a native ot Donegal county. Ireland, was there married, and subse-
quently immigrated with his family to the United States. He erected his
cabin in the midst of the primitive forest, his neighbors being principally natives
of Ireland. The township in which he lived, upon the organization of Butler
county, was named Donegal, because of the large number of its inhabitants who
came from that county in their native land. Connell became <|uite a famous
hunter, and supported his family from the fruits of the chase, together with
what little he could raise on a small patch of ground which the family cleared the
first few years of their settlement. The father died in 1813, leaving to his
wife, Mary, the care of a family of eight children. She. however, was equal to
the occasion, and with the assistance of her children, cleared and improved the
farm, and resided thereon until her death. They were pioneer members of St.
Patrick's Catholic church, at Sugar Creek.
Dennis O'Donnell, a younger brother of Connell O'Donnell, was born
in Ireland, and came with his brother's family to Butler county. He married
Margaret McAyea. a native of Westmoreland county, and settled in a small
log cabin on a tract of land in Donegal township, where they resided until the
death of Mrs. O'Donnell. about 1821. She left a family of seven children, viz. :
Edward, who resides in Venango county; James; Patrick; Connell: John;
Michael, and Peter, all of whom are dead excepting Edward and John. For his
second wife, Mr. O'Donnell married Nancy McGinley, of Armstrong county .
to which union were born seven children, viz.; Charles: Dennis; Ellen;
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. gj I
Bridget A.; Frank; Catherine, and one thai died in infancy. Frank, of Oakland
township, is the only survivor of this family. Mr. O'Donnell died February 22,
1852, in his seventy-eighth year, and was interred in the Catholic cemetery at
Butler, to which church the family belong. He was a veteran of the War of
1812, and a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. His widow died at the
age of eighty-four years.
John O'Donnell, son of Dennis and Margaret (McAvea) O'Donnell. was
born in Donegal township, Butler county, April 28, 1816, ami spent his boy-
hood davs upon the farm, surrounded by the limited advantages which that
period afforded. Me likes to recall now many incidents of early times, and relates
many amusing tales of that period. lie wore the coarse homespun clothing,
and attended the subscription schools, with rude furnishings, and endured the
many privations connected with pioneer life. At the age of sixteen he left home
and secured employment upon the canal, then in course of construction, at
Franklin, Venango county. At the age of twenty years he went to Alle-
gheny count}-, where he worked at fanning and contracting. In L840 he pur-
chased and located on a farm in Clearfield township. It was unimproved , and
he erected a small log cabin, cutting the timber near its site, and completing it
in three and a half days. In 1839 lie married Ellen Duffy, a daughter of Ed-
ward Duffy, who died in 1842, leaving one daughter, Margaret. She afterwards
became the wife of James McLaughlin, and has since died. In 1841 he mar-
ried Catherine Slator, a daughter ot Jacob Slator, to which union was born one-
son, Michael, who died in childhood. Mr. O'Donnell resided upon his original
purchase until 1857, when he settled upon his present farm, a portion of the
original O'Donnell lands, which he purchased after the death of his father. Here
he has since made his home, and is one of the oldest and most respected citizens
of Donegal township. His wife died in August, 1885. She was a life-long
member of the Catholic church, to which Mr. O'Donnell also belongs, and he
has always been a liberal contributor towards it^ support. In politics, he has
been a Democrat since casting his first vote, and has served as supervisor and
overseer of the poor
Gabriel Pontius came to Butler county when a young man, and located in
Donegal township about 1803. He was horn in Huntingdon count}', Pennsyl-
vania, in 1786, and after coming to Butler county, he married Mary Barnhart, of
Donegal township, subsequently purchased a tract of 200 acres, erected a log
cabin and began the work of making a home. The country was then compar-
atively a wilderness, and some time after settling in Donegal township, Mr. Pon-
tius established a small pottery, which business he followed for nearly thirty years,
making many of the dishes and much of the pottery used by the pioneers of that
locality. His patrons sometimes paid for their ware by working on his farm,
while he was engaged in the pottery. He died upon the homestead in 1872. and
his wife in 1ST-"), aged eighty-eight years. They were the parents of eight chil-
dren, as follows; Elizabeth, deceased wife of George Ellenberger, of Arm-
strong county ; John, deceased, who resided in Donegal township ; William, a
resident of Armstrong county; Polly, deceased, who married John F. Wiles ;
Solomon, who lives upon the old homestead; Catherine, deceased, who married
952 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Abraham Barnhart ; Hannah, deceased wife of Henry Wiles, and Phoebe, wife of
Charles Schwartzlander, a resident of Fairview township. Air. Pontius was a
prominent Democrat, and held various township offices, such as assessor, super-
visor, collector and school director. He took an active interest in educational
matters and labored zealously to secure the introduction of the public schools in
his township.
Solomon Pontius, fifth child of Gabriel and Mary (Barnhart) Pontius, was
born in Donegal township, Butler county, December 13, 1819. lie spent his bov-
hood days upon the farm, assisting his father in clearing the land, and working
in the pottery. Dressed in the home-made clothing of the period, he would often
pull the llax and break and scutch the same, and then assist his mother in spin-
ning and weaving it into clothing and blankets upon the home loom. The usual
mode of going to mill was on horseback, with a pack saddle, across which he
would place the sack of grain. He attended for a few weeks during the winter
season the early subscription schools, when the little log school house with pun-
cheon floors, and benches split from logs, was the best the times afforded. Mr.
Pontius remained with his parents until twenty -three years of age, when he took
charge of the homestead farm, his parents making their home with him until
their death. In 1S4:2 he married Mary King, a native of Armstrong county. She
died in 1843, leaving no children. On April 27, 1845, he married Margaret
Myers, a native of Westmoreland county, born August ~2'2. 1822. Her parents,
Frederick anil Susannah Myers, came from Westmoreland county to Sugar
Creek in 18:2<'>. and resided here the remainder of their lives. She. too. was reared
amidst pioneer surroundings, and experienced the usual trials and hardships of
that period. Five children are the fruits oi this union, viz. : John W., born
August 14, 1846, now pastor of the German Reformed church, at Martinsburg,
Blair eountv : Susannah, born June I, 1848, died in December. 1861; Caroline,
born August 23, 1851, died July 29, 1 882 : Mary Catherine, born May 19, 1856,
wife of Dr. C. F. Daubenspeck, of Crawford county, and Solomon Isaiah, born
October 7, 1861, married Sarah Catherine Sommerville, of Armstrong county,
and has live children. He resides with his parents upon the old homestead. Mr.
Pontius and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Millers-
town, in which he has filled several official positions, and lor twenty years was
superintendent of the Sabbath school. He was formerly a member of the Ger-
man Reformed church, and was an elder in that society for a long period. Polit-
ically, a Democrat, he has been active in local politics the greater part of his life.
For nearly forty years he has served as justice of the peace, and is still holding
that office. He has also filled the offices of supervisor, assessor, and school direc-
tor, the last mentioned for eighteen years, seventeen of which he was secretary
of the board. 'Squire Pontius owns the old homesterd of 200 acres, also another
farm in the same township of sixty-two acres, besides 111 acres in Trumbull
county, Ohio. He is one of the successful farmers of the county, and is an
extensive oil producer. Few men in the community have won and retained to a
greater degree the esteem and Confidence of the people, and throughout his long
residence in Donegal township, he has been recognized as a public-spirited ami
progressive citi/en.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 953'
John Pontius, eldest son of Gabriel and Mary (Barnhart) Pontius, was
born in Donegal township, Butler county, December 25, 1812. He was reared
upon the old homestead, and married Mary M. Wiles, a daughter of Frederick
Wiles, who came from eastern Pennsylvania at an early day and settled in Don-
egal township, Butler county, afterwards serving as a soldier in the war of 1812.
Mr. Pontius settled in Armstrong county after his marriage, resided there eight
years, and then returned to Donegal township, where he died January 22, 1892.
His widow still survives him. She was born July 14, 1820, and reared a family
of eleven children, nine of whom are still living, as follows: Gabriel, of Done-
gal township; Susan, wife of John Kavlor, of Fairview township; Caroline,
wife of J. J. Crawford, of Millerstown ; Phoebe, wife of William Kepple.
of Armstrong county; William, a resident of Donegal township; Mary, wife of
Robert Taylor, of Clearfield count}'; Samuel W., who resides in Pittsburgh
John Henry, and George W., both residents af Donegal township.
John Henry Pontius, son of John and Marv M. Pontius, was born
in Donegal township Butler county, February 5, 1859, was reared upon the
farm and received his education in the public schools. On September 1, 1881,
he married Ada Burford, a daughter of Reuben Burford, of Armstrong county
Thev resided in Beaver Falls for some time, where Mr. Pontius worked in an
iron mill, and later located on their present homestead in Donegal township-
He owns a well improved farm of 100 acres, with oil and gas production. They
are the parents of two children : Sidney Easton. and Mvrell Reid. Mr. Pontius
is an active Republican, and, though living in a township stronglv Democratic,
lias been elected to various offices, all of which he filled in a highly creditable
manner. Mr. Pontius and wife are members of Mt. Pleasant English Lutheran
church, and liberal contributors towards that organization. He is a member of
Millerstown Lodge, Number 457, K. of P., also of the K. O. T. M.
Casper Ritzert was born in Hesse Darmstadt. Germany, in IT'.I"), grew to
maturity in his native land, and there marrried Margaret Reisler. In 1832 he
came to the United States, accompanied by his wife and four children : Harmon.
Conrad, Katharine and John. They landed in Baltimore, after a voyage of
forty-two days, and, after a short stay in that city, went to Chambersburg, Penn-
sylvania, whence they came to Butler county, the journey being made overland
in wagons, camping at night in the forest along the road. Mr. Ritzert pur-
chased a tract of wild land in what is now Oakland township, erected a log
cabin and set about clearing off the primitive forest. lie resided in Oakland
township until his death, in I860. His wife survived him twenty-four years
dying October 23, 1884, in the eighty-first year of her age. They were the
parents of seven sons and five daughters, and the whole family were members
of St. Peter's Catholic church, at Butler.
Conrad Ritzert, the second son of Casper ami Margaret Ritzert, was
born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, June 1*4. 1825, ami was seven vears old
when his parents immigrated to Pennsylvania. lie was reared amidst the priva-
tions and dangers of pioneer days, anil his first home in Butler county was a
small log cabin, built of round logs, ami even while he was still a boy lie assisted
his father in clearing the farm, by piling and burning the finish. His clothes
954 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
were made of the home-made cloth, and his education was acquired in the sub-
scription school of tin-' neighborhood, held in a small log building, with puncheon
floor and benches, :md a huge fireplace in one etui. The plowing was done with
oxen, the grain -own by hand, reaped with a sickle, and threshed with a flail.
At the age of fourteen. Conrad went to work in a tannery, grinding hark, and
when he reached hi- eighteenth year he commenced learning the tanner's trade,
with Conrad Roessing, at Butler, with whom he served an apprenticeship, and
afterwards worked tor Mr. Roessing for five years. lie subsequently went to
Brady's Bend, and worked in the iron mills there in various capacities, saving
enough from his wages to start himself in the tannery business at Worthington.
He sold out the tannery and in L854 settled on his present farm in Donegal town-
ship, Butler count v. which hi- had purchased some time previously while he was
following his trade in K.ittanning. Mr. Ritzert was married July 15, 1S47. to
Elizabeth VVindishee a native of Austria, horn June s. 1828. She came to the
I nited State- with her sister, when eighteen years of age, and was married the
following Near. When Mr. Ritzert ami wife settled on their farm in Donegal
township, the place was comparatively unimproved, their first dwelling being a
small log cabin. The times were hard, and they enjoyed hut few advantages.
Mrs. Ritzert spun the wool and flax used in weaving clothing and blankets for
the use of her family, and with the aid of her children conducted the farm while
her husband would he away working at his trade. By such industry and rigid
economy they accumulated through the passing years a comfortable competence,
and now own over 400 acres of fine land containing good oil production, with
substantial buildings, and other necessary improvements. They are the parents
of six children, viz. : Harmon, and John, both residents of Donegal township;
Mary E., wife of Joseph Graham ; Joseph (i.. of Oakland township ; Adam, who
resides with his parents, ami Maggie, wife of Jacob Cramer. The family are
members of St. Joseph's Catholic church, at North Oakland, and politically. Mr.
Ritzert is an ardent Democrat. Mr. Ritzert is one of the leading farmers of the
county, and the family are respected and esteemed by the community. When he
commenced tanning in Donegal township, his capital was small, but he possessed
plenty of energy, a robust constitution, and a rugged determination to succeed.
Both he and wife endured many of the privations of pioneer days, but they
have lived to see their family grown up. and are now surrounded by the comforts
and enjoyments of life.
John RrrZEKT, son of Conrad and Elizabeth Rit/.ert. was born in Kittan-
ning. Pennsylvania, July 1 1, 1850. He was only four years old when his parents
-ettled in Donegal township, where he grew to manhood, assisting his father in
the farm duties, lie received a common school education, and at the age of
twenty years became an apprentice with Mr. Kemper, at the harness maker's
trade, and served three years. He afterward- followed his trade at Millerstown
as a journeyman, and continued at the same business until 1879, when he located
on his present homestead in Donegal township, ami has since been engaged in
genera] farming. In 1878 he married Catherine Cramer, a daughter of Jacob
Cramer, to which union have been born the following children : Annie; Albeit ;
Daniel; Barbara; Catherine; Norbert, and Edward. The family are members
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 955
of St. Joseph's Catholic church, at North Oakland. Mr. Ritzert is a standi
Democrat, and in 1887 he was elected constable, assessor and collector, and still
holds the two last mentioned offices.
Joseph (i. Ritzert, third son of Conrad and Elizabeth Ritzert, was
born upon the homestead farm in Donegal township, June 11). 1856, He there
grew to manhood, and attended the common schools of his district during the
winter seasons. He remained with his parents until his marriage to Philomena
Cramer. February 13, 1 S~7 . She is a daughter of facob and Barbara Cramer,
was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and came in infancy to Clearfield
township with her parents, where her father still resides. Soon after his mar-
riage, Mr. Ritzert settled on his present homestead in Oakland township, which
is a well improved farm of 209 acres. lie is the father of seven children, named
as follows: Mary Margaret; Barbara Elizabeth : Emma C. ; Louis Joseph ; Clara
Philomena ; William L., deceased, and Esther Ann. The family are members
of St. Joseph's Catholic church, of North Oakland, and in politics. Mr. Ritzert is a
Democrat. He is one of the substantial, enterprising and progressive farmers of
the community.
John Vensel's biography finds a fitting place among the records of Donegal
township. Butler county, for he was one of the most honored ami progressive citi-
zens of the community throughout his residence therein. lie was endowed bv
nature with a powerful frame, a strong intellect, undaunted courage, and a spirit
ol enterprise that titted him to encounter the perils and hardships of pioneer days.
John was the fifth child in a family of twelve children, born to Barney and Han-
nah Vensel, of Sugar Creek township. Armstrong county, where be was born
October 26, 1823. The family were early settlers of that locality, and our sub-
ject was schooled in the privations of the times. His boyhood days were spent
upon the farm in assisting his parents with the home duties, wearing his coarse.
homespun clothing, the cloth for which he would oft times assist his mother to
weave upon the little home loom. His educational advantages were' limited to a
tew weeks attendance at a subscription school of his neighborhood, when the log
school house, with its rude furnishings of puncheon flooring, slab benches, and
huge fireplace, was the only academy the times afforded. Among the incidents
of his early days is the fact that he assisted his father in hauling the timber used
in the construction of the first iron mill at Brady's Bend. These early struggles
ot the pioneers made a lasting impression upon their after lives. It was the
schooling of nature, the tire that separated the gold from the dross, and it may
truly be said, that in the privations endured in his youth by John Vensel, and in
the obstacles he fearlessly met and surmounted, was laid the foundations for the
resolute determination, the tireless energy, and the rugged integrity, which
marked his after life. On January 17, 1847, he was united in marriage with
Catherine Daubenspeck. a daughter of John and Mary (Kissenger) Daubenspeck,
born October 24, 1824. To this union were born the following children : Alfred;
Richard: Mary J., wife of J. J. Porterfield ; Charles Finley ; Washington H. ;
Sarah A., wife of A. II. Christy: William M.; Isaiah, deceased, and George.
Mr. \ ensel resided in Armstrong county until Is.");;, in which year he purchased
a farm in Fairview township, Butler county, ami resided thereon down to 1868,
956 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
when he bought and located on a farm in Donegal township, which he at once
commenced to improve. His efforts were crowned with success, and the little
log cabin in which they first resided was replaced by a more commodious and
handsome residence. Here he was spending the sunset of his days, surrounded by
comfort and enjoyment when death entered the happy home, and on August i!,
1803, Mr. Vensel was called to a higher and better home. He had long been a
faithful member of St. Paul's Reformed church, at Oak Grove, and his life was a
good example of christian manhood. He possessed a generous, genial dispo-
sition, and won friends wherever lie went. As a citizen he was public-spirited,
and a champion of everv public improvement for the benefit ot his county and
community. Although denied the advantages of a thorough education, lie was
a careful reader and a man of sound judgment, and in public affairs his counsel
was invited anil accepted upon important occasions. lie was a man of pro-
nounced opinions, and possessed the courage of his convictions, although towards
those differing from him lie was considerate, treating them with deference and
respect. Politically, he was a standi Democrat, and served in various positions
of trust and honor in his township, all of which lie rilled to the satisfaction of the
community. In his home lie was a model father, and as a neighbor, kind and
obliging. He left his children the bright legacy of an untarnished name, and died
regretted and esteemed by all who knew him.
Richard Vensel is one of the well known producers in the Millerstown
field. He is a son of John and Catherine Vensel, and was horn in Fairview
township, Butler county, December 16,1849. He grew to maturity upon the
homestead farm, and received a common school education. About 1877 he began
as a contractor in the oil region, and has put down and operated many wells in
the Millerstown field. He has applied himself diligently to his business, and by
energy and shrewd business tact he has acquired a handsome competence. Mr.
Vensel was married June 16, 1873, to Miss Martha P.Christy. She was born
November '24, 1852, and died May 16, 1S77, leaving one child, Edward C. He
was again married, May 3, 1879, to Miss Eva A. Duff, a native of Wintield town-
ship, Butler county, born May 30, 1858. She died November 16, 1884, leaving
one son, Howard J. On December 29, 1887, Mr. Vensel married Miss Mollie
Morrow, a daughter, of Robert Morrow- of Donegal township. This union has been
blessed by six children, three of whom survive, viz. : Ross Alfred; Lena, and
Norman Augustus. He and wife are members of St. Paul's Reformed church, at
Oak Grove. Politically, Mr. Vensel is an unswerving Republican, and takes an
active interest in political affairs.
Charles Finlev Vknski., son of John and Catherine Vensel, was born in
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1853, and came with his parents in
early childhood to Fairview township, and later to Donegal township. Butler
county, where he grew to maturity upon his father's farm. lie afterwards
engaged in the oil fields as a rig builder, and later as a driller, and followed this
business a number of years. In 1889 he located upon his present farm, which he
has greatly improved by the erection of a substantial house and other buildings.
Mr. Vensel was for some time engaged in the livery business at Millerstown. and
devotes considerable attention to stock raising:. In 1ST-") he married Estclla Rum-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 957
baugh, of Armstrong county, who died in 1878, leaving one son, Charles Leslie.
On June 7. 1SS0. he married Margaret C. Rumbaugh, to whom have been born
six children, viz.: Clarence P., deceased; Malvina E. ; Anita G. ; Everett A.;
Lucillia, and Ivy Irene. The family are connected with St. Paul's Reformed
church. Politically. Mr. Vensel is a Democrat, and in 1891, was elected town-
ship auditor. He is a member of Millerstown Lodge. K. of P.. in which he is
vice chancellor. lie is one of the well known and popular citizens of Donegal
township.
Washington II. Vensel, son of John and Catherine Vensel, was born in
Fairview township. Butler county, November 28, 1854, and settled with his par-
ents upon the homestead in Donegal township, where he grew to manhood. In
the spring of 1876 he went to Champaign county, Illinois, and engaged at farm-
ing, but soon returned to Pennsylvania, where he embarked in the oil industry
with his brothers, to which he has since devoted his entire attention. In 1882 he
married Ada G. Brooks, of McKean county, daughter of A. J. Brooks, a promi-
nent oil producer of that county. They have one son, Harry Ralph. In 1892
Mr. Vensel removed from Bradford to Millerstown, where he has since resided.
He is a member of the K. <). T. M.. and one of the enterprising citizens of the
borough.
William M. Vensel was born in Fairview township, Butler county,
October 27. 1858, son of John and Catherine Vensel, and was ten years old when
iii s parents located in Donegal township. He grew to maturity upon the home-
stead farm, received a good common school education, and at the age of twenty-
one he embarked in the oil business in McKean county, and has since devoted his
attention to contracting and producing, in which he has been quite successful.
On December 29, 1S!">7, Mr. Vensel married Minnia A. Barnhart. a daughter of
A. W. Barnhart, of Butler township. They are the parents of three children,
viz. : Charles F. ; William Arthur, and Nora Florence. In politics, Mr. Vensel
is a stanch Democrat. He is a member of Millerstown Lodge, Number 457, K.
of P. ; also of Argyle Lodge, Number 540. F. & A. M. He is recognized as one
of the progressive, public-spirited and enterprising business men of the com-
munity.
Barney Vensel was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, second child
of John and Christina (Rice) Vensel, natives of eastern Pennsylvania, who came
to Armstrong county at an early day, where they died at a ripe old age. They
were the parents of five sons and three daughters, all of whom are dead. Barney
grew to manhood in his native county, and married Hannah Harmon, a native of
eastern Pennsylvania, who came to Armstrong county with her parents, Peter
and Christina Harmon. The young couple settled upon a farm in Sugar Creek
township, Armstrong county, where both resided until their death. Mr. Vensel
died in 184s, aged fifty-nine years, and his wife, in 1867, aged eighty-four years.
They were the parents of twelve children, viz. : Christina, deceased wife of
Henry Hyle ; Polly, wife of Peter Hyle ; Catherine, deceased wife of Michael
Myers; Eliza, who died in childhood: John, deceased; Peter, who resides on the
old homestead ; Susan, wife of Adam Myers ; Joseph, a resident of Donegal
township; Sarah, deceased wife of Jacob Troutman ; Barney, of Armstrong
95<S HISTORY OK BUTLER COUNTY.
county; George, who lives upon the homestead farm, ami Margaret, also a resi-
dent of the old home.
fosEPH Vexsel, eighth child of Barney and Hannah Vensel, was born in
Sugar Creek township. Armstrong county, April I, 1831, and was reared a
farmer. I Ie attended the pioneer subscription schools, in a small log building,
with puncheon floor, split log seats, single desk, and a large fireplace in each end
of the building. The United States spelling book, and old English reader were
two of the books used during this period. At the age of twenty-two. Mr. Yensel
went to Brady's Bend, ami in IS.");;, married Lydia Myers, a daughter of Freder-
ick and Susannah Myers. She was born in Westmoreland county. October 3,
1825, and was only one year old when her parents located in Armstrong county.
Mr. Vensel rented a farm in Armstrong county, where he resided until 1858, and
then settled upon his present homestead in Donegal township, Butler county,
which was partially improved. The) are the parents of se\en children, \i/.. :
Susannah, wife of Lewis Snyder: Jacob S., of Donegal township; Sarah E. ;
Margaret, wife of William David; George, who resides at home; Joseph 1., of
Millerstown, and John, who lives with his parents. The family are connected
with St. Paul's Reformed church of Oak Grove. Mr. Vensel is a Democrat, and
has tilled the offices of supervisor and director.
|\mks Rodgers, a native of Pittsburg, came to Armstrong count) at an
early day. lie married Nancy McElroy, a native of Clearfield township, Butler
county, and a daughter of Hugh McElroy, who came from Donegal county, Ire-
land, ami entered KM) acres of land on the line of Butler and Armstrong counties,
where he was one of the first settlers. Mr. Rodgers and wife resided succes-
sively in Armstrong county, Beaver county, ami Elarmonv, Butler county, until
1840, when he leased a farm in Donegal township, and later purchased a tract of
land upon which he resided down to his death, in 1840. His will' died at
Harmony, in 1826, and he married for his second wife Bridget Boyle. lie was
the father of four children by his first marriage, as follows : George, of Donegal
township; Margaret, deceased wife of Daniel Boyle; John, and Thomas.
John Rodgers was born in Armstrong county, September 25, 1S24, son of
James and Nancy ( McElroy) Rodgers. At the age of fifteen he began work-
ing in an iron furnace, subsequently chopped cordwood upon a farm, and then
went to Clarion county, where he worked in the ore mines. lie came to Butler
count) with his father, whom he assisted in clearing ami improving a home.
When his father died the farm came into his possession. In L852 he married
Elizabeth Burns, a daughter of Bernard Burns, of Donegal township. Ten chil-
dren have been born to this union, eight of whom are living, viz. ; Bernard, of
Ohio; John F., of Donegal township ; Daniel, a resident of Pittsburg ; Stephen.
and Ann E., who reside with their parents; Rosalie, wife of fames Kabitt, of
Donegal township; Margaret, wife of M. McGaryev. of Noblestown, and Mary
Belle, who lives at home. The family are connected with St. Patrick's Catholic
church, at Sugar Creek, of which Mr. Rodgers' parents were' original members.
Politically, he is a Democrat . and one of the enterprising farmers of the town-
ship, lie is the owner of 230 acres of well improved land, upon which there
are several producing wells.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 959
John Morrow was horn near Kittanning, Armstrong county, son of Thomas
and Susan Morrow, natives of Donegal county, Ireland. Ilr was reared in his
native township, and married Isabella Bovil, a native of Monaghan county, Ire-
land, who came with her parents to the United States when lour years of age.
her mother dying on ship-board en voyage. The young couple located on a farm
in Armstrong county, where they lived about twenty years, and then removed to
Jefferson county. After a short resilience in the latter county, they came to
Butler count v. in 1846, and purchased a farm in what is now Concord township.
which thev began improving. They spent the remainder of their lives thereon.
Mrs. Morrow dying August 8, 1882, aged ninety-four years, and her husband, in
November. 1888, aged ninety years. They were the parents of seven children.
as follows: (anies. of Concord township: Susan, wife of lames Phillips; Eliza-
beth, wife of John Forsythe ; John, a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas; Robert,
of Donegal township: Eleanor lane, and William, the two last mentioned being
dead.
Robert Morrow, youngest living child of )olm and Isabella Morrow, was
born in Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, May I. 1833. removed to
Jefferson county with his parents, and subsequently to Butler county when thir-
teen years of age. lie spent his boyhood days upon a farm in Concord township,
their first home in this county being a small log cabin. lie wore the home-made
clothes of the period, and attended the pioneer school of his neighborhood. On
June 3, 1S-56. he married Eliza Catherine Whitmire, a daughter of John and
Catherine (Painter) Whitmire. natives of Butler and Westmoreland counties,
respectively. She was born in Centre township. Butler county. February 2(i.
1838, and was the sixth in a family of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Mor-
row resided upon the Morrow homestead until 1870, when they settled on
their present farm in Donegal township, which thev had purchased the pre-
vious year. It contains I4<> acres, upon which are located eight producing
oil wells. He has erected good buildings, and has otherwise improved the
property. Thev are the parents of nine children. viz. : John M.; Sarah
Betty, wife of X. Double: Lorenzo: Julia A., wife nf John Stoops; Marx
C, wife of Richard Vensel ; Norman; Alice lane; George, and Laura Mav.
The family are connected with the English Lutheran church, of Millers-
town. Although formerly a Republican. Mr. Morrow is now a stanch Prohi-
bitionist. While a resident of Concord township, he served as supervisor.
judge of election, and school director. lie is one of the pre is prions and enter-
prising farmers of the community.
George Henry Divener was born in Prussia, Germany, September ii.
1801. lie learned the linen weaver's trade in his native land, and followed it
there until his immigration to this county. lie was married October 2."), 1830, to
Dorothy Mary Kaufhold, a native of the same country, born June 23, 1809. In
the spring of 1847 Mr. Divener. with bis family, consisting of his wife and five
children, came to the United States, ami settled in Butler county, Pennsylvania,
near Saxonburg. He followed farming and weaving for about two years, then
went to Brady's Bend, where he continued working at his trade, and also
engaged in mining. In March, 1858, he moved to Donegal township, Butler
•■960 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
county, settled upon a farm he had purchased the year previous, and engaged
in tanning, lie resided upon this place down to his death, which occurred
June 7, 1868. His wife survived him until August ',). 1880. The names of their
children are as follows: George II., deceased ; John Frederick, a resident of
East Brady ; Charles, of Donegal township ; William Edward, deceased, and
•Caroline E., wife of Lewis Hartenstein. The parents were members of the Ger-
man Lutheran church, and died in that faith.
Charles Divener, son of (ieorge II. and Dorothy Mary Divener, was born
in Prussia, September 21, ISM'.), and was eight years old when his parents came
to Butler county. He enjoyed good educational advantages in the schools of his
native land and afterwards in Butler and Armstrong counties. When quite
young he worked in the mines at Brady's Bend, and assisted his parents to sup-
port the family. After his father settled in Donegal township, Charles devoted
his attention to clearing and improving the farm, and after the death of the
former he conducted the Farm for his mother. lie subsequently began farming
for himself, and later purchased the old homestead, upon which he now resides.
It contains 1(11 acres of land, with good oil production, upon which he has
erected a commodious residence and other buildings. He is one of the active
workers in the Democratic party, and has served two terms as overseer of the
poor. Mr. Divener was married February 22, 1870, to Mary E. Frederick, a
native of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, who came to the United .States with her
parents, Leonard and Elizabeth Frederick, lie and wife are members of the
German Lutheran church, at Millerstown.
Zephaniah Double, a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
came to Butler county with his parents, John and Jane Double, in boyhood.
They settled in what is now Brady township, and there the parents died. Zeph-
aniah was reared in Brady township, there married Elizabath Snyder, and settled
upon a farm. He subsequently removed to Warren county, lived there three years,
and then returned to Bulter county, settling in Donegal township in L864.
Later he removed to Millerstown, where he died September 9. 1880. After his
death Mrs. Double made her home with her son Joseph, and died October 1,
1887. Mr. Double was .1 Democrat, and rilled the offices of assessor, collector,
constable, and school director at various periods. He was the father of nine
children, four of whom are living, as follows: Zephaniah, of Iowa ; Prushey,
anil Joseph, both residents of Donegal township, and Mary Ann, wife of Thomas
T. Carnahan, of Kansas.
Prushey Dorm.]-: was horn in Brady township, Butler county. March
22, 1885, was reared upon his father's farm, and received a common school
education. On January 1 1, 1858, he married Elizabeth Carnahan, a daughter of
Alexander and Elizabeth Carnahan. She was born in Westmoreland county,
October 8, 1841, and is the mother of ten children, viz. : Zephaniah A., born Au-
gust 20. 1859; Mary E., March 10. 1861 ; Sarah A., September 12. 1862; JamesL.
January 1, 1865; Lucinda E., July 4, 1868; Prussia A., March 5, 1870; HarrietC,
January 31 , 1872 : Thomas J.. September 22. 1873 ; Annie C. February'.), 1876, died
June S, 1894, and Charles C, bom February 1. 1ST*. After their marriage they
located on a farm in Brady township, came to Donegal township in the fall of 1863,
mi
^jcvmM S/wmf*^^ $
I
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 96 I
and settled upon his present farm in the spring » ► t 1875, which he has since
improved bv the erection of substantia] building*. lie is a stanch Republican,
and has held various township offices.
Joseph Double, son of Zephaniah and Elizabeth Double, early settlers of
Brady township, Butler county, was born in that subdivision, August 31, 1840,
and remained with his parents, following the usual avocations of a tanner's lite-,
until the Rebellion. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred
and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, attached to the First Corps of the
Army of the Potomac. lie Served in the battles of Sugar Loaf Mountain. South
Mountain, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, and was honorably
discharged June 5, 1862. Returning to his home in Butler county, he was married
to Lucinda Ililgar. November 16, 1862. She is a native of Slippery Rock town-
ship, Butler county, and the mother of eleven children, as follows : Peter R. 1 John
H. ; Zephaniah H. ; Elizabeth F. : Joseph F. ; William E. ; Lucinda A. ; James L. ;
Thomas L. ; Jacob (J., and Edward F. The family are members of the English
Lutheran church of Millerstown. Mr. Double is a stanch Republican, and has
served as school director. In March. 1863, they located upon their present home-
stead farm in Donegal township, which contain-. 137 acres of well improved
land. For the past eighteen years he has been a contractor in building oil rigs,
and has done a large business.
William Bbownfield was born in Sugar Creek township. Armstrong
county, April 11, 1838, son of William P>. and Mary (Quinn) Brownfield, early
settlers of Arm-tron^ county, where they resided until their death. I T i ■—
father died January 4, 1868, and his mother in 1873. They were members of
St. Patrick's Catholic church, at Sugar Creek, ami are interred in the cemetery
near that church. They were the parents of nine children, five of whom are still
living. William remained at home until arriving at maturity, working with his
father upon the farm during the summer, ami attending school during the win-
ter season-. At the age of twenty-one he went to Wisconsin, and worked in
the Black river pineries for nine years, a portion of which time he was
rafting on the Mississippi. In 1864 he returned home, then went to Oil
City and engaged in drilling oil wells. In 1872 he again returned to Armstrong
county, and in 1*75 purchased his present farm and settled upon it It contains
120 acres, upon which eight oil wells are located. Mr. Brownfield was married
November 20, 1868, to Mrs. Ellen Jane Griffin, a daughter of Thomas and Cath-
erine Haggertv. She was born in Venango county, December 21, 1841, married
John Griffin, and bore him a family of four children, as follows : Francis A. ;
Mary L. ; Sarah Elizabeth, a graduate of the Philadelphia Training School, and
now a professional nurse at Pittsburg, and Emma E. Mr. Griffin died Septem-
ber 6, 1*66. To William and Ellen Jane Brownfield have been born seven chil-
dren, viz. : William A., deceased; Martha E. ; Margaret C. : Olive M. : James
Harland; John Edgar, and Charles L., deceased. The family are members of
St. Patrick's Catholic church, at Sugar Creek. In politics, Mr. Brownfield is a
Democrat, and has served as a member of the school board for three terms.
[AMES BROWNFIELD was born in Sugar Creek township. Armstrong count \ .
Pennsylvania, August 25, 1835, ami was one of a family of nine children born to
til
gG? HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William I?. and Mary (Quinn) Brownfield. His boyhood days were passed upon
his father's farm, and he dressed in the coarse homespun clothing of the period;
while his education was acquired in a small log school house, withrude furnish-
ings, which In- attended only for a lew weeks in each year during the winter
season. He assisted his father in the farm duties until he reached his maturity,
and remained with him until his marriage. On July 7. 1872, he married Hannah
Crawford, and they took up their residence in East Brady, Clarion county.
While making their home in that town. Mr. Brownfield followed oil drilling in
various fields, drilled the first well at Oil City, and later engaged in contracting.
Mrs. Brownfield is a native of Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, and a
daughter of John and Sarah A. (Vasbinder) Crawford. Her father was a native
of Ireland, and came witli his parents to America when a young man, settled in
Armstrong county, and there married Sarah Vasbinder. Both resided in Arm-
strong county until their death, leaving a family of four sons and two daughters.
Mr. Crawford was a prominent citizen in his community, held various positions
ot trust, and both he and wife were respected members of the United Presbyterian
church, at Middlesex. Mr. Brownfield and wife removed from East Brady to
Armstrong county, and in 1 S72 purchased and settled upon the farm in Donegal
township, Butler county, w here his widow and family now reside. He devoted
his attention to agricultural pursuits, was a leading and successful farmer of the
township, and brought his farm to a high state of cultivation. In 1886 oil was
discovered on this farm, and it now contains seventeen producing wells. Three
children were born of his marriage to Hannah Crawford, as follows: Ida: Mary
A., and James. Mr. Brownfield died at his home in Donegal township, Novem-
ber 10, 1889. He was a practical member of St. Patrick's Catholic church, at
Sugar Creek, to which congregation his widow and children belong, He was
universally esteemed for his sterling manhood and upright character. As a citi-
zen, lie was public-spirited and progressive, taking a deep interest in all matters
that tended to benefit the community. He was especially active in furthering
the schools of his township, and gave an unwavering support to educational and
religious institutions. Politically, he was a Democrat, but was broad-minded
ami liberal in his views on all public matters. lie left to his descendants an
untarnished name, and died respected and esteemed by all who knew him.
Simon Monroe Wiles, a prosperous tanner and producer of Donegal town-
ship, w as born near Petrolia, Butler county, Julv 7, 1857. His father was born
in Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, September 29, ISl'L'. and married
Elizabeth Daubenspeck, February ',), 1843. She was born in Parker township,
Butler county, March Ci. 1826. They were the parents of the following children :
Mary E., wile of W. J. Myers, of Donegal township; Catherine Jane, deceased
wife of Samuel Wagner; John Sylvester, of Centre township; Harriet Ann,
wife of William Thompson, of Bradford, Pennsylvania; Fannie Agnes, wife of
Dr. A. K. Carmichael, of Trinidad, Colorado; Simon Monroe, of Donegal town-
ship, and David Elmer, a physician of Pittsburg. Mr. Wiles died April 28,
1892, and his wife in March, 1880. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood
days upon his father's farm, and attended the common schools of his neighborhood.
At the aire of seventeen years he engaged as a pumper and tool dresser in the oil
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 96;
fields, and by judiciously investing his earnings in some oil leases he became
possessed of a production of his own. and has since continued in that business.
Mr. Wiles was married August 16, 1877, to Jedidah Jenkins, a native of Arm-
strong county, born October 22, 1859. Her father. David Jenkins, was born in
Wales, in L826, and was married May 15, 1846, to Jane Davis, also a native of
Wales, born in November, 1828. Mr. Jenkins died February 7. 1868, his wife
surviving him until May 7. 1889. Mr. anil Mrs. Wiles are the parents of four
children, as follows: Clarence Vernon, deceased; Myrtle Clare: Elsie Beulah,
and Alta Beryl. In 1879 he purchased and located upon his farm in Donegal
township, which is highly improved ami contains a tine oil production. He has
since erected a handsome residence, large and commodious barns, and devotes
particular attention to raising fine pacing horses. He is one of the most success-
ful farmers of his township. Politically, he is a Republican, is a member of
Millerstown Lodge, Number 457, K. of 1'.. also of Blaney Tent. K. f). T. M., of
Millerstown.
Rudolph Barnhart, Sr., was born in Westmoreland county. Pennsyl-
vania, in 1775, son of John William Barnhart. a native of Germany, who came
to Pennsylvania in 17<>4, and settled in Westmoreland county, where he died in
January, 1822. Rudolph was reared in that county, anil in the year 1795 he
came to Butler county and purchased 400 acres of land in what is now Fairview
township. The following spring he brough this family to his cabin, which he had
erected in the primitive forest, and took up his permanent residence in this count}'.
His wife's maiden name was Christina Rice, and she was a native of eastern Penn-
sylvania. They were among the earliest settlers in the vicinity of Millerstown.
and both spent the remainder of their lives in that locality. Eleven children
were born to them, as follows : William; Philip; Susannah, who married Jona-
than Andrews -. Christina, who became the wife of Joseph Vensel, of Donegal
township: Frederick; Elizabeth , who married John Andrews; Rudolph; Simon;
Andrew: Polly, who married Nicholas King, and Catherine, who became the
wife of John Eberhart. Mr. Barnhart and wife were members of the Reformed
Presbyterian church, and died March 21, 1851, and 1854, respectively. He was
a man of strict integrity, and was widely known and respected.
Andrew Barnhart, youngest son of Rudolph and Christina Barnhart.
was born upon the old homestead in Fairview township, Butler county. Decem-
ber 12, 1821, and grew to manhood upon his father's farm. When a young man
he learned the baker's trade, in Butler, and followed that business lor a few years
in Millerstown, where he established a bakery and confectionery store in 1843.
He subsequently embarked in general merchandising, which he carried on down
to the spring of 1873, being for thirty years one of the leading business men of
that borough. Throughout this period his character was marked by sterling
integrity and diligence, which rendered his business career a most prosperous
one. In 1844 he married Priscilla Eberhart. a daughter of Joseph and Catherine
(Kistler) Eberhart, of Mercer county, who subsequently removed to Douglas
county, Kansas. She was born in Hickory township, Mercer county. April 25,
1825. Of their nine children, four grew to maturity, vi/.. : Paul I., of Fairview
township: Aaron E.. of Millerstown : Sadie C, wife of James dill, of Ottawa,
9^4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Kansas, and Obadiah F.. deceased. Mr. Barnhart died December I'll. 1*7:?. He
was a life-long and zealous member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, was an
ultra Abolitionist prior to the emancipation of the slaves, and an active temper-
ance advocate. His widow resides with her daughter in Kansas.
Aaron L. Barnhart, son of Andrew and Priscilla Barnhart. was born in
Millerstown, Pennsylvania. February 11, 1851, received his education at the pub-
lie schools and the State Normal Schools at Edinboro, Pennsylvania, and Leb-
anon, Ohio, and afterwards taught for two years. He assisted his father in the
store, and at the death of the latter was appointed executor of the estate. In
1883 he became a member of the firm of Iloeh Brothers & Barnhart. which part-
nership existed until 1888. Since that time he has devoted his attention to his
oil and farming interests, owning 112 acres of the original Barnhart tract. He has
heeii prominently interested in the development and improvement of the borough,
was one of the originators and first president of the Citizens Light and Fuel
Company, also one of the original promoters and stockholders of the Millerstown
branch of the Producers ( )il Company. Limited. The Barnhart family have been
very liberal in their support of churches, and have donated the following church
lots: The Sugar Creek or White Oak church lots, donated by Andrew Barn-
hart. in 1813; ground for the English Evangelical Lutheran church at Millers-
town, by F. \V. Barnhart, in 1850; the lot for St. John's Reformed church, by
David Barnhart. in 18G9, and the Methodist Episcopal church lot, at Millerstown.
by A. E. Barnhart, in 1874. Mr. Barnhart was married August 18, 1^74, to
Catherine Fleeger, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Kittering) Fleeger. of
Butler county, anil has one son. Oscar Z. lie is a member of the I. O. O. F., the
K. of P., and the K. of II. fraternities. He has served a number of terms on the
school board and borough council, and one term as burgess of Millerstown.
Martin Hoch was horn in the City of Genningen, Canton of Tuebingen,
Wurtemburg, Germany, February 15. IMS, son of Jacob Hoch. He grew to
manhood in liis native land, and in 1847, after a few months sojourn in England,
lie came to New York, journeyed westward by canal to Erie, thence to Pittsburg,
and after a short stay in that city, went to Brady's Bend, Armstrong county,
where he found employment in the iron mills. By industry and economy he
accumulated sufficient capital to start in business for himself, and invested his
savings in the erection of a brewery at Millerstown. lie at once wrote for his
brother, Gottlieb Hoch, an experienced brewer, to join him, ami together they
conducted the business for many years. Martin finally sold his interest to his
brother, and in 1855 opened a hotel in a small building on the site now occupied
by the Central Hotel, conducted by his sons, Hoch Brothers. ( )n September 7,
1848, Mr. Hoch was united in marriage with Catherine Gebhardt. a native of
Wurtemburg, Germany, born in the City of Giengen, Canton of Heidenheim,
February 28, 1822, who alone and without a protector hail come to America in
L847. This union was blessed by five sons and one daughter, viz. : Adolphus
A. ; Augustus; Jacob, and Martin, both deceased; Albert M., a physician, and
Catherine Pauline. Mr. Hoch died at his home in Millerstown, December 18,
1888. During his long residence in that borough he was actively identified with
its growth and progress, ami was one of its most respected citizens.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 965
Adolphus A. Hoc h, eldest child of Martin and Catherine I loch, was born in
Millerstown, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1850, and obtained his education in the pub-
lic schools. When sixteen years of age he began a two years' apprenticeship
with his uncle at the brewing industry. lie afterwards engaged as a pumper in
the Venango and Warren oil fields, and when twenty-one years old he returned
to Millerstown, and began operating in that field as a producer in 1873. He hail
previously been interested in the livery business with his brother, Augustus. In
the winter of 1S77 the linn of Hoch Brothers was organized, and they erected
the Central Hotel block at Millerstown. In 1883 they embarked in the hardware
business, and now conduct one of the most extensive and completely equipped
hardware and oil well supply houses in Butler county. Mr. Hoch is a charter
member of the Citizens Light and Fuel Company, is an extensive stockholder in
the Producers Oil Company. Limited, and is a trustee of the Millerstown Branch,
anil a member of the general advisory board. He has been a member of the
borough council for eighteen years; is now president of thai body, and has also
served as burgess, and as a member of the school board. Mr. Hoch was married
September 15, 1874, to Miss Nannie Campbell, a daughter of W. II. II. anil
Lucinda (Boozel) Campbell. She was born October 22, 1854, and is the mother
of four children, VIZ. : Harry A., born October 22,1875; Charles W. , August
12, 1877; Earl. July 2, 1879, and Adolphus A., April 2, 1882.
Augustus Hoch, second son of Martin and Catherine Hoch, was born in
Millerstown, Pennsylvania, February -'2, 1852, and grew to maturity in his native
town, receiving a public school education. At the age of fourteen years he started
in life for himself as an oil pumper, and followed that business for six years. He
then returned to Millerstown and engaged in the livery business, which he con-
ducted for three years. Disposing of his stock he embarked in oil producing,
and has since developed into one of the most extensive producers in the Millers-
town held. In 1877 he became associated with his brother, under the firm name
of Hoch Brothers, and, besides their extensive hardware and oil well supply busi-
ness, they conduct the Central Hotel, of which our subject has charge. Mr.
Hoch is also a member of the firm of Seibert, Hoch & Company, who operate a
lumber yard and planing mill at Millerstown. In 1 NTT he married Miss Eliza-
beth Krugh. of Winfield township, Butler county, a daughter of Henry and Bar-
bara Krugh, and has two children, viz. : Martin G., and Ralph W. E. Mr.
Hoch is a Republican, and is a member of Millerstown Lodge, 457, K. ol P.
The family are members of the German Lutheran church, and are liberal con-
tributors towards every worthy public enterprise.
Henry L. Westermann, a native of Prussia, came to the United States in
1847, and located at Brady's Bend, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, where he
found employment in a store. In 1856 he removed to Millerstown, and engaged
in merchandising, which he carried on successfully until 1879, when he retired
from business. He was also interested in oil producing, and was one ol the
leading citizens of this section of the county. While at Brady's Bend, he mar-
ried Mary Fetzer, a native, of Germany, who came to this country with her par-
ents. She bore him a family of five children, as follows: Charles (., of the firm
of Westermann Brothers; Jacob J., a member of the same firm ; Cassie I)., wile
966 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of J. C. McKisson, of Toledo, Ohio: Emma, deceased, ami Loretta. Mrs.
Westermann died in June. 1S71. Her husband married Dora Fetzer, who bore
him two sons : Henry M., and Richard. He died in October, 1885, aged sixty-
three year.-..
Jacob J. Westermann, of the firm of Westermann Brothers, was born in
Millerstown, Butler county. July 5, L857, second son of Henry L. and Mary
Westermann. lie was reared in his native town, and was educated in the pub-
lic schools. In 1875 he entered the Normal College, at Lebanon, Ohio, where he
was graduated in 1879. Returning to Millerstown, he formed a partnership
with his brother. Charles J., embarked in merchandising and has since continued
in that business. They have now the largest department store in Millers-
town and one of the largest in the county. They carry a complete stock
of dry goods, carpets, and hoots and shoes. They are also extensive oil
producers, both in the Millerstown field and in Obit). In 1889 Mr. Wester-
mann married Gertrude McLaughlin, a daughter of John McLaughlin, and has
one son, Jacob J. The family are members of the German Lutheran church, and
politically. Mr. Westermann is a stanch Democrat.
Ciiai.es J. Westermann, of the firm of Westermann Brothers, is the eldest
son of Henry L. and Mary (Fetzer) Westermann. He was born in Millerstown,
Butler county, August 10. 1855, and was educated in the public schools, and at
the Normal College, Lebanon, Ohio. In 1873 he was appointed teller of the
German National Bank, at Millerstown. In 1876 he commenced operating in
the Millerstown oil field, and in 1880, in connection with his brother, Jacob L>
became interested in the Millerstown and Butler fields, and has extensive pro-
duction in this county and in Ohio. He is also associated with his brother in the
mercantile business at Millerstown. Mr. Westermann married Emma Zettle,
and both he and wife are members of the German Lutheran church. Politically,
he is an ardent Democrat, is a member of the Masonic order, and is one of the
representative citizens of the borough.
Jacob Myers was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and immigrated to Butler
county. Pennsylvania, in 1831. He settled in Summit township, but two years
later purchased a farm in Oakland township, upon which he resided down to his
death, in 1884, at the age of eighty-three years. He was married in Germany to
Catherine Ginter, and they were the parents of ten children, four of whom arc-
living. Mrs. Myers died in 1878. They were members of the German Lutheran
church, and died in that faith.
John (i. Myers, fourth child of Jacob and Catherine Myers, was born in
Wurtemburg, Germany, November IS, 1828, ami came with his parents to Butler
county when about three years old. He was reared upon the homestead in Oak-
land township, and received a common school education. At the age of seven-
teen he commenced to learn the plasterer's trade, and followed the same in Butler
and Brady's Bend until 1867. In that year he located at Millerstown, and
engaged in the milling business, under the firm name of Myers & Fetzer, which
they still carry on. He has also been interested in oil producing and farming,
and in 1SS7. in connection with his son Henry J., he established the Millerstown
Deposit Bank, which has since been in successful operation. Mr. Myers was
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 967
married in 1858, to Catherine Fetzer, a daughter of Jacob Fetzer, and is the
Father oT six children, viz. : Henry J.; Charles L. ; Ida, deceased ; Estelle D. ;
Gussie J., and one that died in infancy. He is a member of the German Lutheran
church, is one of the trustees of the Millerstown congregation, ami lias filled the
office of deacon in that society. Politically, lie is a Democrat ami has served in
the borough council, and has rilled the office of school director for twelve years.
Henry J. Myers, banker, is a son of John G. and Catherine Myers, and
was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, August l".), 1862. He came with his parents
to Millerstown when six years of age and has since resided in this borough. lie
attended the public schools of Millerstown and subsequently spent two years at
Capital University, Columbus, Ohio, where he pursued a thorough course of
study. He afterwards accepted a position as teller in the German National
Hank, of Millerstown, was promoted to cashier, and in 1885, upon the suspension
of the bank, he was appointed liquidating officer by the National Bank Commis-
sion and filled the position successfully. In 1887 the Millerstown Deposit Bank
was organized by Mr. Myers and his father, and he has since been cashier and
had general supervision of that institution. Mr. Myers is a prominent member
of the Masonic order; is W. M. of Argyle Lodge. Number 540, F. & A. M. : is
connected with Butler chapter. Number i'7o, R. A. M. ; with Tancred Com-
mandery, Number 4*, K. T. : with Syria Temple, A. A. (). N. M. S., ami Penn-
sylvania Consistory, S. P. R. S.. in which he has attained the 82d degree, the
last three mentioned being in Pittsburg. Politically, Mr. Myers is a Democrat,
and aside from his banking interests, he is also interested in the oil industry.
Solomon Fleeger was a native of Centre township, Butler county, Penn-
sylvania, son of Jacob and Catherine (Whitmire) Fleeger, of Centre township,
and a grandson of Christian Fleeger, who came to America during the Revolu-
tion as a cavalry soldier in the German contingent of the English army oper-
ating against Washington; but he deserted at Philadelphia, and went to Lancaster
county, thence to Westmoreland county, and finally settled in Centre township.
Butler county, in 1797, where he died. Solomon was the fifth in the family of
seventeen children, born to Jacob and Catherine Fleeger. His mother was a
daughter of Francis Whitmire, one of the pioneers of this county. He grew to
manhood upon his father's farm, and married Clarinda Davis, of Allegheny county.
He settled near Millerstown, became quite prominent in that borough, and held
the offices of postmaster and justice of the peace for many years. He died Febru-
ary 17, 1892. His widow still resides in Millerstown. Their family consisted of
five children, as follows: John; Andrew, and Harriet, who married (i. F.
Fetzer, all of whom are dead. The survivors are Martin, of Fairview township,
and Austin, a resident of Millerstown.
Austin Fleeger, youngest in the family of Solomon and Clarinda Fleeger,
was born in Millerstown Pennsylvania, in 1851, and received his education in the
public schools and at a select school in Unionville. At the age of thirteen he
went to Brady's Bend, where he served an apprenticeship of two years at the
shoemaker's trade. He afterwards located in Butler, and learned the cabinet-
maker's trade. Returning to Millerstown, he established himself in the cabinet-
making and undertaking business, later engaged in the furniture business, in
968 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
company with his father, and is now connected with the undertaking trade.
About this time he became interested in oil producing, and has since devoted his
attention to that industry. Mr. Fleeger was the originator of the Citizens Light
and Heat Company, was one of the largest original stockholders, and is at pres-
ent one of the principal stockholders in the company, as well as president.
Although formerly a Republican, and postmaster of .Millerstown during Haves'
administration, he is now an ardent Prohibitionist. He is a member of the bor-
ough council, and is connected with Millerstown Lodge, Xo. 947, I. O. (). F.
In 1879, Mr. Fleeger married Katie Nugent, a daughter of Morris Nugent,
deceased, of Clearfield township, to which union have been born the following
children: E. Luella; Harold L. ; Mary C: George W. ; Katie Irene ; John T., and
Austin ( ).
John Jacob Frederick, son of John Peter and Margaret Elizabeth Fred-
erick, was burn in Hesse Darmstadt. Germany, May 21, 1824. In 1834 his par-
ents immigrated to the United States, and located in Summit township, Butler
county, Pennsylvania, upon the farm now owned bv Gottlieb Frederick, and
resided there down to their death. John Jacob was the second in a family of
eight children, and was but ten years old when his parents came to this county.
His boyhood days were spent upon the farm in Summit township, and when
fourteen years of age he commenced working as a water boy on the Pennsylvania
canal. At the age of twenty-one years he commenced learning the blacksmith's
trade at Butler, and served three years with George Walter. He subsequently
went to Brady's Bend, where he followed his trade, and later located at Millers-
town, establishing himself in business in this borough. Hi- was a good work-
man and soon won the reputation of being one of the best blacksmiths in the
county. After following his trade lor many years, he finally retired from active
life and devoted his attention to his various business interests. By industry anil
economy he had accumulated a handsome competence, ami, at the time of his
death, was one of the wealthiest citizens of Millerstown. Mr. Frederick died at
his home. October 21, 1890, dying as he had lived a consistent member of the
German Lutheran church. He married Christina Remp, a daughter of John and
Anna Maria (Eberhard) Remp. a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born April
13, 1828. She came to America with her parents when a girl of four years of
age, ami is still a resident of Millerstown. They reared a family of eleven chil-
dren, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of James M. Byers, of Fairview ; Edward G.,
and William L.,of Millerstown ; Mary Ellen, wife of J. C. Gaisford, of the
same place ; Catherine, w ife of Philip Callaghan, also a resilient of Millerstown ;
Christina, deceased; Anna D. : Maggie; Sarah M., wife of P. G. Frederick, of
Millerstown ; Minnie, and Agnes.
Edward G Frederick, eldesl son of John Jacob and Christina Frederick,
was bom in Millerstown, Pennsylvania, September 10, 1850, upon the site of the
Central Hotel. He was reared in his native town, at the age of fourteen years
began learning the blacksmith'- trade with bis father, and finally took charge of
the business, which he has since conducted. He is also an extensive oil pro-
ducer. Mr. Frederick was married August 19, ls77. to Louisa Camphire, of
Brady's Bend. She is a daughter of Jacob and Christina Camphire, and was
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 969
born at Brady's Bend May 22, 1857. Three children are the fruitsof this union,
viz.: Clarence L., horn June 6, 1879; Annita M., May 4. 1883, and Ruth A..
October 13, 1893. The family are members of the German Lutheran church, of
Millerstown, in which Mr. Frederick fills the office of trustee. Upon his father's
death he was appointed executor of the estate, and has tilled the position with
satisfaction to the remaining heirs.
James Seibert came with his wife Catherine and family of three children
from Armstrong county about 1842, and settled on a farm in Fairview township,
Butler county, where he resided down to his death in 1S44; his widow survived
until September 16, 1891. They were the parents of five children, as follows:
Reuben, of Millerstown; Mary S.. wife of Samuel Byers ; Bowman B., who
resides upon the old homestead in Fairview town-hip; Margaret I)., wife of
George Emrick, of Virginia, and Henry II., a resident of Crawford county.
Reuben Seibert, eldest son of James and Catherine Seibert, was born in
Armstrong county in 1836, and came with his parents to Butler county when a
lad of six year- old. He spent his boyhood days upon a farm, received his edu-
cation in the district school, and afterwards learned the wagon-maker's trade.
Having a natural aptitude for mechanics, he became quite proficient at his trade.
About 1861 he established a wagon factory in Millerstown, as a member of the
firm of Seibert & Craig, which he carried on until his shop was destroyed by fire in
1873. For the next two years he followed pumping, and then various occupations
until 1883, in which year he established a lumber yard and planing mill in Millers-
town, in partnership with P. G. Frederick, under the firm name of Seibert & Fred-
erick, in which he continued until 1SSS, when he sold his interest. In 1889 the firm
of Seibert, Hoch & Company was organized, and has since carried on successfully
the lumber and planing mill business. Mr. Seibert was married in 1860, to
Lavina Heppler. a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Heppler, of Fairview town-
ship. Politically, he is a Republican, and has served as a member of the borough
council. He is a member of the E. A. I"., is a good business man. and stands
well in the community.
Valentine Hays, a native of Germany, came to America with his parents
when twelve years of age. They settled in Somerset county, Pennsylvania,
where Valentine grew to maturity. He learned the cigarmaker's trade, and
located at Pittsburg, where for several years he conducted a cigar factory. He
was married in Pittsburg to Margaret Upperman, a daughter of Conrad Upper-
man, one of the pioneers of that city. Conrad Upperman organized the first police
force of Pittsburg, and kept one of the early hotels opposite the site of the Monon-
gahela House. He took quite a prominent part in the militia, and was familiarly
known as Captain Upperman. In 1851 Mr. Hay- and wife came to Butler
county, and located at Saxonhurg ; he engaged in the manufacture of cigars, and
resided in that borough for eleven years. In 1861 they returned to Pittsburg,
and later located in Armstrong county, where Mr. Hays died in 1.S77, aged titty-
eight years. His widow now resides at Watertown, South Dakota. They were
the parents of nine children, six of whom are living, as follows: John V, ot
Washington, Pennsylvania; William II., of Los Angeles, California; E. F., of
Millerstown ; George W., a resident of Washington, Pennsylvania; Louis E.,
gjO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
also a resident of Washington, and Anna A., wife of Frank Grim, of Watertown,
South Dakota.
E. F. Hays, son of Valentine and Margaret Hays, was born at Punxsutaw-
ney, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1851, and was less than a year old when his parents
settled at Saxonburg, At the age of thirteen he went to work in Knapp's Gun
Works, Pittsburg, then engaged in making cannon for the United States Gov-
ernment, where our subject worked at putting up shells for the navy. He
remained there until after the close of the war, and then entered the employ of
A. Bradley, stove manufacturer, where he learned the moulder's trade, later he
returned to Knapp's Gun Works, and while there was seriously burned with
molten metal. lie subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
for three years. After some time spent al Kitlanning and Brady's Bend, he en-
gaged in the oil business at Parker, and also in Clarion county. In the autumn
of 1872 he located at Millerstown, and followed the oil business until 1881. In
that year he formed a partnership with his brother, George W., and purchased
the hardware store ot A. Simpson, which they conducted, under the firm name of
Hays Brothers, until March 1, 1890, when E. F. became sole proprietor. lie was
burned out in the lire of June 14, 1892, suffering a loss of $16,000. He immedi-
ately commenced the erection of his present substantial building, which is a two-
storied structure, forty by eighty, with basement, which he occupied on October
12. ol the same year. lie has now the largest stock of oil well supplies, buggies,
farming machinery, furniture, etc., in this section of the country. Aside from
his business he still denotes considerable attention to oil producing. Mr. Hays
was married November 18, 1873, to Margaret C., a daughter of Josiah Klingen-
smith. of Kitlanning, and has three children, viz. : Minnie; Frank, and Clarence.
The family are members of the English Lutheran church. Politically, he is a
Republican, and has served two years in the borough council, one of which lie
was president of that body. He is a member of Millerstown Lodge, No. 947, I.
O. O. F. ; also of Millerstown Lodge, No. 340, K. of P., in which he has passed
through all the chairs.
Charles II. Johnson, general hardware, oil well supplies, buggies, farm-
ing implements, etc., was born in Nunda, Livingstone county. New York,
November ('), 1842, son of Ichabod M. and Mary Ann (Colegrove) Johnson.
His father was a native of Vermont, came to Pennsylvania when a young man,
and located at Smithport, where he followed the shoemaker's trade. He was
married in Smithport to Mary Ann Colegrove : then removed to Livingstone
county, New York, where he was lock-keeper on the Genesee Valley canal, and
died in that Slate, in 1SN9, aged seventy-four years. Mrs. Johnson died in 1890,
at the age of seventy-two. They were the parents of four children, viz. : Ben-
jamin C. : Charles II., of Millerstown : |ohn T., deceased, and Fred M., also a
resident of Millerstown. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days with
his parents, and received his education in the public schools of New York. At
the age of fourteen he engaged as a driver upon the canal, at seven dollars and
fifty cents per month, between Olean and Rochester. He saved his money care-
fully, and al the age of eighteen owned a boat of his own, anil when he retired
from that business, he was proprietor of a boat and acted as captain. While
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. <)J I
his father was lock-keeper, Charles II. tended lock, for which he received one dol-
lar per month. In January, 1865, he came to Petroleum Centre. Venango county,
and engaged in teaming in the oil region, and did an extensive business. Later
in the same year he built the Pithole Hotel, at Pithole, Venango county, which
he carried on in connection with a livery and feed stable and general teaming
business. Mr. Johnson was one of the first men to locate on the site of Pithole,
during the great oil excitement at that point, and slept on the ground for want of
better accommodation. lie remained there until 187-5. having in the meantime
engaged extensively in oil producing. In LS73 he came to Millerstown, engaged
in teaming, and later went into the oil business, and is now one of the producers
of the town. In December, 1889, he established his present mercantile business,
and also was in the livery business for ten years. In politics, he is a Democrat,
served as chief of police of Millerstown, from September, 1873, to September,
1876, and also filled the offices of burgess, councilman, and member of the school
board. In April, I860, he married Miss Helen Pifer, a native of Hinsdale, New
York, and a daughter of John Pifer. They are the parents of two children, viz. :
Charles II., and Grace. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and her husband is connected with the Knights of Honor. He is one of
the prominent, enterprising and progressive business men of the community.
Alexander H. Simpson was bom at Newton, New- Jersey, June 2'2. 1837,
and was educated at the Newton Academy. At the age of seventeen he com-
menced to learn the hardware, stove and tin business. During the war he was
engaged in the United States Military Railroad Department, with headquarters
at Alexandria, Virginia, and was honorably discharged in August, 1865. The
following month he located at Pithole. Venango county, where he found employ-
ment in the hardware store of F. II. Eddy. After a few months he purchased
the stock and building and carried on the business until 1868, when the oil pro-
duction at that point collapsed. Mr. Simpson was married on December 23,
lSH.S, to Helen M. Ridgway, a daughter of Charles B. and Sarah Ridgway, and
sister of Hon. T. J. Ridgway, of Lackawaxen, Pike County, Pennsylvania.
Four children are the fruits of this union, all of whom are living, viz. : Nellie R. ;
Harry A.: Edward ()., and Blanche. In the spring of 1873, when the oil excite-
ment reached Millerstown, Mr. Simpson was one of the first to see the advantages
that town offered as a business center, and in less than two months from his first
visit to the place, he had a store building erected and was engaged in active busi-
ness. He continued without interruption until 1881, when owing to various oil
interests and his connection with the Butler County Bank, he sold his business to
Hays Brothers. He is an ardent Republican, and has been president of the com-
mon councils for two terms, also a member of the school board. Since 1860 he
has been connected with the Masonic order, and is also a member of Millerstown
Lodge, K. of II.
J. C. Gaisfokd is a native of England, born in Warminster. Wiltshire, Feb-
ruary 25, 1N4<), ami received a good education in schools of his native land. Al
the age of thirteen he engaged as a clerk in a wholesale dry goods establish-
ment, in the City of London, which position lie filled for five years. He then
went to South Africa, and for the ensuing nine years was employed in the dry
97- HISTORY HI" BUTLER COUNTY.
goods department of a large wholesale house' in Cape Town. During his resi-
dence there, he became familiar with many of the strange customs and manners
of the native population. In ls?l he immigrated to the United States, and join-
ing his brother, Walter \\\, in business at Oil City, Pennsylvania, remained in
that city until 1873. In the latter year he came to Millerstown and engaged in
the oil industry as a producer, to which he still devotes considerable attention.
Mr. Gaisford is a charter member of the Citizens Light and Heat Company, and
has officiated as secretary since its organization. He is a stockholder in and sec-
retary of the Millerstown Fair Association, and also secretary of the Producers
Protective Association. He joined the latter in 1KN7. being the first member
initiated in Butler county. Mr. Gaisford is a stanch Democrat, is quite active in
politics, and is now serving his second term as justice of the peace. He has also
served for four years as secretary of the borough school board. He is connected with
Millerstown Lodge, Number '.147, I. 0. ( ). F., in which he is past district deputy-
grand master, and is a Royal Templar, and a member of the P. H. C. In 1875
he married Mary E. Frederick, a daughter of John Jacob and Christina Fred-
erick, of Millerstown.
Walter A.. Dennison was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 6,
1852, son of Garrett and Mary E. Dennison. His father died when Walter A.,
was a child, and he grew to maturity in his native city under the care of a
devoted mother, receiving his education at Germantown Academy. In 1870 he
went to Pittsburg, and engaged as a clerk, but after two years in that capacity.
entered into business for himself. In 1876 he came to Butler county and engaged
in the furniture business at Millerstown, from which he afterwards retired and
engaged in the oil well supply ami machinery business, which he conducted for a
number of years with marked success. He finally retired from merchandising.
his oil and gas" interests requiring his entire attention. Mr. Dennison is one of
the largest operators in oil and gas in Butler county. He is president of the
Pittsburg Refining Company, and is a gentleman of enterprise and public spirit.
A Democrat in politics, he has served on the school board for five years, and
always manifests a commendable interest in public affairs. Mr. Dennison was
married May 27, 1*77, to Miss Isadore L. Rivcnberg. a native of Scranton, Penn-
sylvania, and a daughter of Capt. II. \\". Rivenbcrg. who was killed in the serv-
ice during the Rebellion. Six children have been born to this union, four of
whom are living.
Peter A. Rattigan, editor and proprietor of the Millerstown Herald, was
born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1846, son of Peter anil Ann (Snee)
Rattigan. His father was a native of Longford county . Ireland, came to America
when a boy, and followed the carpenter's and builder's trade in Pittsburg. He
was quite an extensive contractor of that city, and died there in September.
1862, aged lifty-two years. His widow survived him until April 17. lS'.C dying
at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. She was born in Pittsburg, in a bouse
which stands near the site of the Bover Hotel, and when a child playing on the
river bank at the foot of Seventh street, a band of Indians appeared on the
opposite shore and Hied at her. Peter A., attended the Pittsburg public schools,
ami in early life became newsboy. When but nine years of age he obtained a
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ()"]},
situation in the press room of the Pittsburg Dispatch, and there began his career
as a printer. lie rose rapidly in the art, and at the age of seventeen was fore-
man in the printing house of Benjamin Singerly, the most extensive establish-
ment of the kind in the city at that time. On August 9, 1862, at the ege of sixteen,
he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania
Volunteers. He had previously enlisted five times, but was rejected because of
his youth. His regiment was assigned to service in the Army of the Potomac.
and he participated in the battles of Frederick City, Snicker's Gap. Warrenton,
Predericksburg, Chancellors ville, etc., and was honorably discharged in L863.
In an engagement near Port Royal, Mr. Rattigan was wounded by the concus-
sion of a bursting shell, which destroyed hearing in the right ear, and was also
wounded in the left foot at Chancellorsyille. Upon his discharge he returned
to Pittsburg, but was unable to continue at his trade, and became steward on a
boat running between that city and Nashville. In L868 he went to Oil City,
and accepted a position as foreman on the ( >il City Times, now the Oil City
Derrick. After assisting to establish that paper, he accepted a position as
superintendent of the Oil City Herald. In JS72 he returned to Pittsburg, anil
remained there until February, 1SJ7. when he came to Millerstown, Butler
county, and in May of that year purchased the Millerstown Herald, which he
has since edited and published. He has enlarged the paper from a five column
to an eight column folio, and made it one of the leading Democratic journals oi
this section. Mr. Rattigan is a stanch Democrat, has been active in political
matters, and has been a delegate to many State and county conventions. He
has served as burgess of Millerstown, also as just'ee of the peace and a member of
the school board, was appointed postmaster in < )ctober, 1885, and filled that
office until March, 1890. He is a member of Robert McDermott Post, Number
223, G. A. R., in which he is past commander, and is an aide on the staff' of the
department commander of the Pennsylvania G. A. R. He is a member of
Millerstown Lodge, Number 947, 1. O. ( ). F., and is past chancellor of Millers-
town Lodge, Number 457, K. of P. Mr. Rattigan was married October 25,
1868, to Miss Etta M.Bell, daughter of Wellington and Mary Ann (Ryan)
Bell, natives of Queens county, Ireland. She was born in that county December
21, L847,and came with her parents to Pittsburg in 18(33, where both her father
and mother died. The following children have been born to this union : Harry
T. ; Annie M. ; Wellington J. : Peter A. ; Etta: Howard, and Bessie. The
family are members of Mater Dolorosa Catholic church, of Millerstown.
William A. Braden was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, June
15, 1832, son of Jacob and Mary Braden. Jacob Braden was a native of Ger-
many, came to the United States when a young man and settled in Crawford
county, where he married Miss Mary Norris. When our subject was but five
years old his father died, and he went to live with a family in Erie, with whom
he remained until his fifteenth year. He then found employment elsewhere, and
in the meantime obtained a fair common school education. After spending a
year in Illinois he returned to Pennsylvania, and engaged in the cherry lumber
business, at Waterford, Erie county. In November. 1854, Mr. Braden married
Miss Sarah A. Thompson, a native of Erie county. They resided in Missouri
974 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
until 1862, and then returned to Pennsylvania, and the following year located in
Venango county. In 1872 he came to Millerstown, Butler county, and for three
years conducted the Union Pump Station in that borough. He then engaged
with a dealer in heavy oils, anil erected a refinery in 1S77. In 1880 he established
an extensive teaming business in connection with the Pipe Line Company, which
lie still continues. Mr. and Mrs. Brailen are the parents of five children, two
sons and three daughters, as follows: Glenn T., general superintendent of the
National Transit Pipe Line ; Charlie A., foreman of the Zelienople district of the
National Transit Pipe Line; La Verne; Luretta , and Sarah. Mr. Braden is P.
C. of Millerstown Lodge, Number 4.")7, K. of P., anil is also connected with Ris-
ing Sun Lodge. O. O. T.. of the same borough.
William L Logan, merchant and producer, is a native of Venango
county, Pennsylvania, born at Petroleum Centre. June 1. 1867, son of Thomas
B. anil Marv E. (Sampson) Logan. His father was a native of New York, and
served three years in the Rebellion as a member of a New York regiment. He-
was married July 6, 1866, at Petroleum Centre, to Mary E. Sampson. She was
born in Buffalo, New York, November 10, 1850, a daughter of James T. and
lane Sampson. Her father was a native of England and served as a soldier in
the English army, while her mother was a native of Ireland. Mrs. Logan
received a thorough educational training in the public schools of her native city,
and. in 1865, went to Petroleum Centre, where she was married the following
year. In 1876 she embarked in business at Millerstown, where she carried on a
restaurant until May, ISM), when she established a grocery and confectionery
business, which she successfully conducted until her death. Mrs. Logan was a
woman of more than ordinary business ability, and by a strict application of busi-
ness principles, she was prosperous from the start. She was very charitable, and
on every Thanksgiving and Christmas the poor of the town were remembered
by liberal donations from her store. So unostentatiously was her charity dis-
tributed that many of her good deeds remained unknown until after her death.
She died at Millerstown, October 7, 1893, and was buried at Eorest Lawn ceme-
tery, Buffalo, New York. She was the mother of six children, three of whom
grew to maturity, as follows: William J. ; Casper T.. and Charles G., who died
November 17. 1893. The subject of this sketch, was educated in the public-
schools of Millerstown and Buffalo, worked as a boiler maker and machinist, and
also as a clerk, assisting with his earnings in the support of the family. In 1892
he went to Latrobe, where he followed his trade until the fall of 1893, when he
returned to Millerstown. After the death of his mother he took charge of the
grocery and confectionery business, which he has since conducted. He is also
interested in oil producing. Mr. Logan was married September 27, 1893, to
Emma Hindman, of Millerstown. lie is a member of Millerstown Lodge, Num-
ber 047, 1. O. (>. F., Millerstown Lodge, Number 4.">7, K. of P.. and also of Lin-
ton Division, Number 59, Uniformed Rank. k\ of P.. at Latrobe.
Francis Murphy was born in Drumore, Down county, Ireland, May 25,
KS4o. He comes of a long line of Irish ancestry who for generations have been
members of the Church of England, and prominent Orangemen. When but
four years of age lie was brought to America by his parents, who located in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 9/5
Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, where his mother soon afterwards died. His father
engaged in the mercantile business at Pittsburg, later removed to Niles. Ohio,
and died there at the age of sixty-seven years. ( )ur subject is one of a family of
three children, and received a good education in the public schools of Pittsburg.
At the age of eighteen he commenced an apprenticeship at the machinist's trade,
and followed this vocation as a journeyman for some years. In 1*77 he came to
Millerstown, and the following year became a member of the firm of Campbell
iV Murphy, which still exists and carries on a general machinist business, with
Mr. Murphy in charge of the work-. On December L'4, 1866, he married Jen-
nie, a daughter of John Fulton, to which union have been born four children,
viz. : Carrie, wife of Dr. A. L. Gibson, of Millerstown ; Francis II.. a graduate of
Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania; Annie E., a graduate of the Beethoven
School of Music, at Meadville, and Agnes May, deceased. The family are
members of the Millerstown Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Murphy is a
stanch Republican, and is a member of the borough council. He is past master
of Argvle Lodge, Number 540, F. & A. M.; is a charter member of Butler
Chapter. Number 273, R. A. M. ; is a member of Mount Calvary Commandery,
Number 67, K. T., of Greenville, and of Syria Temple. A. A. (). N. M. S., of
Pittsburg.
Riciiakd F. Westermaxx, one of the leading business men of Miller-town.
is a native of Sulzbach, Germany, a small town near the River Rhine, born Jan-
uary 4, 1863, son of Charles and Louisa (Busse) Westermann, both residents of
Germany. His father is a brother of Henry L. Westermann, deceased, for many
years the head of the largest mercantile establishment of Millerstown. Richard
F. is the ninth in a family of fourteen children, of whom twelve survive. His
boyhood days were spent in his native town, where he received a thorough edu-
cational training, and at the age of twelve years began a course of study prepar-
atory to entering a university. He continued his studies until he had attained
the age of sixteen years, when he decided to try his fortune in the New World.
Leaving behind him the tender associations of kindred and home, he embarked at
Antwerp, May 20, 1879, and landed at Jersey- City, June 1, following. He was
met there by his uncle, Henrv L. Westermann, who brought him to Millerstown.
The appearance of the countrv and the prosperous towns along the route
impressed him with the advantages of this land, and he determined to master the
language and familiarize himself with our custom-. Upon his arrival at Millers-
town. he entered the emplov of Westermann Brothers, for whom he clerked
seven years. In 1886 he became a member of the firm of R. F. Westermann &
Companv, dealers in clothing and men's furnishing goods, to which business he
ha- since devoted his attention, and is the only exclusive clothing house in the
borough. Mr. Westermann was married January 1(5, 1889, to Lucinda Burnett,
a daughter of Singleton and Rose (Potter) Burnett. She was born on the cele-
brated Tar farm, in Venango county, October 24, 1866. Her father died while
she was quite young, and her mother married B. II. Griswold, a well known
oil producer of Millerstown. To Mr. and Mrs. Westermann has been born one
child, Karl F., born August Is, 1890. Politically, he is a Democrat, and ha- voted
that ticket since he became a citizen of the I'nited States in 1884. He i- secre-
976 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
tary of Argyle Lodge, Number 540. F. & A. M. : lias passed the chairs in Mil-
lerstown Lodge, Number '.147. I. O. O. F. , and in Millerstown Lodge. Number
457. K. of P.
foHN Showalter, of Rockingham county, Virginia, came to Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, with his family, about 1810, and took up a large tract of
land, upon which he spent the remainder of his days, lie was widely and favor-
ably known among the pioneers of that counts. He reared a family of ten chil-
dren, viz. : Reuben, and Levi, both deceased; Benoni, a resident of Kentucky;
Eliza, and Jacob L., both residents of Fayette county: Sarah, deceased wife of
Major I. M. Abraham; Susannah, deceased wife of Hugh Gilmore ; John M.,
deceased; James \\\, now the oldest school teacher in Fayette county, and Sam-
uel, deceased.
Levi Showalter, second son of John Showalter, was born in Rockingham
county, Virginia, October 22, 1805, and was about five years old when his par-
ents settled in Fayette county. lie there grew to manhood, and in 1839 married
Elizabeth Baltzell, a native of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, born September 12,
L818, and a daughter of Joseph Baltzell, an early settler of Greene county. Mr.
Showalter resided in Fayette county during his lifetime, with the exception of
two years spent in Butler county. lie died in Fayette county, December 13,
1889. He served in the army as trainmaster during the Rebellion, being too far
advanced in years to enlist in the ranks, although he endeavored to do so. He
was a strong Whig and Abolitionist, and later a Republican, casting his first
presidential vote for John Quincy Adams, in 1828, and his last one for Benjamin
Harrison, in 1888. His widow resides in the old home in Fayette county, in her
seventy-sixth year. They were the parents of the following children : Mary-
Catherine, deceased ; Sarah E., wife of Prof. Archie Woodside, of YVilkinsburg ;
Samuel F., of Millerstown ; Hattie A., who resides with her mother: John ].,
and Joseph B., both of whom are residents of Millerstown.
Hon. Joseph B. Showalter was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
February 11, 1851, and is the youngest in the family of Levi and Elizabeth Sho-
walter. His boyhood days were spent upon his father's farm, and he obtained
his education in the public schools and at (ieorge's Creek Academy, at Smith-
field. When sixteen years of age he commenced teaching school in Preston
county, West Virginia, and followed this vocation for some years in West Vir-
ginia. Indiana and Illinois. He then returned home and taught for two years in
his native county. In 1873 he came to Millerstown, Butler county, and, in com-
pany with his brothers, began operating in the Millerstown oil field, striking
their iir.st well on Christmas day. 1873. These operations have been extended
to various fields, and the Showalter Brothers are now among the extensive
producers of the State. While teaching he began reading medicine, and spent
the year of 1883 at Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. He
later entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Maryland,
where he was graduated, March 4. 1884. He at once commenced practice at
Millerstown, and continued his professional duties for six years, retiring from
practice in 1890. In 1886 Dr. Showalter was elected, on the Republican ticket,
to the legislature, and during his term was a member of the committee on con-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 977
stitutional reform. In 1888 he was elected to the Stale Senate, and served his
constituents with ability and fidelity. Fie was chosen chairman of the commit-
tee on health and sanitation, and introduced and secured the passage of the med-
ical examination bill, for which he received a vote of thanks from the Pennsyl-
vania State Medical Societv. Senator Showalter entered into his work with
determination and good judgment, soon won the respect and confidence of his
colleagues, and fully justified the expectations of his many friends. He intro-
duced several bills, all of which were highly beneficial. His oil bill is now gen-
erally endorsed by producers as a wise and conservative measure. On March
25, 1879, Mr. Showalter married Ella M. McKee, a daughter of Hon. David
McKee. of Slippery Rock township, to which union have been born five chil-
dren, viz.: Levi M. deceased; Genevieve; Pauline: Joseph B., deceased, and
Lucile. Mr. anil Mrs. Showalter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church
of Millerstown.
Samuel F. Showalter. a son of Levi and Eli/.abeth (Baltzell) Showalter.
was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, August 16, 1845. His early life was
spent upon a farm, and his education was obtained in the public schools, supple-
mented by a thorough course in (ieorge's Creek Academy. At the age of six-
teen he began teaching in the public schools, and taught in Preston county,
West Virginia, where lie received the highest remuneration of any teacher
in the schools. For seven years he successfully followed his vocation in Pennsyl-
vania, West Virginia and Indiana. In 1868 lie engaged as a pumper in the War-
ren county oil field, and later secured some valuable leases and became a pro-
ducer. In August, 1873, he came to Millerstown and organized the linn of
Showalter Brothers, oil operators and producers. Their operations in the Mil-
lerstown held have been large and particularly successful, putting down twenty-
six wells before striking a dry hole. Their first well in this field came in on
Christmas. 1873, at one hundred barrels a daw Mr. Showalter was married Sep-
tember 19, 1*77. to Sadie C, a daughter of Isaac Lamborn, of Centre county, to
which union have been born seven children, six of whom are living: Ilattie
Beryl; Sarah Freda; Blanche Elizabeth; Mary Elva; Jennie R.. and Helen
Ruth. Mr. Showalter is a trustee in the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a
member of Millerstown Lodge. No. 947, 1. O. O. F. Politically, a Republi-
can, he was a member of the county committee during the constitutional
campaign, ami has also served several terms on the school board of Millerstown.
He is now a member of the board, and is one of the prominent and respected
citizens of his adopted home.
John J. Showalter, son of Levi and Elizabeth Show alter, was born in
Fayette county, Pennsylvania, March 0, 1849, received a common school educa-
tion, and also attended George's Creek Academy. At the age of fifteen years he
started in life for himself, engaging as a driller in the oil country. Later, with
his brothers, he embarked in the oil business, and in 1*73 began operating in the
Millerstown field. He is now one of the well known ami successful producers
of the county. He is a stockholder in the Producers Pipe Line Company. In
1880 Mr. Showalter married Miss Jennie Robinson, a daughter of Samuel Robin-
son, of Fayette county. Though this union has not been blessed with children,
<J/~S HISTORY OF BUTI.ER COUNTY.
they have an adopted son. Robert, now seven years old, whom they have reared
I nun infancy. Mr. Show alter is a stanch Republican, and both he and wife are
members oi the Methodist Episcopal church.
Dr. Willard L. DeWolfe, son of E. Darwin and Catherine (Christley)
DeWolfe, was born in Slippers Rock township, Butler county, February 25,
1856, and spent his early hoyhood upon the farm, and in attending the district
school of his neighborhood. When he was in his tenth year his father died, and,
the family being broken up, he went to Butler, and found a home with Thomas
Robinson. He afterwards lived with Samuel L. Riddle, of Karns City. After
remaining there one year, he went to Mercer county and found employment as a
woodsman, working for his hoard, and attended the district school during the
winter. When fourteen years of age, he entered a select school at Grove City,
now the Grove City College, then under the principalship of Rev. William T.
Dixon, and lor two years he devoted himself assiduously to his studies. In the
winter of ISjl he entered Allegheny College, at Meadville, where he continued
his studies for three years, then, because of failing health, he was compelled to
retire from school in his junior year. He spent some time teaching in the public
schools, and as a pumper in the oil fields; hut, in t lie meantime, had commenced
to read medicine under Dr. Rumberger. In 1877 he went to Philadelphia, anil
continued his studies under the preceptorship of Dr. J. V. Shoemaker, now pro-
less, ,r of therapeutics and clinical surgery, in the Medico Chirurgical College of
that city, and the author of many standard medical works. He at tended lectures
at Jefferson Medical College, and graduated from that institution in 1879. Dr.
DeWolfe commenced practice at North Liberty, Pennsylvania, and two years
later located at Coaltown, where he remained until 1886, in which year he
removed to Millerstown. He has since won the confidence of the community in
his medical skill, and has built up a large and lucrative practice. In 1890 he
engaged in the drug trade, and in 1893 he erected his handsome business block in
that borough, where he has since carried on business. In 1876 Dr. DeWolfe mar-
ried Miss Jennie Thompson, a daughter of Davfd and Isabella Thompson, of
Buena Vista, Butler county, to which union have been born three children, two
of whom are living, viz. : Charles L., and Maris R. The Doctor has been highly
successful in his many business ventures and is an enterprising, progressive citi-
zen. Aside from his professional duties he is extensively interested in oil pro-
ducing, and is one of the substantial citizens of the community. He is a promi-
nent member of the Masonic order; is W. M. in Argyle Lodge, Number 540, F.
& A. M. ; is ,i member of Butler Chapter, Number l.'7-i, R. A. M. ; is a charter
member of Mt. Calvary Commandery, Number (17. K. T. ; is a member ol Penn-
sylvania Consistory, S. P. R. S.. ami has attained the thirty-second degree. He
is commander of Blaney Tent, Number 123, K. O. T. M. . and was elected G.
M. K.. for the State in September. 1893. He is also connected with the I. ( >.
O. F., and K. of P. fraternities. Dr. DeWolfe is a member of the Butler County
Medical Association, of which he was president in 1887, and is also a member of
the Pennsylvania Slate Medical Society, and the National Association of Rail-
way Surgeons.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 979
John W. Titley, proprietor of Chestnut Hill Stock Farm, was born in
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, November ">. 1848, son of Walter and Sarah
(Bish) Titley. His father was a native of Shropshire, England, where the family
lived for generations, and came when a young man to Armstrong county, where
he married Sarah Bish, and died in 1872. His widow is --till living. They were
the parents of eight children, seven of whom are now living, four sons being resi-
dents of Millerstown, viz.: John W. : James |.; George A., and William E.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools and at Iron City
College, Pittsburg, which he entered at the age of sixteen and completed his
course. At the age of nineteen he embarked in the stock business, as a breeder
of fine draft horses, and has ever since been engaged in the stock business. In
partnership with his brothers, he owned and operated the Titley farm, which had
a production of 700 barrels per day. In 1887 he came to Millerstown, purchased
and conducted a livery stable for a few years, and then disposed of the business.
He is the owner of Star Pointer, with a record of 2 :11| by Brown Hal, out of
the dam of Hal Pointer, whose record is 2 :04A ; also Grand View, with a record of
2:21}, by Bay Tom, dam by Tom Hal. He has thirty head of pacing -lock, of
the Hal strain, and owns a stock farm of 300 acres in Donegal township. Mr.
Titley was married in 1868, to Lavina Stephen,-, of Armstrong county, to which
union have been born four sons and four daughters. Politically, he is a Repub-
lican, and is a member of Millerstown Lodge. Number 'JIT. I. (>.(>. F.
James J. Titley was born" in Armstrong county, January 28, 1801, son of
Walter and Sarah (Bish) Titley. and was but ten years of age when his father
died. He remained with his mother until hi- twentieth year, when he purchased
a farm and engaged in agriculture. Three years later lie -old the farm and
became'a member of the firm of Titley Brothers, oil operator- and producer-.
operating the famous Titley farm, in Armstrong county. In 1888 he located at
Millerstown, since which time he ha- continued as an operator in this field. He
also devotes considerable attention to raising line horses, and is the owner of
Vespasian, with a record of -J :i'4j. Mr. Titley wa- married March '.I, 1882, to
Margaret I. McKee, a daughter of Thomas V. and Mary McKee of Armstrong
county, where her father has served two terms as county commissioner, and is a
prominent and leading citizen. Five children are the fruit- of this union, vi/,. :
Mary Blanche; James Arthur; Edgar Ralph; Walter, ami Leroy McKee. Politic-
ally. Mr. Titley is a Republican, and is also connected with Millerstown Lodge,
Number 457. K. of P.
William E. Titley was born in Armstrong countv, Pennsylvania, Decem-
ber 26, 1867, son of Walter and Sarah (Bish) Titley. At the age* of fourteen
year- he entered Clarion Norma! School, where he pursued a thorough course of
study, and afterwards engaged with his brother- in the oil industry on the
famous Titley farm. He also embarked in the breeding of line horses, and later
became a partner with his brother, John W.,in the last mentioned business,
which partnership existed until the fall of 1892. Mr. Titley is the owner el a
tine -tock farm of 240 acres in Armstrong county, well stocked with high bred
horses. He is a breeder of pacing stock, and the owner of Hal Braden, with a
record of '2 : 07 -L by Brown Hal, the fastest horse in Pennsylvania, and with a
98O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
record of the six fastest heats in one race of any horse in America. Since 1889
Mr. Titley lias made his residence in Millerstown. He is a member of the Mill-
erstown Lodge, Number 047, I. O. O. F.. ami in politics, he is a stanch
Republican.
Joseph P. Campbell, son of John and Margaret (Beers) Campbell, pioneers
of Butler county, was a native of this county, and here grew to manhood. He
married Margaret Jane Varnum, also a native of Butler county, and after a short
residence here removed to Armstrong county ; later returned to Fairview town-
ship, Butler county, ami thence removed to Lawrence county, where, after a res-
idence of eleven years. Mr. Campbell died, his death occuring December 10, 1888,
aged sixty-eight years. His widow now resides in Centreville, Butler county.
They were the parents of six sons and six daughters, six of whom survive, as fol-
lows : Elvira, wife of II. P. Kiskaddon ; Joseph L., of Millerstown; George
\I.. of Centreville; Carrie, wife of 1. L. McKee, of Millerstown; Samuel E., of
Brady township, and Thomas C, a resident of Centreville.
Joseph L. Campbell, physician and surgeon, was born in Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, January 10, 1861, and came to Butler county with bis parents,
Joseph 1*. and Margaret Jane Campbell. At the age of eighteen years he entered
Grove City College, where for three years he prosecuted his studies assiduously.
He afterwards remained with his parents on tin- farm for some time, and, in
1884, engaged in merchandising at Kiester station, where he remained two years.
In 1887 he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Mary-
land, where he attended two courses of lectures, and then began practice in
Washington ville, Ohio. Returning to Pennsylvania in the winter of 1888, he
entered the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, at Pittsburg, and graduated
from that institution. March 28, 1889. The following June Dr. Campbell located
in Millerstown, where he has since won and retained a large and successful prac-
tice. Politically, he is a Republican, and the family are connected with the
Methodist Episcopal church. Dr. Campbell was married March '.I, 1881, to Miss
Sadie V. Seth, of North Libert}', Mercer county, and has three children, viz. :
Mary E. ; Leonora F., and Claire. The Doctor is a member of Butler County
Medical Association, and is one of the well known practitioners of the county.
Samuel S. Bell, son of Samuel Bell, and grandson of William Bell, pio-
neers of Washington township, Butler county, was born about a mile north of
North Washington, February 15, 1822, was reared on the homestead and attended
the common school of his neighborhood. lie learned the blacksmith's trade with
H. P. McClymonds, of North Washington, and followed that business, first at
Brady's Bend and afterwards at Boydstown, for several years. He subsequently
removed to Wisconsin, where he lived from 1853 to 1856, then returned to But-
ler county and continued working at his trade for a few years at North Wash-
ington. Since that time he has been engaged in farming, oil producing and mer-
chandising. On September 15, 1S46, he married Margaret McClymonds, a
daughter of James McClymonds, of Washington township. The McClymonds
family originally came from Scotland, and were among the early settlers of But-
ler county. Mrs. Bell was born and reared in Washington township, ami became
the mother of lour sons ami one daughter, viz. : Sylvester D. ; lames M; Samuel
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 98 1
C., deceased; Perry A., and Zilla, wife of I. B. Gilmore, of Millerstown. Mr.
Bell retired to Millerstown several vears ago, and here his wife died, June 28,
1885. She became a member of the old Bear Creek United Presbyterian church
in 1846, to which denomination he also belongs. Politically, he is a Republican,
and is the agent of the Humane .Society in Butler county.
Frederick William Purucker, son of Erhardt and Louisa Purucker, was
born in Bavaria, Germany, August 4, 1844. His father was a manufacturer of
uniform and regimental goods for the use of the army, and both his parents died
in Germany. At the age of fourteen years our subject became an apprentice at
the butcher's trade, serving two vears and paying twenty-five florins for his tui-
tion. He then followed his trade as a journeyman in Austria, Russia, Hungary,
Turkey, France, Switzerland and Italy. In 1866 he served as a soldier in the
Thirteenth German Infantry, and for meritorious service on the field was pro-
moted to the rank of corporal. In lSliO he came to America on a visit and
determined to remain in this country. In 1870 he established himself in business
at Pittsburg, and in 1877 he locatedat Millerstown, where he has since conducted
a successful business. He was burned out in the lire of 1892, but immediately
afterwards erected his present substantial building, which is twenty-four by
seventy and two stories high, one of the finest business houses in the borough. In
ls71 Mr. Purucker was married in Pittsburg, to Miss Louisa Stayer, a native ol
Baden, Germany, to which union have been born eleven children. The family
are members of the German Lutheran church, at Millerstown, and in politics, are
adherents of the Republican party. Mr. Purucker is a member of the A. O. I .
\V., and the E. A. U., and is one of the substantial business men of the borough.
P. (i. Frederick, youngest child of George and Catherine Frederick, was
born in Summit township, Butler county, in 1851, grew to maturity upon his
father's farm, and received his education in the district school. In 1872 he
engaged in merchandising at Millerstown, as a member of the firm of B. Freder-
ick A: Company, and followed the mercantile business for several years, when he
sold out and engaged in blaeksmithing. In 1883 he embarked in the lumber
business, as a member of the firm of Seibert & Frederick, now P. G Frederick &
Company, and conducts a planing mill and general lumber business. On Octo-
ber 8, 1SS4, he married Sarah M. Frederick, a daughter of Jacob Frederick, and
they are the parents of four children. The family are members of the German
Lutheran church. In politics, Mr. Frederick is a Democrat, and is connected
with the K. O. T. M.
Adam Sciiultz, of the firm of P. G. Frederick & Company, planing mill
and lumber dealers, was born at Brady's Bend, Armstrong county, Pennsylvania,
April 13, 1857, son of Adam Schultz, who came to Armstrong county from
Germany about 1855. His mother died when he was a child, and his father in
1S72. Adam was the fourth in a family of five children, and when twelve years
of age commenced working in an iron furnace at Brady's Bend, where he con-
tinued until he was sixteen years old. He came to Millerstown January 1,
1874, and found employment with II. L. Westermann, clerking and delivering
goods. He remained with Mr. Westermann until December 13, 1888, when
he purchased an interest in his present business. On May 6, 1879, he married
mSj history of butler county.
Magdalenti Frank, a native of Alsace, Germany, who came to the United States
in L871. She returned to her native land in 1*77, Dut came back again in the
fall of that vear. Mr. Schultz and wife are members of the German Lutheran
church of Millerstown.
George 1*. Taddeu was born in Xunda, New York, March 10, 1845, son
of fames and Margaret (Wheatrick) Tadder. His father was a native of Massa-
chusetts and his mother a native of Germany. She came to America witli her
parent-, at the age of nine years, where she grew to womanhood and married
James Tadder, who had served in the War of 1812. lie died in 1861, and his
widow in 1891. They were the parents of seven children, only two of whom
are living: William \\".. and George 1'. The subject of this sketch was reared
upon the homestead farm in New York, and received his education in the public
schools. In 1864 he enlisted in Company E. First Xew York Dragoons, and
served in the Shenandoah campaign, participating in the battles of Winchester
and Cedar Creek. He was discharged at Rochester, Xew York, July 18, 1865.
Al i lie battle of Winchester the color bearer dropped the flag and Mr. Tadder
picked it up. and for this action was made color bearer, with the rank of corporal.
IK- wa-, captured at Lovettsville, but escaped. After the war he located at Pit-
hole, Venango county, where he followed oil producing. In 1S73 he came to
Greece City, Butler county, and established a livery and casing business, and
aKo had a similar business at Troutman. In 1882 he located at Millerstown,
where he carried on a livery stable until 1894. Mr. Tadder is the inventor of
several tools for the removal of casings from wells, which are now being largely
adopted. On July 3, 1872, he married Mary. J. Markwell, a daughter of Stephen
Mai kw ell. She was born near Toronto, Ontario, and came to Pithole, Venango
county, with her parents, who now reside at Greece City. They are the parents
of six children, viz. : Frank W. ; Florence; Archie; Winifred ; George L., and
Mabel, decea-ed. Mr. Tadder is a Republican, in politics, and is a stanch siip-
pi ii ter of that part} .
|on\ Murtland was born in Concord township, Butler county, in 1812,
son of Robert Murtland, who came to this county about 1S03, where he re-
sided until his death. Robert was a soldier in the War of 1812, and reared a
family of five sons and two daughters. John grew to manhood upon his father's
farm, amidst I he pioneer scenes and incidents of the period. lie married Mar-
garet Flemming, of Butler county, and settled upon a part of the homestead in
Concord township, where he remained during his life time. He died in Febru-
ary. 1876; his widow died March 26, 1894. Twelve children were the fruits of
this union, seven of whom are now living: Ann E., wife of Simon Young, of
Centre township ; William F., of Clay township ; James H., of Fayette county ;
John C, of Millerstown ; Maggie, wile of James Rankin, of Perm township:
fohanna, wife of C. 1'. Gordon, of Venango county, and 1. P.. who resides upon
the old homestead.
John C. Murtland, son of John and Margaret Murtland. was born in
Concord township, Butler county, April 1. IS IS, and spent his boyhood days
upon bis father's farm. lie received his education at the little log school house
not far from the old home, and al the age of eighteen years entered upon an
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 983
apprenticeship of two years at the stonemason's trade, which business lie
followed for seven years. In 1873 he engaged in merchandising at Troutman, in
Concord township, and continued in the same business in various parts of Butler
comity until 1883. For the following seven years he conducted a furniture and
undertaking business at West Sunbury. In the spring of 1890 he located in
Millerstown, where he has since carried on a grocery store. In December, 1871,
he married Lizzie Hindman, a daughter of lohn Hindman, of Cherry township,
and the is father of eight children. The family are members of the English
Lutheran church, of Millerstown. Politically, Mr. Murtland is a Prohibitionist,
takes quite an active interest in public affairs, and is a member of the Royal
Arcanum.
Capt. John McCollough, the progenitor of the family in Butler county,
was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and was horn in Westmoreland county. Pennsyl-
vania. His parents were pioneers of that locality and his father a practicing
physician. During the absence of the latter from home, his wife was murdered
by the hired man and the cabin burned to the ground. Young John escaped into
the woods, and afterwards found a home with a German family, with whom lie
lived some years and became quite proficient in the German language. Ik-
served as an Indian scout upon the frontier during the troubles with the savages,
and was afterwards a captain in the War of 1812. As an illustration of the hard-
ships endured by these brave defenders of the nation, he often related how. upon
one occasion, the soldiers of his company, worn out by forced marches, stretched
themselves upon the damp ground to sleep and in the morning found their cloth-
ing and hair frozen fast to the ground. Captain McCollough married Elizabeth
Spangler, a native of Luzerne county, who became the mother of ten children.
as follows : William ; James ; John ; Elizabeth, wife of James Crawford, of Con-
cord township; Mary, deceased wife of Daniel Kridler : David; Sarah, wife of
William Wick, of Concord township ; Susan, wife of William Truxal, of Butler .
Catherine, wife of John Miller, of Allegheny county, and Phoebe, wife of John
Geets. of Fairview township. Late in the last or early in the present century
Captain McCollough and wife settled in Fairview township. Butler county,
where he entered a large tract of land. lie subseqently removed to Butler, resided
in that borough for many years, but finally located at Millerstown. where he
died in 1 S47, at the age of seventy-seven years. He was an elder in the English
Lutheran church, a man of clear judgment, and took a prominent part in the
public affairs of his times.
James McCollough, second son of Capt. John and Elizabeth McCollough,
was born upon the homestead in Fairview township, November I. 1803. He was
reared beneath the parental roof, and married Elizabeth R. Sanderson, born
August 18, 1804, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Sanderson. They settled
upon a portion of the land entered by his father, in Fairview township, where
Mrs. McCollough died, July 1, 1855. Her husband survived until Ma\ 1. IS89.
They were the parents of seven children, only three of whom grew to maturity,
viz. : William S., of Fairview township; Eliza, wife of E. Christy, of Oakland
township, and Mary Ann, deceased wife of Jacob Wolford,
984 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William S. McCollough, eldest child of James and Elizabeth R. McCol-
lough. was born upon the homestead farm in Fairview township, November 10,
1826. He grew to maturity with his parents, assisting them to clear the farm,
and wearing the coarse homespun clothes of the period. His education was
obtained in a subscription school, the first school he attended being held in a little
log building on the farm he now owns. On June I, 1854, Mr. McCollough was
married to Hannah, a daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Kamerer, and settled
upon his present homestead. The land was unimproved, and the young couple
took up their residence in the little log school house previously mentioned. They
are the parents of eleven children, as follows: James M., born August 14, 1855;
Adam M., June 19, 1858; Robert L., January 11, 1861, died April ;S, 1865;
Henry K., October 29, 1863, died October 15, 1883; Charles P., May 23, 1866;
Allan C. August 19, 1868; Elizabeth C, August li». 1872; William P., July
11. 1875; Frederick II., April 27, 1878; Sarah P.. May 29. 1881, and Ralph L.,
December 2, 1885, died April 25, 1892. The family are members of the English
Lutheran church, of Millerstown, in which Mr. McCollough has served as elder
and trustee. He is a stanch Republican, and has tilled the offices of justice of
the peace, supervisor, ami school director. He is the owner of 400 acres of well
improved land, has a good oil production, and is a successful and respected
citizen.
James Mylet McCollough, sun of William S. and Hannah (Kamerer)
McCollough, was born in Fairview township. August 14, L855. His bovhood
days were passed upon the farm in assisting his parents with the home duties,
and he attended the district school of his neighborhood, supplementing this with
a course at Edinboro State Normal School and the Prospect Academy, after-
wards teaching in the public schools. On May 28, 1877, he married Mary Belle
Singer, and located upon his present homestead. This union has been blessed
by four children, viz. : Edmund K. ; Kenneth M. ; Carrol Wayne, and James
Eden. Mrs. McCollough is a daughter of David and Amanda (Hole) Singer, the
former a native of Dauphin county, and the latter of Armstrong county. Her
father died in Allegheny county, and her mother is spending her last years with
Mrs. McCollough. Though now in her seventy-fifth year, she is a well-preserved,
hale and active old lady. Mr. McCollough is a stanch Republican ; a leading
member of his party in Fairview township; has filled the various local offices of
his community, and was a delegate to the State convention in 1894. He is one
of the progressive farmers of the county, and gives a liberal support to every
worthy enterprise. He is a member of Derrick Lodge, K. of P. ; also of Millers-
town Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the Jr. O. U. A. M.
David McCollough, sixth child of Capt. John and Elizabeth McCollough,
was born April II, 1811, in Fairview township. Butler county. When eleven
years of age he removed with his parents to Butler, where he attended the public
schools and learned the potter's trade. He married Mary King, a daughter of
Philip King, born in Armstrong county in ISO;!. They located upon a part of
the McCollough tract in Fairview township, where they spent the remainder of
their lives. Mrs. McCollough died July 22. ISC,:;, and her husband December 1 2,
1880. They were the parents of seven children, viz.: Richard J.; John C. ;
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Q.S 5
Sarah, wife of William Pontius; Phoebe, deceased; William II.; Diana,
deceased, and Margaret M., wife of S. Yager.
Richard f. McCollough was born upon the homestead farm. February
14, 1837, and is the eldest child of David and Mary McCollough. He grew to
maturity in Fairview township and was educated in the little log school house of
pioneer days. In L856 he married Elizabeth Kamerer, a daughter of Daniel and
Harriet ( Daubcnspeck ) Kamerer, born May 27, ]S4(>. They took up their resi-
dence in Fairview township, where Mrs. McCollough died. October 12, 1888,
leaving two children, viz.: Alvin A., since deceased, and Elmer S., of Fair-
view township. On August 20, 1884, Mr. McCollough married Lavina Kam-
erer, a sister of his first wife. She was born January 2. L848. Thev are mem-
bers of the English Lutheran church, of Milerstown. Politically, a Republican,
he has held various positions in the township, and is recognized as one of the
successful farmers of the community'.
Elmer S. McCollough, son of Richard J. and Elizabeth McCollough, was
born in Fairview township. May 13, 1863, was reared upon the homestead farm,
and was married January 21, 1885. to Maude Herron, of Armstrong county.
They located in Fairview township, where Mr. McCollough devotes his time to
farming and stock-raising. He is particularly interested in line trotting-bred
pacers and has some valuable stock in that line, among them being Sandy Wilkes,
with a three-year old record of 2:47, sired by Crawford, with a record of 2:07^.
He is a stanch Republican, and takes an active interest in the public affairs of
his township. To Mr. and Mrs. McCollough have been born three sons, viz. ;
Alvin E. ; Richard II., and Arthur L.
John C. McCollough, son of David and Mary (King) McCollough, was
born in Fairview township, Butler county, February 25, 1839, and \va> reared
and educated in his native township. In 1861 he married Mary A., a daughter
of Daniel and Harriet (Daubenspeck) Kamerer, born March 27, 1839. Thev
located upon their present homestead, which thev have since greatly improved
and brought to a high state of cultivation. Mr. McCollough enlisted in Company
K, Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, July Hi, 1863. His regiment formed
a part of the Second Brigade, First Division of the Fifth Army Corps. He par-
ticipated in the battles of the Rappahannock, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Ber-
muda Hundred. Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Five Forks, Siege of Petersburg, and
the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. He was transferred to the One Hundred
and Fifty-fifth regiment, July 3. 1864, and was honorably discharged June 5,
18(55, after having done service in fifty-two battles and skirmishes. He is a mem-
ber of Robert McDermott Post. G. A. R., of Millerstown. For many years he
has been connected with the English Lutheran church of that borough, in which
he has filled the offices of elder and treasurer.
Samuel W. McCollough, county commissioner, is a son of William and
Elizabeth (Rumbaugh) McCollough. His father was the eldest child of Capt.
John McCollough, and was born in Butler county in 1801. I Ie married Eliza-
beth Rumbaugh and settled in Fairview township, retiring to Millerstown after
attaining old age. Mrs, McCollough died in 1878, in her seventy-seventh year,
and her husband in 1880. William McCollough hail been an active, prominent
QoO" HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
citizen for many years, held various official positions, and accumulated a large
amount of property. Four of his children grew to maturity, as follows: Mary,
who married George M. Craig; David S.; Peter, and Samuel W. The last men-
tioned was horn upon the homestead in Fairview township, March 10, 1844, and
grew to maturity beneath the parental roof. On August 6, 1862, he enlisted in
Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under
the command of Col. M. S. Quay, the regiment forming part of Humphrey's
Division, Army of the Potomac. He did L,rood service at Antietam, Fredericks-
burg and Chancellorsville, and followed the fortunes of his regiment down to
May 24, 1863, when he was honorably discharged from service. In 1864 Mr.
McCollough married Catherine Kamerer, a daughter of Daniel L. Kamerer, of
Fairview township. She was horn June 7. 1846, and is the mother of seventeen
children, viz. : Elizabeth C, deceased ; George G. ; Adrian II. ; Louis L.; Mary
L. ; Emma G ; Maggie J. ; John L. ; Albert A. ; Cora A. ; Lillian P. ; Florence
M. : Merrill: Elmer C, deceased; Clarence P. ; Sylvester D. P., and Esther M.
In 1869 Mr. McCollough located upon his present farm in Fairview township,
and ranks among the leading agriculturists of the county. He has always been an
ardent Republican, has tilled various positions in his township, and was elected
a county commissioner in the fall of IS',))! by a flattering majority. He is a P. C.
of Robert McDermott Post, G. A. R. , and is a member of Millerstown Lodge,
Number 947, I. O. O. F. Mr. McCollough and wife are members of the Eng-
lish Lutheran church, and he is recognized as one of the progressive and success-
ful citizens of the county.
David S. McCollough, son of William and Elizabeth (Rumbaugh) Mc-
Collough. was born in Fairview township. April 10. 1830. His boyhood days
were spent upon the farm, and he enjoyed the meager advantages afforded by
the common schools of that period. He was married December 8, 1853, to Mary,
daughter of William Emerick, born in Fairview township, February 10, 1833.
She became the mother of seven children by this union, as follows : Elizabeth
P., wife of John Lewis, of Steuben county. New York : Lvdia A., wife of
David Kirkland, of Pittsburg; Anna M., wife of George Hays, of Washington,
Pennsylvania; William W. ; Laura A.; Sarah 1!.. and Curtis F. E. Mrs. Mc-
Collough died, July 5, 1886, respected and esteemed by all who knew her. Aside
from his various interests in this community, Mr. McCollough has large land
interests in Chesterfield county, Virginia. He is a Republican in politics, and is
recognized as a prosperous and progressive citizen.
Peter Mi Collougii, son of William and Elizabeth (Rumbaugh) McCol-
lough, was born April 10, 1835, upon the homestead in Fairview township. He
was reared to farm life and attended the district school of his neighborhood dur-
ing boyhood. On October 30, 1857, he married Anna Margaret, a daughter of
Jacob and Catherine Daubenspeck. She was born in Washington township,
Butler county, April 19, IS38, and is the mother of eight children, as follows:
Catherine E., born August S, 1857, died February 23, 1861 ; Rheuemma, wife of
R. R. McDermott, of Fairview township: Henry C.,a resident of Oakland town-
ship; Newton C., a graduate of Grove City College and now county superinten-
dent of schools ; Euphema, a graduate of Wooster University, Wooster, Ohio,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 987
wife of John Steindorf, of Madison, Kansas; Clara M., a graduate of the State
Norma] School, at Centreville; Jacob IV, and |essie Olivia. The family are con-
nected with the English Lutheran church, of Millers town, of which Mr. McCoI-
lough tills the otlice of deacon. He is a member of Millerstown Lodge, Number
157. K. of 1'., and is a leading citizen of the community. He located on his
present farm immediately after marriage, renting it from his father, and has
resided upon the same up to the present. He has been quite successful in the
accumulation of real estate, and is the owner of much valuable lands in different
sections of the county. Politically, he is a Republican, and has always taken an
active interest in public affairs.
Henry C. McCollougii was born in Fairview township, November 7,
I860, son of Peter and Anna M. (Daubenspeck) McCollough. He is the eldest
son in a family of eight childien, was reared on the homestead and attended the
common schools of his district. On September 21. L885, lie married Lena Mil-
ler, a daughter of Franklin and Elizabeth (Elliott) Miller. She is the second in
a family of five children, was born in Clarion county, and came with her parents
to Butler county in childhood. Her parents are now residing in the borough of
Butler. One son. Clarence Campbell, has been born to this union. Mr. McCol-
lough has a well improved farm of 1 '2'-) acres, with substantial and commodious
buildings, and is recognized as one ot the progressive fanners of the township.
In politics, he is a Republican. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church,
and the family are highly respected in the community.
Daniel L. Kamerer, one of the oldest living citizens of Fairview town-
ship, Butler county, was born in Armstrong county, July 23 1811. His parents,
Peter and Elizabeth (Bush) Kamerer, were natives of Westmoreland county,
and removed to Armstrong county about L806, where the mother died, leaving a
family of six children, viz. : Adam; Daniel L. : Hannah, who married Henry
Shakelv, and lives in Perry township, Armstrong county; Catherine, who
married Philip Barnhart : Elizabeth, who became the wile of William Rum-
baugh, and Sarah Ann, second wife of Philip Barnhart. Peter Kamerer married
a second time, but had no children by this union. He died in Butler county,
March 7. 1860. Daniel L. was reared amidst the scenes of pioneer life, when
the coarse homespun clothing, the product of the frugal housewife's labor upon
the little home loom, was the only kind in use. and when the hatter and shoe-
maker came around once a year to manufacture the hats and shoes for the settler's
family. During his earlier years he labored many a day in the harvest field,
cutting the grain with a sickle, anil afterwards threshed, the same with a Mail.
Mr. Kamerer was married October 15, 1833, to Anna Harriet Daubenspeck, a
daughter of Philip Daubenspeck, born in Butler county, February Hi, 1812. In
1854 Mr. Kamerer came to Butler county ami located upon the farm where lie
now resides. It was then covered with an unbroken forest, but he went bravely
to work to make a home lor himself and family. He brought the first threshing
machine into this section of the county and operated it a number of years.
"Uncle Dan"', as he is familiarly known, and his worthy wile still reside upon
their original homestead in Fairview township, and are both in the enjoyment of
good health and quite active for people of their years. They are the parents of
9SS HISTORY of butler county.
thirteen children, as follows: Peter, born June 3, ls35, who resides- in Butler;
Margaret Ann. August 31, 1836, wife of M. Myers, of Armstrong county : John,
November 17, 1837, a resident of Concord township; Mary Ann, March 27,
1839, wife of J. C. McCollough ; Elizabeth, May 27, 1840, married R. J. McCol-
lough, and died November 16, 1883; George D., December 8, 1841, a resident of
Butler; William, December 17. 1843, died March 28, 1892; Adam, February 2,
1845, who resides in Butler: Catherine, June 7, 1846, wife of S. W. McCollough ;
Lavina, January 2, 1848, wife of R.J. McCollough; Lewis, October 7, 1849, a
resident of Greenville, Mercer county; Hannah, February 1(1, 1851, wife of
Gilton Myers, of Armstrong county, and Samuel II.
Samuel II. Kamehek was born in Armstrong county. January 25, lsi">;i. anil
is the youngest child of Daniel and Anna Harriet Kamerer. He was but one
year old when his parents located in Fairview township, and here he was reared
and educated. On November 29, 1882, lie married Nina Hinton. a daughter of
Charles Hinton, of Erie county, and they located on their present farm in Fair-
view township. They have a family of three children, viz. : Ethel L. ; Obed G.,
and Edna I?. Besides his farming interests, Mr. Kamerer is also actively engaged
in oil producing, haying five good wells upon his farm. He is quite an ardent
Republican, and gives his earnest support to the principles and measures of that
party. lie has filled the office of school director and has been treasurer four
years. The family are adherents of the Lutheran church.
Patrick McLaughlin, a native of Donegal county, Ireland, where he mar-
ried Nancy Dougherty, came to Pennsylvania about the year 17*0, and in the last
decade of the Eighteenth century located on K)0 acres of land in what is now
Fairview township, originally Donegal. lie erected a log cabin and began clear-
ing and improving his new home. The family was among the first to settle in
this part of the county. Mr. McLaughlin resided upon his homestead down to
his death, in 1830, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. His widow survived
him about ten years, dying at the age of ninety. They reared a family of six sons
ami one daughter, as follows : Sarah, who married Michael Sweeney ; Peter,
who served in the War of 1S12 ; John ; William ; James, who was a engineer on
the Pennsylvania canal ; Patrick, and Bernard, all of whom are dead. The family
were among the founders of St. Patrick's Catholic church, at Sugar Creek, in which
faith the parents lived and died.
[ohn McLaughlin, son of Patrick and Nancy McLaughlin, was born in
the old log cabin on his father's farm, in Fairview township, Butler county, April
14, 17'dS. He grew to maturity upon this farm, endured the privations and trials
of pioneer life, anil was schooled in the dangers of that period. He remained
with his parents until his majority, and then married Catherine Green, a native
of Slippery Rock township, Butler county, born in 1800. She was a daughter of
lames Green, one of the pioneers of that locality. Immediately following their
marriage the young couple settled upon 1(H) acres of the McLaughlin homestead.
The land was entirely unimproved, hut before his death Mr. McLaughlin had
cleared off the forest and brought the farm to a high state of cultivation. They
took an active interest in the advancement and improvement of the community,
and both spent their entire lives in Butler county. They were members of St.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 989
Patrick's Catholic church, al Sugar Creek. Mr. McLaughlin died at his home,
April 13, 1872. His widow continued to reside there with her son Henry until
her death, November 5, 1<S7~>. They were the parents of eight children, as fol-
lows : T;ine> deceased ; Rosanna, deceased wife of Timothy McKeever ; James ;
William, who went to Illinois when a young man, enlisted in the Seventy-eighth
Illinois Volunteers, in 1861, was promoted to the position of trainmaster, served
in that capacity until the close of the war, and died in Slippery Rock township,
Butler county, July -'■'>. 1892; Daniel G. : Henry A.; Sarah, deceased, and David,
deceased .
Daniel G. McLaughlin, son of John ami Catherine McLaughlin, was
born in Fairview township, May Hi, 1838, and remained with his parents until of
age. On June 16, 1863, he married Eleanor L. Boyle, a daughter of Hugh and
Susan (McKeever) Boyle, born in Armstrong county, November 11, 1838. They
resided upon a portion of the old homestead until 1868, and then settled on their
present farm. They are the parents of eight children, six of whom are living,
viz.: Rosanna; Sylvester Raymond; Jerome A.; David P. ; Hugh Leo, and
Alice. The family are members of the Catholic congregation, at Millerstown.
Politically, Mr. McLaughlin is a Democrat, and has held various township offices.
He devotes his attention to farming and oil producing.
William W. Wallace, gauger at Karns City, was born in Butler county,
June 22, 1847, upon the homestead entered by his grandfather, Robert Wallace,
in Fairview township. His father, Thomas Wallace, was born upon this place
in 1791), married Margaret Hilliard, also a native of the county, and resided here
until 1868, when they removed to Brady's Bend, where Mr. Wallace died in
January, 1881. His widow still lives there at the age of eighty years. The
subject of this sketch is the sixth in a family of thirteen children. He received
a common school education, and at the age of fourteen years went to Pittsburg,
and found employment in the iron mills of that city, in which he worked for
eight years. He afterwards spent some years in clerking in a store at Parker.
In 1871 he engaged as gauger with the National Transit Company, and is also
an oil producer. Mr. Wallace was married December 14, 1875, to Alice J., a
daughter of John and E. D. Shriver, of Forest county. She died September 21,
1882, leaving three children, viz. : Ida D. ; Charles C. and Maggie A. He was
again married. January 15, 1884, to Minerva, a daughter of Josiah and Rachel
Brown. She was born in Fairview township, and is the mother of two children :
Edgar Lewis, and Florella Alberta. Mr. Wallace is a Republican, and has
served in the council and on the school board of Karns City. He is connected
with the Masonic order, and is a member of Derrick Lodge, K. of P., also of
the I. (). O. F.
John Ray was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 17'.)*. His
father, William Ray, a native of Ireland, came to Butler county in I SOU, and
settled about two miles west of the village of Fairview, where he entered a tract
of 400 acres of government land. He was one of the first settlers of that vicinity,
and resided upon his farm down to his death. He had a family of five children,
John being the eldest. The latter grew to maturity upon the homstead farm,
and was married in 182o to Ann Smith, a daughter of Matthew and Nancy
990 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
(Hindman) Smith. Her father was a native of Ireland, and settled two miles
east "l the site of Fairview, at an early day. After their marriage, John Ray
and wile look up their home up. a portion oi the Ray homestead, cleared and
improved the same and spent the remaining years of their lives thereon. Mrs.
Ray died in 1850, and her husband in 1876. He was for main years a member
of Bear Creek church. They were the parents ol seven children, six of whom
grew to maturity, viz. : William, a resident of ( )regon ; Nancy, wife of Samuel
Donaldson, of Concord township; Matthew S., of Fairview; Elizabeth, wife of
P. 15. Kelchner; John (J., of Fairview, and Robert, deceased.
Matthew S. Ray was born upon the homestead farm in Fairview town-
ship, June 7, 1830. He assisted his father in clearing the land, and his mother
in preparing the flax and wool from which she manufactured clothing for the
family. His education consisted of a lew weeks' attendance at the subscription
schools during the winter season. When nineteen years of age he began an
apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, receiving two dollars per month during
the first few months of his service, which lasted three years. He afterwards
engaged in business for himself as a contractor and builder, and erected many of
the houses and barns vet standing in this locality. In January, 1854, he married
Euphema Campbell, a daughter of Archibald Campbell. Three cl ildren were
born to this union, two of whom are living, viz.: Ophelia J., wife of William
Fleming, of Oil City, and Anna M. In April, L854, Mr. Kay removed to the
village of Fairview. and is to-day one of its oldest residents The family belong
to the Presbyterian church, and he is an elder in the Fairview society. Politic-
al 1 \- . he has always been a stanch Republican, was elected a justice of the peace
in 1855, ami. with the exception of one term, ha- served continuously up to the
present. He. has also held various other positions in the township and borough.
He is a charter member of Liberty Lodge, K. of 11., of which he has been
reporter for many years.
John C. Ray, son of John anil Ann (Smith) Ray. was born in Fairview
township, Butler county, January 30, 1830, and spent his boyhood days upon the
farm with his parents. On November 21, 1861, he married Tirza McConnell, a
daughter of John 15. McConnell, an early settler of Parker township. They
located on their present homestead, a portion of the Ray tract, containing 145
acres of well improved land. Mr. Kay is one of the leading fanners of the town-
ship, and his improvements are among the best in the locality, lie has had fine
oil production on his farm, and is prosperous and progressive. Mr. Kay and wife
are the parents of four children, as follows: Anna, wife of K. E. English;
Emma; Charles, deceased, and Daisy. The family are members of the United
Presbyterian church, at Fairview, in which he served as elder and trustee for
many years, and is at present clerk of the session. Politically, he is a stanch
Democrat, has served twenty years on the school board, and twenty-five
years as overseer of the poor. Mr. Ray is one of the representative and enter-
prising citizens of his native township.
Paul McDermott, a native of Donegal county. Ireland, came to Pennsyl-
vania, and settled in Westmoreland county, where he married Margaret Christie.
About 1796 they came to Fairview township. Butler county, purchased odd
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. QQI
acres of land, erected a cabin near the site of Karns City, and commenced the
life of pioneers. Both spent the remainder of (heir lives upon this property.
Mrs. McDermott died in 1830, and her husband, in 1841, the latter living to the
advanced age of ninety-three years. They were the parents of seven children,
five of whom grew up, viz. : Edward; Mai v. who married James McElwee ;
Robert ; James, and Paul.
Robert; McDermott, son of Paul and Margaret McDermott, was born in
Fairview township, Butler county, May 31, 17'.'-s, anil was reared upon the home-
stead near Karns City. During the War of 1812 he ran away from home toenter
the service, but was rejected on account of his youth. lie afterwards become a
captain in an early militia company anil took a deep interest in military affairs.
He was a great hunter and a splendid rifle shot, and many a bear, deer, etc., fell a
victim to his unerring aim. In 1823 he married Jane Wilson, a daughter of Will-
iam Wilson, who bore him a family of five children, as follows : .Mary Ann,
who married George Emerick ; William; Jane, who married lames Ray; Mar-
garet, and Nancy, all of whom are dead. Mrs. McDermott died afte: s.me
years of married life, and on February 4, 1841, he married Fannie Martin, a
native of Fairview township, born February 14, 1818, and a daughter of Robert
and Emily Martin, early settlers of this locality. They took up their residence
on the old homestead, in a little log cabin built in \s-JH, which is still standing
and in a good state of preservation. Mrs. McDermott often clipped wool from
the sheep, and carded, spun and wove the same into clothing for her family.
She is the mother of eleven children, ten of whom grew to manhood and woman-
hood, as follows: Emily, wife of D. McLaughlin: Sarah, who died in 1880;
Alvira, wife of M. Banks : James P. ; Edward : Robert Ross ; Anita F., who died
in 1881 : Minerva, wife of F. G. Brown; Ida, and John C. Mr. McDermott died
February 22, 1<ST7. He was a member of Fairs iew United Presbyterian church,
an active Democrat, and held various official positions. He was one of the early
school teachers of the county, and a thoroughly progressive, enterprising citizen.
His worthy wife still survives and resides upon the old homestead. She too was
a teacher in the public schools. In May, 1837, she joined the Fairs iew United
Presbyterian church, and is still a member of that society. Although well
advanced in years she possesses a remarkably clear memory, and can relate many
incidents of pioneer days and trials.
Robert Ross McDermott. son of Robert and Fanny McDermott, was
born on the farm where he now resides, June 9, 1851, and was reared
in his native township. He early became interested in the oil industry,
and has followed that business very successfully. ]n 1884 he purchased the old
homestead. On September!*, 1880, he married Rheuemma McCollough, a daugh-
ter of Peter McCollough, of Fairview township. He is an ardent Democrat . and
has filled various township offices. Mr. McDermott is a member of Derrick
Lodge, Number 45G, K. of P., of Karns City, and is recognized a- one of the
enterprising and progressive farmers of his township.
William Wilson. Sr., a native of Ireland, came with his wife and family
to Pennsylvania after the Revolutionary war, and settled in Lancaster county.
In the year 1800 he journeyed across the mountains to Butler counts . and pur-
992 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
chased a tract of 400 acres of wild land from a man named Mall, in what is now
Fairview township, the consideration being .$150. He cleared a small space,
erected a log cabin twelve feet square, where the town of Petrolia now stands,
and there tin's pioneer family took up their abode, being among the first
settlers of this part of the county. Their nearest and most numerous neigh-
bors were the wild animals that roamed through the forest and surrounded the
cabin at night. Greensburg was the nearest trading point, the trip to that town
requiring two weeks to make. Some years later Mr. Wilson erected a log
dwelling half a mile west of his first location, where both he and wife spent the
remainder of their lives. lie died August 31, 1839, aged eighty-six. Mrs. Wil-
son died April 5, 1838, ageil eighty-three years. They were the parents of eight
children, all of whom are dead, as follows: Robert; William; Jane, who mar-
ried Robert McDermott ; Nancy, who married Edward McDermott ; James;
Armstrong; John, and Thomas.
James Wilson, son of William Wilson, Sr., was born in Lancaster county,
April 6, 1798, and was but two years old when his parents settled in Hutler
county. His mother made the trip on horseback, and carried him in her arms
the greater part of the way. He grew to maturity in the new country, sur-
rounded by privations and enjoying the limited advantages which fell to the lot
of the youth of that period. In 1828 he married Sarah Hutcheson, a native of
Westmoreland county, born September 22, 1798, a daughter of William Hutche-
son, one of the early settlers of Parker township. Having learned the tanner's
trade in boyhood, Mr. Wilson located in Lawrenceburg after his marriage, where
he engaged in the tanning business, but later settled on a farm in Parker town-
ship. In 1843 they took up their residence on a portion of the Wilson home-
stead, in Fairyiew township, where Mrs. Wilson died, August 10, 1886, and her
husband, September 1, following, their deaths occurring only a few weeks apart.
Both were members of the United Presbyterian church, of Fairview, in which he
tilled the office of elder for several years. They were the parents of the follow-
ing children; Margaret W.. wife of John Jameson; William; Eleanor J.,
deceased wife of George II. Graham ; Martha, deceased wife of William Gibson,
and lames A. of Fairview township. Mr. Wilson was a Democrat until the
organization of the Republican party, when he espoused its principles and con-
tinued to support that organization until his death. He filled various township
positions of trust during his residence therein, and was one of the respected pio-
neers of the community.
William Wilson, eldest son of James and Sarah Wilson, was born in
Lawrenceburg, December 7, 1881, came to Butler county with bis parents and
grew to maturity under the parental roof. His educational advantages were
such as the early schools afforded, which be attended during the winter season
for a few weeks each year. Until his fifteenth year his clothing consisted of the
coarse homespun of the period. After reaching his maturity he commenced
working out at ten dollars a month, later engaged at the carpenter's trade, ami
followed that business as a journeyman for twelve years. lie resided some years
in Oil City, and was engaged in the oil industry. In 1872 he returned to
Petrolia. and conducted the home farm for his father. lie now owns 121 acres
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 993
of the original tract, upon which he resides, and devotes his attention to agricul-
tural pursuits. Mr. Wilson was married, December 31, 1862, to Lucinda Shell,
a native of Clarion county, who died in Oil City, in 1865. He was again mar-
ried, October 25, 1883, to Emma M. Gilfillan, a daughter of James G. and Mary
A. Gilfillan, a pioneer family of Mercer county. They have an adopted son.
Willie LeRoy, aged six years. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are members of the United
Presbyterian church, of Fairview, in which he has served as trustee. He has
always been a Republican, and enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-
seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 9, 1862. He served in the Army of
the Potomac, participated in the battles of Antietam, Chancellorsville, and the
Virginia campaign, and was honorably discharged on June 3. 1863.
James Armstrong Wilson, son of James and Sarah Wilson, was born
upon the Wilson homestead in Fairview township. Butler county, December 25,
1839, spent his boyhood days upon the farm and received a common school edu-
cation in the little log school house of the neighborhood. On June 1(5, 1863 ■ he
enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and .Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
was mustered into service at Harrisburg. His regiment joined the Army of the
Potomac, and he participated in the battles of Seven Pines, Fair Oaks, Harri-
son's Landing, and Malvern Hill, and followed his regiment through all the vary-
ing fortunes of war, in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Cold Har-
bor, etc. He was twice wounded, once in a skirmish at Salem Church, and again
in the Wilderness. He was taken prisoner before Petersburg, was sent to Belle
Island and thence to Andersonville, where he was confined six months. He was
then exchanged and returned home on furlough, where he was ill for three months.
After recovering he joined his regiment, but the Confederacv had crumbled away,
Lee had surrendered and the war was over. He was honorably discharged July
5, 1865, after participating with his regiment in the grand review at Washing-
ton. Returning to his home Mr. Wilson engaged in farming, which vocation he
has followed up to the present. In February, 1873, he married Martha McGar-
vey, a daughter of William McGarvev, of Fairview township. Two children
were born to this union, viz. : Robert X., and Maggie May. In 1878 Mr. Wilson
located upon his present homestead at Fairview, a portion of the tract entered by
his grandfather. In 1884 he erected a substantial residence, one of the most com-
modious farm houses in the township. The family are connected with the United
Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Wilson is superintendent of the Sabbath
school, while his wife takes an active interest in woman's work. Politically, lie
is a stanch Republican, is a member of the borough council and school board, and
also fills the office of assessor. He is a member of the Union Veteran Legion at.
Butler, and is one of the patriotic citizens of the community.
Isaac Reep, Sr., was born upon the site of Philadelphia, and when a lad of
ten years of age carried supplies to the soldiers in the Continental army, in which
his father was serving. He grew to manhood upon the homestead farm, married
a Miss Bash, and in 1801 came to Butler county, making the journey in a wagon,
and entered a tract of 400 acres of land on the line of Fairview and Parker town-
ships. It was covered with an unbroken forest, in the midst of which he built a
cabin and began the work of making a home. Mr. and Mrs. Reep reared a family
63
994 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of five children, and resided upon their original settlement the balance of their
lives.
Isaac Reep, son of Isaac Keep. Sr., was born near Philadelphia, in 1787,
and came to Butler county with his parents when fourteen years of age. He grew
to maturity here, and served in the War of 1812. He married Mary Pontius, a
native of eastern Pennsylvania, and settled on a portion of the Keep homestead,
near the village of Fairview, where both he and wife resided until death. Mr.
Reep died July 2, 1863, and his wife, March '.), 1880, aged eighty-three years.
They were members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and the parents of thir-
teen children, only three of whom are now living. The names of their children
are as follows: Elizabeth; [ohn ; Isaac; Gabriel; Samuel; William; Mary;
Jacob; Henry; Lewis; Eli; Catherine, and Solomon. Of these William, Eli and
Catherine survive.
El.l Keep, son of Isaac and Mary Keep, was born upon the homestead in
Fairview township. June 14, I soL'. He was reared upon the farm, assisting his
father in the home duties, and obtaining a meager education in the subscription
school of the neighborhood, to which be was compelled to walk three miles
through the forest. He was afterwards engaged on Oil creek in drilling and
operating. He was married, August 22, 1861, to Mary J- BenninghofT, a daughter
of John and Elizabeth Benninghoff , of Venango county, where she was born July
24, ISM1.). They settled on a part of the Keep homestead, where they lived until
September, 1881, and then removed to Fairview borough. Mr. Keep still owns
130 acres of the tract entered by his grandfather, on which there are two produc-
ing oil wells. Of their six children, four are living, viz. : John W.; Eli E. ;
Etta A., and Achsah J. The family are connected with the Methodist Episco-
pal church. Though formerly a Republican, Mr. Reep is now a Prohibitionist;
has served three years as borough assessor, and has also been a member of the
borough council. He has always been active in church affairs, and has served
many years as steward, trustee and class leader.
Alexander Baird Storey was born September 1, L806. His parents,
James and Hannah (Baird) Storey, were natives of Ireland and pioneers of Fair-
view township, Butler county, settling upon a tract of unimproved land near the
site of Kams City. James Storey was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died
March 17, 1815. He was the father of four sons and one daughter, all deceased
but Thomas, of Worthington, Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch married
Juliet Campbell, who was born in Fairview township. November 14, L820.
They resided some time at Brady's Bend, but returned to Fairview township
about 1849 and spent the remaining years of their lives upon a farm in this town-
ship. Mr. Storey died June 6, 1882, and his wife. January 2. 1881. They
reared a family of eight children, as follows: William C, of Brady's Bend;
James B., who enlisted in Company II, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
in 1861, re-enlisted in Company II, One Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, was twice wounded at Petersburg, losing his left hand thereby, was
discharged from service, took a course at Iron City Commercial College, served
one term as sheriff of Butler county, and was subsequently appointed to a position
in the auditor general's office, where he was serving at the time of his death,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 995
October 28, 1889; Hannah J., wife of J. L. Shaner, of Clarion county; Alexan-
der W., a druggist of North Clarendon; Townsend R. ; Juliet A., deceased;
Almira M., wife of J. S. Jamison, of Armstrong count}-, and Edna C wife of
D. II. Wheeler, of Fairview township.
Townsend R. Storey was born in Fairview township. Butler county. June
L'4. 1850, son of Alexander Baird and Juliet Storey. He grew to maturity upon
his father's farm, and in 1875 engaged as a pumper and scum afterwards embarked
in oil producing. In 1888 he went into the drug business at Edenburg, Clarion
county, and in 1892 located at Karns City, where he established and has since-
carried on the same business. Mr. Storey was married March L5, 1881, to Eliz-
abeth ().. a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Storey, of Parker township.
They have one daughter, Juliet Elizabeth. lie is a Republican in politics, and
has served as a member of the borough council. He is a prominent member of
Karns City Lodge, Number 981, I. O. (). F., and of Derrick Lodge, Number
456, K. of P.
David Rankin, a native of Ireland, immigrated to Pennsylvania at an early
day and settled on :200 acres of land in what is now Fairview township, Butler
county, which he cleared and improved. He married Elizabeth Wallace, a
daughter of JohnWallace. She was born in Ireland and came with her parents to
Maryland when a girl, whence the family removed to Butler county in 1806, and
settled in what is now Fairview township. Mr. Rankin carried on a distillery
upon his farm for some years, and died March 15, 18l3. His widow survived
him more than half a century, dying in April. 1869. They were the parents of
four children, named as follows: William; Jane, deceased wife of [osiah Som-
merville; Joseph, and David C.
David C. Rankin, the only surviving child of David Rankin, was born
upon his father's farm in Fairview township. March lit. 1813, a few days after
the death of his father. He grew up under the care of his widowed mother, and
enjoyed the limited advantages of pioneer days. In September. 1835, he married
Nancy Moore, a daughter of Andrew and Annie (Storey) Moore, who was born
in Butler county. September 27. 1817. They lived for some years upon the old
homestead, and then removed to the western part of the township, locating upon
their present farm, near the village of Fairview, in the spring of 1878. Mr.
Rankin and wife are the parents of sixteen children, six of whom are living, and
are among the oldest citizens of the township. They are members of the United
Presbyterian church. He has been a Republican since the formation of that
party, and has filled various township offices.
Benjamin S. Rankin, son of David C. and Nancy Rankin, was born near
Karns City, December 9, 1842, grew to manhood with his parents ami received
a common school education. On October 2, 1861, when but eighteen years of
age, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volun-
teers. He served in the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the Penin-
sular campaign, and in the battles of Williamsburg, the Seven Days tight before
Richmond, on the Chickahominy, at Malvern Hill, etc. In September, 1863,
under general orders from the war department, he enlisted in Company L. Fourth
United States Artillery, was stationed at Suffolk and Yorktown on garrison duty,
99<5 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and served with Grant at Cold Harbor and the siege of Petersburg. He was
honorably discharged on November 13, 1864, and returned to his home. Mr.
Rankin was married May 20, 1868, to Melinda Wick, a daughter of William and
Sarah Wick, born in Concord township. May 12, 1849. They settled in Fair-
view township, and removed to their present farm near the village of Fairview
in 1878. Six children have been the fruits of this marriage, as follows: Charles
II. ; Minnie A., deceased: an infant daughter, deceased: Sadie X.; Amy E., and
Gurdon C. The family are connected with the English Lutheran church. Mr.
Rankin is a stanch Republican, and has rilled various township offices. He is a
member of Karns City Lodii'e, I. O. O. F.. also of Derrick Lodge, K. of P.. and
is connected with the G. A. R.
William Rankin, eldest son of David Rankin, was born in what is now
Fairview township, Butler county, Februay II. 1808. His father died when
William was live years old, and he was reared by David McKibbin of Clarion
county. He there married Sarah Levier, and returned to Butler county, settling
in Allegheny township. Five children were born to this union, viz.: David M.,
a Presbyterian minister: Daniel L.. of Butler ; Rosa S.. wife of G. W. Aggas ;
Elizabeth A., wife of S. II. Brown, and Josiah R., a Methodist Episcopal
preacher. The parents spent the latter years of their lives in Fairview township.
In early life they were Presbyterians, but died members of the Lutheran church.
Mrs. Rankin died August 18, 1882, and her husband. September 26, 1883.
Daniel L. Rankin, second son of William and Sarah Rankin, was born in
Allegheny township, Butler county, September 11, 1839, was reared a farmer ami
obtained a common school education. He remained on the homestead farm until
August, 1861, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Third Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, and served until January. 1864 lie then veteranized, re-en-
listing in the same company, and served until mustered out, July 13, 1865, with
the rank of orderly sergeant. He participated in the battles of Williamsburg,
Fair Oaks. Seven Days Fight before Richmond, and Kingston, White Hall and
Goldsboro. Besides the battles already mentioned, he took part in many lesser
eno-ao-ements and skirmishes. He was taken prisoner at Plymouth, North Caro-
lina, April 20, 1864, and was held in rebel prisons until December 10, following,
when he was paroled. He came home on furlough, and was married January 8,
1865, to Maggie Rider a daughter of Michael Rider. They are the parents of
five children, viz. : Olive L., wife of Sherman Sanderson; William J. ; Elnora
A. ; Sadie X.. and Herbert E. Mr. Rankin and wife are members of the Pres-
byterian church. He is an ardent Republican, has always taken an active
interest in public affairs, and was a candidate for county treasurer in 1893, but
did not receive the nomination.
Tames Gibsox, a native of Ireland, with his brothers, Alexander, John and
Hugh, came from Westmoreland county to Butler county in 1797, where they
had selected lands the previous near, in what is now Parker township. Their
father. Levi Gibson, came with them. James married Rebecca Knox, a native
of Scotland, and after some years residence in Parker township, they removed to
Armstrong county, where both died. They were the parents of eleven children,
as follows : Elizabeth, who married Robert Campbell ; Levi ; Sidney, who mar-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 997
ried Samuel Campbell ; George ; Esther, who became the wife of William
Hutchinson ; Samuel ; John ; Eleanor, who married E. Wally ; Houston ;
Rebecca, who married Solomon Gibbs, and James.
Levi Gibson, eldest son of James and Rebecca Gibson, was born in Parker
township, Tin tier county, September 20, 1804. and was reared beneath the par-
ental roof. In 1832 he married Mary Ann Campbell, born February 20, 1809,
and they took up their residence in a log cabin in Parker township. They
resided in this township until their death, which occurred in 1867 and 1862,
respectively. They were the parents of eight children, viz. : Rebecca J., wife
of Sloan Cochran; Lewis C. : William: Nancy, wife of Alexander Wally;
James H. ; Andrew C. : Mary Ann, and Levi B., the two last mentioned being
dead.
William Gibson, third child of Levi and Mary Ann Gibson, was born
upon the homestead farm in Parker township, April 14, 1836, and there grew to
manhood. lie learned the carpenter's trade in early life, and followed it for
some years. On November 4, 1858. he married Martha, a daughter of Tames
Wilson, and located upon a farm now within the borough limits of Petrolia,
which he operated and also worked at his trade. In September, 1864, he enlisted
in Company L, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served in the Army of
the Potomac under Sheridan, taking part in the Shenandoah campaign. He was
assigned to duty in the quartermaster's department and remained there until
July, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. Mrs. Gibson died January L6,
1886, the mother of the following children: Alfred L., deceased; James A.;
William .V.; Anna M. J., deceased; Ira C. ; George G., deceased, and Sarah
May. Mr. Gibson was again married June 11, 1887, to Nancy McGarvey, a
daughter of William McGarvey. Her father was horn in Donegal county, Ire-
land, July 17. 1800, came to the United States in 1830, and located in Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania. In 1885 he married Margaret Smith, who was born in
Butler county, May 23, 1805, to which union were born six children. Mrs.
McGarvey died December 19, 1876, and her husband. March 1(1, 1885. Mr. Gib-
son resided in Petrolia until 1888. In 1882 he was appointed postmaster of the
borough, and served for four years, and was also buigess and justice of the peace
for many years. In 1888 he took up his residence in Fairview borough, and in
1891 he was appointed oil inspector for Butler county. He and his wife are
members of the United Presbyterian church, of Fairview. He is connected with
J. G. Campbell I'o^t. G. A. R., of Petrolia. of which he has been treasurer for
many years.
William Fleming, a native of Armagh county, Ireland, was married in his
native land to Elizabeth Bartlev, a native of Tyrone county. In \7'J>. with his
wife and two children, he immigrated to Pennsylvania, and settled in Allegheny
county, on Pine run. In 1808 he removed with his family to Butler county,
entering a tract of government land on Bear Creek, near where the village of
Martinsburg now stands. They were among the first settlers of that locality.
Mr. Fleming and wife were members of the Covenanter church, in which body
he filled the office of elder. In 1834 he severed his connection with that organ-
ization and became a citizen of the United State-. He was a prosperous farmer,
99§ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and at one time owned 600 acres of land in Parker township. He died in that
township, July 19, 1847, in his eighty-fifth year. His widow survived him until
May 15, 1851, dying at the age of seventy-two years. They were the parents of
the following children : Edward : Hugh : John ; William D. ; Thomas; Robert ;
Johanna, who married James Jamison; Jane, who married Charles Roberts;
Eleanor, who became the wife of William Hartley; Jowanna, wife of John
Campbell, and Mary, who died unmarried.
Edward Fleming, eldest son of William and Elizabeth Fleming, was born
in Ireland, October 8, 17US. came to America with his parents in infancy, and
grew to manhood in Butler county, amidst the dangers and privations of pioneer
life. At the age of sixteen years he went to Pittsburg, where he learned the
bricklayer's trade, returning to Butler county in 1820. He was married that year
to Margaret Kelly, a daughter of Archibald ami Margaret Kelly, early settlers of
Parker township, where she was born, June 17. 1803. Mr. Fleming ami wife
resided in Parker township until their death, which occurred July 7. 1.^47, and
May 28, 1S74, respectively. Both were members of the United Presbyterian
church, of Fairview. They were the parents of the following children : Eliza-
beth, deceased; Margaret, wife of Andrew Graham, of Concord township; Will-
iam A., of Petrolia ; Martha J., wife of William Daubenspeck. of Parker town-
ship; Thomas S.. of the same township; Mary, wife of S. S. Keep, of Fairview
township; Johanna, deceased wife of John Crawford; Caroline, wife of Lewis
Gibson, of Parker township ; John E., of Oakland township, and Archibald, who
died in infancy.
William A. Fleming, eldest son of Edward and Margaret Fleming, was
born in Parker township, June 23, 1826. He was reared upon his father's farm,
and attended the subscription school of the period for a few weeks during the
winter seasons. At the age of seventeen years he commenced life for himsell as
a farm laborer, at ten dollars per month. When twenty-one years of age he
returned home to assist his widowed mother in carrying on the homestead farm,
and remained with her for the ensuing three years. On December 28, 1848,
he married Nancy Jane Graham, of Parker township, born in Venango county,
August 25, IS30, and a daughter of John Graham. They settled upon a farm in
Parker township, but later removed to Maple Furnace, where he spent eleven
years in the employ of M. S. Adams. lie afterwards located at Brady's Bend,
and filled the olbce of market house clerk for six years. At the expiration of
this time he returned to his farm in Butler county, removed to Petrolia in 1879,
and has since resided in that borough. Mrs. Fleming died December (>, 1892.
She was a consistent member of the Merhodist Episcopal church for fifty-four
years, having joined that organization when eight years of age. She was I he
mother of six children, viz.: Margaret J., deceased; Edward G, of Petrolia:
Flora M., wife of S. (i. Coffin, of Bradford; and John W.. Clara J., and George
IF. all of whom died in early youth. In 1890 Mr. Fleming was elected justice
of the peace, and in 1891 was chosen burgess, which position he still occupies.
He is connected with Oil City Lodge. F. & A. M., and is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, in which he has served as class leader forty-four years.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 999
Samuel Graham was a native of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and a veteran of
the Revolution, who settled near Carlisle at the close of the war. The ancestry
came from Ireland about 1700. and settled in Cumberland county. Samuel was
reared in that county, and in 17'JT came to Butler county and purchased a tract
of 200 acres in what is now Allegheny township, upon which he built a small
cabin. The following year he brought his family to his new home in the forest
of Butler county, where they began pioneer life. He was a soldier in the War
of 1812, and died at Meadville, in 1813, while in the service. His wife was
Nancy Jane Graham, and they were the parents of the following children :
Nancy, who married John Forquer ; Rebecca : John; James ; Betsey, who became
the wife of John Brandon : Andrew, and Bailey.
John Graham, eldest son of Samuel Graham, was born in Allegheny town-
ship, Butler county, May 1, 1800. After he grew to manhood he located at
Franklin, Pennsylvania, where he was manager of an iron furnace, later removed
to Parker township, Butler county, where he operated the iron mines for Maple
furnace. He died in Parker township in 1856. He married Mary Hill, who
survived him thirty-four years, dying in 1890. Their family consisted of the fol-
lowing children: Nancy J. , deceased wife of William A.Fleming; Pluvbe A.,
wife of George McMurrav ; George H.. of Fairview ; Florinda, wife of Edward
Morgan: Mary, deceased wife of James Rankin; Ruth, wife of Thomas Als-
worth ; Adelaide, who married Reed Campbell, and for her second husband,
William Herron. and Maggie, wife of Thomas Bartley, of West Virginia.
George H. Graham, only son of John and Mary Graham, was born in
Franklin, Pennsylvania, March 1, 1888, and returned with his parents to Butler
county at the age of eleven years. He obtained his primary education in the
common schools, and afterwards attended Allegheny College, at Meadville. He
then engaged in teaching, and taught at different periods from 1S40 until ls7d.
being principal of the West Sunbury Academy for three years. He took up mine
engineering, and i> a practical mine engineer, as well as a surveyor. He has been
engaged in mining and oil producing for some twenty years, but has made sur-
veving his principal business. Politically, he is an ardent Democrat, was elected
to the legislature in 1878, and has served as a jury commissioner of Butler county.
He has filled the office of school director in Fairview borough for fifteen years, and
that of burgess for five years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G.One Hundred
and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was commissioned as regimental
quartermaster, and later detailed as brigade quartermaster on General Paul's
staff. He was at the battles of Antietam, South Mountain. Fredericksburg and
Chancellorsville, and was discharged from the service in 1863, at the close of his
term of enlistment. Mr. Graham married Ella J.Wilson, a daughter of James
Wilson, of Fairview township, and has the following children : Clara, wite ot
J. C. McKee : Anna, a teacher in the schools of New Whatcome, Washington ;
John II. ; James W., and Ada. The family are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, and Mr. Graham is connected with the J. (i. Campbell Post, G. A.
R., of Petrolia. Mr. Graham was initiated in 1880 a member of Argyle Lodge,
Number 540, F. oc A. M., and was W. M. and secretary of the lodge for four
years each.
IOOO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
James Jameson was a son of John Jameson, who came from eastern Penn-
sylvania to Butler county at an early day. and entered a tract of land in Parker
township. The family are of Scotch-Irish extraction, the ancestors coming to
America prior to the Revolution. John Jameson was among the first settlers of
Parker township, and reared a family of several sons and daughters, lames being
one of the number. The latter grew to maturity upon his father's farm, and
married Jane Smith, a daughter of James Smith, also a pioneer of Parker town-
ship. Mrs. Jameson died upon the homestead in 1835, aged thirty-nine years.
ller husband survived many years, and died at the home of his son Thomas, in
Fairview township, in 1863, aged seventy-two. They were the parents of eight
children, six of whom grew to maturity, viz. : Elizabeth, and John B., both
deceased; Ann, deceased wife of William Carothers ; Tames, deceased ; Thomas;
Margaret, wife of A. H. Carothers; Rachel, wife of James A. Patterson, and
Hugh, deceased.
Thomas Jameson, son of James and Jane Jameson, was born in Parker
township, Butler county. July Ml, ls^7. His mother died when he was seven
years old, and he was taken into the home of Mrs. Margaret Cochran, of Venango
township, with whom he lived until sixteen years of age, then returned to Parker
township and worked by the day or month at whatever he could find to do. He
subsequently went to Cherry township, and there engaged at the carpenter's
trade, which he followed some years. In December, 1849, he married Polly
Smith, of Cherry township, who died in 1851. In 1852 he was married to Nancy
J. McElvain, a daughter of George and Mary A. McElvain, of the same town-
ship. They located on their present farm in Fairview township in March, 1859.
Mr. Jameson purchased seventy-six acres, and their first resilience was a small
plank house, which has since been replaced by a large and commodious structure.
Many other improvements have been made, and the farm increased to 240 acres.
Thev are the parents of eleven children as follows : Almira. deceased ; Sarah
J., wife of J. II. Chatham; George M.. of Pittsburg; William B.. a practicing
physician of Philadelphia ; Ella, deceased; M. Alice; Alvin J., deceased; John
S. ; Emma '/..: Flora J., and Fred II. Mr. Jameson and wife are members of
the United Presbyterian church, of Fairview. He is an anient Republican,
takes a commendable interest in public affairs, and has served in the various
township offices, and three years as a jury commissioner. Mr. Jameson is one of
the substanial, representative farmers of Fairview township.
John Sutton was born in the year IS0O, and was a son of Joseph and
Sarah Sutton, natives of New Jersey, who came to Futler county at an early day
and settled in what is now Concord township, where both resided down to their
death. John was reared amidst pioneer surroundings, and endured the hardships
and trials of that period. He married Mary Sutton, a daughter1 of Piatt and
Elizabeth Sutton, and settled upon a tract of land in what is now Concord town-
ship, where he resided for many years. He died in Parker township about 1860,
and his wife at the home oi her son, John, in ( >il City, some years later. To
them were born eight children, as follows: Joseph, deceased; Jeremiah, who
resides in Parker township; Jonathan D., deceased; Eliza J., deceased wife of
Joseph Rumbaugh ; James ]., of Fairview township : John, of Parker township;
ffiUn'iM /JmvhJte-^K.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I OO T
Sarah Nancy, wife of Robert Morrow, of Warren county, and Mary, wife of
David Montgomery, of Venango county.
James J. Sutton, son of John and Mary Sutton, was born in Concord
township, Butler county, January IS, 18*54. His boyhood day- were passed upon
his father's farm, and he obtained a limited education in the lug school house of
his district, which he attended for a few months in the winter seasons. When
about ten years of age he removed with his parents to Armstrong county, lived
there about nine years, and then returned to Butler county, where he attained
his majority. On January IS, 1859, he married Harriet, a daughter of Matthew
and Sarah Brown, born in Fairview township, March 11, 1837. Matthew
Brown was a son of John Brown, a native of Ireland, who settled in what is now
Fairview township at an early day. In 1861 Mr. Sutton located at Buena Vista,
where he has since resided. In September, 1804, he enlisted in Company B.
Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers. His company was assigned to service as a
part of the First Division, Ninth Army Corps, of the Army of the Potomac. lie
served until the close of the war, was with his regiment in the grand review at
Washington, and was honorably discharged in June, 1805. He returned to his
home, and in 1870 was appointed the first postmaster of Peachville, serving in
that capacity until 1888, since which time he has lived a retired life at Buena
Vista. He owns a valuable farm of eighty-four acres in Fairview township, and
is interested in oil producing. In politics, he is a stanch Republican, anil has
always taken an active interest in political matters. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton are
members of Zion Lutheran church, in which body he has served as deacon and
elder. They are the parents of one daughter, Leni Luemma, wife of W. 1).
Dart, of Buena Vista.
George Kixg, one of the well known older citizens of Fairview township,,
was born in Armstrong county. May 3, 1820, son of Jonathan and Elizabeth
King. His father was a native of Westmoreland county, came to Armstrong
county with his parents, who settled at Brady's Bend, there married and after-
wards served one term as sheriff of that county. At the age of eleven years
George was bound out to a family for his board and clothing until his seventeenth
year. He then worked by the month as a farm hand, receiving his board and-
clothes and eighteen dollars in cash for his first season's work. Thus he laid the
foundation of an industry and economy which served him well in after years. ( >n
November 14, 1848, he married Magdalena Kamerer. a daughter of David and
Catherine Kamerer, a native of Armstrong county, born May 24, 1881. They
immediately settled upon the farm where they now reside, which was then com-
paratively unimproved, taking up their abode in a little log cabin surrounded by
forest trees. Of the eight children born to them, seven grew to maturity, viz. :
John H. ; Daniel S. ; Catherine A., wife of George Hiles : Elizabeth, deceased
wife of Louis Kieffer ; Jared D. : Margaret, wife of William Corbett, and Aaron
A. Mr. King and wife are members of Oak Grove German Reformed church,
and in politics, he was originally a Whig and afterwards a Republican.
Daniel S. King, second son of George and Magdalena King, was born in
Fairview township, Butler county. March 81, 1852. At the age of sixteen Mar-
he went to Brady's Bend, and learned the butcher's trade with Joseph Hertweck,
1002 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
who afterwards became his father-in-law, with whom he remained four years.
In lsTo he came to Butler county, and in partnership with his brother, John II.,
engaged in the butchering business. He later became interested in the oil indus-
try as a pumper, subsequently as a producer, 'and has now a good production.
Mr. King was married November 9, 1880, to Annie Hertweck, a native of But-
ler. Her father. Joseph Hertweck, was born in Germany, October 27, ls-'>-'..
immigrated to the United States, and October 28, 1854, was married at Butler to
Philomina Geiser, also a native of Germany. They resided in Butler some
years, thence removed to Brady's Bend, where Mr. Hertweck died September
12. 1888. Mr. and Mrs. King have had the following children: Charles Syl-
vester ; Joseph George, deceased; Catherine C. ; Cora Maude; Dora Ellen; Will-
iam John, deceased, and Rose Emma, deceased. Mr. King is an active Republi-
can, and he is connected with Millerstown Lodge, K. of P.
John II. King, eldest son of George and Magdalena King, was born in
Fairview township. Butler county, January 21, 1850, and remained with his par-
ents helping them to clear ami improve the farm until he attained his majority.
He then went to East Brady, and followed the bricklayer's trade four years. In
1ST;! he engaged in the butchering and meat business with his brother, Daniel S.,
and later embarked in the oil industry, as a pumper and producer, to which he
still devotes his attention. On August 9, 1883, he married Maggie J., a daughter
of Leonard and Christina Kavlor, of Armstrong county, where she was born
October 28, 1863. Two children have been born to this union, one of whom is
living, Lillie May. Mr. King is a stanch Republican, ami is connected with
Derrick Lodge. K. of P., at Karns City.
John Ellenberger, a native of Armstrong county, married Elizabeth
Fair, and resided for many years in his native county. lie afterwards removed
to Butler county, settling on a farm in Fairview township, upon which he resided
down to his death, in 1881, aged eighty-one years. His widow died on the old
homestead in Armstrong county, in 1891, aged eighty-nine years. They reared
a family of seven sons and two daughters, of whom the following survive :
Simon, of Armstrong county; William; )ohn ; Jacob, and Charles, all residents
of Fairview township, and Enos, of Oakland township.
WlLLIAM Eli.exbekger, son of John and Elizabeth Ellenberger. was
born on the homestead in Armstrong county, December 2-3, 1826. His boy-
hood class were -pent beneath the parental roof, and his education was obtained
in the pioneer log school house of the neighborhood. In 18-49 Mr. Ellenberger
came to Butler county and located in Fairview township. On February 14, 1850,
be married Harriet Keep, a native of Butler county, and a daughter of Henry
and Fannie Reep. Her father came from eastern Pennsylvania to Butler county
at an early day. and married here, his wife being a native of Armstrong county.
He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died upon his farm, one mile north of
Fairview, September '.I, 1859. His widow died August 1'.). 1871) in her seventy-
sixth year. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ellenberger located on a
farm in Fairview township. The land was comparatively unimproved, their
first home being a little log cabin in which they lived for three years. They then
removed to another farm near by, where they resided until 1892, and then located
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IOO3
in the village of Fairview. They are members of St. Peter's Reformed church,
of Fairview, in which he tills the office of elder. Ten children have been born
to them, as follows : Mary E., wife of Samuel T. Dodd ; Jemima, wife of W. H.
Reisinger ; William f. ; Henry Isaiah, deceased; Margaret E., wife of J". I!.
Bickey ; Lucinda C, wife of William C. Hart; Fannie J., wife of T- Eberhardt ;
Adela Laura, wife of H. W. Hays; Chambers Austin, and Simon P., deceased.
Though formerly a Republican, Mr. Ellenberger is now a Prohibitionist. lie
has served as overseer of the poor and is a member of the borough council. By
industrv and economy he has accumulated a handsome competence, and is recog-
nized as one of the substantial citizens of the community.
Isaac Ellenhekgeu, a son of John and Elizabeth Ellenberger, was born in
Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1821, and grew to maturity beneath
the parental roof. In ls4(j he married Elizabeth Reep, a native of Fairview
township, born June 21, 1821. Her father, Henry Reep, married Fannie Utter-
man, and both he and wife died in Fairview township. The subject of this
sketch located in Fairview township, near Buena Vista, after his marriage, but
settled upon the farm where his widow now resides in 1853. Here he died on
February 1, 1861. He was the father of six children, as follows: John Henry;
Fanny, wife of Frederick Kamerer; Isaac, and Marv. both deceased; Amos W..
and Walter I., deceased.
Amos W. Ellenberger, son of Isaac and Elizabeth Ellenberger. was born
in Fairview township, June 16, 1856, and has spent his entire life in this com-
munity. He resides upon the old homestead farm and devotes his attention
to agriculture, though he has also some oil production. Mr. Ellenberger was
married June 15, 1882, to Emma D., a daughter of William and Rosa Lange, of
Oakland township, to which union have been born five children, viz. : Mary E. ;
Walter; Blanche, deceased; Rosa C, and Minnie F. Politically, he is a standi
Republican.
Charles Swartzlander was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in June,
1822, son of Abraham and Elizabeth Swartzlander. When Charles was seven
years old his parents removed to Armstrong county, making the trip in a covered
wagon drawn by three horses, our subject walking much of the distance. His
father purchased a claim in Armstrong county, upon which he subsequently set-
tled, and both he and wife died there. Charles grew to maturity in that county
amid the scenes and hardships of pioneer days, attending school in a little log
building with the rudest furnishings of the period. When fourteen years of age
he worked six months for fifty dollars. In 1843 he came to Butler county and
worked at the carpenter's trade, having served an apprenticeship of two years at
that business. On May li, 1S47. he married Phoebe Pontius, a daughter of
Gabriel and Mary Pontius. She was born on the Pontius homestead in Donegal
township, September i':!, 1828, and is the mother of the following children:
Harvey (>.; Amos G., deceased; Samuel M. ; William J., and Mary A. M.,
deceased. In politics, Mr. Swartzlander is a Republican. Ilis wife is a mem-
ber of the English Lutheran church, and the family are adherents of that faith.
Their son, Harvey O., was born April It). 1S4S. in Fairview township, and has
1004 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
always followed the vocation of a farmer. He is a member of Karns City Lodge,
I. O. O. F., which he joined September ',), 1876. Politically, he is an ardent
Republican.
Isaac Kepple was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, December
2'2, 1817. His father, Lewis Kepple, removed from eastern Pennsylvania to
Westmoreland county, in early manhood, and there married Christina Kline.
Eleven children were born to this union, five of whom survive, viz. : John, a
resident of Armstrong county ; Isaac, of Butler county ; Daniel, of Iowa; Jona-
than, who reside-- in this county, and Mrs. Margaret Barnhart, of Oakland town-
ship. The subject of this sketch grew to maturity in his native county, assisting
in the farm duties, wearing home-made clothing, and helping his mother to
prepare the tlax and wool from which the clothing for the family was made
upon the home loom. He attended the subscription schools of his period, and
shared the trials and hardships of pioneer days. When eighteen years of age his
father died, and Isaac started out for himself, as a farm hand, receiving tor his
labor from forty to fifty cents per day. He later found employment upon the
Pennsylvania canal, afterwards rented the old homestead in Westmoreland
county, which he tilled for a number of years, and then purchased a farm of his
own in that county. In 1848 Mr. Kepple sold his property, came to Butler
county, and located upon his present farm in Fairview township, near Buena
A ista. Here he has since resided, but has greatly improved the place during the
passing years. ( )il was found upon his farm in paving quantities, and at
one time there were eleven producing wells upon it. He still has a good pro-
duction from two independent wells. Mr. Kepple was married October 16,
1 850, to Mary, a daughter of George and Catherine (Barnhart) Thorn, early
settlers of Butler count}'. She was born in Fairview township. September 3,
L 828, and is. the mother of five children, viz. : Angeline ; William: Winfield ;
Addison, and one who died in infancy. The family are members of the
Reformed church, and in politics. Mr. Kepple is an ardent Republican.
William Heron, a farmer and producer, was born in Toronto. Ontario,
May 17. 1837, son of Adam and Hannah (Ashberrv) Heron, natives of Scotland
and England, respectively. They were married in England, thence went to Canada
and later came to Pennsylvania, where the father died and where the mother
still resides. William began life for himself working upon a farm when twelve
years of age. In 1804 he came to Titusville, Venango county, where he engaged
as a pumper in the oil fields. In 1873 he located at Karns City, where he
followed the oil industry, and afterwards purchased an interest in a well on the
J. B. Campbell farm. He followed producing for some years, and in the spring
ot 1883 purchased the Campbell farm, consisting of 186 acres, upon which he
has since resided. Mr. Heron was married in 1866, to Emma Ilobbs . anative of
Canada, to which union were born six children, viz. : Minnie, deceased ; Charles
E. ; Archie J. ; James A. ; Cora E., and Belle, deceased. Mrs. Heron died in
1884, and he was again married, February 15, 1887, to Mrs. Ada E. Campbell,
widow of James R. Campbell, by whom she had the following children : Xancy
Jane, deceased; Cora J., deceased, and Lulu M. Mrs. Heron is a daughter of
John and Mary Graham, and a native of Allegheny township, Butler county.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IOC<5
By her marriage to Mr. Heron she is the mother of one daughter, Emma,
deceased. In politics, Mr. Heron is a Republican. lie is a member of Argyle
Lodge, Number 540. F. & A. M.
Nicholas Pontius, one of the well known and prominent citizens of Fair-
view township, was born in Prussia, Germany, April 18, 1832, son of Charles
and Elizabeth (Hartwick) Pontius, natives of Prussia. Charles Pontius was a
shoemaker, and came to the United States, with his wife and six children, in
1S45, landing at Baltimore, and thence proceeding to Pittsburg, where he fol-
lowed his trade. Later he settled on a farm in Washington county, Ohio, where
both he and wife died. Thev were the parents of six children, three of whom
are living, viz. : Charles, a merchant of Cameron, Ohio; Nicholas, and Caroline,
wife of Gottlieb Fox. of Virginia. The subject of this sketch spent his bovhood
days in his native land, where he received a common school education. He was
thirteen years of age when his parents came to the United States, the voyage across
the Atlantic in a sailing vessel consuming fifty six days. After arriving at Pittsburg
he entered a furniture manufactory, and served an apprenticeship of three years as
a finisher, receiving three dollars per week and later four dollars per week during
his apprenticeship, lie afterwards worked as a journeyman until 1862, in which
vear he located at Millerstown, Butler county, and engaged in the mercantile
business. In 1S04 he removed to Buena Vista, where he continued in business
until 1878, in which vear he retired. In the meantime he had embarked in the
oil industry, and now owns 140 acres of good land with a profitable production,
lie is also interested in the eastern belt, is one of the leading producers of his
localitv, and at one time owned an interest in fifty-six wells in the Millerstown
field. He is a stockholder in the Producers Pipe Line Company, and was one of
the original stockholders in the German Oil Refinery at Brady's Bend, which
was afterwards purchased by the Standard Oil Company. In 1852 Mr. Pontius
was married, in Pittsburg, to Christina Wolfe, a native of Saxony, Germany, who
came to Butler county with her parents when live years of age. To this union
has been born one son, Edward, who died in infancy. Politically. Mr. Pontius
is a Republican, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. In 1878 he and his wife
spent the summer on a visit to their native land, enjoving a portion of the fruits
which his industry and economy accumulated. He has been a very successful
business man, and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the county.
Robert O. Shira was born in Washington township. Butler countv.
June 10, 1839, son of David and Maria Shira. He was reared upon the
homestead farm, and enlisted in Company II, One Hundred and Second Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, in September. 1861. He served with his regiment in the
Ar ny of the Potomac, and participated in the battles of Williamsburg and Fair
Oaks. He was wounded in the latter fight, by a gun shot through the right
thigh, and was taken prisoner, but when the rebels were driven back he was left
upon the field for dead. He was sent to the hospital at Davis Island, and when
sufficiently recovered was granted a furlough. He returned to the hospital and
was sent to Bedloe's Island, and honorably discharged, on a surgeon's certificate,
for disability. In February, 1864. he re-enlisted in his old company and regiment,
was soon promoted to second lieutenant of Company B, Sixth Heavy Artillery.
I006 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and did good service until the close of the war. lie was honorably discharged
in [une, 1865, and participated in the grand review at Washington. In 1868
Mr. Sliira married Clara E. Graham; they resided in Washington township until
her death. November (j, 1879. She was the mother of four children, viz. : Flora
,E., deceased; Victor E. ; Edith E., and one that died in infancy. Mr. Shira
was again married, October 5, 1888, to Margaret Hays. They removed to Fair-
view borough in the fall of 1898, where they have since resided. They are mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican, and a
member of the G. A. R.
Kenneth McIxtosh was born in Inverness, Scotland, June 10. 1834,
son of William and Isabel Mcintosh. In ls4'.t he came with his parents to
Chautauqua county, New York, anil at the age of sixteen years began working
on a farm as a laborer, a position affording him much hart! work but little pay.
About 1857 lie went west, and for several years dealt successfully in real estate
in Iowa. Wisconsin and Minnesota. Returning to New York he engaged in
fanning ami the dairy business until 1873, in which year he settled in Butler
county, and engaged with the Angell Oil Company, as farm superintendent. In
the spring of 1879 he purchased and located upon his present farm of 130 acres,
at Fairmont, which he has greatly improved in every way. In 1S61 Mr. Mcin-
tosh married Rose A. Belding, of Stockton, Xew York, and has three chil-
dren, viz.: Lizzie M.. wife of M. A. Lee; Edward E., and Addie. Mrs. Mc-
intosh died in 18S8. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
of Karns City. Politically, he is a Republican, and is one of the leading farmers
of his township.
Patrick R. Burke was born in Brooklyn, Xew York, March 17. L848,
son of James and Mary Ryan (Rvan) Burke, natives of Ireland. His father
came to Brooklyn in early manhood, where he followed contracting and building,
was married in that city to Mary Ryan, and spent the remaining years of his life
there. I lis widow lives in Cleveland, Ohio. They were the parents of two
children, Patrick R. being the only survivor. He lived in Brooklyn until four-
teen years of age, and attended a private school in that city. In 1862 lie
removed with his mother to Cleveland, and there entered St. Mary's College,
where he remained until the spring of 1866. In June of that year he located at
Franklin, V^enango county, and engaged as a pumper at Coal City. In the
spring of 1 s7-> he settled at Karns City, where he accepted the position of book-
keeper with the lumber firm of Rogers & Allen, with whom he remained until
May 14, 1875, when he embarked in the mercantile business in that borough, as
a partner with II. P. Meclimans. In September. 1875, Mr. Burke became sole
proprietor and conducted the business until 1888, in which year he retired be-
cause of ill health. He afterwards devoted his entire attention to his oil inter-
ests in Butler and McKean counties, and is now the owner of two producing
farms in Fairview township. Mr. Burke was married November 4. 1874, to Ada
Z., a daughter of Hugh P. and Margaret (Campbell) Meclimans, and of the
eight children born to Ibis union, six survive: Franklin K. ; Carrie Maude;
Cleveland R.; Ellen J. ; Eliza, and Eugene. Politically, he has always been an
ardent Democrat ; was twice a delegate to State conventions; filled the office
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IOO7
of burgess of Karns City, and is now serving his fourteenth consecutive
year as a member of the school board. He is a Past I). 1). (i. M. in the A.
O. L*. W., and was the prime mover in establishing Karns City Lodge, of which
he was elected first officer and is at present treasurer. He was also one of the
organizers and first N. G. in Karns Citv Lodge, Number 931, I. O. O. F.. in
which he is past D. D. G. M., and treasurer of the lodge for ten years. He is a
prominent member of the Masonic order, and is connected with Parker Lodge,
also with the chapter, commandery, and consistory, in which he has taken the
:'.2nd degree. Mr. Burke is a prominent citizen of the community, in which he
has extensive business interests, and has done his full share towards building up'
the social and material prosperity of the borough.
George E. McGill, oil producer of Karns Citv, was born in Springfield,
Massachusetts, October 1, 1845, son of George and Sarah McGill. When our
subject was five years old his mother died, and his father removed to Chautauqua
county, New York, where he died in 1857. At the age of thirteen years, George
E. was thrown upon his own resources, but by industry and economy he soon
acquired sufficient funds to enable him to enter the academy at Westtield. New
York, and graduated from that institution three years later. After a short time
spent upon a farm, he found employment in the oil fields of Venango county, as
an engineer, but soon accpiired some leases and began drilling. His efforts proved
unsuccessful, the first seven wells he put down coming in dry, and at the age of
twentv years he found himself a bankrupt and $3,000 in debt. This would have
discouraged a man of less determination, but with indomitable energy he per-
severed, and securing a small lease on the Foster farm, soon had a well producing
200 barrels a day. This was the turn of the tide in his fortune, and he subse-
quently became one of the well known operators in that famous field. He also
conducted extensive operations in Warren county, and established the Commer-
cial Club Livery, at Titusville. at an outlay of $22,000. In July, 1872, he came to
Butler county and put down the second well on the McClymond's farm, at Karns
City, which came in at 125 barrels a day, and he has ever since been prominently
identified with the oil industry of Butler county. He is a Republican in politics,
and has served as a member of the Karns City council. Mr. McGill is proud of the
fact that he was one of the originators and charter members of the Titusville ( >il
Exchange, the tirst established in this country.
George Beck, proprietor of the Producers Refinery, Karns City, was born
in Wurtemburg, Germany, February 8, 1852, son of John George and Anna
Maria Beck, natives of Wurtemburg, where his mother still resides at a ripe old
age. The subject of this sketch grew to maturity in his native land, and there
received a common school education. In ls74 he immigrated to Pennsylvania
and located at Modoc, Butler countv, where he engaged in the oil business with
his brother John, who had settled in this countv in 1N72. He remained at Modoc
until 187*3, then came to Karns City and operated in that field. In 1878 they
purchased the Producers Refinery, and carried on the business until the death of
John Beck, in January. Is*. 14, since which event George has been sole proprietor.
The works have a capacity of fifty barrels of distilled petroleum a day, allot
which is used in this section of the country. Mr. Beck was married in 1879, to
IOOS HISTORY OF BUTLER COCNTY.
Anna Maria Bezler. a native of Wurtemburg, and is the father of five children :
Annie M. ; Minnie B. ; Clara K. ; John A, and Walter W. He is a stanch
Democrat, and is a member of the borough council. He is connected with Der-
rick Lodge, K. of P., also with Karns City Lodge, I. O. O. F. Mr. Beck takes
an active interest in public movements and is an enterprising and progressive
citizen. By close attention to his business affairs he has accumulated through
the passing years a handsome competence, the result of his own inherent industry
and business ability.
P. D. Sherwin, proprietor of the Enterprise Coal Works, at Karns City,
was born in .Schuylkill county. Pennsylvania. November 5, 1848. His parents,
Samuel and Dinah Sherwin. natives of England, immigrated to Pennsylvania
ami settled in Schuylkill county, his father engaging in the coal industry. His
mother died in 1857, aged thirty-three years. His father died at Karns City in
1888, aged sixty-six years. The subject of this sketch was the eldest in a family
of six children, and gained a practical knowledge of mining in boyhood. In 1800
he went to Richmond, Virginia, and took charge of the Deep Run coal mine in
Henrico county, of that State. In L869, owing to the prevalence of fever and
ague, he returned to Elk county. Pennsylvania, and took charge of the King
mines under his father. In 1871 he went Monterey, Clarion county, Pennsyl-
vania, and with his father leased the Miller Edie mine, and in 1873 they leased
the Rattlesnake mine for three years. In 1870 Mr. Sherwin came to Karns City,
and with his father embarked in the coal industry. In April, 1888, he opened
the Enterprise Coal "Works, the most completely equipped and largest works in
this section of the county. In 1894 he leased and remodeled the Standard mine
on the Pittsburg, Shenangoand Lake Erie railroad, in Clay township. Mr. Sher-
win was married June 28, 1871, to Annie Blackett, a native of England and a
daughter of John Blackett. who came to the United States with his family when
she was an infant. Seven children are the fruits of this union, as follows:
Samuel; John B.; William E. ; James G. ; Gracie B. ; Charles P.. and Hattie,
deceased. Politically, Mr. Sherwin is a Republican, and is one of the enterpris-
ing citizens of the community.
George Straxce, engineer in charge of the National Transit Company's
pump station, at Karns City, was born at Glean, New York, December 19, 1859,
son of John and Catherine Strance, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany. John
'Strance immigrated in early manhood to New York, his wife also coming to the
same State in girlhood. They were married and resided in New York for some
years, but removed to Warren county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Strance died,
and where his widow still resides. George is the fifth child in a family of four
sons and two daughters, and commenced in life for himself at the age of sixteen
years, coming to Petrolia. Butler county, where he entered the employ of the
Western Union Telegraph Company as messenger boy, and devoted his spare
moments towards acquiring a knowledge of telegraphy. In August, 187'.*. he
was placed in charge of the Western Union office at Karns City, and on Novem-
ber 5 of that year he accepted a situation as operator in the office of the National
Transit Company. The following year he was promoted to the position of
engineer, which he has occupied for the past fourteen years. He is the architect
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IOO9
of his own good fortune, having commenced at the bottom round of the ladder.
When a messenger boy at Petrolia his meager earnings would scarcely make
ends meet, but by strict attention to business and a due regard for the interests
of his employer, lie won the promotion he has since enjoyed. Mr. Strance was
married November 21. 1893, to Miss Tillie Stone, of Millerstown, and has two
children. Me is a member of Derrick Lodge. K. of 1'.. also of Karns City Lodge,
I. O. O. F.. and is connected with the Encampment, at Parker. lie is independ-
ent in his political views, and has been a member of the school board for six
years, during five of which he tilled the office of secretary of the board.
Joseph Earhart was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, March 1(1,
1827, son of David and Catherine (Altman) Earhart, pioneers of Indiana county.
His father was born December 4, 1789, and his mother in 1788. They resided
near Blairsville until 1838, whence they removed to near the town of Indiana.
In 1*4") they removed to Scott county, Iowa, which they made their home the
balance of their lives. David Earhart died in Armstrong count}-. June 3, 1848,
while on a visit to his son. Rev. D. Earhart ; his wife died in Iowa at the age of
eightv-two years. Thev were the parents of eleven children, nine sons and two
daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, and seven of the number are still living.
Joseph was the ninth child, and spent his boyhood davs with his parents. The
first school he attended was held in a log building twenty feet square, erected by
his father, and furnished in the primitive manner of that period. In 1845 he
went to Scott count)", Iowa, with his parents, who settled on a farm near Daven-
port. In 1847 he returned to Armstrong county, served an apprenticeship at the
tinner's trade, and followed that business for some vears. In 1852 he embarked
in merchandising, and in 1856 located at Butler as a member of the firm of A. G.
Boyd & Company, general merchants. He sold his interest in 1858 and returned
to Armstrong county, and the following year entered the mercantile business at
Worthington, where he carried on down to 1883. In that year he established a
mercantile business at Karns City, Butler county, which he conducted until 1892.
He then retired to his present farm, one mile south of Karns'City, upon which
he has a good oil production. Mr. Earhart was married March 1(1, 1853, to Mar-
garet J. Boyd, a daughter of John Boyd, Esq.. a prominent deceased citizen of
Armstrong county. Eleven children were born to this union, as follows : Sarah
A., deceased wife of P. M. Graff; William P., deceased; Ada F.. wife of Rev.
C. A. Cummings: Anna M., wife of A. M. McCollough ; C. Josephine, wife of
R. M. Hunter; Lyda B. ; Mary W. ; Charles II., a practicing physician; Harry
B. ; Olive Gertrude, and Frances E. The family are connected with the Presby-
terian church, in which Mr. Earhart has filled the office of elder. Politically, he
is a Republican , and when Lee invaded Pennsylvania he closed his store and
went to Harrisburg as a member of the Home Guards, thus exhibiting his patriot-
ism, love of country, and devotion to his native State, of which he is justly proud.
Jacob W. Glossnei: was born in Eagleville, Centre countv, Pennsylvania,
March 28, 1849, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Glossner, natives of Ger-
many, who immigrated to the United Stales. Thev were the parents of six
children, of whom the following still survive; George, of Clinton countv;
Christopher; Jacob W., and Elizabeth, wife of folm Sloan, of Harrisburg.
IOIO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
When Jacob VV. was about six years of age his father died. His mother subse-
quently married James S lyers, an I died when our .subject was a lad of thirteen,
lie was then thrown upon bis own resources, anil found employment as a driver
upon the Pennsylvania canal. On August 26, 1864, being then only fifteen years
of age, he enlisted in Company D. Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, which
was assigned to service in the First Brigade, First Division. Second Army Corp.
He participated in the siege of Petersburg, the battles of Gravelly Run. Hatcher's
Run, and the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, and was also with his regiment in
the grand review at Washington. I Ie was honorably discharged at Philadelphia,
June 8, 1865 His brother Daniel served three years in the Forty-fifth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers. After the war closed Mr. Glossner engaged as a lumberman,
and in 1871 embarked in the butcher business. In the fall of 1ST? he came to
Butler county, located at Millerstown, and engaged in the oil business. In 188(3
he established a meat market at Karns City, which he still continues, besides
being interested in the oil industry as a producer. Mr. Glossner is a Republican,
has been quite active in politics, and was elected burgess of his borough in 1888,
and has tilled that position by successive re-elections up to the present. He has
also served upon the school board, and is one of the progressive enterprising cit-
izens of the town. He is a member of Robert McDermott Post, G. A. R., of
Millerstown. ami is connected with Derrick Lodge, Number 456, K. of P., of
Karns City. Mr. Glossner was married September I'd, 1882, to Sarah, a daugh-
ter of John and Mary A. (Dickey) White, a native of Butler county. Four
children are the fruits of this union, viz. : Harry D. ; Frederick L. ; Mary Alice,
and Grace A. Mrs. Glossner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of
Karns City.
George L. Hilliard, general merchant. Karns City, was born in Jefferson
county, Pennsylvania, November 23, 1861, son of Simon and Lydia Hilliard,
natives of Armstrong and Centre counties, respectively. His father was a black-
smith, and followed that occupation down to his death, in 1885. His mother
now makes her home with our subject. George L. is the sixth in a family of
seven children. He received a good public school education, and at the age of
fifteen years commenced life as a newsboy on the railroad, to which he devoted
his attention for two years. lie next spent some time in the lumber regions of
Pennsylvania, where he experienced the hardships and privations of a lumber-
man's life. At the age of eighteen he returned to Foxburg, and found employ-
ment as a brakeman on what is now the Pittsburg and Western railroad. He
rose rapidly, and when be resigned his position in 1888, he was acting in the
capacity of passenger conductor. He went to California in that year, ami for
I be following three years was a conductor on the Atlantic and Pacific railroad.
In 1891 he returned to Karns City, and established his present mercantile busi-
ness. Mr. Hilliard is a member of Fox Lodge, Number 825, I. ( ). ( ). F., which
be joined when twenty-one years of age, and is also connected with Valley
Lodge. A. O. (J. W., of Foxburg. He has been a member of Hawkins Division,
Number J 1 1, O. of R. C., at Pittsburg, for nine years. In 1890 be married Miss
Mary Joy. of Foxburg. a native of Cornwall, England, who came to the United
States with her parents when lour years of age. Both In- and wife are members
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Karns City, in which he tills the offices of
trustee and assistant superintendent of the Sunday school. Mrs. Milliard
lakes an active interest in woman's work ami is president of the local branch of
the Epworth League, in which her husband has charge of the literary work.
Chambers Scott, deceased, was a son of Robert Scott, a native of Scot-
land, who came to Butler, Pennsylvania, about 181 1, where he spent the balance
of his life. The subject of this sketch was born in the borough of Butler in
1829. He learned the saddler's trade, and aboul 1840 established himself in the
harness and saddlery business at Fairview. Being a careful and correct business
man. he prospered from the beginning, and finally engaged in general mer-
chandising, which he continued down to his death, August 1. 1887. He was a
public-spirited and progressive citizen, and held various official positions in Fair-
view borough and township. In 1850 Mr. Scott married Elizabeth Campbell,
born in Derry county, Ireland, in 1830. Eleven children were the fruits of this
union, viz. : William II., of Garden City, Kansas; Mary, wife of YV. II. Jame-
son; Salina; Campbell McK. ; Robert C. ; Minerva, wife of O. W. Akins;
Laura M.. wife of Samuel Campbell: John C, of Chicago; Nora, wife of
C. Rankin:' Rhinalda P., and Flossie E. Mr. Scott was a prominent member of
the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his political views, a Republican. Mrs.
Scott resides in Fairview. and is a respected member of the United Presbyterian
church. The business is still conducted by Mrs. Scott and her children, being
under the personal supervision of her son. Robert C, who. since the death of his
father, has carried it on successfully.
James Maxwell was bom in Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, in
1S00, and came to Butler county with his two older brothers. William and John
L., when a lad of sixteen years of age. settling near the town of Butler. In 1820
he married Rebecca Carson, a native of Lawrence county, and settled at Mt.
Jackson. Lawrence county, where he followed the hatter's trade. In 1831 he
removed to Butler, where he continued the same business for several years. In
1838 he lived on the farm now the site of the Orphan's Home, and superin-
tended the erection of the building occupied by that institution. In 1840, after
a short residence in Donegal township, he removed to a farm near Middletown,
where he died. January 5, 1870. His widow .survived him five years, dying in
March, 1875. They were the parents of twelve children, only two of whom are
living, viz. : Robert T.. of Bradford, and James ].. of Fairview.
James J. Maxwell, son of James and Rebecca Maxwell, was born at Mt.
Jackson, Lawrence county, on the Ohio side of the line. August 18, 1831, came
to Butler with his parents the same year and grew to maturity in this county.
He was educated in the log school house of those day-, walking two and a half miles
through the forest to obtain the meager advantages which the schools of that
period afforded. When fourteen years of age he commenced to learn the mould-
er's trade at Fairview. and followed that business as a journeyman for several
years. Mr. Maxwell was married October 25, 1858, to Sarah J. McMurray, a
daughter of Alexander McMurray an early settler of Marion township, Butler
county, and a soldier in the Black Hawk war. In 1855 they removed to Harris-
ville, where Mr. Maxwell carried on a foundry tor three years, then returned to
IOI2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Fairviev and engaged in the same business, which he conducted until 1872, and
then sold out. In 1874 he embarked in the liven business, which he has con-
ducted up to th,e present. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell have had a family of six daugh-
ters and one son, five of whom are living, viz. : Eliza j. ; Mary A. : Margaret E.;
Ella, and James M. The family are adherents of the Presbyterian church.
Politically, Mr. Maxwell was first a Whig, later a Know-Nothing, and finally a
Republican, lie has served in the borough council and on tin- school board. He
has been a member of Connoquenessing Lodge, Number 278, I- O. ( >. F., since
1853, and is connected with Liberty Lodge, K. of II., m which he has passed
the chairs and is now financial reporter.
Samuel Evkes, retired merchant and farmer, was born in Clarion county,
Pennsylvania, January 23, 1830, son of John and Jane Evkes. both of whom
died when Samuel was a child. He was thus thrown upon his own resources,
and at the age of fourteen years was working among strangers for his board and
clothes. He found employment in the iron mills of his native county, and in the
mines at Brady's Bend, Carefully saving his earnings, he was finally able to
purchase a farm in Perry township, Armstrong county, upon which he resided
many years and still owns. In 1867 he came to Fairview and engaged in mer-
chandising, and conducted a store until burned out, February 20, ls77. He pur-
chased eighty-six acres of valuable land adjoining the borough, upon which he
has two oil wells, and devotes his attention to farming. In 1851 Mr. Evkes was
married to Catherine Reese, a native of Cambria county, and has one son, Sam-
uel David. Both he and wile are members of the Presbyterian church.
Politically, he is a Republican, and has served in the borough council and on the
school board.
Robert Hays was born in Donegal county. Ireland, in 1812, and came to
Pennsylvania with his parents when twelve years of age. The family located in
Armstrong county, where his parents resided until their death. Robert was
reared in that county, his first home being a little log cabin in the midst of a
forest, where wolves, bears and deer roamed at will. He married Deborah
McKee, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret ( Blaine) McKee, and settled upon
the I lays homestead in Armstrong county, devoting his attention to agricultu-
ral pursuits. They resided there until L876, in which year they removed to the
village of Fairview, Butler count v. where Mr. Hays died in 1 S77. His widow-
survived until 1883, living at the age of seventy-five. They reared the following
children : Eliza, wife of William Storey, of Fairview ; Thomas, of the same
borough ; John M., of Venango township ; Margaret, wife of R. O. Shira, of
Fairview ; James Harvey, of Burton, Ohio: William G., a resident of Marietta,
Ohio; Robert, who lives upon the old homestead: Samuel W.,a resident jf
Butler, and David R .. of Marietta. Ohio.
Thomas Hays, eldest son of Robert and Deborah Hays, was born in Arm-
strong county, January 19, 1840, and grew to maturity, upon his father's farm.
He attended school in the old fashioned log school building of that period, and
subsequently a select school. In September, 1801, he enlisted in Company B,
One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was assigned to service
in Casey's Division . Fourth Corps. Army of the Potomac, anil participated in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. [OI3
the Peninsular Campaign and the battles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Fair
Oaks, Malvern Hill, etc. He was later transferred to the Eighteenth Corps and
stationed at Suffolk, Virginia. In November, 1862, under general orders from
the war department, he re-enlisted, in Battery L, Fourth United States Artillery.
He afterwards served in the siege of Suffolk, at Yorktown, the siege of Peters-
burg, Cold Harbor, and engagements before Richmond, and was honorably dis-
charged November B5, 1 SIJ4. Mr. Hays was married December 21, L8G5, to
Kesiah J., a daughterof Christopher F. and Isabella Foster, of Armstrong count v.
Six children are the fruits of this union, as follows: Jennie L., wife of Dr. Y.
F. Thomas; Christopher F.; Robert N. ; Maud B. ; Thomas II., and Charles F.
\Y. In the spring of 1867 Mr. Hays located on a farm in Fairview township,
which afterwards became a valuable oil property, and engaged in oil producing.
In 1876 he erected his present residence in the borough ot Fairview, which has
since been his home. The family are Presbyterians, and he tills the office of
elder in the church at Fairview. Mr. Hays is a member of McNair Lodge, A.
C). U. \V., of which he has been secretary for ten years; has also served eight
years as treasurer of Liberty Lodge, K. of II., and for the past live vears has been
recorder of the E. A. U. He is also connected with Argyle Lodge. F. & A. M.
lie is an active Republican, and has acceptably filled various positions in the
township and borough.
James M. Byers, producer, was born in Perry township, Armstrong county,
December 25, 1S47. His father, Henry Byers, a native of Westmoreland county,
came when a young man to Armstrong county and located upon a tract of unim-
proved land. He married Sarah, a daughterof Michael and Sarah Shaklev, born
in Perry township, Armstrong county, in 1810. They took up their residence in
a small log cabin, and lived upon this farm until Mr. Byers' death, in 1879. His
widow is still living at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. They were the
parents of eleven children, the names of those living being as follows: Samuel
J. ; Lucinda, wife of David Benson ; Fanny, wife of Thomas Snow ; James M. ;
Rosa, wife of John McElroy ; John S., and Wallace II. When James M. was
a young man he went to Millerstown and learned the wagon-maker's trade, fol-
lowed that vocation for some years as a journeyman, and finally established him-
self in business at Lawrenceburg. In the spring of 1873 he came to Fairview.
where he established a wagon shop and also engaged in the oil industry, which
he still follows. Mr. Byers was married June 21, 1871, to Elizabeth, a daughter
of Jacob Frederick, of Millerstown, and has six children, viz. : Edward W. ;
William J.; Minnie S. ; Pearl: Frederick, and Earl. The family belong to the
German Reformed church Mr. Bvers is a member of the school board, and is
connected with McNair Lodge, A. O. U. W.
William T. McCoy, deceased, was born in Illinois, June 11, 1852, son of
William H. and Nancy 1. McCoy, and came to Mercer county, Pennsylvania,
with his parents, in boyhood. He was reared in that county, and received a
good education in the public schools and at Grove Citj College. He afterwards
taught for a number of years in Mercer and Butler counties, and later located at
Fairview, where he engaged in the mercantile business. He afterwards devoted
his attention to the management of Ins farm and other interests until his death.
tOI4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Mr. McCoy was married October 28, 1879, to Martha Smith, a daughter of
John and Rebecca Smith, to which union were born five children, two of whom
are living, viz. : Maltha Alice, and Margaret Label. Mr. McCoy died in Mani-
tou Springs. Colorado, where he had gone for his health. March '.',. 1889. He
was a consistent member of the United Presbyterian church, was a public-spirited
citizen, and took an active interest in the advancement and educational develop-
ment oi the community, serving in the borough council and on the school board,
lie was a man of upright character, and was respected bv all who knew him.
William C. Haws, merchant, was horn in Allegheny county, Pennsyl-
vania, November 12, 1859, son of William Christopher and Louisa Hawn,
natives of Prussia and Saxony. Germany, respectively. lie came to Butler
county when eleven years of age, and settled in Brady township, where his
father still resides. He received a public school education in the schools of this
county and Pittsburg, and at the age of eighteen he entere 1 the employ of the
Pittsburg. Shenango and Lake Erie Railroad Company, at Harrisville, as sta-
tion boy, and also commenced studying telegraph}-. At the end of five months
he was promoted to the position of station agent and operator at Harrisville, and
two years later was transferred to Mercer, where he had charge of the station
tor six years, when he resigned. In 1888 he came to Fairview and engaged in
merchandising, as a member of the firm of I lawn & Black, becoming sole
proprietor in 1892. Mr. Hawn is an energetic, successful business man. and
takes an active interest in public affairs. lie is a Democrat in politics, has
served in the borough council, and is secretary of the school board. He is con-
nected with Petrolia Lodge. K. 0. T. M. In April, l,S,s4, he married Austa M.,
a daughter of 11. C. Black, a merchant of Harrisville. Thev are the parents of
three children, but one of whom, Edith, survives. Mrs. Hawn is a member of
the Presbvteria'n church.
Rev. Robert M. Sherrard, pastor of the Fairview United Presbvterian
church, was born near Cambridge, Ohio. June '.I. 1852, son of James and
Elizabeth Sherrard. The family is of French descent, and traces its ancestry
back to the Huguenots. His fattier was a native of Ireland, came to the United
States when twenty-one years of age, ami died in September, 1870, aged eighty-
eight years. llis mother died in Michigan, in September, 1886, at the age of
seventy nine. The subject of this sketch spent his early life upon the farm, receiv-
ing such advantages as the district schools afforded. When fifteen years of age he
went to Cambridge and began clerking in a store, and later purchased an inter-
est in the business. He sold out in 1873, and in the fall of that year entered
Muskingum College, at New Concord, Ohio, where he completed a classical
course and graduatsd in 1876. In the fall of the latter year he entered the The-
ological Seminary . at Xenia, < )hio, and in the autumn of 1*77, en I e real Allegheny
Theological Seminary, graduating from that institution in the spring of 1879.
Returning to Ohio he was licensed by the Muskingum Presbytery, April 16, 1*79.
and was ordained by College Springs Presbytery, of Iowa, Mav 10, L881. He
received a call from the United Presbyterian congregation at Blanchard, Iowa,
remained there for five years, thence removed to Commerce, Michigan, and in
September, 1890, he accepted a call from the Fairview congregation, with which
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IGI5
lie lias since been connected. Mr. Sherrard was married March 31, 1880, to
Sarah E. Adair, of Delaware county, Xew York, a daughter of James and Mary
Adair. Two sons and one daughter are the fruits of this union.
Francis Whitmire, Si;., came from Berks county to Butler county in
1798, accompanied by his wife and family, and settled on a tract of land near
the site of Boydstown, Oakland township, which he purchased of Stephen Low-
rey. His wife's maiden name was Catherine Rust, and they were the parents
of nine children, all of whom are dead. Amongthem were Daniel ; John ; Fran-
cis; Julia, and Catherine. Daniel served in the War of 1812, and died on March
21, 18(57, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His wife Susan died May 14,
1861, in her sixty-ninth year. Mr. and Mr*. Whitmire spent the remaining
years of their lives upon the homestead, where he died in 1832.
John Whitmire, Sr.. second son of Francis and Catherine Whitmire,
was born in what is now Oakland township, Butler county, in L805, and died on
October 31, 1891. He was reared in this township, and was known as one of
the most industrious and successful farmers of the community. I le married
Catherine Painter, who was born and reared in Westmoreland county, and edu-
cated in the typical log school house of pioneer days. She died on February 1.
1882, in her eighty-first year. She was generous, industrious and economical,
haying a kind word for those with whom she came in contact, and was respected
by all as a kind wife and a good neighbor. Nine children were the fruits of this
union, six of whom are living, viz. : Peter; Jacob; John; Eliza, wife of Rob-
ert Morrow ; Mary, widow of Christopher Rider, and Susan, wife of John Beattv,
all residents of Butler county. The eldest child, Frank, died at the age of
tweny-two, and the other two in early youth. Mr. Whitmire was a stanch Dem-
ocrat, took a commendable interest in public affairs, and tilled every office in the
township with the exception of justice of the peace.
Francis Whitmire, third son of Francis and Catherine Whitmire, was
born in Oakland township, Butler count}', April '.), 1809, was reared upon the
homestead, and devoted his tntire life to agricultural pursuits. He settled upon
a part of the home farm, where he continued to reside until his death, lime US,
1880. Mr. Whitmire was married to Susan Osembauch, to which union were
born three children, viz. : William ; Margaret, who married a Mr. Weisenstein,
and Anna Lena, who married Jacob Painter. William enlisted in Company M.
Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was taken prisoner at Bristoe Station, August 22,
lSIJL', and confined at Libby prison, and Belle Isle, where it is believed he died.
Mr. Whitmire's second wife was Anna Painter, a daughter of Peter Painter.
She was born and reared in Westmoreland county, and died May 8, 1893, in the
seventy-eighth year of her age. She was a member of the Lutheran church, a
kind wife and a devoted mother. Eleven children were born to this marriage,
of whom four are living, viz. ; Daniel : Samuel W. ; Anna D., wife of L. Rider,
and Catherine, wife of John T. Black. The deceased are Ellen, who married
Joel Shrewsbury ; Caroline; Harper S. ; Lewis S., and three that died in early
youth. Mr. Whitmire was a member of the Lutheran church, and in politics, an
adherent of the- Democratic party.
Peter Whitmire, eldest son of John and Catherine (Painter) Whitmire,
IOl6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was born in L831, on the farm adjoining his present homestead. He resided
with 1 1 i >■ parents until his maturity, and attended school a few months during
each winter season. He married Margaret Rider, of Centre township, to which
union have been born six children, all of whom are dead but one. Catherine, wife
of lames Campbell, of Concord township. The deceased are as follows: Jacob
I.; Francis P.: John; Emma Adela, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Whit-
mire settled on his present place in L845, purchasing then 100 acres, but he now
owns between 300 anil 400 acres, with good buildings and under a high state of
cultivation. He is one of the leading farmers of his township. In 1862 he
enlisted in Company IS. Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was taken prisoner
and confined for sixty-two days in Libby prison, and was then exchanged. The
last summer of the war he spent at Leavenworth, Kansas, and was mustered out
at Pittsburg in the fall of 1865. He is a stanch Republican, and has filled the
offices of township collector and constable. Mrs. Whitmire died, August 7, 1892,
at the age of sixty-two. She was a faithful member of the Lutheran church, to
which denomination Mr. Whitmire also belongs. In the spring of 1894 he mar-
ried Penninah Alworth, of Parker township, Butler county.
Jacob Whitmire, second son of John and Catherine Whitmire, was born
upon the old homestead in Oakland township, March 17. 1833. He attended the
pioneer schools of his neighborhood during the winter months, and while living
with his uncle went to the Doyle school, in Buffalo township, and spent one
winter at the Dugan school, in Slippery Rock township. Returning home, he
remained with his parents until the age of twenty-two, and then began in life for
himself. On October 6, 1856, he married Isabella G. Brown, a daughter of
Robert Brown. She was born in Fairvicw township in 1832, lived there until
the age of seventeen, and then removed with the family to Clay township, where
she was living at the time of her marriage. Eight children were born to this
union, seven of whom survive, viz. : Robert J.; Amanda C, wife of David D.
Quigley ; Anna M.. wife of Perry (iold ; Ollie 1.. wife of Edward Sayler; Laura
E., wife of Edward Bowers; Ida May, wife of William Aggas, and Maggie J.,
wife of Elgie Hutchison. Mr. Whitmire and wife are members of Springdale
Lutheran church, in which he tills the office of elder. He is an ardent Repub-
lican, and has held the offices of school director, assessor, etc.
Robert |. Whitmire, eldest child of Jacob and Isabella G. Whitmire. was
born on the homestead in Oakland township, October 17, 1858, and was reared
and educated in this vicinity. He married Maggie W. Smith, a daughter of W.
P. Smith, of Centre township. She was born at Brady's Bend, but removed
with her parents to this county when four years of age. Five children are the
fruits of this marriage, as follows : Cora M. ; Alice E. ; Belle; Grace E., and
Olive C. The famih are members of Springdale Lutheran church. Mr. Whit-
mire is a Republican, and has been overseer of the poor and school director in his
township. lie resided on his father's place for a short time alter his marriage,
but in L889 located on his present farm, where he owns 130 acres of well
improved land, beside other lands in Concord township.
John WHITMIRE, third son of | <>lm and Catherine Whitmire, was born
March ID. 1835, on the old homestead in Oakland township, where he still
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IOI7
resides. I [e was educated in the common schools, and adopted farming a* his avo-
cation. He was married September 8, L859, 1" fane Campbell, daughter of
William and Mattie Campbell, to which union have been born ten children, viz. :
Emma '/... who married Alonzo Campbell, who resides on the Bailey farm, near
Cooperstown; John E., who resides in Los Angeles, California, and is a cab
driver; Charles C. ; Harry P.; Everett Benton; Ada Pearl; Frank G., and
three who died in infancy and youth. Mr. Whitmire enlisted in Company B,
Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, Septembers, 1864, and served with that
command until June 2'2, 1865, when it was mustered out of service. Mr. Whit-
mire and wife are members of the Lutheran church ; in politics, he is a Republi-
can and has held the office of township treasurer one term and of school director
and treasurer of the district three years and a half.
William Neyman came from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, to But-
ler countv, in 1799, accompanied by his parents, Harmon Neyman and wife,
both of whom died here. He selected several hundred acres of land near the
mouth of Bonny Brook, in what is now Summit township, where he erected a
grist mill in the year 1800, one of the tirst mills built in Butler countv. He was
twice married, and by his first marriage was the fatherof three children, William,
Henry and Elizabeth, all of whom were reared to maturity. His second wife
was Mary Sumney, a daughter of Jacob Sumnev, a leading pioneer of Butler
countv. He carried on the mill near the mouth of Bonny Brook for many years,
and subsequently purchased lands and erected a mill in what is now Oakland
township, which property he gave to his sons, William and Henry, and bought
the farm now occupied by their sons — John L., and Josiah. Mr. Neyman died
at the age of sixty years, and his wife in 1878, aged eighty-four years. They
left two children, John L., and Josiah, with whom Mrs. Neyman made her home
until her death. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, and always
manifested a deep interest in its prosperity.
John L. Neyman was born in the borough of Butler, November 4, 1826,
son of William and Mary Neyman. lie was reared upon a part of the farm now-
owned by his brother Josiah, and received one-half of the homestead. At the
age of twenty-two he married Christina Sarver, a daughter of Henry Sarver, who
was born in eastern Pennsylvania, but was reared in this county. Five children
were born to this union, as follows: Mary Jane; Priscilla E., wife of George
Mcjunkin, of Butler; William 11. . who married Dassie Paulina Hutchison,
who died March 28, 1889, leaving four children, Jesse Earl, Dassie May. Fred
H. and Paul: Angeline, wife of George Keiser, of Pittsburg, and John F., now
a resident of New Castle. Mrs. Neyman was a member of the 1'resbvterian
church, and died August 1, 1892. In September, l,s64, Mr. Neyman enlisted in
Company B, Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and served until mustered out at
Camp Reynolds, in June, 1865. The greater portion of the time his command
was on guard duty in and around Washington. Since 1858 he has been an elder
in North Butler Presbyterian church, and is a leading member of that society.
Mr. Neyman is a stanch Republican, and always gives his support to the candi-
dates and principles of that party.
John Neyman came to Butler countv with bis family during the War of
TO I S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1812, and settled on what is now known as the Millinger farm in Oakland town-
ship, lie later moved to Centre township, built a grist and carding mill on
Stoney run, and afterwards located on a farm later' owned by his son John II., in
Oakland township, where he continued to reside until his death, in 1 S4 7 . He
was married in Westmoreland county, to Mary Markle, a sister of Gen. loseph
Markle, of that county. She was a woman of good education, and took a prom-
inent part in social and church matters. She died in 1853, at an advanced age.
Eleven children were horn to them, viz.; Anna, who married William Robh ;
Daniel; Elizabeth, who married John Cavin ; Mary; Abraham M. ; Solomon:
Sallie, who married John Beatty ; Susan, who married David McGinnis ; John
II.; Casper M., and William. Mr. Nevman and wife were members of the
Presbyterian church, of Butler, in which society he filled the office of elder. lie
was the contractor and builder of the old stone church at Butler. In 1824 he was
elected, on the Whig ticket, prothonotary of Butler county. lie was an energetic,
successful business man, and did his full share towards the social and material de-
velopment of his adopted home.
John II. Neyman was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July
•"), 1799, ami came with his parents to Butler county. He was reared in Centre
and Oakland townships, and obtained his education in the pioneer schools of
his period. In 1844 he married Isabel Wilson, a daughter of John and Isabella
(Getty) Wilson, natives of Ireland. At the time of her marriage she was living
in Jefferson county, where Mr. Neyman was engaged in lumbering. She was
born in Indiana county in 1818, her father being a school teacher, w-hich profes-
sion he followed until his death. Her parents came to the United States in
youth, were married in this State, and reared a family of eleven children, live of
whom are yet living. Her mother died at the home of Mrs. Neyman in Oakland
township, November l'7. 1874, at the remarkable age of ninety-one years. She
was a member of the Presbyterian church, and took great interest in church mat-
ters. In 1848 Mr. Nevman and wife settled in Oakland township, where he
continued to reside until his death. April 3, 1881. They were the parents of six
children, four of whom are living, viz. : Markle J. ; Mary, wife of John Mont-
gomery ; John Getty, anil Margaret, a teacher in the Allegheny public schools.
The deceased are Ella and Clark A. Mr. Nevman was a regular attendant of
the Presbyterian church, and although newer uniting with that body, he gave it
a liberal support. His wife is an ardent Presbyterian, and is now spending the
remaining years of her life with her children.
Markle J. Neyman was born in Jefferson county. November 17, 1845,
son ot John H. Neyman. His parents removed to Butler county when our sub-
ject was about three years old, and settled on the farm where he now resides,
lie was reared upon this place, received a common school education, and has
always followed farming. He married Anna Fleeger, a daughter of Peter Flee-
ger, and has three children, vi/.. ; Roy ; George, and Mary. Mr. Neyman and
wite are members ot the Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
William Hutchison was one of the early settlers of Oakland township, a
soldier in the War of 1812, and died on May S, 181 t, in the forty-fifth year of
his age. His wife, Margaret, died on January 7, IS15. They reared the follow-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IGTQ
ing children : Fergus ; Mrs. Esther Campbell ; Mrs. Jane Shira : Mrs. Erne John-
ston; Mrs. Anna Johnston; Mrs. Maria Shira; Mis. Matilda Beatty; John:
George, and William.
George Hutchison, son of William and Margaret Hutchison, was born in
Butler county in 1803. He was reared upon his lather's farm, and in 1836 married
Mary Larimere, a native of Westmoreland county, where she was residing at the
time of her marriage. She became the mother of four sons and three daughters.
five of whom are living, viz.: William J.: 1 nomas S . ; Rachel J., wife of
Andrew Graham Campbell ; Andrew M.. and Margaret, wife of Charles Gerlach.
The deceased are Theophilus and Mary. Mr. Hutchison continued to reside upon
his farm until his death, April 17, 1855. His wife died in 1852. He was a man
of remarkable size and strength, very industrious, and did his full share towards
clearing and improving the township. Politically, he was a Whig, and took
quite an active part in political affairs. He was a member of the I nited Pres-
byterian church of Butler.
William J. Hutchison, eldest child of George and Mary Hutchison, was
born in Oakland township, Butler county. October 14, 1889, and except the
period spent in the army, has always lived in this township. He was educated
in the common schools, attending the free schools in winter and a subscription
school in summer. He served nine months in Company K. One Hundred and
Thirth-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and afterwards re-enlisted in Company
A. Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the surrender of Lee.
He participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and
all the later battles down to Appomattox After the war he resinned his duties
upon the farm, and now owns 184 acres of the original tract entered by his
grandfather, upon which is a line brick residence erected by his father in 1852.
Mr. Hutchison married Lucinda kuhn, a daughter of Henry and Margaret
(Hock) Kuhn, natives of Pennsylvania. She was the youngest in a family of
six children, was born in Butler county, anil died on February;?. 1893, aged fifty-
two years. She was a member of North Butler Presbyterian church. To this
union were born five children, viz. : Laura M.. wile of \\ . T. Hoon : Maggie
E. ; Mary A. : Cora E., and Alice. Mr. Hutchison is a member of North Butler
Presbyterian church. In politics, he is a Republican, has filled the oflice of
school director, and is now acting as justice of the peace, to which position he-
was elected in 1892.
John Hutchison was born in Butler county, in 1806, second son of Will-
iam and Margaret Hutchison. He was reared upon his father's farm, and
married Eliza Johnston, whose father was an early settler of this county. They
located on a farm in Oakland township, now occupied by their son William M.
It contained 200 acres, and he built his cabin in the midst of the primitive For-
ests. He cleared and improved this farm, and a portion of the original log
cabin forms a part of the present residence, but il is weather-boarded. Here he
resided down to his death, in 1 >77. His widow still survives and is quite hale
and hearty. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and a liberal sup-
porter of religious and charitable institutions. lie was a warm friend ol educa-
tion, an industrious, hard-working farmer, and a very worthy citizen. His
ioro HISTORY OF butler county.
famik consisted of the following children : Annie, wile of Thomas Templeton ;
William M. ; Euphemia, deceased wife of L. Cochran ; Matilda, deceased wife
of Henry Monnie ; Edasa, deceased wife of Henrv Neyman ; Lizzie, deceased;
Kesiah, wife of Sheldon Hillings ; James, and Fergus. The last named was
killed in the army during the Civil war.
William M. Hutchison*, second child of John and Eli/.a Hutchison, was
horn near hi* present home in Oakland township, in 1832, assisted his parents in
clearing and improving the farm, and attended school in the log school house of
his neighborhood during the winter seasons. At the age of twenty-five years he
married Angeline 15. Thorn, a daughter of Joseph Thorn, an early settler of
Butler county, and settled on his present homestead, where he has since devoted
his attention to agriculture. His wife died on March 19, 1865, leaving three
children, viz : Nettie, wife of P. Plaisted ; Milo, a resident of Buena Vista, who
married Milzenna E. Minteer, and Lyda, wife of Campbell Daubenspeck. Mr.
Hutchison married for his second wife Lydia Daubenspeck, a daughter of Jacob
Daubenspeck, of Washington township, who was born and reared in Fairview
township. She was the sixth child of the first marriage, and was reared upon
the old homestead in Washington township. Three children are the fruits of
this union, viz. : Emma, a teacher; Elgie, a resilient of Oakland township, who
married Maggie J- Whitmire, and Alissa. Mrs. Hutchison is a member of North
Butler Presbyterian church. He is a Republican, in politics, has tilled the office
of school director, and takes quite an active interest in public affairs. He is the
owner of ninety-four acres of well improved land, on which there is one of the
best peach orchards in the county.
William Robb was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1783,
son of Isaac Robb. an early settler of that county, who followed boating and
was drowned in. the Mississippi, opposite Natchez,, in 1809, leaving a wife and
five children, all of whom are deceased. William was the eldest son. grew to
maturity in his native county, and there married Anna Neyman, a daughter of
John Neyman. January I. 1805. She was born October 15, 17*4, and died in
1S3S, a consistent member of the Presbyterian church. In 1810, with his wife
and three children, Mr. Robb came to Butler county and purchased 260 acres
from Samuel Riddle, which had a small clearing and a log cabin. The farm is
now owned by the Moores ami Lightners. He resided on this place until 1837,
and then bought the farm now owned by his son, William |. Here he died in
IS 17, aged sixty-four years. He was an elder in Concord Presbyterian church,
and a liberal supporter of that society. In politics, he was a Whig, and soon
alter coming to Butler counts- was elected a justice of the peace, which office he
held for many years. Mr. Robb was the father of ten children, only two of
whom survive, viz.: Isaac, and William J., both residents of Oakland town-
ship. The deceased are as follows: Maria, who married William Eakin ; Han-
nah: Rebecca, who married John Christie; John N.. a tailor by trade, who
married Leah Miller, and died October 15, 1892; Elizabeth, who married Thomas
Campbell; James R., who died in Oregon; Sarah, who married William 11.
Christ ie. and Jemima.
William | . Robh is one of the oldest living citizens of Oakland township,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 102 1
where he was bom on September (>, 1823, the youngest child of William and
Anna Robb. lie was reared upon the old homestead, and received his educa-
tion in the subscription schools and public schools of his district. lie came with
his parents to his present home, where he has since resided. On January I, 1846,
he married Nancy Ann Christy, a native of this county, born August 'J. 1S21.
Her parents. John and Mary Christy, were natives of Ireland. Her father came
to Westmoreland county with his parents in childhood, there grew to maturity,
and afterwards settled near North Washington. Butler county. lie served in
the War of 1812, was an elder in the Presbyterian church for many years, and
died on May 2'.), Is.");'). His wile was born in 1781, and after his death resided
with her daughter, Eleanor Campbell, dying on August ',), 1864. Mr. Christy
and wife were the parents often children, three of whom are living, viz. : Jen-
nie, widow of Samuel Campbell; Eleanor, widow of William Campbell, and
Nancy Ann, wife of William J. Robb. The deceased are Andrew, who died in
Illinois; Sarah, who married Isaac Robb; Ebene/.er. who was mortally injured
by being thrown from a buggy while on a trip to Clarion county, and James
who died on the old Christy homestead in June, 1893. To Mr. and. Mrs. Robb
have been born fifteen children, as follows: James (i.. a resident of Pawnee
City, Nebraska; Abner C, of Indiana county; Selina, deceased; Anna L. , wife
of Jesse Bell, of Lincoln, Nebraska: Andrew C, of Concord township ; Mary C,
wife of J. C. Hovis ; Isaac N., an oil operator; Rebecca, wife of John Barr. of
North Dakota : Sarah 15.. wife of William J. Campbell ; William J. : Maria J.,
wife of J. M. Hogue. of Washington county; Abram M. L. ; Kbenezer E., of
Washington county; Emma E., and Frank M. In 1864 Mr. Robb eidisted in
Company B, Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, served with the rank of corporal, and
was mustered out at Pittsburg, in June, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Robb are members
of North Butler Presbyterian church, ami in politics, he is a Republican. He
owns a well improved farm of 125 acres, and has always been an industrious,
hard-working farmer, giving his whole attention to the duties of his farm.
John McGinley was born in Donegal county, Ireland, in 1798, and was
the eldest son of John and Grace (Conway) McGinlev. In 1800 his parents immi-
grated to Pennsylvania, and settled in Westmoreland county. Besides his par-
ents, the family consisted of two sons. John and Michael, the latter of whom was
born on the Atlantic, and seven daughters. They resided for a short time in
Westmoreland county, then came to Butler county and settled in Clearfield town-
ship. In the taxables of old Buffalo township for 1808, John McGinlev. Si., is
assessed with 300 acres of land, one cow and two oxen. They resided upon this
farm until after 1830, when the family were grown to manhood and womanhood and
started in life for themselves. Their father served in the War of 1S1l\ and died
about 1859, at the remarkable age of ninety-five years. I lis, wife died- about 1827.
They were pioneer members of St. Joseph's Catholic church, of Clearfield town-
ship. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to Butler county ami here
grew to maturity. lie married Margaret Gillespie, a daughter of John Gillespie,
one of the pioneers of the county. They settled for a time in Clearfield town-
ship (now Summit, on the site of St. Mary's Monastery), but subsequently pur-
chased a farm in Donegal township, containing 2\2 acres, a portion of which
1022 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was cleared. On this place John McGinlev ami family resided up to a few years
before his death, when lie removed to Butler and made his home with his
daughter, Mrs. Ellen McShane, where he died Jul) I'l. 1885, in the eighty -eighth
year of his age. lie and wife were practical members of the Catholic church, in
which faith they reared their family. She died July 2(5, 1854, aged sixty-seven.
They were the parents of four sons and seven daughters, four of whom are liv-
ing, viz: Michael, of Concord township; Mrs. Ellen McShane, of Butler: Mrs.
Catherine Butler, of 1 ronton. Ohio, and Mrs. Margaret Kellerman, of Donegal
township. John McGinley was an ardent Democrat, and took an active interest
in public affairs.
Michael McGisle^ was born in Clearfield township, Butler county, |ulv
1. 1826, son of John and Margaret McGinley, pioneers of that locality. His boy-
hood days were spent upon the farm, and he obtained his education in the old fash-
ioned log school house, where he attended for a few months each winter. He
continued to reside with his parents until 1849, when he went to Michigan and
worked in the mines of that state for two years, and then returned to Butler
county. On April IT. 1855, he married Eleanor O'Donnell, a daughter of John
O'Donnell, of Donegal township, where she was born December 12, 1833. They
settled near St. Joe. in Donegal township, where they improved a farm. For a
few years during the oil excitement, Mr, McGinley traveled around in that busi-
ness, but in 1S77 he purchased his present homestead in Concord township, and
erected a tine residence, which has since been his home. It is one of the best
improved farms in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. McGinley ha\ e been bom
six children, two ot whom are living, viz. : Jerome, and Mary, who married
Peter Dillon, both of whom reside with their parents. The deceased are Francis;
Patrick: Ellen Jane, and Theresa. The family are members of St. Joseph's
Catholic church, at North Oakland, of which Mr. McGinley was one of the origi-
nal members. He has been liberal in his support of that organization, and was a
member ot the building committee when the present church was erected. In
1862 he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and served under Captain Bippus. He has always been a Democrat,
and was a justice of the peace in Donegal township for ten years. Mr. McGin-
ley is one of the enterprising and public-spirited citizens of his township, and
gives a liberal support to every worthy object.
Michael McGixley, Sk.. son of John and Grace ( Conway ) McGinley, was
born upon the Atlantic Ocean in June. 1800, during the passage of his parents
to the United States, lie was the second son, assisted his parents in clearing the
old homestead, and attended the pioneer subscription schools of bis day. He mar-
ried Nancy McBride, eldest daughter of Patrick and Mary (Dugan) McBride,
pioneers of Clearfield township, where Mrs. McGinley was born in ISOO. They
settled on a farm in Clearfield township, whence they removed to Oakland,
November MO, 1830, which date Mr. McGinley cut on a maple tree that stood
near a spring in front of his house. The farm consisted of 2 10 acres, with a
small clearing and two log buildings, one of the latter yet standing on the [dace.
Here he resided until his death. September 27, 1881. His wife died on May 1."),
ISC8. They were members of the Catholic church, and in politics. Mr. McGin-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1023
ley was a Democrat. They reared a family of eleven children, as follows: Mrs.
Mary Boyle ; Mrs. Bridget Skeers; Mrs. Aim Hanlon ; Sarah, ami Catherine.
both deceased: Margaret; Mrs. Grace Boyle; Rosinda : Hannah, and Philo-
mena, both deceased, and J. F. P, Mr. McGinley always manifested an interest
in the welfare of the county, and in its social and material development.
J. F. P. McGinley, only son of Michael and Nancy McGinley, was born on
the farm where he now resides. May 16, 1845, has always lived upon the same
place, and has made farming his life's vocation. He purchased the home place
in 1866, and now owns 175 acres, with good buildings, and under a line state of
cultivation. On October 22, 1867, he married Bridget A. Rodgers, a native oi Arm-
strong county, and a daughter of fames and Bridget (Boyle j Rodgers. She is
the youngest in a family of twelve children, and was reared near the line of But-
ler and Armstrong counties. Seven children have been born to this union, five
of whom are living, as follows: Michael [., who married Martha O'Donnell ;
Catherine J.; James A.; Mary, and Daniel C. The family are members of
the St. Joseph Catholic church, and in politics, Mr. McGinley is a stanch Demo-
crat. He has tilled various offices in his township, and is a progressive, public-
spirited citizen.
Jeremiah Wick was a native of New Jersey, and came to Armstrong
county, Pennsylvania, with his brother John, in 1796. In 1828 he came to But-
ler county and purchased 200 acres of land in what is now Clay township, upon
which he settled the same year. This farm is now the property of David and
Lowry Coulter. He married Isabella Browntield, to which union were born the
following children : Andrew; John; William ; Elisha ; Jeremiah C. : Mary, who
married II. P. Conway, and Isabella, who married John Coulter, all of whom
are dead; and Rachel, widow of Hugh R. Conway; Eliza A., widow of Harri-
son Conway, and Sally, who died unmarried. In 1857 Mr. Wick united with
Concord Presbyterian church, and remained a member of that organization until
his death. Many of his descendants are residents of Butler county.
Andrew Wick, Si:., eldest son of Jeremiah and Isabella Wick, was born
July 3, 1806, in Armstrong county, and came with his parents to Butler county.
He engaged in the mercantile business at West Sunburv. later followed cattle
droving, and in 1844 he again embarked in merchandising at West Sunburv. In
1854 he settled upon a farm in Clay township, where he died, February 10. 1891.
Mr. Wick married Sarah Shryock. a daughter of John Shrvock. and their chil-
dren are as follows ; Alfred, of Butler ; Richard C who was a member oi Com-
pany E, One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died in Ander-
sonville prison; John S. ; Isabel, deceased wife of J. F. McClung; Andrew C. ;
William ; Ida M., deceased, and four that died in infancy. In early life Mr.
Wick was a Whig, and later a Republican. He was a member of West Sun-
bury Presbyterian church, and died in that faith.
William Wick, son of Jeremiah ami Isabella Wick, was born in Arm-
strong county, October 10, 1809, ami there grew to maturity. He was twenty
years of age when the family came to Clay township, Butler county. He received
a good education, and taught school in this county for several terms. At the age
of twenty-four he married Sarah McCollough, a daughter of Capt. John McCol-
1024 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
lough, an early settler ol Fairvitw township, a sketch of whom appears in this
work. She was born in Fairview township. August 24, 1818, ami became the
mother of twelve children, nine of whom grew to maturity,as follows: Amanda:
Isabella: John T. ; Jeremiah II.: William M. ; Melinda: Eliza, deceased wife
of Rev. Samuel Stauffer ; James M., and Olive P. Mr. Wick settled in what is
now Concord township, where he died on May '27, 1892. His widow resides
with her children. lie never took a very active interest in public matters, was a
Republican in politics, and a charter member of the Lutheran church.
William M. Wick was born in Concord township, Butler county, in 184(5,
son of William and Sarah Wick. lie was reared upon his father's farm, and
obtained a common school education in the district schools. He married Mattie
A. McClung, December Is, 1867, and lived for a time at Buena Vista, where he
followed the oil business. He settled upon Itis present farm in Oakland town-
ship, in 1878, and has since devoted his attention to farming. Mrs. Wick is a
daughter of William McClung, who came to this township in 1835 and settled
on the farm occupied by his daughter. Mr. McClung reared a family of nine
children, live of whom are living, and three served in the Union army during the
Rebellion. One of the number died in a rebel prison at Florence, while another
was killed in the battle of Seven Pines. To Mr. Wick and wife have been born
tin- following children : Harry W. ; William P. ; Ralph R. ; Jessie Olive: Cvrus
Clyde: Ora E.; Robert M. ; Charles M.; Mildred E., and Mattie L. The fam-
ily are connected with Zion Lutheran church, of Concord township. In politics,
Mr. Wick is a Republican, and has tilled the offices of school director, super-
v isor. etc.
James Martin came to Butler county when the lands were covered with
the primitive forest and the roads were mere bridle paths between the different
settlements. He settled on a farm in what is now Oakland township, built a
cabin and began the work of making a home in the wilderness. He married
Folly Moser, a daughter of John Moser. Her father was a soldier of the Revo-
lution, came from Westmoreland to Butler county with his family in the last
decade of the Eighteenth century, and finally settled in what is now Oakland
township, where he dieil at the age of ninety-seven years. To Mr. and Mrs.
Martin were born the following children: Mrs. Catherine Lowe; Mrs. Mary
Ann Burnham ; Mis. Jane Moser; Mrs. Esther Burfitt ; Mrs. Eliza Hoon ; Mrs.
Louisa Pillifer; Mrs. Grace Duncan; Martin; John; Thomas, and Abram, all
of whom are deceased except Mrs. Duncan and Abram. Mr. Martin died at the
age of seventy-two years.
Abram Martin was born in Oakland township, on July 11, 1822, youngest
child of James and Folly Martin, and has always resided in this county. He
obtained his education in one of the pioneer schools, his only book being a United
States spelling book. The school house was three miles away from his home,
and school was kept only dining the winter season. He remained with his par-
ents until his maturity, with the exception of a short time spent at North Wash-
ington. He afterwards went to Reed's Landing. Wisconsin, where he worked as
a stonemason. While there he entered a tract of land, and was compelled to go
to the land office on horseback a distance of sixtv miles through an unsettled
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO25
country, inhabited principally by Indians and wild animals. On reaching tin-
land office he took his place in line, about seven o'clock in the evening, and
stood in line until after four o'clot.k the next morning, before his turn came. He
had only sufficient money to pay for his land, and made the round trip in two
days and one night, a distance of 12() miles. On returning he sold his claim for
sufficient to clear $275, and with this amount and some more that he made while
following his trade at Reed's Landing, he purchased the farm upon which he
now lives. He afterwards worked for fifty cents per day. and finally earned
from five to eighteen dollars per day. He is one of the most industrious men of
the township, and has cleared nearly all his present farm of 106 acres, upon
•which he erected, in ]s70, one of the largest and finest barns in the county. Mr.
Martin married Rosa (. Campbell, a daughter of Archie Campbell, and has three
children, viz.: Margaret, wife of Daniel Andres, of Greenville; Mrs. Zillah
Altas. of Butler, ami Linas, who married Mary Campbell, and lives on a part of
the homestead. Mrs. Martin is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is ;i
stanch Republican, and one of the most industrious farmers in the township.
Thomas Bartlky. Sr., one of the pioneers of Penn township, Butler
county, was born in Derry county, Ireland, where he was reared and learned the
weaver's trade. He also served six years in the British cavalry. In 1802 he
married Margaret Logan, and in the fall of that year immigrated to Baltimore,
whence they went to Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, ami thence to Pittsburg.
They lived in the latter city until 1808, in which year they took up their residence
in Penn township, where Mr. Bartley purchased loll acres of unimproved land.
He was a man of great industry ami energy, and soon built up a home- for him-
self and family in the wilds of Butler county, owning before he died one ot the
best improved farms in the township. Me was a soldier in the War of 1812, and
resided upon the homestead in Penn township until his death, December 1. 1859,
aged eighty-live years. His wife died December 6, 1^">7. at the age of eighty-
four. They were pioneer members of the Associate Reformed church, and after-
wards of the United Presbyterian church of Butler. In politics, he was a Demo-
crat, and always took a deep interest in local matters. They wire the parents of
the following children : David, a ship carpenter, who died at the age of twenty-
four ; Robert, a hatter, who died in Baltimore. November Id. 1891 ; John L..
who died in Oakland township; William L , who died in Butler, February 24.
1893; Thomas, a brick maker, who died in Allegheny, March 14, l.K77; Anna-
bell; Abner. who died in Penn township. July 2, 1893, and Joseph L., who died
on the old homestead. April 28, 1891.
John L. BARTLEY, son of Thomas and Margaret Bartley, was born in
the City of Pittsburg, October I'll. I H>7. and came with his parents to Penn town-
ship, Butler county, the following year. Here he grew to manhood, receiving a
limited education in the pioneer schools of his neighborhood. At the age of
eighteen he started out in the world with thirty-seven ami a half cents, anil going
to Pittsburg, found employment as a gardener for two years, near Manchester.
He afterwards engaged in hauling coal from Coal Hill, also worked on the Penn-
sylvania canal for several years during its construction. On November 17. 1829,
he purchased a farm in Oakland township, where he kept bachelor's hall until
1026 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
his marriage. ( >n November 17. 1835, he married Elizabeth McQui'stion, a daugh-
ter of John McQuistion. one of the first settlers of Butler county. The ceremony
was performed by Rev. Isaiah Niblock, of Butler, and the young couple took up
their residence in a log house, built for a tavern, which then stood upon the
place. December 17, 1835. They lived in this structure until the erection of a
brick residence in 1844. A part of the farm had been laid (Hit in town lots about
1807-10, under the name of Somerset, and its original proprietor had hopes that
t he county seat would be removed to this point, which soon contained three
houses, a blacksmith shop, etc. Mr. Bartley and wife were the parents of six
children , only one of whom. J. Walter, survived infancy. They resided upon
the homestead until June 17, 1874, when they removed to Butler, where Mrs.
Bartley died. June 17, 1876. Her husband returned to the old homestead, where
he died, January 20, 1892. They were members of the United Presbyterian
church, formerly the .Associate Reformed, in which he filled the office of ruling
elder for more than half a century. He was one of the most prominent members
of that denomination, and was honored and respected for his upright life and
strict integrity. He was an ardent Democrat until the Fremont campaign, when
he became a Republican, and remained so the balance of his life, lie was a very
succes-ful farmer, and had one of the first and best grafted orchards in the
county.
J. Walter Bartley, only living child of John L. and Elizabeth Bart-
ley, was born in the old log house in Oakland township. March 13, 1843,
remained with his parents until August 29, 1864, and then enlisted in Company
K. Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. He served until July 1. 1865, on which
date he was mustered out at Camp Reynolds. He returned home and has since
been engaged in farming. < >n March 17. 1870, he married Nancy Sechler, of St.
Paul's Orphan Home, of Butler. She is a native of Harmony, Butler county,
and a daughter of Abraham Sechler, born in Montgomery county, in 1793, and
died in May, 1872. Her fat her reared a large family at Harmony, and was well
acquainted with Father Rapp, founder of the Harmony Society. Mrs. Bartley
is the mother of eleven children, as follows : Edwin S., who died May 28, 1894 ;
Winslow, who died September 23, 1878; John E., who died March 4, 1878;
William Clyde: Florence Elizabeth; Howard; Edith; Findley; Etta; Oscar,
and one that died in infancy. Mr. Bartley and wile are members of the
I'nited Presbyterian church, of Butler.
Andrew Moore was born in 17'."). and came to Oakland township. Butler
county, with his parents at at early (lav. They settled on the adjoining farm to
that now occupied by his grandson. Andrew (i. Moore, where he grew to man-
hood. He remained with his parents until his marriage with Ann Storey, a
daughter ol Alexander Storey, a pioneer of Fairview township. She was
born in Ireland, and came to Butler county with her parents in girlhood.
After marriage they settled in Fairview township, where both resided
on the old homestead until their decease. Mr. Moore died in 1872, aged
eighty-two years, and his wife some years before. They were the parents of
four s(,ns am! two daughters, all of whom lived to maturity. Their names are
as follows: James: John: Andrew; William: Nancy, and Elizabeth. William
mnr.KAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1027
is yet living on the old homestead in Fairview township. Mrs. Nancy Rankin
lives in the same township, and Mrs, Elizabeth Kincaid, resides in Illinois.
James Moore was born in Fairview township, Butler county, in 1825, son
ot Andrew and Ann Moore. He was reared upon the home farm, assisted his
parents during boyhood and attended school at one of the old fashioned log
buildings of pioneer days. At the age of sixteen he commenced working on
the canal, then in course of construction, and afterwards went to Allegheny
county, where he was employed on a farm until his marriage to Sarah Montgom-
ery, a native of the same county. They resided there until L852, when he
returned to Butler county, and settled in Fairview township. About the ciose
of the war they removed to the farm in Oakland township, now owned by his
sons. In 1877 he removed to Crawford county, and died there in 1881. His
widow survived until 1888. Both were members of the Lutheran church. They
were the parents of fifteen children, four of whom are yet living, viz. : Andrew
G., of Oakland township; Mrs. Margaret Wick, of Concord township: J. Emer-
son, of Oakland township, and David K.. who resides in Crawford county.
Andrew G. Moore was born in Allegheny county, in L845, son of James
and Sarah Moore. He was the eldest in the family, and resided with his parents
until manhood. At the age of twenty-three years he settled on a part of the old
homestead, and is now the owner of 1(10 acres of well improved land. In 1870
he married Isabella Wick, a daughter of William Wick, of Concord township,
to which union have been born five children, as follows: Samuel II.: Charles
M. : Alvin C. : Ira C, and John E., deceased. Mr. Moore and wife are mem-
bers of the Luthern church, in which he holds the office of deacon. In politics,
he is a stanch Republican, and is one of the progressive farmers of his township.
J. Emerson Moore was born in Oakland township, Butler countv, in 1866,
son ot James and Sarah Moore, and grandson of Andrew and Ann Moore. He
resided with his parents until arriving at manhood, and obtained his education in
the public schools. When he was eleven years old his parents removed to Craw-
tord county, ami upon the death of his father, four years later, the responsibilities
of the farm largely rested upon his shoulders. At the aye of twenty-two years
he returned to Butler county, and settled on a port on of the original homestead,
where he has since resided. In 1889 he married Altie C. Ellis, a daughter of
Abner and Margaret Ellis, of Crawford county. She was born in that county,
and is the sixth in a family of ten children. Three children are the fruits of this
union : Ellis and Edward, both deceased, and Edna Esther. Mrs. Moore is a mem-
ber of the Lutheran church. Politically, Mr. Moore is a Republican, and was
elected to the office of school director in 1893. He is the owner of |no acres of
well improved land, which is under good cultivation and contains first class
buildings.
Cai't. John (i. Bippus was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, January 31,
183<>. His parents. Matthias ami Agatha (Herman) Bippus, were natives of
Wurtemburg, and died in their native land in 1846 and 1870, respectively. His
father was a lumber dealer, and also a contractor and builder, and had four chil-
dren, viz. : Jacob; John G. ; Barbara, ami Anna Man. In 1842 Jacob and
lohn G. immigrated to Pennsylvania and settled at Hollidavsbiirff, Blair county.
I02S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
where they followed contracting and building. In 1S17 John G. removed to
Butler county, and soon after established himself as a carpenter and builder near
Fairview. Later he purchased seventy five acres of land in what is now Oak-
land, to which he soon added eighty-seven acres. Here he devoted his energies
to agriculture, until November I'll, 1862, when he enlisted in Company E, One
Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was commissioned first lieu-
tenant, and served as such until his promotion to the captaincy of his company,
December 24, 1862, which rank he held until mustered out on July 25, 1863. In
September, 1864, he assisted in recruiting the One Hundred and Ninety-ninth
Pennsylvania Volunteer-, and sen ed as a captain in that command until wounded
in the assault on Fort Gregg, before Petersburg, Virginia, April 2. 1865. After
four months spent in a hospital. In- returned to his command, and was detailed as
assistant inspector general on the staff of General Briscoe, First Brigade, First
Division, of the Twenty-fourth Corps, Army of the Potomac, and held that posi-
tion until the close of his services, June 28, 1865. Captain Bippus is a member
of A. <>. Reed Post, Number 105, G. A, R.. and is popular among the veterans
of Butler county. On July 1, 1851, he married Rachel Myers, a daughter of
Jacob Myers. She. too, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and at the age of
seven years accompanied her parents to Pennsylvania and resided with them in
this county until her marriage. There were eight children born to this union,
viz.: Katie, who married Clarence Booth, and died on January 23, 1890, leaving
a family of five children; John, a resident of Butler; Jacob, and Matthias, of
Oakland township ; Samuel, a physician of Butler; Christie C, a physician of
Allegheny ; Lyda, and Emma, both residing with their parents. The family are
members of the Lutheran church. Captain Bippus is an unswerving Republican,
and gives his earnest support to the principles and measures of his party.
Robert Wilson* came from eastern Pennsylvania with his parents to But-
ler county in boyhood. They settled on a farm in Centre township. His father,
James Wilson, died in middle age, leaving a family of three sons and several
daughters, all of whom are dead. Robert was the eldest son. He married Bar-
bara Cravner and settled on a farm in Clay township, where he died in 1870, at
the age of seventy-seven years. His wife died the same year. He was a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, while she was a Lutheran. They reared
a family ol seven children, tun of whom are living, George and lames. The
deceased are Nancy, who married Robert Barkley; Eliza Jam-; Margaret, who
married John McKissick ; Ellen, and Jemima. Mr. Wilson was a veteran of the
War of 1812.
George Wilson was born in Clay township, Butler county, in 1825, son of
Robert and Barbara Wilson. He grew to manhood upon the old homestead,
assisting his parents in the farm duties, and attended a subscription school during
boyhood days. In the fall of 1 S 17 he married Elizabeth Wonderlv. a native of
Oaklarrd township. Her father, Christopher Wonderlv, was a pioneer shoe-
maker of this vicinity, and died in 1889, aged ninety-two years. He reared a
large family, five of whom are living, v i/.. : Joshua; William; Nancy; Jemima,
and Elizabeth. In 1848 Mr. Wilson purchased a small tract of land from his
father, to which he has added until he is now the owner of 1 1;") acres, nearly all
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1020
under a good state of cultivation. He has reared four children, three of whom sur-
vive. : John; Mary Elizabeth, and Etta J. Emma married Nelson Davis, and
died in 1878, and her husband in 1879, leaving one son, Newton, who lives with
his grandfather. In the fall of 1862, Mr. Wilson enlisted in Company E, One
Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months. In
1SG4 he re-enlisted in the Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and was mustered out of
service in July, 1865. Returning to his home he resumed farming, which he has
since followed. In politics, he is a Republican, and both he and wife are mem-
bers of the Lutheran church.
Peter Heck, a native of Lorraine, France, there grew to manhood, and
married. In 1833, with his wife and four children, he immigrated to the United
States, and after a voyage of sixty-two days landed at Baltimore. They imme-
diately came westward to Butler county, Pennsylvania, to which county his
brother Daniel had preceded him, and settled near Prospect. Mr. Heck rented
the Sullivan farm for a few years, and in 1S4 1 purchased a farm of 150 acres in
Oakland township, upon which his son Daniel now lives. It was then covered
with the primitive forest, in the midst of which he erected a log cabin and began
the work of making a home for himself and family. Here he continued to reside
until his death, October 31, 1*7'.), in his eighty-fourth year. He and wife were
members of the Lutheran church, in which he held an official position. He was
first a Whig and afterwards a Republican, and filled the office of school director,
etc. He belonged to the militia of the county for many years, and took a lead-
ing interest in public affairs. Mr. Heck was the father of eight children, as fol-
lows : Henry, a resident of West Virginia; Caroline, wife of George Lohry, of
Oakland township; Margaret, deceased wife of Henry Dierkin ; Christina, wife
of Adam Nohe, of West Virginia; Peter, deceased; Catherine, widow of Henry
Grossheim; Daniel, and George, a resident of Freeport.
Daniel Heck was born seven miles northwest of the borough of Butler, on
the old Sullivan farm, in 1840, son of Peter and Mary Heck. He attained his
majority upon the homestead in Oakland township, assisting his parents during
boyhood to clear the farm and support the family. He has resided upon the old
homestead up to the present, engaged in farming and producing. In 18(33 he
married Catherine Lightner, a native of Allegheny county. Her father, George
Lightner, came to Butler county with his family in 1859, and settled in Oakland
township. Mrs. Heck died in 1873, leaving a family of six children, as follows :
George W. ; Catherine E., who died on December l'."). 1892 : Emma C. ; Rebecca
J., wife of Grant Croft; Mary L., deceased, and Bertha, wife of J. II. Kepple.
She was a member of North Butler Presbyterian church. Mr. Heck married for
his second wife Louisa Kammerdiner. a daughter of J. P. Kammerdiner, a native
of Lorraine, France, and a resident of Armstrong county, where he is vet living.
She is the eldest in a family of twelve children, and was reared in Armstrong
county. Mr. Heck and wife are members of the Lutheran church. He is a stanch
Republican, anil has filled the office of school director for several vears.
Ignatz Neff was born in the district of Unterfranken, village of Muench-
berg, Bavaria, Germany, January 28, 1800, there grew to maturity and married
Mary Ann Bauer, who was born in the same place on February J, 1802. Mr.
I OjO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Neff followed farming in his native land and carried on an earthenware business.
In May, 1845, with his wife and seven children, he set sail from Antwerp, and
after a voyage of fifty-two days arrived in the City of New York. From there
they proceeded by water to Albany, thence to Syracuse and Buffalo, and to
Erie, Pennsylvania. From the last mentioned point they came down the canal
to Greenville, Mercer county, and thence by wagon to Butler county, arriving in
what is now Oakland township, on All Saints Day, November 1, 1845, at the
home of Wendell Scholl, who kept an inn at Oakland village. Soon after
arrival, Mr. Neff purchased a tract of sixty-six acres of land from Mr. Scholl.
which had a clearing of some fifteen acres, a log house, and a log barn. Here
by hard toil and careful management he made sufficient to purchase another tract
ot seventy-five acres, in L852, and in 1858 bought an additional tract of seventv-
tive acres, making in all 2 1 1 > acres. He devoted his time and attention to improv-
ng these lands, on a portion of which he resided until his death, Tulv 30, 1871.
His wife survived him until 1885. The old homestead is still in possession of
the family. Mr. Ned" was the prime mover in the erection of St. Joseph's
Catholic church, at North Oakland, and walked over the countv to raise money
for that purpose, accepting whatever he could get in money or produce. He
was also a liberal contributor towards the building of the English Catholic
church, at the same village. He was an active supporter of the Democratic
party, and quite prominent in local affairs. Strictly honest and honorable in all
his dealings, he was well liked by the people, and his death was regretted bv the
whole community. Mr. and Mrs. Neff were the parents of nine children, three
of whom died in early youth. The names of the others are as follows : Tosefa
Theresa, wife of Basilius Berninger, of Centre township: Egid,of Oakland;
Gabriel, who served in Company K, One Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania
Heavy Artillery", and died some years after the war; John, of Oakland; Pius, a
resident of Illinois; Helena, wife of Lawrence Witt, of Oakland, and Charles,
who died in Illinois, leaving a wife and three children.
Egid Neff, eldest son of Ignatz and Mary Ann Neff, was born in Bavaria,
Germany, September 1, 1830, ami was fifteen years of age when his parents
settled in Oakland township. He received a fair education in his native land,
and learned to read and write the English language after coming to Butler
county. He assisted his parents in clearing and improving the farm until 1847,
when he went to Brady's Bend to learn the saddler's trade. He remained there
and at Pittsburg lor seven years, and spent another year at his trade in Illinois.
On the breaking out of the Rebellion he returned to Pittsburg and was employed
by the government in the manufacture of cartridge boxes. Later he established
a shop in Butler, carried on afterwards at Oil City for a short time, and then
disposed ot his business and returned to the old homestead, where be has since
devoted his attention to farming, having now one of the best equipped farms in
the township. There are five oil wells on his farm, four of which were producers,
but only two are now working. Mr. Neff was married in November. 1859, to
Josephine Maischein, a daughter of Michael A. and Regina (Link) Maischein,
who came from Bavaria to this county some years before the Nell' family.
Eleven children have been born of ibis union, seven of whom survive, viz. :
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO31
Michael J.: Anthony C. ; John; Emma; Magdalene; Wendelin and Francis.
The deceased are Frankie, Ignatius, Patrick and Cecelia, all of whom died in
early youth. The family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church, of North
Oakland, and Mr. Neff was one of the building committee in the erection of the
English Catholic church at that place. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has
held the offices of supervisor, school director, overseer of the poor. etc. lie has
always taken a commendable interest in matters pertaining to the welfare and
advancement of the community.
Charles Oswald, a native of Bavaria, Germany, there grew to manhood
and learned the dyer's trade. He married Genevieve Ott. and in 1S40 immi-
grated to Pennsylvania, and settled on a farm in Centre township, Butler county,
where he resided for about live years. He afterwards worked in the iron mills
of Brady's Bend for some ten years, then returned to North Oakland and pur-
chased the farm now occupied by his son Philip. I lis wife died here in 1866,
and himself, in September, 1882, at the age of seventy-eight years. They were
members of St. Joseph's Catholic church, of North Oakland anil among the
organizers of that congregation. Their family consisted of three sons and one
daughter, viz.: Charles, a resilient of Minnesota; Mar\-, deceased wife of
Michael Dessing ; Philip, and Joseph, the latter residing in the west. Mr.
Oswald settled in the woods in a small cabin built of round logs, in which be
lived until he was able to erect a more commodious home. He was a very indus-
trious, hard-working man, but enjoyed the best of health up to a few days of his
death. He cast his tirst vote for General Tavlor. but later became a Democrat,
and afterwards supported that part v.
Philip Oswald came with his parents to Butler county, grew to manhood
on the home farm, and assisted his father to clear off and improve the same. He
attended the common schools during the winter months, and the balance of the
time he devoted to the home duties. Throughout his boyhood days he wore the
home-made clothing manufactured by his mother on the home loom, and endured
the privations and hardships of that period. He afterwards went to Butler and
learned the saddler's and harness-maker's trades, spent four years in that borough,
and subsequently was connected with his brother-in-law, Michael Dessing, in
the manufacture of soft drinks at Kittanning about two vears. He then engaged
in the dairy business in Pittsburg, for three vears. was next in the drv goods
business in the same city for about ten vears, but his health failing lie sold out
and returned to Butler county, purchased the old homestead from the heirs, and
has since made it his residence. In 1870 Mr. Oswald married Mary Mever, a
daughter of Philip J. Meyer, a dry goods merchant of Pittsburg. Ten children
are the fruits of this union, named as follows : Minnie M., wife of Joseph Ball,
of Donegal township; Charles Joseph, a resident of Illinois; Philip 1., a mem-
ber of- the Capuchin order ; Albert G. ; Theodore W. ; M. Clementina ; Paul R.
E.; Harry A.; Eugene I., and Clarence E. The family are members of St.
Joseph's Catholic church, of North Oakland, and in politics, Mr. Oswald is a
Democrat. lie is the owner of sixty-three acres of well improved land, is an
industrious fanner, and a worthy citizen.
John Ball was born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1830, son of |ohn and Mar-
1032 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
garet (Ostheimer) Ball, of that Kingdom. His parents reared four children, viz. :
Elizabeth, who died in Germany; George, who came to the United States in
1848, and is now living in Pittsburg; John, and Joseph, a resident of Butler.
The mother died in 1S48, and the father some years later. They were members
of the Catholic church, and reared their children in that faith. At the age of
eighteen the subject of this sketch immigrated to New York city, taking passage
on the sailing vessel '•Columbus.'' From \c\v York lie came to Pittsburg,
where he found employment in a tannery tor several years as an engineer. In
1862 he came to Oakland township, Butler county, and settled on the site of the
brick church, where he purchased twenty-six acres of improved land. He lived
there for a few years, then removed to Allegheny, and thence to this county. In
ISC,.") he returned to Butler county a second time, and bought forty-two acres of
land, on which he resided until 1870, when lie sold out and bought the old Thorn
place. Here he remained until 1S72. when he purchased the old homestead, and
the Hill place, holding the latter until 1879, but not living on it. lie now owns
sixty acres in Donegal township, and twenty-five acres in Oakland township, on
which he has lived since 1 S 7 2 . lie also owned two other farm-- comprising about
ninety-four acres. Mr. Ball was married in L863, to Susanna Graham, of Done-
gal township, where she was born and reared. Nine children have blessed this
union, eight of whom survive, viz. : Joseph, a resident of Donegal township;
(jeorge, a merchant of North Oakland; Margaret Susanna, a Franciscan Sister
in a Pittsburg convent ; Philip, who died in early youth ; Mary Ann : Gertrude ;
Frances Eve ; Anna Ursle, and John Anselm. The family are members of St.
Toseph's Catholic church, of North Oakland, and in politics, Mr. Ball is a Dem-
ocrat. In 1862 he joined the Home Guards, ami assisted in the defense of
Pennsylvania.
John Benson was born in Armstrong county in 1821. His father. Peter
Benson, was a native of this State, and a farmer by occupation. He reared a
large family, all of whom were members of the Catholic church, in which faith
they were reared. |ohn was the second child, and attained his majority on his
father's farm in Armstrong county. He married Mary Ransel, a native of But-
ler county, born in 1 S 1 T . and a daughter of Henry Ransel. Mr. Benson and
family came to this county in 1852, and located in Donegal township, where he
resided until his death in 1890. His widow still survives, and resides with her
children. They were the parents of seven children, five of whom grew to
maturity, and are vet living, viz. : William F. : Joseph, a resident of Oakland
township ; James, who lives upon the old homestead in Donegal; Elizabeth, wife
of Matthias Blatt.of Brady's Bend, and Tillie. wife of Arthur Slator. of Clarion
county. Mr. Benson was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic church, of North
Oakland, and a liberal supporter of that congregation.
William F. Benson, eldest child of John and Mary Benson, was born in
Armstrong county, in 1845, came with his parents to Donegal township, and
there grew to manhood. He attended the common schools of his district, and at
the age of eighteen started in life for himself in the oil regions, which business
he has followed ever since. He settled upon his present farm in 1872, and has
since been engaged in farming, although devoting the greater portion of his time
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1°35
to the oil industry. He lias charge of a number of wells located cm and near his
place, In 1870 he married Elvira O'Donnell, a daughter of John and Mary
(Duffy) O'Donnell, natives of this county. She was horn in Oakland township,
in September, 1843, and became the mother of ten children, as follows: August-
ine, who died May II. L891, in his nineteenth year; Alphonsus ; Laura: Ida:
William; Gertie: Mary; George; Jerome, and Anna, all of whom reside with
their father. Mrs. Benson died September 16, 1891. She was a practical mem-
ber of the Catholic church, a kind wife and a devoted mother. She reared her
family in the same faith, and all are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church, at
North Oakland. Mr. Benson is a stanch Democrat, and one of the enterprising
citizens of his township.
Stephen Lank was born in France, there married lane Rappin, and immi-
grated to the United States in 1832, landing at Baltimore after a voyage of forty-
two days. They remained about six months east of the mountains, thence
removed to Pittsburg, where Mr. Lane found employment in a candle factory.
He afterwards removed to this county with his family, and settled in Summit
township, on a farm which he rented from John Potts. In a lew years he pur-
chased the farm in Oakland township now owned by his son Joseph, where lie
resided until his death. The only improvements were a small clearing and a log
cabin, in which the family lived for several years. Mr. Lane was a weaver, but
devoted his attention after coming to this county to agriculture. Both he and
wife were practical members of the Catholic church, and in politics, he was an
adherent of the Democratic party. lie died on June -j, 1869, aged
seventy-three years, and his wife June 20, I860, at the age of sixty-
eight. They reared a family of three children, as follows ; Joseph, known as
■' Big Joseph," born in France, who served in the Rebellion, and died at East
Brady, Clarion county, in October, 1893, leaving a family of six children ; Fran-
cis, who was killed in the battle of Second Bull Run. and Joseph, known as
" Little Joseph."
Joseph Laxe was born in Summit township. Butler County, in 1836, son
of Stephen and Jane Lane. He was reared on the homestead in Oakland town-
ship until his majority, receiving a limited education in the district school. lie
worked for a time in a rolling mill at Brady's Bend, and while there was taken
sick with typhoid fever. Returning home he engaged in carpentering and build-
ing, which he has followed more or less down to the present, in connection with
farming. In 1857 he married Catherine Kirk, a daughter of John Kirk, one of
the early German settlers of Oakland township. Six children were born to this
union, three of whom are living, viz.: Joseph; Mrs. Catherine Leibler, and
Mrs. Mary McCooL The deceased are ; Anna; Barbara, and Elizabeth. Mrs.
Lane died in 1866, and he married "for his second wife. Margaret Witt, a daugh-
ter of John and Christina Witt, who lias borne him five children, as follows :
John; Francis: Mrs. Susie Stain: Peter, and Charles. The family are members
of the Catholic church, and in politics. Mr. Lane is ,i Democrat. lie is the
owner of a well improved farm of eighty-five acres, while his wile owns a line
farm in Clearfield township, lie still uses a threshing machine built by himself
twenty-three years ago. which is as good to-day as when it was constructed.
1034 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
|oii\ Felges, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, grew to manhood in
his native land, and followed the trade of a carpenter and builder. He there
married Elizabeth Winder, and in 1861, with his; wife and two children. August
and Catherine, immigrated to the United States, arriving at Baltimore after a
voyage of live weeks. Thev came westward to Pittsburg, and thence to Butler
county, settling in Summit township on a farm of 110 acres of unimproved tim-
ber land. Mr. Felges built a small house of round logs, which he cut near the
site of his cabin, in which the family lived tor live years. Thev labored indus-
triously on this place, clearing off the forest trees and tilling the land, for six
years, being the term for which he had leased the property. He continued to
reside in Summit township until L884, in which year the family settled in Oak-
land township. Here Mr. beiges died on September 30, 1893, aged seventy-
three years. His wife died in August, 1876, at the age of fifty-six. Thev were
members of the German Lutheran church, in which he held official position while
a resident of Summit township. In politics, he was a Democrat, ami was highly
respected by those who knew him best. Their daughter Catherine is the wife of
George Eisler. of Summit township.
August Felges was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1850, son of
John and Elizabeth Felges. He was reared in Summit township, and received
his early education in the schools of his native land. ThouL'h only eleven
years old when his parents came to Butler county, he was compelled to remain at
home and assist his father in clearing; the farm, and attended school only a few-
months during the winter seasons. He remained with his parents until their
decease, and inherited the old homestead in Oakland township. In 1*77 he
married Caroline Kehm. a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to
America in childhood with her parents, Bernard and Christina Kehm. They
settled in Summit township, Butler countv, where they died, leaving two sons
and two daughters, viz.: Mary; John; Henry, and Caroline, all residents of
Summit township. Mr. Felges and wife are the parents of five children, as fol-
lows : Paulus; George; Mary; Caroline, and Harry. The family are members
of the Lutheran church, and in politics, Mr. Felges is a Republican. lie is the
owner of 100 acres, with good buildings and in a high state of cultivation.
Daniel Andre was born in Concord township, Butler countv, October l' 1 .
1820, and was the sixth in a family of ten children. He is a son of Michael
Andre, a native of Northampton countv, Pennsylvania, and a grandson, of Nich-
olas Andre, a native of Zweibrucken, Germany. Michael Andre and one brother
left their father in Northampton counts, and came to Westmoreland county.
The brother settled in Columbiana county, Ohio, and Michael settled in Centre
township (now Concord), Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he cleared him-
self a farm in the wilderness. IK- afterwards removed to Fairvicw township,
where he took up another claim and resided down to his death, at an advanced
age. Daniel grew to maturity in this countv, learned the carpenter's trade, later
went west on foot and horseback, and took up a claim near Warsaw. Indiana,
but the country then being infected with malaria, he was obliged to sell his
claim and return to Butler county. He followed his trade till 1864, when he
purchased a farm in Fairview township, two miles northwest of Millerstown,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO35
where he still resides. In vigorous manhood he was very strong and robust, and
is now (August, 1894,) quite hale and hearty. He married fane Davidson, a native
of Venango county, born December 25, 182G, and they are the parents of five chil-
dren, two of whom survive: Samuel M, and William J., the former <>f whom
resides with his parents in Eairview township, and is widely known as a dealer
in and breeder of fancy poultry.
Wit. 1. 1 am 1. Andre was horn in Fairview township, Butler county, Sep-
tember 7. 1806, son of Daniel and jane Andre. He was reared upon the home
farm, and educated in the public schools, and sold hooks to attend the West Sun-
bury Academy, lie took an active interest in the country literary societies and
became quite a debater. In L886 he went to Washington, Pennsylvania, to sell
books, but after traveling two weeks and making the discovery that there was
not enough money in his pocket to buy a postage stamp to mail a letter home, he
went to work in an oil country boarding-house for his board, till he could find
something better. In a few davs he found employment with the Forest Oil
Company, as gauger, at sixty dollars a month, and continued in their employ till
the spring of 1888, when he went to New York to attend the American Institute
of Phrenology, graduating therefrom the same fall. He then lectured for a short
time on that science. In 1889 he came to St. foe Station, Butler county, where
hi' embarked in general merchandising with W. E. Blaney, whose interest he
purchased three years later, and has since continued the business alone. In 1892
they started a store at Oil City, but dissolved partnership a few months later.
Mr. Andre retaining the store at St. Joe Station. Soon after coming to this
point he joined the K. ( ). T. M., in which he has taken an active interest. lie
has tilled the office of deputy supreme commander, and organized many tents in
Pennsylvania and West Virginia, the tent at New Cumberland being the first
one organized in the latter State. He was a delegate to the State conventions
at Erie and Warren. Mr. Andre married Mary E. Cate. a daughter of II. S.
Gate, of Greer, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1892. She was born at Neilltown,
Forest county, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1872. Mr. Andre was appointed
postmaster at St. Joe Station. December 23, 1893, and elected justice of the
peace February 20, 1894, which positions he still occupies.
Giiari.es II. MoNNIE was born about fifty miles north of Paris, France,
where he followed farming, and stage-driving in early manhood. He there mar-
ried, and in L845, with his wife. Harriet, three sons and four daughters, crossed
the Atlantic in the sailing vessel, "Lucy," ami after a voyage of thirty-three
days landed in Xew York city. They remained in New York a few days, then
came westward to Pittsburg, by canal and railroad, lived in the latter city about
two months, and then located on a rented farm in Deer Greek township, Alle-
gheny county. Two years later Mr. Monnie purchased an improved farm of fifty
acres in Middlesex township, Butler county, where they resided until about 1854.
He then sold his property and purchased a farm two miles north of Butler, now
owned by George Reiber. In 1859 he traded this for the George Reiber farm,
two miles below Millerstown, in Donegal township, where he resided until his
death, in April, 1861, aged sixty-three years. His widow married |ohn Wolford,
and died upon the homestead near Millerstown, in March, 1891, in her eighty-
IO36 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
fourth year. She was a member of the Lutheran church, of Millerstown. Mr.
Monnie was the father of the following children : Charles II., a resident of
Nebraska; Frederick II.; Caroline, who married James Hutchison, and died in
April. lS'.H ; Eliza, wife of Jacob Myers, of Oakland ; Adeline, wife of William
Wolford, of Donegal ; Mrs. Mary Evans, of Washington county, and Alfred,
who served in Company 1 1, One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers,
ami died in 1888, from the effect of disease contracted in the army, leaving a
wife and four children.
Frederick II. Monnie, second son of Charles II, and Harriet Monnie, was
horn in France, March I;.', 1834. He was about eleven years old when the fam-
ily came to Pennsylvania, and received what education he possesses in his native
land, attending school in this countrv only about two weeks. His father was an
invalid and unable to do hard labor; so Frederick ami his elder brother, Charles,
had to support the family and assist in paving for the homestead, working out by
the day and month and turning over their earnings to their parents. At the age
of twenty years he began mining coal on the home farm, north of Butler, which
he followed for several years. He was married on November 3, 1S57, to Matilda
Hutchison, a daughter of John Hutchison, rented a house in Oakland township,
and continued mining until July 29, 1861, when he enlisted in Company C.
Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve. Pie took part in the Seven Days Fight before
Richmond, and Second Pull Run. He was then taken sick with fever and sent
to the hospital at Point Lookout, Maryland, where he remained for three months.
1 Ie rejoined, his regiment in front of Washington, and served in the battle of
Gettysburg, where he was wounded in the right ankle by a minie-ball, on July
2, 1863, and lay in the hospital at York, Pennsylvania, about three months. In
the spring of 1864 he was with bis regiment at the Wilderness and in front of
Petersburg, and participated in all of the engagements in which his regiment
took part until mustered out in front of Petersburg, Virginia, August 4, 1864.
Mr. Monnie was a good soldier, and was always at his post when able to report
for duty. Returning to bis family in Oakland township, he resided there until
1883, when be located on his present farm of forty-five acres, lying in the Conno-
quenessing bottom near Oneida station. Mrs. Monnie died on May L6, 1890,
aged sixty years. She was a member of the Baptist church. Nine children were
born to them, all of whom are yet living, viz. : Albert W. ; Hatty Eliza, wife
of Samuel Sowash ; William 11.; John C. ; Anna; Mary K. ; Charles O. ;
I. Curtis, and Louis. Mr. Monnie married for his second wife Mrs. Belle
McCurdy nee Pringle, a native of Mercer county, and a daughter of James
Pringle, of Centre township, Butler county. He is a stanch Republican,
takes an active part in political matters, and has held the office of tipstaff
since 1885. For thi' past live years Mr. Monnie has been unable to perform
bard manual labor, but looks after bis farm, and attends to his official duties.
John Montgomery was a native of Ireland, a son of Charles and Sarah
(Bailey) Montgomery, and immigrated to Pennsylvania with his parents. They
settled in Centre county, but later removed to Armstrong county anil located
below Kittanning, upon a farm of about 200 acres. Charles Montgomery died
I here at t he advanced age ol eighty-four years. lie was an elder in t be Preshs -
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO37
terian church from early manhood. His widow died in Clarion county, at an
advanced age. She too was a devoted member of the same church. To Charles
and Sarah Montgomery were born the following children: Elizabeth; fohn ;
Mrs. Margaret Truby ; Porter; Mrs. Maria McCutcheon ; William, and Mrs.
Adeline Bailey, all of whom are dead with the exception of Porter, who resides
at Bradford. The subject of this sketch was reared in Armstrong county, and
there married Mary Truby, a daughter of John Truby. at one time sheriff of that
county, who built what is known as Trilby's mill, above Brady's Bend, which lie
operated for a long period. Mrs. Montgomery was born on July 5, 1815, and
was reared in Armstrong county. After their marriage they lived on the old
homestead near Kittanning for some years, then removed to Manorville, next to
Catfish, Clarion county, and finally to Van Buren, Armstrong county, where
Mr. Montgomery dieil in 1855. They were the parents of the following chil-
dren : Nancy; Jane; John T. ; Richard B. ; Mrs. Mary London; Amanda,
deceased wife of Z. M. Miller ; Charles II; Robert, and Simon, both deceased.
The mother lives at Van Buren, Armstrong county.
John T. Montgomery was born near Manorville, Armstrong county, April
7. 18-14, son of John and Mary Montgomery, and grew to manhood in Van
Buren. At the age of twelve years he commenced boating on the Allegheny
river, which he followed during the summer seasons until 1867, and was a pilot
from the time he was eighteen years old, the last two years holding a commis-
sion as a pilot between Pittsburg and Oil City. In 1867 he gave up piloting, and
in May of that year settled at Boydstown. Butler county, where he carried on
merchandising for three years. He next went to Parker's Landing, and followed
pumping oil. In 1872 he returned to Butler county, and teamed for some years
at Greece City, during the oil excitement. In 1878 he purchased his present
homestead of fifty-rive acres, partly cleared, but without buildings, upon which
he settled in 1880. He has since erected all of the buildings, cleared the land
and made many other improvements. He devotes his time and attention to his
farm and dealing in horses. Mr. Montgomery was married May 25, 1869, to
Mary M. Neyman, a daughter of John II. Xevman. She was born in Jefferson
county, came to Butler county at the age of two years, and was reared on the
old homestead. She received her education in the common schools and at
Witherspoon Institute. Six children have been born to this union, viz. : [ohn
Ardell, deceased ; Ada May ; Amanda Belle ; Bertha Maude ; Alfred Alon/.o, and
Bessie Blanche. Mr. Montgomery is an ardent Republican, and has filled the
offices of supervisor, auditor and school director in Oakland township.
James Campbell, Su.. of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, was one
of the early settlers of Butler county. He was a son of ]ohn Campbell, who
reared a family of eight sons and one daughter, namely : Robert ; John :
James; Andrew: William; Joseph; Thomas; Samuel, and Jane, who married
James Cumberland. In 1796 his father and several of the sons visited Butler
county and selected lands in what is now Concord, Fairview and Washington
townships, upon which they settled the following year. James located in what
is now Concord township, while his parents resided with their son Robert, where
both spent the remaining years of their lives. James owned a farm of 150 acres
IOsS HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of land, where his grandson, George 1'. Campbell, now lives, upon which he died
about 1832. lie married Sarah Cumberland, and their children were as follows:
Ann, who married fames Glenn ; Joseph ; William; fames ; Thomas ; Robert S ;
Samuel; George, anil Eli, all of whom are dead except Thomas and Robert S.
Mr. Campbell and wife were members of Hear Creek Presbyterian church, and
in politics, he was a Democrat.
Robert S. Campbell, son of lame.-- and Sarah Campbell, was born upon
the homestead farm in Concord township, Ma\ .">. 1818. lie was reared in
his native township, and received his education in the pioneer log school
house of his neighborhood. After reaching his maturity his father gave him sixty
acres of the old homestead, which he cleared and improved. He lias since added
ninety acres to the original tract, and has devoted his attention to farming pur-
suits. Mr. Campbell has been twice married. His first wife was Nancy Storey,
a daughter of William Storey, oi Fairview township, to which union were born
the following children : Mary, wife "f Silas Campbell; Eli. of Nebraska; Sarah,
wife of Piatt Sutton : Eliza A., wife of Cyrus Campbell; Matthew, of Concord
township; Martha E., wife of William Bartley; Robert; Harvey; Maggie, wife
Webster Conway, and Isaiah, lie married for bis second wife Mrs. Sarah J.
Riddle, a daughter ol James Scott, of Fairview township. One son has been
born of this union, John A. Mr. Campbell is a member of the United Presbyte-
rian church, and in politics, he was originally a Whig, and since the formation of
the Republican party, he has voted that ticket. He is one of the representative
farmers of his township, and a descendant of one of its oldest families.
James E. Campbell, eldest son of William and Margaret Campbell, was
born (une ll'>. 1843, on the homestead, and was reared and educated in bis native
township. Ilis father was tin- third sou of lames and Sarah Campbell, and was
born on the homestead in Concord township, Butler county. After William
grew to manhood be settled on fifty acres of the home farm, to which he added
Kill acres more, and here he spent the rerrfaining years of his life. lie married
Margaret Fowler, who survives him. Their children were as follows: James
E. ; John T., deceased; Simeon II., and Margaret A., wife of Wesley Fowler.
The subject of this sketch enlisted in Company G, Sixty-second Pennsylvania
Volunteers, with which command he served about a year, and was then trans-
ferred to the One Hundred Fifty-fifth regiment, in which lie served until the
close of the war. participating in all of the battles and campaigns in which his
regiments were engaged during his term of service. Before Petersburg he was
severely wounded in the right leg, below the knee, by a gun shot, and was sent
tn McClellan Hospital, Philadelphia, where he remained until discharged, the
war in the meantime having ended. lie returned to his home in Butler county,
but subsequently settled on a part of his father's farm, which he cleared and
improved, erecting the buildings and other necessary improvements. Mr. Camp-
bell married Lilah Donaldson, a daughter of Andrew Donaldson, and has three
children, viz. : William T. ; Eva I... and Henderson. The family are adherents
of the Presbyterian church. In politics. Mr. Campbell is a Republican, and is a
member of Kuhn Post, Number 539, <J. A. R. He is one of the enterprising and
proi'Tessive citi/.eiis of bis township.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO3O
Hugh Conway, with his wife and family, immigrated from Donegal county,
Ireland, to tlie United State-, in 1771. In the last decade of the Eighteenth cen-
tury they settled in Concord township, Butler county, on a tract of iOO acres of
wild land, situated on BearCreek. Here they spent the remaining years of their
lives, leaving to their children the fruits of their industry. Hugh Conway reared
a family of three sons and two daughters, as follows : William ; Hugh : John :
Fannie, who married John Iloev, and jane, who married John Shryock.
William Conway, son of Hugh Conway, was horn during the passage to
America, came to Butler county with his parents, and grew to maturity in Con-
cord township. lie married Mary McLaughlin, and settled on a part of the land
entered by his father. Eight children were born to this union, viz. : fane, who
married Samuel Glenn ; Nancy, who married Williarn, McElvaine ; Hugh ; George
C. ; John ; Margaret; Maria, and William, all of whom are dead except the last
mentioned. The mother died on February 3, 1S44, and the father. September
17, 1<S4(>, in his seventy-fifth year. They were members of Concord Presby-
terian church.
William Conway, Jr., youngest and only living child of William and
Mary Conway, was born in Concord township, Butler county, March 29, 1821.
He was reared amidst pioneer surroundings, and attended one of the old fashioned
log school houses, where he obtained the rudiments of an English education. In
1844 he married Euphemia Starr, a daughter of John and Sarah Starr. She was
born in Concord township. December 11. 1823. They immediately took up their
residence on a part of the homestead farm, but three years later embarked in
merchandising at Buena Vista. In 1855 Mr. Conway located at Middletown, and
engaged in mercantile pursuits as a member of the lirm of A, I). Kuhn i\; Com-
pany. This partnership lasted for thirty-eight years, and was dissolved by the
death of Mr. Kuhn in the spring of 1893. Mr. Conway was also engaged in
farming, and is now the owner of a good farm. He is a stanch Republican, has
held various township offices, and is at present township clerk.
Robert Patton, with his wife Rebecca, came from Centre county, Penn-
sylvania, to Butler county, in 1798, and Settled in what is now Concord town-
ship. He was a native of Donegal county. Ireland, and immigrated to the United
States with his parents when nine years of age. The Pattons were among the
first settlers of this township, and reared a family of twelve children, only two of
whom survive, viz.: Sarah Ann, who married J. R. Thompson, and resides in
Sciota county, Ohio, and David, of Concord township. Robert Patton died upon
his farm in August, 1842, aged seventy-two years. His wife died on December
12, 1SG4, aged eighty-fot.tr years.
David Patton, son of Robert and Rebecca Patton, was born in Concord
township, Butler county, April 27, 1822, and grew to maturity upon the home-
stead farm. His advantages for obtaining an education were limited to a few-
months each year at a subscription school. Upon the death of his father he
inherited the old homestead, where his entire life has been passed. Though
formerly a Republican, he is now a Prohibitionist. He has held various town-
ship offices, and is a member of Concord Grange,
Henry Kuhn was born in Huntingdon county. Pennsylvania, March 30,
IO4O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1805, and when about eight years old came with his parents to Butler county.
The journey across the mountains was made in ;i wagon, and thev camped at
night at the most convenient point on the road. The family settled in Allegheny
township, on a tract of wild land, and there these sturdy pioneers began to hew
out a home in the wilderness, where the balance of their lives was passed. Henry
was the youngest in a family of five children, and during his boyhood assisted his
parents on the farm. After reaching manhood he often made trips across the
mountains for salt, which was a scarce article in pioneer days. When about
twenty-five years of age he married Margaret Hawks, of Westmoreland county,
who came to Marion township, Butler county, with her parents. Mr. Kulin
resided on a part of the old homestead in Allegheny township, until 1851, when
they removed to a farm in w hat is now Concord township, which property is
now owned by his sons. Here the parents died, the father in 1872, and the
mother in 1879. They reared a family of six children, as follows: Alexander
I)., born April 29, 1831, who was a merchant at Middletown for thirty-eight
years, and died in April. 1893; Catherine, born September 14. 1832, married
Campbell Hutchison, and died in December, 1891 ; John Coulter, born March
17, 1835, served in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve, was wounded at the
second battle of Bull Run, and died in the hospital at Alexandria: Henry, born
February 1, 1837; McAllister. March :i(). 1839; Lucinda II., March 111. 1841,
married \V. J. Hutchison, and died in 1893.
McAllister Knix. youngest son of Henry and Margaret Kulm. was born
in Allegheny township, Butler county, March 30, 1839, and was reared in that
township and upon the homstead in Concord township. < >n August 9, 1S<>:2. lie
enlisted in Company (i. One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, ami served in the battles of South Mountain. Antietam, Chancellorsville,
etc.. and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of enlistment.
In 18(17 lie married Sarah Ann Campbell, a daughter of Thomas |. and Mary
(Meals) Campbell, and took up his residence on his present farm. He is the
owner of 200 acres of well improved land, ami is one of the leading farmers of
his township. Five children have been born to McAllister and Sarah Ann Kuhn,
named as follows: Mary E., wife of W. E. Duffy; Maggie L., deceased; Detmer
T. : Frank M., and Jessie L. The family are connected with Concord Presby-
terian church, and in politics, Mr. Kuhn is a stanch Republican.
Joseph Emery, better known as "Trapper Joseph," was a native of New
Jersey, of Dutch extraction. In 1807 he removed to what is now Lawrence
county, Pennsylvania, bringing with him his father, and settled close to the But-
ler county line. He was a lifer in a company from this part of the State in the
War ot 1812, and served at Erie with his command. The balance of his life was
spent upon his farm on the Lawrence county line, where he was engaged in farm-
ing ami trapping, being one of the well known hunter's of pioneer days. IK- was
married in New Jersey to a Miss [lull, and their children were as follows:
Jacob; John; William; Joseph; Henry; Peter; Daniel: David; Maria, who
married John Book . Mrs. Fannie Campbell, and Mrs. Catherine Pounds.
William Emery, son of Joseph Emery, was bom in New Jersey in 1801,
and was reared in Lawrence county. Pennsylvania. Al tin- age of fifteen he was
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I04)
hound out to Colonel Covert, of Brad) township, Butler counts . with whom he
learned the carpenter's and cabinet maker's trades, which business he afterwards
followed at various places for a few years. lie then settled on a farm on the line
between Butler ami Lawrence counties, where he owned 100 acres oi land. In
connection witli farming, he also worked at his trade the greater part of his life.
In 1838 he and his brother Joseph purchased 200 acres of land in Washington
township. Butler county, upon which he resided until within a few years of his
death, when he sold his farm ami made his home with his grand-daughter, Mrs.
Lizzie McCandless. of Clay township, Butler county, where he died, March 20,
1889. His wife. Elizabeth, died on December 20, 1*74. She was a daughter of
James McCune. They were the parents of fourteen children, seven of whom
grew to maturity, whose names are as follows: Hannah, who married Samuel
Meals; Robert N. ; Susannah, who married William Turner; Mary, who mar-
ried John Ilartzell. and after his death John McCandless ; Joseph, and William
S., both residents of California, and Nancy E., who married James Blain. The
family are adherents of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, Mr. Emery was
a Republican.
Robert X. Emery, eldest son of William and Elizabeth Emery, was born
October 14, 1827, near the line of Butler and Lawrence counties, lie received
a common school education, and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
in connection with teaching school. In 1862 he purchased his present farm of
100 acres, in Concord township, which he has since improved. In connection
with his duties on the farm, he has taught school during the greater portion of
his residence in this county. In 1864 he enlisted in Company B, Sixth Pennsyl-
vania Artillery, and served until the close of the war. Mr. Emery married
Sarah J. Turner, a daughter of William Turner, of Parker township, to which
union have been born the following children : Elizabeth, deceased wife of Dr.
Lysander Black, of Butler; Alwilda J., wife of James Pierce; William J.:
Martha : John T.; Joseph McC, and Nelson R. Politically. Mr. Emery is a
Republican, and has always taken an active interest in public affairs. He is a
member of Concord Presbyterian church, and an elder in that organization. He
is connected with Concord Grange, P. of II., and is one of the leading farmers
of his township.
John Thompson was born in Down county. Ireland, April ('), 1833, son of
Isaac and Elizabeth (Bailey) Thompson. When fourteen years of aye he came
to the United States with his parents, and after some time spent at Kensington
furnace, they settled in Washington township. Butler county, where both his
father and mother died. John was reared upon the farm and received a common
school education. In 1859 he married Nancy Stoops, of Washington township.
and settled in that part of the count)-. In September, 1864, he enlisted in Com-
pany (1, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served with his regiment in the
siege and capture of Petersburg. He was honorably discharged in June. 1865,
and participated in the grand review at Washington. lie returned to his home
and resided there until 1881, in which year he purchased and located on his pres-
ent farm in Concord township. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents ot five
children, as follows; James B., a physician at Prospect: Henry: William;
I04? HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Delia, and Elizabeth. Politically, Mr. Thompson is a Republican, and he is a
member of the ( i. A. R.
Samuel Fixdley, Si;., was one of the pioneers of Clay township, But-
ler county, where he settled in 1 T'.'S. lie- built his cabin in the midst of
an unbroken forest and spent the remaining years of his life in making a home
for himself and family. He was a native of Ireland, and immigrated to West-
moreland county, Pennsylvania, with his brother William, prior to the Revolu-
lution. His brother was a soldier in the Continental army, and after peace was
established. became one of the most distinguished legislators of the State. He was
a member of the first Constitutional Convention of Pennsylvania, and was elected
to Congress in 1790, as a Jeffersonian Democrat, and served in that body for
twenty years. He wrote a treatise on the funding of the public debt, also a
history of the Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania, in 1794, which he assisted
in quelling, and other political pamphlets. He died in Westmorland county, in
April. 1829. Samuel Findley, Sr., had three sons and three daughters who
came with him to Butler county, and afterward became well known settlers.
The son-, were Samuel. Robert and David. The daughters were Mrs. Elizabeth
Thompson. Mrs. Mary Christy ami Mrs. Martha Milford. Samuel became a
prominent minister in the United Presbyterian church, his field of labor for many
years being in eastern Ohio, where he died in the latter part of the sixties. Rob-
ert and David patented lands in Clay township, a portion of which vet remains
in the Findley name. They spent their lives in Clay township, and both died in
the year 1843. Samuel Findley. Sr., was commissioned by Governor McKean
one of the associate judges of Butler county, July 4. 1808, and served on the
bench until his death, in 1816. He was one of the prominent and influential cit-
izens of the county during pioneer days.
David Fixdley, son .if Samuel Findley, Sr.. was born in Westmoreland
county, and came with hi-- father to Butler county, in 1798. In 1812 he
married Margaret Glenn, and reared a family of four children, viz.: Jane:
Samuel; James, and Mary. Jane was married to Robert Hays, of Lancaster
township, in 1851, and is yet living in Kansas. Samuel was married in 1852, to
Sarah Hays and resides upon the homestead farm. His family consisted of seven
children, six of whom are living, viz. : William C. ; Mary; Eveline, deceased;
Chalmers: Clara; A. Lincoln, and Laura. James married Mary J. McCandless,
in 1853, and resides in Kansas, and Mary died in 1855, unmarried.
James McJuxkin was born in the north of Ireland, in 1768, immigrated
to America after arriving at manhood, and in 1798 located upon a tract of
400 acres of land in what is now Clay township, Butler count v. the larger
part of which is still owned by his descendants. lie slept the first night on a
large, flat sandstone rock near where he had concluded to erect his cabin, which
he built in the midst of the primitive forest. This building was used as a dwell-
ing house down to 1830, when a large hewed-log bouse was erected, which sub-
sequently gave place to a more substantial brick structure. Soon after coming to
this county he married Asenath Turk, by whom he had three children, viz.. :
David: William, and Mary, all deceased. His wife lived but a few years, and he
was again married, in [818, to Nancy Turner, a daughter of James Turner, one
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO43
of the first settlers of Parker township. She was born in [reland, and was onh
two years old when her parents immigrated to the United States. Eight chil-
dren were the fruits of this union, as follows : Mary Ann. and lames T., hoth de-
ceased ; Hannah, wife of Isaac Hall, of Cherry township ; Samuel, deceased ; John
R. ; Sarah J., deceased wife of William A. Christie, of Centre township: Martha,
deceased, and Susannah, wife of James Rose, of Centre township. Mr. Mcjunkin
died March (5. is;}:]. After the death of her husband the widow struggled bravely
to rear her family and retain the land which he had entered, but through the
sharp practice of land jobbers, she lost three-fourths of it. Her son, John R.,
finally succeeded in after years in obtaining possession of .'!.">() acres of the original
tract. Mrs. Mcjunkin died February 25, 1858. The parents were members of
the Presbyterian church, to which denomination most of the Mcjunkin family
adhere.
John R. McJuxkin was horn upon Ins present farm in Clay township,
Butler county, April :?7, 1825, and is the third son of Tames and Nancy (Turner)
Mcjunkin. His father died when John R. was in his eighth year, and when he
arrived at the age of sixteen he became the main support of his mother and took
charge of the homestead farm. Through untiring industry he was enabled to
repurchase the lands which his mother had lost through the chicanery of land
jobbers, and he has resided on this farm up to the present. Mr. Mcjunkin was
married May 8, 1856, to Mary Hays. She was born in Connoquenessing town-
ship, Butler county, in 1827, and was the mother of five children, as follows:
Agnes, wife of William Timblin, of Clarion county : Harriet L.. wife of Robert
C. Thompson : Elizabeth, a teacher in the Butler public schools : James Elmer,
an oil operator of Butler, and John W., deceased. Mrs. Mcjukin died December
29, 1863 On January 15, 1866, Mr. Mcjunkin married Amanda Clark, of Craw-
ford county, to which union were born two children : Amanda Eva, and
Imelda J., deceased. Mrs. Mcjunkin died February 24, 1885. The family are
members of the Presbyterian church, and politically, Mr. Mcjunkin is a Prohi-
bitionist. He has been justice of the peace four terms, school director several
terms, and overseer of the poor for many years. His homestead contains
415 acres, is finely improved, and he devotes particular attention to the
breeding of line sheep, and other stock, and has been extensively engaged
in oil producing. He is one of the most progressive farmers in Butler county,
and gives liberally of his means towards every worthy object.
John W. McJunkix, youngest child of John R. and Mary (Hays) Mcjun-
kin. was born December '24. 1863, upon the Mcjunkin homestead in Clay town-
ship. He receiyed his primary education in the public schools, and completed
his studies at the West Sunbury Academy, then commenced teaching in the
winter seasons and working on the farm in summer. lie was united in marriage
October 22. 1890, to Anna Stewart, a daughter of A. (i. Stew art. of Whites-
town. One son was born to this union, George Heibert. who died in infancy.
Mr. Mcjunkin resided on a portion of the old homestead until his death, Febru-
ary 1(1. IS1,)."). He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and politically, a
Republican.
John Mechlixg, Si;., was a son of Jacob Mechling. a native of Germany,
1044 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
who first settled in Northampton county, Pennsylvania, thence removed to West-
moreland county, where he died. John was born in Northampton county, Sep-
tember 30, 1708, grew to manhood there and in Westmoreland county, and came
to Butler county with his brother Jacob in IT'.Ki. They entered a large tract of
land in what is now Washington township, built their cabins in the midst of the
forest and began the work of clearing a farm. Jacob afterwards removed to the
borough of Butler, went into the hotel business, and became quite prominent in
the early official life of the county. John Mechling remained on his farm in
Washington township until his death in 1829. He married Margaret Saams,
born June 6, 1768, who bore him the following children : Mary, born March 14,
17D4; Catherine, February 6, 1796; William, March 5, 1798; Elizabeth, May 30,
1800; John, March 29, 1802; Margaret. March is. 1804; Joseph, May 26, 1806;
Sarah. February 21, 1809; Harriet, June 18, 1811, and Esther, August 7, 1814, all
oi whom are deceased. The parents were members of the Presbyterian chinch,
and died in thai fail h.
William Mechling, eldest son of John Mechling, was born in what is now
Washington township, Butler county, March 5, 1798, grew up inured to the
trials and hardships of pioneer life, and engaged in the usual avocations of a
farmer's sun. About the year 1 824, he married Catherine Kuhn, of Venango
township, to which union were born eight children, as follows: George W., a
minister of the Presbyterian church; John; Henry K. ; Joseph; Sophia; Isaac:
William S., who died December I, 1892, and Lycurgus, a Presbyterian minister.
Mr. Mechling lived in Concord township from his marriage until 1852, in which
year he removed to Scioto county. Ohio, where he died, July 29, 1870. His wife
died in this county in 1851, a year before he removed to Ohio. They were
members of the Presbyterian church, and earnest supporters of that denomina-
tion. In politics, he was originally a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, but
took very little interest in public affairs.
John Mechling was born in Concord township, Butler county, April 22,
1827, and was reared upon his father's farm, receiving his education in the neigh-
borhood subscription school. He learned the carpenter's trade, and located at
West Kunbury in 1849. He worked at his trade in connection with wagon-mak-
ing down to 1875, when he embarked in the furniture ami undertaking business,
which he still carries on. On December I'M. 1S52, he married Martha Dunlap. a
daughter of Thomas Dunlap, of West Sunburv, and they are the parents of the
following children : Albert; George W., and Emma S., both deceased; Chloe,
wife of Howard C. Pryor ; Minnie, wife of Samuel Hunt, and Florence. Mr.
Mechling was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a trustee, class
leader and Sabbath school superintendent until 1892, when he joined the United
Presbyterian church. In politics, he is an ardent Prohibitionist, has filled the
offices of school director, overseer of the poor, etc.. and is the present burgess of
West Sunburv.
Glenn Family. — In 1808 Joseph, John. James, William and Samuel Glenn,
sons of James and Janet (Sterling) Glenn, natives of York county, Pennsyl-
vania, who had removed to Westmoreland county, came from the latter county
with their mother and three sifters, to Butler county, and located on lands in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO45
Clay township previously purchased by their father, who died prior to effecting
a settlement. Joseph married Annis McElvaine ; John married Dorcas McEl-
vaine ; James married Anna Campbell ; William married Rebecca Porter, and
Samuel married Jane Conway. The sisters were Mrs. Margaret Findley, Mrs.
Mary Cowden, and Mrs. Porter. Their mother was a shrewd business woman,
and to her foresight was largely due the purchase of the Glenn lands in Clay
township. All of the sons and daughters reared families, and many of their
descendants are living in Butler county.
John Glenn came from Westmoreland county with his mother and
brothers, and settled on a part of the land previously purchased by his father.
He was captain of a company in the War of 1812, and filled the office of justice
of the peace for many years. He married Dorcas McElvaine, who bore him
seven children, as folllows : Samuel; Annis, wife of John Daubenspcck ; Mary
E. ; John C. ; Sarah M., wife of D. P. Kelly; Amy, wife of A. (i. Campbell, and
Robinson, who died in infancy. Mr. Glenn died in January, 1874, at the ripe
age of eighty-two years. He was one of the well known men of pioneer days,
and many of the present generation remember him.
Samuel Glenn was born in Clay township, upon his present farm. June 1,
1830, and is a son of John and Dorcas (McElvaine) Glenn, natives of West-
moreland county. He was the eldest in a family of seven children, ami when
eighteen years of age commenced teaching school. He taught until August,
1862, when he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Penn
sylvania Volunteers. He served in the battles of South Mountain, Antietam,
Chancellorsville and Crampton Gap, and was discharged June 1, 1863. He
returned home and taught school for six years, was elected county superintendent
of schools in 1869, and tilled that office three years. lie then taught and farmed
alternately, until 1883, when he gave up teaching and has since devoted his
whole attention to his farm. Mr. Glenn was married March 13, 1872, to Maggie
C, a daughter of John Christley, of Slippery Rock township, to whom have been
born three children : Florence E., Edwin L., and Karl D. Mrs. Glenn died
October 26, 1892, aged fifty-one years. The family are members of the Presby-
terian church. Politically, Mr. Glenn is a Republican and is connected with
Dickson Post, G. A. R., of West Sunbury.
James C. Glenn is a son of James and Anna (Campbell) Glenn, and a
grandson of James ami Janet (Sterling) Glenn. His father inherited a part of
the lands purchased by his grandfather in what is now Clay township, Butler
county, and resided there until bis death, in December. 1881, aged seventy-six
years. His father reared a family of nine children, seven of whom are living.
The subject of this sketch was born upon the homestead farm, in Clay township,
December 4, 1840, and was the fifth in the family. After arriving at the age of
twenty-two years, his father gave him his present farm, and he hys since devoted
his attention to agriculture. Mr. Glenn was married October ',1. 1862, to Mary
E. Christie, daughter of James Christie, of Washington township. She died
October 28, 1863, and he was again married, September 21, 1865, to Amanthus
Campbell, a daughter of Robert Campbell, of Parker township. Eight children
are the fruits of this union, viz. : Adice O. ; Thomas M. ; Zilla D. : Mary D.;
1046 history of Sutler county.
Robert R,; Harvey J.; Clan- C, and one that died in infancy. The family are
connected with the Presbyterian church, and politically, Mr. Glenn is a Repub-
lican.
JACOB Brown. Si;., was burn in Germany in 1783, and came to Pennsyl-
vania with bis parents, who settled in Westmoreland county. About lSOl he
located in Clay township. Butler county, on a tract of 100 acres, his home being
where Mrs. James Cochran now lives. lie walked from Logan's Ferry to his new
settlement in Butlei county, carrying his provisions on his back. In the spring
ol 1802 he married Mary Catharine Fleeger, being then in his nineteenth year, and
the young couple took up their home in a small log cabin which he had erected
on his land. Three sons and two daughters were the fruits of this union, viz. :
John; Christian; Jacob; Catherine, widow of Jacob Fleeger, and Mary E., who
married Henry Miller, all of whom are deceased except Mrs. Fleeger. The
mother died February 28, 1819. Mr. Brown married for his second wife Eliza-
beth Osenbaugh, who bore him three children, all of whom survive, as follows :
Henry; Thomas, and Mary, who first married William Young, and second to Joseph
Rinker. Mr. Brown's death occurred on July;!. 1837, and he and wife were buried
close to his house ; his son Jacob erected a monument to mark their last rest-
ing place. They were members of the Lutheran church, and died in that faith.
At his death his tract of 400 acres was left to his children, and is still in posses-
sion of his descendants.
John Brown, son of Jacob and Mary Catherine Brown, was born in 1804,
in Clay township, Butler county, and grew to manhood in this county. lie
married Margaret Miller, who became' the mother of six children, viz. : Jacob,
who died October 16, 1859; Isaiah, a resilient of Centre township; John M., of
Clay township ; Alfred H., also a resident of Clay ; Rosanna, wife of Jacob
Brown, of Clay township, and Sarah, wife of Nelson Borland. The parents
were Presbyterians, and spent their lives in Butler counts'. Margaret Brown
died May 6, 1859, and John Brown, January 25, I8881
John M. Brown, third son of John and Margaret Brown, was born Febru-
ary 23, 1837, in Clay township, Butler county, receiving his education in the
public schools, and has followed fanning since boyhood. Mr. Brown was mar-
ried. January 111, 1862, to Margaret Miller, of Clay township. He andwifeare
members of the Presbyterian church, and politically, Mr. Brown is a Republican.
He is the owner of 150 acres of well improved land, upon which he has recently
erected one of the most substantial homes in the township. lie devotes consid-
erable attention to stock-raising, and is a well informed, progressive farmer.
Christain Brown was a son of Jacob Brown, and was born in Clay
township, December 10. 1809. lie was reared upon his father's farm, and fol-
lowed that vocation all his life. On February 25, 1836, he married Nancy Gor-
don, to whom were born six children, viz.: Samuel, deceased; Maria J., wife
of George Brown; Margaret, deceased ; Mary M., wife of Matthew Brown;
James M., of Clay township, and Henry J., of the same subdivision. Mr.
Brown died June :',(), 1854.
Henry |. Brown was born in Clay township, Butler county, son of Chris-
tian Brown. When eighteen years ol age he commenced to learn the carpenter's
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 047
trade, which he has followed more or less ever since. He owns and cultivates a
farm of forty-seven acres, a portion of the old homestead. Mr. Brown was
married October 14, 1875, to Christina Holstein, a daughter of Philip Holstein,
which union has been blessed with five children, as follows: Etta, deceased;
Charles A. ; Minnie E. ; Adelia. and an infant, deceased. The family are mem-
bers of the Lutheran church. In politics, Mr. Brown is a Republican, and has
tilled the offices of assessor, constable, collector and school director in his town-
ship.
Jacob Brown, |k.. third son of Jacob Brown, Sr., was born upon his
father's homestead in Clay township, Butler county, April 27, 181 1. He was
reared a farmer, became an extensive breeder of stock, and owned live farms,
which he left to his descendants. lie received 1 7-"> acres of the original tract set-
tled by his father. Mr. Brown filled many of the township offices, and was an
ardent supporter of the Whig and Republican parties. In religious belief, he was
a Lutheran, and was a member of the Dutch Holland church. At his death, all
children and grand children were remembered in his will. He died May 4,
1891, his wife haying died some years before. Mr. Brown was married in IS III,
to Barbara Bright, to which union were born the following children: Ann
Maria, deceased; Margaret, who married James Cochran; Amelia B., wile ot
Miller Hutchison, and Tillie, wife of Amos Young.
Hexkv Miller was born in Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, February 23,
1805, and came to Butler county with his father at an early day, settling in Cen-
tre township. About 1833 he located in Clay township, where the remainder ot
his life was spent. In 1830 he married Mary Elizabeth Brown, a daughter of
Jacob Brown. Sr. The following children were born to this union : Elizabeth,
who married John M. Hutchison; Sarah C, who was twice married, first to R.
J. Hutchison, and afterwards to Edward Walker; Elmira, who married John
Hindman, and Mary A., deceased wife of Thomas Hutchison.
Thomas T. Christie was a son of Marvin and Hannah (Tilly) Christie,
who came from Westmoreland county early in the century and settled near Por-
tersville, Butler county. In 184(1 the family removed to Washington township,
where Mr. Christie purchased 500 acres of land, and died upon his farm in that
township November IS, 1856, aged eighty years. Thomas T. grew to manhood
on his father's farm, ami married Catherine B. Williams, a native of Venango
county. They settled in Washington township, and spent the balance of their
lives in this county.
OsCAR Levi Christie, son of Thomas T. and Catherine Christie, was born
upon his father's farm in Washington township, Butler county, July 15, 1851,
and commenced his business life by working the homestead farm on shares, which
he continued to do for several years. He was united in marriage December 28,
1881, to Almira Loudon, and settled on his present farm, whicli bis wife
inherited. One child has blessed this union, Samuel B. Mr. Christie and wife
are members of the United Presbyterian church, and politically, he is .1 Repub-
lican.
Charles McCluxg, Si?., was born March 15, 1781, in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, there grew up ami learned the manufacture of spinning
IO4S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
wheels, which he followed for many years. lie came to Butler county in 1803,
locating in Fairview township, where he continued to follow his trade. In 1854
Mr. McClung settled in Concord township, immediately west of Buena Vista,
whence he removed to West Sunhury. and died in that borough, December 24,
1866. He married fane Robinson, of Westmoreland county, who died in Octo-
ber, 1842. Thev were the parents of seven sons and five daughters. Their sons
were as follows: William; Robert R. ; John; Charles; David; Samuel, ami
James. Four of these are living, viz. : Samuel, a resident of Kansas; David,
who resides in Iowa ; James, a station agent at St. Louis. Missouri, and Charles,
Tr. Mr. McClung was one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of Clay
township, and is kindly remembered by its older citizens.
Ciiari.es McClung was born upon his father's farm, near Buena Vista,
Butler county, January 9, 1816, received a common school education, and fol-
lowed farming until 1865. In that year he embarked in merchandising in West
Sunbury, which he followed about ten years, and then purchased the present
McClung farm, in Clay township, upon which he resided until 1889. He
then removed to Fairview borough, where he has since resided, enjoying the
fruits of his early industry. Mr. McClung married Rosetta McClintock, to
which union were born nine children, as follows : Elizabeth, wife of Henry
Daubenspeck, of Washington township; Emeline, wife of Alonzo Timblin, of
Fairview; lames, of Butler; Angeline ; Rosetta, wife of Milton Conway, of
Greenville ; Charles H. ; Hut tie, wife of Howard Hamilton, of Cleveland, ( )hio ;
Villa, deceased, and Edward, a resident of Butler.
Charles II. McClung was born May 24, 1857, in Fairview township,
Butler county, and was educated in the common schools ami at West Sunbury
Academy. Since reaching his majority he has lived on the old homestead. He
was married May IS, 1 SS 1 , to Hannah Guinn, a daughter of John Guinn, of
Clay township. Three children have been born to this .union, viz. ; Frank A. ;
Bessie A., and Ralph G. Mr. McClung is a Republican, and both he and wife
are members of the United Presbyterian church.
Patrick McAnallen, a native of Ireland, immigrated to the United
States in 1788, and some years afterwards purchased a tract of land in Butler
county, where he reared a family of several children. Among them was James
McAnallen, who followed farming all his life, and reared a family of thirteen
children, nine of whom are living. Patrick and his son lames both died in this
county, leaving numerous descendents.
JOSEPH McAnALLEN, son of James McAnallen, was born in Butler county,
and was reared upon his father's farm. He is now engaged in farming in Centre
township. He married Maria Young, and reared a family of thirteen children,
ten of whom are living, viz. : William A. ; James; Elizabeth; Cecelia; Martin;
Manthus; Belle; Charles; John, and Florence. Mr. McAnallen and family are
members of the Catholic church, to which faith his father and grandfather also
adhered.
William A. McAnallen, eldest in the family of Joseph and Maria
(Young) McAnallen. was bom in I hitler county, January 10, 1853, and grew to
manhood upon his father's farm. When twenty-one years of age he purchased
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO49
his present farm of forty-seven acres, in Clay township, where he has since
resided, engaged in farming. lie married Hannah Gallagher, to whom was horn
one son, William L. The mother died, and he was again married May 15, 1878,
to Viola Ralston, hv whom he has five children, as follows: May; Bertram;
Clara; Virgil, and Maude. Mr. McAnallen and family are members of the
Catholic church, and in politics, he is an ardent Democrat.
Philip Sanderson was born in Butler county, April II). 1820, son of Henry
and Catherine (Gire) Sanderson, and grandson of Henry Sanderson, a native of
Germany, wlu came to the United States at an early day. His father settled in
Parker township, Butler county, was a teacher ami carpenter by occupation,
married Catherine Gire. a native of Ireland, and reared a family of seven chil-
dren, \i/.. : facob ; Catherine; Esther; Betsey; Philip; Pegijy, and Henry.
Jacob, Philip and Catherine are living. Henry Sanderson died in lssy, at the
remarkable age of over 100 years, being at that time the oldest person in Butler
county. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the homestead in Parker
township, and subsequently settled in Clay township. He married Kcsiah
Hockenberry, to which union were born the following children: James, a resi-
dent of Butler county; Henry L., who resides at Greece City; Caldwell, a resi-
dent of Mount Chestnut; Sherman, who lives in Butler; Archie, of Clay
township; Margaret, wife of Milo Stoner ; Emeline, wife of Erastus Rider;
Ioma. wife of Aaron Rider; fohn ; fosiah ; Harvey, ami Elizabeth, deceased
wife of Amos D. Hoge. Mrs. Sanderson died on July 14, 1891. The family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and politically, Mr. Sanderson is a
Republican.
Hexhv L. Sanderson, son of Philip and Kesiah Sanderson, was born in
Clay township, Butler county, January 16, 1842. He attended school for a few-
months during each year, held in a school house between one and two miles from
his home, across Muddv creek bottom, being often compelled to wade through
the water during the wet seasons. At the age of sixteen years he went to But-
ler, where he learned the carpenter's trade, afterwards following his trade at
Parker during the oil excitement in that locality, saying sufficient money to pur-
chase tools. He then returned home, was married and settled upon a part of the
old homestead, erected a house, and resided there about eight years. He married
Minerva McCall, a daughter of James and Rebecca McCall, a native of Butler
county. Her father died while serving in the Rebellion, and her mother lives
with Mrs. Graham, one of her daughters. Mrs. Sanderson is a descendant of
Archibald McCall, one of the first settlers of Butler county. She is the mother
of one child, Virdie. Their residence on the old homestead was burned to the
ground, and they then purchased a farm of seventy-six acres in Concord town-
ship, cleared a portion of it and erected a home. This he sold with twenty acres
of his farm, and then built his present residence. Oil was found on the place
the same year he bought it, and there are now eight producing oil wells thereon
and one gas well. Mr. Sanderson devotes his principal attention to his trade.
Both he and wife are members of tin- Methodist Episcopal church. Politically.
he is a Republican, and is connected with Millerstown Lodge. K. of P.
I050 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William Patterson, a native of Ireland, came to Pennsylvania at an early
date and settled in what is now Clay township. Butler county, where he was
among the first settlers of that locality. lie purchased the present Patterson
homestead, and reared a family of three children, as follows: Susan; Nancy,
and Robert.
ROBERT PATTERSON was horn in Ireland, and came with his parents to
America at the age of eleven years. He remained on his father's farm in Butler
county until his death. May 17, 1850. He married Mary Pryor, and reared a
family of seven children, four of whom are living : Eli ; Susan, wife of William
McKissick : Jennie, wife of Joseph Greer, and Abigail, wife of Charles Rhodes.
Ei.i PATTERSON, was horn upon the Patterson homestead, in Clay town-
ship. February 14. 1833, received a common school education, and at I he age of
seventeen he inherited the farm, where he has resided for the past forty-four
years. In I860 he married Rebecca A. Bell, to whom was horn one daughter.
Laura l/.ella, March 10, 1866. She married Adam Logan, and died February
19, 1891. Mrs. Patterson departed this life January 1(1, 1892, and her husband
was again married. June 29, 1893, to Jennie Emery. Mr. Patterson is an
adherent of the Republican party.
William Christy, a native of Westmoreland county, came to Butler county
at an early day and purchased a farm in Washington township, upon which he
spent the remainder of his life. He married Nancy Wilson, and reared a family
ol nine children, four of whom are living, as follows: John, of Beaver county;
Silas, of Cherry township; Sally, wife of Peter Crowl, ami Josiah.
Josiah Christy was horn in Washington township, Butler county, April
15, 1830, and grew to manhood upon his father's farm. He was married Jan-
uary S, 1857, to Lavina Ililliard. and the following year he purchased 108 acres
o\ the old homestead, upon which he settled. He sold this in 1S71 and bought
his present farm of ninety-seven acres, anil later another of fifty-four acres. He
devotes his whole attention to agriculture, and is one of the prosperous farmers
of the township. To Josiah and Lavina Christy have been born fifteen children,
ten of whom are living, viz.; Melinda. wife of William Barnes; Mary, wife of
Jacob Oheiser ; Sarah (.. wife of Chris Wonderland; Amos; Nanny, wile of
Joseph Smith ; Charles; Ida, wife Curl Grossman; Thomas P. ; Essie, and Eliza-
beth. The family are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics, Mr.
Christy is a Republican. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and
Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, ami served ten months, participating in
the battles of Antietam. Fredericksburg, ami Chancellorsville.
Samuel Christy, a son of Dunbar and Mary (Findley) Christy, was born
in Clay township, Butler county, in 1821, and grew to manhood in his native
township, lie married Elizabeth Pisor, to whom were born six children, viz.. :
Anna E. ; Sarah J., wile of |ofm Chambers; George C, a resident of Oil City ;
David I)., a farmer of Cherry township; Jemima, and Samuel E. The parents
were members of the Presbyterian church, and spent their lives in Butler county,
dying upon the homestead in Cherry township.
Samuel E. Christy was born in Cherry township, Butler county, March
',1, 1862, and is the youngest in the family of Samuel and Elizabeth Christy. He
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 10,1
received a common school education and grew to maturity upon his father's
farm. When twenty six years of age he purchased a farm of fifty-four acres in
Clay township, upon which he has since resided. He was married November
17, L887, to Myrtle I lockenberrv, a daughter of George Hockenberrv, and has
two children : Edith, and Buna. Mr. Christy and wife are members of the United
Presbyterian church, and he is a standi adherent of the Republican party.
Robert Allen was horn in Clay cownship, Butler county, in 1809, and
was a son of Stephen Allen, a native of Ireland, and one of the early settlers of
Butler county. His father married Agnes Patterson, and they were the parents
of twelve children. Robert-was reared in this county, and followed farming
down to his death, which occurred in 1888. He married Caroline Richardson,
daughter of Gideon Richardson, and reared a family of five children, two of
whom are Hying, viz.: John \V._ and Gideon R., both farmer-, of Clay town-
ship. The family resided in Clarion county for several years, hut finally returned
to Butler county, where the parents spent the remainder of their liyes.
Gideon R. Allen, son of Robert Allen, and grandson of Stephen Allen,
the pioneer, was horn in Clarion county, [illy 26, IS 10. came to Butler county
with his parents in 1852, and two years later located in Clay township. On
November 17. 1861, he enlisted in Company H. Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania
Volunteers! and served in the battles of Stone River, Dug Gap. and Missionary
Ridge, and was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign. He was discharged in
November, 1864, and returned to his home in Butler county. Mr. Allen pur-
chased his present farm of 139 acres from the Stoughton heirs, in 1883. He was
married February 11, 1892, to Leah Christley, and has one son. Gideon. The
family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics he is a
Republican. Mr. Allen has been township supervisor one term, and is one of
the prosperous farmers of Clay township.
Fames Bartley, a native of Ireland, was a son of William Bartlev. who
immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1803, and settled in Allegheny county. William
was married in his native land to a Miss Williamson, and reared quite a large
family. He followed the weaver's trade in Ireland, hut on coming to this coun-
try he engaged in farming. In 1810 he purchased a tract of land in Butler county,
upon which he spent the remaining years of his life. James came with his
parents to Butler county, and followed agricultural pursuits until his death. He
married Margaret Bartlev. to whom were horn the following children : William :
John A. ; Thomas : James ; Robert; Joseph; Campbell; David: Dixson ; Will
iamson ; Mary A., wife of Thomas Pierce, of Kansas, and Washington. Of
these, John A.: Campbell; Dixson. and Mrs. Pierce, survive. The parents died
in Butler county.
Joseph Bartley was horn about 1813, in Butler county, learned the brick-
maker's trade, but subsequently purchased a farm in Jefferson township, where
he located. He afterwards void this property, and bought a farm in Perm town-
ship, upon which he died in December, 1866. He married Margaret A. Kirkland.
to whom were born the following children : Alfred C deceased ; Eliza J., wife
of William B Graham; Charles W.. deceased; Xaaman P.; William I., and
IO52 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Harriet S.. both deceased ; Emma A., wife of F. P. Brackney; Mary A., deceased,
and two that died in infancy.
Naaman F. Bartley, son of Joseph and Margaret A. Bartley, was horn
October 31, 1 S Is, at Birmingham, Pennsylvania, and received his education in
the common schools and at Reedsburg Academy. On February 11. I860, he
enlisted in Company E, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mus-
tered out of the service September 21, of the same year. He returned to Butler
county, where he taught school in the winter seasons and attended an academy
during the summer. This course he pursued in L865 and 1866. In the spring of
lsC>7 he commenced farming on shares, and continued to teach in the winter for
several years. He purchased his present homestead of seventy-five acres in Clay
township, in the spring of 1872, upon which he has since resided. Although he
never learned the carpenter's trade, lie works at that business in connection with
farming. Mr. Bartley was married March 5. 1868, to Emma /., a daughter of
William II. McCandless. of Franklin town-hip. Four children are the fruits of
this union, a- follow,-: William M., a medical student; Viletta M.. wife of
Thomas 0. Kelly, of Ohio : Oscar M., and Clifford F. The family are connected
with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hartley is a Republican, has filled
the offices of school director and supervisor in his township, and is a member of
Dicks,, n Post, G. A. R., of West Sunbury.
David Bartley, seventh child of James Bartley, was born in Butler
county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. David learned the brick moulder's trade, which
he followed for several years. IK- married Sarah Wasson, a daughter of Hugh
Wasson, and purchased a tract of unimproved land in Clay township, from his
father-in-law. His wife did not long survive, and he subsequently married Mary
Phillips, to whom were born eight children, six of whom are living. The par-
ents died upon the homestead in Clay township.
John- Walker Bartley, son of David and Mary (Phillips) Bartley, was
born in Clay township. Butler county, September 30, 1852, and is the third in a
family of eight children. He was reared upon his father's farm and worked at
farm labor until |S77, when he purchased his present homestead of fifty-nine
acres. He was married November 22, 1876, to Emeline, a daughter of William
Patterson. This union has been blessed with six children, as follows: Nancy
M. ; Mary F. ; Layina M : Carrie F. ; Frank P.. and Roy P. The family arc-
connected with the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Bartley is a Republican, in
politics.
ASAPH P. Cranmer, a native of New York, came to Butler county in
IMS. being then eighteen years of age. In lS2o he purchased a 400-acre tract
of land, and devoted the remainder of his life to clearing ami improving his
property. He married Ellen Findley, a native of Butler county, and died in
1869, leaving a family of nine children, six of whom are now Hying. Mr.
Cranmer's homestead was located in what is now Clay township, and he was a
re-ident of this county for more than half a century.
Asai'ii X. Cranmer, son of Asaph P. and Ellen (Findley) Cranmer, was
born in Clay township, Butler county. November 19, 1838, ami was the seventh in
a family of nine children. He resided with his parents until he attained the age
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1 O 5 3
of twenty-one years, when he commenced life for himself, farming and coal min-
ing alternately. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company Cj. One Hundred and
Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months, when his
term of service expired. lie has since devoted his attention to the stonemason's
trade and farming. Mr. Cranmer was married January 22, 1864, to Miss Mollie
Dawson, to which union were horn nine children, as follows : Emma ]., wife of
Harry McCurdy ; John E.; Elmer, born February 26, 1867; James A., May 5.
1870; Maggie, July 24, 1871, died December 2. 1873; Norman, January 2, 1873;
Almeda M., May l>2, 1876; Onie, 1ST'.), died in 1881 ; Harrison in 1881, died the
same year, and Willie, ]une .">, 1883. Mrs. Cranmer departed this life-
August 4. 1890, aged titty years. The famiiy are connected with the Methodist
Episcopal church, and politically, Mr. Cranmer i~ a Republican.
Thomas HlNDMAN was a native of Washington township, Butler county,
born in 1807, his parents being among the early settlers of that locality. He
was reared in his native township, and followed distilling and farming. About
1833 he married Mary McClung, a daughter of Charles McClung, of Fairview
township to which union were born eleven children, as follows : Margaret,
deceased; Robert, deceased; Charles; Mary, who married Samuel Cook; |ane,
deceased, who married Hugh Swords: Martha: Thomas; Charity, who became
the wife of Chess Stoner ; John ; George, deceased, and James. Mrs. Hindman
died upon the homestead in Washington township, April 1. 1882; her husband
died February 21, 1894.
John Hindman was born in Marion township, Butler county, October 22,
1850, was reared upon the homestead farm, and has followed the occupation of a
driller and tool dresser for twenty years, in connection with agricultural pursuits.
He was married April 8, 1884, to Elmira Miller, a daughter of Henry Miller of
Clay township, and is the father of two children, both of whom are dead. He
came to Clay township in 1885, and settled on the Henry Miller farm, where lie
has resided for the past nine years. He and wife are members of the Lutheran
church, and in politics, lie is a Democrat.
Jesse Brackney, son of Jesse Brackney, of Clay township, Butler county.
was born on the old homestead in that township, January 10, 1815, and grew to
manhood upon his father's farm. He spent his entire life in agricultural pur-
suits, and died on January 26, 1889. In 1836 he married Eliza Miller, a daughter
of Benjamin and Polly Miller, of Clay township. She died in lsTT, the mother
of nine children, named as follows : Abagail, wife of S. K. Eckelberger ; Eliza-
beth, wife of Levi Walker; Lawson E. ; Frank P.; Loyal M. ; Annie, wife of
Alfred Thompson; John W. : Walter G., and Charles. Mr. Brackney and wife
were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a stanch Democrat,
and was tax collector, school director, and postmaster at different periods for
many years.
Capt. Samuel Loudon was born in Blaircounty, Pennsylvania, in [810, and
was a son of William Loudon, a native of Pennsylvania, of German origin. At his
father's death he was adopted into the family of John Montgomery, who settled
in Franklin township, Butler county, in t S 1 S, purchasing a large tract of land.
When Samuel was twenty-five years old he married Eli/a Ann Brewster, a
1054 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
native of Allegheny county, and rented a farm at White Oak Spring--, which he
cultivated for three years. In 1886 Mr. Montgomery gave him a farm in Clav
township, and he at once located upon it. Here his wife died. October 8, 18(52,
and himself , May hS, 1880. Captain Loudon commanded Company C, Eleventh
Pennsylvania Reserve, and was discharged in October, 1863, because of disa-
bility. To Samuel and Eliza Ann Loudon were horn the following children:
Mary Jane: Rachel: Rebecca ; John M. : Catherine: Matilda, and Almira,
wife of (). L. Christie. Of these John M.. Matilda, and Almira, are living.
John Montgomery Loudon, was born in Clay township, Butler counts'.
April 11), 1842, and was the only son of Samuel and Eliza A. Loudon. He was
reared upon his father's farm, and remained with his father working the farm, as
an equal partner, until the death of the latter, when he inherited a portion of the
property upon which lie now resides, lie was married November 20, 1*7-5, to
Hannah M. Campbell, of Concord township, to whom have been born eight
children, viz. : Sarah C. ; Samuel; George C. ; Lyda J. : Bertha M. ; Edna F. ;
Rose C and Myra (i. Mr. Loudon and wife are members of the United Pres-
byterian church, and lie is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party.
Robert C. Thompson, youngest in the family of Robert W. and Fran-
ces Thompson, was horn upon the homestead farm, in Brady township, Julv
20, L857, was educated in the common schools, and at West Sunbury Acad-
emy and Grove City College. At the age of twenty-four he commenced
farming a portion of the homestead, and also taught school for three winters.
In 1887 he traded his farm in Brady township for 135 acres in Clay town-
ship, upon which he has since lived. Mr. Thompson was married March 31.
1881, to Harriet McJunkin, a daughter of John R. McJunkin, of Clay town-
ship. Eight children are the fruits of this union. \ i/.. : Harold L. ; Ralph M.:
Elmer G. : Francis M. : Robert F. : George II. ; Eva E., and Ruth. Mr. Thomp-
son and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Politically, he is an
independent voter, and has tilled the office of school director for one term.
James \\ . GlBSON was born upon his present homestead in Clav. town-
ship, Butler county, March 1. 1844, and is a son oi William and Mary (Shan-
non) Gibson, natives of Pennsylvania, of English ami Irish ancestry, respect-
ively. William Gibson was the only son of James Gibson, (who was killed by
the Indians near Cincinnati. Ohio), and came to Butler county in 17'dT. He was
a tanner and farmer, which occupations he followed until his death. The sub-
ject of this sketch resided with his parents until he was twenty-one years old,
and then began working as a coffin finisher, which business he followed for six
years. lie removed to his present homestead at this time, and has since been
engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Gibson was married September 27. 1866,
to Catherine A. Shannon, and has one son, fohn I)., a resident of Pittsburg.
Mrs. Gibson departed this life, December 21, 1889. He was again married May
12, 1891, to Maggie L. Miller, and one daughter has blessed this union. Mary P.
In August. 1864, Mr. Gibson enlisted in Company 15. Sixth Pennsylvania Artil-
lery, anil served in that battery until the close of the war. lie is a Republican,
in politics, and both he and wife. ire members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO55
Thomas Tebay was the eldest son of William Tebay, a native <>t Eng-
land, who came to Butler county in 1S22, and purchased a tract of land in
Muddy Creek township He died at the residence of his son. William, in Mer-
cer county, in ls:>(i. aged seventy-five years. Thomas did not come to this
country until 1840. He purchased the present Tebay farm in Clay township in
1848. He was married in England to Mary Gibson, and reared a family of four
children, two of whom survive: William, and Jane, who married Mr. Wilton.
Mr. Tebay died in 1881, at the advanced age of ninety-three years.
William Tebay, eldest living child of Thomas and Mary (Gibson)
Tebay, was born January 8, 1814, in England, attended the common schools of
his native land, and came with his parents to the United States in 1840. He con-
tinued to work on the homestead farm until his father's death, then inherited one-
half of the same, to which he has since added t w cnty-livc acres, purchased from
an adjoining farm. In 1858 he married Miss 15. Ann Wilson, a daughter of
Charles Wilson, and they are the parents of the following children : John W. :
Mary A., wife John Wright ; Martha E.; Tillie B , and Maggie J. Mr. Tebay
and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and he is a stanch adher-
ent of the Democratic party.
Rudolph Bartmass was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, February 11,
1814, ami was a son of Rudolph Bartmass. a native of Germany, and an early
settler of Butler county. The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's
farm, and followed agriculture all his life. lie married Jane McNair, and of a fam-
ily of ten children born to this union, seven survive, as follows : Mary, wile of
William Christley : Elvira, wife of Samuel Daniels: John, a resident of Illinois:
Ellen, wife of William Martin; Anna, wife of William Miller: Ida. wile ot
John Coyle, and William R. Mr. Bartmass died upon his farm in Clay town-
ship, May 28, 1889.
William R. Bartmass was born on the homestead farm, in Clay township.
Butler county. January 15, 1863, received a common school education, and when
twenty-seven years old took charge of the homestead. On September 7. 1892,
he married Leonora, a daughter of E. D. and Mary Eagal, of Centre township,
and has one son, Ralph. The family are connected with the Presbyterian
church, and politically, Mr. Bartmass is a Republican.
Ehenezek C. Adams was born in Clay township. Butler county. August
24, 1831, son of John and Annabel (Wasson) Adams, natives of Ireland and
Pennsylvania, respectively. His father located in Butler county in 1800, and
reared a family of twenty children, our subject being the eighteenth in order of
birth. John Adams died in 1838, aged seventy-three years. Ebenezer C.
learned the carpenter's trade in early manhood, and has followed it more or less
all his life. He conducted a hotel at West Suubury for a time, and in 1889 pur-
chased his present farm of twenty acres, where he makes a specialty of growing
small fruits. Mr. Adams was married October 15, 1856, to Ann Smith, who
became the mother of five children, two of whom are living: John S.. and Sarah
X., wife of J. P. Campbell. Mrs. Adams died September 15, 1881, and he was
again married June 29, 1882, to Margaret Ekin. Mr. Adams and wife are mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he' is a Republican.
IO56 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
James Webb was a son of John Webb, who came to this country about the
year 17->4. as an officer in the British army, bringing with him his wife- and two
children and settling at Philadelphia. John Webb was killed at Quebec in 1759,
and after his death his wife went to friends in Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
where she was killed by the Indians, and her son James, then a hoy of eleven
years of age. was taken prisoner by the savages and lived with them until he was
eighteen, when he succeeded in making his escape and returned to Franklin
countv. Here he married, and. during the Revolution, removed with his family.
consisting ol his wife, whose maiden name was Brown, and three sons. John,
Edward and James Mitchell, to Allegheny county, where the remaining years of
his life were spent. Edward Webb was horn in Franklin county and grew to
maturity in Allegheny county, married Ruhama Minson, and had a family of
live children, as follows : John: Druscilla ; Andrew; Newton, and Esther, lie
removed with his family to Butler countv in 1886.
John Webb, son of Edward and Ruhama Webb, had arrived at manhood
before his parents located in Butler county. lie first owned a property near
West Sunbury, which he traded for the present Webb farm. lie married
Prudence Snyder, to which union were horn ten children, six of whom survive,
as follows: Catherine, wife of George Morrow; William M.; John M.. who
served through the Rebellion in Company E, One Hundred and Third Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers; Martin L. ; Mary J., wife of Uriah Ralston, and Edward C.
Mr. Webb died in 1890, aged seventy-six years.
William M. Webb, eldest son of John and Prudence Webb, was horn in
Clay township, April 12, 1840. At the age of twenty-six years his father gave
him seventy-five acres of land, and since that time he has followed the vocation
of a farmer. He was married February 15, 1876, to Sarah E. Wick, a daughter
of William S. Wick, and has a family of six children, viz. : Florence J.; Mvra
B.: John: Mary P.; Lulu M.. and Ora C. Mr. Webb is an elder in the Pres-
byterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
John Young was a native of Pennsylvania, and a son of Peter Young, a
native of Ireland. His father immigrated to Allegheny countv in I T'.H.I, and
later removed to Beaver county, where the balance of his life was spent. He mar-
ried a Miss Algeo. ami reared a family of seven children, all of whom are dead.
Their names are Nancy ; Martha; Rebecca; John; William; Algeo. and Rob-
ert. John was the eldest -on, and came to Clay township. Butler county, about
1830, where he purchased a farm and followed agricultural pursuits down to his
death. In 1813 he married Elizabeth Adams, a daughter of John Adams of this
county, and reared a family of seven children, only two of whom are living:
Nancy, and Robert II. The parents died in this county.
ROBERT II. Young, youngest child of John and Elizabeth Young, received
a good education and followed teaching for twenty years. He purchased his
present homestead in 1866, adding ten acres to it in 1890. In 1859 hi- married
Mary E. Stewart, a daughter of Thomas Stewart, of Concord township, to which
union were horn eight children, all of whom are living, viz. : Jennie, wife of I.
N.Maxwell; James R. ; William E. ; John M. ; Theodore; Melvin ; Breaden,
and Edwin T. Mrs. Young died in 1874, aged thirtv-four years. He married
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO57
for his second wife Mrs. Amanda McFarland ucc Bryson, a daughter of William
C. and Sarah J. (White) Bryson, of Whitestown. The family are members of
the United Presbyterian church. In 1864 he enlisted in the Sixth Heavy Artil-
lery, leaving his wife and three children, the youngest six months old, without
any support but the local bounty received from Forward township. He served
until June, 1865, when the regiment was discharged. Mr. Young is a Repub-
lican, was elected superintendent of the public schools in 1872, filled that office
three years, and has also been school director for one term, and township auditor
since 1881. He makes a specialty of small fruit growing, and is one of the most
intelligent and progressive citizens of the community.
Richard Baker was born in Beaver township. Beaver county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1795. and was the tirst white child born in that township. His father,
Robert Baker, was a native of Ireland, and one of the pioneers of Beaver county.
He married Miss Rachel Williams, and reared a family of six sons, as follows :
Richard; William; Samuel; Enoch; John, and George. Robert Baker and wife
spent the remaining years of their lives in Beaver count}-. The subject of this
sketch was reared upon his father's farm, and learned the cooper's trade, which
he followed until he had saved sufficient money to purchase 150 acres of land in
his native township, upon which he located and engaged in farming. He mar-
ried Catherine Thompson, a daughter of James Thompson, to whom were born
twenty children, four of whom died in infancy. The names of the others are as
follows : James, who died at Andersonville, in the Rebellion ; William, of
Beaver county; Saphronia ; Sidney, wife of William Beatty, of Beaver county;
Lorenzo, who was wounded at the battle of Vicksburg, from the effects of which
he died ; John, a resident of Iowa ; Robert, who was also killed in the Rebellion ;
George K., of Clay township ; Thompson, a resident of Nebraska ; Sarah, wife
of Benjamin James; Mary A., who married Fred Strahlev ; Nancy J., who
married Talbert Swalters ; Matilda, wife of Walter Craig; Rachel, wife of
George Minner; Richard, of Nebraska, and Catherine, wife of Robert Mills.
Mr. Baker died in December, 1882, aged eighty-three years.
George K. Baker was born in Beaver county, December 7. 1837, grew to
maturity in that count}-, and at the age of twenty-two years rented a farm in
Centre township, Butler county, where he lived six years. He then purchased a
farm of eighty acres in Clay township, upon which he has since resided. Mr.
Baker was married September 20, I860, to Martha F. Russell, a daughter of Will-
iam and Elizabeth (McCandless) Russell, of Centre township. She was born
July 9, 1834, and is the third in a family of five children. Four children were
born to this union, as follows ; Thompson M., born April 24, 1862; Elizabeth
R., widow of W. L. Stoops, who has two children, Henry C, and Francis J. ;
Mary C, wife of O. D. Pisor, and William R., who is station agent at Harris-
ville. Mr. Baker enlisted in Company I, Sixty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun-
teers, March 28, 1865, and was mustered out of the service July 20, of the same
year. Politically, he is a Democrat, and the family are connected with the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.
Alfred Miller, son of Robert and Hannah (Varnum) Miller, natives of
Butler county, of German origin, was born in this county, March 5. 1848. He
I O 5 S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
commenced working in boyhood for hi- uncle, Enoch Varnum, and worked on
his farm for several years, and then went into the oil fields and continued in that
business until February 18, 1864. On that date he enlisted in Company II, One
Hundred and Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the
war. being discharged in June. 1865. He was wounded at the battle of the
Wilderness, also at Cedar Creek. On his return from the army lie purchased his
present farm, and is engaged in farming, fruit growing and trucking. Mr. Mil-
ler was married September 14, 1869, to Olive Sutton, a daughter of Jesse and
Mary J. Sutton, to whom were born four children, as follows: Carrie |. ; Chloe
II. ; Laura J., and Eve E. Mrs. Miller died April 22, 1893, aged thirtv-eight
years. The family are members of the Methodist church, and in politics. Mr.
Miller is an independent voter.
John Day was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, March 30, 1824, and is
a son of John and Sarah Daw natives of the same county. His father was a
blacksmith, and reared a family of twelve children, eight of whom are living,
viz.: Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Womer; John; Ann. wife of Robert Adams;
Anthony: Sarah, wife of Levi Whitmore ; Catherine, wife of Daniel Ileckman;
George, and Priscilla, wife of James Ogden. The subject of this sketch was edu-
cated in the common schools of his native county, and when eighteen years of age
Commenced life for himself as a wood-chopper in winter and a charcoal burner in
the summer season. These occupations he followed for seven years, and then
worked on a farm for three years. At this time he purchased a farm in Washing-
ton township. Butler county, upon which he lived until 1867, then sold it. and
bought his present farm of 131 acres, in Clay township, which he has ever since
made his home. Mr. Day was married February 18. ls47, to Miss Mary A.
Arner, to which union were born sixteen children, eleven of whom are living, as
follows: Elizabeth, wife of W. T. Reddick ; Christina, wife of Philip B. Porter;
Mary A., wile of Andrew McMurray ; David, a resident of Harmony; J. C. F., a
farmer of Clay township, born February 22, 1858, married Mary .L. Whitmire,
and has lour children : Stella A.. Samuel A.. Bessie M., and 11a R. ; Margaret
R., wife of Levi Conn : Samuel A., a resident of West Virginia ; Emma X., wife
John Huggins : W. P. L., a teacher; Ida E., wife of James R. Pringle, and Peter
R., who resides with his lather. The family are connected with the Presby-
terian church, and in politics. Mr. Day is a Republican. He enlisted September
:!. 1864, in Company K. Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, ami served until mustered
out of the service June 13, 1865.
Miller Hutchison was born in Oakland township. Butler county. Penn-
sylvania, April IS. 1855, son of Robert and Sarah (Miller) Hutchison, natives of
this county. Robert Hutchison was a fanner, and a son of Fergus Hutchison,
one of the pioneers of I hitler County . He died October 30, 1866. The subject
of this sketch is the only one living of a family of six children. At the age of
nineteen years he engaged as a farm hand, and continued the same for some two
years. He was married November 22, 187'i, to Amelia P.. a daughter of Jacob
Brown, and then located on his present farm, which Mr. Brown hail given to
his daughter. It consists of ninety-three acres in Clay township, and seventy-
five in Centre township. Mr. Hutchison makes a specialty of stock growing.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I OZ,[)
and is quite a successful farmer. He is the father of five children, as follows:
Jacob B. ; Myrtle C. ; Warren E.; Barbara, deceased, and Margaret L. Mr.
Hutchison and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and he is an adherent
of the Republican party.
Sebastian Mershimer was horn in Germany, in L758, came to America
in youth, and served in the Continental army throughout the Revolution. He
afterwards located at Reading, Pennsylvania, where he worked at the wagon-
maker's trade, and later removed his family to what is now Lawrence county,
where he died in 1845, aged eighty-seven years. He married Catherine Wright-
meyer, and reared a family of five children, viz. : Adam ; Frances, who married
John Smith: Peter; Henry, and Catherine, who married Charles Campbell.
Adam Mershimer was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1791, and removed
with his parents to Lawrence county, where he engaged in farming. He mar-
ried Catherine Stickle, and reared a family of eight children, as follows : Peter,
of Lawrence county ; Sebastian, of the same county: Elizabeth, wife of Amos
Messimer ; Susan, deceased wife of Thomas Hanna ; Samuel S. : Catherine, wife
of Stewart Boyd ; Henry R., and Eve, deceased. Mr. Mershimer died March
15, 1865, aged seventy-four years.
Samuel S. Mershimer was born in Lawrence county, in 1829, son of
Adam Mershimer, received a common school education, and commenced to learn
the carpenter's trade when he was nineteen years of age. which business he fol-
lowed in Lawrence county for twenty-five years, lie then removed to Butler
county and purchased his present homestead of seventy-five acres in Clav town-
ship, where he has since been engaged in farming, making a specialty of small
fruits. Mr. Mershimer was married January 14. 1858, to Margaret Morrow',
who is the mother of eight children, as follows: Clara A., deceased: James
M. ; George M. ; Charles \V. ; William C. ; Margaret A.; Eldora M., and
Clarence D. The family are connected with the Presbyterian church, and polit-
ically, Mr. Mershimer is a stanch Democrat.
Zei.max R. Mershimer was born in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania,
April 15, 1850, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Richev) Mershimer. of that
county, and a grandson of Adam Mershimer. His father is a resident of Law-
rence county, and reared a family of rive children as follows: Alsetha, wife of
Milton Frew; Zehnan R. ; Henry R. ; George 13., and Adam E. The subject of
this sketch received a common school education , and was reared upon his father's
farm. He afterwards worked for his father for five years, then settled upon a
rented farm, which he carried on for two years. In 1881 he purchased his
present homestead of 1(H) acres in Clay township. Butler county, located upon it
and is now one of the successful farmers of the community. Mr. Mershimer
was married in March, fs7<>. to Amanda M.Wright, a daughter of John C.
Wright, of Beaver county. Eight children are the fruits of this union, five of
whom are living: Lemira L; Audley R. ; Elizabeth M. ; Peter V.. and Leland
H. The family are connected with the United Presbyterian church, and in
politics, Mr. Mershimer is an ardent Democrat.
John BoozeL was horn in Mercer county (now Lawrence), Pennsylvania.
March 8, 1831, son of William and Betsey ( Wimer) Boozel, natives of Pennsyl-
I060 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
vania, and of German origin. William ] ><>o/.cl was a son of Thomas Boozel, and
followed farming all his life. The subject of this sketch commenced business
life at the age of twenty-one, as a farm hand, and worked on a farm until Tuly,
1862, when he enlisted in Company B. One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers. He participated in the battles of Second Bull Run and
Chancellorsville, and was honorably discharged in April, 1863. He was united
in marriage with Nancy McConnell, July 3, 1856, and out of a family of thirteen
children born to this union, eleven are living, viz. : Austin W., who married
Nettie Snyder ; William R., who married Alice Low; Laura Ella, wife of Frank
Gibson; S. Maggie, wile of Ford Christley ; John II.: Be.ttie, wife of George
Bonnie; Walter E. ; Joseph W.; J. Homer; Elmer S., and Nelson B. In 1881
Mr. Boo/.el purchased his present homestead in Clay township, consisting of 127
acres, where he has since been engaged in farming. He and wife are members
of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a stanch Republican.
George W. Renick was born in Slippery Rock township. Butler county,
February 22, I860, son of William D. and Caroline (Snyder) Renick. William
D. Renick is a blacksmith in Slippery Rock township. He reared a family of
eight children, as follows : Jacob G. ; Daniel A. ; Louisa, deceased ; George
W.; Margaret A., wife of Melvin Hall; Adam II. ; William F., and Charles E.
The subject of this sketch received a common school education, and resided at
home until be was twenty-nine years of age. lie was married April I. 1889, to
Myrtle Sager, and has two children: Nellie C.,and Evalena May. Mrs. Renick
is a daughter ot Benjamin Sager. of Slippery Rock township, and a member of
the Presbyterian church. After his marriage Mr. Renick located on a farm of
165 acres in Clay township, where he has since resided. Politically, he is a
Democrat, and in religion, is an adherent of the Lutheran church.
Amos Young is a native of Butler county, born May 25, 1855, and a son of
William and Mary (Brown) Young, natives of Butler county. His father was a
miller by occupation, and reared a family of nine children, six of whom are
living. Amos was the third in the family. When he was a child his father
died, and he was taken into the family of his grandfather, Simon Young, but the
latter died soon afterwards, ami our subject then went to live with an uncle,
whose name was also Simon Young. Here he resided until the age of fifteen
years, working on the farm and attending school at intervals. At the age of
fifteen he commenced to learn the stonemason's trade, and remained at that busi-
ness lor four years, and then engaged as a farm hand to Tacob Brown, whose
daughter he subsequently married. Mr. Brown died May 4. 1891, aged seventy-
seven years. Mr. Young was united in marriage to Tillie C, daughter of Jacob
and Barbara Brown, November 3, 1891. lie resides on a farm, formerly owned
l>v his father-in-law, consisting of eighty-live acres, to which he has added forty-
one acres. He also owns sixty-tour acres in Centre township. Mr. Young is a
general fanner, and devotes considerable attention to the breeding of Shorthorn
Durham cattle. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and in poli-
tics, he is a stanch adherent of the Republican party.
Rev. William P. Breaden was born in Raccoon township, Beaver count}',
Pennsylvania, in 1S14. and was reared upon his father's farm. He received his
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I06l
primary education in a pioneer subscription school, then entered Franklin Col-
lege, New Athens, Ohio, and afterwards Allegheny Theological Seminary. He
was licensed to preach by Lake Presbytery of the Associate Reformed church,
in 1838, and was ordained May 11. 1843, as pastor of the Portersville and
Evansburg congregations, in Butler county. He was subsequently pastor of the
Fairview and West Sunbury congregations, from 1849 to L862, when the con-
nection between the two churches was dissolved. Mr. Breaden continued in
charge of the West Sunbury church until his death. May 13, 1880. lie mar-
ried Miss Charlotte Kline, a daughter of Charles Kline, of Mercer county, about
1842, which union was blessed with five children, as follows: Mary C, who
married Rev. E. X. McElree, D. D., of Freeport ; John C. : William J. ; John
H.. and Tillie C, wife of Perry Conway, of West Sunbury. Mr. Breaden
preached the gospel in Butler county for more than forty years, and was one of
the most widely known ministers in western Pennsylvania.
Rev. John H. Breaden, son of Rev. William P. Breaden, was born at West
Sunburv. Butler county, Pennsylvania, January 23, 1851. He received his pri-
mary education in !he public schools, then took an academic course at West
Sunburv Academy, and entered Westminster College. Xew Wilmington, in
1870, where he was graduated in 1S74. He entered the Theological Seminary,
Allegheny, in the autumn of the latter year, where he took a full theological
course, was licensed to preach in April, Ls77. and was ordained June 1 1. 1S7S.
lie received a call from Oakland congregation, located near Anderson, Hancock
county. West Virginia, accepted it, and remained in charge of that church until
he accepted a call from Mt. Pleasant church, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, with
which he remained for seven years, and was next called to take charge of the
congregation at West Sunbury, over which his father was pastor for thirty-five
years. Since 1887 he has been pastor of the West Sunbury church, and under
his careful and judicious ministry the congregation has prospered in every way.
Mr. Breaden was married August 19, 1879, to Mary A. Craw ford, a daughter of
W. L. Crawford, of Hancock county. West Virginia, and has three children,
viz.; William L. C. ; Bessie H., and Charlotte K. Mr. Breaden is an ardent
Prohibitionist, and gives liis earnest support to all measures which he believes
are for the moral and material benefit of the community.
Horace Decker, son of Isaac ami Abagail (Arnold) Decker, was born in
Orange county, Xew York, November 25, 1821, and followed the vocation of a
farmer throughout his life. His parents were Presbyterians, and reared their
son in that faith. In 1845 he married Margaret Smith, a daughter of Luke
Smith, of Fox Hill, now Fairmount, Morris county, New Jersey, where his par-
ents hail purchased and settled on a farm, ami the following year the voung
couple removed to Marksborough, Warren county, and in 1848 to Sussex county,
the same state. With the exception of six years spent in Middlesex count)-, the
remaining years of his life were spent in Sussex county, where he died on his
farm at Freedon, February 18, 1878. His wife survived him until March li'.
1893. They were the parents of the following children: Isaac D. : Alva D. :
Eliza .V. : John S. ; Abagail E., who married Samuel Wilson, of Scranton, Penn-
sylvania; Oscar, deceased, and Irving W.
1062 HISTORY OF BLTLER COUNTY.
Rev. Isaac Davison Decker, eldest son of Horace and Margaret Decker,
was born at Fairmount, Morris county. New Jersey. April 19, 1846. After
receiving a good common school education, he attended Blair Presbyterial Acad-
emy, at Blairstown, New Jersey, from 1863 to 1865.' after which he taught sev-
eral terms in the public schools of Sussex and Warren counties. He matricu-
lated at Princeton College, in 1868, where, in his junior year, he was made an
editor of the college magazine, and as a senior elected class poet, also securing
the English Literature prize at graduation, in 1872. He then entered Princeton
Theological Seminary, where he was graduated in 187-"). In 1874, haying in pre-
vious vacations taught in academies and high schools of Maryland and New Jer-
sey, he began to preach as a licentiate at Rockland. Canada, and after graduating
he assisted Dr. 1'hraner. a-- local missionary, at Sing Sing. New York. At that time
a classmate, Rev. T. S. Negley, having begun the organization of a church at Fair-
view, Butler county, and finding it necessary to return to finish his education,
requested Mr. Decker to take up his unfinished work. The latter was licensed by
Newton Presbyterv, October ti. 1875, and began the work at Fairview and Karns
Citv one month later. lie was ordained and installed at Fairview, Xoyember 1.
INTO. Before the close ol that year about seventy-five members had been gath-
ered, anil a neat church built at each of the two points. On the evening of
January 28, 1877, occurred the memorable gas explosion in the home of Mr.
Patton, with whom Mr. Decker was boarding. Mrs. Patton received injuries
from which she died, while her husband and Mr. Decker were very seriously
burned, but by careful nursing both recovered. In May, 1878, he was married
to Miss Kate M., a daughter of Elias Goble, of Freedon, New Jersey. She at
once entered upon the work with her husband, soon becoming greatly endeared
to the people on the charge, and highly esteemed in church and missionary circles
throughout the Presbvter\-. In November, 1878, in addition to Fairview and
Karns City, Mr. Decker began to supply the organization at Petrolia, where a
small church was erected a few years later. In May. 1883, |le took in addition
the supply of a church at Martinsburg, and thti^ had four congregation-- under
his charge. lie continued in the work there until October, 1888, when, having
received a call from Harmony church, in Newton Presbyter)', New Jersey, he left
his congenial charge with deep and mutual regret, removed to that place, anil
took up the work there which he continued nearly five years. While in charge
of Harmony church he met with a heavy affliction in the death of his wife.
Aprils. 1892. This, followed by his mother's death the following March, led
him to consider an urgent call from the West Sunbury congregation, in his old
Presbytery. He finally decided to return, and did m> in July, 1893, taking in
addition to this charge the supplying of ithe North Butler church, and the vice
principalship of West Sunbury Academy. Mr. Decker is one of the most pop-
ular ministers in Butler county, and during his labors in this lield he has shown
commendable zeal in building up the church and spreading the gospel. During
his ministry of thirteen years in the oil country it was his privilege to see two
churches organized, three houses of worship built, and over four hundred per-
sons received into membership.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO63
Robert Hockenberry was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, about
1795, received his education in a pioneer subscription school and was reared a
farmer. In 1815 he married Mar}- Tipper, of Juniata county, to which union
were born the following children: Margaret; Rebecca, who married George
Ralston; John; William; Benjamin; Joseph; George, and Eliza, who married
William Cranmer. The family came to Butler count}- and located in what was
known as the Jack settlement, in Worth township, whence they removed to
Cherry township, where Mr. Hockenberry died in 1848. His widow survived
him until the winter of 1891-92, and died at the advanced age of ninety-three
years.
John Hockenrerry was born in Worth township. Butler county, in 1827,
and was the eldest son of Robert and Mary Hockenberry. He grew up upon
his father's farm, and learned the wagon-maker's trade with Samuel Curran, of
Centreville, and worked as a journeyman for five years, and then opened a shop
for himself. In 1849 he married Mary J. Christley, a daughter of John Christ-
lev, of Slippery Rock township, and went into partnership with his brother-in-
law. Edwin Christley, and continued to carry on wagon-making at Centreville
until 1 S67. In that year he purchased a farm in Cherry township, containing
130 acres, known as the Robert McCandless farm, upon which he died in June,
1871. His widow resides in Centreville. They were the parents of three chil-
dren, as follows : Harvev D. ; Bertram L.. and Isadore L., who married Alfred
Christy, of Centreville. Mr. Hockenberry was a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, and filled the office of steward in that denomination. Politically,
he was a Democrat, and held the office of school director and other minor posi-
tions in his township at different periods.
Harvey D. Hockenberry, physician and surgeon, was born at Centre-
ville. Butler county, October 17, 1850. He received his primary education in
the public schools, and afterwards took an academic course at the West Sunbury
Academy. He commenced teaching at the age of sixteen years, and taught in
the public schools for ten years. In the meantime he decided to enter the med-
ical profession, and attended lectures at the Medical Department of Wooster
University, Cleveland, Ohio, and afterwards took a post graduate course at Jef-
ferson Medical College, Philadelphia. In the spring of 1879 he located in
practice at West Sunbury, and for the past fifteen years he has continued in the
active duties of his profession. Dr. Hockenberry was married in April. lS72,to
Mis- Mary A. Smith, a daughter of James Smith, of Cherry town-hip. to which
union have been born the following children : John B.. and James A., both
deceased; Ella S. : Carl M., deceased; Zoe 1). ; June A., deceased; Bernice ; M.
S. Quay, deceased, and Hazel. Dr. Hockenberry was a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church, in which he was a class leader, trustee and Sabbath school
superintendent down to 1890, when the celebrated Pollard dissension took place
in the church, ami lie with the majority of the congregation withdrew. lie has
since been an attendant of the Presbyterian church, of West Sunbury. Dr.
Hockenberry is a member of the Butler County Medical Society, of which he
was president in 1893, and is also a member of the State Medical Society. Since
locating at West Sunbury he has built up an extensive practice, and i- one ot
IO64 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the well known physicians of the county. He lias always been a stanch Repub-
lican, has represented his section as a delegate to the county conventions, and has
taken a prominent part in political affairs.
Samtel Dufford was horn in Luzerne county. Pennsylvania, November
12, L812, was reared in his native county, and there learned the gunsmith's
trade. When twenty years of age he came to Butler county, and located in
what is now Connoquenessing township where he worked at his trade tor many
years. In July, 1835, he married Margaret Wagner, a daughter of Michael Wag-
ner, and they became the parents of the following children : Frederick; William;
Su^an, who married William Dufford ; Anna M., who was twice married, rirst
to Louis Heist, and afterwards to George Frederick ; George Lewis; Emeline,
deceased, and Maria, who married Abraham Flowers. Mr. Dufford and wife
were members of the Reformed church, in which he held the office of elder.
Politically, he was a Democrat, and as school director took a deep interest in the
progress of education. He died on May 19, 1881 : his widow died September 6,
1892.
George Lewis Dufford was born in Connoquenessing township, But-
ler county. January Is, 1845, and is the youngest son of Samuel and Mar-
garet Dufford. He learned the blacksmith's trade at Butler, where he carried on
business lor live years, then removed to West Sunbury, afterwards purchased a
property in that borough, and is now engaged in the blacksmithing business. In
1869 he married Susan Henshew, a daughter of Eli Henshew, of Connoqueness-
ing township, and has two children : Albert, and Carrie E. Mr. Dufford i- a
member of the Reformed church, and in politics, he is a Democrat. He is now
a member of the borough council of West Sunbury.
John Pryor was born in eastern Pennsylvanian, January 2, 1797, and
came with his parents to Butler county in 1803. They settled in Clay town-
ship, where the balance of their lives was spent. ]ohn was reared in this town-
ship, and attended a pioneer subscription school, where he obtained a meager
education. About 1817 he married Eleanor Means, of Muddy Creek township,
and they became the parents of eight children : Eleanor, who married John Bell;
John, and Thomas, both deceased; Margaret, who married John (i. Christie;
lames; William, who died in Libby prison during the Rebellion; Samuel,
deceased, and one that died in early youth. Mr. Pryor and wife were members
of the United Presbyterian church, in which denomination he held the office of
trustee. In politics, he was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican, and filled
nearly all of the township offices at different periods. His wife died in 1873; he
survived her until December 7. 1887.
James Pryor, only living son of John and Eleanor (Means) Pryor, was
born in what is now Clay township. Butler county. April 111. 1828. He
received a common school education, and followed farming down to 1876, when
lie embarked in merchandising at St. Joe, but removed to West Sunbury the fol-
lowing year. He carried on a general store in that borough until 1886, then sold
out and established a hardware store, which he has since conducted successfully.
Mr. Pryor was married July 1 1. 1853, to Martha J. Christie, a daughter of John
Christie, of Concord township, and ha- two children : Mylard 11., ami Howard C.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 06 5
II l' is a member of the United Presbyterian church, of West Sunbury, has rilled
all of the offices in that bod}-, and is now an eider. In polities, he is an ardent
Republican, has been justice of the peace for nine years, and has held all the
other township offices excepting supervisor. He has been one of the active and
enterprising citizens of the community for many years.
George Wolford was born in Cherry township. Butler county, Novem-
ber 3, 1852, sun of Jacob and Lavina Wolford, and is a miller and fanner
by occupation. On November 8. lsTo, he married Etta Stewart, a daughter of
David Stewart, of Cherry township. They are the parents of four children, as
follows: Homer; Nannie; Bessie, deceased, and Charles B. In 1887 Mr.
Wolford bought an interest in the Campbell Brothers flouring mill, at West Sun-
bury, and the firm then became Campbell iV. Wolford, which was changed in 1889
to J. C. Breaden & Company, but is at present known as the West Sunbury Mill-
ing Company, of which Mr. Wolford has charge. He is a member of the United
Presbyterian church, and is an earnest contributor to that organization. In pol-
itics, he is a Republican, and has been a delegate to county conventions at differ-
ent times.
James Turner was born in Ireland about 1771, immigrated to America
about 1792, and a few years later he came to Butler county and purchased 200
acres of land on Bear creek, in what is now Parker township. He married a Miss
Woods, of Butler county, who became the mother of four children, as follows :
Samuel ; Rebecca, who married John Smith ; Mrs. William Mapin. and Will-
iam. Mr. Turner died upon his farm in 1856 : his wife had died several years
previous. They were members of the Seceder church, and in politics, he was a
Whig. Mr. Turner was one of the first settlers of Parker township, and many
of his descendants are residents of Butler county.
William R. Turner, youngest child of James Turner, was born in Parker
township, Butler county, in 1810. attended a subscription school during the
winter season, and was reared surrounded by the u^ual scenes of pioneer life.
In 1825 he married Elizabeth Campbell, a daughter of Andrew Campbell, of
Fairview township. They were the parents of the following children : Andrew
L. : James W. ; Isabella, who married James Kelly ; John C. : Samuel C. ; Nancy
J., who married William Kelly: William P.: George 1!.: Hamilton R., and
Rebeeca, who married Abraham Millinger. Mr. Turner was a member of the
United Presbyterian church, and in politics, lie was a Whig. He died in 1854;
his widow resides in this county.
George B. TURNER, son of 'William R. and Elizabeth Turner, was born in
Parker township, Butler county, April 23, 1846. He grew to manhood in his na-
tive township, and was married in April. 1863, to Sarah W.Gibson, a daughter
of Harvey Gibson, of Parker township, to which union have been born four chil-
dren, as follows : William H. : John F. : Clarence P.. and Clara E. The family
are connected with the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Turner tills the offic<
of trustee. Politically, he i> a Republican, and has held every office in his town-
ship from justice of the peace to auditor. In April. 1873, he purchased the
Richard Allen farm, in Concord township, consisting of lb") acre;-, upon which
he resided until June. 1893. At that time he removed to We-t Sunbury, pur-
I066 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
chased the George Mechling property, and is now carrying on a meat market in
that borough. He is still the owner of his farm in Concord township, and is one
of the prosperous business men of the community.
John F. Turner, second son of George B. and Sarah \V. Turner, was born
in October, 1867, received a common school education, and then attended West
Sunbury Academy. lie taught school for six years, and attended lectures at Balti-
more Medical College, where he graduated in the spring of 1893. lie was then
appointed by the government hospital physician and stationed in Nevada, where
he now is located. lie married Emma, a daughter of Edward Graham, of West
Sunbury, September 2\. 1893. She died in Nevada, March 17, 1894, and her
body was brought home by her husband, — the journey consuming nine days, —
and was interred in the West Sunbury Presbyterian cemetery.
David McJunkin was born in Donegal county, Ireland, in 177s, and was a
son of William Mc funkin, a native of the same place. Towards the close of the
Revolution his father emigrated to the United States, and settled in Plum town-
ship. Allegheny county. Pennsylvania. His family consisted of three sons and
six daughters. The sons were William, lames, and David. James removed to
Ohio in 1849, and there died. In 1796 David and William came to Butler
county, and each took up 400 acres of land in what is now Centre township, but
William afterward returned to Allegheny county, leaving his brother as the only
representative of the family in Butler county. David resided upon that land
until 1830, when he purchased the property of Dr. John Thompson, in Slippery
Rock township, consisting of a saw and grist mill, and an iron furnace and forge,
a foundry and carding mill, and 1,300 acres of land. He operated this property
up to his death, in April, 1844. Mr. McJunkin was a soldier in the War of
1812, and is one of the well remembered pioneers of the county. Prior to pur-
chasing the Thompson property he built an extensive tannery in Centre town-
ship, which ultimately became the property of his son William. He married
Elizabeth, a daughter of Aaron Moore, of which union were born the following
children : William, born in 1800, died in infancy: Susannah, horn December 1.
1802, deceased wife of David McCandless ; William, born February 26, 1805,
who died upon the homestead in Centre township; Alexander M.,born in March.
1807, a Presbyterian minister, who died at Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1852;
[osiah, born February 25, 1811, a miller in Mercer county; Sarah A., born in
1814, married Rev. William McMichael, of Clarion county; Isaiah, born July
16, 1816, a physician, who died in Chicago in 1865; Ebenezer, one of the oldest
attorneys of the Butler bar; Mary E.. born March I I. 1824, married Dr. O. D.
Palmer, who died in New Brighton, Beaver county. The widow of David
McJunkin survived until October, 1845.
William McJunkin, second son of David and Elizabeth ( Moore ) McJunkin, ■
was born February 26, 1S05, in Centre township. Butler county. He obtained a
meager education in the pioneer log school of his neighborhood, and after attain-
ing bis majority he succeeded to his father's tannery business and farm, which he
conducted until his death. April 4. 1850. He was a prominent man of his time,
and was commissioned as colonel in the State Militia. He was an active mem-
ber of the Butler Presbyterian church, and was an elder in that body for many
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I o6j
years. Mr. Mcjunkin married Priscilla, a daughter of Andrew Christie, of Con-
cord township, and their children were as follows ; Elvina, who married E. L.
Varnum; Naomi, who married Washington Bovard ; Angeline, deceased wife of
John Mitchell; Abigail, who married John C. Moore, and died in 1860; Eveline,
wife of Rev. Samuel Kerr, of Harrisville ; J. David, attorney at law, Butler;
Curtis A., deceased ; Sylvester, ami Imelda, both of whom are dead.
John" Elliott was born in the Territory of Indiana, in November, IT'.1-!,
and was brought by his parents to Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1796. They
settled in Centre township, where John grew to maturity, inured to the hard-
ships ami trials of pioneer life. lie afterwards purchased a homestead of ISO
acres, upon which he resided down to his death, in lsTT. When bis parents
located in Centre township there were no bouses on the site of Butler, and only
a few pioneer families within the present limits ot the county. lie married
Margaret Scott, a daughter of William Scott, of Westmoreland county, who
became the mother of the following children : William, deceased ; Prudence, who
married Lemuel Davis; Scott M., deceased; James; Mary, who married James
Badger; John, deceased; Huston, deceased; Hezekiah. deceased; Isaiah X.;
Nancy M. ; Harvey, and George, deceased. Mr. Elliott was a member of the
United Presbyterian church, and an adherent of the Democratic party.
John A. Elliott, was born in Centre township, Butler county. March
25, 1859, and is a grandson of John Elliott. lie received a common school edu-
cation ; has filled the office of school director, and has always taken a deep inter-
est in the growth of the public school system. Politically, he is a Democrat, has
filled several township offices, and was elected a county auditor in 1893. Mr.
Elliott married Belle Michael, a daughter of William Michael, of Butler town-
ship. Nine children are the fruits of this union, as follows : Bertha H. : Amos
M.; Florence B. : John 1*. ; Blanche ; Ford ;Roy W., deceased ; Homer, and Elgie.
Christian Fleeger was a native of Hesse. Germany, and came with a
Hessian cavalry regiment to Philadelphia during the Revolutionary war,
deserted at that city and found his way to the American army. He was a shoe-
maker by trade, and at the close of the war located at Lancaster, Pennsylvania,
there married a Miss Byerly, and subsequently removed to Westmoreland county,
whence he came to what is now- Centre township, Butler county, in 1797, where
be resided until his death, about 1836. His children were as follows : John;
Jacob: Benjamin; Christian; Peter; Catherine, who married Jacob Brown:
Marv. who married Rudolph Bortmass, and Elizabeth, who became the wife of
John Slator.
JACOB FLEEGER, second son of Christian Fleeger, was born in Lancaster
county, January 17, 1785, and came to Centre township, Butler county, with
his father in 17'. '7. He married Catherine Wbitmire. a native of Berks county,
about 1807. He died July 5, 1851; his wife died January 10, 1863. They were
the parents of seventeen children: John; Peter; Christian; Jacob; David; Solo-
mon; Elizabeth: Daniel: Henry; Francis: Mary, wife of Daniel Heck; Abra-
ham ; Amy ; Margaret : Andrew B. ; Catherine and Rosanna. who married Rob-
ert Donaldson. Mr. Fleeger cleared up a farm in Centre township, upon which
I068 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
he resided until his death. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and in
politics, a Democrat.
Peter Fleeger, second son of Jacob and Catherine Fleeger, was born on
the homestead in Centre township. March 10, 1810, and grew to manhood under
the parental roof. He afterwards settled upon a farm in Concord township,
which he cleared and improved, and where he spent the balance of his life. lie
married Mary, a daughter of Tacob Rider, and their family consisted of twelve
children: Sarah, who died in infancy; Samuel, deceased; William B. of Con-
cord township; George W., of Butler; Margaret . deceased wife of Sylvanus
Aggas ; Catherine, wife of John T. Wick; Mary M. ; John N., of Forward
township; Isaiah D.. of Concord township; Sarah Belle, wife of W. II. Wick;
Annie, wife of M. J. Neyman, of Oakland township, and Peter A., of Concord
township. Mrs. Fleeger died March 11. 1876; her husband survived until
August l".». 1889,
Joseph Galbraith, a descendant of the old and prominent family of that
name in Butler county, was born in Centre township, Butler county. August 23,
IS17, being the eldest of eight children. He was the only son of Alexander
White and Rachel (McCartney) Galbraith, and grandson of John and Annie
(White) Galbraith, who came to Butler county, from Huntingdon county, in
17'dT. His father. Alexander White Galbraith. was born in Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania. May 26, L786, and died in Ohio. Max 2, 1855. He was a soldier
in the \\ ar ot 1812. Joseph also took a warm interest in military matters, was
for years a member of the Butler militia company, and was severely wounded
while out with his company, by the accidental discharge of a musket. Joseph
Galbraith was reared upon the homestead farm and received his education in the
district school and at Witherspoon Institute. Butler. He was a great student,
made the best use of his opportunities, excelled in mathematics and became well
grounded in sacred and general literature. His reputation as a mathematician
was such that students, as well as instructors, came from considerable distances to
avail themselves of his assistance, which he always cheerfully extended. lie was
a constant and attentive reader of the bible, ami became noted for his knowledge
of that sacred book and his ability to quote it readily and accurately. He was a
very industrious and intelligent farmer, and. while making that his main pur-
suit, he developed superior mechanical ability, ami was an expert in the use of
tools. Mr. Galbraith was married November II. 1841, to Jane Earley, a native
of Londonderry. Ireland, and the following children were born to this union :
Elizabeth Ann. widow of the kite John Flinn of Pittsburg ; Amy Rachel, who
died in childhood; Matilda M.. wile of William Fowler, of Pittsburg; John
J., a resident of William-port. Pennsylvania : Mary ].. wife of Richard S.
Stephen-, of Pittsburg; Elvira and Nancy, twins, the first named being the wife
of David Myers, of Pittsburg, and the latter the wife of Senator William Flinn,
one of Pittsburg's most prominent citizens, and William Alexander, of St. Louis,
Missouri. The family removed from Butler county to Pittsburg in I860. Several
years later, his wife having in the meantime died, Joseph Galbraith returned to
Butler county, and spent most of his remaining years at West Sunburv. lie
died July 2, 1882, while on a visit at the home of his daughter in St Louis.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO69
Mr. Galbraitlvs intelligence and amiable character secured him the warm friend-
ship of professional and other men of culture. lie was a life-long member of the
United Presbyterian church, and continued deeply interested in the affairs of that
denomination until his death.
McCandless Family — The progenitor of the McCandless family in Butler
county, was John McCandless, a native of Ireland, who immigrated to America
at an early date, and settled in Plum township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
where the remainder of his life was spent. Four of his sons, )ohn, George,
Tames and William, all natives of Ireland, were among the early settlers of
Centre township, Butler county, and from them have descended the McCandless
family of this section of the State. Many of their posterity have held important
public positions, and ranked among the successful business and public men of
their times.
John McCandless, eldest son of John McCandless. Sr.. was the first sheriff
of Butler county, anil died in L810. He settled in Centre township in the last
decade of the Eighteenth century, married Mary A. Smith, and reared a family
of six children, as follows : Mrs. Mary Turner; Mrs. Jane Thompson ; Eliza-
beth : Mrs. Nancy Patterson : John S.. and George.
George McCandless, second son of John McCandless, Sr., was the first
of the family who settled in Butler county. He came to what is now Centre
township about 1795-96, built a cabin and commenced a -mall clearing. He
afterwards married Mary Fish, and their first child, John, was born in the cabin
home, August 24, 1798, the first white male child born in the township. They
reared quite a large family and have left numerous descendants in western Penn-
sylvania.
James McCandless. third son of John McCandless, Sr., married Margaret
Moore, and resided in this township down to his death, in 1840. His wife sur-
vived him until 1847, and many of their descendants are still residents of the
township.
William McCandless, fourth son of John McCandless, Sr.. was born in
Ireland. October 20, 1777. and came with his father to Allegheny county, whence
he removed to what is now Centre township, Butler county, where he resided
until his death, in 1850. In April. 1801, he married Nancy Fish, who was
born June 11. 1788. She survived him until 1871, a period of twenty-one year-.
They were the parents of the following children : John F.. born March l'l'.
1802; Nathan F., born December 28, 1803; Jane C. born January 15, L806 ;
Nancy, born November 1. ls()S; Mary A., born May 18, 1810; Robert W.,
born November '22, 1^12: Josiah, born March 6, 1816; Anderson, born May I't'i,
1818 : Jemima, born January 10. 1820; Porter, born January ill', [~<2'-'>. ami Will-
iam C, all of whom were born on the old homestead, and all dead except the
youngest.
William C. McCandless. youngest son of William and Nancy McCand-
less, is the only survivor of his father's family. He was born November 7, I vl!-">.
grew up on the homestead and received a common school education. He has
always resided upon the farm settled by his father in the last decade of the Eigh-
teenth century, and has taken a deep interest in local educational and political
IO/O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
matters. He is a member of Muddy Creek Presbyterian church, and is an
ardent supporter of the Republican party. Mr. McCandless was married Febru-
ary 2, L865, to Amelia, a daughter of William S. Bingham, ol Centreville, But-
ler counts'. She is the mother of the follow ing children : Mary A.; William B.,
Warren F., deceased; Origen G.; Olive J.; Florence J.: Jennings C. . John B.,
and one that died in early youth.
Anderson McCandless, son of William and Nancy McCandless, was
born upon the McCandless homestead, in Centre township, Mav I'ti. L818,
received his education in the pioneer subscription schools, and followed farming
until his death. He was married June 25, 1846, to Mary Carlin, a daughter
of William Carlin. of Lawrence county, to which union were born nine children,
five of whom grew to maturity, as follows : Porter A. ; Hannah ].: Carlin W.;
Kinsey, deceased ; foseph T., who resides on the old homestead, and Mary E.
Mr. McCandless and wife were members of Muddy Creek Presbyterian church,
and took a deep interest in the growth ami prosperity of that denomination. In
early life he was a Whig, but subsequently united with the Democratic party.
He rilled several of the minor offices in his township, and was connected with the
State Militia, during his young manhood.
Porter A. McCandless, eldest in the family of Anderson and Mary Mc-
Candless. was born May 28, 1N47. on the old homestead in Centre township.
He received a good common school education, and was reared upon his lather's
farm. In 1872, he engaged in merchandising at Union ville, but sold out and
opened a store at Greece City, which he also disposed of. and then purchased his
present homestead in 1876. Mr. McCandless was married December 15, ls7-">.
to Laura C. Eckert, a daughter of John N. Eckert, of Lawrence county. Eight
children have been the fruits of this union, as follows: Mary P.. who died at
the age of fourteen ; Hannah E. ; Estella J. ; Laura C. ; Anderson L. ; John D.;
Sarah II.. and Margurette. The parents are members of I'nion ville Presby-
terian church, in which body Mr. McCandless holds the office of trustee. Politic-
ally, he is a stanch Democrat, and is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.
John P. McCandless, eldest in the family of William and Nancy (Pish)
McCandless, was born upon the McCandless homestead in Centre township,
Butler county. March 22, 1802. He lived with his parents until he was thirty
years (>i age, and in the Near 1832 was married to Nancy Hays, a daughter of
William Hays. Nine children were born of this union, as follows: Mary J.,
wife of lames Findlcv. of Kansas: Nancy A., wife of John J. Miller: Emeline,
wife of James S. Glenn; William II. ; |ohn M., deceased : Jennings C. ; Sarah
!!. ; Porter, and Minerva, both of whom died in early youth. Mr. McCandless
and wife were life-long members of the Presbyterian church, in which he held the
office of trustee for several terms, and was also one of the building committee of
the old Muddy Creek church. In politics, he was an ardent Republican, and tilled
several township offices at different periods.
William II. McCandless, eldest son of John P. McCandless, was born
upon the homestead in Centre township, December 2 1 . 1840, received a public
school education, and worked upon the home farm until the breaking out of the
Rebellion. He enlisted in Companj B, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Penn-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO/I
sylvania Volunteers, for t he nine months service, and participated in the battles
of South Mountain, Antietam, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, and Chancellors-
ville. He served his full term, and then returned to his home, where he remained
until August, 1S64, when he again enlisted, in Company A, Sixth Pennsylvania
Artillery, in which he served with the rank of first lieutenant, until the close of
the war. Returning home in June, L865, he resumed his duties upon the farm,
and has since continued in agricultural pursuits. He was married March 8, I860,
to llattie Glenn, a daughter of William Glenn, of Concord township, and has
five children : Carrie 15. ; Milton L. ; Minnie R. ; Myrta, and Everett.
Nathan F. McCandless was born December 2S, 1803, in Centre town-
ship, Butler county, Pennsylvania, and was the second son of William and Nancy
(Fish) McCandless, pioneers of that township. Ik' was reared upon the home-
stead, and at the age of thirty his father gave him 1(10 acres of the home farm,
which he subsequently cleared and improved. lie resided upon this place for
more than sixty years, dving January 81, 1891. He was a member of the Pres-
byterian church, and a ruling elder in that body for many years. In lS7-~> he was
a prime mover in the erection of the Unionville church, and gave liberally of his
means tow aril t hat purpose. In early life a Whig, he joined the Republican
party upon its formation, ami tilled the office of justice of the peace for thirty
years. Mr. McCandless married Elizabeth, daughter of John Thompson. She
died in 1856, the mother of the following children : Nancy J., deceased wife of
William Wilson; Martha, wife of S. R. Thompson; Lavina, deceased wife of
Rex. Loyal Hays; fosiah, who served in Companv F, One Hundred ami Third
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died in 1863; Jefferson W., of Centre township:
Isaiah J., of Butler: Mary E., deceased wife of John F. Fee. and Clarinda M..
wife of J. X. Thompson, of Brady township. Mr. McCandless married for his
second wife Delia Hockenberry nee Mitchell, who bore him three children:
Nathan F., deceased; Annetta M.. wife of James Ramsey, of Butler township,
and Nathan W., of McKean county. He was one of the leading fanners of Cen-
tre township, was extensively engaged in settling estates, and a progressive,
public-spirited man.
John M. McCandless, son of James ami Margaret (Moore) McCandless,
was born in Centre township, Butler county, in 1806, upon the farm settled and
cleared by his father. lie attended the subscription schools of pioneer days, and
became by self-application a very well educated man. and filled most of the town-
ship offices, being justice of the peace ten years, and also jury commissioner. He
married Nancy McCandless, a daughter of William McCandless, of Centre town-
ship, to which union were born twelve children, as follows: Margaret }.. who
married Lemon Dean, of Lawrence county; (osiah; lames; Nancy A. ; Abigail;
Jemima; Elizabeth; Abner ; Nancy, who married Calvin Robb ; Mary E., who
married Leonard Shannon, of Franklin township; William F.,and one that died
in early youth. The only survivors of this family are Aimer. Nancv, Mar\ E.,
and William L. Mr. McCandless was a member of the Presbyterian church,
and died in that faith, June L>, 1886. His wife died in July, 1894. He was one
of the most intelligent farmers of the community, and always took a decided
interest in religious and educational affairs.
IO72 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William L. McCandless, youngest in the family of John M. McCandless,
was born upon the homestead in Centre township, Butler county, and was reared
and educated in his native township. He married Miss Mary ]. Pollock, of
Centre township, and is the father of seven children, as follows: Birdie A.;
Iona G. ; Ethel M. ; infant daughter, deceased ; Arthur C. deceased; William
D., and Leslie T. Mr. McCandless, like his father, is an anient Democrat, and
is a stanch supporter of the measures and principles of his party.
Thomas Smith was a native of Virginia, who settled in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, and in 1796 removed to what is now Summit township, Butler
county, locating near the site of Bonny Brook. lie remained at that point for
eighteen years, was one of the first tax collectors in the county, and took an
active interest in public affairs, fie was married in Virginia, to a Miss Cun-
ningham, a relative of the Cunninghams who donated a part of the land which
now comprises the borough of Butler. His family consisted of three sons and
three daughters, as follows : Adam; John; Charles; Ruth; Cynthia, and Jane.
About 1814 the family removed to Indiana, where Mr. Smith died in L835.
Adam Smith, eldest son of Thomas Smith, was a native of Rockingham
county, Virginia, came with his parents to what is now Summit township, in
1796, and removed with them to Indiana. In 1830 he returned to Butler county
and settled in Centre township, upon the land where his son Washington P.
now resides. He cleared a farm of 200 acres, improved it with good buildings
and resided there until his death, in 1869. He married Agnes Wallace, a daugh-
ter of Benjamin Wallace, one oi the pioneers of Centre township, who settled
upon the land afterwards owned by his son-in-law, and now the property of his
grandson. Their family consisted of six sons anil one daughter, viz. : John;
Washington P.: Milton, deceased ; Harvey; Benjamin, deceased; Thomas B.,
and Margaret, deceased. His wife died in 1866; he survived her three years.
He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, was
originally a Whig, and afterwards a Republican.
Washington Perry Smith, eldest son of Adam and Agnes (Wallace)
Smith, was born December 1<>, 1821, in Harrison county. Indiana, and removed
with his parents to Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1830, where he grew to man-
hood. He received a limited education, but was a student in boyhood, and thus
became self educated. He studied surveying under David Dougal, of Butler, and
also learned the carpenter's trade, which business he followed from 1843 to 1850.
In the latter year he entered the employ of the Brady's Bend Iron Company, as
superintendent of the building department, tilled that position for sixteen years,
and was then appointed superintendent of furnaces and railroads, which he
occupied until the company suspended, in 1873. He then returned to the home-
stead in Centre township, where he has since been engaged in farming. Mr.
Smith has been an active worker in the Republican party since its organization,
has held the office of school director for sixteen years, and has always manifested
a laudable interest in the progress of the public schools. He was married in
184S, to Harriet, a daughter of Charles Thompson, of Massachusetts. She died in
1850, leaving one child, who died in early youth. His second wife was Emeline
Thompson, a sister of his first wife, to whom have been born five children, as
y/^/0^^
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO73
follows: Harriel X.. wife of John X. Allison; Ada. wife of Warren Albert;
Carrie, wife of Everett Ralston ; Margaret, wife of Robert Whitmire, and Mary.
In early life Mr. Smith was identified with the Masonic order, hut has taken no
interest in that fraternity for many years, lie has been one of the enterprising
citizens of Centre township throughout his residence in Butler county.
I amks Allison, a native of Ireland, first settled in Maryland, and came to
Centre township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1802. He purchased 300 acres
of land, and cleared a farm, a portion of which is now in possession of his grand-
son, John Allison, the old homestead being owned hv ( >. D. Thompson. Mr.
Allison married a Miss Thompson, and his family were as follows: Frank;
William; Robert; Margaret, who married lames Phillips, and Ellen, who mar-
ried Henry Thomas, all of whom are dead. He was a member id' the United
Presbyterian church, was quite prominent in church affairs, and resided upon his
farm down to his death.
Robert Allison, third son of James Allison, was horn in Maryland, in
1799, anil came with his parents to Puller county at the age of three years.
Here he grew to manhood, and spent the remainder of his life, dying upon t lu-
old homestead in Centre township, in 1888. He filled many of the township
offices, and was a Whig, and afterwards a Republican. He was a member ol
the United Presbyterian church throughout his life. Mr. Allison married Jane,
a daughter of Charles Cochran, of Virginia. Their family consisted of the fol-
lowing children : Xarcv, who married |ohn Campbell; Mary, who married W.
D. McCandless; Lvdia E.. who married 1. E. Russell; Sarah E., who became
the wife of Alexander Blain ; Thomas C, who enlisted in Company (i. One
Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died at Belle Plain.
Virginia: William, of Centre township, and lohn X. Mrs. Allison survived her
husband two years, dying in INS.").
JOHN X. Allison, youngest child of Robert and Jane Allison, was born
upon the homestead, in Centre township, December 26, 1848. He was educated
in the public schools and at Witherspoon Institute, and taught school for six
years. Being reared a farmer, he selected that as a vocation, and has followed it
up to the present. He was married in 1872, to Harriet X. .1 daughter of Wash-
ington P. Smith, of Centre township, and is the father of six children, as fol-
lows: Perry C. ; Carrie O. ; Robert P.; Ella J.; Wesle) 1... and Mary E. Mr.
Allison is a stanch Republican, has filled the offices of school director and town-
ship auditor, the latter for twelve years, anil was elected county auditor in 1898.
lie is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and is a trustee in the Holyoke
congregation.
William Christie was one of the early settlers of Butler comity. lie was
born in Ireland in 1765, came with his parents to Westmoreland county. Penn-
sylvania, in early boyhood, and there grew to maturity. About the year 177*.
while he and an elder brother were hunting for his father's cattle in the woods,
they were surprised by Indians. His brother tied, pursued bv the latter, who
upon their return told William they did not capture his brother. They took
their prisoner to their camp, and there produced a scalp, which he recognized as
that of his brother, whom the savages had killed and scalped. William w as held
IO/4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
i) captive for eighteen months, when the Indians exchanged him for a few gal-
lons of whiskey, which in this case proved of some substantial benefit. William
Christie was one of a family of three brothers and one sister. His brother
Andrew settled in Butler county, upon the site of Greece City, About 1800
William came to Butler county and entered 200 acres of land in what is now
Concord township, upon the head water- of Connoquenessing creek, built a cabin
and lived upon this tract fur several years. lie then returned to Westmoreland
county, leaving his son John in charge of the farm. He came back again in
1824, and resided with his son in Concord township until his death. He was
one of the early school teachers of Westmoreland and Butler counties, and made
education one of his particular hobbies. He was an elder of the Presbyterian
church, and died in that faith. He married Sarah Irwin, who became tin- mother
of three sons and one- daughter, as follows: John; Robert, who was drowned
in early manhood; William, who located in Venango county, and there died,
and Betsey, who married John McClain, of Westmoreland county. Mr. Christie
died at the home ot his son |ohn. in Concord township, in IS IS; his wife died
in 1828
John Christie, eldest son of William and Sarah Christie, was bom in West-
moreland county, in 17%. In ISIS he took charge of his lather's farm in Con-
cord township, upon which the latter had settled in 1800, and devoted the balance
ol his lite to clearing and improving it. Hi' possessed a good education, and was
one of the pioneer school teachers of Butler county. Politically, he was one of
the leading Democrats of his time, and filled main of the minor township otliccs.
In religious faith, he was a Presbyterian. Mr. Christie married Margaret, a
daughter of Capt. John Guthrie, a veteran of the Revolution. She was a native
ot \\ estmoreland county, and became the mother of nine children, viz. : Sarah,
who married Johnson Timblin ; Mary ; William A. ; John G.,of Concord town-
ship ; Eliza, wife of John Anderson; Nancy, deceased ; Martha, wife of lames
Pryor ; Ellen, and Oliver, of Kansas. Mr. Christie died in 1861; his widow
survived him ten years, dying in 1871.
William A. Christie, eldest son of fohn and Margaret Christie, was horn
in Butler county, January 13, 1823, and received a public school education, He
remained with his parents until he was twenty-six years of age, and then com-
menced farming upon a part of the homestead place. In 1857 he purchased a
farm in Centre township, resided upon it for thirty years, and then retired from
active lite, locating at Unionville, where he expects to spend his remaining years.
Mr. Christie has been an active member of the Republican party since earls
manhood, filled the office of justice of the peace for ten years, and that
ol counts commissioner lor three years. He has been an elder of the
Presbyterian church for thirty years, ami has always given liberally of
his means towards every worthy object. In 1849 he married Sarah J., a
daughter of James Mcjunkin, to which union were born six children, four ol
whom are Hying, viz. : James I... a physician of Petersville ; Mary L., wife of
Dr. Albert Elolman, of Unionville ; William M., and Henry C, both residentsof
Baldwin City. Kansas. Mrs. Christie died July 17, 1887, at the home of her
son William M.. in Kansas, where her remains were interred. He was again
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO75
married in 1889, to Mrs. fCesiah J. McCandless, a daughter of John S. McCand-
less, whose father was the first sheriff of Butler county. Mr. Christie is one of
the leading citizens of his township, and is a man of progressive idea- and com-
mendable public spirit.
Dr. Albert Holmax ' was horn in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
August 19, 1853, upon the site of the first house erected in Franklin township,
-on of Joseph and Nancy (Neely) Holman. His grandfather, Joseph Holman,
Sr.. was one of the early settlers of Franklin township, Allegheny county. Our
subject received his primary education in the public schools and afterwards
attended Sharpsbuvg Academy. He then learned the carpenter's trade, which
business lie followed for six years. In 1878 he commenced the study of medicine
with his brother. Dr. J. A. Holman. and located in practice at Unionville. But-
ler county, in 1880, as assistant to his brother. He graduated from Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1881, and formed a partner-hip with his
brother, which continued until the removal of the latter to Allegheny City, one
year afterwards. In 1890 Dr. Holman opened a drugstore at LTnionville, and in
1893 he purchased the general store of M. II. McCandless, which he carries on
in connection with his profession. lie was appointed postmaster at I nionville
in 1893, and is -till filling that position. He is one of the leading Democrats of
his locality, and takes a prominent part in local campaign-. lie i- a member ol
the Presbyterian church, ami is connected with the Jr. O. U. A. M. In ISM he
married Marx L.. a daughter of \Y . A. Christie, and has three children, viz. :
Nanny B., Florence R.. ami Ralph Mel. Dr. Holman i- a member of the But-
ler County Medical Society, enjoys a lucrative practice, stand- well among his
professional brethren, and i- one of the leading citizens of hi- township.
Henry Hoon wa- born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, five miles north
of Harrisburg, and wa'- of German extraction. In 1818 be settled in Oakland
township, Butler county, purchasing (<>() acres of land, upon which he made his
home down to his death. He was twice married, hi- Hist wife being Kate
Thomas, a native of New fersev, but at the time of her marriage a resident of
Dauphin county. She was the mother of two children : John, and Elizabeth,
who married James Turk. Hi- second wile bore him the following children:
fames: Henry; Samuel: William, ami Anthony, all ol whom are dead except
Anthony, who lives upon the old homestead in Oakland town-hip. The parent-
were members of the United Presbyterian church, and resided in tin- county
until their death.
John Hoon, eldest son of Henry and Kate (Thomas) Hoon, wa- born in
Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1798, and there learned the tanner'- trade.
He came with his parents to Butler county in L818, ami at the age ol twenty-five
engaged as a teamster between Pittsburg and Erie. In 1832 be settled upon the
farm in Centre town-hip. where his -on Thomas R. now live-, and -pent the
remaining years of his life in farming. He was one of the leading Democrats ol
his township, held nearly all the township offices at different periods, and was
lieutenant in the old State Militia. He was one of the early members of the
United Presbyterian church of Butler, and an elder in that body for many year-.
He married Nancy B. Rainey, a daughter of Thomas M. and Sidnex (McKit-
I O76 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
trick) Rainey. who bore him the following children : Margaret ].. who married
Michael Thompson ; Catherine, deceased wife of Dickson Beighley ; Mary E.,
wife of Philip Seibert ; Agnes, deceased ; Maria, who married Robert Gerrard ;
I larriet, w ho became the w ife of Isaac Conant; Thomas K . : ( Jeorge II., deceased ;
John C. ; Nelson, and Isaiah M. Mr. Hoon died July 31, 1864, and his widow,
August 1, 1865.
Thomas R. Hoon, son of |olm Hoon, was born December 3, 1835, in Centre
township, Butler county, and was reared and educated in his native township.
He was employed as a teamster until 1860, then went to Oil Creek, Venango
county, and engaged in the oil business. In 1862 he enlisted in Company <>,
One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served his lull
term; lie then re enlisted in Company I. Sixty -seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers,
and served until thecloseof the war. participating in the following engagements :
South Mountain. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness.
and the closing scenes around Richmond, ending with the surrender of Lee at
Appomattox. Alter being mustered out he returned to the old homestead, where
he has since been engaged in farming. He married Sarah I., a daughter of
David [ones, of Franklin township, to whom have been born seven children, as
follows: George II.. deceased; Mary; William C, deceased; John R. ; Nancy
B. : Henrietta, and Una. Mr. II. .011 is a member of John Randolph Post, (j. A.
R., also of the Patrons of Husbandry, and both he and wife are connected with
the United Presbyterian church. He is a Republican, in politics, and ha- tilled
most of the township offices. He is the owner of MOO acres of well improved
land, and is one of the progressive, enterprising farmer- of hi- township.
James Thompson was born in Ireland in 177s, there married Sarah Gil-
liland, and immigrated to Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, anil thence to Butler county.
early in the present century. lie purchased a farm in what is now Franklin
township, subsequently removed to Beaver county, and then returned to Butler
count;,, and boughl a tract of 600 acre- of land in Cherry town-hip. Here he
■ [eared a farm, made substantial improvements, and resided upon it down to hi-
death, in 1861. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. To
lame- and Sarah Thompson were born twelve children, a- follows :. Man A.;
Jane, and Sarah, all of whom are dead; Elizabeth: Moses ; Arabella: James,
deceased: Minerva; Matilda, and John, the last two of whom are deceased ;
Emeline, and Andrew, deceased.
Moses Thompson, eldest -on of fames ami Sarah (Gilliland) Thompson,
was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1814, and was reared and
educated in Butler and Beaver counties. In August, 1832, he came to Butler
county from Beaver, and ha- since resided in this counts'. On February 19, 1833,
he married fane Thompson, a daughter of Anthony Thompson, of Centre town-
ship, to whom have been born the following children : Elizabeth A., wife of Henry
Whitmire: Sarah, deceased ; Anthony; William 1 1., deceased : Josiah M.. and
James M. Mr. Thompson wa- a justice of the peace for ten years, and held most
of the other township offices. In politics, he was in early life a Whig, and
-nice the formation of the Republican party be has been an adherent of that
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ["77
organization, lie is now retired from active life, and resides in the borough of
Butler. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Anthony Thompson, eldest son of Moses and fane Thompson, was born
in Centre township, Butler county, May 5, 1838, and has always followed
farming. He received a good common school education, and since attaining his
majority he has tilled nearly all of the township offices. Politically, .he is a
Republican, and in religion, he is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Thompson was married September 20, I860, to Elizabeth A., daughter of
William Russell, of Centre township. Six children have been the fruits of this
union, as follows : Moses G. ; Elizabeth A. : Martha )., deceased ; Maggie A. ;
William R., deceased, and Anthony Robert. His present home-lead was
settled by Simon Young, Sr. ; was bought bv Moses Thompson fifty years
ago, and was purchased by Anthony Thompson from his father twenty-three
years ago, since which time it has been his permanent home.
Benjamin Johnston, was a native of Down county. Ireland, and came to
America about 1794, He afterwards settled in Jackson township, Butler county,
Pennsylvania, where he purchased 150 acres of land, which he cleared and
improved. He resided upon this farm until his death, which occurred about
1858. His family were as follows: Joseph; Wilson; John; William; (esse ;
Cynthia, who married John McGrew ; lane, who married [esse Miller; Nam v.
who married John Wallace; Mary Ann, who married [oshua Davis, and Eliza,
who married a Mr. Young. Mr. Johnston was an elder in the United Presbyterian
church for many vears. and was a stanch adherent oi the Democratic party.
Jesse Johnston, fifth son of Benjamin Johnston, was born on the homestead
in Jackson township, Butler county, July 7. 1820, and learned the blacksmith's
trade at Zelienople. He followed his trade for a few years at Portersville, but in
1850 he removed to Zelienople and engaged in farmingin Jackson township. In
1852 he located in Jefferson township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. In 18G2
he returned to Butler county and purchased the old Johnston homestead of 2] 1
acres, in Centre township, where he died. October 17, 1865. He was a Demo-
crat, in politics, and was one of the early constables of Portersville. For man\
years he was an elder in the United Presbyterian church. lie married Sarah J.,
a daughter of Joseph Allen, of Zelienople. anil of the ten children born b> this
union, eight grew to maturity, as follows: Thornley, of Centre township; Jos-
eph A., who died in LS73 ; Stephen A.; Martha J., who married Calvin Steven-
son: John II.. of Centre township; Mary A., deceased; James R.. of Forward
township; Charles C of Centre township: Rosanna. wife of A. II. Campbell,
and George B. McC. deceased.
Thornley C. Johns ion. eldest son of Jesse and Sarah |. (Allen) Johnston,
was born at Portersville, Butler county, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1842, and
lived with his parents until his majority. lie received a common school educa-
tion, and afterwards at tended Curry Institute, Pittsburg. He then returned to
his father's home ami taught school for two winters. After his father's death
he remained on the homestead until 1870, in which year he married Arabella M.
Walker, a daughter of William Walker, of Centre township, and located upon
his present farm. To this union have been born seven children, as follows:
I O78 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Jessie A. : Clara L. ; Mary M. : Clarence W. ; Lulu M. ; Alma S.. and Albert L.
Mr. Johnston is an elder in the United Presbyterian church of Butler. In poli-
tics, he is an ardent Democrat, and is one of the most intelligent and progressive
farmers of his township.
Daniel Heck, Sit., was born in Lorraine. Germany, September lii. L818,
son of Daniel Heck, a native of the same place, who came to Butler county in
18-8, where he resided until his death. Daniel came here with his parents, who
settled in Prospect, where he remained about one year, and then began working
at the cabinet-making business in Butler, removed two years later to Unionville,
and carried on there for about five years. He then settled upon bis present
homestead in Centre township, where he has since resided. Mr. Heck has been
twice married. First to Elizabeth Rose, a daughter of John Rose, of Centre
township, who bore him the following children : Daniel A., a merchant of
Butler; Mary A., who married Philip Gruver ; Martha, who married John D.
Albert ; Margaret ; Rachel, who married John Hyle ; John C. deceased ; Jacob
A.: Presley J., and James VV. His second wife was Mrs. Mary Cold, a
daughter of Jacob Fleeger, to which union were born four children, as follows:
Clara ; Emma ; George B. Mc, and Elizabeth. Mr. Heck is a stanch Democrat,
and is a member of the Lutheran church.
John Badger was born in Derry county, Ireland, in 1 7*1', immigrated to
the United States in 1822, and settled in Clinton county. New York. He
located in Butler county about 1829, and purchased a farm of 200 acres in Centre
township, which he cleared and improved. He died upon his farm August 22,
1877; bis wife died in 1869. They were married in Ireland, and her maiden
name was Isabella Hudson. Eleven children were the fruits of this union,
whose names are as follows: Eliza, who married John Thompson; Mary, who
married Jacob Boyd; fames; John, deceased; Rosanna, who married David
Cameron ; William, and Nancy, both deceased ; Matilda, who married William
Thorn ; Jane, who married William Colbert ; Margaret, who became the wife of
George Shaffer, and one that died in early youth. Mr. Badger and wife were
members of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a Democrat.
James Badger, eldest son of John and Isabella Badger, was born in Ire-
land, in 1813, and came to Butler county with his parents when he was about
sixteen years of age. He has resided in this county sixty-five years, and has
watched its development from a comparative wilderness to its present well
improved and prosperous condition, lie was married June 10, 1840, to Mary-
Elliott, a daughter of John Elliott, of Centre township, and has four living chil-
dren , as follows : Angeline. wife of Francis O'Donnell; Margaret B. ; Isaiah,
and Matilda, wife of Presley Elliott. The deceased are: John; William II.;
lames; Mary E. ; Milton, and Florence. Mr. Badger is a member of the
United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he has always been a Democrat.
He is residing upon the homestead settled by his father in 1829.
Jacob Rider was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 17S7. grew to
manhood in bis native county, and then removed to Allegheny county, where he
married Sarah Bright, a daughter of Michael Bright, of that county. He came
to Butler county in 1830, and purchased the present Rider homestead of 200
BIOGRAPHICAL 'SKETCHES. I < )J\ t
acres, in Centre township, upon which he resided down to his death, in L 859 .
lli> widow survived until 1866. They were members of the English Lutheran
church, in which denomination Mr. Rider filled the office of elder for several
years. In polities, he was originally a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, and
filled many of the township offices at different periods, among them school direc-
tor, being very earnest in his efforts in behalf of education. Jacob and Sarah
Rider were the parents of nine children, as follow: Michael, who was shot and
killed while hunting, in 1839; Mary, who married Peter Fleeger; Christopher;
Jacob; John S. ; Samuel B. : David; Margaret who married Peter Whitmire ;
Sarah, and George, all of whom are dead except Samuel B.. Margaret, and
George.
Samuel B. Rider was born in Allegheny countv, Pennsylvania, January
29, 1826, and came with his parents to Butler county when four years of age.
lie remained on the homestead farm until his marriage to Catherine livers. June
5, 1851. She was a daughter of Daniel Byers, of Centre township, and is the
mother of the following children: Sarah J., deceased, who married Redick
McCandless; Lorenzo; Orestes C. ; Samuel A., deceased: George A.: Harriet
A., wife of Edward Graham ; Laura A., wife of Calvin Stevenson; Olive E.,
wife of John Albert : Jessie V., deceased; U. S. and Carrie. Mr. Rider received
a good public school education, and taught for six terms in Centre and Oakland
townships. In August, 1864, he enlisted in Battery A, Sixth Heavy Artillery,
attached to General Auger's Division, Twenty-second Army Corps, and served
until his discharge, June IS. 1865. Mostof his service was at Washington, where
his battery assisted in the defence of the Capitol. He also did guard duty on the
Orange and Alexandria railroad. Mr. Rider is a Republican, and has filled the
offices of school director for several terms, also that of auditor, overseer of the
poor and road commissioner, lie is a member of the (j. A. R., and is an adherent
of the English Lutheran church.
ORESTES C. RiI)ER was born upon the homestead farm in Centre township,
October 21, 1854, received a common school education, and was reared a farmer.
On October 22, 1879, he married Emeline Sanderson, a daughter of Philip Sander-
son, of Clay township, and is the father of five children, as follows: Homer C;
Celia C. ; Alvin L. ; Elmer, and Leda L., deceased.
ULYSSES S. RlDER was born in Centre township, upon the homestead farm.
March 23, 1869, received a common school education, and has followed agricul-
ture as a vocation. lie was married April 21, 1891, to Clara C. Hock, daughter
of Conrad Hock, of Franklin township, and has one child, Charles I).
George Rider, youngest son of Jacob and Sarah Rider, was born in
Centre township, Butler county, March 24, 1833, was reared upon his father's
farm, and received his education in the public schools. On April 26, 1855. he
married Mary A., a daughter of Jacob Rumbaugh, of Centre township. She
died May Id. 1890, having borne him a family of eight children . as follows :
Margaret L., wife of Harrison Miller: Sarah P., wife of Andrew Baker; Olive
B., deceased; Emma E.; Mary E., wife of Jacob Christley ; Maria, wife of Orin
A. Hutchison; Elsie J., and one that died in infancy. Mr. Rider is a membei
of the Lutheran church, and an elder in that organization. Politically, he is an
IOSO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ardent Republican, lias rilled the office of school director and several other posi-
tions of tru>t in his native township.
John R Pollock \\;is horn in Down counts, Ireland. April 2, lsll'. und
immigrated to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in L832, where he worked for the firm of
May <N: Andrew, of Pittsburg, for ten years. lie then came to Butler county,
and purchased a farm in Centre township, upon which he resided down to
his death, February 11. 1893. Mr. 1'ollock was twice married, his first wife
being Mary Black, and his second wife. Mary Blain. He was the father of thir-
teen children, two of whom died in infancy. The names of the others are as
follows: Agnes, who married Alfred Aggas ; Martha; Alexander; William;
Maggie; fames A.; Lizzie; Mary ; Isaiah X.: John, and Thomas. Of these
Martha, William. Maggie, and James A., are dead. Mr. Pollock was a member
of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Democrat. He held several
of the offices in his township at different periods.
Alexander Pollock was born February l'7-. 1848, upon the homestead
farm in Centre township, and is the oldest son of John R. Pollock. He attended
the public schools of his district in his boyhood, anil has since been engaged in
farming. On December S, 1874, he married Annie Park, a daughter of John
Park, of Pittsburg, and is the father of six children ; John; Allen; Clarence;
Howard; Poster, and George. Mr. Pollock is a Democrat, and is a member of
the Holvoke United Presbyterian church.
Inns Post, Sr., was born in Germany, in l.Si'2, was reared in his native
land, and there married Elizabeth Crowley. They came to this country in Is):;,
and located at Buffalo Furnace, whence they removed to Winrield township,
Butler county, where Mr. Post died at the age of fifty-four years. They reared
a family of nine children, as follows: Elizabeth, who married Henry Weitzel ;
Catherine, who married Jacob Eisler; Margaret, wife of John Dur; John ; Mary,
wife of Frank Acre : Henry; Ida ; William, and Annie, wife of William Crooks.
Mr. Post was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which denomina-
tion his wife also belonged.
John Post, eldest -on of John and Elizabeth Post, was born at Buffalo
Furnace, December l'T, 1853, received a common school education, and has been
engaged in farming since early manhood. He married Margaret A. Acre, a
daughter of August Acre, of this county, to which union have been born five
children, as follows: Clarence A.; Mary E. ; George A., who died December
19, 1891, and two that died in early youth. Mr. 1'ost is a Republican in politics,
but takes no active interest in political matters.
William Thompson was a native of Ireland, and a son of John Thompson,
who came from Ireland to New Jersey with a family of live children, as follows:
John: James; William; Amv C and Elizabeth. William grew to manhood
in New Jersey, subsequently moved to Washington county. Pennsylvania, and
thence to Greene county\ lie was married three limes, and was the father of
t went v-four children. By his first wife three children were born to him. His
second wife. Catherine I lull, became the mother of seven children: lohn;
Charles; Joseph; Maria; William: Sarah A., and Ruah. His third wife was
Annie Wallace, to whom were born fourteen children, as follows ; Isaac ; James;
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Io8]
Hannah; Parker; Albert P ; Harvey D. ; Wesley T. F. ; Isaiah E. W.; Eleanor
S. : Rebecca A. ; Hiram \V. ; Amy E. ; William, and one that died in early youth.
Harvey D. Thompson, son of William and Annie (Wallace) Thompson,
was horn in Washington county, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1829, removed
with his parents to Greene counts at the age of ten years, and remained there
until he was sixteen years old. lie then went to Pittsburg to learn the coach-
maker's trade, spent lour years in that city, and located at Prospect, Butler
county, in 1856. He there married Mary Forrester, a daughter ol Joseph For-
rester. She died in 1871, the mothei of rive children, as follows: Clarence;
Flora E. : Harry F. ; Millie, and John (i. In 1ST:', he married Catherine M.
Roth, to whom were born five children : Lewis R. ; Louisa k.; Annie L. E. ;
George W., and Marietta G. Mrs. Thompson died in 1881, and in lNS:> he mar-
ried Mrs. Xeese. and has one daughter by this union. Catherine. Mr. Thomp-
son is a member of the English Lutheran church, in which he has Idled the office
of deacon for two terms. In politics, he has always been a Republican, has
filled many of the township offices, and was elected sheriff of Butler counts in
1869, in which office he served a full term. In July, lX(j:S. he enlisted in Com-
pany A, Sixty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the
war. He located upon his present homestead in 1S74. is a good, practical farmer.
and a very worthy citizen. lie has always been active in political affairs, as
well as in church and educational matters.
William Blain was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, in 17'.*7, grew to man-
hood in his native land, and there married Jane Arnold, a daughter of John
Arnold, of the same shire. In July. ls,">2, they immigrated to Armstrong county,
Pennsylvania, remained there about two years, and then came to Butler county,
locating in Buffalo township. In 1864 Mr. Blain purchased a farm in Centre
township, upon which he resided down to his death, in April, 1876. He was a
member of the United Presbyterian churches at Butler and Holyoke, and in pol-
itics, he was a Republican. By his marriage to Jane Arnold he became the
father of the following children : Mary, deceased wife of John Pollock ; Eliza-
beth, wife of John Park; John; |ane. deceased; William; Thomas A.; Alex-
ander, and Jessie, deceased. John, William, and Thomas A. Blain were soldiers
in the Union army. John and Thomas A., enlisted in Company D, Sixth United
States Cavalry, August 26. 1861, and participated in the battles of Williams-
burg, siege of Yorktown, and all the principal battles of the Army of the Poto-
mac during their term of enlistment. John was captured during McClellan's
campaign before Richmond, in 1862, was severely wounded at Savage Station,
taken to Libby prison, ami thence sent to Fortress Monroe. He remained in the
hospital at that point four months, ami was discharged on a surgeon's certificate,
in October, 1862. He re-enlisted March IT), 1865, in Company K. One Hundred
and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served as corporal, until his final dis-
charge at Fort Smith. Virginia, August 25, 1865. Thomas A. was never off
duty a single day during his term of service. lie was captured June 18, L864,
at Travellian Station, was held prisoner at Libby and Andersonville six months,
was then exchanged, and was honorably discharged at Washington. 1>. C,
March 16, 1865. William enMsted in Company M, Fifth Heavy Artillery, and
lOSr HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
served fiom the organization of the regiment until honorably discharged, June
13, 1865.
Alexander Blain was born in VVigtonshire, Scotland, January 15, 1840,
and is the youngest sun of William and Jane Blain. He came with his parents
to Pennsylvania in L852, and to Butler county two years afterward. He received
a common school education, and has been engaged in farming from early boy-
hood. He was married |anuar\ ^!. 1871, to Sarah E., a daughter of Robert
Allison, of Centre township, and is the lather of six children, as follows:
William C. A. : Robert C. : John M. : Thomas H. ; Agnes J., ami Wilber Alex-
ander. Mr. Blain is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and has been
an elder and treasurer in that organization. Politically, he is a Republican, and
has held many of the offices in his township.
John S. Shakely, son of Henry Shakely, was born in Fairview township,
Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1836, grew to manhood in his native township,
and subsequently settled on a farm in Centre township. In 1864 he married
Susan Byers, of Centre township, and is the father of one son. Alva, who now
resides upon the old homestead. Ml". Shakely removed from the homestead farm
to Butler, where he has retired from active business life. He is a member of the
German Reformed church, and in politics, he is an adherent of the Republican
party.
Alva Shakely, only child of John S. and Susan Shakely, was born upon
the homestead farm in Centre township, Butler county, January 28, 1865, and
was reared beneath the parental roof and received a common school education in
the district school. He has always resided upon the old homestead, which he
has now charge of. He married Miss Kate Young, a daughter of Simon Young,
of Centre township, September 24, 1890, and has one child, Cleo, born April 17,
1892. Both he and his wife are members of the English Lutheran church, and
politically, he is a Republican.
Francis M. Neff was a native of Muenchberg, Bavaria, Germany, born
March lit. 1795. He grew to maturity in his native land, and was married in
Klein wallstadt , to Regina Kessler, a daughter of Adam Kessler, to which union
were born seven children, only two of whom survived infancy, as follows: John
Ingnatz, deceased, and John Vitus. In hsF~> Mr. Neff immigrated to Butler
county, Pennsylvania, and purchased a small farm in what is now Oakland
township. He was a potter, but after coming to this county he engaged in farm-
ing. His wife died upon the homestead in Donegal township, April 24, 1864.
He survived her until March 19, 1872.
John Vitus Neff was born in Bavaria. Germany, |une 15, 1829, and is
the only survivor of his father's family. He was sixteen years of age when his
parents located in Butler county, and had received a fair education in his native
land. He learned the potter's and carpenter's trades alter coming to this county,
at which he worked until IS74. In 1ST") he purchased his present homestead in
Centre township, and has since devoted his attention to agriculture. He married
Mary A. Palmert, a daughter of Philip Palmert, of Donegal township, to which
union were born the following children : John P., deceased ; Frank P. ; Jose-
phine B., wife of Andrew Nickel, of Butler township : John C. ; Joseph C. ; Mary
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I OS 3
E., wife of John Shmieder ; Theresa M. ; Clara R. ; Annie I!., and Barcillius
F. Mr. Neff and family are members of the Catholic church, in which faith
his parents lived and died. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and is one of
the enterprising farmers of his township.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Zkuknoi'i.k, Harmony and Evans City Boroughs— Jackson, Forward, Adams, Cran-
berry, CONNOQUENESSING AND LANCASTER TOWNSHIPS.
Dr. Loring Lusk was horn in Ontario county. New Vork, in 1799, and
was reared in Hudson, Summit county. Ohio, where his parents settled at quite
an early day. He studied medicine under his brother-in-law, Dr. Cossitt, of
Mercer, Pennsylvania, and there married Mary, a daughter of Joseph Smith, one
of the pioneers of that borough. Dr. Lusk commenced the practice of medicine
at Harmony, Butler county, in 1823, removed to Beaver county in 1829, and
continued in practice there for a few years. He next engaged extensively, as a
contractor, in the construction of the Pittsburg and Erie canal, but returned to
Harmony in 1844, and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1 S.">4 lie
removed to Canton, Lewis county, Missouri, where he practiced until 1861. He
was then appointed surgeon of the Twenty-firsi Missouri Volunteers, remained
one year in the service, and again returned to Zelienople, where he established a
drug store, which he carried on until his death, in 1878. His children were
as follows : Joseph S., and Amos, two of the well remembered physicians of Butler
county: Mary, who married Dr. F. S. Dodds, and Imelda, who married [. P.
Cooksey, all of whom are dead.
Dr. Amos Lusk, second son of Dr. Loring Lusk, was horn at Harmony,
Butler county. May 31, 182S, but spent most of his boyhood days in Mercer
county. He was educated in the. schools of Mercer and New Brighton, read
medicine with his father, and began practice in 1849. He attended lectures at
the Medical Department of the Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland.
Ohio, where he was graduated in 1854. In 1858 he was appointed surgeon at
the United States Marine Hospital, Pittsburg, which position he held for four
years. In 1857 he removed to Canton, Missouri, where he practiced his profes-
sion until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when the disorganized state of
society in Missouri caused him to return to Butler county, ami, in ISC] , he
located in Zelienople, where he continued to practice medicine for over thirty
years. Throughout his long and varied career, he enjoyed the fullest confidence
to84 HISTORY i)i- BUTLER COUNTY.
of the public, and built up through the passing years a large and lucrative prac-
tice. In L883 he and his son. Amos M.. purchased the bank established by
Nicholas Dambach, and the banking house of Amos Lusk ec Son proved a finan-
cial success. Dr. Lusk was an excellent financier, and with the assistance of his
son he built up a solid and substantial business. After his death his son sold an
interest in the bank to John A. Gelbach, and subsequently sold the remaining
interest to the latter's brother, and the firm then became Gelbach Brothers. Dr.
I ,usk was a celebrated linguist . was master of twelve languages, and spoke fluently,
(Jreek, Latin, Spanish. Hebrew, French, German, Italian. English and other
tongues, and had studied in all twenty-five different languages. He was perhaps
the most proficient linguist in the State, was a gentleman of fine classical taste,
and devoted his leisure moments to the perusal of the choicest literature. Ib-
was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church of Zelienople, and for many
years had rendered professional services gratuitously to the Orphan's Home
near that borough. Dr. Lusk married Agnes S. Clow, daughter of James S.
Clow, ol Westmoreland county, who survives him. Six children were born to
this union, all of whom are living: William II. , attorney at law, of Butler;
James L., a captain of engineers in the United States army; Joseph R., chief
train dispatcher of the Pittsburg and Western railroad at Allegheny ; Amos M.,
of Zelienople: Mary W. wife of John A. Gelbach, of the same borough, and
Julian. Dr. Lusk died November 17, 1891, his deat h occurring very suddenly , while
on his way to attend a patient. In politics, he was a Republican, but took little
interest in political affairs. He was a pioneer member of Harmony lodge, F. A:
A. \L. and was buried by the Masonic order. Few men in Butler county stood
so high in the estimation of their fellow citizens as this pioneer physician, most
ol whose long and varied career was spent in the place of his birth.
A.mcis M. Li.sk. fourth son of Dr. Amos Lusk, was born in Zelienople. Jan-
uary 14, 1803, and received his education in the public schools ami under the
private instruction of his father. He studied civil engineering, and followed that
profession until 1883, when he engaged in the banking business with his father.
Soon after the death of the latter he sold an interest in the bank to John A. Gel-
bach. and subsequently disposed of the remaining interest to Mr. Gelbach's
brother. Since retiring from the bank Mr. Lusk has devoted his attention to oil
producing. In 1884 he was married to Laura, daughter of George Stahl, of
Zelienople, to whom have been born three children: Eva Elizabeth; (ieorge
Amos, and Herbert. In politics, Mr. Lusk is a Republican, has served as presi-
dent of the Zelienople council, and also as burgess of the borough. He is a
member of the Masonic order, also of the 1. (). O. F., and Jr. < >. L. A. M.
Christian Buhl was born in Germany, in 177ii, came to the United
Slates in 1800, and in IS02 settled at Zelienople, Butler county, Pennsylvania,
where he was married the following year to Dorothy (ioehriug. also a native of
Germany. He was a hatter, and conducted that business in Zelienople for many-
years. He possessed a good education for thai period, served as justice of the
peace lor main years, and was an associate judge of Butler COlintv for one term.
In politics, be was a Democrat, and in religious faith, a member of the German
Lutheran church, and helped lo build the old slone church at Zelienople. Mr.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IO85
Buhl died in 1864; bis wife survived until ls(is. living to the ripe old age ol
ninety years. They were the parents of eleven children, si\ of whom are living:
George, and Christian II.. both residing in Michigan : Charles, a resident of Dan-
ville,-Illinois; Henry, of Zelienople ; Jane, wife of Robert Hay, of Allegheny,
and Elizabeth, wife of Robert King, of Detroit. Michigan.
Henry Buhl was born in Zelienople, Butler county, August 13, 1813,
son of Christian and Dorothy Buhl. lie was reared in his native place,
became a builder of steam engines, anil was an engineer on the river tor many
years. In 1843 he married Christina \Y. C daughter of Frederick C. Speyerer,
of Cranberry township. After marriage the}' located on a farm in Forward
township, residing there until 1891, and then took up their residence at Zelienople.
Mr. Buhl also conducted a grist mill in connection with his farm for twenty-five
years. Politically, he has always been a stanch Democrat. He is the father of
seven children, as follows : Marie Christina, wife of Russell II. Hoggs, of the firm
of Boggs & Buhl, Allegheny; F. C, of Evans City; Henry, a member of the
firm of Boggs & Buhl: Fredericka J., wife of Jacob Gelbach, of Evans City ;
Emma, wife of Ferdinand Winter, of Altoona; Matilda, and Benjamin S. who
resides on the farm in Forward township. Mr. Buhl and wife are members of
the Presbyterian church of Zelienople.
A. Y. Cunningham, M. D.. was born in North Sewickley township, Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, January 14, 18o7. His father, Robert Cunningham, also
a physician, was a native of Lancaster county. Pennsylvania. He came to Beaver,
where he met and married Jane Allison, a daughter of lion. James Allison, a
leading lawyer of western Pennsylvania, in 1882. Her father represented his dis-
trict in Congress two terms, as did aNo her brother, Hon. John Allison. The
subject of this sketch was reared in Beaver county, and was educated at the
North Sewickley and Beaver Academies, but was prevented from taking a col-
legiate course because of an injury. He read medicine with Dr. Goucher, of
Pittsburg, and commenced the practice of his profession at Wampum. Lawrence
county, in ISC);'), thence removed to Poland. Ohio, and in 1867 located at Zelien-
ople, Butler county. He is the oldest physician in that borough, and during the
past twenty-seven years he has built up a lucrative practice. He is a graduate
of Jefferson Medical College. Philadelphia, ami was appointed one of the cen-
sors of the Medico Chirurgical College of that city in Maw 1894. During his
early life he studied dentistry, under Dr. M. E. Gillespie, of Pittsburg, ami was
thus enabled to conduct the dental business in connection with his regular pro-
fession. Dr. Cunningham has been identified with the oil interests during the
past tew years, ami was the pioneer in the Harmon) and Zelienople fields, where
he was quite successful. In politics, he has been a Republican, and acted with
that party up to within a few years, since which time he has been an independ-
ent voter, casting his ballot in favor of those who in his judgment would add
dignity to the office to which they aspired, claiming that it is better to swear
allegience to principle than to party. Consequently he associated himself with
the Prohibition party for a time, received the nomination of his district for Con-
gress, and, as anticipated, was defeated. He has recently been acting with the
Republican party, except when the other parties presented better material. He
(086 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
has always voted for the presidential nominee of that party since casting his first
vote for Abraham Lincoln. Dr. Cunningham was married. September 16, 1869,
to Jane B. Wallace, a daughter of Francis Wallace, of Zelienople, to whom have
been born eight children, viz.: Nora Viola; Francis W. : A. Vincent; Jennie
W. ; Lee Smith; Walter C. ; Ralph, and Adaline F. He is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, while his family are identified with the Presbyter-
ian church. Dr. Cunningham was appointed on the board of examining surgeons
of pensions for Butler county, August I, 1894, without solicitation on his part.
SAMUEL Youxg, the founder and late editor of the Connoquenessing Valley
JVews, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, December 29, 1821. After receiving
a common school education, he entered the book binding establishment of L.
Loomis, of that city, and later took editorial charge of the American Eagle, of
Pittsburg, published by Arthur A. Anderson. At the same time he was a cor-
respondent for the Philadelphia and New York papers. He was the author and
publisher of two books entitled "The Smoky City, a Tale of Crimes," and
"Tales and Sketches," which found a ready sale and proved for the times a
profitable enterprise. In 1847 he moved to Franklin, Venango county, and took
charge of the stock department of the iron mills, then owned by Henry Coulter,
lie later became connected with the Conneautville Courier, as associate editor,
and was afterwards associated with A. J. Gibson, as editor and publisher of the
Clarion Banner, with which he was connected until June, 1868, when they sold
the paper. In 1869 Mr. Young started the Independent, at Fast Brady, which
proved a good investment, and in 1871 be erected a residence at Fast Brady, at a
cost of $5,000. He afterwards sold the Independent, and in 1878, at the solicitation
of some of the prominent business men of Zelienople. he started the Connoquen-
essing Valley Areivs, bis son. |. R> Young, becoming associatated with him.
The Arexus soon gained a fair circulation throughout Butler county and surround-
ing territory, and he continued in editorial charge until bis death. The News
has since been edited and published by his son, J. R. Young. Mr. Young was
married December 3, 1844, to Mi^s Mary VV. Armstrong. The surviving chil-
dren of this union are : Belle A., wife of W. II. Taylor, of Centre county; I. H..
of Zelienople, and Marx C, wife of S. F. Bowser, of Butler. Mrs. Young died
June 2(1, 1881. He was again married, lime '21. b^Ni'. to Miss Emeline <i.
Boggs, who became the mother of one son. Samuel VV., of Zelienople. Mr.
Young died at bis home in Zelienople, March l'7. 1891. Politically, be was a
Republican, ami was one of the well known citizens; of the county. Shortly
before bis death he published an autobiography, which contains many interesting
references to Butler county and her people.
Lewis DlNDlNGER was a native of Alsace, France, where he met and mar-
ried Christina Miller. In 1830 they immigrated to Franklin township, Beaver
county, Pennsylvania, where they purchased and improved a farm. Mr. Din-
dinger was also engaged in the const ruction of the canal from Pittsburg to Erie.
The) reared a family of ten children, seven of whom are living as follows:
(ieorge, of Lancaster township; Jacob, a resilient of Wampum, Lawrence
county; fohn, of Zelienople; Caroline, wife of Lewis Kerl, of Allegheny; Chris-
tina, wife of Henry Bloom, of Portersville ; William, of Harmony, anil Henry.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I0S7
of .Allegheny. The parents removed from Beaver county l" Zelienople. where
they united with the Lutheran church. Mr. Dindinger died in that borough.
and his widow subsequently returned to the homestead in Beaver countv, where
she spent the remaining years of her life.
John Dindinger, merchant, was horn in Franklin township, Beaver
county, December 26, 1839, and is the third son of Lewis and Christina Din-
dinger. lie was educated in the public schools of his native township, and in
1861 began clerking in a store. In IS62 he enlisted in Company (i. One Hun-
dred and .Sixty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months, at the
expiration of his term of service he returned to Heaver count v. and. in 1864,
engaged in merchandising, in Perry township, Lawrence county, where he con-
tinued until 1JS72, when he sold his store and purchased a farm in Franklin
township, Beaver countv. In 1S74 he came to Zelienople and established his
present mercantile business, also erected his store building. He has built up a
large trade and is one of the representative business men in that section of the
county. Mr. Dindinger is also interested in oil production, and was one of the
organizers and a director in the National Bank of Harmony. He was married
in December. 1863, to Miss R. T. Pyle, daughter of Caleb Pyle, of Lawrence
county. Seven children have been born to this union : C. L.. who is in part-
nership with his father ; Louis Wilber, deceased; Franklin Howard, deceased;
Ada, deceased; Eva Leola; Estella, and Norman Row The family are con-
nected with the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, Mr. Dindinger is a
Republican. He served as postmaster under Garfield's administration, and he is
a member of Wilson Post, Number 469, G. A. R.. of Zelienople.
William Dindinger was born in Franklin township, Beaver countv.
Pennsylvania, September 1, 1850, son of Lewis and Christina (Miller) Din-
dinger. He was reared in Beaver countv, received a common school education,
and was engaged in farming until 1884, when he came to Zelienople and embarked
in the hardware business. In January. 1886, he became a member of the firm
of W. A. Goehring & Company, the largest dealers 'in hardware, agricultural
implements, and oil well supplies in the borough. Mr. Dindinger is a member
of the Breackneck Oil Company. He was married March 13, 1873, to Mary I...
daughter of Justus Alborn, of Franklin township. Beaver county, ami is the
father of four children : Lewis A. ; Charles II. ; Walter A., and Arthur William.
The family are members of the German Lutheran church, of Zelienople, in
which body Mr. Dindinger has served as trustee ami superintendent of the
Sunday school, and is also a member of the church council. In politics, lie is a
Republican, and is recognized as one of the enterprising business men of I larmony.
John Reed was born near Steubenville, Ohio, and married Elizabeth Ran-
dolph, born at Elizabeth, Allegheny countv, Pennsylvania. Mr. Reed came to
Harmony, Butler countv. in 1819, and carried on the Abraham Ziegler tannery
until 1821, and then removed to Zelienople, where he and wife resitted until their
death. They reared a family of eight children, as follows : Mary lane,
deceased; W. A., of Washington county; Lewis of New Brighton. Beaver
county: J. Y., deceased; Edward, who died in infancy; Louisa, deceased; Mar-
garet, wife of Milton Henry, of New Castle, and Charles F.
[088 HISTORY OF I-U'TI.KK COrNTV.
Cii.vui.es E. Reed, druggist, was born in the borough of Zelienople, fune 8,
1843, and is the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Reed. He attended the
public schools until the age of thirteen years, and then entered a drug store in
Allegheny City, where lie learned the drug business. In L865 he formed a part-
nership with his brother, and established .1 drug -tore in Allegheny City, which
they continued for six years. In 1882 he opened his present drug store .it
Zelienople, where he has since continued in the same line. Mr. Reed was mar-
ried in 1864, to Mary S.. daughter of John Blair, of Allegheny City. She died
in 1884, leaving five children, as follow- : W. A., an employee on the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad at Oakdale ; J. B., train dispatcher at New Castle Junction; C.
1.., who is operating a sheep ranch in Montana; Mary F., and Elizabeth. In 1885
Mr. Reed married Jeannette E. McClure. daughter of John McClure of Lan-
caster township. Both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at
Zelienople, in which body he fills the office of trustee. Politically, he is a Dem-
ocrat, and was postmaster ol Zelienople under Cleveland's first administration,
lie has been president of the Zelienople school board, and is now filling the
office of notary public. lie is a member of Harmony council. Number 698,
Royal Arcanum.
Albert Winter, jeweler, was born in Phillipsburg, Beaver county, Penn-
sylvania, February 16, 1850, son of Rev. E. F. and Johanna (Swart/.) Winter.
natives of Germany. His father was educated in Germany, and became a noted
divine in the Evangelical church, having charge of four churches in Beaver
count) lor a period ol twenty-five years, during which time he erected eleven
church buildings. lie was pastor of the Evangelical church at Zelienople
for twenty-five years. lie was also paster of the Burry church for forty-four
years, and was organist for all the churches for which he was pastor. lie died
May 22, 1884. After his death his widow resided in Rochester. Beaver county,
until December. 1893, when she moved to Zelienople. Her death occurred July
15, 1894. They were the parents of nine children, and are kindly remembered
in Butler county. The subject of this sketch is the sixth child and was reared at
Phillipsburg. lie received a public school education, and conducted his father's
farm for several years; afterwards learned the jeweler's trade at New Brighton,
Pennsylvania, and commenced working at the bench in 1868. In 1869 he estab-
lished Ids present business house .it Zelienople. where he has since enjoyed a
lucrative trade. Mr. Winter is also interested in oil producing, and was asso-
ciated with Dr. Cunningham in drilling the first well in the Zelienople field. In
December, 1875, he married Annie C, daughter of Daniel Brenner, of Beaver
county, and both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church of Zelien-
ople. in which body he holds the office of elder. He has also served as teacher
and superintendent of the Sunday school. In politic-. Mr. Winter is a Prohi-
bitionist, and has served as school director in the borough.
Rev. J. A. Kribbs, superintendent of the Orphan's Farm School at
Zelienople-. was bom in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, and was educated in
the district schools, and the Zelienople Academy. He graduated from the Theo-
logical Seminary, Philadelphia, in 1868, and for ten years was pa-tor of the
Lutheran church at Kittanning. In 187S he came to Zelienople, Butler county,
/
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. It > S ( ,
and had charge of two churches for three years. In the same year he became
connected with the Orphan's Farm School. .1-- superintendent, and has since filled
that position with great satisfaction to the many friends of the institution. In
August, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, composed of two companies from Clarion county, one company
from Armstrong countv, and seven companies from Pittsburg and Allegheny
county, under Colonel Allen, but afterwards commanded by General Pierson.
The regiment was organized at Pittsburg, September 2. 1862, and Mr. Kribbs
participated with his command in the great battles fought by the Army of the
Potomac. He was commissioned first lieutenant of his company, and com-
manded it at the battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, the
Richmond campaign and Petersburg. Mr. Kribbs was married in 1872, to Miss
M. A. Dinwiddie, of Philadelphia. In politics, he is a Republican, and is one oi
the highly respected citizens of Zelienople.
Henry Stokey was born in 1821, in Alsace, France, and immigrated
to the United States in 1847, and settled in New Orleans. He remained
there for two years, and returned to his native country in 1849 for the purpose of
settling up his business with a view of making America his home. lie
returned to the United States in 1851, and again located at New Orleans,
pursuing his trade, that of blacksmith anil machinist, until 1852, when lie located
at Pittsburg, where, in the year 1853, he married Margaret Baer, also a native of
Alsace, France. In L856 he removed to Evans City, Butler county, and engaged
in farming in Adams township, and also owned a farm in Jackson township. In
1864 Mr. Stokey became proprietor of a hotel in Evans City, which he con-
ducted until 1868, when he resumed fanning in fackson township. In 1878 he
purchased the Eagle Hotel, at Zelienople. which he carried on until his death,
in 1883. His widow resides on the homestead in fackson township. He was a
member of the German Reformed church, while his widow is connected with
the Lutheran denomination. Their family consisted of five children, as follows :
Henry VV. ; Charles; Jacob: Lewis, and Theodore, who was drowned when
sixteen years of a^e, Mr. Stokey was a Democrat, in politics, and served in the
Zelienople council. He was a member of Connoquenessing Lodge. I. ( ). < >. I'..
of Butler, which he joined in 1866, and was also a chatter member of Harmony
Lodge, I. O. O. F.
Henry W. Stokey, proprietor of the Grand Central Hotel, Zelienople.
was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. September 28, 1854, and is the eldest
son of Henry and Margaret Stokey. He was educated in the common schools,
and has always followed farming and hotel keeping. In 1881 he became propri-
etor of the Central Hotel at Evans City, and afterward- purchased the Stokey
House, in the same place, and conducted it until 1888. In that year he removed
to Zelienople, and shortly afterwards purchased the Bastian House, which he
has rebuilt and named the Grand Central. It is a first-class hotel, and finished
in modern style. Mr. Stokey was married May ">. 1881, to Amelia, daughter of
Lewis Teets, of Beaver countv, and has one child. Caroline Matilda. He ami
wife are adherents of the German Lutheran church. Politically, he is a Demo-
I090 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
crat. He is a member of Harmony Lodge. F. A: A. M., and is one of the well
known citizens of Zelienople.
Cn \rles Stokey, proprietor of the Stokey House, Zelienople, was born in
Jackson township, Butler county, April i!'J. 185(5, son of Henry and Margaret
Stokey. lie received a common school education and remained on the home-
stead farm until 1874, when lie embarked in the harness business at Evans City,
which he continued until the spring of 1878. At that time he removed to
Zelienople w ith his father, who conducted the Stokey House until his death,
when our subject became the proprietor, and has carried on that hotel success-
lull)' up to the present. Mr. Stokey was married in 1875, to Susan C, daughter
of William Allen. Sr.. of Zelienople, and has live children: Leila A.; Ells-
worth 1!.; Russell L. ; Herschel, ami Karl Sidney. Mrs. Stokey is a member of
the English Lutheran church. A Democrat, in politic-, Mr. Stokey has taken
very little interest in political matters for some years. He is a member of Har-
mony Lodge, F. cV A. M.. also of Butler Chapter. R. A. M.; of Tancred Com-
mandery, Number is, of Pittsburg, and of Syria Temple, A. A. X. (). M. S.
Samuel E. Ralston, physician ami surgeon, was horn in Connoquenessing
township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1863, son of William and
Hannah (Kiddell) Ralston, both natives of Butler county, and now residents of
Prospect. His grandfather, William Ralston, was a native of Philadelphia, and
by trade a miller. In 1815 he located at New Castle. Lawrence county, where
he erected the first grist mill in that town. He later built a mill at Slippery
Rock, Butler count v. and another on the Connoquenessing creek, in Butler town-
ship, which he operated for many years. The subject of this sketch was reared
in his native township, learned the milling business with his father, and followed
that business for four years. He received his literary education at Mt. Union
College, Stark county. Ohio, read medicine under Dr. Joseph Lusk. of Butler,
and graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1889. Dr. Rals-
ton began practice in Harmony, where he remained until January, 1892, when
he removed to Zelienople. Since commencing practice he has built up a lucra-
tive business, and is recogni/.ed as a progressive physician, Politically, he is a
Republican.
II. (i. McKim. insurance ami real estate agent, is a son of R. A. and Ellen
(Gould) McKim. natives of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and was born at
Mercer, July 'J. I860. lie was educated in the public schools, and at the age of
nineteen entered the store of J. (i. Moore of Mercer, as salesman and book-
keeper, where he remained live years. He next accepted a position as traveling
salesman for a Pittsburg house, with which he remained live years. In 1886 he
came to Zelienople. Butler county, to accept the position of hook-keeper for A,
Scaton, which he filled for three years, and then established his present insurance
and real estate business. Among the companies represented by Mr. McKim,
may hi' mentioned the New York Life, The United States Accident, of New-
York city, the German Fire, of Pittsburg, the North American of Philadelphia,
ami man) other old and prominent lire and life insurance companies. In 1893
he was elected a justice of the peace for the borough of Zelienople, and has also
Idled the position of borough clerk. He is a Republican, in politics, and is a
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IOQI
member of Evans City Lodge, K. of 1'.. Zelienople Lodge, K. O. T. M.. and
Connoquenessing Council. Jr. ( ). I . A. M.
George Stahl, distiller, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, Apiil
22, 1839, son of Jacob and Magdalene (Vocht) Stahl. His father was a native
of Jackson township. Butler county. was a member of the Economite Society,
and moved with that organization to Freedom, Beaver county7. George received
a common school education in the district schools of his native township, and in
1870 moved to Zelienople, where he engaged in the distilling business, which
he has since conducted successfully. In L862 he married Elizabeth, daughter of
Abraham Ziegler of Harmony, and has four children : Laura, wile of Amos M.
Lusk of Zelienople ; John Abraham; Janet, and George Washington. Politic-
ally, Mr. Stahl is a Republican, and he and family are members of Grace
Reformed church of Harmony.
William Eichholtz was born in Beaver county. Pennsylvania, in L853,
son of Conrad and Elizabeth (Holtzer) Eichholtz, natives of Germany. His
parents immigrated to Allegheny City in 1838, subsequently removed to Beaver
county, and settled upon a farm, where his mother died in 1886, and his fatherin
1891. Soon after locating in Beaver county, Conrad Eichholtz engaged in
huckstering, which business he followed for fifteen years, shipping his produce
to Pittsburg. About 1860 he became interested in nil producing at Pithole and
Petroleum Centre. Venango county, and was quite a successful operator tor
about fifteen years. He then returned to Beaver county, and retired from active
business. Conrad and Elizabeth Eichholtz, were the parents of eleven children,
viz. : Margaret, wife of Nicholas Gardner; Frederick ; John ; Catherine : Lewi- :
George ; Louisa, wife of John Kocher ; Mary, deceased; William: Edward, and
Frank. The parents were members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Eich-
holtz was connected with the Masonic order. The subject of this sketch worked
upon the homestead farm until he became of age. when he married Louisa Lutz,
a daughter of William and Fredericka Lutz, of Butler county. After his mar-
riage his father gave him the homestead of 160 acres, upon which he lived about
twelve years. He then purchased and set tied upon his present farm of 112 acres,
situated near Harmony, in Lancaster township, Butler county. This farm has
proved a profitable oil producing property, and now contains fifteen wells.
operated by J. Q; A. Kennedy, of Butler. Guckert & Steel, and M. L. Lock-
wood, the total output being about I, ODD barrels per day. Mr. Eichholtz was for-
merly engaged in the dairy business, and shipped as high as 1,600 gallons of milk
to Allegheny every month. Mr. Eichholtz has a family of seven children, viz.. :
Frank; Nettie; Albert; Hiram; Conrad; Annie, and Omar. His wife died in
1892. She was a member of the Presbyterian church, to which denomination
her husband belongs. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and in politics,
he is a Democrat.
ABRAHAM ZiEGLER was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. May I.
1774. He learned the blacksmith's trade in his native county, and was also an
extensive farmer there. In 1814 he purchased the entile property of t he Har-
mony Society from Father Rapp, and in 1815 brought his family to this county
and took possession of his purchase. He went into merchandising quite exten-
1092 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
sively, which he carried on in connection with his farm. He died in 1836, at
Harmony. In religious faith, he was a Mennonitc, erected the church of that
denomination at Harmony, in 1810, and was its principal support for twenty
years. He was interred in the graveyard attached to this church. Mr. Ziegler
was twice married; his th-st wife was Catherine Boehm, to whom were born the
following children : Maria: Abraham, and Anna. His second wife was Eliza-
beth Eustandire, who became the mother of eleven children, as follows : Cather-
ine ; Andrew ; Jacob ; Samuel ; Jonas; David; Michael; Susannah; Elizabeth;
Barbara, and Joseph, all of whom are dead except the last mentioned.
Joseph Ziegler, youngest son of Abraham and Elizabeth Ziegler. was
born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, March II. 1815, and came with his par-
ents lo Butler counts, where he- tl'rew to manhood. lie then purchased his pres-
ent farm of 200 acres, which was a part of the original Rapp property, and has
since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Ziegler was reared in the
Mennonite faith, and has been minister of the Harmony church for nearly forty
years. lie married, in 1839, Mary, daughter of George Hover, of Lancaster
township, Butler county, of which union were born ten children: Abraham,
deceased; Sarah, decease.! wile of Jacob Wise; George, deceased; Joseph, of
Beaver county ; Aaron A.; Samuel; Jonas ; David B. ; Elizabeth, and Catherine.
Mrs. Ziegler died in April, 1892.
Samuel Swain was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1800,
and was a son of facob Swain, a native of Maryland, who first settled in West-
moreland county, whence he removed to Butler county in 1816. He was a hat-
ter by trade, and followed that business in connection with farming. Samuel
was twice married, his first wife being Sarah Brown, a native of Lehigh county,
Pennsylvania, whom he met and married in Butler county. Their children are
as follow- : A. A.-, who resides on the the old homestead; Samuel L., a resident
of Ohio; W. G., also residing on the homestead farm; (i. D.. a merchant of Har-
mons, and one deceased. Mrs. Swain died in 1854, and he subsequently married
i Miss Emerick, to whom was born one daughter, Maria, wife of Joseph T.
Donley. Mr. Swain died in I^Si': his widow removed to Butler, and died at the
home of her daughter at Etna, Pennsylvania. Mr Swain lived at Whitestown
lor a period, and later purchased a farm in Jackson town-hip from the Ziegler
estate, upon which he spent the remaining years of his life. He was a Dem-
ocrat, in politics, and was an elder in the Lutheran church for many years. lie
contributed towards the erection of both the German and English Lutheran
churches at Zelienople.
(i. D. Swain, a leading merchant of Harmony, was horn in Jackson town-
ship. Butler county, and i~ the fourth son of Samuel and Sarah ( Brown) Swain,
lie received his primary education in the public schools of Jackson township,
subsequently attended Zelienople Academy, and later was engaged in teaching
for twelve years. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C. One Hundred and Thirty-
fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Colonel Quay, and served nine
months, participating in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancel-
lorsville, besides several skirmishes. In 1S71 he embarked in merchandising at
Harmony, where he has since built up an extensive business, one of the largest,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. [O93
if not the largest, in this part of the county. In 1865 he married Harriet, daugh-
ter of Abraham Mover, of Lancaster township. Butler county, and has two chil-
dren : Mary, and Laura. lie and family are members of the Lutheran church,
in which organization he fills the office of deacon, and lie is also a member of the
standing committee, f n politics, he is a stanch Democrat, and has always taken
an active interest in political matters. lie has been a school director for twenty
years, has been burgess of Harmony for ten consecutive terms, and has served as
a delegate to the State conventions. In 1886 he was the Democratic nominee for
the legislature, and though he made a splendid race, he was defeated, as the
countyis stronglv Republican. Mr. Swain is a progressive and enterprising busi-
ness man, and has won the respect and confidence of the best people of Butler
countv. He was one of the leading spirits in the erection of the soldier's monu-
ment at Butler, and is recognized as a patriotic and representative citizen.
Jacob F. Wise was a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and moved
with his father. John Wise, to Beaver county. He married a daughter of Abra-
ham Ziegler and settled in [ackson township. Butler county, where he cleared
and improved a farm. lie afterwards moved to the Ziegler farm, on Conno-
quenessing creek, and thence to Harmony. He was a member of the Mennonite
church. By his marriage to Miss Ziegler he was the father of live children :
Abraham , deceased ; Nancy, deceased wife of Jacob W. Rice: John; Jacob,
who died at the age of twenty-eight years, and Mary, wife of C. Nicklas, of
Petersville. Some years after the death of his first wife he married Sarah. daugh-
ter of Benjamin Mover, of Lancaster township, to which union were born ten
children: Alfred M., and Henry M.. both residing at Harmony: Benjamin, of
New Brighton; Susannah, wife of Jacob Fiedler, of Harmony; Levi M.. an
attorney of Butler; Israel; who resides upon the homestead farm; Sarah, wife of
James R. Moore, of Allegheny : Teremiah, deceased; Catherine, deceased wife of
Edward Stauffer, of Harmony, and Noah, who resides at New Brighton. Mr.
Wise was a Republican, in politics.
Henry M. Wish, of the firm of II. M. Bentle & Company, was horn in
Jackson township. Butler county, January 1, 1854, anil is the second son of
Jacob F. and Sarah (Mover) Wise. He received a good public school education,
afterwards engaged in the distillery business with his father, and in 1878 he
became cashier of the Harmony Savings Bank, which position he filled until
1884. In 1882 he became a member of the lumber firm of Wise. Lytle & Ilaim.
but withdrew in 1884, and the following year became a member of the present
firm. Mr. Wise was married in 1S77. to Jeannette L.. a daughter of the late Dr.
Joseph S. Lusk. and has one son, Howard Beach. The family are connected
with the Presbyterian church of Harmony, and he is a trustee in that body. He
is a member of Middle Lancaster Lodge, I. O. O. F. : Harmony Council. R. .\. :
Tent, Number 13, K. of M.. and the Jr. < ). V. A. M. Politically, he is a Repub-
lican, and has served as burgess and member of the borough council, also as school
director of the Harmony public schools. He was at one time the choice of the
Republicans of his section for register and recorder of the county, but failed to
receive the nomination.
IOQ4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Alfred M. Wise, proprietor of livery -.tabic. Harmony, was born in Jack-
son township, Butler count}-, August 6, 1852, son of Jacob F. and Sarah (Moyer)
Wise. He attended the public schools and worked upon the homestead farm
until twenty-one years of aye. In 1876 he engaged in the livery business at
Harmony, where he has since enjoyed the leading trade of the borough. He
was married in 1874, to Ada Covert, daughter of Samuel Covert, of Harmony,
and has tour children-. Charles; Annie: Clyde Delmar, and Florence Genevieve.
lie and wife are members of the Church of God. Politically, he is a Republican,
anil is a member of the Royal Arcanum.
Eranious Bentle was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and for many years
was a successful merchant of Zelienople, where he died in L858. lie married
Rebecca Marquis, and was the father of four children, three of whom are living,
as follows : Mary, wife of M.S. Nochtrieb, of Wooster, Ohio; Lavina, and
Howard M. His widow married Edward Mellon, and resides in Zelienople.
Howard M. Bentle, of the firm of H. M. Bentle & Company, was born in
Zelienople. Pennsylvania, September 3, 1856, and is the only son of Eranious
and Rebecca Bentle. lie was reared in his native town, and received his educa-
tion in the public schools, and at Ironton, Ohio, and Beaver, Pennsylvania. In
1877 he was elected teller of the National Bank of Harmony, and tilled that
position until the bank ceased operations. In 1880 he engaged in merchandising
at Harmony, which he continued until 1885, and then became a partner in the
present lumber firm and planing mill of II. M. Bentle ,& Company. Besides
their mill at Harmony, they have also a mill at Zelienople, and conduct quite an
extensive business. Mr. Bentle was married in 1882, to Lillian II , daughter of
John Tite. of Allegheny, and has two children : Laura Elizabeth, and Lydia
Rebecca. He and wife are members of the English Lutheran church. In poli-
tics, he is a Democrat, and has served as school director, and overseer of the poor
in Harmony. He is a member of the R. A., the Jr. O. L" . A. M., and Middle
Lancaster Lodge, I. O. O. F.
Wn.i.r.VM STIVER was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and
married Jane Orr, a native of Ireland. They were among the early settlers of
Jefferson county. Ohio, where Mrs. Stiver died in 1846. Of a family of four
children born to this union, three are living, as follows: Jane, wife of J. M.
Briggs; F. 1!., and Henry. Mr. Stiver married for his second wife, a Mrs.
Covert, of Butler county, and resided in Harmony about seven years. He was
a cabinet-maker, and died at West Carlington, Ohio, in 1887. 1 1 is widow
resides at Harmony. Both she ami her husband were members of the Protestant
Episcopal Church.
P. B. Stiver, dealer in Hour and feed, was born in Jefferson county, Ohio,
June 11, 1842, eldest son of William and Jane (Orr) Stiver. He lived in his
native countv until he was nine years old and then went to West Virginia.
At the breaking out of the Rebellion, he enlisted in Company A, Second West
Virginia Volunteers, and served three years in that command. In September,
1864, he re-enlisted in Companv K, One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania
\ olunteers, and served until the close ol the war, participating in most of the
battle-., inarches and campaigns of the Army of the Potomac. After the war he
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 09 5
located in Harmony, Butler county, and in 1879 engaged in buying and shipping
lia\ . feed, etc., in which he has continued up to the present. Mr. Stiver was
married in 1883, to Jennie McConnell, of Lancaster township, Butler county.
.She is a member of the English Lutheran church, while he belongs to the Baptist
church. Politically, a Republican, he has served in the council, also as constable
of Harmony, and has been a member of the county committee, lie is ,1 member
of Captain Wilson Post, G. A. R., of Zelienople, and is a charter member of
Evans City Lodge, A. O. U. \V.
Joseph Sidney Seaman was born in Harmony, Butler county. Pennsyl-
vania, April 1 I. 1839, the third child of Elias and Margaret Seaman. His mother
was a daughter of Charles Goehl'ing, and was born in Cranberry township, But-
ler county, September 11, 1814. In 1834 she married Elias Seaman, and became
the mother of five children, as follows: William Henry; Elias Jefferson, who
died July 1, is.")1.); Joseph Sidney ; Edward M., and Elias Francis. The father
was born February 20, 1812, in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and died August24,
1842. Mrs. Seaman afterwards married George Giess, in is IS, which union was
blessed with four children: Charles P.; Henrietta; Charlotte, who died in
infancy, and Emma, wife of Jonas Ziegler. Mrs. (iiess. who is still living at the
ripe age of eighty years, retains all her mental faculties, and is a very intelligent
woman. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of Zelien-
ople, to which village his parents removed when he was quite young. At the age
of seventeen he went to Pittsburg, and served an apprenticeship oi three years
at roll-turning. By his energy and close application to business, he advanced
step by step, until he became a member of the firm of J. B. Young & Company.
This firm was prosperous and successful from its inception, and after some changes
it was recognized as one of the most important manufacturing establishments in
Pittsburg, and is now known as the Phoenix Roll Works, of Seaman. Sleeth &
Black. Mr. Seaman was elected the first president of the company, which posi-
tion he still occupies. He is a stanch Republican and has been president of the
Lincoln Club since its organization. Lor the past twelve years lie has been presi-
dent of the school board of his ward, and takes a deep interest in educational mat-
ters; is a charter member and director of the Pennsylvania National Bank and a
member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is a prominent member and trustee
of Grant Street Lutheran church., and is a member of the building committee of
that and the East End Mission church. Mr. Seaman was married March L'l',
1863, to Miss Alice II. Slater, to which union have been born three children :
Charles B. ; Grace, and Joseph, all of whom are living. lie has always taken a
deep interest in religious matters, and has contributed to the support of every-
thing pertaining to the advancement and development of his home.
Frederick Hallstein was born in Hesse-Darmstadt. Germany, and
immigated to Utica, New York, from which place he came to Zelienople, Penn-
sylvania, in 1852. He was married October 30, L 852, to Catherine King, also a
native of Hesse-Darmstadt. They remained in Zelienople until 1857, when
they removed to Middle Lancaster. Mr. Hallstein was a shoemaker, and fol-
lowed his trade at Zelienopie and Middle Lancaster. He died in December.
1889. His widow resides with her son, Henry A., at Harmony. He was a
I09r> HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
member of the Evangelical Lutheran church, tilled at different times various
church offices, and was superintendent of the Sunday school for twelve years.
They were the parents of four children : J. P., of Butler; John \V., a resident
of Allegheny, Henry A., and Elizabeth A., deceased wife of C. W. Burrv.
Henry A. IIai.i.n i kin, station agent at Harmony, was born in Middle
Lancaster, Butler county. September 11. 1856, son of Frederick Ilallstein.
After receiving a common school education, he learned the shoe-maker's trade
with his father, at which he worked for several years. On September S, 1882,
he was appointed station and freight agent for the 1'ittsburg and Western Rail-
road Company, at Harmony; also agent for the United StatesExpress Company,
and manager for the Western Union Telegraph Company at the same point. In
connection with these offices, he is agent for the Standard Life and Accident
Insurance Company, of Detroit. Mr. Ilallstein was married May 26, 1887, to
Lettie M., daughter of Samuel Schuler, of Harmony, and has three children :
Boneta Beatrice; Harold Arthur, and Grace. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Harmony, and is a trustee and recorder of that organization.
Politically, he is a Democrat, is now auditor of the borough and secretary of the
school board, and secretary of the board of health. He is a member of the R.
A.. K. O.T. M.. and Jr. 0. U. A. M., also of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Beneficial Association.
Dr. Adam Weiser was born in Prussia, in 1823, son of Adam and Kath-
erine Weiser. natives of that country. His grandfather, Adam Weiser, was a
physician, and a graduate of the Medical College of Berlin. He was the father
of three children : John ; Adam, and Gottlieb. His father. Adam Weiser, was
born in Prussia, graudated from the Medical College of Berlin, married Kather-
ine llartung. and had four children, as follows: William, deceased; Adam;
Casper, and Margaret, who married Ambrose Heller. His father died in 1831,
and his widow came with her daughter to Wisconsin, where she died in 1859.
The subject of this sketch began his medical studies when fourteen years of age. at
the Medical College of Berlin, where his father held a professorship, and after
seven years spent in that institution was graduated. When the revolution of 1S4S
broke out in Germany, he became a surgeon in one of the commands. In 1852
be married Louisa Wanner, of Prussia, and they became the parents of seven
children, viz.: Samuel: Tricot; Philip; Adam; William A.; Susan, and one
that died in early youth. In 1853 Dr. Weiser immigrated to Xew Jersey,
remained in that state one year, then came to Pittsburg, and from there to Zelien-
ople, Butler county. lie afterwards located at Middle Lancaster, where he
practiced his profession until the fall of 1893, when he located at Evans City,
and later removed to Harmony, where he is now engaged in practice. Dr.
Weiser enlisted in Company P. One Hundred and Sixty-eighth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, was appointed surgeon of the Held hospital in that command, and
was discharged from the service in 1863. He is a member of the G. A. R.. is a
Lutheran in religious faith, and in politics, a Democrat.
Robert Boggs was one of the earliesl settlers of Butler county. In 1796
he located on a tract of 100 acres of land, upon which the borough of Evans City
now stands, and built his cabin in the midst of a wilderness. He was the second
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1 097
son of James Boggs, a native of Ireland., who removed from the vicinity
of Philadelphia, about the year 1760, and settled on forty acres of land
on the north hank of the Allegheny river, which now forms a part of
Allegheny. Robert Boggs was one of a family of four children, as fol-
lows: Andrew; Robert; Nancy, who married Samuel Duncan, and Mar-
tha, who became the wife of a Mr. Moore. Their lather was killed by
a falling tree while clearing a small patch of land in Allegheny county,
and his widow subsequently married a man named Robinson. Gen. William
Robinson was the fruits of this union ; he was for main' years one of the wealth-
iest and most prominent men of Allegheny City. Robert Boggs learned the
millwright's trade, and operated a mill prior to his settlement in Butler county.
He married Martha, daughter of John Crawford, a pioneer of Crawford county,
Pennsylvania, before settling in Butler county. lie opened a tavern for the
accommodation of the settlers and immigrants looking for homes, which stood
upon the site of the present store of Boggs & Kline, of Evans City. Some years
later he erected a grist mill, a very necessary improvement for that period, which
stood upon the site of the present brick steam mill in Evans City. It was a log
structure, and he operated it continuously until about 1830, when he sold the
mill and 200 acres of land to Thomas B. Evans, who laid out the borough of
Evans City, then called Evansburg. Mr. Boggs resided in that village until his
death, in 1845, aged seventy-two years. Politically, he was a Jackson Demo-
crat, filled the office of justice of the peace for mauy years, and also transacted
much of the legal business of his neighbors, such as writing deeds, wills, etc.
He always took an active part in political campaigns and wielded considerable
influence in the councils of his party. Mr. Boggs was one of the original mem-
bers of Plains Presbyterian church, and was buried in the cemetery near the
church building of that organization, a plain stone marking his last resting place.
By his marriage to Martha Crawford, he was the father of the following chil-
dren ; James, who married Nancy Richardson, and lives in Adams township;
Elizabeth, who married Daniel Graham, and after his death a Mr. Evans; Mar-
garet, who married Reese Evans; Mary, who became the wife of a Mr. Hill;
Samuel, who married Jane Richardson; Andrew who married Mary Ann Irwin,
and after her death Rachel Hazlett ; Robert, who married Mary Jane McCand-
less, and Martha, who became the wife of Sylvester Ash. Robert Boggs' second
wife was Mrs. Margaret McDonald, a sister of Angus McLeod of Forward town-
ship, and their children, were as follows : William, who first married Cynthia
McDonald, and for his second wife Mrs. John Welsh; Thomas \\ .. who married
Mary E. Lemmon, and after her death Elizabeth Lyons; Nancy, who died
unmarried, and Daniel, who married Sarah Ilammel, and is the only living child
of Robert Boggs, Sr.
Andrew Boggs, sixth child of Robert and Martha (Crawford) Boggs, was
born January 6, 1806, on the site of Evans City. Butler county, Pennsylvania.
He grew to manhood under the parental roof, learned the miller's trade, and suc-
ceeded to his father's business in the old mill. In 1836 be purchased seventy-six
acres of land in Forward township, where he died April 10. 1886. He was a
Democrat until 1855, then joined the Republican party, and was quite active
lOOS HISTORY (IF BUTLER COUNTY.
in the political circles of his time. He was a school director for many years, and
filled the office of county commissioner from [855 to 1858. He was an elder in
the Plains Presbyterian church for half a century, being one of the original
members of that society, Mr. Boggs was twice married, his first wife being
Mary Ann. daughter of Archibald Irwin. Their children were as Follows:
Robert Irwin, of Allegheny; William P.. of Pittsburg: Dr. Crawford A..
deceased; Matilda, deceased wife of Capt. E. L.Gillespie, and James P. His
second wife was Rachel lla/.lett, who died in I860, leaving one daughter. Mary
A., wile of Daniel Dunbar of Forward township.
Capt. Jamks P. Boggs, youngest son of Andrew and Mary Ann (Irwin)
Boggs, was born August 12, 1839, upon bis present homestead. He received a
common school education and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed
until April 26, 1861, when he enlisted in Company D, Eleventh Pennsylvania
Reserve, and served until 1864. He participated in the battles of Mechanics-
ville, Gaines Mill, Second Pull Run, Gettysburg, Mine Run and the Wilderness.
He was severely wounded in the left temple at Second Pull Run, and at the bat-
tle ot the Wilderness he received a wound from a minie-ball in the right thigh,
and was laid up in the hospitals at Fredericksburg, Georgetown, and Philadel-
phia. He was taken prisoner at Gaines Mill, together with his entire regiment.
by Stonewall Jackson, and sent to Castle Thunder, and then to Belle Isle, at
Richmond, Virginia, where the men were exchanged and returned to their regi-
ment. When his regiment was mustered into the service he was made corporal,
was soon after promoted to first sergeant, in Januarv, 1863, to first lieutenant, to
captain May 1, 1864, anil was mustered out of the service as brevet major. In
1865 he went into the oil fields of Venango and McKean counties, and was
engaged in oil producing until 1881. In 1869—70 he was United States store
keeper at Harmony, and is now engaged in fanning upon the homestead, which
he purchased several years ago. Mr. Boggs married Melissa }., daughter of
Joseph Campbell, of Warren county, Pennsylvania, of which union have been
born six children : Mary W. ; Nettie; Frank W.; Carrie E. ; Grace, and Zora G.
A Republican, in politics. Captain Hoggs has tilled many of the offices of his
township, and takes an active interest in political matters. He and wife are
members of the Presbyterian church, and he is connected with Capt. William
Stewart Post, C. A. R., of Evans City, also with Camp 45, U. V. P.. of Butler.
Thomas \V. Boo<;s was born on the site of Evans City, Butler county,
Pennsylvania, in February, 1813, and died in March. 1885. He was the second
son of Robert Boggs, by bis marriage with Mrs. Margaret McDonald, a sister of
Angus McLeod. He learned the carpenter's trade and followed the same for
many years. He was twice married. His first wile was Marv E. Lemmon, a
daughter of Robert Lemmon, of Butler township, where she was born. Mrs.
Hoggs died in 1849, leaving one child, Henry C. Her husband was again mar-
ried, to Elizabeth Lyons, to whom were born four children : |. E., of Massa-
chusetts; Eva L., wife of J. D. Turner, of Phillipsburg, Allegheny county;
\lyra H.. a resident of Allegheny, and C. I... who resides in the west. Mr.
Boggs was a stanch Republican, and served as justice of the peace at Evans City
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I O99
for fifteen years. For many years he was an elder in the Presbyterian church of
Evans City, and was recognized as a worthy and honorable man.
Henry C. Boggs, of the firm of Boggs & Kline, merchants, Evans City,
was born on the site of Evans City, Butler county. December l'1. 1 S 1 7 . and is a
son of Thomas W. and Mary E. (Lemmon) Boggs, and a grandson of Robert
Hoggs, one of the pioneers of Forward township. lie was reared at Evans City,
and received his education in the district school. In 1870 he engaged in mer-
chandising at Evans City, and has continued in that line up to the present. In
1888 he formed a partnership with John W. Kline, since which time the firm of
Boggs & Kline lias carried on the business. Mr. Boggs was one of the organiz-
ers of the Long Oil Company, is treasurer of the "same, and is interested in sev-
eral other oil productions. In 1865 he enlisted in Company 1. Seventy-eighth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he served seven months. In 1870 he married
Mary E., daughter of William Liken, of Jackson township, and has five living
children: Flora L. ; Hairy G. ; Iva L. ; William Lee. and Margueretta L. Earl
Wallace was accidentally killed by the discharge of a gun. February 25, 1892.
Mr. Boggs is a Republican in politics, was appointed postmaster of Evans City
by President Grant, and served twelve years. He was again appointed by Pres-
ident Harrison, in 1889, and served his full term. He has tilled the office of
school director, and has also been a member of the borough council. He is a
member of Captain Stewart Post, G. A. R.. also of Evans City Lodge, I. (). ().
F., and the Select Knights, and the A. ( ). I'. W. He and family are members of
the Baptist church of Evans City, in which he has served as treasurer, and took
quite an active part in the erection of the present church building.
Johx WT. Kline, of the firm of Boggs & Kline, was born in Forward town-
ship, Butler county, August 13, 1861, son of Nicholas and Elizabeth (Barringer)
Kline, now residents of Forward township. Mr. Kline received a good educa-
tion in the district and select schools, and taught for ten years in the public
schools of Forward and Cranberry townships, and Evans City. In 1888 he
became a member of the present firm, and has since devoted his attention to
merchandising. He was married in September, 1888, to Maggie, daughter of
Christian Textor, of Jackson township, and has two children: Gra'ce, and
Roscoe T. His wife is a member of the German Reformed church. In politics,
he is a Democrat, and is a member of the school board of Evans City.
Lewis (i.wsz, Sit., was born in Germany, in 1803, and immigrated to
the United States in 1831. A few years later his parents came to this country
and settled at Zelienople, Butler county, whence they removed to Pittsburg.
Mr. Gansz remained in Butler county, and became foreman of the Harmony tan-
nery. In 1S44 he located in what is now Evans City, later purchased the Mcll-
wain tannery, and operated it for many years. Politically, he was a Democrat,
and filled the office of justice of the peace for fifteen years. He was a prominent
member of the German Reformed church, and assisted in the erection of the
church building of that denomination at Evans City. He married Margaret Tex-
tor, and they were the parents of five children: Martin, who died in infancy;
Susan, who married John Ash; John, of Fayette county; Lewis, of Evans City,
IIOO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and Mary, widow of Dr. Thomas Kersting, of the same place. His wife died in
1876; he survived her until September 7. lsxo.
Lewis Gansz, oil producer, was born al Harmony, Butler county, March
26, 1839, son of Lewis and Margaret Gansz. He was reared in Evans City, and
received a common school education, lie learned the tanner's trade with his
father, succeeded him in that business, and was also engaged in the bool and
shoe trade at Evans City for some years. Mr. Gansz retired from business in
lss:$, began operating in oil in 1887, organized the Gansz Oil Company, of which
he has been president up to the present, and is one of the most extensive and
successful operators in Butler county. In 1864 lie enlisted in Company E, Sev-
enty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers and served until the close of the war. hold-
ing the rank of lieutenant. Mr. Gansz was married in November, 1879, to Liz-
zie, daughter of Sylvester Ash, a native of Forward township, Butler county. Mrs.
Gansz is a member of the United Presbyterian church and takes a deep interest in
I he prosperity of that organization. Politically, he is a Democrat .but his extensive
business interests have prevented him from taking any active part in political
matters.
Dr. William Irvine, of Evans City, is one of the oldest and best known
citizens in Butler county. lie is a native of Adams township, where he was
born February 17. 1828. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Richardson)
Irvine, were natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Irish and the latter of Scotch
ancestry. His grandfather, James Irvine, settled in what is now Adams town-
ship towards the close of the Eighteenth century, and was one of its pioneer
school teachers. Dr. Irvine's boyhood was spent midst pioneer surroundings,
and his education was obtained at common and select schools. He taught a few-
terms in early manhood, and supplemented his knowledge by diligent study during
his spare time. Lie finally made up his mind to enter the medical profession,
and commenced reading medicine under Dr. William Sterrett, the first permanent
physician of Evans City, lie attended lectures at the Western Reserve Medical
College, Cleveland, Ohio, and subsequently at Jefferson Medical College, Phila-
delphia, and graduated from the latter institution in March, 1855. Two years
prior to his graduation he begun practice at Evans City, and has thus been in
the active duties of his profession for the past forty-two years. Throughout this
long and eventful period he has ministered to the people of his community in
such a creditable manner as to win the respect and confidence of a large clientele.
Dr. Irvine was married October 13, 1853, to Elizabeth Fife, a daughter of Maj.
John Fife, of Allegheny county, where Mrs. Irvine was born and reared. Of
the seven children that blessed this marriage, six grew to maturity, as follows:
Belle, wife of Dr. J. M. List. ,,f Evans City; Elizabeth, wife of William II.
Gelbach, of Zelienople ; Henrietta, deceased wife of Prof. M. A. Sutton; Annie,
wife of Prof. A. Brown ; S. J., and Margaret J., who died in April, 1893. Mrs.
Irvine died November 13, 1894, after a happy married life of over forty -one
years. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church, a faithful and
affectionate helpmate, and a fond and loving mother. The Doctor is an elder in
tin- Presbyterian church of Evans City. Politically, he has been a Republican
since the organization ol that party. In 1863 he was appointed by Governor
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I IOI
Curtin an examining surgeon, to examine recruits for military service, and was a
loyal supporter of the government throughout the war. In l>-7i'> he was elected
to the legislature, and served in the sessions of 1877 and 1S78, performing his
duties faithfully and well. He yet takes a deep interest in public affairs, and is
recognized as one of the leading citizens of his native county.
John N. Miller was born in Alsace. France. July I'll. 1823, son of Peter
and Margaret Miller. 1 Ie immigrated to the United States in 1853, and located
in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, but the same year he came to Evans City,
where he worked at the shoemaker's trade for seventeen years. In 1868
he embarked in the hotel business, and continued to conduct the same until
1891, when he was succeeded by his son. Charles II. lie erected the Miller
House in 1876. In 1853 he married Christina Rape, a daughter of Adam
Rape, a native of Germany, and by this union six children were born to
him: Sarah, wife of S. A. Ream, of Harmony; Margaret, wife of Edward
Dambach, of Evans City; Charles II.. proprietor of the Miller House, Evans
City; Emma C. ; Matilda S., and Eewis T.. deceased. Before coming to
America. Mr. Miller served seven years in the Marine Corps of the French army,
and visited Mexico. California, the West Indies, Brazil, Spain, Chili and Aus-
tralia. He died at his home in Evans City, January :_'!'>. 1894. He was a mem-
ber of the German Reformed church, to which denomination his family also
belongs. He was a stanch Democrat, in politics, and was a member of Evans
City Lodge, I. (). O. F. Mr. Miller was largely interested in farming and oil
property, and by strict attention to his business he had accumulated through the
passing years a handsome Competence.
John Rohner, cashier of the Citizens Bank, of Evans City, was born in
Bavaria. Germany, February 10. 1830, and is a son of John and Margaret
Rohner. His father died when our subject was a child, and his mother immi-
grated to the United States in 1843. She located in Adams township, Butler
county, Pennsylvania, where John grew to manhood. She married John Croft,
and died in Forward township in 1889. By her second marriage she became the
mother of the following children : John and Andrew, both deceased ; Samuel, ol
Forward township; George, a resilient of Mt. Chestnut, and Margaret, wife of
Taylor Martin. The subject of this sketch attended the common schools in
Germany, and the public schools of Butler county. He afterwards engaged as a
farm laborer, and by strict economy saved enough to purchase a farm. In 1 85 I
he married Margaret L. , daughter of David Duncan, of Cranberry township, and
resided upon a farm in that township until 1883. In that year he located at
Evans City, and became a partner in the banking house of Jacob Dambach iV
Company, now an incorporated State bank, Mr. Rohner being one of the incor-
porators and now cashier. Mr. Rohner is one of the incorporators of the Evans City
Cemetery Company, and is a stockholder and director in the same. He was also
one of the early oil producers in the Harmony field. In politics, he is a Repub-
lican, served ten years as justice of the peace in Cranberry township, several
years as school director, and has been justice of the peace in Evans City since
1890. He is the father of three children, as follows : Sarah Olive, wife of Frank
1'. Confer, of Allegheny; Luella. a teacher in the public schools of Evans City,
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
who married Samuel C. Crider, of Cranberry township, in Lmuarv, 1894. and
I)a\iil Elmer, who died when twenty-seven years of age. Mr. Rohner and fam-
ily are members of the United Presbyterian church of Evans City, and he is now
a trustee in that body.
John Barkev, Si:., was a native of Butler county, and a merchant in Evans
City for several years. IK- married Deborah Davidheiser, to which union were
born eleven children, rive ot whom arc living, as follows; Susan, wife of Fred-
erick Rohiser; John; Enos; Lizzie, wife of Richard Allen, and Sarah, wife of
William Stewart. Mr. Barkev died in 1869 lie was a member of the Menno-
nite church, and a very worthy citizen. In politics, he was a Democrat . hut took
no active interest in such matters. His widow resides in Evans City.
l<>ii\ Barkey, coal dealer, Evans City, was bom in that borough. May 10,
1854, and is a son of John Barkey, Sr. He received a common school education,
and for many years was local agent for the Singer Sewing Machine Company.
In 1890 he joined his brother. Enos, who had been in the coal business since
1887. The business was a success from the beginning, and they now enjoy an
extensive trade. He was married in 1889, to Ida E.. daughter of Thomas Wil-
son, of Jackson township, and has three children : Charles Spurgeon; Ray Edi-
son, and John Wilson. Both he anil wife are members of the Evans City
Baptist church, in which organization he is a trustee and a teacher in the Sunday
school. He is one of the active and energetic workers in the church. He is an
anient advocate of temperance principles, and in politics, he is a Prohibitionist.
Enos Barkey, coal dealer. Evans City, was horn in that borough, February
15, 1863, son of John Barkey, Sr. He attended the public schools until the age
of fifteen years, after which he worked on a farm for five vears. In L887 he
engaged in the coal business, conducting it successfully until 1890, when he
admitted his brother. John Barkev, as a partner. The firm now does a very large
and successful business, and is one of the leading coal dealing firms of the town-
ship. In 1883 Mr. Barkev married Annie E. Barto. a daughter of Daniel and
Catherine (Wimer) Barto. of Beaver county, parents of eight children, six of
whom are living. The following children, all living, have been born to Mr. and
Mrs. Barkev: Mary Ethel, horn February 25, 1 88 I : Clara Blanch. November 4,
1886, and Anna Luella, December 1. 1891.
Edward White was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and a
son of Matthew White, who moved from Allegheny county, to Connoqueness-
ing township, Butler county, in 17(.''.t, where the balance of his life was passed.
Edward was a farmer and hotel keeper, and carried on a hotel at Whitestown,
which became a well known stopping place for travelers between Pittsburg and
Franklin, lie married Elizabeth Sullivan, a daughter of Charles and Susannah
Sullivan, pioneers of Butler county, to whom was born eight children. Six of
these are now living, as follows: Eveline, who married |ohn Martin, of Pros-
pect ; Charles M., a resident of Peebles, Ohio: James Madison, who resides at
Braddock; Susan E., wife of Joseph Ash. of Evans City, ami Benjamin F., ami
John M.. both residents of Evans City. Mr. White died in 1S44, and his widow
married William C. Martin, and died in |S~fi. Thev were members of the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I IO^
Presbyterian church. lie was a stanch Democrat, and filled various township
offices, and was also captain of a militia company tor fifteen years.
John M. White, hoot and shoe merchant, ot Evans City, was horn in
Connoquenessing township, Butler county, May 25, 1841,and is the youngest
living child of Edward and Elizabeth White, lie received his education in the
township schools and at Prospect and Sunbury Academies and afterwards
engaged in teaching. In 1861 he enlisted in Company II. One Hundred anil
Second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served eighteen months. He re-enlisted
in Company II, One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, and served until
the close of the war. participating in all the battles in which those regiments took
part during his term of service. After the war he embarked in merchandising
at Allegheny and later at Evans City, where he still carries on business. Mr.
White was married in 1868, to Mary S., daughter of Jacob Stamm, of Butler
county. They hail one daughter, who died at the age of thirteen years. |5oth he
and wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics, he is a Democrat,
and is the present postmaster of Evans City, to which office he was appointed in
November, 1893.
George Ihft, Si:., was born in Germany, in 1815, and at the age of seven-
teen years, in 1832, he immigrated to Pennsylvania, ami found employment with
his uncle, Peter Ift't, in Beaver county. In 1838 he married Sophia Reeb. and
located on his father-in-law's farm in Cranberry township, Butler county.
In 1841 he purchased a farm in Jackson township, ami in 1 Sot I removed to
the present homestead in Jackson township, near the limits of Evans City, lie
died there April If), 1891. I lis wife was born in Germany, in 1822, and came
to the United States with her father, Nicholas Reel), in ISi'7, and settled in
Cranberry township, Butler county the same year. Her father served in one of
the great Napoleon's cavalry regiments for twelve years. He finally retired
from his farm to Evans City, where he died in 1869, dying as he had lived, a
member of the Lutheran church. To George and Sophia Ift't were born eight
children, seven of whom are living : George, of Jackson township; Catherine,
willow of Peter Peiffer, of Forward township; William, of Zelienople ; Sarah,
wife of George Lot/., of Forward township: Henry J., of Evans City: Nicholas,
ot the same place, and Lewis, of Washington, D. C. Politically, Mr. Ifft was a
Democrat, and filled a number of the township offices. He gave liberally towards
the erection of two Lutheran churches at Evans Citv, and was an elder in the
church for many years.
Henry J. Ifft, merchant, Evans City, was born in Jackson township,
Butler county, May 1. 1849, and is a son of George and Sophia Ift't. He was
educated in the public schools, and in 1866 he went to Pittsburg and became a
clerk in a grocery store. In March, 1868, he embarked in merchandising at
Evans City, in partnership with his father, the firm name being George Ift't. The
linn was composed of his father, himself, and his brothers, William, Nicholas
and Lewis. In 1ST- William retired from the firm, Nicholas in 1 S,s:',, and Lewis
in November. 1890, but William afterwards repurchased a quarter interest,
which was recently purchased by the subject of this sketch, who is now the soli-
owner of the business. This is the oldest mercantile establishment in Evans
I 104 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
C'itv. and curries on an extensive trade. In 1872 lie married Agnes A., daughter
cil John Lyon, of Perm township, and sister of ex-mayor Robert W. Lyon, of
Pittsburg. They are the parents of four children, as follows: Carrie Leona;
Charles W.; Mary [osephine, and Frances B. Mr. IfVt and family are connected
with the United Presbyterian church of Evans City, in which organization he
holds the office of trustee. In politics, he is a Democrat, has served in the bor-
ough council, has been a member of the school board for several years, and has
been president of the board for one term.
George Ifft is the eldest son of George and Sophia lift, and was born in
Jackson township. Butler county, August 20, 1839, where he was also reared
and educated. At the age of twenty-two he located upon a rented farm, and
subsequently entered the employ oi Frazier cS; Metzgar, paper manufacturers of
Pittsburg, with whom he remained fifteen years. In 1875 he purchased bis pres-
ent farm, erected buildings thereon, and otherwise improved it. He was married
in 1861 to Miss Amelia Shilling, who died in 1890. She was the mother of the
following children : Sophia, wife of Herman Drebert; Emma, wife of George
Twentier; William; Jennie, wife of John Bandy; Sarah, wife of f. E, Brown;
George; Alexander; Lydia ; Herman, and John. In politics, Mr. [fft is a Dem-
ocrat, has tilled the otlices of supervisor and overseer of the poor for twelve years,
and is one of the present school directors of the township. For twenty years he
has been an elder in the Lutheran church.
John X. Ifft, son of George and Sophia (Reeb) [fft, was born on July
23, 1853, in Jackson township, Butler county, and received a good public-
school education. Upon the death of his father he purchased the home-
stead, and is operating a stock farm of L25 acres. He is engaged in the breeding
ol French Norman. English Sliire and Cleveland Bay coach horses. Among his
horses are the following registered stock : Barton Roy. Number 6,680, sired by
Charleston, dam Brown Bonny, imported by Bell Brothers, of Wooster, Ohio;
Reigning Monarch. Number 6,235, bred by John Robinson, of England, sired
by Lincoln, Number L351. grandsire Bold Lincoln. Number 231, dam Rival,
Number 2,885, imported by Bell Brothers; French Norman stallion. Hercula,
Number 4,320, bred by J. B. Kale, of Normandy, France, sired by Brenus,
Number 1,958, dam Ulina, Number 2,763, imported by Isaac Dreifoos, of
Pittsburg; also Noble Prince. Number 924, bred by William Rook, of Rooks-
borough, Kirby Moorside, Yorkshire, England, imported by the Cleveland Bay
Horse Company, of Paw Paw, Michigan, foaled in 1890, sired by Prince George,
Number 235, dam Rose, Number 250. He is also engaged in the breeding of
high grade cattle, and devotes much time to the growth and development of the
stock interests in Pennsylvania. Mr. Ifft was married August 24, 1882, to Mary
L., daughter of George Datt, of Richland township, Allegheny county. Three
children are the fruits ol this union, as follows: Maggie. Mabel, and Omer.
In politics. Mr. Ifft is a Democrat, and in religious faith, he is connected with
the Lutheran church.
Joseph Allen was a native of England, and came to the United States in
1818, with bis wife, Jane (Slee) Allen, and two children, Elizabeth and Will-
iam. The family located in Pittsburg. Pennsylvania, where our subject found
t&^ l)^**^"/*
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1105
employment, under Colonel Watson, in paving the streets of that cit) . Being a
butcher, he afterwards engaged in that business in Pittsburg. In ls;!(i he came
to Butler county, and located on a farm in Jackson township. Here he remained
eleven years, and then returned to Allegheny county, and located on a farm near
Pittsburg, where he died September 25, 1865. His wife died October 12, 1832,
and he married a Mrs. Polliett. who died in L865. By his first marriage, he was
the father of eleven children, seven of whom are living : Elizabeth, who mar-
ried Washington Watson; William: Ann. wife of Charles Cheney, of Beaver
county; Richard, a resident of Pittsburg; Susan, wife of James Reyburn of the
same city: Sarah, wife of Jesse Johnson, of Mt. Chestnut. Butler county, and
John, who resides in Pittsburg. Mr. Allen was a Democrat in politics, and a
member of the Protestant Episcopal church of Pittsburg, up to his death.
William Allen, Sr.. was born in Northumberlandshire, England, April
11, 1SI7. and is the eldest son of Joseph and Jane (Slee) Allen, lie came with
his parents to America in 1818, and in 1836 removed with them to Butler
county. In 1839 he married Catherine, daughter of Anthony Byer of Zelienople,
to which borough he removed from the farm in 1845, engaged in butchering and
continued in the same line of business until 1880, when he retired. lie is the
father of eight living children, as follows : Joseph, and Richard, both residents
of Pittsburg : William, of Zelienople: Anthony, of Butler: Emma, wife of Will-
iam Fidell, of Allegheny Citv ; Barbara, wife of Henry Schaffer, of Harmony ;
Susan, wife of Charles Stokev. of Zelienople, and Mary. The family are adher-
ents of the English Lutheran church of Zelienople. Politically. Mr. Allen is a
Democrat, and has filled several offices in Jackson township.
William Allen, Jr., of the firm of Allen iV Dambach. Zelienople. was
born in Jackson township, Butler county, May 17. 1845, and is the third son of
William Allen, Sr. He received a common school education, and learned the
butcher's trade with his father. In 1867 he commenced buying produce from the
farmers, and continued that business for twenty-three years, making weekly trips
by wagon to Pittsburg. In 1889 he became a member of the present firm of
Allen & Dambach. Mr. Alien was married in 1873, to Mary, daughter of Henry-
Frank, of Jackson township, and to t his union have been born six children : I Ian y
H. ; Frank ; Jennie ; Mary ; Elmer, and Earl. Mrs. Allen is a member of the
German Reformed church of Zelienople. Politically. Mr. Allen is a Democrat,
has served in the borough council, also on the school board, and has filled the
office of constable in his township.
Frederick Burhv was born in Beaver county. Pennsylvania, in 1823, and
was a son of Frederick Burry. Sr.. a native of Germany, and one of the pioneers
of Beaver county. Burry church in that county was named in his honor. Our
subject married Catherine Phillips, and they located in Franklin township, Butler
county, about 1850. They cleared a farm and resided there until 1876, when they
removed to Butler, where Mr. Burry died in 1882. His widow still resides in
that borough. Thev were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are liv-
ing : Louisa, wife of Samuel Croup, of Butler township; Frederick, of Franklin
township; Margaret, wife of Adam Renno, of Butler ; Catherine, who married
Henry Wagner of the same place: Mary Ann, wife of Philip Smith, of Butler;
1 106 HISTORY OF' BUTLER COUNTY.
Phoebe, wife of Eli May. also n resident of thai borough, ami Lewis N.. a rcsi-
dent of Evans City.
Lewis X. Bi'rrv, dealer in hardware, stoves, etc.. Evans City, was born in
franklin township. Butler county, March 10. 1862, and is tin- youngest son of
Frederick and Catherine Burry. He was reared in liis native township, anil
attended the public schools there and in Butler. lie learned the tinsmith's trade
at Evans City, where he located in 1870, and in 1887 he established his present
business. In 1887 Mr. Burrv married Mar\ . daughter of Edward Zehner, of
Zelienople, and has three children : fna, Alma, and Grace. lie and wife are
members of the Presbyterian church of Evans City. lie is a member of Har-
mony Lodge, F. ,V A. M , Evans City Lodge, K. of P.. and Evans City Council.
Jr., <). {'. A. M. In politics, he is a Republican.
Asdrew Douglass was born in Brady township. Butler county. Penn-
sylvania, August 14, 1810, and was a son of Edward Douglass, a native of
Scotland, who settled in what is now Brady township in Mav. I7(.'7. where
he took up 100 acres of land, and cleared and improved a farm. Edward Doug-
lass was a wagon-maker, and was quite a handy man in the community. He was
a member of Wolf Creek Seceder church. He married Hannah Kelly, a native
ol Ireland, and died in lv47. aged seventy-eight years. His wife survived him
until 1861, living to the ripe old age of eighty-six years. They reared a family
of nine children, Andrew being the third child. He was educated in the com-
mon schools ot pioneer days, learned the tanner's trade, and after his marriage
located in Portersville, and later removed to Prospect, where he owned and con-
ducted a tannery. He was married twice, his first wile being Catherine, a
daughter of Capt. John Boston, to which union two children were born : Edward
E., and John A., the latter deceased. He married for his second wife Ellen
Douglass, to whom were born five children: John, Andrew, and Lewis, all
deceased; William C., and Margaret, wife of Harry Bloom, of Beaver Falls.
Mr. Douglass and wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in
politics, he was a Democrat. He died in IS7^: bis widow resides in Beaver Falls.
William C. Douglass, harness-maker. Evans Citv, was born in Porters-
ville, Butler county, April 12, 1851, son of Andrew and Ellen Douglass, lie
was reared under the parental roof and learned the harness-maker's trade at
Indiana, Pennsylvania. In 1873 he commenced business at Prospect. Butler
county, removed to Edenburg, Clarion counts, in 1876, and in 1882 located at
Evans Citv. where he has since carried on business. He was also identified with
the Wahl ami Bishop Oil Company. In 1874, he married Annie K.. daughter
ot Henry Grine, of Prospect, who has had three children: Charles C. who
graduated at the Slippery Rock State Normal School in the class of 1894, taught
school for a short time and died, after a week's illness, October L>7. 1894; Milton
II.. and Russell W. Mr. Douglass is a Democrat, is now serving his third term
as a school director in Evans Citv. and has also served as burgess of the borough
one term. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P.. and Evans City Lodge.
A. O. I . W. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and has been a trus-
tee in the Evans Citv organization,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I O?
Philip Rippku is a native of Germany, ami came to the United States in
1850. He learned the tailor's trade in his native land, which he followed in Ger-
many and the United States. In 1852 he brought his family to this country and
located at Zelienople, Bntler county, where he resided until 1867, engaged in
the brewery business, tailoring, and dealing in coal. In that year he located on
a farm in Forward township, and has since resided in that subdivision and lack-
son township. He married, in Germany, Elizabeth Doerr, and they are the par-
ents of seven children, as follows: John A.; J. P.; P. H. ; George; Lizzie,
wife of Adolph Kober ; Leonard, and John. Mr. Ripper and wife belong to the
German Lutheran church, of which he became a member in the year 1852.
John A. Ripper was born in Germany, October26, 1850, and is the eldest
son of Philip Ripper. In 1865, at the age of fifteen years, he commenced to
learn the shoemaker's trade at Butler, and worked there about si\ years, and
about five years in Pittsburg, lie then located at Petersville, Butler county.
He was married in 1S70. to Margaret, daughter of Leonard Kropp, of Alle-
gheny City. In 1S77 he removed to Evans City, worked at his trade there
until 1888, and then engaged in the news and stationery business. lie was
elected justice of the peace in 1884, has since filled that office, and has also been
burgess, tax collector and assessor of the borough. In politics, he is a Democrat,
and both he and wife are members of the German Lutheran church, in which
body he was trustee, also secretan . and is now treasurer, which position he has held
for four terms. He has a family of five children, as follows: Lizzie : Charles I. :
Bertha M. : William A., and Nora M.
Dr. H. M. Wilson was born at Luthersburg, Clearfield county, Pennsyl-
vania, son of Dr. George ami Anna (Huber) Wilson, lie received a public
school education, read medicine with hL brother. Dr. C. A. Wilson, and gradu-
ated from the Medical Department of the University of Maryland, at Baltimore,
in 1887. He commenced practice at Stanton. Jefferson county, Pennsylvania.
the same year, and remained there until January 15, 1891, when lie located at
Evans City. In October, 1892, he formed a partnership with his brother. Dr. J.
C. Wilson, under the firm name of II. M. & |. C. Wilson, and has built up and
enjoys a large practice. lie is a member of the Butler County and Jefferson
County Medical Societies; also of the Stale Medical Society, and the National
Association of Railway Surgeons. He is surgeon for the Pittsburg and Western
Railway Company at Evans Cilv. and is recognized as one of the leading physi-
cians of that part of the county. Dr. Wilson is a member of tin- K. of P., and
the I. O. O. F., and takes a deep interest in the growth and prosperity of his
adopted home.
Dr. Joseph C. Wilson was born at Luthersburg. Clearfield county, March
12, 1854, son of Dr. George and Anna Wilson. After receiving a public school
education, he entered the State Normal School at Edinboro, and was graduated
from that institution in 1S7U. He then taught for three years, and tilled the
position of principal of the public schools of Reynoldsville, Jefferson county.
lie read medicine with his father. Dr. George Wilson, and his brother. Dr. C. A.
Wilson, and graduated from the Medical Department of the University of Mary-
land, at Baltimore. He commenced practice at Sigel. lefferson county, whence
I 1 08 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
he removed to Evans City, Butler county, in October, 1892, and formed thepresenl
partnership of II. M. & |. C. Wilson, physicians and surgeons, lie was married
in 1884, to Katie A., daughter of John F. Hummer, of Titusville, Pennsylvania,
and has one daughter, Anna. lie is a member of the |efferson County Medical
Society; also of the State Medical Society, and is connected with the K. of P.,
and the Masonic order.
Rev. John M. DlGIIT, of Evans City, is a son of Richard W. and Matilda
(Downs) Dight. His mother was a descendant of an old and prominent fam-
ily that settled at an early date at Redbank, Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
His parents removed to Mercer count v, Pennsylvania, where |olm M.
was born, May 30, 1843. His primary education was obtained at the old
Stokley school house, two miles from the town of Mercer, on the Franklin pike,
lie grew to manhood on his lather's farm, following the usual avocations of
a tanner's life. He taught school when nineteen years of age, as an introduction
to an extensive experience in school work. When he was twenty-one years of
age he removed with his parents to Sandy Lake township, when' he lived until
the age of twenty-four. In 1869 he entered Westminster College, at New Wil-
mington, Lawrence county, and subsequently attended Allegheny college, at
Meadville, and graduated June 26, 1*71. In the spring of 1875, Mr. Dight was
elected county superintendent of schools of Mercer county, which office he filled
tor three years. He then entered the United Presbyterian Theological Seminary
of Allegheny City, and graduated from that institution in 1880. He was at once
called to his present charge, was ordained June 9, 1880, and has been the con-
tinuous pastor of his present charge, consisting of the United Presbyterian
churches at Evans City, and Mount Pleasant. Allegheny county, during the past
fourteen \ear~. Mr. Dight was the originator of the Evans City Cemetery, and
is president of the Evans City Natural Gas Company, which he re-organized and
placed upon a paying basis. Politically, he is a Republican, and while not a
Prohibitionist, he is a warm friend of the temperance cause. Mr. Dight was
married August 1' 1. 1875, to Martha, daughter of John Richey, of Sunville, Ven-
ango county, Pennsylvania, ami they are the parents of four sons and one daugh-
ter, as follows : John C. : Herman II.: Howard W. : Alice, and Eugene K.
Mr. Dight early learned the useful lesson of self-dependence. He made his way
through college and the theological seminar) unaided, and his success in life has
Keen the result of his own untiring efforts.
Rev. Louis Wagner, son of Nicholas H. and Catherine (Kuntz) Wagner,
was horn in Bavaria, Germany, August 24, I sr>7. His father was a professor of
.lassies at St. Wendenlinus College, of the City of St. Wendenl, where our
subject received his preparatory education, and graduated in 1880. He after-
wards attended the University of Leipsic, where he was graduated in 1882. He
came to the United States the same year, entered the theological department of
Capital University, Columbus. Ohio, and graduated from that institution in
1885. He then commenced teaching classics in the German and English Col-
lege at Wheeling. West Virginia, was called as pastor of St. John's church,
Perryville, Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, in 1885, and was ordained in 1885,
in which year lie accepted the pastorate of his present church at Evans City.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I O >' i
Mr. Wagner was married in 1886, to Sophia, daughter of Rev. C. F. W. Brecht,
of Perryville, where the latter lias had charge of a church lor forty years, and has
also preached in Butler county lor twenty-four years. Two children are the
fruits of this union: Tabitha, and Theodosia. Mr. Wagner is a member of
the Joint Synod of Ohio and other States, and is one of the well-known
ministers of his denomination. Politically, he is a Republican, is one of the
enterprising citizens of the county, and takes a deep interest in all public
matters.
John HAZLETT was horn in County Down. Ireland. August 12, 1783.
At the age of twenty-eight he came to America, and settled in Lancaster
county, Pennsylvania. On the ll'th of May, 1806, he was married to Mary
Campbell, who came to this country a year or two before her husband. In 1828
they removed to the town nf Allegheny. Allegheny county, and soon afterwards
to a farm near the site of Evans City, Butler county, now owned by lames Sut-
ton and Joseph Ash. Mr. Ilazlett subsequently removed to Allegheny City,
where he established the first white lead works west of the Allegheny mountains.
In 1844 these works were incorporated under the linn style of Fahnestock, Haz-
lett & Schwartz, which later became Schwartz & Ilazlett. hut are now known as
the Pennsylvania Lead Works. Mr. Hazlett died March 1), 1869, aged eighty-
seven years, at the residence of his son. John, in Allegheny City. His wife died
April 10, 1824. Their family consisted of ten children, as follows : The two
oldest who died in infancy; Mary; Robert, deceased; Martha, who is in her
eighty-fourth year and resides in Wilkinsburg ; Annabcll. deceased; Sarah, a
resident of LeClair. Iowa; Rachel; John, and Joseph, the last deceased.
Rohekt Hazlett, eldest son of John and Mary Ilazlett. was burn in
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. April 20, 1809. He removed with his par-
ents to Butler county, and afterwards to Allegheny City, where he was engaged
with his father in the manufacture of white lead. lie was married. October 21,
1834, to Janette McKee, of Allegheny City, to whom were born eight children,
viz.: John M., deceased; Robert C. ; James, deceased; Joseph K. : William J.;
Samuel W. ; Andrew X.. and Anna M. J., wile of William S. Watt, who
resides near Wilkinsburg. Joseph E. and William J. were missing from their home
at the lead works one evening in December, 1852, and were never heard of again.
They were supposed to have been drowned in the Allegheny river, as the works
were situated on the river bank. Mr. Ilazlett died on his farm near E\ans Cit\ .
Novembers, 1866. His wife died at the home of her daughter. Mrs. W. S.
Watt, of Wilkinsburg, May 14, 1881.
Sami'Ei. W. Hazlett, fifth son of Robert Hazlett, was born in the old log
house on the homestead of his grandfather, John Hazlett, near Evans City, But-
ler county, December 28, 1*17, obtained a common school education a\}i\ lias
since been employed in the mercantile business. In the fall of 1868, he and two
companions went to the head waters of the Sioux river, Dakotah Territory, for
the purpose of securing government land for settlement, and were the only white
men who remained in that valley after the Sioux massacre of 1862. They hunted
and trapped, and were pursued by Indians several times, but escaped. Mr. Ilaz-
lett returned to Allegheny City, where he was married in May, 1S77, to Maggie
I I 10 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
M. Stewart, daughter of David and Eliza (Scott) Stewart, of the same place.
Three children are the fruits of their union, viz. : Percy S. ; Mabel S. , and Will-
iam E., deceased. In 1878 Mr. Hazlett returned to Evans City, and sold goods
on the road during the year that the Pittsburg and Western railroad was opened,
lie has since been engaged in clerking, with his residence at Evans City. He is
a member of the United Presbyterian church, has tilled the office of trustee, and
is now an elder. In politics, Mr. Hazlett is a Republican, and has served in the
borough council of Evans City for two term--.
Jeremiah Si ■■i"i'i>\. a native of New Jersey, settled in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, about the close of the Revolutionary war, having served
through that struggle as a member of a New Jersey regiment. About 1800 he
came to Butler county, settled in Concord township, and purchased 1(X) acres of
land, which he cleared and improved, and spent the balance of his life thereon,
lie married in New Jersey, and had one daughter. Polly, who became the wife
of a man named Voorhees, and three sons, Piatt, Joseph, and Jeremiah.
Pi. ATI Sittox was born in New Jersey, and came to Butler county for his
lather on a tour of inspection, selected the land which his father afterwards
purchased, ami, alter the death of the latter, he bought it, and resided upon it to
the time of his death. He married Elizabeth Sterling, of Westmoreland county,
to whom were born the following children: Mary, who married John Sutton;
Nancy, who married John Harper; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Andrew-
Bowman ; Jeremiah, and Joseph, both of whom are dead; Phoebe, who resides on
the homestead; Margaret, wife of Scott Jamison; Piatt, and James. Piatt Sut-
ton. Sr., served in the War of 1812, and died in 1852, aged seventy-seven years.
His wife died in 1843. Thev were members of the Presbyterian church, and in
politics, he was a Democrat.
James Sutton, youngest sou of Piatt and Elizabeth Sutton, was born upon
the homestead in Concord township, Butler county, October 21,1821. lie
received a meager education in the log school houses of pioneer days, inherited
the homestead, and lived thereon until 1873. In that sear he purchased the
Robert Kinnear farm in Forward township, consisting of 156 acres, upon which
he resided until 1891, then erected his present home in Evans City, and retired
from active business. Mr. Sutton was married in 1860, to Dorcas, daughter of
Mordica Graham, of Forward township. They are the parents of six children,
live of whom are living, as follows : Mordica ; Alva ; Elmer P. ; Mary E., wife
of John Irwin ; Ora, and Harry W. Mr. Sutton is a member of the Presbyterian
church, and although in earlv lite a Republican in politics, he is now in-
dependent.
Gustave Griesbach, oil producer, was born in Germans. October 3, 1849,
son of Christain and Hannah Griesbach. He immigrated to the United States
in 1873, located in Pittsburg, and worked at butchering for four and a half years.
In lsTT he married Catherine, daughter of John Dombart of Forward township,
and in 1879 located in Evans City, engaged in the butchering business, and fol-
lowed il for eleven sears. In 1889 he embarked in oil producing at Bakerstown,
and in 1890 he organized the Griesbach Oil Company, which has since been one
of the heavy producers in this field, operating largely on the Little Connoquen-
BIOC.KAMIK'AL SKETCHES.
essing creek. Mr. Griesbach is a Republican, and has served on the school board
of Evans Citv. He is a member of the Reformed church of Evans City, and i-
a trustee in that organization. Seven children are the fruits of his marriage to
Catherine Dombart, as follows : Annie M. ; Albert G. : Walter C. ; Amanda I...
Clyde (i. : Clara P.. and Gustave A. Mr. Griesbach is one of the -olid and sub-
stantial oil producers of Evans City.
Rev. Hexry Voegele was born in Jackson town-hip. Butler county,
Pennsylvania, March 6, 1842. His parents were Frederick and Catherine
(Sweitzer) Voegele, natives of Alsace, Germany, who immigrated to Pennsyl-
vania about 1833. and settled at Harmony, Butler county. His father was a
weaver, and followed that business here about two years, then purchased a farm,
in Jackson township, where Philip Vbegele now lives, upon which he resided
down to his death, in 1876. His widow survived him until the spring of 188G.
Their children were as follows : Philip and Frederick, both of whom are dead ;
Catherine, wife of Philip Wolfe : Margaret, wife of Gottlieb Henzel ; Philip, and
Henry. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and contributed towards the
erection of the first building at Zelienople. The subject of this sketch received
his primary education in the public schools, subsequently attended Union College,
Queensburg. Ohio, and studied theology with the Rev. Lewis Troutman, ol
Canton, Ohio. Mr. Voegele was called to the Boliver charge, in Tuscarawas
county, Ohio, in 1868; was licensed at Ashland. Ohio, the same year, and in
1869, was ordained at Wooster, Ohio, lie spent two years at Bolivar, and then
became pastor at Canton, where be continued as pastor for thirteen years. His
next charge was St. John's German Lutheran church. Pulaski county, Indiana.
where he remained two and a half years, and then became pastor of St. Martin's
church, LeRoy, New York, where he continued to preach for three years. In
1890 he accepted a call from St. Peter's Evangelical Union church, of Evans
City, and also of Zion Evangelical Lutheran church, at Mount Hope. Mr.
Voegele was married in 186'.), to Lydia, daughter of Samuel Weidman. of Stark
county, Ohio. In 1,S87 he was married the second time to Lucindy I). Sailer, ol
Le Roy, New York, which union has been blessed by three children : Elizabeth
C. ; Charley F., and Margaret Mary. lie is a member of the Evangelical Luth-
eran Synod, of Pittsburg, and is well known in»his church throughout western
Pennsylvania. lie supports the Republican party, and takes quite an active
interest in public affairs.
Zeno Markel was born in Bucks county. Pennsylvania. November 1. 1815,
son of Daniel and Hannah (Hartzell) Markel, natives of Montgomery and Pucks
counties, respectively. His father was a major in the War of 1812. Mr. Markel
is the youngest of seven children, all of whom are dead except himself and Lydia,
wife of Philip Klein, of Montgomery count v. At eighteen yen- ol a<,re he
removed to Montgomery county, there learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1888
came west to Beaver county, where he worked at his trade for two years. In 1830
he married Susannah Stamm, a daughter of David Stamm, of Beaver county, ami
in 1840 he located in Mudd\ Creek township, Butler county, w lure he continued
farming for eight years. He removed from Muddy Creek to Forward township,
and resided in the latter until 1889. when he retired to Evans City to spend the
HISTORY OF BUTLER COl'NTV.
remaining years of his life. He is the father of three children, as follows: Maria,
wife of fohn Weaver, of l'enn township; Hannah, and Daniel. Mr. Market and
wife are members of the Reformed church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
Daniel Markel, only son of Zeno Markel, was born in Forward township,
Butler county, May 7. 1854, and was reared and educated in his native town-
ship, where he has always been engaged in fanning. In 1879 he married Mary
A., daughter of lohn Helm, of Evans City, and located on a farm in Forward
township. He resided there until 1889, and then removed to Evans City. Mr.
Markle was one of the organizers of the Rough Run Manufacturing Company,
Limited. He has a family of eight children : Lawrence O. : Flora T. ; Emma;
Amanda D; Lewilla C. ; Iva Marie; Karl II.. and Zeno II. He ami wife are
members of the English Reformed church, in winch bodv he tills the office of
trustee. Mr. Markle is a stanch Democrat, has served as burgess of Evans City,
and also in the borough council.
James Beers was horn in Down county. Ireland, in June, 1S(>7, and was
reared to farm life, and also followed boating. He married Jane, daughter of
Samuel Ferguson, of the same place, to which union were horn eleven children :
Ellen, and Sarah, both deceased; Catherine, wife of John Cashdollar, of Adams
township; Samuel; John; Ellen, wife of J. M. Little, of Callery; James; Mar-
garet, wife of Robert McKee, of Fayette county: Alexander M. ; Robert, and
Eliza, wife of R. ]. Park, of Adams township. Mr. Beers came to the United
States in 1827, first settled in Missouri, then removed to Louisiana, and from
there to Pittsburg, whence he came to Butler county, He purchased the Patter-
son farm in Adams township, also the Johnson farm, and a part of the Patton
farm, making in all 106 acres. He also bought mining property in Fayette
county, where he mined tire clay and quarried rock. He owned property at
Dunbar, Fayette county, and was quite a prosperous business man down to his
death, in July, 1886. His widow survived until March. 1888. They were mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian church. In politics, Mr. Beers was a Democrat,
tilled the office of school director for several years, and took an active interest in
public affairs.
Alexander M. Beers, fourth son of James Beers, was born upon the Beers
homestead, in Adams township. Butler county, December Is, 1850. He received
a common school education, ami followed farming until 1 S 7 7 . when he removed
to Dunbar. Fayette county, and went into the coal mining business, and after-
wards carried on a general store. In 1882 he returned to Callery Junction, But-
ler count) , where he carried on merchandising, during which time he wras
appointed postmaster at that point by President Arthur. In 1887 he was
appointed a railway postal clerk by President Cleveland, and afterwards embarked
in the oil business, in which he has continued up to the present. He is now
senior member of the firm of Beers & McKee, who are operating in the Evans
Cit\ field. Mr. Beers was married January 26, 1876, to Emma, daughter of John
Lloyd, of Adams township, and has six children, as follows: John A. ; Mabel
M.; Sarah I!.: Walter L. : Clare, and one that died in infancy. Politically, Mr.
Beers has always Keen a Democrat, was mercantile appraiser of Butler county in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1884, and was the Democratic nominee for register and recorder in 1808. Both
he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.
Daniel Fiedler, a native of Brandenburg, Saxony. Germany, was born in
1764, and immigrated to Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, about 1798. About
the year 1808 he was induced by Dr. Midler to come to Butler county. He set-
tled on the site of Zelienople, just below where the stone Lutheran church now
stands. He was a shoemaker, but after coming to Zelienople he worked for
Dr. Muller at his furnace for a number of years. He then purchased a farm of
140 acres, where Jacob Gutenkunst now lives, in Jackson township, which he
cleared up and lived upon until 1839, when he sold it and removed to Harmony,
Butler county, November 21, 1840. He married Catherine Firestone, in 1 "-<>:.>.
at Darlington, Beaver county, to whom was born one son, Jacob. Mr. Fiedler
was a man of fine education, and one of the most intelligent Germans of this
locality. He was a member of the Lutheran church, one of the founders of that
denomination at Zelienople, and did much towards the erection of the old stone
building still standing at Zelienople. He was also one of the early elders of the
church. Though a Democrat, in politics, he cast his last vote for Harrison,
in 1S40.
JACOB FIEDLER, only son of Daniel and Catherine Fiedler, was born in 1803,
on the banks of the Connoquenessing, in Jackson township. He was reared on
a farm, and after arriving at his majority he purchased a tract of 232 acres, where
George Lot/, and Adam Mickly now live, in Jackson township. Here he resided
until 1838, when he sold out and removed to Harmony, purchased a hotel, which
stood on the site of (j. D. Swain's store, and carried on the hotel business until
his death, which occurred September I I, L842. He was a Democrat until 1840,
in which year he joined the Whig party, and supported Harrison for the presi-
dency. He was a member of the Lutheran church at Zelienople, and an earnest
supporter of that organization. Mr. Fiedler married Susannah, daughter of
Jacob Goehring, of Beaver county, to which union were born seven children:
Daniel; Jacob; Caroline, wife of Abraham Ziegler, Sr. ; Louisa, deceased wife
of Gottlieb Peffer ; George W., a resident of Ohio: Melissa, wife of Fli Ziegler,
of Harmony, and William II.. a resident of Ohio. His widow married Abraham
Ziegler, and died in 1887. She is buried in the cemetery near the Mennonite
church, in Jackson township.
Daniel Fiedler, oldest in the family of Jacob Fiedler, was born upon the
farm settled by his father, in Jackson township, Butler county. August 19, 1828.
His primary education was obtained in the common schools, and he finished his
studies at Columbus College. Columbus-. Ohio. After his father's death he-
assisted his mother in conducting the hotel at Harmony, until her second mar-
riage in I.s4.~>. when he engaged in various occupations until 1851. He then
purchased a farm in Cranberry township, lived upon it six years, and in 1861 he
bought his present homestead, which then contained sixty-eight acres. He has
since added thereto 17;") acres, erected a substantial brick house, and made other
good improvements. Mr. Fiedler entered politics when a young man, being a
Whig until the formation of the Republican party, when he joined that organiza-
tion, and was one of its active and leading members for many years. Atter tilling
1114 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
nearly all of the township offices, he was elected associate judge in 1871, and tilled
that office until 1878. In 1884 he was a delegate to the State Convention in the
interest of James G. Blaine, was a member of the comity committee for years,
luit has finally retired from taking any active part in politics. In connection with
his farm, he has been engaged in coal mining thereon for nearlv fortv years. Mr.
Fiedler married Magdalene, daughter of [onas Ziegler, and has five children liv-
ing : Jacob; Jonas; Dr. D. W. : Benton, and Louisa, wife of George Walker,
lie and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and lie is recognized as one of
the representative citizens of Butler county.
Thomas Wilson, a native of Down counts. Ireland, immigrated to the
United States in 1793, with his wife and three sons, Andrew IL. Thomas, and
James. In 1827 the family came from Mifflin township, Allegheny county,
where the settlement was first made, and the father and sons each took up a tract
of 400 acres in what is now Jackson township, Butler county. Andrew II.
located where |olm M. and George W. Wilson now reside: James, immediately
south of his brother, and Thomas immediately west of lames. The mother died
in Allegheny county, and her husband died upon the farm settled In' his son
Thomas, and was buried in the cemetery at Plains church. Thomas Wilson, Jr.
married Betsey White, and dieil upon his farm, leaving no children. James
Wilson married Xancy Cooper, to whom were born eight daughters and live sons,
all of whom are dead.
Andrew II. Wilson, eldest son of Thomas Wilson. Sr.. was born June 24,
17(56, in Down county. Ireland, and on May 1, 1790, he married Mary Hender-
son, a native of Tyrone county. Ireland. lie was a shoemaker, anil after settling
in Jackson township worked at his trade for the pioneers, in connection with
the cultivation of his farm. His wife died in Max, 1837; he survived her until
Max 1. 1847. Both were buried in the cemeterx at the l'lains church. Their
children were as follows: John, who died in Ireland; Elizabeth, deceased wife
of William Martin; George, deceased, born November 27, 1796; Mary, xvho
died unmarried, born February 22, 1799; Nancy, born February 24, 1802,
deceased wile of James Garvin : Rebecca, born April 1 I. 1805, deceased wife of
George Cooper; Ellen, born January 29, 1807, who resides upon the homestead,
and John, deceased, born July 15, 1809. Mr. Wilson xvas a member of the
Masonic order in Ireland, but alter coming to this county he dropped his asso-
ciations with that fraternity. He was one of the pioneer members of Plains
Presbyterian church, and died in that faith. At his death he divided his farm of
(00 acres equally between bis sons George and John II. Politically, he was
a Jacksonian Democrat, and look a deep interest in the success of his party.
John II. Wilson, youngest son of Andrew II. Wilson, xvas born in Mifflin
township, Allegheny countv, July 15, IS09, and came to Jackson township, But-
ler county, with his parents at the age of eighteen years. lie was reared a
farmer, and his whole life after coming to Butler county was spent upon a por-
tion of the homestead farm in Jackson township. He married Margaret, daugh-
ter of Jonathan Hauk, June 20, 1848, and the} were the parents of six children :
Andrew IL. who resides in Ohio; Jonathan; Mary E. ; Sarah P., wife of Sam-
uel Brenneman : John Milton, and Jennie T., w ife of George W. Nixon, ol
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I I 5
Jackson township. Mr. Wilson died November 29, 1888; his wife survived him
until January 28, 1893, and both arc buried in the cemetery at Plains church,
Cranberry township.
John Milton Wilson, youngest son of John II. and Margaret (Hauk)
Wilson, was born September 20, 1855, upon the homestead farm in [ackson town-
ship. He was reared a farmer, and received a public school education. lie
resides upon the 200 acres which belonged to his father, and has always followed
farming. Mr. Wilson takes an active interest in political matter-, and is a stanch
supporter of the Democratic party. He was reared in the Presbyterian faith.
was originally a member of the Plains church, but now belongs to the church at
Evans City. He and his sister. Mary E., reside upon the old homestead. He is
a member of Harmony Lodge, F. & A. M., and Evans City Lodge, I. O. ( >. F.
Jonathan Wilson, second son of John II. and Margaret Wilson, was born
upon the homestead in Jackson township, February 5, 1851, and received a
common school education. He resided at home until 1880, and then purchased
his present farm of eighty acres, which he has since improved. He married
Susan, daughter of the late Jacob Stamm, and has one daughter, Margaret 15.
In politics, Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, is a member of Evans City Presbyterian
church, and is one of the well known citizens of his native township.
George Wilson, son of Andrew II. Wilson, was bom in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, November '27, 1796. His parents removed to Butler county in
1S27, and settled in what is now Jackson township, where the subject of this
sketch was reared. He inherited one-half of the homestead farm, and erected the
brick residence where the heirs of Thomas I. Wilson now live. He was one of
the leading citizens of Butler county, was a Democrat in politics, and filled most
of the township offices. lie married Rebecca, daughter of James Wilson, of
Allegheny county, but no relation to his family. Their children were as follows:
James G., who died in 1868; Andrew H., of Harmony; Mary J. ; Esther M.,
wife of R. II. Brown ; Elizabeth E., and Thomas I., both of whom are dead;
George W. ; John M., deceased, and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs.
Wilson were members of the United Presbyterian church at Evans City, and died
in 1863, and 1860, respectively. They are buried in the Evans Cit\ cemetery.
George W. Wilson, fourth son of George Wilson, was born February 5,
1840, upon the homestead in Jackson township. He was reared to farm life,
and after his father's death he inherited one-half of the farm and creeled his
present residence thereon. lie has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits.
and is one of the well known farmers of the township. Mr. Wilson was mar-
ried November 26, 1864, to Harriet, daughter of Thomas Donaldson, and their
children areas follows: Ada I., wife of U. G. Evans; Alvin I... who married
Maud Hudson; Thomas A., and Anna L. Politicallv.be is a Democrat, and
one of the leading members of bis party. In 1893 he was elected a county com-
missioner of Butler county, which office lie is now rilling. lie has occupied at
different times most of the offices of bis township, and has been a school director
for eighteen years. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and for
some years he has been an elder in that organization.
IIl6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Alexander Ramsey, Sit.,the progenitor of the Ramseys of Butler county,
was born in Down county, Ireland, in 1 T T < *> . and came to America prior to the
year 1786. lie remained in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, for some years,
and in 17% he settled on a tract of government land in what is now Cranberry
township, Butler county, containing (00 acres, built a cabin in the midst of the
forest, and began the work of clearing a farm. Returning to Westmoreland
county, he married Grace Smith, and brought his young bride to bis home in
Butler county. She was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 177<>. a
daughter of lames Smith, who served in the Revolutionary war, and fell at the
battle of Brandywine. They reared a family of seven children, as follows:
Mary, deceased wife of Isaac Young; Hannah, who married Joseph Robinson;
James; John; William: Alexander, of Cranberry township, and Anthony, all
of whom are dead except Alexander. Mr. Ramsey and wite were members of
White Oak Springs United Presbyterian church, and died in February, 1S40,
and 1845, respectively. Politically, be was a Democrat, and throughout the
pioneer days was influential in the local councils of bis party.
Alexander Ramsey, only living child of Alexander and Grace (Smith)
Ramsey, was born upon the homestead in Cranberry township, Butler county,
August 1. 1817. He grew to maturity amidst the dangers and privations of
pioneer days, ami on July 3, 1845, be married Sarah Ann McGeorge, a native of
Butler county, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth McGeorge. She was
born December S, 1820. Her father was a native of Scotland, came to the
United States in youth, here married, and settled in Butler county in April,
IS]."). Mr. Ramsey first located in Cranberry township, and later removed to
a tract of land in the southern part of Jackson township, which he had pur-
chased in 1841. Here lie has resided up to the present time. To Alexander
and Sarah Ann Ramsey have been born live children : John Alexander; Will-
iam S. ; Elizabeth ; Mary Ellen, and Samuel C all of whom are dead except
William S. and Samuel C both of whom reside in Jackson township. Mr.
Ramsey and wife have been members of the United Presbyterian church of
Evans City since its organization, and he has been a stanch supporter of the
Democratic party since be cast his first vote.
William S.Ramsey, son of Alexander and Sarah A. Ramsey, was born
upon the homestead in Jackson township, October I."). 1847- He received a
common school education, and remained with his parents until reaching his
majority. On April 2, lS(jN, he married Miss Nancy Dunn, the ninth in a
family of twelve children, born to Thomas I., and Mary Dunn, who came from
eastern Pennsylvania and settled in what is now Jackson township early in the
present century. Mr. Ramsey located on his present farm, then in woodland
ami unimproved, anil their first borne, a log cabin, is still standing close to their
present commodious residence erected in 1884. His farm is now one of the best
in the township, and he is one of the leading and influential fanners of the com-
munity. Six children have been the fruits of bis marriage, as follows: Ida M..
wife of George W. Schaney, of Beaver Falls; Delia, wife of J. J. Helm, of
Evans City; Susan A., wife of W. II. Evans, of the same borough; Emma ]..
and Charles S., both of whom are dead, and Byan L., who lives with his par-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I '7
ents. Mr. Ramsey's farm of 12] acres is locatedone and a half miles from Evans
City, where he follows stock-raising and general farming. In January. 1865, he
enlisted in Company E, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, attached to
the Army of the Cumberland, and assigned on detached duty in Tennessee. He
was honorably discharged in September, of the same year. Politically, he is a
Democrat, and is a member of Capt. William Stewart Post, G. A. R., of Evans
City, lie and wife are members of the Evans City United Presbyterian church,
and the family are among the most respected in the township.
1 ames Ramsey, son of Alexander and Grace (Smith) Ramsey, was born
in Cranberry township. Butler county, June 5. 1805, married Annie Covert,
who was born March 1. 1812, and by her became the father of the following
children: Mary Ann. who married W. II. Hohnoddle, who enlisted in the
Union army and was killed in front of Fredericksburg; Nancy, and Eliza-
beth, who reside at Beaver Falls; Alexander C. and William II.. both resi-
dents of Jackson township, and fames, deceased. Mr. Ramsey was an elder
in the United Presbyterian church for many years, and died June I'd. 1860.
IIi> wife survived him until October 7. 1891. She, too. had been a life-long
member of the United Presbyterian church.
Alexander C. Ramsey, eldest son of James and Annie (Covert) Ram-
sey, was born upon the homestead in Jackson township, Butler county. Jan-
uary 10. 1843. He was reared upon the farm, and received a common school
education. In 1S67 he married Sophia Powell, a native of Butler County, and a
daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Cooper) Powell, and located upon a part of the
homestead, where they have since resided. Eight children art- the fruits ..I this
union, as follows : James II.; LuluM.: Lewis E. ; Annie J. ; Alice N. ; Wade
E. ; Flora E. deceased, and Nellie (i. Mr. Ramsey and wife are members of
the United Presbyterian church at Evans City. He is a Democrat in politics,
and is recognized as a public-spirited and progressive citizen.
ANTHONY RAMSEY, son of Alexander and Grace (Smith) Ramsey, was
born :n Cranberry township. Butler county, Pennsylvania, November 20. 1820.
He married Elizabeth McGeorge, also a native of this county, born November 17,
1^22. They resided in Cranberry township throughout their married life. Mr.
Ramsey died January 31, 1880, and his wife December IS. 1*S4. They were the
parents of eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, deceased wife of Joseph Cash-
dollar ; Mary Jane, deceased : Addison, of Cranberry township: John . a resident ol
Evans City; Euphemia A., of Allegheny; Ella, deceased : Edwin, who resides in
Tackson township, and Baxter R., of Cranberry township. Mr. Ramse) was
one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of the community, and
a descendant of one of its oldest families.
Baxter R. Ramsey, son of Anthony and Elizabeth Ramsey, was born
upon the farm where he now resides, in Cranberry township, August 80, 1865.
He has always resided in this township, and is one of its leading young tanners.
He was married May 25, 1893, to Maggie, daughter of Newton and Margaret
Garvin, of Cranberry township. Both he and wife are members ol Evans City
United Presbyterian church. He is one of the leading Democrats of his com-
munity, and is also a member of Cranberry Grange, Number 908. P. "t H.
IIl8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Thomas Harper was born June 30. 1790, on New creek. six miles north
of where the present town of Steubenville, Ohio, now stands. He came of
Irish ancestrY. His lather was a scout in General Wayne's army during the
campaign against the Western Confederacy of Indian tribes. About 1793 the
latter married a lady who lived in Virginia, and settled on the site of Wheeling,
whence he removed to a farm on New creek, in what is now Jefferson county,
Ohio. Three sons and four daughters were born to him of this union. After
reaching their majority, two of the sons, lames and Andrew, moved farther
west, while Thomas remained in the vicinity of Steubenville, and followed boat-
ing on the Ohio, Kanawha, and other rivers. In 1819 Thomas visited Washing-
ton county, Pennsylvania, where he met Margaret Swartz, whom he married
in January, 1820. She was born in eastern Pennsylvania, and was of Pennsyl-
vania Dutch parentage. ller father was a man of considerable means, kept a
hotel, and also operated a saw and grist mill on his farm. At the age of six
years she was left an orphan by the death of her parents, and was practically
reared among strangers. In the spring of 1821, Thomas Harper and wife, and
two children, came to Butler county. They settled in what is now Jackson
township, and lived there until the fall of 1842, when thev removed into Cran-
berry township, where Mis. Harper died in September. 1873, aged nearly
seventy-live years. Her husband survived her until June 30, 1876, dying on the
seventy-seventh anniversary of bis birthday. Both wen- endowed by nature to
endure the trials anil hardships of pioneer life, and the\ were upright anil indus-
trious to a remarkable degree. Thev were the parents of fifteen children, thirteen
ol whom grew to maturity, and eleven of the number are now living, six sons and
five daughters, the oldest seventy-four and the youngest fifty-four years of age.
The parents were Methodists and reared their children in that faith. Originallv
a Jackson Democrat. Mr. Harper was carried away with the Know-Nothing
craze, and subsequently drifted into the Republican party.
Andrevv Harper, son of Thomas and Margaret Harper, was born in Jack-
son township. Butler county. April 19, 1882, and has spent his entire life in his
native township amid the peaceful scenes of agricultural pursuits. On March 24,
1859, he married Barbara Tinstman, and is the father of eleven children : |ose-
phine; Asa A.; Clarissa: Cyrus B. ; Sarah E. ; An/.ie E. ; Oliver T. ; Albert
E. ; Annie May: Charles E., and William W.. all of whom are living in Jack-
son township. Mr. Harper has always been an adherent of the Democratic party,
but supported Lincoln in' 1860. and 1864, since which time he has voted the
Democratic ticket . In 1883 he was elected a county auditor, and has tilled the
office of justice of the peace ten years. During the past thirty years he has occu-
pied at various times most of the public offices in his township. Mr. Harper is a
member of no church or society, nevertheless he is one of the most respected cit-
izens of the community, and his long ami busy life has been marked by the com-
mendable virtues of honesty, industn and sobriety.
Cyrus B. Harper, miller, was born on the homestead farm in Jackson
township, Butler county, September lf<. 1866, son of Andrew and Barbara
Harper. He received a common school education and lived with his parents
until 1886, when he became connected with the Zelienople flouring mills. In
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I I 9
1889 lie formed a partnership with C. W. Keefer, purchased the mill, and oper-
ated it until March. 1892, when Mr. Harper bought out his partner, and has since
been sole proprietor. In 1890 he married Carrie, daughter of Tobias Meeder, of
Cranberry township, and has two sons. Harvey E., and Curtus L. Politically.
Mr. Harper is a Democrat, and he is connected with the English Lutheran church
of Zelienople.
John Behsi, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, immigrated to the
United States about 1835, and located at Unionville, Heaver county. Pennsyl-
vania, lie was a blacksmith, and followed his trade after coming to this county,
but later purchased a small farm close to Evans City, Butler county. lie sub-
sequently bought the farm where his son Casper now lives, in Jackson township,
consisting of ninety acres, upon which he resided down to his death, lie mar-
ried in Germany. Margaret Long, to which union were born the following chil-
dren : Margaret, who became the wife of Peter Burns ; Catherine, who married
IIeur\ Wolfe; George L. ; Casper: Henry; Lizzie, who marrried Philip Hensel ;
Mrs. Mary Snauffer, and John, of Jackson township. Politically, he was a Dem-
ocrat, and a member of the German Reformed church of Evans City.
George L. Behm, eldest son of John and Margaret Behm, was horn at
Unionville, Beaver county. Januarj 15, 1839. He grew to manhood on the
homestead farm in Butler county, and at the age of nineteen purchased a farm
at Whitestown, containing 180 acres, where he lived for five years. He then
bought the Jacob Ziegler farm of I'l'O acres, in Jackson township, upon which he
has since lived. He now owns eighty-four acres of his original farm, and thirty-
six acres in Lancaster township. In 1859 be married Catherine, daughter of
facob Ziegler, and is the father of six children, five of whom are living : Henry,
of Harmony; Jacob, a resident of Allegheny county ; Lizzie, wife of William
Stamm ; Charles, and Bertha. In politics, Mr. Behm is a Republican, and is an
elder in Grace Reformed church of Harmony.
Adam Exdrf.s was born in Germany, and is a son of Adam Endres, who
was a native of Alsace, Germany, and immigrated to Beaver county. Pennsyl-
vania, in 1837, settling on Brush creek, close to Unionville. About 18(50 he
removed with his son Adam to Jackson township. Butler county, where In-
died. He was buried in the cemetery at Burry church, in Beaver county. He
married in his native land, and had two children: Adam, and Caroline, who
married Lewis Teets. The subject of this sketch resided in Beaver count} until
1860, when he purchased the farm upon which his son Jacob now li\es. lie
cleared and improved it. and followed firming until 1875, when he built a resi-
dence close to Zelienople, and retired from active business. Mr. Endres was
one of the original stockholders in the Pittsburg and Mercer Plank Road Com-
pany. He has been more or less connected with oil producing, and has accumu-
lated a comfortable estate. Before removing to Butler county, Mr. Endres was
a member of the Burry Reformed church, but after his settlement in Jackson
township, he joined St. Peter's Reformed church, in which he has tilled the
office of elder. Mr. Endres married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Woster, of
Beaver county, and their children are as follows: Daniel; Caroline, wife of
George B. Bastien : Jacob; Catherine, deceased; Sadie, wife of Herman J.
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Speyerer; Lena, deceased; Charlotte; Sophia, deceased; Hannah, wife of W. H.
Lusk, attorney at law, of Butler: George, and Clara, both of whom are dead.
The eldest son, Daniel, removed to New Brighton in 1870. where he i» now
engaged in the butchering business. Mr. Endres lias tilled several of the minor
offices in Jackson township, and is one of the old and respected citizens of the
community.
Jacob Endres, youngest son of Adam and Elizabeth Endres, was born in
Beaver county. June 1, 1850, and received a common school education. He
grew to manhood on the homestead farm in Jackson township, and in 1875
assumed control of the farm, his father retiring. In 1S74 he married Mary E.,
daughter of George Teets, of Beaver county, and their children are as follows:
George A.; Altha E. ; Eva B. ; Clara; Bertha M., and Howard J. Politically,
Mr. Endres is a Republican, and has filled the office of school director. He is
also a director in the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Zelienople,
and is a member of the Fanners' Alliance. Both he and family are connected
with the Evangelical Lutheran church of Zelienople.
George Welsh, farmer and oil producer, was born in Connoquenessing
township, Butler county, December 4, 1862, son of James and Susan (Bolton)
Welsh, of Zelienople. He received his education in the district schools, learned
the carpenter's trade, and worked for the Pittsburg and Fort Wayne Railroad
Company, as a bridge carpenter, for three years. In 1886 he located upon his
present farm in Jackson township, and for the past four years he has also been
engaged in oil producing. There are seven wells upon his farm, two of which
he owns. In 1885 he was married to Mary Cane, a daughter of John Magee,
whose father was one of the pioneers of Butler county. Mr. Welsh is a member
of the Presbyterian church of Whitestown, and in politics, he is a Republican.
John Voegtly was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, November
6, 1834, son of Jacob Voegtly, a native of Switzerland, who came to the
VJnited States, with his father at the age of twenty-one years, lie married Eliz-
abeth Boyer, who resided near Pine Creek, ami in 1852 he purchased a farm in
Ross township, Allegheny county, where he and wife spent the balance of their
lives. They had a family of fourteen children, of whom they reared six : Eliza-
beth, wife of Henry Sclag, of Allegheny; Maria, wife of Adam Endres, of
Zelienople; John; Andrew, a resident of Allegheny county; Esther, wife of
William Miltncr, of the same county, and Matthias, who also resides in Alle-
gheny county. The subject of this sketch was reared in Allegheny City, and
attended the public schools of that place. In 1867 be married Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of William Miltner, of Allegheny county, ami settled upon a farm in Ross
township. In 1886 he purchased his present farm in [ackson township, Butler
county, upon which he settled the same year. He is the father of five children,
as follows: William J.: John M.; Maria H. ; Henry, and Charles Frederick.
Mr. Voegtly is a Republican, in politics, and is a leadingmember of the German
Lutheran church, of Zelienople.
II. W. Fan'kkk was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 12. 1851, son
of Henry W. and Louisa ( Boreman ) Fanker, natives ol Hanover, Germany, who
immigrated to Pittsburg in 1849. II. W. was reared at Wilkinsburg, and
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1121
received his education in that borough and at the German parochial school oi the
East End, Pittsburg. Alter he grew I" manhood he engaged in the butchering
business with his father at Wilkinsburg, and later entered the employ of II. N.
Lytle, of Braddock, where he remained until L878. He then embarked in
the same business for himself, and carried it on at Braddock until 1890, when he
purchased his present farm of 196 acre-, in Jackson town-hip. Butler county.
Upon this he erected one of the finest residences in the county, a three story brick
structure, fifty by sixty, standing on an elevation about ill ill feet above the road-
way, and facing a wide, handsome lawn, with spacious driveway- and walk-.
The residence contains sixteen rooms, is heated with -team and fitted up with
every modern convenience. In 1889 Mr. Fanker organized a company for the
production of oil upon his farm. They developed ten wells, some of them
averaging as high as 150 barrels a day, He sold his production in 1893, ami his
interest now embraces only the royalty. He has improved hi- farm in many
ways, and has nearly 100 acres under cultivation. In Islli Mr. Fanker married
Annie, daughter of Adam Shaffer, of Jackson township, and ha- a familj oi five
living children : Harry; Clara: Frank; Charley, and Paul. He started in life
with less than $200 capital, and his business success is the result of hi- own indus-
try. Besides his beautiful farm and oil properties, he is the owner of much
valuable real estate at Braddock. Both he ami wife are adherent- of the
Lutheran church, and in politic-, he is a Republican.
\V. A. Nicklas i- a son of Charles ami Catherine ( Burr) Nicklas, and was
born in Forward township, Butler county, January 28, 1868. 1 1 i- mother i- a
daughter of Peter Burr. lie received a common -chool education, followed
farming for several years, and afterwards engaged at the butcher- trade. In 1893
he formed a partnership with G. F. Nicklas, and embarked in the livery busi-
ness, at Evans City. He married Allie Fahel, and resided in that borough con-
ducting the livery until his removal to hi- present farm. He has since devoted
his attention to agriculture.
Joseph Douthett, Sk.. was a native of Armagh county, Ireland,and immi-
grated to the United States at an early date, taking up hi- residence in Wash-
ington county, Pennsylvania. About 1799 he came lo Butler county, and located
upon the farm in Forward township where David Douthett'- heir- now reside.
He married in Ireland, and was the father of the following children : Joseph ;
Alexander; Charles; Jacob; Benjamin; Martha, who married Robert Magee.
and Rosanna, who married Robert Fowler. Mr. Douthett and hi- wife. Rosanna.
died upon the farm which the\ settled, and are buried in the cemeten on the
same place. In the same burial ground lie the remain- of hi- son-, Joseph,
[acob, and Benjamin.
Benjamin Douthett was the fifth son of Joseph and Rosanna Douthett,
and was born in Armagh county, Ireland, in 1772. He came with his parent- to
Pennsylvania, and throughout his life followed agricultural pursuits. He
married Jane Smith, and by this marriage they were the parents of I he I ol-
lowing children : Joseph; John; William ; David; Benjamin ; Alexander; Samuel;
Mary, who married James Magee. and Martha J., who married William Dodds,
ill of whom are dead except Alexander and Martha J. The mother died in IS 17.
112? HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ami the father in 1850. ami both an- buried in the Douthett family cemetery upon
i!i- old homestead. Mr. Douthett owned 500 acres of land, which he divided
among his children, but the old homestead is thai now owned by Samuel Dou-
thett's heirs.
Joseph Douthett, eldest son of Benjamin and Jane (Smith) Douthett,
was born October 6, 1807, upon his grandfather's farm, in what is now For-
ward township. I lis education was obtained in the old log school house near w here
he was reared, but alter reaching manhood lie was a constant reader and a student ,
and thus became self educated, and taught for many years. lie settled in Penn
township, and became one of its extensive farmers. He learned the stonemason's
and brick layer's trades, in youth, and followed them in connection w it h agriculture.
Politically, he was a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, and was recognized as an
influential member of Iris party in this county. He was a justice of the peace for
Penn township, was elected county commissioner in 1847, and was a school direc-
tor lor many years, always taking a deep interest in the prosperity of the public
schools. He married Rebecca, daughter of James Magee, a resident of Jackson
township, and they were the parents of seven sons and one daughter who grew to
maturity, as follows : Benjamin, of Kansas; fames M., of fackson township; John
who resides in Pittsburg; Robert, a resident of Illinois; David I!., of Forward
township; Joseph, of Penn township, and Jane, widow of Robert Miller. In early
life Mr. Douthett was a member of the Covenanter church, but later joined the
United Presbyterian church. He died July 23, 1 ss 1 ; his widow survived until
Augusl 17, 1885, dying at the ripe old age of eighty-two years.
David Douthett, fourth son of Benjamin and Jane Douthett. was horn
July I. 1814, on the farm now owned by Samuel Douthett's heirs, in Forward
township. Here he grew to manhood, but subsequently settled upon the farm
w here his grandfather located in 179(J, and in the old log cabin erected by his grand-
father were born and reared his family. This building is standing to-day, and occu-
pied b\ Walter S. Douthett. one of David's sons. Mr. Douthett followed farming
until arriving at old age. then retired to Brownsdale. where he died Ma_\ 23,
1885. I Ie married Jane E., daughter of Joseph Brown, one oi the pioneers of Forward
township. She survives him and resides at the village of Brownsdale, in Penn
township. This union was blessed with tin- following children : Agnes J., wife
ofJ-B.Dodds; Benjamin W. ; Joseph 1'.. deceased : James M. ; Walter W..
deceased; David K., a physician residing m Iowa; Delorma M., a resident of
Nebraska : Mary E., wile of J. F. Brittain ; William G., of Butler; Adam M..
a merchant of Brownsdale; Walter S.. of Forward township, and Braden G.,
deceased. Mr. Douthett was the first postmaster of Brownsdale, and was one of
the early school directors ol his locality. In politics, he was a Whig until the
formation of the Republican party, when he became a member of that organiza-
tion. and was ipiite an influential man in local political matters. lie was one of
the founders and original members of t he United Presbyterian church of Browns-
dale, and throughout his long and useful life contributed liberally toward the sup-
port of that congregation. He was a man id' strict integrity, upright and straight-
forward in all his dealings with his fellow men. and won the respect and confi-
dence of the best people of Bui ler count \ .
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 23
James M. Douthett, Jk., was born in Forward township, Butler county,
January 15, 1850, son of David and Jane E. (Brown) Douthett. and grand-
son of Benjamin Douthett. lie was reared upon his father's farm, and received
his education in the public schools. He was married December 81, 187*>. to
Elizabeth Crowe, a daughter of David B. and Sarah J. (Dodds) Crowe, both
members of pioneer families of Butler count}', and of Irish descent. tier parents
are residents of Forward township. Mr. Douthett located upon his presenl farm
in 1891, which contains 102 acres, and is well improved. lie is quite an active
worker in the Republican party, and is an earnest member of. and a liberal con-
tributor toward the United Presbvterian church.
James M. Douthett was born in what is now Forward township, Febru-
ary 1, 1831, and is the second son of Joseph and Rebecca (Magee) Douthett.
lie was reared principally in Jackson township, and educated in the district
schools. lie married Lucinda Magee, daughter of Robert and Martha Magee, of
Jackson township, settled upon his presenl farm, in the same township, and has
since resided upon it. Three children were born to this union: Allison J., of
Evans City; Martha, wife of Frank Kelly, of Jackson township, and Rebecca.
Mr. Douthett is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church at Mars, and
is an elder in that society. lie is one of the representative farmers of the
community.
Allison J. Douthett, son of lames M. and Lucinda (Magee) Douthett.
was born in Jackson township, Butler county. July 27. 1856, received a good
common school education, and grew to manhood on the homestead farm. In
hy7s be engaged in drilling water wells, and 1882 he became a tool dresser for
Charles Xeelv. and subsequently followed the same business with Johnson
Brothers. |. P. Fishel. and others. In 188S he commenced drilling and pro-
ducing in the oil fields of western Pennsylvania, and has operated in Armstrong
county, and in the Petersville and Callery fields, Butler county : Duft* City and
Wildwood, in Allegheny county, and also the Harmony field, in Butler county.
He was a member of the Evans Cit\ Oil Company, and is now connected with
the Boggs Oil Company, operating in the Brownsdale and Evans City fields.
Mr. Douthett was married October 25, 1877, to Fetitia. a daughter of David 15.
Crowe, of Forward township, and they are the parents of four children, as fol-
lows: Scott 11.: Jame- C. : David I>.. and Orrin R. In politics, he is a
Republican, but devotes little attention to political matters. In February, 1894.
he was elected a member of the borough council, and also of the school board ol
Evans City, which offices he is now tilling.
Hon. David P.. Douthett, fifth son of Joseph ami Rebecca (Magee)
Douthett. was bom in Forward township, Butler county, October 12, 1840, and
was educated in the common schools and at Witherspoon Institute. He was
engaged in teaching in the public schools of the county from |So7 to 1861, when
he enlisted in Company II. One Hundred ami Second Pennsylvania Volunteers,
and served in the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war, under McClel-
lan, Burnside, Hooker, Meade, and Grant. The principal battles in which he
participated are named as follows: Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, White Oak
Swamp, Charles Cit\ Cross Roads, Malvern Hill. Second Pull Run, Chantilly,
1124 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Antietatn, South Mountain, Williamsport, Second Fredericksburg, Salem
Heights, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run and the Wilderness. He was
wounded al Williamsburg, a minie-ball passed through his hat at Fredericks-
burg, and at the Wilderness, May 5, 18(54, he was severely wounded, being shot
through the left thigh with a minie-ball. He was sent to Findlay Hospital.
Washington, D. C, afterwards to McClellan Hospital. Philadelphia, and then
to Pittsburg, whence he returned to his regiment before Petersburg. He took
part in the final campaign under Grant, and was mustered out of the service
near Washington, D. C., June 28, 1865. Returning to his home Mr. Douthett
was elected justice of tin' peace of Forward township, and filled that position
ten seal's. lie also served as school director for twelve years, and was president
of the Butler County School Directors for a long period. lie was postmaster at
Brownsdale for three terms, was mercantile appraiser in 1890, and in 1891 was
appointed bv Governor Pattison a delegate from Pennsylvania to the Farmers
National Congress, at Sedalia. Missouri. In 1892 Mr. Douthett was elected, on
the Republican ticket, to which party lie has alwavs belonged, a member of the
legislature, receiving 225 more votes than any other candidate on the ticket,
and running 100 votes ahead of the national ticket. While serving in
in the House he secured the passage of a bill to regulate and estab-
lish uniform fees to be charged by the justices of the peace, aldermen, magistrates,
and constables in Pennsylvania. In November. 1894, he was re-elected for a
second term. He is a member of Capt. William Stewart Post, G. A. R., of
Evans City, and of Encampment. Number 1"), U. V. E. For many years he has
been one of the leading members of the United Presbyterian church, and has
been foremost in his community in every good work. Hi' was married
in 1864, to Sarah. B., a daughter of Joseph Brown, of Forward township.
and has two children : Ida, wife of Dr. H. S. McClymonds, of Renfrew and
Marshall I!. Mr. Douthett has been an active participant in local politics for
man's years, and his rewards bv popular vote attest to the estimation in which he
is field.
Marshall 1!. Dot i-hett. son of David B. and Sarah B. (Brown) Douthett,
was born upon the homestead farm in Forward township, Butler county, Decem-
ber 29, 1^70. He obtained a common school education and afterwards attended
Slippers' Rock State Normal School, and Actual Business College, graduating
from the last mentioned institution in 1886. He taught school four years, and in
fanuary, 1891, he was appointed deputy sheriff, and reappointed in January.
1894. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, a
Republican. Mr. Douthett is a charter member of Lincoln League, of Butler
county, and has always been an earnest worker in his parts.
Joseph Ami svas one of the early settlers of Forward township, Butler
counts', coming hither from Kentucky. He is supposed to have been a native of
Wales, or of Welsh parentage. About INK he settled upon a tract of I'll' acres.
where his grandson, James A. Ash. now resides. He cleared a farm here ami
lived upon it until his death. Mr. Ash was one of the pioneer mail carriers
between Pittsburg and Erie, and it is >aid that a pocket handkerchief did duty as
a mail bag. lie died in 1818. and svas buried upon the homestead farm. In
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
1893 the remains of himself and wife were removed to the Evans City cemeten .
In his religious belief, lie was a Baptist. His children were as follows: Rachel,
who married Robert Me Kinney; Sylvester; Elizabeth, who married Joseph Dodds,
and Isaac, who died at Evans City.
Sylvester Ash, eldest son of Joseph Ash, was born in 1808, upon the
homestead farm, in what is now forward township. Butler county. He grew up
amid the scenes of pioneer days, and obtained such education as the school., of
that period afforded. lie learned the carpenter'- trade and followed that busi-
ness in connection with farming. lie built the first farm house upon the home-
stead, on the site of the one now standing, added fifty-two acres to his father's
original purchase, and owned other properties in Evans City. In early life he
was a Whig, but afterward joined the Republican party, and took quite a lead-
ing part in political affairs in this vicinity, but would newer accept any public
office. He was reared in the Baptist faith, and though a regular attendant and
a liberal supporter of that denomination, he was not a member of the church.
Mr. Ash married Martha, daughter of Robert Boggs, the first settler on the site
of Evans City. Seven children were born of this union, five of whom grew to
maturity, as follows: Joseph, of Evans City; Isaac, a well known lawyer of Oil
City; Robert, of Allegheny; Lizzie, wile of Lewis (Tans/,, and fames A. Mr.
Ash died in 1882; his widow survived until 1886.
Archibald Irwin was a native of Pennsylvania, ami came to Butler
county about the year 1810. He had lived in Crawford and Allegheny counties
prior to coming here, and followed the trade of blacksmith. He located upon
the farm in Forward township where his grandson, John A. Irwin, now resides.
He was a man of good education, and one of the pioneer school teachers of the
township. In 1845 he removed to Pittsburg, and died at the home of bis son
Thomas in that city. In a letter written by George W. Irwin, in L853, to his
son, John A., we rind the following record of the Irwin genealogy: "In your
last you wished to know something of your ancestry. My great grandfather
Irwin was an Episcopalian preacher in Ireland. My grandfather was his eldest
son, and came to this country when young, married in Pennsylvania, and had
two sons and one daughter, my father being the eldest. My grandfather served
in the Colonial forces under General Grant, and was present at the battle between
the English and French, known as Braddock's defeat. For his services in the
army he was granted a tract of land in the vicinity of Fort Pitt, now Pittsburg,
but allowed the grant to go by default, as land was then of little value, lie
afterwards served under Washington in the Revolution. My father being young
then had his share of the difficulties of the Revolutinary period. He learned the
blacksmithing trade with a Mr. Porter, at Redstone, Pennsylvania. lie assisted
in electing General Washington as first president of our country. His last vole
was cast for James K. Polk for president. He claimed to be a Democrat all his
life, and was eighty-three years of age when he died. My maternal grandpar-
ents, Thomas Fletcher and wife, came from Scotland to Pennsylvania, and
became wealthy farmers. They were of the Seceder persuasion, and were well
thought of. Your maternal grandfather, \V. M. Hanna. came from Ireland,
settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was a wealthy fanner. Your
1126 HISTORY OF BUTLEK COUNTY.
grandmother Hanna, was the daughter of W. M. Thompson, a native of Scot-
land, who settled in Allegheny countv, Pennsylvania, was a justice of the peace,
and a prosperous tanner. They weie all E'resbyterians in religious faith."
George \V. [rwix, son of Archibald [rwin,was horn near Meadville, Penn-
sylvania, April 15, L800, removed to Pittsburg with his parents in 1806, and
thence to Butler county. In 1815 he went to Pittsburg for the purpose of learn-
ing the blacksmith's trade, and at the age of nineteen years was employed in one
of the iron work- of that city as superintendent of the blacksmithing department.
lie was later engaged as an engineer on the Ohio river. He afterwards
embarked in the manufacture of boilers at Pittsburg, and also carried on a paper
mill in Ohio. In 1847 he engaged in the manufacture of boilers at Nashville,
Tennessee, where he remained until the war commenced. When the Federal
tronp> captured Nashville they took charge ol his plant and thus destroyed his
business. Being a stanch Union man, he foughl in the battle of Nashville as a
Union soldier. In 18(58 he returned to Pittsburg, and thence to Butler county,
where he was engaged in farming until his death. May 18. 1878. Mr. Irwin was
prominent in the iron industry of Pittsburg for many years and was well known
among the manufacturers of that city. Politically, he was a Republican. He
married Ozilla Hanna, a daughter of \Y. M. Hanna, of Lancaster countv. She
died at \ash\ ille in 18(58. Their family consisted of ten children, eight of whom
grew to mat urit \ .
John A. [rwix, fourth son of George W. Irwin, was horn at Cadiz, Ohio.
April i' 1 . 1832. and was reared in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He obtained a com-
mon school education, learned the book-binder's trade, and embarked in business
at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1852. lie later went into the book-binding business
at Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained until the breaking out of the Rebell-
ion. Being a Union man. he came north to escape service in the Southern army,
and became employed with Wells, Riddle .Y. Company, of Pittsburg, which posi-
tion he tilled from 1861 to 1867. In 1868 he established a book-binding house in
Pittsburg, which he has since carried on successfully. His homestead in For-
ward township is one of the richest oil properties in this part of the county, and
i- one of the best improved farms in the township. Mr. Irwin married Margaret
P. Colvin, to which union have been born the following children : Ozilla; Sarah;
William; George; Robert, and Margaret. Politically, he is a Republican, and
in religions faith, an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church. For over forty
years Mr. Irwin has been a member of the I. O. O. F., and is State manager of
the Odd Fellows Endowment Association. He has also been connected with
the A. O. U. W. lor more than twenty-one years, and is a member of the Hep-
tosophs.
The Waldron Fa.mili of Butler count\ are descendants of Baron Resolved
Van Waldron. a native of Harlani. Holland, who immigrated with Peter Stuyve-
sant, one of the early governors of New York, in HUT. Baron Van Waldron was
born in 1608. lie obtained a patent from the Dutch government for the land that
now embraces what was originally Harlem, New York. He served as magistrate
for seventeen years, and laid out that part of the City of New York, known as
Harlem, extending from Seventv-fourth street, on Ensl rivet, to One Hundred
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 112/
and Thirtieth street, North river, consisting of 10,000 .arc-,. In 1660 he buill
Waldron Hall, one of the early buildings of Harlem, which was occupied by his
descendants down to IS00, lie was a lineal descendant of Baron Rudolph Van
Waldron. who was granted a coat of arms in 1 128, by the government of Holland,
for valor on the plains of Palestine, and in the capture of Jerusalem, in 1099. Baron
Resolved Van Waldron married Lady Taneka Van Nagle, April 10, 1053, and
was the father of four sons and four daughters. The fourth son. Samuel, was
born in New Harlem, October 111, 1670, and married Lady Margaret Bloodgood.
of Flushing, Long Island, in March. Ili92, to which union were born nine chil-
dren. The second son of Samuel Van Waldron, Francis !>.. born November 10.
1097, married Catherine Brunneal, of Xew Harlem. December, 21, 1721. In
173" Francis 15. removed to Clover Hill. Hunterdon county. Xew Jersey. He
was the father of ten children, the fourth son being Samuel I!., born at Xew
Harlem, March 3, 1729. Samuel B. married Catherine Van Ness, of Hunter-
don county. Xew Jersey, in 1751, to which union were born eight children. The
eldest. Samuel V., born August 19, 1752, served live years under Washington
anil Marion, and was at the battle of Brandywine, and other historic engage-
ments of the Revolution. He married Magdalena Simpson, of Morris county,
Xew Jersey, April 20, 1771. and lived near Trenton until 1795, when he
removed to Washington county. Pennsylvania. In 1790 Samuel V. Waldron.
removed to Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and settled upon the farm in Wolf
Creek township, now owned by Simeon D. Waldron. lie died upon that farm
in January, 1849. He was a millwright, and erected one of the pioneer mills in
that locality.
John Waldron, second son of Samuel V. and Magdalena (Simpson) Wald-
ron. was born near Trenton, Xew Jersey, April 17, 1785, and grew to manhood
on his father's farm in Mercer county, Pennsylvania. lie was twice married, his
first wife being Maria, daughter of Alexander Lindsey, of Craw lord county-
Pennsylvania, to whom were born the following children : Margaret : Isabella ;
Jemima: Alexander: Samuel: John L. ; Susan, and William S. His second wife
was Jane Davidson, of Venango county. Mr. Waldron served in the War ol
1812, in Perry's Lake Erie squadron. In 1816 he came to Butler county, and
purchased a farm where his son. William S. , now lives. He was engaged ill
farming nearly all his life, but was also one of the pioneer teachers, and a good
mechanic. He died April 5, 1803. For forty years he was an elder in the Pres-
byterian church.
WlLLIAM S. Waldron, youngest son of John S. and Maria (Lindsey)
Waldron. was born upon bis present homestead in Forward township, June 23,
1823. He received a good English education, and taught for several years in the
public schools. In 1848 he was principal of one of the public scl Is in Peoria,
Illinois. In 1852 he purchased the old homstead, and two years afterward
remodeled and improved the buildings. Mr. Waldron was married September
3, 1846, to Eliza M.. daughter of John and Susan (Kline) Bellis, of Luzerne
county, Pennsylvania, who settled in Butler county in 1842. Their children areas
follows: (). K., a dentist pf Puller: Susan (>., wife of Nelson B. Duncan:
Theodore C. : William S.. deceased: Laura II.. wife of R. M. Kinnear : J. C. :
[-128 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Eva M.. wife of J. B. Evans; Reuben <). : Maria B., wife of F. I?. Dodds ; Fred
V.; Elizabeth A. J.; Ulysses S. G. ; Ada M., wife of B. S. Buhl, and Leota E.,
wife of (). S. Sutton. In politics, Mr. YValdron was first a Whig, and since the
formation of the Republican party he has been prominent in the local councils of
that organization. For fifteen years he was one of the school directors of For-
ward township, and served three years on the school hoard of Evans City. In
1856 he was elected a county auditor, and in 187- was elected to the legislature,.
both of which positions he filled with credit. He is a member ot the Presby-
terian church, and is connected with Harmony Lodge, F. & A. M , is past master
of that lodge, and it- only living charter member in the county. He is also a
charter member of Evans City Lodge. 1. ( >. O. F, , and connected with the
encampment of that fraternity. Mi. YValdron is a man of broad views and liberal
opinions, who keeps well up with the progressive spirit of the age. Through the
1 1 .issing years he has accumulated a goodly share of this world's riches, and can
he safely classed as one of the substantial, enterprising and public-spirited citizens
of his native count v.
Adam Brown, Si;., a native of Germany, was a son of Adam Brown, who
immigrated to America prior to the Revolution, and served as a packhorse driver
in the Continental army, His lather located at Big Spring. Cumberland county,
Pennsylvania, after the war, where he resided until his death. Adam, came
to Butler county in the last decade of the Eighteenth century, ami located in
what is now Middlesex township. He subsequently settled upon a 400-acre
tract of land near the site of Brownsdale, which he cleared and improved. He
married Agnes Holmes, a native of Ireland, and a resident of Cumberland
county. Both died early in the present century. Their children were as fol-
lows: |ohn. who died upon a portion ot the original farm; Adam ; Joseph, who
aLo died upon a part of the old homestead; Thomas K., who died in Pittsburg;
Elizabeth, who married James McCandless, and died in Butler county; Martha,
who became the wife of Johnson White, and also died in this county, and Mar-
garet, who married William White, and died in Ohio. Adam Brown, St., was
one of the carlv constables of the county, and in politics, he was an adherent of
the Whig partj". lie was a Presbyterian, in religion, a man of fair education, in
both English and German, and wielded considerable influence among the pio-
neers. He was interred in the old Presbyterian cemetery in Middlesex township.
Adam Brown, In., was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and
grew to manhood upon the homestead farm in Butler county. He was the sec-
ond son of Adam Brown, Si., and at the death of his father he was appointed
executor of the hitter's estate. lie received the homestead as his share of the
estate, and lived upon it until Is:;:',, when he purchased the mill and farm where
his son Robert 11. now resides. The mill was an old frame structure, buthe
tore it down, and rebuilt a new frame mill, and added a saw mill, which he con-
ducted until 1861. In that year he retired from active business and settled upon
a farm he then owned, hut now the property of Walter C. Boggs, in Forward
township. He married Sarah, daughter ol 'Squire Robert Brown, to whom
were horn thirteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Nancy,
who married James llammel; Robert H. ; Adam; Ruth, who married C. E.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 2')
Anderson; Sarah, deceased wife of Asa Leason ; Margaret, deceased wife of
Wesley Henderson; John, and William (J., both deceased; Joseph, who married
a daughter of Thomas Gray, and is now residing in Penn township, and Nathan,
who married a daughter of Mr. Emery, and who now resides in Harrisville, But-
ler county. Thomas R.. Betsej and Nelson, died in infancy. Hi- second wife
was Mrs. Elizabeth Johnson, who survives him. Politically, he was lirst a
Whig and afterwards a Republican.
Robeiit H. Brown, eldest son of Adam and Sarah Brown, was born Sep-
tember 12, L824, in Middlesex township. Butler county. He was reared on the
homestead farm, and recuived his education in the district schools, lie learned
the milling business with his father, and purchased the mill and farm from the
latter, which he conducted until 1880. In that year he bought a farm in Cran-
berry township, resided npon it until 1891, and then returned to his original
homestead, where he engaged in farming and operating his flour and saw mill.
In 18138 the old mill was destroyed by lire, but was rebuilt by himself: his farm
contains some five producing oil wells, and is thus quite profitable. In 1X50 he
married Margaret E., daughter of George Wilson. His second wile was Cynthia
F., daughter of lesse Miller, of Forward township, to which union have been
born six children, four of whom ate living, as follows : Sarah E. ; Mary L. ;
Robert L., and Nora B. Politically, Mr. Brown is a Republican, and in religious
faith, he is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church.
John Crowe, son of Francis Crowe, came with his parents from Ireland
some time in the last century, and settled upon the Susquehanna river in eastern
Pennsylvania. He was one of three brother.-, two of whom settled in Indiana
anil Kentucky. lie had four sisters, as follows: Ellen, who married a man
named Anderson; Margaret : Mary, who married Alexander Douthett, and one
whose name is not remembered. About L812 John Crowe located on the site ol
Petersville, Butler county, removing later to Breakneck, in Forward township,
and soon afterwards he settled upon a 200-acre tract of land where John ami
David Crowe now live. Here he -pent the remaining years of hi- life. He was
married three times. His first wile was Jane Pollock, and their children were
as follows: Mary, who married David Douthett ; Grizella, w ho married Nathan-
iel Walker: Samuel: William, and John, all of whom are dead except the last
mentioned. His second wife was Nancy Boyles, who bore him one son. David
B., who resides upon a part of the homestead farm. His third wife was Eliza-
beth Robb, but no children were born to this union. John Crowe resided in
Forward township until his death, and was one of the leading member- ol the
old Covenanter church in this locality. His father. Francis Crowe, also came to
Butler county, where he resided with hi- -on John until hi- death.
William P. Crowe, second -on of John and Jane (Pollock) Crowe, was
born in 1818. upon the old homestead in Forward township, and received hi,- edu-
cation in the pioneer log school house of the neighborhood. lie learned the
tanner's trade in Pittsburg, but later took up the bricklayer's trade, which he
followed through life. He settled upon the farm where his -on, George W..
now resides, which he purchased some years before retiring from active business,
and died there in 1871. He married Sarah J., daughter of John Hays, of
I 1 30 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Middlesex township, which union \\;is blessed with eleven children: William
J., of Butler; George W. ; Benjamin F., of Beaver' county ; Ellen; Milton;
Nelson M..a minister of De Haven, Allegheny county; Mary, wife <>l John
Tress; James M., deceased; Lizzie, wife of R. ( >. Knox; Calvin, and Albert.
Mr. Crowe wa- one of the leading Republicans of Forward township, and took
a deep interest in political affairs. lit- was a member of the United Presbyterian
church, and died in that faith. I lis widow reside-- in Beaver county.
Henry Gelbach was horn in Bavaria. Germany, and immigrated to Beaver
county. Pennsylvania, in 1830. He subsequentlv removed to what i- now For-
ward township, Butler county, and purchased 100 acres»of land, now known as
the Markel farm. This he cleared and improved, and resided upon it down to
within a few years of his death, which occurred at Zelienople, whither lie had
removed from his farm. He married in Germany, and was the father of one son,
Philip, and three daughters, as follow--: Margaret, who married Philip Blimm ;
Elizabeth, who married Martin Behm, and Louisa, who married Charles Rat/,.
Philip Gelbach, only --on of Elenry Gelbach, was horn in Bavaria. Ger-
many, March 15, 1817, and came with his parents to the United States in L830.
He- grew to manhood upon the homestead in Forward township, and received a
meager education in the pioneer log schools of that localitv. He afterwards pur-
chased a farm adjoining his father's farm, consisting of LGO acres, where his son,
Philip I)., now lives. lie continued to farm until he arrived at old age, when he
retired to Evans City, where he died October :>. 1884. The first frame ham built
in the neighborhood he erected upon his farm. lie was a very industrious man
and was known as a good, honest citizen. Mr. Gelbach was married in 1846, t<>
Sophia, daughter of Christian Dambach, to which union were born live sons and
two daughters, a- follow- : Jacob, of Zelienople ; Philip D.. of Forward town-
ship ; Louisa, deceased wife of William J. Blakele) : William II.. of Zelienople :
Julia, wiU of Peter Sehcnck. of Butler; Christian, of Forward township, and
John A., of Zelienople. Mrs. Gelbach reside- in the last mentioned borough.
Politically, Mr. Gelbach was a Democrat, and filled many of the township offices.
He was a member of Si. John's Evangelical church of Evans City, and gave lib-
erally of his mean- towards the erection of the present church building. He was
an elder and trustee of that church for many \cars, and in all the relations of
life he was recognized a- a worthy citizen.
Philip I). Gelbach, second -on of Philip and Sophia Gelbach, was born
upon the homestead in Forward town-hip. in 1848, and wa- reared and educated
in his native township. In 1S71 he located upon the farm where his brother
Christian now lives, where he remained until 188G, and then purchased the old
Gelbach homestead, which he ha- improved a great deal since that time. It con-
tain- lM7 acres, anil i- one of the best oil producing farms in this localitv. In
1874 he was married to Cat her inc. daughter of Martin Behm, and is the father of
seven children, as follows : Daniel L. ; Emma M.; Henry F. ; Elmer M. ; Ida
L.; Clara E., and Edna A. Mr. Gelbach is one of the progressive citizen- of
the county, an active member of the Democratic party, and takes a decided inter-
est in public affairs. He has filled the offices of school director and count) audi-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I $ I
tor. lie is a member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City, anil a
trustee in that organization.
William II. Gel bach was born in Forward township, Butler county, Penn-
sylvania, December 10, L854, and is the third son of Philip and Sophia Gelbach.
He received his education in the district schools, and in Greentown Academy,
Perrvsville. Ohio. In 1873 he embarked in merchandising at Petersville, Butler
county, where he carried on business for three years, lie then taught school in
Ohio for three years, and in 1880 he entered int<> a partner-hip with William II.
Ifft, and engaged in the mercantile business at Zelienople. This firm continued
in busine-s for six years, when the partnership was dissolved, and the firm of
Gelbach Brothers was established. He sold his interest in the -tore in 1898, and
ha- since been engaged in Gelbach Brothers bank. Mr. Gelbach was married in
1880, to Elizabeth, a daughter of Dr. William Irvine, of Evan- City, by which
union five children have been born to them : Josephine Eugenia ; Julia Edith ;
Flora Isabella ; Lillian Irvine, and Norman Earl, who died August 10, 1893.
The family are connected with the Presbyterian church, in which body Mr. Gel-
bach fills the office of elder. In politics, he is a Democrat, ha- served in the
borough council, and has been a continuous member, since 1883, of the school
board of Zelienople, ami in 1891 he was a delegate to the State Convention.
Tohn A. Gelb.Icii, of the banking linn of Gelbach Brothers, was born in
Forward township, Butler county, March 28, 1862, audi- the youngest son of
Philip ami Sophia Gelbach. He was educated in the public schools of his native
township, and completed his education at Zelienople Academy. In 1885 he en-
gaged in the feed business at Beaver Falls, where he remained until 1887, and
then became a member of the mercantile firm of Gelbach Brother.-. In 1892 he
sold his interest in the -tore and joined hi- brother Jacob, and Amos M. Lusk in
the banking busine-s in Zelienople. which i- st ill continued by Gelbach Brothers.
He was married in 1891, to Mary Lusk, daughter of the late Dr. Amos Lusk of
Zelienople. and both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church of that
borough. He is a Democrat, in politics, and has served two terms in the borough
council. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, Number 429, F. &. A. M., also of
Lancaster Lodge. I. O. O. F.
Nicholas Bkii.m. Sh.. a native of Coner-Hesse, Germany, immigrated to
Allegheny count v. Pennsylvania, whence he came to what is now Forward town-
ship, Butler county, in 1830, ami settled near Breakneck upon a rented farm.
He had then a family of three son- and two daughters, as follow- : John; Nich-
olas ; George: Margaret, who married George Barkley, and Eva, who married
John Metz. In LS34 he located at Zelienople, subsequently purchased a farm in
Tackson township, and died at the home of hi- -on Nicholas, in 1871, aged
ninety-two years.
Nicholas Beii.m, second son of Nicholas Behm, Sr., was horn August 22.
1817, in Germany. He came with hi- lather to Butler county, and purchased a
farm of 100 acres in Forward town-hip. where hi- son Augustus II. now resides.
Here he -pent the balance of his days, dying August 11. 1883. He married
Louisa Rehnick, and they were the parents of thirteen children, a- follows: Mag-
gie, wife of Henry Lent/.; Mary, wife of Fred Swart/.; Ann. wife of Ernest
I 132 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Nebauch ; Caroline, wife of George llt'isi ; Amelia !>.. wife of Charles Meuhl-
brunner ; Louisa, wife of Isaac Blakeley ; Hannah, wife of Daniel Behm ; Chris-
tina, deceased: Lena, deceased; William, of Adams township ; John, of Alle-
gheny county: Augustus II., and George K. Mr. Behm tilled the offices of
overseer ol the poor and school director for many years; in politics he was a Dem-
ocrat, and was a member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City.
Augustus II. Behm, third son of Nicholas Behm, |r , was born upon his
present farm February 23, 1854. lie received a common school education, and
has followed farming up to the present, owning a well improved farm of 189
acres Upon his place are two oil wells, which produced at onetime 180 barrels,
and 150 barrels, per hour, respectively. Mr. Behm has recently erected one of
the finest private residences in the county, and is recognized as an enterpris-
ing, substantial business man. lie was married in 1882, to Matilda, daughter of
\\ illiam Goehring, of forward township, and they have a family of six children :
Clyde II.: Leah F. : Cleveland Charley; Harry M.: Etta L., and Jay N. In
politics, he is a Democrat, and has tilled the office of township auditor. lie is a
member of Si. [ohn'.s Reformed church of Evans Cits', is an elder in that body,
and is also connected with the I. (). ( >. F.
George R. Behm, youngest son of Nicholas Behm, was born February 15,
1865, upon his present homestead in Forward township, where he has resided
throughout his lite. In 1891 he married Maggie Mahood, daughter of fames
Mahood, of Renfrew, Penn township. He is a member of St. John's Reformed
church, and politically, is a Democrat. Upon his farm he has eight producing
wells, ime ninety barrel well, and one of 100 barrels per hour.
William Hunter, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, immigrated to Penn-
sylvania about 1885, and settled upon the land in forward township, Butler
county, where his grandsons, YV. W. and A. D. Hunter, now live. lie was
accompanied b\ his family, consisting of two sons and five daughters. Joseph,
one of the sons, died soon alter the settlement was made. The other children
were named as follows: Alexander; Fannie, who married Carson Coulter;
Ann, who married Samuel Dean : Jane, w ho became the wife of Andrew Dunn ;
Mary, who married Samuel Douthett, and Rosanna, who married Scott White.
Mr. Hunter died April 18, 1801, aged seventy-seven years. His widow survived
him until August II, 18(59, and both are buried in the cemetery near the Presby-
terian church, in Middlesex township. All of the children are dead except Mrs.
White, who is a resident of Allegheny. Mr. Hunter and wife were members of
the Presbyterian chun h.
ALEXANDE II III s 1 1:1:. elde-l son of William Hunter, w as born in Ireland in
1818, and grew to manhood in his native land. He came with his parents to the
United Stales, and after the death of his father he succeeded to t he homestead
farm in Forward township. 1 le made mans improvements in the property, in
clearing off the timber and erecting buildings. He married Elizabeth, daughter
of David Dixon, of Penn township, and they were the parents of two sons:
William W.. and Alexander D. In politics, Mr. Hunter was originally a Whig,
and afterwards a Republican, and filled the office of school director in Forward
township. Ilis wife died November -J-J. 1875; he survived her until October
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 133
19, 1888. In early life they belonged to the Presbyterian church, bill later
became members of the United Presbyterian church of Adams township.
William \Y. Hunter, eldest son of Alexander Hunter, was born July 27,
1861, upon the homestead farm in Forward township, and has never resided at
any other point. He married Susie, daughter of Jacob Ilutclmian, and has two
children: Maggie E., and Laura W. In politics, he is a Republican, and is
a member of Union United Presbyterian church.
Alexander D. Hunter, youngest son of Alexander Hunter, was born
upon the homestead in Forward township, October I. 1866, received a common
school education, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuit-. lie
married Mary, daughter of Jacob Hutchman, and has one son. Howard A.
Politically, he is a Republican, and is a member of Union United Presbyterian
church.
Daniel Stamm and his father settled in Franklin township, Beaver
county, close to the Butler county line, where the latter died and was interred
upon the homestead. Daniel grew up on the farm settled by his father, and,
remained with his parents until hi- marriage to Elizabeth Shearer, to which
union were born the following children : Conrad: Jacob; John : Daniel ; Mary,
who married Henry Shanor : Susan, wife of Zeno Markel, of Evans City,
and Eliza, who became the wife of a Eli Hartzell. The parents died upon the
homestead farm, where the greater portion of their liyes was passed.
Jacob Stamm, Sit., son of Daniel Stamm, was born in November. 1811,
upon the old homestead, learned the tanner's trade, and followed that occu-
pation for several years. In 1837 he purchased the farm in Forward town-
ship, consisting of 212 acres, to which he afterwards added seventy-eight
acres, upon which his sons, Solomon and Jacob, now live. Mr. Stamm cleared
and improved this farm. In early life he was a Democrat, but upon the for-
mation of the Republican party he joined that organization. lie was one of
the pioneer member of St. John's Reformed church of Evan- City. He married
Susan, daughter of Christopher Ziegler, ol Beaver county, who became the
mother of eight children: Deborah, wife of George Wise; Abraham; Kesiah.
wife of Casper Behm ; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Peffer ; Solomon: Mary, wife of
John Milton White; Susan, wife of Jonathan Wilson, and Jacob. Mr. Stamm
died May 27, 1892; his widow reside- upon the homestead farm. She is a mem-
ber of the Mennonite church.
Solomon Stamm, second son of (acob Stamm. was born upon the home-
stead in Forward township. Butler county. October 13, 1<SI4, and was reared
to manhood beneath the parental roof. In May, 1872, he married Euphemia,
daughter of Xicol Allen, of Cranberry township, and has four children : Mary;
Bruce B.; Guv II., and Inez. In politics, Mr. Stamm was a Republican
down to recent years, but is now an adherent of the Prohibition party. lie
is a member of the Presbyterian church, of Evans City.
Jacob Stamm, youngest -on of Jacob and Susan Stamm, was born Jan-
uary 12, 1851, upon the homestead farm in Forward township, lie received
a common school education, and has always been engaged in fanning, carry-
ing on the farm in partnership with his brother Solomon. lie i- a mem-
i 1 34
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ber of the Baptist church, and in politic?, he is a Prohibitionist. Mr. Stamm
is one of the leading citizens of Forward township, and, like his brother,
take- an a.tive interest in the growth and development of the community.
William II. Stamm, son ol Daniel and Sophia (Woster) Stamm. was born
in Beaver county, Pennsylvania. September 23, 1853. He is a grandson of
Daniel Stamm, whose lather settled in Franklin township, Beaver county, close
to the line of Jackson township, at an early date. His father was born in 1M7,
and settled upon a part of the old homestead, in Heaver countv, where lie died
in July, 1SS0. His family were as follows: Eliza, wife of David Morrison;
Lena, wife of David Ziegler ; Frank: Alice D., wife of Frank Stamm: William
II.. and Edward \\ .. who resides upon the homestead with 1) i - mother. The
subject of this sketch was reared in Beaver county, and grew to manhood upon
the homestead farm. He then purchased a farm close at hand, upon which he
lived four years. In the spring of 189J he bought his present farm in Jackson
township, containing 103 acres, and has since resided upon it engaged in general
farming. Mr. Stamm w as married in 1 SN7, to Lizzie, daughter of ( reorge L. Behm,
of Jackson township, and is the father of one son, Harold Bvron. He is a deacon
in Grace Reformed church of Harmony. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist, is a
member of Columbia Alliance, of Harmony, and is one of the progressive young
farmers ol the community.
Oswald A. K vder was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, grew to man-
hood in his native place, and in lSol immigrated to the L'nited States and set-
tled in Kentucky. In 1838 he located in Forward township. Butler county,
Pennsylvania, where he purchased what is now known as the Marshall Brinton
farm, and lived upon it for ten years, He then purchased his present homestead
in Forward township, containing 201) acres, which he has cleared and brought
under cultivation In 1887 oil was discovered upon Ids farm, and it now con-
tains several wells, some of which have produced as high as 200 barrels per
day. Mr. Rader i- one ot the progressive farmers of his township, and takes
an interest in everything calculated to benefit the community, in politics. In-
is a Democrat, and in religious faith, is an adherent of St. fohn's Lutheran
church, of Petersville. He married Margaret, a daughter of John Flintier, of
Jackson township, to which union have been born thirteen children: John;
Henry; Adam; Peter; Frederick: William M. ; Annie, wife of L. C. Goehring;
Late, wife ol James Esterling ; Lizzie; Tillie, wife of H. E. Drushell ; Benjamin ;
Phillip, and Ida. Mr. Rader is retinal from active business, bis farm now being
carried on by hi-- sons. He has tilled the offices of overseer of the poor, school
director and auditor.
William M. Rader, sixth son of Oswald A. Rader, was bom on the
homestead in Forward township, in 18(54, and was reared beneath the parental
roof. In 1887 he built his present residence on the home farm, and is engaged
in general farming. Politically, he is one of the leading voting Democrats of
Forward township, and is at present township assessor. lie is a member of St.
John's Lutheran church, of Petersville. and is a trustee ami secretary of that
organization. Mr. Rader married Emma, a daughter of Elias Goehring, in 1887,
and has two children. Nora and Elmer.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKE rCHES. U35
Wn.i.i am M. Marshall was a native of Derrv county, Ireland, born in
1814, and was brought to the United States when a bo\ of eighl years of age.
lie learned the hatters trade in Pittsburg, followed that business for some years,
and subsequentl) engaged in merchandising at Allegheny Citv, where he filled
the office of tax collector. About 1841 he removed to Evans City, Butler county,
and opened a general store, which he carried on for two years, and then returned
to Allegheny City. One year afterward he again came to Butler county, and
located at Whitestown, Connoquenessing town-hip. opened a store and carried
on business at that point some four years. lie next settled upon a portion of the
McLeod farm, in Forward township, having married Jane, daughter of Enos
McLeod, April :;. 1845. He resided upon this farm down to hi- death, April
27, l<ss-r>. He followed farming and coal mining the greater portion of hi- lime.
By his marriage to Jane McLeod, he was tin- father of eleven children, as fol-
lows: Samuel J.; Robert J. ; Henry ; George, and Mary, all of whom are dead:
Charley, deceased, who married Maty Miller; Tillie : Lavina, and three that died
in infancy. Mr-. Marshall resides upon the homestead in Forward town -hip.
She i- a descendant of one of the pioneer families of the count)'. In earh life
Mr. Mar-hall was a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, in which party he was
quite a leading member. He was a warm friend of education and a school
director lor several years, lie was a prominent member of the United Presby-
terian church, and gave liberally of hi- mean- toward the support of that denom-
ination.
Samuel J. Marshall, eldest -on of William M. Mar-hall, was born at
Whitestown. Butler county, January 1?>. 1849, and received a common school
education. From 1873 to 1885 he conducted an extensive coal business, mining
the coal on hi- lather'.- farm. Since tin- latter year lie ha- been engaged in oil
producing, farming and coal mining. lie i- an adherent of the Republican
party, has tilled the office of school director, and also that of roadma-ter. In
religious belief, he is connected with the United Presbyterian church. He is a
member ol the | r. ( >. U. A. M.. and i- recognized as one of the enterprising
tanner- of the community.
Roberi J. Marshall, second -on of William M. Mar-hall, was born upon
the homestead farm at Whitestown. Butler county, May 81, 1851. He received
a gooil public school education . and has taught considerable in the town-hip
schools in connection with cultivating the old homestead farm. He is a Repub-
lican, in politic-, and is a member of the United Presbyterian church.
George Marshall, fourth son of William M. Marshall, was born in For-
ward township, Butler county, April "., 1857, received a common school educa-
tion, w a- reared a fanner, and i- engaged in farming and oil producing. They
had eleven producing well- upon the homestead farm, which vva- one of the most
valuable in the township. Mr. Marshall is a Republican, in politics, and is a
member of the United Presbyterian church.
Hartman Kxai'i i . a nativeof Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, settled in Cran-
berry town-hip, Butler county, where he purchased a farm ol It'll I acre.-, upon
which he resided until his death. His family consisted of live sons and three
daughter-, a- follow-: Martin, and Michael, both deceased; Henrv, of C'ran-
t I 36 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
berry township; John; llartman. who died mi the trip in America; Catherine,
wife of Jacob Willing; Gertrude, wife of Mr. Miller, and Lizzie, who died on
the passage to the Tinted State*. Mr. Knauff and wile died in Cranberry
township. They were adherents of the Lutheran church, and were among the
early members of the Zelienople congregation.
John Knauff. fourth son of llartman Knauff, was born in Germany in 1S24,
and at the age of fourteen came with his parents to Butler county. He worked
on the homestead farm until his marriage, in 1845, to Sophia, daughter of Michael
Fox, when he settled upon a farm owned by his father-in-law. lie afterwards
located on a 200-acre tract of land in Forward township, where his son A. H.
now resides. His wife died three years after their marriage, and he subsequently
married Sophia, daughter of Christian Rape, of Jackson township. Six children
were horn of this union, three of whom are living, as follows: Mary, wife of
(ieorge Dambach ; Sophia, wife of George Meeder, and Adam Henry. Mr.
Knauff has retired from active business, and re-ides witll his son upon the home-
stead farm. Politically , a Democrat, lie ha- tilled the office of school director and
other minor positions in his township. lie is a trustee and elder in the Lutheran
church, at Zelienople.
Akam Henry Knauff. only son of John and Sophia (Rape) Knauff, was
horn upon the homestead farm, in Forward township, September L9, 1861, and
received a common school education. In 1888 he purchased a farm of 200 acres,
where he lias since resided. He had upon his farm thirty-six producing wells,
drilled since 1890, one of which produced ninety barrels per hour, and another
KMI barrels per hour. lie now has live producing wells. Mr. Knauff married
Mary, daughter of (ieorge Knauff. of Jackson township, and has four children :
William; Henry; Lena, and Frank. In 1893, he was elected, on the Democratic
ticket, township auditor. He is an adherent of the Lutheran church, to which
denomination his father belongs.
Jacob Miller was horn about 177">. in Alsace, Germany, w here he grew to
manhood. He settled first in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, about 1830, whence
he removed to Butler county about 1832, and settled upon a rented farm near
Prospect, in Franklin township. After a fc w years he removed to Heaver
county, and died there in 1848. He was married in Germany, and his children
were as follows: Nicholas; Adam: John; Jacob, who went to South America:
Mrs. Mary Xicklas; Mrs. Lizzie Boss, and Mrs. Brunner.
John B. Miu.i'ii, third son of Jacob Miller, was born in Alsace, Germany,
in 1807. He learned the mason's trade, immigrated to the United Stales with
his parents, came with them to Butler counts . and purchased a small farm near
Harmony, in Jackson township, where he resided until L848. He then bought
fifty acres, now owned bv bis son fohn M..in Forward township, upon which he
resided until within two years of bis death, when he retired, and lived with his
son John M. until he died, in April, L890. He married Christina Mart/., a native
of France, who died in February, 1869. Their children were as follows: Jacob
M.. a resident of Forward township, who married Margaret Cashdollar, and is
the father of eight children ; |olm M. ; Elias M. ; Catherine, deceased, who was
twice married, first to Wheeler Henry, and after his death to Adam Beal : Mar-
/J6U> {0SM/^
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 37
garet, who married William Irion, and subsequently John Halficker; Sadie,
wife of John Hord, and three that died in infancy. Mr. Miller and wife were
members of the Evans City Reformed church, in which organization he tilled
the office of elder. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat.
Tohn M. Miller, second son of John B. and Christina Miller, was born
January 19, 1846, in Forward township. Butler county. At the age of twenty-
eight he took charge of the homestead farm, which he conducted until 1883,
and then purchased his present farm, known as the Nicklas place, contain-
ing fifty-six acres, and now cultivates both farms, but resides upon his own.
He has one producing well upon his own property, and ten upon the old home-
stead. He married Caroline Burr, who died in the spring of 1885, leaving four
children, three of whom are living: Annie, wife of Frank Thomas; Tillie ;
Lena, and Peter, deceased. Mr. Miller is a member of the Reformed church,
and politically, he is a Democrat.
George Marburger, Sr., was born in Hesse-Hingelhoff, Kreischluter,
Germany, November 3, 1813, and was a son of George Marburger, born in the
same place, in 1781. His parents came to Zelienople, Butler county, in 1838,
accompanied by their sons George and Henry, removing one year afterwards to
the vicinity of Evans City. Three sons and two daughters had preceded them
to this country. His father resided with our subject until his death, which
occurred December 7, 1870. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and was
buried in the Evans City cemetery. The subject of this sketch came to the
United States with his father, and lived with him until 1843, when he purchased
a farm of 100 acres, to which he later added forty acres, in what is now Forward
township, Butler county, upon which he still resides. Prior to immigrating to
the United States he learned the wheelwright's trade, and also served five years
in the German army. He was a member of the Lutheran church, was an elder
in that denomination for a number of years, and also a trustee and treasurer. In
politics, he is a Democrat. Mr Marburger married Kunigunda Marburger, of his
native town, who bore him a family of six children, as follows: Catherine, who
married John Kauffman ; Margaret, who married JohnTwentier ; Mary, deceased;
George; Eva, wife of Alexander Schilling, and John.
George Marburger was born upon the old homestead in Forward town-
ship, Butler county, January 1:2, 1845, and was reared in his native township.
In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, under Capt. R. I. Boggs, and was honorably discharged from t he-
service September 11, 1805. He married Magdalene, a daughter of Casper
Kauffman, of Jackson township, and is the father of the following children :
William L. ; John A., deceased; Emma C. ; George A., deceased: Daniel;
Catherine K. ; Anna M., and Henry, both deceased; Charles: Maggie L.. and
Flora M. Mr. Marburger is a member of the Lutheran church, and has been
president of the church council. He is one of the active and influential Demo-
crats of Adams township, has tilled the offices of school director and overseer of
the poor for a number of years, and was the Democratic nominee for treasurer of
Butler county in 1893.
72
I I38 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John Marburger, youngest sun of George Marburger, Sr., was born upon
the homestead farm in Forward township. August 28, 1854, where he also grew
to manhood. He is now the owner of 1 To acres of land in Forward township,
which he cultivates in connection with his father's farm. lie married Mary M.,
daughter of Martin Wahl. of Evans City, and they are the parents of eight chil-
dren: Martin; Katie; Andrew; John; Wallace; Ausmus ; Adam, and Min-
nie. Besides his farming operations, Mr Marburger is also engaged in oil pro-
ducing, and lias eight oil wells and two gas wells. He and wife are members of
the Lutheran church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
James Hazlett was born in 1800, upon the old homestead farm in Alle-
gheny county, Pennsylvania, was reared a farmer, and learned the tanner's trade
in Butler county, after which he embarked in that business in Allegheny county.
He carried it on for eighl years, and then settled upon a farm in Forward town-
ship, Butler county, where the remainder of his life was spent. In 1830 he mar-
ried Margaret Hamilton, a daughter of lames Hamilton, of Allegheny county.
Her father was a son of lames Hamilton, a native of Ireland, who immigrated to
West Deer township, Allegheny county, in 1810, where he reared a family of six
children, and was prominent in tin- Presbyterian church of that locality, dying
about 1848. Her father was the third in the family. Ten children were born
tojamesand Margaret Hazlett. as follows: Robert, now a resident of Canada :
John, who died at Andersonville prison during the Rebellion : William, deceased;
James, a resident of Wyoming; George, who resides in Boston; Alexander, who
is now in McDonald; Leslie P., of Forward township: Martha, who married
Hillary Wilson; Mary, a resident of Grove City, and Margaret, wife of Alonzo
Shorts. Mr. Hazlett died in 1873. and his wife in 1887. They were members of
the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was ;i Republican. During
his residence in Forward township he Riled the otlices of school director and
supervisor, and was one of the warmest supporters of the public school system.
LESLIE P. HAZLETT was born in 1843, upon the homestead farm in Alle-
gheny county, son of James and Margaret Ha/dett, and came with his par-
ents to Puller county, where he purchased fifty acres of land adjoining his
lather's farm, on the line of Connoquenessing and forward townships, and
afterwards bought his father's homestead. In 1870 he was married to Barbara
Ziegler. a daughter of Jonas and Elizabeth Ziegler, of Harmons. Butler county,
to which union have been born live children, viz.: Letitia, wife of Clinton
Henshew, of Allegheny; George W. ; Lizzie; Frank P. and Maggie. Mis.
Hazlett died in 1SS7. Politically, he has been one of the active Republicans of
his locality lor main years, has been school director in his township for twenty-
two years, and has filled the office of justice of the peace for five years. He was
re-elected to the last mentioned office, but refused to serve. He was originally a
member of the Presbyterian church, but is now a Methodist. He is connected
with Harmony Lodge, Number ll".t. P. & A. M.. and ha- been a member of the
Masonic order for nearly thirty years. Mr. Hazletl is one of the prosperous
farmers of Butler county, his farm being in the Hundred Pool held, and now
containing twelve producing wells, operated by the Forest Oil Company, the
Columbia <>il Company, Abrams «V Company, and Elias Barnhart.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. '139
Isaac Riley, a native of Armagh county, Ireland, grew to manhood in his
native land, and afterwards immigrated to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he
found employment in an iron mill. He followed the occupation oi heater for
some veal's, hut about 1854 he purchased a farm in forward township, upon which
his son Samuel now lives, which he cleared and improved. lie died here
August 8, 1864, aged fifty-eight years. lie was twice married, his first wife
being a native of Ireland and dying before he came to the I nited States. She
was the mother of the following children: John; Joseph, deceased ; William:
Robert : Mary ]., who married |ohn E. Small, and Eliza, who married Martin
McBride. These children came with their father to Pittsburg. His second wife
was Mrs. Margaret Peck, nee Spear. She survived him some years, and is buried
in the United Presbyterian cemetery at Brownsdale. Two children were the
fruits of this union : Samuel, and Thomas, the latter deceased. In early life Mr.
Riley was a Presbyterian, but after coming to this county be united with the
Methodist Episcopal church, of Forward township, and was a trustee in that
body. He was first a Whig, and later a Republican.
Samuel Riley, only living son of Isaac and Margaret (Beck) Riley, was
born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. February 14, 1845, and came with bis parents
to Forward township, where be was reared and educated. After his father's
death he purchased the homestead, and has since made all the improvements now
upon it. Mr. Riley married Sarah J., daughter of John McElroy ; -be was born
in Pittsburg, and died May 14, 18(34, leaving no children. Mr. Riley married
for his second wife, Mary J., daughter of John Thompson, of Middlesex town-
ship, and they are the parents of nine children : John: Harry : Langdon : Will-
iam ; Wvlie ; Charley: Josie ; Maggie, and Lizzie. Mr. Riley is one of the
leading farmers of his township, and is recognized as an enterprising citizen. In
politics, be is a Republican, and has filled the office of school director for one term.
Henry Philip Conrad Wagnek, son of John facob and Eva Catherine
(Masonholt) Wagner, was born in the City of Worms, German}-, May 21, 1884.
His father emigrated from Germany in 1839, and settled with bis family in
New Sewicklev township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he is yet
living. His family consists of the following children: Henry Philip Con-
rad: Eva, wife of Joseph Goehring ; John |aeob: Laura, wife of Charles
Cheney: Caroline, wife of George Stinecker ; Margaret, wife of |ohn Behm ;
George P., and Elizabeth, wife of Adam Rape. The subject of this sketch was
reared to farm life, and in I860 he purchased a portion of hi- present homestead
in Forward township, and has added thereto, until he has now a farm of nearly
170 acres. Mr. Wagner learned the carpenter's trade, and for a time followed
that business in connection with farming. He has always manifested commend-
able interest in the public schools, has served as school director, and has also
tilled the office of township auditor. In politics, be is a Democrat, and in
religion, adheres to the German Reformed church. He has been an elder in the
Evans City congregation for many years. In 1863 be married Elizabeth, daugh-
ter of Peter Marshing, of Penn township, and has four children ; George 11. ;
Charley P. : Sarah M.. and Paulina E.
I 140 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Adam Weber, a native of Baden, Germany, came to the United States
about 1830, and lived in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, about one year. lie was a
miller, and operated a mill in Pittsburg, whence he removed to Butler county
about 1832. lie purchased about 101) acres of land in Penn township, where
his sun John now resides, and this he cleared and improved. He was married
in Germany to Fanny Doup. and was the lather of the following children : Peter,
of Butler township; Samuel, of Forward township; George, a resident of Xew
York state : Adam, of Butler; Susannah, and John, of Penn township. Mr.
Weber died in March. 1865 ; his wife survived until 1883. lie rilled the offices
of constable, and collector ol his township. In religious belief, he was a
Lutheran, and was a trustee in the Lutheran church at Butler.
Samuel Weber, second son of Adam Weber, was born in Germany, Jan-
uary 26, 1826, and was educated in the German schools. lie learned the stone-
mason's trade, and followed that business until 1883, when he retired to his farm
in Forward township, which he hail purchased in 1852. lie cleared and improved
this place and erected all of the present buildings. Mr. Weber was married in
IS."),"), to Anna Welt, a native of Germany, who died in 1874. The following
children were born to this union : Margaret, widow of Hugh Strowick ; John,
of Beaver Falls ; Adam, of Pittsburg; Kate, wife of Jacob Strowick : George,
deceased; Samuel; Fannie, and Louisa, wife of F. Brown. His second wife was
Lucinda, daughter of George Shaffer. Politically, Mr. Weber is a Democrat . and
both he and wife are members of the Lutheran church of Butler.
Henry May was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1834, and came to
Butler county when sixteen years of age, settling in Cranberry township. He
followed farming, and after reaching manhood he bought the Hartman farm, but
subsequently sold it and bought a farm in Forward township, where he died. Feb-
ruary 12, 1880. In 1854 he married Annie, a daughter of Peter Scheide mantle,
of Lancaster township, who bore him a family of seven children : William H. ;
Eli, of Butler ; Annie K., wife of Jonas Hart/.ell, of Penn township; George;
Eva, wife of John Scheidemantle, of Pittsburg; Mary E., and Matilda. Mrs.
May resides at Evans City, and is a member of the Reformed church, to which
denomination her husband belonged. In politics, he was a Democrat, and tilled
the office of school director for one term.
David C. Johnston was born on the Johnston homestead, in Pine town-
ship, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1844, and is a son of John and
Elizabeth (Crawford) Johnston, who were married in 1837. His father was a
native of Pine township, Mercer county, born in lsl">, and by his marriage to
Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander Crawford, he was the father of ten children, as
follows: Albert G. C. ; Elizabeth ; Jane ; Catherine; David C. ; Ruth; Mar-
garet; Hannah; Kennedy K.. and John N. The father died in the spring
of 1864; his widow resides with her daughter, Catherine, at Grove City. The
subject of this sketch was reared upon the homestead in Mercer county, and
received a common school education. He enlisted in Company II. Two Hun-
dred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteers, ami was mustered into service at
Camp Copeland. His company proceeded to Washington, D. C and then went
into service on the Alexandria railroad, where they remained eight months, then
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 1 4 I
returned to the forts at Washington, thence to Camp Copeland, where Mr.
Johnston was mustered out of service June 22, 1865. Returning to Mercer
county he was engaged in the lumber business until 1869, when he embarked in
oil producing at Parker City. From there he came to Butler and operated in
the Thorn Creek field, and has continued the business up to the present. Mr.
Johnston married Mary M., daughter of James McConnell, of Mercer county,
June 4, 1868, to which union were born six children: Edwin E., deceased;
Lester E. ; Willna W. ; Celia A. ; Li/.zie C, and John N. Mr. Johnston is a
member of A. G. Reed Post, G. A. R, ; is a Republican in politics, and was one
of the confreres that nominated John M. Greer for State Senator in 1876. In
1875 he was a candidate for treasurer in Armstrong county, and received every
vote but three in Hovey township, where he lived, and every vote in his pre-
cinct. Though he had been a resident of Armstrong count}- only live years, he
was fourth in the contest for nomination.
Joseph 1ii.akhi.ev was born in Ireland about 1773. received a fair English
education, and after arriving at manhood lie immigrated to the United States
and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Alle-
gheny county. He came to Butler county in 1796. purchased a farm of eighty
acres in what is now Forward township, where he died in 1858. He was mar-
ried in Ireland to a Miss Harvey, who came with him to America, and died in
Butler county, about 1888. Thev were the parents of six children, as follows:
Jane, who married William Mellis ; Delilah, who married Alexander Steel:
Mary, who married Jesse Rolls; Lewis; Harvey, and Joseph. Mr. Blakeley
was a Quaker, and died in that faith.
Lewis Blakeley was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1794,
came to Butler county with his parents when but two years of age, and grew to
manhood in Forward township. In 1815 he married [ane McAllister. She was
born in Washington county, March 7, 1797. a daughter of Archibald McAllister,
a native of Ireland, who settled in Forward township, Butler county, in 1801.
Mr. Blakeley established a distillery on the farm subsequently owned by his son
Andrew, and carried on that business in connection with agriculture for many
years. Lewis and Jane Blakeley were the parents of the following children:
John; Andrew-; Jesse; Isaac: Joseph: Archibald: Lewis; Harvey; William;
Hannah J. ; Thomas G.. and Mordecai G. Archibald and William were mem-
bers of the Butler county bar for several years, and are well known in this
county. Encouraged by their mother's patriotic devotion and loyalty, live of the
sons entered the Union army, and one laid down his life in defence of the flag.
The father died September;!. 1845, leaving to his widow the care of a large
family. She was. however, a woman of keen discretion, strong willpower, and
great industry, and possessed both moral and physical courage. She performed
well the duties that fell to her lot and gave her children every advantage which
the times afforded. She and husband joined the Union church, which was organ-
ized in the neighborhood, and both remained consistent members the balance oi
their lives. Mrs. Blakeley survived her husband nearly thirty-seven years, dying
June 15, 1882, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward Cookson, of Cranberry
township, in the eighty-sixth year of her age.
I I 4 J HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Andrew IIi.akki.ev, second son of Lewis and Jane Blakeley, was horn in
Forward township, Butler county, [une 8, 181<S, grew to manhood in his native
township, and married Sarah Jane Harris, to which union were horn six chil-
dren, viz.: Lewis, a resident of Missouri; William ).. of Adams township ;
Margaret J., wife of John Cooper ; Isaac E., also a resident of Adams; Harriet
E., deceased, and Joseph L., of Jefferson township. Mr. Blakeley is a member
of the Union church, of Adams township, where he now resides, and hauled the
brick used in the erection of the building. In politics, he is a Republican. lie
has followed farming all his life, and is to-day one of the oldest native born citi-
zens of Butler county, in which he has lived for more than three quarters of a
centurv.
Isaac E. Blakelev, son of Andrew Blakeley, was born on the old home-
stead, in Forward township. Butler county, June 7. 1851, received a common
school education, ami learned the marble cutter's trade in Butler. He has
worked at that business ever since, and is now carrying on marble cutting upon
bis farm in Adams township. He married Louisa Behm, a daughter ot Nicholas
Behm, of Forward township, and has seven children, as follows : Henry A. ;
Amelia M. ; Walter G. ; Gertrude A. ; Sarah L. ; Charles J., and John B. Mr.
Blakelev is one of the active workers in the Republican party, ami gives an
unswerving support to the principles and measures of that organization.
William Criswei.i. was born in Down county, Ireland, in 1774, and came
to Philadelphia in 1791, where he began selling goods through the country dis-
tricts surrounding that city. He followed peddling for about seven years, and
in 1798 he crossed the Allegheny mountains on foot, and settled upon a tract of
200 acres of land in what is now Adams township, Butler county, lie was then a
single man, and kept bachelor's hall for two years in a log cabin which he had built
in the midst of the primitive forest. Often the wolves would surround his cabin
as soon as darkness came on and make night hideous with their howling, until
driven away l>\ a -Imt from his trusty ritle. For some time after making his set-
tlement, he engaged in packing salt, ammunition, etc., from Pittsburg. Carlisle,
and Philadelphia, lor the use of the pioneers, and thus earned a little surplus
money. In ]une, 1800, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Robert Cris-
well, of Cumberland county, and the young couple began their married life in
the rude cabin elected two years before. Eleven children were born to this union,
two of whom. |ohn and Isabella, died in early youth. The names of those who
grew to maturity are as follows: Mary, who married William Hutchman; Martha,
who married lames Kidd : Robert, who died unmarried, in 1856; Nancy, who
died single, in 18(58; Margaret, who married Robert McKinney ; Elizabeth, who
became the wife of lames Plummer ; Jane, who married Samuel Purvis, of
Beaver countv : Susanna, who married Samuel Kidd. and James. The parents
were members of the Covenanter church, in which Mr. Criswell was an elder.
They spent their whole married life in this county, and died upon the farm where
they settled.
]a\iks Ckiswell was born in Adams township. Butler county. February 7.
1820, and was the youngest son of William and Margaret Criswell. He grew to
manhood on the old Criswell homestead, and was married November 24, 1S42,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 43
to Elizabeth, daughter of David Spear, of Adams township. They are the par-
ents of seven children as follows : William, deceased; David ; Robert, deceased;
Margaret, wife of Professor Mitchell, of New Wilmington ; John A. ; James P.,
and Mary E., wife of T. L. Donaldson, of Glade Mills. Mr. Criswell was
formerly a Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist. He has tilled several of the
offices in his township, but aside from local matters has taken little interest in
public affairs, devoting his life to agricultural pursuits.
John A. CriSWELL, fourth son of James Criswell. was born May 13, 1853,
and was reared upon his father's farm. lie followed agriculture for some years,
then went into the undertaking and livery business, and is now located at Mars
in that business. lie married Jennie, a daughter of James McKibben, of
Ohio, and has live children : Imo Y. ; Nettie E., deceased; John R.; David
C, and Lulu 15. Mr. Criswell is a member of the United Presbyterian church,
and in politics, he is a Republican.
ANDREW Bark, Sk., was a native of Derrj county, Ireland, and there mar-
ried Jane McKee, about 1794. In 1813, accompanied by his wife and three chil-
dren, John, James and Jane, he immigrated to the United States, and purchased
a tract of land called " Camperdown " from William Roseboro, located in what
is now Adams township. Butler county, Pennsylvania. Here Andrew and wife
spent the remainder of their lives, and did their full share towards the improve-
ment of the township. John married lane Dickey : James, married Jane Spear,
and was killed while assisting in the erection of a barn on the Ross farm; while
Jane remained unmarried, ami died in 1878, aged seventy-eight years. Tin- par-
ents were members of the Covenanter church.
John Baku was born in Ireland, in 1795, was the eldest child of Andrew and
|ane Barr, and came to Butler county with his parents, where he grew to man-
hood. In 1821 he was married to Jane Dickey, daughter of David Dickey, of
Deer Creek township, Allegheny county, to which union were born seven chil-
dren: Mary J., deceased wife of Jacob Stoup; Andrew, and David, both
deceased ; James ; Margaret E., deceased; Margaret E., named for her deceased
sister, and John. The parents were members of the Covenanter church, and died
upon their farm in Adams township, which is now the property of their son.
lame-. They were worth}- people, and won the respect and confidence of the
community in which they resided.
James Barr was born April .">. 1828, upon the homestead in Adam- town-
ship, Butler county, and is the oldest living son of John and Jane Barr. He
received a good common school education, and has been a farmer all hi- life. Mr.
Barr has been twice married, his first wife being Mary Ann. daughter 0!' [saac
Sterrett, of Lawrence county, who became the mother of one son. John C, born
January 26, 1854. His second wife was Matilda, daughter of Archibald S.
McCord, of Allegheny county. Both he and wife are members of the United
Presbyterian church, in which denomination he has been trustee for a number of
years, and is now filling the office of deacon. In politics, be is a stanch Repub-
lican, has filled the office of justice of the peace for ten years, and has been a school
director for the same length of time. He is one of the leading farmers of his
township, and takes an active part in the public affair- of the county.
1144 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Andrew Barr was born about 18:25. upon the old Barr homestead, in
Adams township, Butler county, son of John and Jane (Dickey) Barr. He
was reared upon his father's farm, and was educated in a subscription school of
his neighborhood. He married Nancy G., daughter of Judge Samuel Marshall,
of Butler county, to which union nine children were born, as follows : Samuel
f. ; Esther 1>. : Mary, and Nancy (>.. all of whom are dead; two who died in
infancy: Emma 1.: John C, and Andrew M. The parents were members of
the United Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Barr was an elder for thirty years.
lie was a Republican, in politics, and filled several of the township offices at
different periods. Mrs. Barr died July 20, 1880, and her husband July 5, 1892.
John C. Barr, physician and surgeon, was born April 28, 1859, upon the
homestead farm in Cranberry township, son of Andrew and Nancy G. Parr.
After receiving a common school education, he spent three years at Sharp-burg
Academy, preparing for a college course, taught school for two years, and then
entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, in 1883, where he was grad-
uated April l1. 1885. He was resident physician at the Women's Hospital, West
Philadelphia, for six months, and then located at Mars, Butler county, where he
has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. lie is surgeon for the
Pittsburg and Western Railway Company. Dr. Barr was married September 26,
L888, to Lulu C, a daughter of Abraham Campbell, of Pittsburg, and has one
daughter. Helen C. lie is a trustee in Mars United Presbyterian church, and in
politics, he is a Republican. He was elected a delegate to the Republican State
Convention of 1894, having the largest vote in the county. Dr. Barr is an
ex-president of the Butler County Medical Society, and is one of its active and
most useful members. He is a member of the State Medical Society, also of the
National Association of Railway Surgeons, and since locating at Mars he has
built up a gratifying practice.
Andrew M. Barr, youngest son of Andrew and Nancy G. Barr, was born
upon the old homestead in Cranberry township. Butler county, April 18, hst'>7,
received a good common school education,' and also graduated at Duff's Commer-
cial College. lie studied medicine and graduated from the Medical Department
of the Western University in the spring of 1894, and is now practicing his pro-
fession in Pittsburg. In 1892 he married Bessie Campbell, of that city, and has
one child, DeWitl C.
William McM vrlix was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in October,
17'.|v. son of William McMarlin, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, born in 1 T53.
His father came to the United State's ami settled on the Susquehanna, near the
site of Harrisburg, where he died in 1843. The subject of this sketch was reared
on his father's farm, and was educated in the pioneer subscription schools, lie
married Magdalena Burkhart, a daughter of Jacob Burkhart, of Allegheny
county. In lsi'i' he purchased a farm ot 133 acres in Adams township, which he
cleared and improved; it is now the home of his son. fames A. Mr. McMarlin
was the father of eight children, as follows : Jacob I!. ; William D. : John, and
David, the last three of whom are dead; Mary: David, and Martha J., both
deceased, and James A. In early lite he was a member of the Covenanter
church , but later joined the United Presbyterian faith and was an elder in that
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. II45
church for thirty years. In politics, he was originally a Whig, and afterwards a
Republican, and seldom voted any other ticket. lie died at Tally Cavey in
October, 1883.
James A. McMarlin, youngest son of William and Magdalena McMarlin,
was born upon his present farm, March 17, 1837, and was reared and educated
in Adams township. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, First Pennsylvania
Cavalry, under Capt. William Williams, and served six months on scouting duty.
He was then honorably discharged, and soon after re-enlisted in Battery L, Sec-
ond Pennsylvania Artillery, under Capt. Paul T. Jones. He participated in the
battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, "Xorth Anna, Bethesda
Church, Cold Harbor, Weldon Railroad, Siege of Petersburg, Mine Explosion,
Fort Harrison, and the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. He was discharged
from the service February 11, 1866, and then returned to his home in Butler
county. Mr. McMarlin was married October 3, 1864, to Emma, daughter of
Samuel Duncan, and is the father of six children : Grant, deceased; John G. :
William J.; Harry S., deceased; Jacob S.. and Bertha P. He is stanch Repub-
lican, has filled several of the township offices, and was elected treasurer of But-
ler county in 1SS4, which position he creditably filled for a full term. Both he
and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church. He is a prominent
and influential citizen, anil one of the progressive and enterprising farmers of the
county.
Hon. .Samuel Marshall was born in Antrim county, Ireland, April li-
1800, came to Pennsylvania, with his parents. James and Jean (Peebles) Mar-
shall, in 1822, remained two years in Pittsburg, and in 1824 located in what is
now Penn township, Butler county. After coming to this country he worked at
various occupations until his marriage, in 1825, to Mary Gilliland, a daughter of
Barnet Gilliland, of Connoquenessing township, when he settled on a farm
belonging to his father-in-law in what is now Adams township. He soon began
to take an active part in political affairs, was elected a justice of the peace and
to other minor positions in his township, and in 1N48 was appointed associatf
judge of Butler county, was elected to the same position in 1851, again in 1^7".
and re-elected in 1875. He was serving on the bench at the time of his death-
November 1, 1880. Hi> wife died several years before, after a married life of
more than half a century. Judge Marshall was extensively engaged in farming
and stock raising, and was one of the largest real estate owners in the county.
He was the father of the following children : James, and Atherton, both
deceased : Mary G., wife of Andrew Boggs : Jane, widow of William Goehring,
Esther, deceased wife of David Boyd; Kennedy, of Butler township; Daniel G...
and Thomas M., both residents of Adams township; Sarah J., wife of James
Boyle; Elizabeth B., deceased wife of Adam English, and Samuel J., of Adams
township. In early life Judge Marshall was a Whig, but upon the formation of
the Know Nothing party he became a Democrat, being bitterly opposed to pro-
scription of any kind. I le was an active anti-slavery advocate, and before the
war his house was a station on the underground railroad for many years. He was
a delegate to the Cincinnati convention that nominated Buchanan for the presi-
dency, also to that of 1864 which nominated McClellan to the same office. He
114(> HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was often a delegate to the State conventions and was a leading member of the
Democratic party in this section of the State. In 1832 he joined theNew School
Presbyterian church, which later merged into the United Presbyterian denomi-
nation, ami was a member of Union, ami Mount Pleasant churches, of Adams
tow nship.
Thomas Kennedy was horn in Derry county, Ireland, about 1776. and came
to the United States in 1812, coming direct to Butler county, Pennsylvania. He-
settled upon a farm of 250 acres in Adams township, which he purchased from
fohn Dunn, lie learned the carpenter's trade in his native land, was a well
educated man, and taught school for several years, but after settling in Butler
county he devoted his attention to farming. lie was a member of the Covenan-
ter church down to within six years of his death, when he joined the United
Presbyterian church. He died June 11. Is77. His wife survived him until
February, 1883. Her maiden name was Anna Purvis, and she was a daughter
of William Purvis of l'ine township, Allegheny county. She was the mother of
seven children, six of whom grew to maturity, as follows : Samuel A. ; Robert ;
Alexander: Thomas \Y. ; John, ami Mary [., deceased.
John Kennedy, son of Thomas and Anna Kennedy, was horn upon the
homestead farm in Adams township, Butler county, May ti. 183-4, received a
common school education, and was reared a farmer. In politics, he has always
been a Republican, anil has been township assessor, collector and overseer of the
poor. lie is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and has been church
auditor for several years. He married Mary D., a daughter of David Douthett,
of Indiana, and has had nine children, as follows: Alexander K.. who died Jan-
uary 31, 1893; Mamie ).. wife of William Graham, of Allegheny; Thomas C. :
William C; Leonard; Theora X.; Florence (i.; Eva <>.. and lames F, Mr.
Kennedy has several producing oil wells on his farm, and is one of the prosperous
farmers of the township.
ROBERT Duncan was born in Cranberry township. Butler county, in Feb-
ruary, 1813, and was a son of Samuel Duncan, who came to this county in 1706.
He grew up amidst the scenes of pioneer days, and obtained a few months
schooling in the subscription schools of that period. He followed agricultural
pursuits until his death. He married Julia Anna Graham, whose father was
a resident of Connoquenessing township, to which union were born nine chil-
dren : William : Nancy, who married James McCaw : Fnos C. : Isaac X. ;
Beriah M. ; Alexander C. ; Presley; Robert B., and Mrs. Julia Wilson. Mr.
Duncan and wife were members of Mt. Pleasant United Presbyterian church,
and in politics, he was a Republican. lie tilled most of the township offices, aud
was one of the respected fanners of his community.
Presley' Duncan was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, April
21, 1S48, son of Robert Duncan, and grandson of Samuel Duncan. He was
reared upon the homestead farm, and learned the plasterer's trade, which busi-
ness he is now carrying on at Mars. Butler county. He was married April 15,
1875, to Christina, a daughter of Edward List, of Adams tow nship. She died
October 25. Is7b. IK- was again married, to Grace E. S. Clow, a daughter of
Samuel C. Clow, of Xorth Sewickley, Beaver county. They are the parents of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 47
five children : Walter R. ; Clarence J.; Anna L. ; Zelia C, and Presley E. Mr.
Duncan is an elder in the United Presbyterian church, and is a stanch Repub-
lican.
[ames Magee, Si;., was born in Derry county, Ireland, in 1769, grew to
manhood in his native land, and immigrated to the United States at tha age of
twenty-tour years. In the last decade of the Eighteenth century he settled on
100 acres of land in what is now Jackson township, Butler county, Pennsylvania,
and afterwards purchased 230 acres additional. He later removed to Allegheny
county, but returned to Butler county in 1*21. lie had learned the cooper's
trade in Ireland, and followed that business after coining to America, but after
locating in Puller county he devoted his principal attention to fanning. To
lames and fane Magee were born thirteen children, as follows : Isabella.
deceased wife of Rodv Miller, of Allegheny county; Mary A., deceased wife of
John Flanagan, of Westmoreland county; Robert; Elizabeth, who married
Thomas MeCall. of Allegheny county; Rebecca, who married Joseph Douthett,
of Butler county ; William; George; Jane, who married Herman DeHaven, of
Allegheny City ; Susan; Lucinda ; Margaret, who became the wife of James
Anderson ; James, and )ohn, all of whom are dead. Mr. Magee was a member
of the Reformed Presbyterian church. lie died in 1846, in the seventy-seventh
year of his age.
James Magee was born in Pine Creek township, Allegheny county, in
1>S14, son of James Magee, Si\, the pioneer of Jackson township, Butler county.
He was reared upon his father's farm, and in 1839 he married Mary Douthett, a
daughter of Benjamin Douthett, of this county, who bore him a family of ten
children : William B. ; Jane E. ; Sarah M., wife of Dr. Thomas J. Blackwood,
of Xew Castle: Martha, deceased wife of Cunningham Dickey; Rebecca, who
married Thompson McKinnev; Rosanna, deceased; Lucinda; James D. ; Alzina
J., wife of James Carpenter, and Leonidas W. Mr. Magee died September IO,
ls64, and his wife September 20, of the same year. They were members of the
Reformed Presbyterian church in early life, but afterwards joined the United
Presbyterian church, and died in that faith. In politics, he was a Republican,
but took little interest in public affairs.
John Magee was born in Allegheny county. November 1, 1818, and is the
youngest son of lames Magee. Sr. In 1850 he married Margaret A. Alexander.
a daughter of William Alexander, of Beaver county. She died in 1887. They
were the parents of six children, three of whom grew to maturity, as follows:
William J., deceased: Mary J., wife of George Welsh, of Jackson township,
and Martha S.. deceased wife of George McGaw, of Mais. Mr. Magee is a mem-
ber of the Reformed Presbyterian church, and has held the office of elder in
that denomination. He is one of the oldest citizens of Jackson township.
James D. Magee, son of James and Mary (Douthett) Magee. was born upon
the homestead near Brownsdale, Butler county. January 10. 1854, and grew to
maturity in his native township. He has been twice married; first to Elizabeth
J. Dodds, daughter of David Dodds of Adams township, September 22, 1872
who bore him a family of five children : Mary I. : David D. ; Rebecca M..
feceased; Bertha B.. and Edith M. Mrs. Mauve died February 4. 1884. He
II4S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was again married April 8, 1887, to Sarah U. Crawford, a daughter of Sample
Crawford, of Allegheny county, who is the mother of two children : Marian C,
and Anna M. Mr. Magee is a Republican, in politics, and has been assessor in
his township three terms, and school director for seven years. He has always
taken an active interest in educational matters, and is also trustee and treasurer
in the United Presbyterin church.
John Irvine was born in what is now Adams township, Butler county,
Pennsylvania, May 1, 1S24. and died March 22, 1864. He received a good edu-
cation and taught for some years in connection with agricultural pursuits. He
married Angeline Johnson, a daughter of Joseph Johnson, of Adams township,
to which union were born seven children : John Q. A.; Samuel B. ; Josephine,
deceased; Cameron B. ; Joseph C. ; Wellington A., and Alpheus C. Mr. Irvine
was a surveyor, and ran the lines dividing old Cranberry township into the sev-
eral new ones. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, was a
trustee in that denomination for a number of years, and in politics, he supported
the Republican party.
Wellington A. Irvine, son of John and Angeline Irvine, was born upon
the homestead in Adams township. Butler county, September l' 1 , I860. After
receiving a common school education, he attended Grove City College for two
terms, and subsequently engaged in teaching. He also learned the painter's
trade, which he followed in connection with leaching for some time, afterwards
engaging in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Irvine married Amelia Gilliland,a daii>_<-|i-
ter of William II. Gilliland, of Adams township, and lias three children : Rachel
E. ; Lulu A., and Chauncey C. Politically, he is a Republican, and in religion,
is an adherent of the United Presbyterian church.
James Davison was born in Down county, Ireland, and came to America
in 1775, where he soon afterwards joined the Continental army and served
in the Revolutionary war. He was captured by the Indians in one of the
battles, and was kept a prisoner by the savages for some time. He was twice
married. By his first wife he was the father of rive children : Samuel: John;
William: Mary, who married a Mr. Williams, and Margaret, who married a Mr.
Rose. I lis first wife died in 1843, and he was again married, but had no chil-
dren by this union. Early in the present century he settled in Adams township.
Butler county, where the remaining years of his life were spent.
William Davison, Sr., was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and
was a son of James Davison. lie came with his parents to tliis county, and
spent his life upon the homestead farm in Adams township. He married Mar-
garet Houghton, who bore him a family of six children, as follows: Mary A..
deceased; James K. : William: Margaret, who married L. Wilson ; Lavina.
deceased, and one that died in early youth. In politics, Mr. Davison was a
Democrat, but took very little interest in political matters. His wife died
August l\ 1858; he survived her until April. 1880.
James K. Davison, eldest son of William Davison, was born in Is44.
upon the homestead farm, in Adams township. He has always been engaged in
farming. He married Martha J., daughter of Roger McDonald, of Allegheny
county, and is the father of rive children : Eliza I..: William R. ; Lawrence C
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 149
deceased: Thomas F., and Darwin \V. Mr. Davison and wife are members of
the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
William Davison was born in Adams township, Butler county, in 1^."J7.
and was reared upon the old homestead, receiving a common school education at
the district school, lie married Rosilla Wilson, to which union have been born
six children, as follows: Clinton R. ; Edward B., deceased; Cynthia A.; Theo-
dore B. ; Xora L., and Nancy B.. deceased. lie and wile are members of the
United Presbyterian church, and politically, he has always voted the Republican
ticket.
Hugh Kidd was born in Pine township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania,
about 1818, was reared a farmer, and received a limited education in the pioneer
schools of his neighborhood. He married Margaret Spear, a daughter of David
Spear, one of the first settlers of Adams township, Butler county, in 1830, and
purchased the Spear farm, containing 150 acres, upon which he and wife settled.
They became the parents of nine children, as follows: David S.. and Sarah E.,
both deceased; Robert; Hugh Mc, deceased ; Mary J., wife of Fred Fleisner.of
Butler county, and fames, Margaret E., and William, all of whom are dead, and
Elizabeth, deceased wife of Anderson Purvis, of Beaver county. Hugh Mc and
James enlisted in Company C, Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
were killed at the battle of Perrvville. Kentucky, and buried upon the battle-
field. Mr. Kidd and wife were members of the l'nited Presbyterian church, and
died upon the homestead in Adams township. He was a Whig in early life, and
afterwards a Republican, and was connected with the State Militia.
Robert Kidd was born Decembvr 6, 1833, upon his present farm in Adams
township, and is the eldest living child of Hugh and Margaret Kidd. lie was
reared to farm life, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He enlisted
in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
served nine months, being honorably discharged in June, 18(58. He was married
in February, 1864, to Rosanna Douthett, a daughter of John Douthett, of Adams
township, and is the father of nine children, seven of whom are living, as fol-
low-: James L. : Maggie E. ; Ulysses Roscoe ; John II. ; Elvira E. ; Ordillah
[., and Blanche E. Mr. Kidd is a trustee in the United Presbyterian church, is
a Prohibitionist in politics, and has tilled most of the township otliccs at differ-
ent periods.
William Cashdollar was born in Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, in
1801, came to Butler county in boyhood, and was reared by Joseph Parks, of
Middlesex township. After reaching manhood he married Margaret Richardson,
a daughter of Joseph Richardson, of Adams township, to which union were horn
twelve children : Catherine, who married Robert Hoon ; John F. : William S. ;
Joseph; James; Margaret A., who married Jacob M. Miller: George W.,
deceased; Mary E., wife of Samuel Staples; Rosanna, wife of John A. Purvis;
Samuel B. ; Thomas D., and Matilda, wife of Samuel Ramsey. Mr. Cashdollar
died July 4, 1882, at the age of eighty-one years. lie was a member of the United
Presbyterian church, and filled the office of elder in that denomination, lie was
a stanch Democrat, and was tax collector of Cranberrv township, and supervisor
I I 50 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of Adams township. Mr. Cashdollar was one of the substantial and respected
citizens of lint K-r county.
[oiin F. Cashdoi.lah was born in Cranberry township, now Adams, Butler
county, January 19, 1835, and was reared and educated in his native township.
lie was married December 111, 1858, to Catherine Beers, a daughter of lames
Beers, of Adams township. They are the parents of eleven children , ;is follows :
Jane, wife of Frederick McXeal; Samuel J., deceased; Margaret E., wife of
John B.Hill; James M. ; William O., deceased ; Elizabeth B., wife of Harvey
Miller; Robert F., deceased ; Charles A. ; Albert C. ; David R., and Walter F.
Mr. Cashdollar and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, in
which he is a trustee. In politics, he is a Democrat; was elected County auditor
in 1878, and tilled that office for three years. He takes an active interest in
educational matters, and has served as school director.
JOSEPH CashdollAI! was horn in what is now Adams township. Butler
county, upon the old homestead near Myoma, December (3, 1887, and is the third
son of William Cashdollar. lie grew to manhood engaged in the usual routine
of a farmer's life, and was engaged in that vocation when he enlisted in Company
D, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 7. 1862.
He served in the battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg, and was honorably
discharged from the service June 3, 1863. Returning to his home, he was mar-
ried to Sophia Staples, daughter of fob Staples, of Adams township, in Septem-
ber, 1864. Mrs. Cashdollar died in 1871, and the following year he married
Elizabeth P., a daughter oi Anthony Ramsey, of Cranberry township, to which
union wire born live children ; Lawrence B. ; Walter; Anthony S.; Edith E. ;
and Elizabeth, deceased. The mother died in 1881, and he married Miss Mar-
burger, a daughter of Milton Marburger, of Adams township, in 1882. Three
children are the fruits of this marriage, as follows: Milton; William, and
George. Mr. Cashdollar is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and is
a deacon in that denomination. lie is filling the office of notary public at the
present time, and has also been a justice of the peace.
William Sterrett, physician and surgeon, was horn September 25, 1824,
and settled at Evans City, Butler county, in 1848, when- he practiced his pro-
fession for several years. lie married Sarah A., daughter of Maj. John Fife, of
Allegheny county, who bore him a family of four children : Samuel O. ; Will-
iam 11., deceased: Anna 15.. wife of William Fife, and Evadna M.. who is en-
gaged in missionary work near Tarsus, Asia. Dr. Sterrett died in 1857, and his
wife in March. 1858.
Samuel O. Sterrett, physician and surgeon, was born at Evans City,
Butler county, March 7. 1851, and is the eldest in the family of Dr. William
Sterrett. lie received a common school education, then attended Bethel Acad-
emy, and subsequently entered Western University. He taught school for nine
years and was recognized as a successful teacher. In the meantime he com-
menced the si udy of medicine, attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College,
was graduated from that institution in the class of 1S80, and located in practice
at Pittsburg with his uncle. Dr. S. A. Sterrett. In 1881 he moved to Valencia
station, Butler county, where he has since been engaged in the duties of his pro-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 5 I
fession. He married Sarah A., daughter of William Brown, of Pittsburg, and is
the father of eight children, as follows : William L. ; )ames M. ; Samuel A. :
Norman Mc. ; Wilson B. : David M. ; Evadna I, and Carl 1". Dr. Sterrett is one
of the well known members of his profession in Butler county, enjoys a lucrative
practice, and has won the esteem and confidence of the community in which he
has resided for the past fourteen years.
David Shannon, Si;., was born in Down county, Ireland, in 1788, and
came with his parents to Butler county in childhood. They settled in Muddy
Creek township, where David grew to maturity. lie learned the blacksmith's
trade, at which he worked for main years, and afterwards purchased the Allen
mill property, where he erected a grist, woolen and saw mill. He sold this
property anil bought 4-00 acres of land in Connoquenessing township, upon
which his descendants still reside. Mr. Shannon was twice married. His first
wife was Elizabeth White, anil his second, Anna White, her sister. He was the
father of eight children, as follows : John L. ; Matthew W. ; Rachel, who mar-
ried Alfred Ilines; Fannie, who married Matthew McCollough : Mary, who
married Robert Lemmon ; Elizabeth; David, and Samuel. Mr. Shannon died in
1880, and his wife in IS?'.'. They were members of the United Presbyterian
church, in which he rilled the office of elder. Mr. Shannon was ;l Republican,
and served as a justice of the peace for several years.
Matthew W. Shannon was born on the homestead farm in Connoquenes-
sing township, Butler countv, December 5, 1821, second -on of David Shannon.
He was reared a tanner, and is now a resilient of Mt. Chestnut. In L845 he
married Mary Stephenson, a daughter of Nathaniel Stephenson , of Franklin
township, to which union were born nine children, vi/.. : David, and Stephen-
son, both deceased: fennie, who married Abraham Hemphill: Alfred, deceased:
John F. ; Annie, wife of W. [. Moore; Sophronia II.. wile of Clarence Double:
Matthew \\ ., and Benjamin F. Mr. Shannon is an adherent of the Republican
party, has tilled the offices of school director, assessor, collector, and supervisor,
and has been constable of the township for thirteen years. He is a member of
the United Presbyterian church.
John F. Shannon, son of Matthew W. and Mary Shannon, was born in
Connoquenessing township. Butler county, December 22, 1854. He received a
good education and taught school for eight years. In 18812 he became a sales-
man for W. II. Walters, was railroad agent and assistant postmaster, and sales-
man for Thomas Marshall at Mars, and subsequently clerked for Frank Eich-
holtz, at Saxon Station. In 1888 he purchased the store of A. M. Beers, at
Callerv, where he has since carried on the mercantile business. Since 1894 the
firm has been Shannon Brothers. He was appointed postmaster at Callery in
1888, and served until August 15, 1X91. Mr. Shannon was married on June 5,
1884, to Bessie A. Rice, daughterof Ilenrv B. Rice, of Cranberry township. They
are the parents of five children, named as follows: Franklin \\\. deceased:
Harry W. ; Orian F., deceased: Mvma M., and Cleo B.
Isaac Covkkt was born in Jackson township. Butler county, Pennsylvania,
and grew to manhood in this county, receiving a limited education in the pio-
neer subscription schools. Like the majority of the pioneers he engaged in farm-
1152 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ing and followed that vocation. About 1819 he married Kate A. Roseboro, who
became the mother of three children, as follows : Harriet, who married William
"ark. of Allegheny City ; Charlotte, who married Robert Spear, of Adams town-
ship, and Mary A., who married Joseph Fowler, and after his death Curtis Fox.
Mrs. Covert died in 1844, and he was married to Mrs. Louisa Crowe in 1S45.
One son, Miles, was the fruit of this union. Mr. Covert died in 1870; his widow
survived until January, 1893. They were members of the Baptist church. In
politics, he was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican. Mr. Covert settled
on a tract of 100 acres of land in Adams township, and through the passing years
he accumulated a large estate, and at his death was the owner of 500 acres. He
was one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of the township, and
enjoyed the confidence of the community wherein his life was passed.
Mii.es Covert was born upon the homestead in Adams township, Hurler
county, March 10, 1846, received a common school education, and was reared a
practical farmer. On August 21, 1869, he married Maggie S. Boggs,a daughter
of William Boggs, of Covington, Kentucky. Ten children were the fruits of this
union, whose names are as follows : Leonard S. ; Charles H. ; Lily L., wife of
George Dodds, of Butler; John W. ; Andrew J. ; Albert M. ; Lida E. ; Louisa S.;
Isaac, and Maggie S. Mr. Covert was a member of the United Presbyterian
church, and a trustee in that denomination for many years. Politically, he was a
Republican, tilled the office of school director, and always took a prominent part
in public affairs. He was one of the most influential and enterprising men in his
native township, and was highly respected by all who knew him. lie died
September 11, 1893, in his forty-eighth year, after a long illness and much suffer-
ing, which he bore with christian fortitude. Mrs. Covert was married Novem-
ber 2s, 1894, to V. K. Morrison, of Butler, but still resides on the homestead
farm.
John Hall was born in eastern Pennsylvania, in February, 180(3, son of
Joseph E. Hall, who was born in that part of the State about 177'.). His father
was a farmer and lumberman, and married Phoebe Covert about 1802. They
were the parents of eight children: Ruhama, who married Samuel Freeman;
John; Hall; Enoch; Mary A., who married William McGarey ; Patience, who
married William Kennedy; Priscilla, who married lohn Randolph, and Kerdilla,
who married John S. Lucas. The subject of this sketch was a stonemason,
came to Butler county in 1830, where he followed his trade for several years, and
purchased a farm in 1839. He married Priscilla Covert, a daughter of Morris
Covert, of Butler county, and was the father of the following children : Hulda ;
Algernon, deceased ; Cyrus W. ; Annie, who married Andrew Dunn ; Joseph,
and Isaac, both deceased ; Minerva, and Enoch. Mr. Hall was a member of the
Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a Democrat. He died upon his
homestead in this county, in 1880; his wife died in 1885.
Cyrus W. Hall was born at Harmony, Butler county, October 18, 188(3,
and was the second son of John and Priscilla Hall. lie received a common
school education, and was reared a farmer, which vocation he has always followed.
He was married three times; first to Lydia Morehead, a daughter of James More-
head of Jefferson county, October 16, 1,S(32, and had one child by this union, Rose E.
ZgAAi^O- c=^^£, s%J
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 53
Mrs. Hall died April 80, 1866, and he was again married April 30, 1868, to Mrs.
Liken, a daughter of John Covert, who died April 16, 1ST-. His third wife was
Luna J., daughter of George Best, of Armstrong county, whom he married Sep-
tember 20, 1ST-). Four children were horn to this union, as follows : Lester C. ;
John M.; Wilbert, and Li/./.ie E. Mr. Hall is an elder in the Presbyterian
church, and in politics, he is a Prohibitionist.
Peter Nicklas was horn in France, in .1777, grew to maturity in his native
land, and served in the French army under Napoleon the Great. He married in
France, Margaret Firestine, and was the father of four children, as follows :
Margaret, who married a Mr. Obert ; Jacob; George H., and Charles, all of whom
are dead. In 1833 Mr. Nicklas and family immigrated to Leaver county, Penn-
sylvania, but afterwards removed to Adams township, Puller county, where he
died in 1854. His wife died in 1850. They were members of the Lutheran
church, and followed farming as a vocation.
George H. Nicklas was born in France in May, 1807, was reared in his
native land, and there learned the weaver's trade. He came to the United States
before his parents, and located in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he cleared
and improved a farm. lie was married in that county, in 1831, to Mary L.,
daughter of Henry Lux, to which union were born ten children : Mary, who
married William Staley ; Daniel P.; George; Henry; Gundy; Margaret, who
married Barney Barron; William; Sarah, who married John Datt ; Lydia, who
married Joseph Ott, and Michael. Mr. Nicklas moved to Allegheny county,
from Beaver, and remained six years, and in 1853 purchased 116 acres of land
in Adams township, Butler county. He resided in this township until 1869, and
then bought a half section of land in Iowa, located upon it and resided there
until his death, in 1879. Mr. Nicklas was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and an ordained minister in that denomination. Politically, he was a
Republican, and during his residence in Adams township filled most of the town-
ship offices.
Daniel P. Nicklas was born in Beaver county, November L'li. 1835, and is
the eldest son of George II. and Mary E. Nicklas. He attended the district
school of his neighborhood in boyhood and was reared upon his father's farm.
lie was married October IS, 1857, to Christina, daughter of Jacob Foltz, of
Forward township, to which union have been born ten children, as follows;
Daniel: Mary, and William, both deceased; Wesley J.; Sarah L. ; Grant G. ;
John; Edward; Lydia, and Margaret. Mr. Nicklas came to Butler county with
his father in 1855, purchased twenty-five acres of land in Adams township in
1858, to which he subsequently added fifty acres. This farm he afterwards sold,
and bought the old Sproul farm, upon which he now resides. He has since
added forty-one acres of the Stoolfire farm. lie is a member of the Methodist
Protestant church, and an earnest supporter of that denomination. Politically,
he is a Republican, and has filled the offices of collector, assessor, and overseer
of the poor.
William Thieleman was born in Westphalia, Germany, July 9, 1824,
grew to manhood in his native land, and came to the United States in 1845. He
settled in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in steamboating, sub-
1154 HISTOR\ OF BUTLER COUNTY.
sequenth <_roiiii^ into the hotel business in ihal city. In December, 1857, he
removed to Butler county, where Ik- purchased the Dunn farm of ninety acres,
upon which lie has since resided. In 1874 he bought tin- Roger McDonald farm
of 108 acres, and is thus the owner of nearly L't II I acres of land. Mr. Thieleman
married Wilhelmina Xicmier, and they arc the parents of the following children :
llem\ C, and Charles F., both deceased; Christian II.: Conrad I-\. deceased:
Herman 11.; Sophia W., wife of Mercer T. Marshall, of Mars; Maudana;
Louis W. ; Mary \\'., and one thai died in youth, Mr. Thieleman is an elder in
the German Lutheran church, and in politics, he has always supported the Dem-
ocratic ticket.
Christian II. Thieleman was horn in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania,
October 13. 1851, and is the oldest living child of William Thieleman. He came
with his parents to Butler county, where he was reared upon his father's farm.
In 1886 he married Caroline, daughter of Henry Thicker, of Adams township.
She died June 12, 1887- His second wife was Mrs. Mary S. Black, a daughter
of William Hespenheide, of Adams township, bv whom he has two children :
Francis VV., and Elmer R. Mr. Thieleman is a member of the German Lutheran
church, is a director in the public schools, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
David Balfour was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, in 17'.^. grew to
maturity in his native land, and in 1828 married Margaret Stevenson, a daughter
of John Stevenson, of Wigtonshire. In the spring of 1836 he immigrated to
Philadelphia, came to Pittsburg, in the same year, and found employment in a
stone quarry. Eighteen months afterwards he settled on a farm in Allegheny
county, and followed farming in that county for thirteen years. lie then came
to Butler count v, and purchased the Zortsman farm, in Adams township, from
Judge ISrcdin. containing 185 acres, and died in the following August. I lis
widow survived until 1878. They were the parents of two children, Samuel and
John. M r. Balfour and wife w ere members of the Established church of Scotland,
and on coming to this countn thev united with the Presbyterian church, and died
in that faith.
John Balfouh was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland. Augusl I. 1835, and
came to Butler county with his parents. lie grew to manhood in this county-
and has always hL-en engaged in tanning. L-pon his farm are located five produc-
ing wells, oik- of which is the celebrated "Old Balfour. Number 1." which has
been producing oil since 1885, and is the oldest producing Hundred Foot well in
the State. It stalled at sixty barrels per day, and is now producing eighteen
barrels per day. Mr. Balfour is quite an active Democrat, and is a member of
the United Presbyterian church. < >n August 21, 1873, he married Mary A.,
daughter of John Cochrane, of Allegheny county, who died the following
October. lie was again married October 12, 1875, to Nevie A., daughter of (i.
W. Richardson of Adams township, to which union have been born eight chil-
dren : Amelia II.: Stewart B. ; John O., deceased; George F. ; Margaret B.,
deceased; Chalmers I!.: Olive M., and Dight.
Fiiam'is McCrum was born in Derry county, Ireland, about 1810, grew to
manhood in his native land, and immigrated to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1843,
where lie was employed in teaming and freighting. While there In- married, in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES
1844, Mary Hunter, a daughter of William Hunter of that city. He came i<>
Butler county about 1850, and purchased 100 acres of land in Adams township,
upon which he settled ami lived for nearly forty years, dying upon the home-
stead in 1888. His wife died in 1866. Both were members of the Presbyterian
church, and in politics. Mr. McCrum was a Republican. They were the par-
ent- ot seven children , as follows: William, deceased : I.vdia A., who married
William Cox of Adams township; James, deceased ; Annie, deceased wife of
Charles Cowan: Alexander: Francis, and Isaac, both deceased.
Alexander McCrum, son of Francis and Mary McCrum. was bom in
Adams township, Butler county, December II, 1850, and was reared upon the
McCrum homestead. He learned the brick and stonemason's trade, and has fol-
lowed that occupation for many years. He married Elizabeth B. Ogden, a
daughter of Rev. Ephraim Ogden, of Middlesex township, July 80, 1874. He i-
a member of the Presbyterian church, and is an adherent of the Republican
party.
Charles Langhokst was bom in Prussia, Germany, September 1, 1*25,
and entered the Prussian army at the MLje of nineteen years, and was discharged
from the service in 1S47. lb- immigrated from Germany in September, 1847,
and located in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he followed shoe-making.
He remained there until 1866, and then came to Butler county, purchased a farm
in Adams township, of Judge Samuel Marshall, upon which he has since resided.
He married Regina. a daughter of William Niegengard, of Allegheny City, to
which union twelve children have been born, as follow-: William C: Henn
C. : Mary A., who married James Loughead, of Middlesex township; Tillie E..
who married Christian Otto, of Allegheny City; Charles II.: Annie, wife of
Benjamin Skiles. of Allegheny City : Agnes; Menie, wife of Berr_\ Coopei . oi
Adams township; Regina; James E., and two died in infancy. In August.
1861, Mr. Langhorst enlisted in Company F, Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, and participated in the battles of Cross Keys. Freeman's Ford, Sulphur
Springs, Waterloo Bridge. Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Sea-
brook Island, etc., and was in regimental hospital near Stafford Court House with
frozen feet, ami again at Long Isle, with rheumatism, contracted from exposure
in the service. He was furloughed at Stafford Court Ilou-e in tin- spring of
1863, rejoined hi- command at the same point, and was detailed in the spring ol
1864 to make leather cases for carrying shell-, which he worked at about six
week- on Mare Island. lie wa- honorably discharged from the service near
Washington, I). C, September 19, 1*64. Mr. Langhorsl i- an elder in the
Lutheran church, and in politic-, he is a Republican.
Iami.s Sloan was born in Allegheny countv. Pennsylvania, June 12, 1812,
and was educated at a subscription school. He always took an active interest in
educational matter-, and was a member of the school board for many years. lie
married Isabella, a daughter of William McMarland, of Allegheny county, to
which union were born eight children : Martha B., who married Joseph Logan :
William A.; Margaret J., who married James Forsythe ; Robert 1'.: James R. :
John D., who served in the Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and who
married Mi— Nora Titus, of McKean countv; Catherine, who married Erastus
I I 56 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
R. McCandless, and Sarah I>. Mr. Sloan was a member of the United Presby-
terian church, and in politics, he was iirst a Whig, and afterwards a Republican,
lie died January 30, 1873; his wife survived him until December 21, 1888.
William A. Sloan was born in Pine township, Allegheny county, June
22, 1839, and is the eldest son of James and Isabella Sloan. lie was reared and
educated in his native township, and September 25, 1801, he enlisted in Company
C, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and participated in the battles of
Perrysville, Nashville. Tullahoma, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, and
Stoneboro. lie was then discharged from the service, his term of enlistment
having expired, and returned to his home. lie is a Republican, in politics, and
is a justice of the peace and school director in his township, and lias also filled
most of the other township offices. lie is a member of the United Presbyterian
church, and tills the office of elder in that organization.
jamks R. Sloan, son of James and Isabella Sloan, was born in Pine town-
ship, Allegheny county. July 29, IMS. lie learned the blacksmith"- trade, and
is now carrying on that business at Mt. Olive, Adams township. During the
Civil war. he served in the One Hundred and Second Heavy Artillery. He
married Anna E., a daughter of Andrew McFcrron. of Allegheny county, Sep-
tember 25, L892. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and is an
adherent of the Republican party.
Patrick Humes was born in Tyrone comity. Ireland, in 1774, grew to
manhood in his native land, and immigrated to Chester county, Pennsylvania, in
1804. In ISO.") he married Miss Susan Martin, of Chester county, and in 1823
the family removed to a tract of land in western Pennsylvania, one of seven
tracts for which he had traded a horse some years before, containing in all about
1200 acres. lie \yas the father of nine children, as follows: Ellen: Rebecca:
Catherine, who married John Donaldson; Mary, who married Daniel Haines;
Elizabeth, who became the wife of Samuel Hinds ; William : David, and Martin,
both deceased, and John. Patrick Humes died in 1858, and his widow in 1862.
William Hu.MES, eldest son of Patrick and Susan Humes, was born in
Chester county, Pennsylvania, May 0, 1822, and came with his parents to west-
ern Pennsylvania the following year. He received a limited education in the
subscription school of his neighborhood, and was reared to agricultural pursuits.
In November, L853, he married Sarah, a daughter of John Piersol, of Beaver
countv. and is the father of five children : Jcmina, wife of S. 15. Irvine, of Adams
township; Jemella, wife of Thomas Hays, of the same township: Mary E. ;
feanette, wife of Scott Thompson, of Middlesex township, and Joseph A. Mr.
Humes is a member of the Methodist church, is a Democrat, in politics, and has
been connected with the State Militia.
[amis Plkk-i was born in Down countv. Ireland, in 1820, and came to
Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in 1849. He was employed in teaming and con-
tracting in that city, in which he was fairly successful, After remaining there a
tew years, he purchased a farm in Adams township, Butler countv, upon which
be has since resided. He married Miss Annie Duncan, a daughter of John Dun-
can, of Allegheny City, which union has been blessed by five children, as fol-
lows : Marv. wife of William Martin, of Forward township ; Maxwell, deceased;
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 57
William J. ; James D. ; Annie J., wife of Harvey Cooper, of Middlesex town-
ship. Mr. Perry is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, and
is also one of the influential Democrats of his township.
Christian Metz was born in Germany, September 12. L812, and was
reared on his father's farm. lie married Catherine Reps, to which union were
born four children, as follows : Frederick W. ; Annas ; Catherine, and Christian,
deceased. In 1850 Mr. Met/, immigrated to Butler county, Pennsylvania, and
purchased a farm in Connoquenessing township. lie died April 18, L8S8 ; his
widow died May 11, 1891. Both were members of the Lutheran church, good
neighbors and worthy people. In politics, he was a Democrat.
Annas Metz was born in Jackson township, Butler county. April 7. 1853,
and is the second child of Christian and Catherine Metz. He has always resided
in this county, engaged in farming. He was married February 17. 1879, to Mary
Staples, a daughter of Seth Staples, of Adams township, and has five children :
Nancy F. ; Amy B. ; Ollie P. ; Sarah C, and Mandana S. Mr. Metz is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church, is a Democrat, in politics, and has resided in
Adams township for many years.
William Hespenheide was born in Germany, in 1828, and immigrated to
Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in 1843, where he followed steamboating for two
years. In 1849 he married Sophia Xiemier. ami the following year removed to
Forest count}-, where he purchased a farm. Six children were born of this union,
as follows: Henry F. : Mary, wife of William Black, of Ohio; William.
deceased; John C. ; Christopher F.. and Jennie, deceased. Mr. Hespenheide
died upon his farm in Butler county.
Henry F. Hespenheide, eldest -on of William and Sophia Hespenheide.
was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, February 5, 1850; received a com-
mon school education, and has been a farmer all his life. lie married Mary,
daughter of John Bell, of Ohio, and has six children: Jennie A.: Ella M..
Sophia A.: William C; Ralph C, and Herman II. lie and wife are members
of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics he is a Republican.
Christopher F. Hespenheide, youngest son of William Hespenheide, was
born in Forest county, Pennsylvania, whither his father removed from Allegheny
City. He was reared on the homestead farm, and has never been engaged in
any other business but farming, lie was married March 25, 1891, to Jennie,
daughter of James Forsvthe. of Adam- township. He and wife are members oi
the United Presbyterian church, and be i- an adherent of the Republican party.
John II. Hespenheide was born in Germany, September I."). 1831, and
was educated in his native land. He married Miss Dora Cattleman, and has
four children : Henry W. : Frank W. : Margaret D., wife of Ah in Household.
and Amelia, deceased. He came to the United States in 1845, being then but
fourteen vears old. and located in Allegheny City. He afterwards engaged in
the wholesale liquor business in that town, which he carried on down to 1S70, and
then retired. He is a member of the Lutheran church, is an elder in that body,
and has been president of tin- church council for two terms. In politics, he is a
Republican.
[ICS HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Fkaxk VV. 1 1 i.spi.x iikidk, second son of John II. and Dora Hespenheide,
was born in Allegheny City, PennsyK ania, December 9, 1858, and received a
common school education. He engaged in the lumber business in his native city,
and followed it lor about four veals, then sold out anil came to Butler county,
locating upon a farm in Adams township. He was married April IS, 1881, to
Caroline W., daughter of William Luebbe, of Pittsburg, and lias live children :
Frank II. : William C. ; Maggie C. ; Louisa W., and John II. Mr. Hespenheide
is a member of the German Lutheran church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
foilM CARRUTHERS was born in Cleveland, Ohio, January II. 1855, son of
George and lane (Dunn) Carruthers. His parents are natives of Scotland, and
came to the I'nitcd States about 1849, first locating at Lowell. Massachusetts,
thence removing to Cleveland, < >hio. They now reside at Duke Centre, McKean
county. During the Rebellion his father served eighteen months as a member of
the Sixth Ohio Cavalry. The subject of this sketch is the third in a familj of
six children, and was reared in Cleveland and Ravenna, Ohio, and at Meadville,
Warren, and other portions of Pennsylvania. lie received a public school edu-
cation, learned the machinists' trade, and has since been engaged in that business.
In 18S 1 he established a business in the Bradford oil held, as a member of the
linn of Carruthers \ Wathev. which was dissolved in 1890. He then located at
Harmony, where he entered into partnership with M. J. Peters, in the oil well
supply business. The linn of Carruthers ,Y_ Peters carried on business until Jan-
uary 23, 1892, when they sold out to the Oil Well Supply Company, ami Mr.
Carruthers was appointed superintendent of the Harmony plant. Carruthers &
Peters, were among the early oil operators in the Harmony ami Zelienople Held,
arc the owners of the Harmony Oil Company, and are connected with Dale.
Hovis & Company, In November, 1898, the manufacturing firm of Carruthers,
Peters & Company, ol Callery, was organized, and have since carried on business
at that place. Mr. Carruthers was married in 1880, to Laura J., daughter of
Henry Wathev . of Bradford. He is a Republican, in politics, and is a member
of the Masonic order, also of the Knights of the Maccabees.
M. L 1'i.ii.Ks. of Carruthers, Peters & Company, of Callery, was born
September 19, 1858, at Stillwater. Saratoga county, New York, a son of Thomas
D. ami Fannie (Morse) Peters. His parents removed to Venango county. Penn-
sylvania, during the early oil excitement, and our subject attended the public-
schools at different points where the family was located. In 1883 he went to
Randolph Institute. New York, for one term, which completed his education.
In L874 Mr. Peters entered the employ of John T. Shirley, of Karns City. Butler
county, as book-keeper, and in 1876 he accepted a position as entry clerk with
Buehler, Bonbright & Company, of Philadelphia, with whom he remained two
years. He next became manager of the mercantile house of Mrs. Staples, of
Franklin, Pennsylvania. In 1880 he engaged with the Oil Well Supply Com-
pany, and was stationed at Bradford, PennsyK ania. until 1890. He next became
a member of the linn of Carruthers & Peters, of Harmony, Butler county, who
sold their business to the Oil Well Supply Company. January I'M. 1892. One of
the terms of sale was that Mr. Peters should remain with them as manager of
the plant for one year, which position he tilled for that period. He is joint
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 59
owner with Mr. Carruthers of the Harmony Oil Company, is a member of the
firm of Dak-, llovis & Company, and is largely interested in the Ohio oil field.
In October. 1894, Mr. Peters was married to Miss Eliza Courtright, of Uonesdale,
Wayne county, Pennsylvania. In politics, he is a Republican, and is a member
of the Golden Chain and other secret secieties. On November 20, L893. fie
became a member of the firm of Carruthers, Peters & Company, who have since
carried on business at Callery. He is a thorough business man. and has been
quite successful in the different undertakings in which he has been engaged.
Dr. Thomas C. Wallace, son of William Wallace, was born at Glade
Mills. Middlesex township, Butler county, in 1838. He was reared upon the
farm, obtained a common school education, and afterwards attended Duff's Com-
mercial College, at Pittsburg. He subsequently commenced the study of medi-
cine, and attended lectures at the Homeopathic Medical College, Cleveland,
Ohio, lie practiced at Rochester. Pennsylvania, for three years, thence removed
to Allegheny, where he has been in continuous practice for the past twenty-five
years. In 1862 Dr. Wallace married Elizabeth Hamilton, a daughter of William
Hamilton, of Forward township, to which union were born the following chil-
dren : William H.; Edwin S., United States Consul at Jerusalem; Frank M. ;
Thomas C. J. ; Charles F. ; John II., deceased, and Grace II. Dr. Wallace is an
elder in the Presbyterian church.
William II. Wallace, physician and surgeon, was born in the borough
of Butler, May 10, 1868, eldest child of Dr. Thomas C. Wallace. After receiv-
ing a common school education, he attended Western University, at Allegheny,
and later the Polytechnic Institute of the same city. In the meantime he had
commenced to read medicine with his father, and attended lectures at the Cleve-
land Medical College, from which institution he graduated. He practiced
with his father until October, 1890, when he located at Callery. where he has
since been engaged in the duties of his profession. Dr Wallace was married Feb-
ruary 12, 1889, to Rachel Donnell, a daughter of James Donnell, of Allegheny.
He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Democrat. He is
connected with the K. O. T. M., ami the Jr. O. U. A. M.
Matthew Graham, Si;., was born in Scotland, came to America when a
young man and located in Philadelphia, where he followed the shoemaker's trade.
After coming to Philadelphia he married a native of London, England, and later
located on a tract of 200 acres of land which he purchased, on the Monongahela
river, where the City of McKeesport now stands. The family were the first set-
tlers at that point, and many times were driven into Pittsburg by hostile
Indians. Matthew Graham died in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. Sep-
tember 29, 1786, while returning home from Philadelphia. lie was the father ol
two sons, both born in Allegheny county. Pennsylvania, viz.: Matthew, born
March 22, 1780, and William, born January 27, 1783. After the death of the
father, the family continued to reside upon their land in Allegheny county until
1795. when they were dispossessed by reason of a defective title, by a Mr. Mc-
Kee, after whom the city was named. In 1796 the two sons. Matthew and
William, came to Butler county, and entered a tract of 400 acres of government
land in what is now Cranberry township, and began clearing and improving the
Il6o HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
same. They erected a log cabin thereon, and in the spring of IT'.'T their mother
joined them in their new home. She had married John Long, who accompanied
her, and died soon alter coming to Cranberry township. She resided here until
her death, in 1817.
Matthew Graham, Jr., married Mary Freeman, December 17. 1801. She
was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1783, and became the
mother of the following children: Hetty, born March 9, ISO 1, married John
Vandivort, and died November 4, 1849; Ann. born December 29, 1806, married
John Kelly, and is now deceased; William, deceased, born May 7, 1809; Harvey,
born March 2, 1813, died in infancy; Mary, deceased, born November 29, 1815,
married John Love, and later W. M. Meredith; James 11., deceased, born Jan-
uary 22, L819 ; Thomas, born September 17. L821 ; Matthew, born September 2.
1824, and Samuel, born July 27, 1 827. The three last mentioned are residents of
Cranberry township. In 1813 Mr. Graham built a tavern on the 1'ittsburg and
Harmony road, known as the Black Bear, and tin- he conducted for many years.
It became a famous stopping place and general headquarters for the pioneers of
that locality, who would gather about the huge lire-place and relate many a
thrilling tale of adventure. Matthew Graham was a successful man and became
the owner of over 1,000 acres of land in Cranberry township. In L831 he erected
on Bear run. on land owned by himself, the first saw mill in the township, and in
1833 he erected on Brush creek, the first grist mill in the township. The decay-
ing remains of these mills may still be seen near the residence of Samuel Graham.
He died November 3, 1858; his widow survived until June 10, 1866. Mr.
Graham was an energetic, generous, and public-spirited man, and took a promi-
nent part in the development of this county, lie was especially active in the
introduction of the public school system into Cranberry township, lie was a
member of the Plains Presbyterian church, and one of its most liberal supporters.
In early life a Whig, he afterwards became a Republican, wielded a strong
influence in the local councils of Ins party, and tilled various township offices.
Samuel Graham, youngest son of Matthew ami Mary (Freeman) Graham,
was born on the homestead in Cranberry township, July 27. 1827. He grew to
maturity beneath the parental roof, and received his education in the primitive
log school house of pioneer days. He was married October 7. L856, to Matilda
Duncan, eldest daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Caldwell) Duncan. She was
born in Cranberry township, Butler county, February 28, 1832, They settled on
their present farm on Pnish creek, where they have ever since resided. They are
the parents of three children, as follows. Charles \\\. born July 30, 1857, died
May 16, 1883; Findley, a resident of San Francisco, born March 29, I S.V.I, and
Carrie E. , born October IS, 1871, married William J. Leonberg, and has three
children: Mabel M., Gladys, and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are members
of Plains Presbyterian church. He is an ardent Republican, and is one of the
progressive and public-spirited farmers of the township.
James H. Graham, Sr., son of Matthew and Mary (Freeman) Graham,
was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, January 22, 1819, and spent his
entire life in this county. He was married January 2. 18 15, to Elizabeth Oakley,
born in Beaver county, August 17. IslC>, ami a daughter of Jesse P. and Nancy
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Il6l
(Steele) Oakley, natives of Connecticut and Heaver county, respectively. They
became the parents of six children : Alary, born April II, 1846, wife of Beriah
Duncan, of Connoquenessing township; Albert G., born May 7, 1848; John
Newton, born March 26, 1850; Sarah M., deceased, born November 9, 1852 :
Herman Westley, born July 22, 1858, and Lizzie Maude, born May 28, 1867,
wife of Frank P. Carroll. Mr. Graham died December 2, 1880; his widow sur-
vives him. He was a Republican, in politics, and rilled many of the township
offices during his vigorous manhood.
Albert G. Graham, eldest son of James II. and Elizabeth Graham, was
born in Cranberry township, Butler county, May 7, 1848. He received a com-
mon school education, and was reared to farm life. On March 30, 1870. he mar-
ried Savilla, a daughter of Daniel and Ruth Emerick, of Cranberry township,
and located upon his present farm of 210 acres. It is one of the best improved
places in the neighborhood, possessing good buildings and other valuable improve-
ments. Three children have been born to this union, as follows : Clifford, born
May 80, 1871; Beryl, born February 2, 1875, and Harvey A., born December
13, 1884. Mr. Graham is a Republican, has held various township offices, and is
one of the enterprising farmers of the township. Both he and wife are members
of Dutillh Methodist Episcopal church.
John Newton Graham is a son of James H. and Elizabeth (Oakley) Gra-
ham, and was born on the homestead farm in Cranberry township, Butler county.
March 26, 1850. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-rive years
of age, assisting them in the duties of the farm. In June. 1875, he was united
in marriage with Margaret, a daughter of Andrew and Catherine Keck, who are
now residing in Livingston county, Illinois. Soon after their marriage theyoung
couple located on their present farm, where Mr. Graham had previously erected
a home. This farm was comparatively unimproved, but he has erected substan-
tial buildings upon it and brought it under a high state of cultivation. Seven
children have been born of his marriage to Margaret Keck, as follows: Harry
G. ; William Howard; Viola A.; Chester Earle ; John Floyd; Homer Ezra,
and Clare Newton. Mr. Graham and wife are members of Oak Grove church.
Politically, Mr. Graham has always been an advocate of the principles and meas-
ures of the Republican party, and has served as a member of the school board in
Cranberry township.
William Graham was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Januarj
27, 178;5, and was the youngest son of Matthew Graham, Sr. lie came with
his brother to what is now Cranberry township. Butler count)', in 1796, and
assisted in clearing up a homestead in this township. He was a soldier in the
War of 1812, and one of the well known pioneers of the county. He married
Susan McDonald, who was born in Bedford county, but resided in Mercer county
at the time of their marriage. She bore him a family of eleven children, as fol-
lows: William; David, and John, all of whom are dead; Oliver II. P., of Cran-
berry township ; Eliza, deceased wife of Jacob Hartzell ; Susan, deceased win
of Dr. Thomas Stewart; Joseph, a resident of Iowa; Samuel, deceased ; Minerva,
deceased wife of J. M. McKee ; James II., of IViin township, and Harvey, who
resides in Colorado. Mrs. Graham died in 1831. In 1856 Mr. Graham removed
I lC>2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where his son, James II.. was then living, and
died in that county in 1861. He was an elder in Plains Presbyterian church for
many years, and in politics, was lirst a Whig and afterwards a Republican.
Oliver II. P. Graham is one of the oldest residents of Cranberry town-
ship, where he was born May ■"), IS] 1, fourth son of William and Susan (McDon-
ald) Graham, and the oldest survivor of the family. He spent hi* boyhood days
upon his father's farm, and his educational advantages were limited to such as
were afforded by the pioneer schools, with the additional instruction of his
father, who was one of the early teachers of Butler county. Mr. Graham
married Elizabeth Morgan, a native of Beaver count}-, Pennsylvania, to which
union were born eight children: Ethalinda, who resides in Colorado; Orin
Palmer, of Cranbern township: Hennas, who died at the age of eighteen;
Sabina, deceased; Angie, a resident of Colorado: Robert E., who lives in
Bea\er county; Leander S., deceased, and O. 11. P., Jr., who resides at Browns-
ville, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Graham died in 1858, aged thirty-eight years. Her
husband is one of the oldest living residents of Cranberry township, where he-
has resided eighty-one years, lie was originally a Whig, hut has been a Repub-
lican since the formation of that party. He makes his home with his son Orin P.,
and is widelv respected and esteemed.
< )rin Palmer Graham, second child of< )liver II. P. and Elizabeth Graham,
was born July S, \sl-J, in Cranberry township, and grew to maturity beneath
the parental roof. On January 1's, L869, be married Miss Marv Ann Allan, a
native oi Cranberry township, and a daughter of Xicol Allan. To this union
have been born seven children, as follows: Janet, who died at the age of nine-
teen ; Allan: Howard Is., who died in childhood ; Park F.: Franklin F. ; Mary
V., and Stanley P. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are members of the Plains Presby-
terian church, in which he fills the office of elder. Politically, be is a Repub-
lican, lias filled the various township offices, and is one of the most useful and
enterprising citizens of his native township.
Ton\ Vandivort was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, and was
the eldest in the family of Paul Vandivort, who came from eastern Pennsylvania
with his wife about lT'.Hi, and settled on a tract of government land in this
township. He spent the remainder of bis days here, and reared a large family.
John grew to maturity on the homestead farm and married Ilettv Graham, of
Cranberry township. She became the mother of eight children, as follows:
William, of Allegheny county; fames, who resides in Tennessee; Freeman, of
Cranberry township; Mary J., wife of Thomas Whipple; Cyrus, who enlisted in
the Rebellion and died in the service; Susan, deceased; Eliza A., wife of
William Amshutz, and Martha, wife of Ham Bailsman. Mrs. Vandivort died,
and her husband was subsequently married to lane Hutchison, who bore him
four sons : John : Thomas; I. eland, and Robert. Mr. Vandivort operated the
first saw mill in the neighborhood, and carried it on for many years. He was a
celebrated marksman, and took great pleasure in attending shooting matches.
where be often won the prize.
Freeman Vandivort, third -on of John and Hetty (Graham) Vandi-
vort, was born in Cranberry township, July :;. 1882. He grew to maturity in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I163
hi- native township, and on December 24, 1857, he married Margaret Deemer,
a daughter of John and Fannie Deemer, early settlers of Cranberry, to which
union ten children were born, six of whom are now living, as follows : John C. ;
Alfred E. : Mrs. Fannie E. Landis ; Annie ].. wife of Joseph Davis; William F.,
and Clyde D. Following their marriage Mr. Vandivort purchased a small farm,
where he began his married life, lie afterwards erected a saw mill, which he
operated for twenty years, anil kept adding to his farm until he now owns 14()
acres of good land. lie has been the architect of his own fortune, beginning at
the bottom round of the ladder. Politically, he is an adherent of the Democratic
party, and both he and wife are members of the Plains Presbyterian church.
David Garvin, Si;., a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, with his
wife, who was a Miss McFarland of the same State, came to Butler county in
1800, and located upon a tract of 4(H) acres of government land in what is now
Cranberry township. They were among the first settlers, and with the fortitude
of the pioneers set about clearing and improving their purchase. Wild animals
roamed at will through the unbroken forest, and eyed with suspicion and distrust
this encroachment upon their domain by the sturdy white settlers who had brayed
the dangers of life in a new country to carve out for themselves and family a
home. They were the parents of the following children : Elizabeth; Alexander;
John; Nancy ; David; James; William; Benjamin; Jefferson, and Margaret.
Mr. Garvin opened a tavern at his farm soon alter settlement, and conducted il
tin s(.\L-ral years. He and his wife passed the remainder of their days in Cran-
berry township, and bequeathed to their descendants the heritage of an honest
name.
Alexander Garvin came from Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1800, and
settled on a tract ot government land in Cranberry township, Butler county, con-
taining lOO acres. lie was the eldest son of David Garvin, Sr. With him came
his wife and family, and the trip to the new country was made by wagon. Ib-
resided in Cranberry township the balance of his days, and after death his widow-
married a Mr. Bowman and died in Mercer county.
James Wallace Garvin, son of Alexander Garvin, was born in Rocking-
ham county. Virgina. October 1. 179(5, and was only four years old when his par-
ents settled in Butler county. His boyhood days were spent in Cranberry town-
ship, surrounded by the dangers and trials of pioneer life. He was taken into the
home of a Mr. Wallace, who had come from Virginia with the Garvins. Mr.
Wallace took a strong fancy to the boy, and adopted him as a member of his own
family. James resided in the Wallace home until he attained his manhood. lie
was schooled in the pioneer period, and enjoyed the chase through the primitive
forest. He became a fine rifle shot, and was known as one of flu- best hunters in
that locality. ( >ften when going to work in the clearing, he would take his trusty
rifle along, and would bring back with him enough game to keep the family in
meat for several days. Mr. Garvin was married October 12. 1823, to Xancy
Wilson. She was born in Jackson township, near Evans City, and was a daugh-
ter of Andrew anil Polly Wilson, natives of Ireland and early settlers of Jackson
township. She bore him the following children : William, (if Cranberry town-
ship: Margaret, wife of Ross Boyle, a resilient of Ogle county, Illinois: Wilson,
II64 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of Cranberry township; Benjamin, who resides at Bloomington, Illinois: Eliza-
beth, deceased wife of James Forsythe; Nancy, deceased wife of Hiram Covert,
and Andrew II., who enlisted in 1861 and died in the service. Mrs. Garvin died
in November, 184:2, and was interred in the Plains church cemetery. In 1S44
Mr. Garvin married Mrs. Isabella Wilson, a daughter of John Waldron, of For-
ward township, and thi.s union was blessed by two children: John 13., deceased,
and [sabella, wife of Moses Johnston, of Cranberry township. Mr. Garvin died
February 12, 1872, and his widow in August. 1891. He resided in Cranberry
township down to his death, and was a leading citizen of the community. He
served in the various township otlice^ for many years, was an elder in the
Plains Presbyterian church, a conscientious christian, and an earnest worker in
the cause, taking an active and leading part in church work. He was univer-
sally respected and esteemed by his old friends and neighbors, and his descend-
ants are among the leading people of the county.
Wilson Garvin, second son of James Wallace and Nancy (Wilson) Gar-
vin, was born on hi-- father's farm in Cranberry township. April 17. 1829. He
grew up on a farm assisting at the home duties, wearing his home-made clothing,
and attending the little district school a few weeks during the winter season. The
little log school house was furnished with rude benches, and an old fashioned fire-
place, which characterized all of the pioneer school buildings. lie remained at
home until twenty-two years of age and spent the next two years as a teamster
in Allegheny county. In the fall of 1854 hi- went to Iowa, remaining a few days
in Chicago, then a comparatively small place. lie resided in tin- we-t until
1859, when he started with a party of prospectors for Pike'-. Peak, but changing
their destination he went to California. While crossing the plains the alkali
nearly destroyed his eyesight, from which he has never fullv recovered. In
December, 1859, he returned to Butler county, where he has since resided. On
March lit. 18G3, he married Elizabeth BoggS, horn in what i> now Jackson
township, January 27, 1837, a daughter of Robert and Mary Jane Boggs, pio-
neers of Butler county. Mr. Garvin and wife located on the farm where they
now reside, in Cranberry township. Nine children have been the fruits of this
union, seven of whom are living, as follows : Robert W. ; Mary A., wife of
Robert Roll, of Cranberry township ; Marian G.; Emma L. ; llarrv G. ; Russell
B., and Lizzie A. Mr. Garvin is a Republican, in politics, and both he and
wife are members of Plains Presbvterian church.
David Garvin, son of Alexander Garvin and grandson of David Garvin,
came I rom Rockingham county, Virginia, with his parents, to Butler county.
when twelve years of age, and grew to manhood in Cranberry township. He
married Permelia Mallison. a native of Allegheny count}-, Pennsylvania. The)
resided on the homestead in Cranberry township, where he conducted the hotel
established by his grandfather. To David and Permelia Garvin were horn nine
children, as follows : Eliza, wife of [esse Plankington, of Allegheny county :
Emmeline, wife of John Hall, of Kansas City, Missouri; Ann, wife of William
Bastian, of Zelienople ; Permelia. deceased wife of James Hall: Benjamin, of
Evans City; Joshua, deceased ; Newton, of Cranberry township: David, and
Milton. Mr. Garvin and wife died upon the homestead in Cranberry township.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I165
Benjamin Garvin, eldest son of David and Permelia (Mallison) Garvin,
was born upon the Garvin homestead in Cranberry township, in November,
1827. He grew to maturity amidst the dangers and privations of pioneer times,
and attended the little log school house of his neighborhood for a few weeks
during the winter season. He married Ellen Vandivort, a daughter of William
and Nancy Vandivort, of Cranberry township, and settled upon a part of the
homestead farm. They resided there until 1889, anil then retired to Evans City,
where they are spending the remaining years of their lives in the enjoyment of the
comforts which the fruits of their early industry provide. They are the parents
of the following children: Permelia, wife of Oliver Stoughton, of Prospect;
Amy, deceased; Nancy, wife of Edward Lut/., of Evans City; David, deceased;
Milton, and Brady, both residents of Evans City, and Frankie, wife of Henry
Meeder, of Zelienople. Mr. and Airs. Garvin are members of the Presbyterian
church and are generous supporters of that denomination. In politics, he was
originally an old-line Whig, but since the formation of the Republican party lie
has been one of its stanch adherents.
Newton Garvin, one of the well known farmers and oil producers of
Cranberry township, is the youngest living son of David and Permelia (Mallison)
Garvin. He was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, May 8, 1831, there
grew to maturity, and married Margaret Nicholas, a native of Butler county.
To this union have been born seven children, as follows: William B., deceased;
Mary, wife of Jacob Palmer, of Beaver county ; Allie, wife of William Croft, of
Cranberry township; Lewis, who resides with his parents; Maggie, wife of
Baxter Ramsey, of Cranberry township ; Permelia, wife of Henry Leonberg, of
the same township, and Charles, who lives at home. Mr. Garvin and wife are
consistent members of Plains Presbyterian church, in which organization he tills
the office of elder. He owns 8(10 acres of land in Cranberry township, upon
which are numerous oil wells, and he is recognized as one of the leading, enter-
prising and prosperous citizens of the community.
William Garvin, Sr., was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, a
son of Alexander Garvin. He grew to manhood in his native township, and
married Martha Jane Rowan, a native of Butler county. They located in Cran-
berry township, upon the farm now occupied by their son Benjamin W., where
they resided for many years. Seven children were born to them, four of whom
are now living, as follows : Elizabeth, wife of John Walters, of Jackson town-
ship ; Benjamin W.; Ann, wife of John Leonberg. and William, of Ogle. Mr.
Garvin held the positions of supervisor, collector and school director for many
years, and was one of the respected citizens of his community. Some \ ears after
the death of his first wife, he married Hannah Spencer, and later removed to
Allegheny City, where he resided until his death, in 1873. One child, Samuel
C, was born to his second marriage, who is now a resident of Allegheny.
Benjamin W. Garvin, eldest son of William and Martha Jane (Rowan)
Garvin, was born upon his present homestead in Cranberry township, November
10, 1835, and was reared a farmer. Being the eldest in the family, much of the
labors on the farm fell to his lot, and he was therefore deprived of the advantages
of an education. In 1857 he married Ellen P., a daughter of William and Mar-
1 66
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
garet (Bryan) Wilson, of Westmoreland county, to which union have been born
six children, as follows : Emila A., wife of Archie Bryan, of Franklin township;
William 11.. deceased; Elmer Lynn; lane, wife of llennan Maser ; Hannah
Margaret, and Elizabeth A., both of whom are dead. Politically. Mr. Garvin is
a stanch Republican, and has served as school director in his district. lie and
wife art- members of Plains Presbyterian church, and are generous contributors
tow arils thai organization. lie is the owner of 130 acres of highly improved
land, containing several oil wells, and has recently erected one of the most sub-
stantial residences in this section of the county.
WlLLIA.M Gakvin, merchant and postmaster at Ogle, is a son of William
and Martha Jane (Rowan) Garvin and was born in Cranberry township, Butler
count)', in 1842. lie was educated in the public schools of his district and was
reared a farmer. In 18(52 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty -
fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Capt. Cyrus E. Ander-
son. His company was mustered into the service at Harrisburg, was attached
to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the engagements at Fredericks-
burg, Chancellorsville etc. lie followed his regiment through the varying
vicissitudes of war. and at the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned to
his home in Butler county. In 1805 Mr. Garvin was united in marriage with
Miss Catherine McClain, a native of Allegheny counts, Pennsylvania, which
union has been blessed by five children. Mr. Garvin began bis married life on a
rented farm in Cranberry township, which he subsequentlv purchased and has
since resided upon. lie is a successful farmer, and for the past twenty years has
also conducted a mercantile business at Ogle, and is now serving his second
term as postmaster of that office. He is a Republican, takes an active part in
the political affairs. of his township and counts, and has seised in the various
township offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. Mrs. ( iar-
vin is a member of the Dutillh Methodist Episcopal church.
Moiiius Covkrt was the progenitor of the Covert famih in Butler county.
The Coverts came originally from Holland, and settled in eastern Pennsylvania,
where Morris was born in 1776. He married there, and one child was born
east of the mountains. About 1800 Morris Covert and famils came to western
Pennsylvania, and located on a farm ten miles north of Allegheny City. They
subsequently removed to Butler counts, and settled in what is now Jackson
township, not far from the site of Evans City. He became an extensive land
owner and quite prominent among the pioneers of that locality. Mr. Covert
served in the War of 1812, and resided in |ackson township until his death,
January 18, 1839. His ss idow survived until April :!. 1841. They were
the parents of quite a large family, and were members of the Plains Presbyterian
church, in which bods' he served as elder.
John Covert was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 15,
1801, and was a son of Morris and Anna Covert. lie came ssilh his parents
lo Butler county, ami grew to maturity on the homestead in [ackson township.
In 1827 be married Margaret, a daughter of Isaac and Rachel Covert. She was
a native of Butler county, born January [5, 1806. Immediately following their
marriage, they settled upon the farm ss here their son, |ohn Milton, now lives.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I [67
which he received from his father. They began life in a log cabin, surrounded
on every side by an almost unbroken forest. John Covert was a man of more
than ordinary attainments for those days, and was a prominent member of the
Plains Presbyterian church. He died January I'.i. L881, at the advanced age oi
eighty years. His wife died January •">, 1S70. They were the parents of eight
children, six of whom grew to maturity : Hiram II.. deceased ; George \V.. who
died in childhood; Isaac N.. a resident of Illinois: William Henry, who lives in
Allegheny; Emma, deceased; George W., of Adams township ; John Milton, of
Cranberry township, and Margaret Julia, who died in infancy.
John Mil tun Covert, youngest son of John and Margaret Covert, was
born June 5, 1845, upon his present homestead in Cranberry township. He
resided with his parents until he arrived at manhood, and received a common
school education. Being the youngest in the family, he remained at home look-
ing after the duties of the farm and assisting his father in cultivating the same.
On February 20, 1871, he married Ida A., daughter of William and Emma Nes-
bit, early settlers of Cranberry township, and is the father of four children, as
follows: Charles M.: Eva M.: Audley M., and Leolu Marie. Mr. Covert and
wife are members of Plains Presbyterian church, and he is an elder in that
organization. In politics, he is a Republican, and takes quite an interest in
political matters.
William Henry Goeiirinc;, a native of Alsace, Germany, born about I 7 •">(!.
was one of the early settlers of Butler county. Pennsylvania, where he located
about 1801. He purchased 200 acres of land, in what is now Cranberry town-
ship, which he cleared and improved, and resided thereon down to his death, in
1831. He married in his native land, Catherine Baer, by whom he had the fol-
lowing children: William, who died in Pittsburg, aged ninety-seven years;
Adam, who died in Cranberry township; Charles; Christian, who died upon
the homestead; Rebecca, who married John Roseboro; Fredericka, who mar-
ried Christian Buhl; Barbara, who died unmarried; Catherine, who became the
wile of John Stamm : Magdalena, who married Jacob Woster, and Charlotte,
who married Francis Burkhart. Mr. Goehring was one of the original members
of the Lutheran church of Zelienople. Before immigrating to this country, he
was a teacher in the public schools of Germany, and was a man of very good
education.
Charles Goehring, third son of William Henry Goehring, was born near
the City of Strasburg. Germany, in 1782, and came with his parents to Butler
county. He purchased a farm adjoining his father's, in Cranberry township,
consisting of 200 acres, and, subsequently, was the owner of about 7 ">< • acres of
farm lands in Cranberry, Muddy Creek and Worth townships, and was one oi
the most extensive farmers of his time. His death occurred in Cranberry town-
ship. April 25, 1857, dying upon the farm which he first settled. Mr. Goehring
was twice married, his first wife being Margaret Firestone, who bore him one
daughter, Margaret, who married Flias Seaman, after whose death she became
the wife of George Gicss, and now resides at Zelienople. His second wife was
Elizabeth, daughter of George Hartzell, who survived him many years, and died
in 1875. To this union were born the following children : Henry, and George,
Il68 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
both deceased : Catherine, who married Charles Bon/.o ; Caroline, wife of George
Ranscher ; Eliza, who married Adam Pfeifer ; Charles, deceased; Charlotte, wife
of Theophilus Fombell ; William; Lewis; John; Elias, and Gellert. Mr. Goeh-
ring was first a Whig, and later a Republican. In religion, he was a Lutheran,
and filled the office of elder in that church for many years.
William Goehring, oldest living son of Charles and Elizabeth Goehring,
was born upon the homestead in Cranberry township, and received a common
school education. At the age of twenty-one he settled in Worth township, upon
a tract of land belonging to his father, cleared and improved it, and lived
there for six years. He then purchased his present farm of 150 acres in Forward
township, which he has since cleared and improved. Mr. Goehring married
Sarah, daughter of Christian Rape, of Cranberry township, to which union have
been born eleven children, as follows; John C. ; Gellert; Matilda, wife of A.
II. Behm ; Sarah, wife of John Endres; Sophia, wife of John Millerman ; Net-
lie, wife of Christopher Marburger; Ella, wife of Martin Spithaler; Christina,
wife of Henry W. Lot/.; Susan, wife of William Lot/.; Charles R., anil Abbie.
In politics, Mr. Goehring is a Republican. He is a member of St. John's
Reformed church of Evans City, in which body he has filled the offices of elder
and trustee.
Henry Goehring, eldest son of Charles and Elizabeth Goehring, was born
in Cranberry township, Butler county, in July, 1818. After reaching his majority
he removed to New Sewickly township, Reaver county, where he purchased a
farm of 306 acres, upon which he resided down to his death. lie was a very ex-
tensive farmer, owned L,100 acres of land and at his death left to each of his chil-
dren a farm of 100 acres. lie was president of the Harmon)' Savings Bank, one of
the directors of the Rochester Insurance Company, also of the .Spar Savings
Bank, of Rochester, and a stockholder in the Pittsburg Savings Bank. He was
an extensive dealer in stock, and bought and sold cattle for the Pittsburg
market. He took an active interest in all public affairs, was one of the
directors of the poor farm for twelve years, and one of the leading Repub-
licans of his community. He married Sophia, daughter of Jacob Hartung, of
New Sewickly township, Beaver county. Their children are as follows:
Jacob 15.; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph B. Ziegler ; Charles F. ; Lucinda, wife of
Casper Knauff ; Amelia, wife of Abraham Wise; Zeno ; Rosina, wife of L. D.
Bruener, and Barbara, who died in youth. Mrs. Goehring resides with her
daughter Mis. J. ]!. Ziegler, in Beaver county. Her husband died in August,
1884, and was buried in the Zelienople cemetery. He was a life-long member of
the Lutheran church, and for many years was connected with the Zelienople
congregation.
Charles F, Goehring, second son of Henry Goehring, was born January
18, 1847, upon the homestead in Beaver county. After reaching his majority he
received 1(10 acres of land from his father, upon which he settled. lie resided
on this farm down to L884, then removed to Zelienople, built his present resi-
dence, and engaged in the coal business, which he followed for three years. He
next established his present business of dealing in flagging and cut stone. Since
becoming a resident of Zelienople, he has built five private residences in that bor-
a
'tZJl^tr
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 69
ough. Mr. Goehring was married in 1870, to Henrietta, daughter of George
Giess, and has one son, Frank S. lie is a Republican, in politics, is a member of
the borough council, and also holds the office of treasurer and street commissioner.
For the past fourteen year- he has been an elder in the Lutheran church of
Zelienople.
George Goehring, son of Charles and Elizabeth Goehring, was born on the
homestead farm in Cranberry township, Butler county, and here grew to man-
hood. He married Catherine May, a native of Germany, who came to Butler
county with her parents. They located on a farm on the Franklin road, and died
in Cranberry township. Mr. Goehring and wife were the parents of five chil-
dren, as follows: Joseph, of Cranberry township; Charlotte, wile of Henry
Leidabach ; Louis, who died in 1892; Louisa, deceased, and Sydnia, of Cran-
berrry township. Mr. Goehring died in 1860. His widow makes her home
with her son Joseph, and is now seventy years of age.
Joseph Goehrixg was born November 28, 1842, and is the eldest son of
George and Catherine Goehring. His youth was spent on the homestead farm,
and his schooling was obtained by a few weeks attendance during the winter
season at the district log school house. Upon the death of his father he continued
to carry on the farm, and assisted his mother in rearing the family. In 1864 he
married Mrs. Catherine Deemer. a native of Germany, and a daughter of Jacob
and Eva Catherine Wagner. She came to the United States with her parents in
early childhood. They settled in Allegheny county, thence removed to Beaver
county, where her mother died in January, 1807. Her father i> still
living at the age of eighty-six years. By her first marriage to Andrew
Deemer, she was the mother of four children: Amelia, deceased; Mrs.
Matilda Kirchner ; Mrs. Catherine Yerger, and Mrs. Hannah Kirchner.
After his marriage Mr. Goehring settled on Brush creek, resided there until
1884, and then located on his present farm, which contains 100 acres of
well improved land, and substantial buildings, all of which he has erected.
They are the parents of three children, as follows : Charles Lewis, of Cranberry
township ; Annie M. , deceased, ami Amy Virginia. Mr. Goehring is a Demo-
crat, is a member of the school board in his township, and is well known as an
oil producer and practical farmer.
Elias Goehring, son of Charles and Elizabeth Goehring. was born upon
the homestead farm in Cranberry township, Butler county, received a common
school education, and was reared a farmer. After he grew to manhood he settled
in Jackson township, subsequently removed to Adams township, and lived there
for rive years. About 1869 he purchased a farm of 200 acres in Forward town-
ship, where his sons. Harvey and Edwin E.. now reside. Here he was engaged
in farming until 1893, when he purchased a farm near New Brighton, Beaver
county, where he now resides. He married Sophia, daughter of Michael Mick-
ley, of Jackson township, and eleven children were born to this union : Edwin
E., of Forward township; Alfred, of Cranberry; Hugh, of Jackson ; Levi, a resi-
dent of Beaver county; Harvey, of Forward township; Emma, wife of William
Rader ; Minerva, wife of George Burr; Tillie, wife of William Fehl ; Theodore,
of Beaver county; Elmer, and Bertie.
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Edwin E. Goehring, eldestsonof Elias Goehring, was horn May 20, 1858,
in Jackson township. Butler county, and was reared and educated in his native
county. In L883 he embarked in farming for himself in fackson township, and
later in Connoquenessing, but in 1885 he returned to the homestead farm in For-
ward township, and purchased eighty acres of the same, upon which he has
erected substantial improvements. He is also engaged in oil producing, and is
the owner of several good wells. Mr. Goehring was married, March 1. 1883, to
Caroline, daughter of Peter Staaf, of Connoquenessing township. Politically,
he Is a Republican, ami is a deacon and trustee in the Reformed church.
1Iar\ i:v Goehring, fifth son of Elias Goehring, was born in Adams town-
ship, Butler county, October S. 18(55, and has been reared a farmer. In 1889 he
purchased the residence and one-half of the homestead (arm in Forward town-
ship, which he has since cultivated successfully. Politically, he is a Republican,
and has tilled the offices of overseer of the poor and township assessor. He is a
member of the Reformed church, and is one of the trustees in tin- Evans City
congregation. Mr. Goehring is one of the progressive- young farmers of Foward
township, and enjoys the confidence of his neighbors.
Gellert Goehring. youngest son of Charles and Elizabeth Goehring, was
horn upon the homestead farm in Cranberry township. Butler county, January
30. 1839. lie grew to maturity under t he parental roof, and received a good
common school education. On June 20, 1861, he married Catherine KiiaurT,
daughter of Michael Knauff, of Jackson township, where she was born in 1841.
Immediately after marriage they settled on a part of his lather's farm, and he is
now the owner of 126 acres there, and of seventy-one acres near Ogle. Mr.
Goehring followed stock-droving for twelve years. They are the parents of
eleven children, as follows: Maria, wife of Frank Mohr ; David, deceased ;
Lovina, wife of Henry Rape; Malinda, wife of Daniel Rape: Albert; Andrew;
Lewis, and Ida. the last three of whom are dead; Ella : Henry, and Amos. Mr.
Goehring is a Republican, and has tilled the offices of school director and super-
visor. Both he and wife are members of the German Protestant church, of
Zelienople.
James Rowan was horn in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, fune 3, 1792,
and was a son of James Rowan, a native of Ireland, who immigrated to Amer-
ica prior to the Revolution and settled near Philadelphia, where he purchased a
tract of land and engaged in farming. llis mother was Rebecca (Thompson)
Rowan, also a native of Ireland, who had two children: Martha and James.
Tlie parents died in Delaware county. The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood near Philadelphia, anil married Mary Bovd, a native of Wilmington. Dela-
ware. They located upon the homestead place, which became his property on
tlie death of his father, his mother coming to Butler count) and making her
home with him until her death. Her remains were interred in t he cemetery at
Plains Presbyterian church. In 1825 James Rowan, with his family, consisting
of his wift- ami two children, and his mother, came to Butler county and settled
on a tract of land in Cranberry township, for which he had exchanged the old
homestead near Philadelphia. IK' was among the earls settlers of his section,
the township at that time being very sparsely settled. Mr. Rowan was a Pies-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IIJI
byterian, in religious faith, and in politics, he was a stanch Democrat. He died
in April, 1845. His widow survived until 1881, dying at the age of nearly
eighty-eight years. They were the parents of eleven children, as follows: John,
of Cranberry township : William T.. anil one unnamed, both of whom died in in-
fancy ; Matthew B.,of Penn township; fames, a resident of Missouri; William
T.,who resides in Illinois; Rebecca A.; Martha J., and Marietta, the last three
of whom are dead: Harriet X., and Margaret, both residents of E\ans City.
|niix Rowan, one of the oldest living residents of Cranberry township, was
born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, January I"). 1820, and is the eldest in a
family of James and Mary (Boyd) Rowan. He was a child of only five years
of age when his parents located in Butler county, and he was reared amidst the
trials and privations of pioneer days. In the obstacles overcome and bravely sur-
mounted was laid the foundation for the resolute determination and sterling
qualities which have characterized his after life. < )n February 22, 1849, he mar-
ried Margaret Dixon, a daughter of 'Squire William Dixon, and located upon
the farm in Cranberry township where he has since resided. He was by trade a
carpenter, and has erected many of the buildings in Cranberry township. Polit-
ically, Democratic, he has rilled the office of justice of the peace and various
other minor positions, and has always taken an active interest in public affairs.
Five children are the fruits of his union with Margaret Dixon, daughter of
'Squire William Dixon, as follows: Mary Ellen, wife of Alfred Shanks, of
Franklin township, Allegheny county ; William D., professor of commercial law
at Park Institute, Allegheny county; an unnamed son. who died in infancy;
Isabella, wife of J. G. Vaughn, and James M„ who died in 1891, at the age ol
twenty-eight years. Mr. Rowan and wife are members of Plains Presbyterian
church, in which he has been an elder for nearly forty years. He has always
been a great reader, possesses a remarkable memory, and although in his seventy-
sixth year he is as hearty and active as a man of fifty. Widely known and
respected, few men of the community have wielded a wider influence or shown
more public enterprise for the general good than this sturdy old pioneer.
Elder Crawford, physician and surgeon, Hendersonville, i~ a native of
Washington county. Pennsylvania, born August 1. 1846, son of Thomas and Mary
Crawford, natives of the same county. When but twelve year- of age his par-
ents died, and he was taken into the home of an uncle. Dr. (i. (i. Atkins, then
living at Knoxville, Ohio, with whom he lived until he was sixteen years of age.
In 1863, when in his seventeenth year, he enlisted in Company C, Fifth Inde-
pendent Ohio Cavalry, and was sent into Kentucky on scouting duty. After his
term of service had expired, he re-enlisted in Company (i. Thirteenth Ohio Cav-
alry, which belonged to the Armv of the Potomac, and served some time in the
Ninth Armv Corps, as dismounted cavalry, under the command of General Hart-
ranft. Dr. Crawford followed his regiment through all its marches and cam-
paigns, and participated in the battles of White House Landing, Mine Explosion,
Reams Station, and Weldon Railroad. In 1865 the regiment was re-mounted and
attached to the command of General Sheridan. Then came the heavy fighting
at Five Forks, and the continuous nine days' engagements until the surrender of
Lee at Appomattox. On the morning of Lee's surrender Dr. Crawford was i
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the skirmish line, taking part in the last engagement of the broken Confederacy.
After the surrender his regiment was detached on provost duty at Weldon, North
Carolina, and he was honorably discharged at City Point, Virginia, in August,
1865, after having been in continuous service from the date of his entering the
army. Although he was present in many of the hardest fought battles of the
war, he was never wounded, taken prisoner, or suffered any sickness, Return-
ing to his home in Jefferson county. Ohio, he resumed his studies, having been in
the Academy at Knoxville when he enlisted. In 1866 he began the study of
medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Atkins, attended lectures at Jefferson
Medical College, at Philadelphia, where he was graduated, and in 1869 he located
at Thorn Hill. Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he practiced his pro-
fession for nine years. In 187S he purchased his present residence in Cranberry
township, and during the past sixteen years he has built up and now enjoys a
large and lucrative practice. Dr. Crawford was married February 19, 1869, to
Mattie G., a daughter of Matthew and Harriet (Glass) Hamilton, of Allegheny
county, to which union have been born the following children: Chester; Min-
nie; Frank, now studying medicine under his father; Grace; Elder; Hope, and
Nellie. Dr. Crawford and wife are members of Dutillh Methodist Episcopal
church in which lie is a steward and trustee. Politically, he is an ardent Repub-
lican, is a member of Wilson Post, G. A. R.. of Zelienople, and is also connected
with the I. (). O. F., and K. O. T. M.
Jacob Dambach, Si:., and his wife Barbara, immigrated to the United
States in 1832, and located on a tract of land in Butler county, near Zelienople,
in what is now Jackson township. They were natives of Alsace-Lorraine.
Prance, and were accompanied by their family of eight children, as follows:
Adam; Charles; Frederick; Christian; Catherine; Sophia; Caroline, and Mag-
dalena, all of whom were born in Germany. The family resided in Jackson
township for a lew years and then removed to Cranberry township, where the
parents spent the remainder of their lives. About three years after Jacob Dam-
bach came to America, two sons. John Nickolas, and Jacob, whom they had lett
in Germany, came with their families and joined the Dambach settlement, and
both spent their lives in this county.
John Nickolas Daubach was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, in 1801. He
married Catherine Ish, and to them was born one son, Nickolas. In 1835 they
immigrated to America, crossing the Atlantic in a three-masted sailing vessel,
the voyage lasting forty-two days. They landed in New York. May 5, ls:!-">.
there shipped by water to Erie, and thence by wagon to Butler county. John
Nickolas purchased the homestead from his father, and engaged in farming. Ik-
took the oath of allegiance and became a citizen of the United States. June 14,
Is 17. His wife died in 1853. He survived her until October, 1882. They were
members of the German Reformed church, and lie side by side in the cemetery
at Lurry church.
Nickolas Dambach, only child born to John Nickolas Dambach, is a
native of Alsace-Lorraine, France, born March 16, 1828. He was seven years
old when his parents came to Butler county, and he grew to manhood here,
assisting his father in the labors on the farm. He attended the little log dis-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 73
trict school house for a few weeks in the winter season, and was clothed in home-
made goods of the period. In 1850 he married Catherine Gross, horn in Ger-
many, in 1835, a daughter of Charles and Catherine Gross, who immigrated
to Butler county in 1847, and in 1848 bought a farm in Lawrence county, where
they afterwards resided. Mr. Dambach and wife resided on the homestead, his
father making his home with him. In 1858 he purchased his present farm in
Cranberry township, and in 1865 he erected his present commodious residence.
He is the owner of 230 acres of well improved land, which is regarded as one
of the best farms in the township. Three children have been born to Nickolas
and Catherine Dambach, viz. : Caroline, who died in infancy ; Matilda, wife ot
W. A. Goehring, and Charles, a resident of Freedom, Beaver county. In 1881
Mr. Dambach established a banking business at Zelienople, under the firm name
of N. Dambach & Son, which was afterwards sold to Amos Lusk & Son, ami is
now carried on by the Gelbach Brothers. Mr. Dambach and wife are members
of Oak Grove Lutheran church, and in his political affiliations, he is a stanch
Republican. The family are among the most highly respected in the county,
and he is recognized as an enterprising and progressive citizen.
Jacob Dambach, Jr., was the first member of the Dambach family to
locate in Cranberry township. Butler county. He was born in Alsace-Lorraine.
France. December 12. 1804, and married Magdalena Beaver, a native of the
same place, born January '.». 1806. On the 5th of May, 1835, the family landed
in New York, having made the voyage in a three-masted sailing vessel in forty-
two days, and for the first time breathed the air of liberty. Proceeding west-
ward by boat and wagon, the family finally found themselves in Butler county.
Pennsylvania. With a fund of $400, Mr. Dambach purchased fifty acres of land
in Cranberry township, anil there living in a little log cabin, surrounded by the
dangers and enduring the privations incident to the times, began to make for
himself and family a home in the wilderness. He afterwards added to his farm
by various purchases, and hired laborers to clear the land, paying two dollars and
fifty cents per acre for grubbing. In due time he erected a commodious brick
residence, on what is now the F. Meeder farm, the bricks being made on the
place, and the highest priced labor employed in the erection of this house was
the brickmaker, who received eight dollars per month. Mr. Dambach died in
1870. He was a member of the Reformed church, and a liberal supporter ot
that denomination. I lis widow is now a resident ot Evans City.
Jacob Dambach, son of Jacob ami Magdalena Dambach. was born in
Alsace-Lorraine. France, November 2, 182S, and was in his seventh year when
his parents settled in Butler county. He spent his boyhood days upon the farm,
enjoying only such limited advantages as fell to the lot of the average pioneer
boy. His educational advantages were confined to a few weeks' training in the
little subscription school, and he taught himself how to read by studying the
New Testament. In 1849 he married Elizabeth Gross, a native of Germany,
who came with her parents to Lawrence county. Pennsylvania. Three children
were born to this union, only one of whom is living. Edward W.. of Evans City.
Mrs. Dambach died in 1857, and in 1859 he married Miss Ruth Hutchinson, a
native of Ireland, and daughter of Michael and Martha Hutchinson, both of
M 74 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
whom arc dead. To this union were born three children, one of whom is living,
Jacob II.. born April 27, 1866. Mr. Dambach has been a very successful busi-
ness man. and is the founder of the bank in Evans City, originally Jacob Dam-
bach & Son, but now The Citizens Bank. He is largely interested in the lum-
ber business with his son at Evans City, ami U one of the substantial citizens of
the community. He is a member of Oak Grove Lutheran church. Politi-
cally, he is a Republican, but takes no active interest in public affairs.
Adam Dambacii, Si;., was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, and came to
the I nited State-, with his father. Jacob Dambach. Sr.. when a young man, and
settled in Cranberry township, Butler count v. Pennsylvania. He married Chris-
tina Goehring. of Beaver county, settled on a farm in Cranberry township, later
moved to Connoquenessing township, and died there in 1872. His wife died in
1880. They were members of the United Presbyterian church. Eight children
were born to them, five of whom are living, as follows: Sophia, wife of John
R. Boyer. of Lancaster township; Adam, of Zelienople ; Catherine, who resides
at Petersville : William, a resilient of Connoquenessing township, and Jacob, of
Zelienople.
Adam Dambach was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, March
13, 1836, and is a son of Adam Dambach, Sr., and grandson of Jacob Dambach,
Sr. He remained in Cranberry township until seventeen years of age, and then
removed with his parents to Connoquenessing township, where he worked on
his father's farm for some years. He then engaged in merchandising at Peters-
ville, and aftet wards removed to a farm in Forward township. In 1859 he mar-
ried Miss Dora Garwig. of Beaver county, to which union have been born nine
children : Sidney ].. a merchant at Petersville; William G., of Forward town-
ship; Henry \\'.. oi Zelienople; Louisa, deceased; Adam J., of Evans City;
Christina; Prank, a merchant at Petersville; Washington J., and Matilda S.
In 1890 Mr. Dambach retired from farming, and settled in Zelienople, where he
still resides. A Republican, in politics, he has served as assessor and school
director of Forward township. IK- and wife are members of the United Pres-
byterian church.
Hexry W. Dambach, of the firm of Allen & Dambach, of Zelienople, was
bom in Forward township. Butler county. April 1, 1865, son of Adam and Dora
(Garwig) Dambach. He was educated in the public schools, and at the Wither-
spoon Institute-, and afterwards attended the State Normal School at Edinboro.
He then taught school in Jackson and Forward townships for three years, and
next acted as agent for the Pittsburg Water Elevator and Purifying Company.
In April, 1889, be became a member of the firm of Allen & Dambach. merchants
of Zelienople. lie was also one of the first oil producers in the Harmony Oil
field. Mr. Dambach was married Ma\ 16, 1889, to Nettie, daughter ef II. M
Ziegler, of Jackson township, and has one son. Loyal Earl. lie and wife are
members of the Reformed church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
Joiix Loris Roll was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany,
July 20, 1790, and was a son of Stephen Roll. He grew to maturity there, and
in 1817 married Jeanne Susanne Chardoussin, a native of Wurtemberg. born
fanuarv 24, 1793. Both the Roll and the Chardoussin families were of French
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I — 5
origin, and the ancestors lived in the south of France until the year 1160, when
they were driven bv religious persecution into Germany. John Louis Roll
served in the French army, under Xapoleon the Great, in 1813, 1814 and 1815,
and participated in many of the battles and brilliant campaigns of Xapoleon. clos-
ing with the disastrous battle of Waterloo. In 1828 lie immigrated to the United
States with his family, consisting of his wife and five children, as follows :
Magdalena, who married H. H. Bicker, of Winfield township, Butler county ;
Margaret Catharine, wife of Christian Holland, of Beaver county; John P., a
resident of Cranberry township; Catherine, wife of James Anderson, of Alle-
gheny, and Louis, since deceased. After a voyage of ten weeks and three days
on the sailing vessel William Penn, the family landed at Baltimore, from
whence they journeyed overland bv wagon to Pittsburg, where a settlement was
was made. Mr. Roll followed the trade of stonemason in Pittsburg, until his
removal to Cranberry township, Butler county, in 1832, having purchased a
tract of land there in 1830. Mr. Roll and wife resided upon this farm down to
their death, which occurred in 1881. One child was born to them after coming
to America, viz.. Hannah, wife of Peter Metz, of Beaver county. Both he and
wife were members of the German Reformed church, and during their residence
in this countv, were known as quiet, unostentatious people, but nevertheless
public-spirited and interested in the advancement and improvement of the com-
munity.
John P. Roi.r. was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 27, 1822,
and came with his parents to Pittsburg when a lad of five years old, and was ten
years of age when the family settled in Cranberry township, Butler county. He
remained at home, assisting in improving the farm, and enjoyed the limited
advantages of that period. Pittsburg was the nearest trading point and market-
ing place, and loading the wagon with grain, he would start with his ox team
for that city. After selling his produce, and making a few necessary purchases,
he would return home, the trip usually requiring two days or more. Living in a
rude log cabin and surrounded bv such privations, he passed his days upon the
farm, and remained with his parents until their decease, being their mainstay in
their declining vears. In 1844 he married Miss Fli/.a Xoss, a native of Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, born Octobers, Isi'o. Her parents. lohn and Elizabeth
X"". came to Butler countv in 1832, and settled in Cranberry township, where
the balance of their lives was passed. Mr. Roll settled on the old homestead
which he rented from his father, and after the death of the latter, he purchased
the interest of the other heirs. They are the parents of thirteen children : John
Louis: Ann Elizabeth, deceased ; Simon; Catherine, wife of Walter Campbell ;
William II.; George C; James; Margaret A., wife of Ira Porter; Wilson R. :
Robert M. ; Lucinda. wife of Christian Frev : Frank E., and Charles, deceased.
Mr. Roll and wife are members of St. John's Reformed church, of Cranberry
township. He is a Republican . in politics, lias been a member of the school
board nine years, tax collector for five vears, and is at present overseer of the poor.
John Hall was born in Lycoming countv . Pennsylvania, February i'7.
1806, son of Joseph and Phoebe (Covert) Hall, who belonged to one of the pio-
neer families of Lycoming county. lie came with his parents to Pittsburg, and
I 1/6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
later to Zelienople. His parents died in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, whither
they had removed. John Hall purchased a farm in Cranberry township, Butler
county, and went bravely to work clearing and improving it. In 1830 he mar-
ried Priscilla, daughter of Morris and Annie Covert, to which union where born
eight children : Hulda J., of Cranberry township; Algernon C, who died in
1854; Cyrus \\ *., of Adams township; Joseph, who died June 10, 1870; Annie,
wile of Andrew Dunn; [saac, who died August 25, Ls77 ; Minerva, and Enoch,
of Cranberry township. Mr. Hall and wife were members of the Plains Presby-
terian church. He died April 18, 1S80; his widow survived until March 10,
L887. He was a quiet, unassuming man, and always took an interest in the
development and progress of the county.
Enoch Hall, youngest child of John and Priscilla Hall, was born upon the
homestead farm in Cranberry township, September 6, 1849. He remained with
hi> parents until arriving at his majority, assisting them in the duties of the farm
and later taking charge of the same. Upon the death of his parents he succeeded
to the homestead, which he has since carried on. He is a member of Plains Pres-
byterian chinch, and in politics, he is a Democrat. The Hall family are among
the most respected in the township.
David Barto was a son of David Barto, who came from eastern Pennsyl-
vania to Beaver county, and later settled in Cranberry township, Butler county,
where he died. Da\ id. li\, was one of a family of six children, and after arriving
at manhood he married Mary Ann McMahon, of Beaver county, who born him a
family of nine children, seven of whom are In ing, as follows : Margaret A., wife
of Tames Flender ; Permelia, wife of Thomas Jamison; Jesse, of Cranberry
township: Isabella, wife of Joseph Sutherland: Agnes, of Cranberry township;
(ohn, a resident of Jackson township, and William, who resides at Evans City.
Mr. Barto died in Jackson township in 1859. His widow survived until July.
is', to.
Jesse Barto, eldest son of David and Mary Ann Barto, was born in But-
ler county. July 22, 1846, here grew to manhood, and in March, 1862, he enlisted
in Company B, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and served in the Ninth
Army Corps under General Burnside. He participated in the battles of Cold
Harbor. Mine Explosion, and others, and was taken prisoner at Mine Explosion.
1 Ie was confined in Danville for five months, was then taken to Libby prison,
where he spent nearly three months, and was then exchanged and returned to his
home. In 1865 he purchased his present homestead in Cranberry township. He
is a stanch Republican, and gives an earnest support to the candidates and meas-
ures of his party.
John BuiILER, son of John and Catherine' Buhler, was born in Jackson
township, Butler county. Pennsylvania, October 9, LS54, and grew to manhood
engaged in farm labor. In 1881 he purchased his present home in Cranberry
township. On October "> I , ISS5, he married Caroline KnautT, a daughter of
Henry and Margaret KnautT. to which union have been born three children, as
follows: Ella: Amanda, and Maggie. Mr. Buhler and wife are membersofthe
Lutheran church at Zelienople.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. \\~~
Henry Knauff was born in Prussia, July 20, L817, son ot Hartman and
Elizabeth Knauff. In ls;$4, when in his seventeenth year, he came to the United
States, being on the voyage fifty-eight days, and landed at Baltimore, Maryland.
From Baltimore he came to Butler county, as he hail an uncle. Michael Knauff.
living near Zelienople. His parents came from Germany in 183(3, and lived in
Cranberry township, Butler county, where they purchased the tract of land upon
which Henry now resides. Both died in this township, and Henry then pur-
chased the interest of the other heirs. In 1S41 Henry married Margaret Scheeber,
a native of Germany, who came to this country with her father. He first rented
a farm in Cranberry township, and continued to rent for twelve years. Three
children were born to Ilenrv and Margaret Knauff, as follows i facob, who
resides in this county; Elizabeth, wife of George Leonberg, and Caroline, wife
of John Buhler. Mrs. Knauff died in 1890. She was a member of the Zelien-
ople Presbvterian church, to which body her husband also belongs. In politics,
he is a Democrat.
John Ehrman, Sr., is one of the leading farmers of Cranberry township.
He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 28, 1821, son ot Bastian and
Annie (Kaugh) Ehrman. When but a lad his parents died, and at the age "I
fourteen years he was thrown upon his own resources. lie became a valet to a
gentleman of wealth, and traveled with him through Europe and a portion of
Asia, spending some time in India. In 1848 he came to the United States, arriv-
ing at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in June of that year. lie found employment in
carrying bricks to the builders, and being imbued with the principles of economy,
he saved his earnings carefully and was thus enabled to embark in the grocen
business in that city. In 1852 he married Annie Oble, a native of Germany, and
the following year they came to Cranberry township, Butler county, and estab-
lished a grocery store at Ogle. Owing to losses sustained by reason of the dis-
honesty ot a former partner in Pittsburg, he was compelled to make a new start
in Cranberry, where he commenced life on a capital of thirty dollars and a team
of horses. He afterwards rented a farm, and resided thereon until he finally
became its owner. By industry and economy they kept accumulating their
means through the passing years, until he is now the owner of over :!<>(> acre- of
land in Cranberry township. Four children have been born to John and Annie
Ehrman, as follows : John, of Cranberry township: Peter, born Movember 24,
1854, married Hannah Ilart/.ell. anil has two children. Arthur and Annie :
George, a resident of Cranberry township, and Sadie, deceased. Mr. Ehrman
and wife are members of the German Lutheran church at Evans City. He is
one of the substantial and enterprising farmers of Butler county, where he has
resided more than forty years.
John Ehrman, eldest son of John and Annie Ehrman, was burn in Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania. March I'll, 1853, and grew to maturity on bis father's farm.
He received a common school education in the district school of his neighbor-
hood, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. In 1^7^ he married Mary
Knauff, a daughter of Casper Knauff, of Zelienople. The young couple settled
on a farm in Cranberry township, where they have since resided. They are the
parents of four children : Annie L. ; Henry William : John E.. and Emma M.
I I r S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Mr. Ehrman is one of the active and influential Democrats of his township, and
has served as assessor and collector, and has been a member of the school board
fur three years. Both he and wife are members of the German Lutheran church
at Evans City.
George Ehrman, youngest son of John and Annie Ehrman, was born in
Cranberry township, Butler county. April 7, 1858. His boyhood days were
spent upon his father's farm, and he received a common school education at the
district school of the neighborhood. On June 15, 1882, he married Sophia
Shoup, a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Knauff) Shoup. They settled on a
farm in Cranberry township, which they have since made their home, and erected
in 1890 a substantial residence. Five children have been born to them, three of
whom survive, as follows : Annie Flora; Laura Adelina, and Amos Oscar. Mr.
and Mrs. Ehrman are members of the German Lutheran church of Evans City,
and in politics, he is a Democrat. He is one of the leading farmers and progress-
ive citizens of his native township.
Andrew (i. Thompson was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in
1812, son ot James and Isabella Thompson, natives of Ireland, who immigrated
to Allegheny county, ami resided there down to their death. Andrew (i.
Thompson married Mary English, a native of Ireland, born in ISO'.), who came
to America with her parents in childhood. They spent their lives in Allegheny
county. Mis. Thompson died May 23, 1880, and her husband, August 17. 1888.
They were consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Six children were
born to them, four of whom grew to maturity : James, of Cranberry township;
Mary, wife of James Jackson ; Andrew, a resident of Allegheny county, and
Samuel, who resides on the old homestead in the same county.
James Thompson was born on the homestead farm in Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, January 16, 1835, and is the eldest living child of Andrew (i.
Thompson. His boyhood days were spent in the usual routine of farm life, and
he obtained a common school education at the district school of his neighbor-
hood. <)n March 21, 1861, lie married Mary Thorn, a native of Butler county,
and a daughter of John M. and Martha (Campbell) Thorn, who came from
Westmoreland county to Butler county at quite an early day and settled in
Oakland township. Here Mr. Thorn, who was one of the firsl teachers of the
county, died, in |une. 1840. Soon after his marriage Mr. Thompson located on
his present farm in Cranberry township. Their first home was a log cabin, and
the land was comparatively uncleared, but the young couple had been reared in
pioneer surroundings, and bravely set to work to make themselves a permanent
home. The farm now consists of ninety-five acres of highly improved land, and
the humble cabin has been replaced by a handsome and commodious dwelling.
rhey are the parents of --even children, viz. : Andrew II.. of Braddock ; Martha
A., wife of R, \V. Garvin; Lida M . ; Alvin T. ; Eva P.; Samuel A., and Cora,
deceased. Mr. Thompson is an elder in Plains Presbyterian church, to which
society both he and wife belong, and in which the latter takes a prominent part
in woman's work as president of the Ladies Missionary Society. In politics, he
i- ;i Republican, and is active in the promotion of the public school system. He
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 79
is a member of Cranberry Grange, and is one of the progressive farmers of his
township.
Frederick Lf.isk was a native of Hesse, Germany, born in 1816, and
immigrated to the United States with his father, John Leise, in 1842. His
mother and three brothers, John, George and Henry, came at the same time. The
last mentioned is livingin Lawrence county, but John and George are dead. The
parents located in what is now Brady township, Butler county, where the father
purchased a tract of seventy-five acres, now owned bv John Stein, and resided
there until their death, in 1854. Frederick grew to manhood in his native land,
and married Susannah Keine, a native of Germany, who came to America with
her parents. Four sons and three daughters were the fruits of this union, as fol-
lows : John, of Cranberry township; Henry, deceased; Caroline, wife of George
Helwig, of Iowa; Margaret, wife of Philip Burr; Christina, wife of Isaac Burr;
Jacob deceased, and William J., who died in infancy. At his father's death Mr.
Leise purchased the old homestead, lived there until 1855, and then located in
Jackson township. His wife died .September '24, |S."J6. and he married for his
second wife Barbara Kleinfelter, a native of Germany. Five children were born
to this union, four of whom are living, as follows : Katharine, wife of William
Fehl : George; Frederick, of Cranberry township, and Mary, wife of Benjamin
Johnson of the same township. Mr. Leise moved into Cranberry township in
1869, and died there in 1871. His widow is still a resident of that township. He
was a member of the Reformed church, and a very worthy man.
John Leise, eldest son of Frederick anil Susannah Leise. remained with his
parents until his majority, enjoying but limited advantages for an education. In
1871 he married Dora Pflugh, a native of Beaver county, and located on bis
present homestead, buying out the other heirs. Since it came into his possession
lie has made many improvements, has erected a handsome residence and sub-
stantial barn, and is now the owner of 165 acres of well improved land. They
are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living, as follows: William
Y.. who died in childhood ; John C. : Laura B. : Mary E. : Josephine A. ; Clar-
ence E.. and Myrtland L, Mr. Leise and wife are members of the Reformed
church at Evans City. lie is a Democrat, and has tilled the offices of township
collector and assessor. lie is a member of Cranberry Grange, and represented
it ai the convention of the State Grange at Harrisburg, in December, lS'.ii'.
George Meeder was born July 19, 1851, son of Frederick and Caroline
(Ilaine) Meeder, of Cranberry township. He spent his boyhood days upon the
homestead farm, and attended the common school of the district. In 1879 he
married Dena F ran tz, born September 3, 1857, in Allegheny county, Pennsyl-
vania, a daughter of John Frantz, a native of Zelienople, Butler county, Pennsyl-
vania. Immediately following their marriage the young couple settled on a farm
in Cranberry township, where they now- reside. They are the parents of three
children: Charles Frederick, born November IS. 1879; Elmer, born August 6,
1887, and Edward B., bom June 15, IS91. Mr. Meeder is a Democrat, and
takes a decided interest in the political questions of the day. Both he and wife
are members of the Presbyterian church at Zelieneople.
I I So HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Joseph West came from Beaver county, Pennsylvania, with his family in
L863 , and settled in Cranberry township, Butler county. He was horn in Frank-
lin township, Beaver county, in 1815, married Maria Powell, of Beaver county,
and followed farming as an occupation. lie reared a family of three sons and
three daughters, viz. ; Mary Ann. wife of T. S. Wilson, of Allegheny county;
Fleming, of Cranberry township; Calvin J., of Evans City; S. J., wife of Addi-
son Ramsey, of Cranberry: Andrew J., also a resident of Cranberry, and Maria
A., wife of James Croft, of the same township. Mr. West died February it, 1892;
his widow survives him.
Fleming West was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1>4;>.
and is the eldest son of Joseph West. lie came with his parents to Cranberry
township in 1861, and remained with them assisting in the duties of the farm,
and attending the common school of the district. In 18G7 he married Mary M.
Wilson, a native of Cranberry township. Butler county, and a daughter of Will-
iam and Margaret (Bryan) Wilson, early settlers of that township. Soon after
their marriage they located upon their present farm, a part of the original
homestead, which he has since improved in many ways. Five children are the
fruits of this union, as follows: Ida A., wife of Edwin Ramsey; Charlie L.,
who died June 10, 1890, aged nineteen years; Mary M. ; Joseph V., and Murt-
land R. The family worship at Crestview Presbyterian church, in which Mr.
West is an elder. lie has held various offices in the township, and i- an ardent
supporter of the Democratic party.
Andrew I. West was born in Beavercounty, Pennsylvania, in 1849, and is
the youngest son of Joseph and Maria (Powell) WTest, who came to Cranberry
township, Butler county, in 1861. He spent his boyhood days upon the farm
with his parents, arid received a common school education. In L880 he married
Annie M., a daughter of Michael and Sarah A. Knox, whose family were early
settlers of Jackson township, where Mr. Knox and wife were born and reared.
Mrs. West is a native of Butler county. Immediately following their marriage
Mr. West settled upon a part of the old homestead, where they have since resided.
They have two children, Eurv Iona and Beulah. He and wife are member-- of
Crestview Presbyterian church, at Callerv, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
He has served as a member of the school board, has always been a warm friend
of the public schools, and is one of the well known citizens of Cranberry town-
ship.
John Smith was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, October S. 1820, and
came to the United States with his brother Henry, in April, 1846. They located
in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where John worked as a roller in an iron mill. lie
was married in 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Helsel, a native of Alsace. Germany, boi n
March 2'-), 1817- She came to this country with a brother in 1846, landing in
New York on Christmas day. In I860 Mr. Smith and wife removed to a farm
in Beaver county, lived there until 1S64, and then located on a farm in Cran-
berry township, Butler county. In 1868 they removed to another farm in the
same township, where he died. December 1, 1885. His widow resides with her
son on the old homestead. Mr. Smith was a member of the German Reformed
church, and was a public-spirited citizen. He possessed a good education, took
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I Si
a deep interest in school matters and was highly respected and esteemed. Of
their family of seven children, three are now Hying : Elizabeth, wife of II. J.
Gibson; John II., of Cranberry township, and Mary, wife of Andrew Keck.
Iohn II. Smith was born in the City of Pittsburg, January 25, 1857, and
is the only living son of John Smith. Me was three years old when his parents
removed to Beaver county, and seven when they settled in Cranberry town-hip,
Butler county. Here he grew to maturity, engaged in the usual routine duties
of a farmer's life, and attended the public school of his district timing the win-
ter seasons. He was married March 2l>. 1884, to Amelia Deemer, a native of
Cranberry township, and a daughter of Andrew and Catherine Deemer. One
child was born to them, Emma Amelia, who died August Si, 1885. Mrs. Smith
died February 16, 1885. She was a consistent member of the Reformed church,
to which denomination her husband also belongs. Mr. Smith purchased the
homestead where he now resides, containing ninety-four acres of well improved
land, upon which he has erected substantial buildings. Politically, he is a Demo-
crat, and is well known as one of the energetic and progrcssiye citizens of the
community.
William Wright was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 6,
1791, son of Robert and Betsey Wright, who came from Ireland to Allegheny
county at an early day. William Wright married Sarah .Smith, a native of
Allegheny county, born in May, 1792, and a daughter of John Smith, who was
killed in the War of 1812. Mr. Wright and wife lived and died in Allegheny
county, the former dying July 5, 1870, and the latter ( >ctober 18, 1881, in the
ninetieth year of her age. They were tlie parents of fourteen children, twelve
of whom grew to maturity.
Isaac X. Wright, youngest son of William and Sarah Wright, was born in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1842, and spent his boyhood days in his
native county. He was married November ^S, 1 865, to Susan Killian, born
January 11, 1845. She is a daughter of Henry and Mary Killian, natives of Ger-
main and Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, respectively. Her father died in
Allegheny county, December 21, 1*77. aged seventy-one years, but Iier mother is
still living at the advanced age of eighty-three years. In January, 1885, Mr.
Wright located on his present farm in Cranberry township. Butler county. He
is the father of six children, as follows : Ida M.. wife of John Steele, of Roches-
ter. Pennsylvania; Henry C. ; Clark II.; Earle E. ; Gilbert W., and Albert R.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of Dutillh Methodist Episcopal church, in
which he lias been superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is a Republican in
politics, and was elected justice of the peace in 1887 and re-elected in 1892.
George Gaertner, a prominent German citizen of Cranberry township,
Butler county, was born in Hcsse-Cassel, Germany, September 22, 1822, and is a
son of Christian and Catharine Gaertner. He came to the United States with
his parents in l^i'ti. They settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, subsequently
removed to Beaver county, and later resided near Zelienople, in Butler county,
wlience they returned to Beaver county and there died. At the age of sixteen
the subject of this sketch hired out for three years, at the rate of fifty dollars per
year, and thus commenced life for himself. He followed various occupations
r 1 82 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
until 1846, in which year he married Christina Met/., a native of Alsace-Lor-
raine, Germany, whence she came with her parents to America. The voung
couple resided in Beaver county until 1865, when they purchased their home-
stead in Cranberry township, upon which Mr. Gaertner has resided For nearly
thirty years. Six children were horn to this union, as follows : Caroline, wifeof
Andrew Voerker ; Lizzie, deceased; Henry, of Cranberry township; Margaret,
wife of Andrew Kirshler ; George, of Cranberry township, and Sophia, deceased.
Mrs. Gaertner died in 1886, in the Lutheran faith, to which denomination her
husband also belongs, being an elder in that church. lie is a Republican, in
politics, and has been supervisor in his township for three years.
foiiN Barxei Reichle was born in VVurtemburg, Germany, in 1837. grew
to manhood in his native land, anil served six years in the Royal Cavalry. In
1866 he immigrated to New York, possessing no capital but pluck, determina-
tion and energy, thence came to Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he
worked in the mines, and later located at Pittsburg and found employment in an
iron mill. He afterward-- engaged as a teamster, and during his residence in
Pittsburg he married Maggie Bergman. In the meantime he had saved some
money, and, in 1881, purchased his present farm in Cranberry township. Butler
county, paying cash for the same from his accumulated earnings. I lis farm con-
tains sixty acres, is well improved and has a number of good oil wells upon it.
Mr. and Mrs. Reichle are the parents of ten children. Politically, he is a Demo-
crat, and is a worthy, prosperous farmer.
Matthew White, son of Alexander White-, was a native of Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, and removed with his family from the site ol Wilkins-
burg. Allegheny county, to Connoquenessing township. Butler county, in Maw
1799. He was then the "fullesl handed" settler in that locality, and a man
above the average in education and intelligence. The village of Whitestown
was founded by him and named in his honor. lie died on his farm in 1813.
His wile was Frances Spear, who survived him many years, and was known
among the pioneers as "Aunt Fanny." Their infant son, fohn, was the first
interment in Mt. Xebo graveyard, in August. 1801. Three sons, Alexander.
Andrew Spear and Edward, grew to manhood. Alexander White. Sr.. was a
slaveholder, and divided his slaves among his children. Eleanor Troy, better
known as " Black Nell," he gave to his daughter Annie, wife of Alexander Gal-
braith, of Centre township; one " Pomp," a mulatto, he gave to bis son James,
who settled at Waterford. Erie county, and "George Mitchell." a mulatto,
became the property of bis son Matthew. Alexander White, eldesl son of
Matthew White, spent his life at Whitestown. His son. Robert A., resides in
Butler. The second son of Matthew White, Andrew Spear White, married Ange-
lina Ford, who bore him one daughter, Jane. She married Matthew McCollough,
and was the mother of A. W. McCollough, of Butler. Edward White married
Elizabeth Sullivan, a daughter of Charles Sullivan, a pioneer of Franklin town-
ship. .She bore him eight children, six of whom are living. Matthew W hite
and wife were among tin- founders of Mt. Nebo Presbyterian church. They ami
many of t heir descendants have been sleeping the years away in Mt. Nebo burial
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. [ I 83
ground, where long rows of little mounds, whose green curtains never outward
swing, mark the resting place of the family.
William Speak, a Revolutionary soldier, who married Barbara White,
familiarly known as ••Aunt Babby," came to Butler county in [799, with Mat-
thew White and family. lie settled in what is now Franklin township, not far
from the site of Prospect, where the remaining years of his lite were passed. He
and wife were among the organizers of Mt. Nebo Presbyterian church, ami when
death came they were laid at rest in the old graveyard near by, where many of
their descendants sleep in peace. Two of their sons, Andrew and Matthew, wen-
prominent physicians of pioneer days. Another son, Edward, settled at War-
ren. Ohio, to which place his brother William afterwards removed. The former,
who died at Warren a few years ago at a ripe old age, was the father of Judge
William Spear, the present chief justice of Ohio.
Leonard Shannon' was horn on the Atlantic, during the passage of his par-
ents from Ireland to America. They settled in Franklin county, Pennsylvania,
where Leonard grew to maturity, lie learned the wagon-maker's trade in Phila-
delphia, subsequently located in Cumberland county, where he tilled the office of
sheriff for one term. In 1799 he came to Butler county, and settled in Franklin
township, where he took up a tract of 4-1 )( ) acres of land, and engaged in farming
and wagon-making. lie married jane Walker, a daughter Robert Walker, ot
Washington. I). C, to which union the following children were horn: David;
Rachel ; Sarah ; Joseph : John; Mary, who married William Gibson; Betsev ;
Jane, who married a Mr. Berger ; Hannah, who married Robert McGinniss, and
Samuel W..all of whom are deceased. Mr. Shannon was a man of great physi-
cal strength and undaunted courage, and was well fitted by nature for the trials
and hardships of pioneer life. He re-ided upon his farm in Connoquenessing
township until his death, in 1S4H. In early life he was an adherent of the
Democratic party, but afterwards became a Whig. He was a prominent mem-
ber of the Masonic order, and in religious belief, was a member ol the Presby-
terian church, in which denomination he filled several offices at different periods.
David Shannon, eldest son of Leonard and Jane Shannon, was born in
Cumberland countv. Pennsylvania, in 1794, and came with his parents to Frank-
lin township, Butler county, in 1799. He attended the pioneer subscription
schools in early boyhood, and subsequently learned the blacksmith's trade in
Pittsburg. Returning to Butler county he followed his trade at White-town,
purchased 350 acres of land in Connoquenessing township, and followed farming
in connection with his trade. In 1818 he married Ann White, a daughter of
Matthew and Fanny White. They became the parents of eight children, vi/. :
John L. ; Matthew W. ; Fanny, who married Matthew McCollough ; Rachel,
who became the wife of Alfred Ilines; Betsy, deceased: David; Mary, deceased
wife of Robert Lemmon, and Samuel, deceased. Mr. Shannon was a stanch
Democrat, served as justice of the peace for several years, and also filled the office
of coroner. He was at one time connected with the Butler Repository , as editor.
He died in 1876, and his wife in 1S7.">.
JOHN I.. Shannon, eldest son of David and Ann Shannon, was born in
Connoquenessing township, Butler county, in 1819, attended the pioneer school-
I 1S4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of his neighborhood, and was reared a fanner, which business lias been his life
vocation. He married Margaret Cabel, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine
Cabel, who became the mother of seven children, viz. : Henderson, who was
killed in the Rebellion; David, deceased; Emmeline, deceased wife of J. W.
Gibson; Jane, wife of John Barr ; Maggie, deceased; Charles, and Quincy Gil-
more. Mrs. Shannon died in 1891. She was a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, to which denomination her husband belongs. He held the offices
of steward and trustee in the church for a great number (if years, and is one of
1 he pioneer members of that church in Connoquenessing township. Mr. Shan-
non is one of the substantial citizens of his native county, in which his entire life
has been passed.
William Brandon was born in New Jersey, January 19. 1756, and was a
M>n of Thomas Brandon, a native of Ireland, who settled in that State and was
(he father of two sons and one daughter. Thomas was a great-grandson of Col.
William Brandon, who came from Holland to Fermanagh county, Ireland, in
1600. On April 1, 1776. William Brandon enlisted in the Continental army,
and served one year and nine months. He participated in the battles of White
Plains. Trenton. Princeton and Brandy wine, and in 1824 he was granted a pen-
Man by the Pennsylvania legislature as a reward for his services in the Revolu-
tion. In 1781 he married Sarah Livingston, born in New Jersey, June 8, 1758,
and in 17'.'S came from Adams county, to Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and
located on Wolf creek. Here the parents spent the remaining years of their
lives, dying in March, 1826, and June, 1842, respectively. Their children were
1- follows: John; William; Henry; James; Thomas, and Sally.
John Brandon, eldest son of William and Sarah Brandon, was born near
Gettysburg, ^i ork county (now Adams). Pennsylvania, July 4. 1782. and came
with his parents to Mercer county in 1798, where he grew to manhood. Early
in the present century he settled in what is now Forward township, Butler
county, purchasing 14(1 acres of land where his son, James Brandon, now lives.
He died at the home of his son. John W., in Connoquenessing township. June
1-1. L873, at the remarkable age of ninety-one years. Mr. Brandon was one of
the early members of Mt. Nebo Presbyterian church. Although his name does
not appear in the roster of Butler county pioneers who went out in the War of
L812, it is claimed by his descendants that he served in that war. He was orig-
inally a Whig and afterwards a Republican, and served as county commissioner
one term. In 1S04 he married Susan Welsh, and they were the parents of five
children: William; John W. ; Thomas; Sarah, who married Jacob Cleffer, and
after his death Rudolph Kelker. and Mary, who became the wife of George
Marvin.
[ohn W. Brandon, second son of John and Sarah Brandon, was born upon
the homestead in Forward township, Butler county, September 6, 1814. He
grew to manhood beneath the parental roof, ami settled close to Petersville, in
Connoquenessing township, where he spent his life in the peaceful calling of
tgriculture. He died September 9, 1890. His farm is the celebrated Brandon
oil farm. In early life he was a Whig and afterwards a Republican, but in
later years he was an anient Prohibitionist, and chairman of the county commit-
CCa^-
UXaajh-^z^-.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 85
tee. lie served one term as county commissioner, and for many years filled the
office of justice of the peace, and took an active part in public affairs. Mr.
Brandon was one of the leading members of Ml. Nebo Presbyterian church, and
filled the office of elder in that organization, lie married Ruth A., a daughter
of John Bieghley, of Lancaster township, who survives him. Their children are
as follows : William W. ; Sarah J., wife of Peter II. Heckert ; Jacob C. ; John
C, deceased; Washington D. ; Susan C, wife of John A. Brandon; Quincy A.,
deceased; Martha E., wife of S. (). Wright ; James E.. and Junius II., deceased.
Daniel Graham was born on the Isle of Lewis, near the west coast of
Scotland, about 1749, grew to maturity in his native land, and immigrated to
America in 1770. He served in the Revolution, was married in Philadelphia to
Margaret J. McKenzie, and settled in the vicinity of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in
17vo. In 1794 he removed to Allegheny county, lived there two years, and in
1796 he came to what is now Butler county, and located upon a tract oi 40(1
acres in Connoquenessing township, a portion of which is now owned by Henry
Brunermer. lie resided here down to his death, in 1839, aged ninety years. lie
was the father of five children, as follows: John, who was born near Carlisle
in 1 7^4, and married Mary McLeod; Alexander; Nancy, who married Robert
McKee ; Catherine, who married Carhart Walling, ami Margaret, who married
Capt. Alexander Graham, all of whom are dead. Mr. Graham was a member of
of the Union, now the United Presbyterian, church, and died in that faith.
Alexander Graham, youngest son of Daniel and Margaret J. Graham,
was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1791, and was about five years old
when his parents came to Butler county. lie was reared upon the homestead in
Connoquenessing township, and followed farming all his life. He married Eliza-
beth Rainev, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine C. Rainev. to which union
were born seven children, as follows : Jane, wife of Henry Brunermer; Hiram,
who married Elizabeth E. Steen ; Svdney, who married Robert Lemmon ; Daniel,
who died at Wilmington, North Carolina, through long confinement at Libby
and Andersonville prisons; Thomas, who married Jane Purviance ; John A.,
who married Mary Ann Wade, and Theophilus, who married Mertilla Pair. Mr.
Graham was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he
wa- a stanch Whig. He died in 1855; his wife survived him two years.
Thomas Graham, son of Alexander and Elizabeth Graham, was born upon
his father's farm in Connoquenessin;.;- township, Butler count}*, November 13,
1887, was educated in the public schools, and settled upon a portion of the old
homestead. In L861 he married T;me Purviance. Politically, he i-- a Republi-
can, and was elected justice of the peace in 1886. lie i> quite active in public
affairs, and is recognized as one of the progressive farmers of his township. He
is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and an elder in that body.
Henry Brunermer, whose parents were natives of Germany, from which
country they immigrated to Canada in 1826, was born in the Province of Ontario,
Canada, about ten miles from Niagara Falls, in the year 1830. His parents .sub-
sequently moved to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, ami settled in Conno-
quenessing township, Butler county, in 1840, purchasing sixty-two acres of land,
which they cleared and improved. He learned the carpenter's trade with lames
75
I I 86 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Gray, of Connoquenessing township, and followed it for forty-six years in con-
nection with farming. In 1852 he married fane Graham, a daughter of Alex-
ander and Elizabeth Graham, oi Connoquenessing township, to which union
were born twelve children, a^ follows: George Alexander, who married Cora
Collins; Mary E., who married Hans Anderson; Sydnej A., who married
Rev. Samuel Krohn ; Hiram Clayton, and Margaret O., both deceased ; Laura ]. ;
Margaret Ann ; Daniel G. ; Agnes R. ; VVilla Blanche; Mertilla, deceased, and
Henrietta. Politically. Mr. Brunermer is a Republican, and has served in
several minor township offices. Himself and family are members of While Oak
Spring United Presbyterian congregation.
Peter Henry was a son of Frederick Henry, a native of German v, and
was horn in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 17(54. When Peter was
fourteen years of age. their home. six miles from Greensburg, was attacked by a
hand of marauding Indians, and his mother and the two youngest children were
killed. Peter and two younger children were taken prisoners l>v the savages,
but they had proceeded only a short distance when the youngest child began to
cry and was immediately, tomahawked. The Indians carried Peter and his sister
to the' point since known as Brady's Mend, where they went into camp. The
redoubtable Captain Brady, at the head of a party of scouts, had followed the
savages, attacked them in the night while asleep, and only one of the hand
escaped to tell the tale. Brady took the children to Fort Pitt, and subsequently
delivered them safeh to their father. Peter grew to manhood in his native
counts. ami in I 7'. IN came to w hat is now Summit township, Butler county,
entered a tract of oi'O acres of land, and erected a cabin in the midst of the for-
est. This land is still in possession of his descendants. IK' brought his family
to his new home ill 1800, and resided upon this farm down to his death, in 1852,
aged eighty-eight years. His wife Margaret died in 1832. They were the par-
ents of the following children : Mary A., who married 11. J. Coyle ; Elizabeth,
who married John lit inker; John; Adam: Peter; Frederick; Joseph; Jefferson,
and William, all of whom are dead. Mr. Henry and wife were members of the
hut luran church. tie was a leading spirit in the Federal partv in Butler county.
and afterwards a local leader in the Whig party.
Joseph Henry, son of Peter and Margaret Henry, was horn upon the
homestead farm in Summit township. Butler county, September 13, 1812, and
grew to manhood in his native township. In October. 1837, he married Mary
X. Scott, a daughter of Robert Scott, ami settled upon a farm in Clearfield town-
ship, upon which he resided until 1857. He then purchased a farm in Conno-
quenessing township, now in possession "f his son, Robert S., upon which he
lived for thirty years, dying Ma\ 5. 1887. He was the father of eleven children,
ten of whom grew to maturity, a- follows; Sarah 15., deceased wife of X.N.
Stevenson: Margaret, who married Benjamin Powell: Mary A., deceased:
Elizabeth J., wife of E. <i. Duncan, of Iowa; Caroline, deceased : Robert S. ;
Jane, deceased wife of J. C. Cruikshailk : Man A., deceased wile of J. A. Croft :
Melissa E. who married John Greene; Harriet 1'.. wife of Charles Shannon, and
Minnie M.. deceased. Mr. Henry was a justice of the peace for twenty-five
years, was a local leader in the Republican party, and was quite prominent in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 187
public affairs. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, anil filled
the offices of trustee and steward in that organization.
Robert S. Henry, merchant, was horn in Clearfield township, Butler
county. March 1, L845, son of Joseph and Mary X. Henry. lie received a com-
mon school education, and followed farming until 1889, then retired from agri-
culture, and was appointed agent of the Cumberland Fertilizer Company, also of
the Standard Fertilizer Company, of Syracuse. New York. In L892 he estab-
lished a general store at Buttercup, Connoquenessing township, and was appointed
postmaster of that office July 1, of the same year. Mr. Henry married Sarah I..
Shannon, a daughter of Thompson Shannon, to which union have been born nine
children, viz : Levingston S. ; Earnest L. ; Joseph 1).; Peter, deceased ; Dallas D. ;
Nettie; Tyne ; Frank, and Rosso N. He is an ardent Republican, and is a
member of the Jr. O. U. A. M.. and Eureka Grange, Number 244, Patrons of
1 lusbandry.
]. L. Christie, physician and druggist, was born in Concord township, But-
ler county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1852, son of William A. and Sarah T.
(Mcjunkin) Christie, pioneer families of this county. lie was reared in Centre
township, upon the homestead farm, obtained his primary education in the com-
mon schools, and subsequently attended Witherspoon Institute and Grove City
College. He read medicine with Dr. A. M. Neyman, of Puller, anil graduated
from Miami Medical College. Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1 S 7 7 . In April
of that year he located at Petersville, where he has since continued to practice
his profession. In 1887 he established a drug store, which he has since conducted
in connection with his professional duties. Dr. Christie has been a member of
the Butler County Medical Association for sixteen years, anil has tilled the office
of secretary for live years. He has also been a member ol the State Medical
Society for fifteen years, and is one of the well known physicians of Butler
county. Since locating at Petersville he has built up a lucrative practice, and
has won the respect and confidence of the people of his community. Dr. Chris-
tie was married in INS I, to Sarah Richardson, a daughter of William Richardson
of Connoquenessing township. She died January 1, 1888, leaving two children,
viz. : Frank, and Karl, lie was again married, to Tyne S. Jamison, a daugh-
ter of Rev. William II. Jamison, by which union he is the father of two children,
viz.: Ralph, and Mildred. In politics. Dr. Christie is an ardent Republican,
and has always taken an active interest in the success of his party. lie is a mem-
ber of the United Presbyterian church, and has tilled the office of trustee for
eleven years.
John Richardson was a ^native of Ireland, and immigrated to Butler
county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, settling on a farm in Connoquenessing township,
now in possession of his grandson, William Richardson. He learned the weaver's
trade in his native land, and followed that business in this county for a number
of years. He took up 400 acres of unimproved land, built his cabin in the midst of
a forest, and resided there the remainder of his life. lie married Ellen Pillow,
also a native of Ireland, who became the mother of si\ children, viz. : William :
Moses, killed in boyhood by a falling tree: Elizabeth, who married John Fra-
zier ; Eleanor; lain-, who married James Cochran, and Polly, who became the
IlSS HISTORY OK r.l'TLER COUNTY.
wife of Daniel Graham, all of who arc deceased. Mr. Richardson was a member
of the German Reformed church, and quite prominent in that denomination.
In polit ics, he was a Whig.
William Richardson, Si;., eldest son <>!' John and Ann Richardson, was
born in Ireland, and came with his parents to Butler county. In 1808 he settled
upon a portion of his father's farm, and assisted him in clearing the land. He
married Elizabeth McCleary, a daughter of William McCleary, in 1812, which
union was blessed with the following children: John, deceased; William;
Ellen, deceased wife of Augustus Cuthbert ; Eliza ]., wife of Alexander Bryson ;
Samuel, who was killed on a steamboat near Yankton, Dakota; Sarah Ann, who
married Peter Ka\ . Newton M., a physician of Prospect; Caroline, who mar-
ried Jacob Ray ; Milton, deceased, and one that died in early youth. Politically,
Mr. Richardson was a Republican, and filled the office of tax collector for three
years. He died in 1S70, aged eighty-nine years; his wife survived him three
years, dying in 1878.
William Richardson, second son of William and Elizabeth Richardson,
was born upon the homestead farm in Connoquenessing township, Butler county,
in 1817, was reared to farm life, and after attaining his maturity inherited the
property upon which lie resides. In 1 'sot I he married Eliza Erazier. a daughter
of Arthur and Martha Frazier, of Connoquenessing township, and has four chil-
dren, viz.: Ellen, who married Thompson Purviance ; Samuel ; Sarah, who mar-
ried Dr. J. L. Christie, of Petersville, and Mary, wife of Dr. McConnell, of
Prospect. The last mentioned is the only survivor "I' the family. Mr. Richard-
son has always been an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and has tilled
the office of s> liool director for a number of years. lie is a member of the Ger-
man Reformed church, and has tilled the offices of trustee and elder in that
denomination.
Thomas Alexander was a native of Ireland, immigrated at an early day
to the United States, and finally settled in Connoquenessing township, Butler
county. Pennsylvania, in the first decade of this century. He married Nancy
Bailey, also a native of Ireland, who became the mother of seven children, viz. :
Sarah, who first married John McCauley, and afterwards Samuel Gallagher;
Andrew, and Robert, both deceased; Xancy, who married Jacob Cratty ; Eliza,
who married a Mr. Kelly, and Lucinda who married a Mr. Leviere. The parents
died upon the old homestead, the father in 1876, and the mother in 1886.
Robert Alexander, second son of Thomas ami Xancy Alexander, was
born in 1825, upon the old homestead in Connoquenessing township, now the
residence of Joseph Allen. lie grew to manhood upon his father's farm, and in
1851 was married to Martha Ferguson. Ten children were the fruits of this
union, as follows: Orville ; Nelson; Thomas; Benton; Nettie, who married
George Ross; John; William II.; Boyd; Nannie, and Dora, who married Ford
Weigle. The survivors of this family are Thomas. William II. and Nannie.
Mr. Alexander was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and was quite
prominent in local church matters. A Republican, in politics, he held the offices
of school director, supervisor and overseer of the poor for a number of years,
and was always active in promoting the <n>od of the community. He purchased
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 89
a farm of 111 acres, from David Marshall, of Prospect, located in Muddy Creek
township, upon which he resided down to his death, in 1878. Jlis wile survived
him three years, dying in 1881. Mr. Alexander was one of the thrifty and pro-
gressive farmers of his township, a good citizen and a worthy man.
William H. Alexander was born in Muddy Creek township. Butler
county, in L862, received his primary education in the district school, afterwards
attended Grove City College for one year and graduated at Duffs Mercantile
College at Pittsburg. Upon attaining his majority he engaged in teaching, and
followed that vocation for seven years. lie then went to California, when' he
remained only a brief time, when he returned to Butler county and purchased an
interest in a general store at Whitestown, where he is now- engaged in merchan-
dising, under the tirm name of Alexander & Doutt. In 1884 Ik- married Edith
McGowan, a daughter of James and Sarah McGowan of Prospect. She is the
mother of two children : James 11., ami Grace B. Both he .mil wife are mem-
bers of the I nited Presbyterian church, in which society he has served as trustee
and superintendent of the Sabbath school. Politically, he is quite an influential
worker in the Republican party, and gives an unswerving support to its
measures and principles. He is a member ot the 1. 0. 0. F.. and the Order ot
the Iron Hall.
John C. Shanor was born June 17. 1S17. is a -on of Henry .tud Susan
(Bieghley) Shanor. and a grandson of Henry Shanor. the first settler of the
family in tin- ouuitv. He was reared upon his father's farm, and learned 1 lie
shoemaker's trade at Butler, which business he followed for ten years and then
engaged in farming. In 1846 Mr. Shamir married Catherine Cratty, a daughter
of James and Jane Cratty, of Muddy Creek township. They had one daughter,
Mary Jane, who died in 1863. They adopted Susan M. Sheiver when she was
four years old, and she is now the wife of W. A. Shanor. of Beaver Falls. Both
he and wife are members of St. John's Lutheran church, in which he holds the
office of elder. Mr. Shanor attended school at the old Stone Church, which was
one of the early school house- of Lancaster town-hip. Politically, he is a Repub-
lican, and has served as tax collector of hi- township.
Samuel Stewart was one of the early settlers of Lancaster township, But-
ler county. He was the elde-t -on of Robert Stewart, who settled on the site ol
Portersville in 1796, was born in Cumberland county, but came from Westmore-
land county, whither hi- parents had removed from Cumberland. Samuel had a
family of twelve children, six sons and -ix daughters, a- follow- ; Robert; \\ ill-
iam; John; Samuel; Archibald; Joseph; Betsey; Sarah; Margaret; James;
Ann. and Nancy, all of whom are dead. The lather served in the War of 1812,
and was a well known hunter of pioneer days. Hi- wile was one ol those
courageous, resolute women, fitted by nature to bear the hard-hips and overcome
the obstacles of a new country. They were members of the Fresbyterian church,
and died upon their farm in Lancaster town-hip.
William Stewart was born upon his father'- farm in Lancaster town-
ship, Butler county, in L805, and was the last surviving -on of Samuel Stewart.
He died in Connoquenessing township, in March. |sTs. aged seventy-three years.
He wa- reared upon the farm, ami in 1827 was married to Eliza Frew, a daughter
I 190 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of lohn and Margaret Frew. Sin- was born in Lawrence county, in 1806, and
by her marriage to \\ illiam Stewart became the mother of eight children, vi/.. :
Alexander: X'ancv J., a resident of Michigan ; Margaret, wife of William Lutz ;
J. Frew, a resident of Washington, 1). C. : Ruse, deceased wife of Samuel
White; Archibald; Lydia II., who resides in Rochester, and Emeline, deceased
wife of Benjamin Hydenberk. Mr. Stewart was a Whig prior to the formation
of the Republican party, and afterwards a Republican. Both he and wife
were members of the United Presbyterian church. The latter died in 1S7*>.
Alexander Stewart, eldest in the family of William and Eliza Stewart,
was horn upon tin- homestead farm in Lancaster township, Butler county, in
1828, attended the district school of liL neighborhood, and afterwards learned
the carpenter's trade, which, however, he only followed for a short period. He
purchased a farm of 150 acres, from 1). C. Roth, in Connoquenessing township,
and has been engaged in farming tor more than forty years. In 1851 be married
Marian, a daughter of William Scott, of Butler county, to which union have
been born four children . as follows: Elizabeth A., wife of M. J. Humphrey;
Will S. ; Ada. wife of William Moore, and Nettie, wife of Stewart Wilson. Mr.
Stewart is an ardent Republican, and has served as justice of the peace for fif-
teen years. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian church of Prospect,
and was one of the principal contributors towards the erection of the church
building in that borough, lie L a progressive, enterprising farmer, and is highly
respected by the community in which his life has been passed.
Frederick Barxii viit was born upon the homestead farm in Fairview town-
ship, Butler county, in INCH), son of Rudolph Barnhart, and his early life was
spent in assisting hi- father in the usual duties that fall to the lot of a farmer's
bo v. He attended school in the log school bouse of the neighborhood, and endured
the usual trials of pioneer life, lie married Catherine, a daughter of Peter and
Elizabeth Thorn, who bore him a family of six children, vi/. : Rudolph: Eliza-
beth, who married 1. 1. Barnhart; Susan; Caroline: Sarah L., and Andrew J..
all of whom are dead except Rudolph and Elizabeth. Mr. Barnharl was a mem-
ber of the Reformed Presbyterian church, held the offices of deacon and elder in
that denomination, and was a prominent factor in the erection of the first church
building of that societ\ near Millerstown. Politically, he was a Republican.
and served as school director for a number 'if years. He died in 1879, and his
wiciow reside^ with her son. Rudolph, at Petersville.
Rudolph Barxii art, son of 1" rede rick and Catherine Barnhart . and grand-
son of Rudolph Barnhart. the pioneer, was born upon his father's farm near Mil-
lerstown, Butler county, in 1842, and was educated in the public schools and at
Clarion Academy. In 1802 he enlisted in Company K. One Hundred ami
Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and participated in the battles of
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and several minor engagements,
during his term of nine months, which expired in 1863. He was married in that
year to Mary Shakeh . a daughter of John and Susan Shakely. id' Millerstown.
and has two children. William and Frederick, The Barnhart farm near Millers-
town. is one of the pioneer oil farms of the county, the first well being drilled in
1S73, and commenced flowing at the rate of I tOO barrels per day. A year after this
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IIQ1
event, Mr. Barnhart located near Harmony, when- he resided on a farm for
twelve years, and then removed to Petersville, where he has since carried on a
genera] store in partnership with his son. He is a member of the Reformed
Presbyterian church, has held the office of deacon and elder, and is quite active
in church affairs. He is a member of the G. A. K., also of the P. of II., and the
Jr. O. U. A. M. Politically, he is an unswerving Republican, anil always gives
his earnest support to that party.
RoiiEur H.vvs came from eastern Pennsylvania to Pittsburg early in the
present century, where he was offered 150 acres of land, upon which Allegheny
now stands, for a sorrel horse and sixty dollars, but not considering the land
worth what was asked for it. he rejected the offer. He then came to Butler
countv with his family, and located in Connoquenessing township, upon a tract
of 400 acres of land, but soon returned to 1'ittsburg. He afterwards returned to
Butler county, settled upon his farm, and spent the remainder of his life thereon.
He married Nancy Plummer, to which union were born the billowing children,
all of whom are dead : William : Jonathan : Alexander ; Anna ; Sarah; Matilda;
Rebecca, and Samuel. Both he and wife were members of the Presbyterian
church. He was a Whig, in politics, and served a number of years as justice of
the peace.
Samuel Hays, third .-on of Robert and Nancy Havs. was born upon the
homestead farm in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, in 1805, and
remained with his parents until 1822, when he started a small store in one room
of the house. lie carried on merchandising in connection with farming for
twenty years, and this was the pioneer store of that vicinity. Mr. Hays married
Harriet Henderson, a daughter of Hugh Henderson, about lSi'7.and they became
the parents of the following children : Elizabeth : Robert S. ; Nancy ; Caroline;
Rebecca; Louisa, who married Harvey Colbert of Butler: Henderson ; James S.,
and one that died in early youth. The only survivors of the family are Robert
S.. and James S. Samuel Hays was a member of the Presbyterian church, and
in politics, a Republican. lie died in H7->, and his wife in 1881.
Robert S. Hays, eldest sun of Samuel and Harriet Hays, and grandson of
Robert Hays, was born in 1S30, upon his father's farm in Connoquenessing town-
ship, and resided there until 1864, when he purchased a farm of 150 acres in the
same township, where lie has since resided. In 1865 he bought a flour mill from
Joseph McKinney, of Allegheny countv. which lie has since carried on in con-
nection with agriculture. The mill has a capacity of twenty-five barrels per day.
Mr. Hays married Mary J., a daughter of John and Elizabeth Cooper, of Law-
rence county, and six children are the fruits of this union, viz : Orrie \V. ; Iler-
schel ; Mina. wife of William Rader ; Lionel: Bertie, deceased, and Troy. Mr.
Hays has been an elder for three' years, and a trustee in the Presbyterian church
for twelve years. In politics, he is a Republican, and has rilled the offices ol col-
lector and auditor for six years each. lie is one of the energetic, enterprising
and successful farmers of his township.
Adam Young was born in Alsace, Germany, and there grew to maturity.
In 1840, al the age of twenty -seven, having served seven year- in the army, he
came to the United States, landing at New Orleans. lie was there during the
I 1 9^ HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
yellow fever plague, and was employed with a horse and dray in hauling the
dead to the trenches. lie took the fever, but, through the efforts of a trained
nurse, survived. In 1846 he came to Cranberry township. Butler county, and
married Mrs. Catharine Xoss, nee Zehner, widow of George Noss, who then had
two children : Catharine, since deceased, and Frederick, a carpenter and mill
owner of Unionville, Beaver county. Mr. Young and wife were acquaintances
in the Fatherland. In 1853, after residing near Zelienople for a few years, he
bought 110 acres in Connoquenessing township, to which he later added forty
acres. By hard work and persistent industry he brought this land to a high state
of cultivation. In 1890 oil was found on this farm, the production of which has
since been valuable. Neither Mr. Young nor his wife lived to see what the earth
beneath them contained. lie died died May 28, 187*, in the sixty-sixth year of
hi- age. His wife died April 1, 1884, in her sixty-ninth year. Their children
consisted of four boys and three girls, vi/.. : Mary, who died in early youth ;
Adam, who was accidentally strangled to death while swinging in the barn.
during the absense from home of his parent-- ; Caroline, wife of John Flinner ;
Henry, who married Louisa, a daughter of Martin Beam : Sophia ; Charles, who
married Mary, a daughter of Casper Frishkorn, and Edwin. Mr. Young was an
ekler in the United Presbyterian church for several years, and in politics, an
adherent of the Democratic party.
Edwin Youxg, youngest in the family of Adam and Catharine Young, was
born upon hi-> present farm in Connoquenessing township, October 17. 1860.
By his parents will the old homestead was divided between himself and his
brother Charles. lie afterwards purchased his brother's interest and is now the
sole owner. Mr. Young married Caroline Frishkorn. a daughter of Casper
Frishkorn, of Lancaster township, a si-ter of his brother Charles' wife, and has
four children, viz. :- William G. ; Xonnan C. i Clara E., and Ida Mary. lie is
an elder in the German Reformed church of Zelienople, and in politics, a Demo-
crat. Mr. Young i- i successful and progressive fanner, anil ha- his farm well
supplied with the latest improved machinery.
Irwin Anderson was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October
II. 1820, the eighth son in a family of ten children. He was a son of Robert
Anderson, a soldier of the Revolution, descended from a pioneer family of Lan-
caster county, whither they had emigrated from Ireland prior to the Revolution.
After the war had ended. Robert settled in Allegheny count)-, about seven miles
from Allegheny, where he followed farming until hi- death. Irwin was
reared upon his father's farm until he was seventeen year- of age, and then went
to Pittsburg, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. lie followed his trade in
that city until 1848, afterwards engaged in farming, and in 1853 purchased a
farm in Forward township, Butler count)-, upon which he lived twelve years.
In 1865 he bought a farm of ]il7 acre- in Connoquenessing township, now owned
bv his son William, upon which he died, October li\ 1S92. lie married Mary,
daughter of Andrew Wible.of Allegheny county, and was the father of live
children: Edward; Mary J., who died in infancy; William; Joseph, who
removed to Michigan in 1869, married Lydia M. Williams the same year, and
died in 1874, leaving a widow and two sons. William 1.. and John (>.: and
Jp>
>j^<Zs
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I 93'
Catherine W., who married Aaron Shontz, of Harmony, December 1, 1870, and
is the mother of five children, viz. : Mary E. ; Clara S. ; Luella 15;. Catherine
A., and Myrtle M. Mrs. Anderson resides witli her son William in Connoque-
nessing township. Politically, Mr. Anderson was an ardent Republican, and
always manifested an interest in public affairs.
William Anderson was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Decem-
ber 5, ls47. received a common school education, and has been engaged in farm-
ing since boyhood. He is the owner of two farms, one containing 107 acres, and
another of sixty-two acres, and also owns a tract of fifteen acres near Petersville,
all of which he cultivates. He has ten producing wells upon the first mentioned
place, which are operated by the forest Oil Company. Politically, he is a
Republican, and has served as school director, and collector in his township. He
is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, and a liberal con-
tributor toward that denomination. He married Sarah Dambacher, a daughter
of Frederick Dambacher, October 14, 1869, and to this union have been born the
following children : Bertha E., wife of Mead Eyman ; Laura ; John II. ; Presley
C. ; Joseph II. : Ann M., and Rose E.
Peter Rader, son of John and Margaret (Gleinhentz) Rader, was born in
Germany, in the year IS:?:',. His parents had three children, viz. : Elizabeth :
Peter, and Adam. The last mentioned lives in Germany, where the parents
lived and died. The father died in 1882, and the mother in 1SS4. The subject
of this sketch grew to manhood in his native land, there married Catherine- Hart-
man, and immigrated to Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1851, settling neat-
Middle Lancaster. He purchased a farm of fifty acres, lived upon it for rive-
years, then sold it and bought Kill acres in Connoquenessing township, near
Petersville, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is also
interested in oil producing, having twenty-four wells upon his farm. They were
formerly operated by W. -V. Clark >Y Company of Butler, but are now con-
trolled by the Standard Oil Company. Mr. Rader and wife are members
of the German Reformed church of Petersville. in which he has filled tin-
office of elder. Politically, he is a Democrat, and gives his earnest support to
the principles and measures of that party.
Matthias Rasely, son of Henry Rasely, a native of eastern Pennsyl-
vania, was born in the eastern part of this State. January 12, 1817, there grew
to maturity and learned the tailor's trade, which he followed for nearly twenty
years. He was married to PriscillaFairchild, February 22, 1840. She was born
August 31, 1821, and became the mother of the following children by this union :
William 11.. who married Caroline T. Purviance, fanuary 5, 18(i4. and died June
29, 1865; Anna A., wife of Robert W. Stewart : Laura Jane, who first married
Calvin Dietrich, and is now the wife of Henry Dersheimer ; Solomon Fairchild,
who died June 22, 1858; George J., who married Priscilla A. Miller; Margaret
E., wife of Alfred Sarver; Presley R.. who died June 9, L858 ; John R.. who
died January 31, 1864, and Harvey W. The- last mentioned was born upon the
homestead, October 17. 1861, anil has always resided thereon. Since his father's
death he has had charge of the farm, his mother residing with him. Politically,
he is a Democrat, and in religious belief, a Presbyterian. Matthias Rasely -el -
1194 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
tied upon a farm in Connoquenessing township, upon which he resided until his
death, February 12, 1892, aged seventy-five years.
Michael Bieghley was born in Lancaster township. Butler county, in
1814. son of George Bieghley, who settled in what is now Lancaster township,
Butler county, near the site of Middle Lancaster, prior to 1800. He was reared
upon his fathers farm, and received a meager education in a pioneer subscription
school near his home. In 188S he married Catherine Shanor, a daughter of
Abraham Shanor, of Muddy Creek township, and is the father of nine children,
as follows: Susannah, wife of Samuel Mover; Abraham; Christina, wife of J.
G. Mckinley; Aaron; Levi, deceased; Harriet, wife of Joseph Rodenbaugh;
Amos: Lydia, deceased, and Mary, wife of Andrew Wier. Mr. Bieghley is
living upon the farm settled by his father, and is one of the oldest residents of
Lancaster township. lie is a member of the English Lutheran church, and in
politics, is an adherent of the Republican party. He has filled the office of
township supervisor, and in his early manhood was a member of the State
Militia.
William Beighle was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in
175)0, spent his early life upon his father's farm, and received a good common
school education. He was an apt scholar, and devoted himself assiduously to
his studies, with the intention of becoming a teacher, in which ambition lie suc-
ceeded. He came to Muddy (.'reek township, Butler county, in isi 1. and taught
school for eleven years. He married Magdalena Myers, whose parents lived in
Butler county, and soon after returned to his early home in Westmoreland
county, where he resided about one year. He again came to Muddy Creek
township, and settled upon his father-in-law's farm, following agriculture in
summer and teaching school in winter. In 1825 he purchased a farm in Lan-
caster township, now the property of his son. Cornelius S.. and resided upon it
until his removal to Middle Lancaster, where he served as postmaster for a num-
ber of years, being the first incumbent of that office. I lis wife died in 1854, and
in 1856 lie removed to Adams county, Ohio, where he died in L86H, aged seventv-
eight years. He was the father of eleven children, as follows : Joseph, deceased;
Sarah, who married Samuel Moore, and subsequently Jacob Savage; Daniel:
Rebecca, deceased wife of James Matthews ; William; Conrad, deceased ; Jem-
ima, wife of J. I>. Baumgardner; Cornelius S. ; Rosanna; Miriam, and Lafay-
ette, the last three ol whom are dead. Mr. Beighle and wife were members of
the Lutheran church, in which denomination he filled the office of deacon.
Politically, he was lir>t a Whig, and afterwards a Republican.
Cornelius S. Beigim i -.. son of William and Magdalena Beighle, was born
in Muddy Creek township, Butler county, in 1825, was reared upon his father's
farm, and remained at home until 1844. when he went to Prospecl to learn the
wagon-maker's trade, with J. I). Baumgardner, and remained there until 1848.
He then located at Middle Lancaster, where he followed his trade until the
spring of IS55, when he settled upon the homestead farm, of 1 16 acres, and for
the past thirty-nine years has followed agriculture. In 1840 he married Elizabeth
Berkel, and they are the parents of the following children : Agnes, deceased;
Edmund L. ; Mary L.. wife of Lome Shaner ; Clara C wife of Camptield
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I I95
Shaner; John A. C. ; Austin C, and Willie l*»., deceased. Mrs. Beighle died
. May 17, 1873, and January L' 1 . 1ST-"), he married Mrs. Sarah Kirker. Mr.
Beighle and family are members of the English Lutheran church, in which he
has tilled the offices of deacon and elder, and has been superintendent of the
Sunday school for twenty years. In politics, he is a Republican.
Samuel Myers, son of John Myers, was born in Virginia, in IT'.lo. was
reared upon his father's farm, and then came to Butler county, where he married
Mary M. Bieghley, a daughter of John and Catherine Bieghley, of Conno-
quenessing township. He resided for a time in Lancaster township, upon a farm
ot Hut acres of land given him by his father-in-law. and afterwards purchased
1. "it 1 acres in Connoquenessing township. Here he engaged in farming to the
time of his death, which occurred in 1882. His wife died in 1886, They reared
a family of six children, a- follows : Esther, deceased wife of Adam Rosebaugh ;
Rebecca, deceased wife of Siemens Morrison: Conrad; Sarah; Rachel, and
Luther. Mr. Myers and wife were members of the Lutheran church, in which
denomination he tilled the offices of deacon and elder. lie was a soldier in the
War of 1812. Politically, he was a Republican.
Coxbad Myers was born in Lancaster township. Butler county, in 1820,
son of Samuel and Mary M. Myers. lie lived with his parents, engaged in
the duties of the farm, until his marriage to Emeline Peffer, a daughter of
Jacob and Catherine Peffer. After his marriage he resided with his parents for
one year, then settled on his present homestead of sixty acres in Lancaster town-
ship, upon which he has since lived. He is the father of three children, viz.:
Anna L.. deceased wife of William Reed; Isaac Newton, and Samuel F. Mr.
Myers and wife are members of the Lutheran church and he has served as
deacon and elder for a number of years. Politically, he is a Republican.
William Bellis was born in Luzerne count}-. Pennsylvania", in 1790, was
reared upon his father's farm in that county, and at the age of twenty-two came
to Butler county, and -ettled upon a farm in Jackson township. He married
Mary Waldron, and two years afterwards removed to Lancaster township, where
he resided until his death, in 1851. His wife survived him twenty .live years, ami
died in ls7(>. He cleared and improved his farm in Lancaster township, and at
his death it became the property of his son Isaac. William and Mary Bellis
were the parents of seven children, as follows : Mary, widow of Philip Blinn ;
Sarah, deceased wife of George Shaffer; Rebecca, deceased wife of )acob
Burry ; Isaac : Magdalene, wife of Henry Rice ; Deborah, and Elizabeth, wife of
Joseph Stauffer. The parents were members of the German Reformed church,
in which body Mr. Bellis tilled the offices of deacon and trustee. He was one of
the organizers of the old Economite church, at Harmony. Politically, he
was a Democrat, and a stanch adherent to the principles of that party.
Isaac Bellis, only s*>n of William and Mary Bellis. was horn upon the
homestead in Jackson township, Butler county, in 1824. removed with his par-
ents to Lancaster township, and lived with them down to his fat hers death, when
the homestead of fifty acres was inherited by him. To this he has added fifty
acres, and has resided upon this farm ever since. In 1850 he was married to
Sarah Staiiffer. a daughter of llenr\ and Susan Stauffer, to which union have
I I96 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
been born the following children : Henry ; Calvin ; John ; Sarah ; Susan, (the
last three of whom are dead) ; Maria, wife of Edward Mover; Isaac; Edward:
Zelia. and Nettie. Mr. I V-llis and wife arc members of the German Reformed
church, in which he is a deacon. He is a Democrat, in politics, and has filled
the offices of school director, assessor and supervisor in his township.
Henry 1). Ziegleh was born in Lancaster township. Butler county, in
1847, son of Andrew and Deborah (Mover) Ziegler. Mis father was born in
Jackson township in 1827, learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which lie followed
for ten years, and afterwards engaged at the carpenter's trade. Andrew Ziegler
married Deborah Mover, who became the mother of four children, viz: Henry
D.; John C, deceased 1 Samuel, and Julia A., wife of Andrew Wier. The family
were connected with the German Reformed church. The subject of this sketch
learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and lias followed that business the
greater part of his life. In 1869 he married Louisa Moritz, and they are t lie-
parents of the following children : Harry A., who is in the furniture and under-
taking business at Portersville ; Pierce W. ; Oliver W. ; Howard E.. deceased;
Pearl L, ; Clarence L, and Blanche V., deceased. In 1880 lie engaged in the
undertaking business at Middle Lancaster, which he still carries on. and has also
a similar establishment, with furniture, at Harmony. Politically, be is a Demo-
crat, and is a member of the I. ( >. ( ). 1'.. the Royal Arcanum, and the Jr. ( >. 1".
A. M. He is a deacon in the English Lutheran church, to which society his
family also belong.
John Boyer was a son of John Boyer of Rucks county, Pennsylvania, who
came to I hi tier county with bis family in 1814, and set tied one mile north of Har-
mony. He purchased several hundred acres of land, most of which be divided
between hi-, sons, John, George, Jacob and Henry, all of whom sold out and
moved away except the eldest. The subject of this sketch was married before he
came to But ler comity, and received two hundred acres of the lands purchased by
his father, upon which he settled and lived for many years. He finally removed
to Harmony, where he died in I860, aged seventy-four years. His wife survived
him sixteen years, and died in 1876. They were the parents of the following
children: Lydia, wife of Joseph Lutz ; Sarah, deceased; Isaac L. ; Henry:
Susan : Samuel ; Daniel, and Jacob, the last three of whom are dead. The par-
ents were members of the Mennonite church, and in politics, Mr. Rover was a
Republican.
Isaac L. Boyer, eldest son of John Boyer, was born in Jackson township,
Butler county, in 1818, worked upon a farm with bis father in boyhood, and after-
wards learned the carpenter's trade, which be has followed all his life. He set-
tled upon a farm in Lancaster township in 1841, and is >, t i II a resident of the
same subdivision. Mr. Rover married Mary Rice, and they are the parents of
fourteen children, as follows : John R.; Henry, deceased; Elias ; Isaac: Levi;
Susan, deceased; Agnes; Ranius ; Josephine; Jessie ; Abraham L.; Sydney : Ira,
anil Elizabeth. Mr. Boyer and wife are members of the German Reformed
church. Rolitically.be is a Republican, and lias tilled the office of justice of
the peace.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 197
John R. Boykk. eldest sun of Isaac L. and Mary Boyer, was born upon his
father's farm in Lancaster township, in 1838, and resided with his parents until
1859, in which year he married Sophia Dambach. Soon after his marriage he
purchased a farm of sixty-five acres in Connoquenessing township, lived upon it
lor seven or eight years, then removed to Harmony and engaged in the hotel
business for a short time. lie next purchased 140 acres of land in lackson town-
ship, upon which he resided for six years, then sold out and bought his present
homestead in Lancaster township, consisting of 218 acres. Mr. Boyer is one of
the leading farmers of his township; his farm lays in the oil belt, anil some
developments have taken place thereon. By his marriage to Sophia Dambach. he
is the father of the following children : Austin ; Lizetta, wife of Edward Shali ;
William; Adam; Mary A., wife of Jesse Rice ; Sarah; Aggie, deceased ; Net-
tie, and George W., deceased. Mr. Boyer and wife are members of the Ger-
man Reformed church, and in politics, he is an adherent of the Republican party.
lie is a member of the Royal Arcanum.
John Scott was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1782, son of William Scott ,
a native of the same city, and by trade a shoemaker, who immigrated with his
family to Philadelphia in 1783, worked at his trade in that city for fifteen years,
and then removed to a farm in Lawrence county. William Scott purchased 200
acres, and was among the pioneers of western Pennsylvania. He died upon his
farm in Lawrence county at an advanced age. He was a ruling elder of the
Seceder church, and one of the founders of that society at Moundville, Lawrence
county. He was the father of the follow inn' children : John : lane, who married
Robert White : Nancy, who married Samuel Stewart: Elizabeth, who married
Thomas Moore; Annie, who married Alexander Morrison; Margaret, who
became the wife of James Young, and William. All of the foregoing are dead.
The subject of this sketch was only one year old when his parents settled in
Philadelphia. He learned the shoemaker's trade with his father and removed
with him to Lawrence county, where he assisted him to clear the homestead
farm. In 1805 he married Rachel Morrison, who became the mother of nine
children, viz. : William; Mrs. Nancy Moore: Mrs. Elizabeth Morrison: Mrs.
Rosa Kirker; Mrs. Jane Morrison: John: Mary; Francis M., and Mrs. Mar-
garet Wright. About 1820 John Scott and family removed to Lancaster town-
ship, Butler county, and settled upon the farm where his son Francis M. now
lives. Here his wife died in 1841, and himself in 1865. They were members of
the Seceder church, and in politics, he was a Democrat, and an ardent Abolition-
ist. He served at Erie during the War of 1812.
Francis M. Scott, son of John and Rachel Scott, was born in Lancaster
township, Butler county, in 1821. He was reared on the homestead farm, and
lived with his parents until 1844, when he married Mary Luebben, of Lancaster
township, purchased the homestead from his father, and has since resided upon
it. Five children were the fruits of this union, as follows : Elizabeth C, deceased ;
Theodore, a missionary in India; Walter; Mary, and John. Mr. Scott is a
Republican, in politics, but takes no active interest in political matters. He is
an elder in the United Presbyterian church, also superintendent of the Sabbath
school.
I I9§ HISTQKY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Frederick Peffer was born in Germany, there married, and in IslT.
soon after his marriage, immigrated to the United States, and settled near Har-
mony, Butler county, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1819. He died in 18(56, and
his wife in 1846. He was a tailor, and followed that business at Harmony down
to his death. He was the father of three children, as follows : Frederick : Mary,
who married Jacob Swain, and fohn Gottlieb, all of whom are dead.
John Gottlieb Pefkek, son of Frederick Peffer. was horn in Dettingen,
Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, August 8, 1801, and came to the United
States with his parents in the fall of lsll. Two years later the family came to
Butler county and settled near Harmony, where- he followed tailoring with his
father. In 1825 he married Rebecca Reiss. of Northampton county, Pennsyl-
vania, and about eight years later removed to a farm which he purchased in what
is now Lancaster township. He continued in agricultural pursuits to the close
of his life, dying on his farm in 1865. His widow survived until 1888. They
were members oi the German Lutheran church and assisted in' the erection of the
stone church at Zelienople. Ten children were horn to them, as follows: Fred-
erick, a res'klent of Oregon; William, of Lancaster township; fohn R., of lack-
son township; Gottlieb, who resides at Tarentum ; Marc, wife of Christian Tex-
ter; Rebecca, wife of Michael Ziegler ; Joseph, a resident of Lancaster township ;
Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Fleming; Emeline. wife of Peter Scheidemantle, and
Frank, of Beaver Falls.
Jons R. Pei feu was horn in Connoquenessing. now [ackson, township,
Butler county. August 81, 1830, and i- the third son of John Gottlieb and
Rebecca Peffer. After receiving a common school education, he engaged in
farming, which he has followed up to the present time. In 1855 lie married
Catherine, a daughter of Andrew Ziegler, of [ackson township, anil in IS.7)',! he
located on his present farm in that township. lie is the father of three children :
Alfred '/... horn July II. 1856. married Adclia. daughter of Frederick Dambach.
in 1886, and has two children : Howard F.. and John I.. ; Mary, wife of Israel
Wise, of Harmony, who has one child. John I..; and Elmer /.. a contractor of
Wilkinsburg. Politically. Mr. Peffer is a Republican. The family are members
of the Reformed church at Harmony, in which Mr. Peffer has served as deacon
and elder.
Joseph Peffer, -on of John Gottlieb and Rebecca Peffer, was born in 1840,
in Lancaster township, Butler county. lie worked upon his father's farm until
1862, when he married Elizabeth, a daughter of Jacob and Susan Stamm, of
Evans City. He then bought a farm of 190 acres in lack-on township, lived
there live years, when he purchased his present homestead in Lancaster town-
ship. He also owns another farm of 160 acres in Lancaster, which is operated
on shares by Samuel Mover. There are five wells upon his farm, from which he
derives a handsome income. To Joseph and Elizabeth Peffer have been horn the
following children: Austin; Mary: Naomi; Delrnar ; I. aura, (the last four
mentioned are dead); Susan: Rebecca: Titus; Findley ; facob, and Judith.
The family are connected with the Reformed church, and in politics. Mr. Peffer
is a stanch Republican,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. [199
Joseph Powell, Sk.. was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in
1793, learned the blacksmith's trade in his native county, and before reaching
his majority removed with his parents to Beaver county, lie there married
Sophia Bonzo, of" that county, and continued working at his trade for some five
years after his marriage. lie then purchased a farm of seventy-live acres in
Beaver county, where he resided for a period of thirty years. At the end of this
time he bought a farm in Lancaster township, Butler county, now the home of his
son Joseph, settled upon it and lived there until his death, in 1870. I lis wife
died in 1879. The) were the parents of the following children : Peter; Joseph :
Margaret, deceased wife of George Teets : Charley, who died in the army : Mary :
fane ; John ; Edward; Lizzie, and Bell, deceased. Mr. Powell and wife were
members of the Baptist church, and in politics, he was an adherent of the Repub-
lican party.
Joseph Powell, son of Joseph and Sophia Powell, was horn in Beaver
county, in 1827. His youthful days were spent upon his father's farm, and he
came with his parents to Lancaster township. When his father died he inherited
the old homestead, consisting of ll'O acres of la nil. near the village of Middle Lan-
caster, where he has since been engaged in farming. In 185(5 he married Susan
Mover, and they are the parents of fourteen children, as follows: Tillie. wife
of James Mercer: Agnes, wife of John Wier; William: James-, Julia A.T
deceased : Samuel: Bell, wife of Charles Crawford: Nettie, wife of Samuel
Bander: Celia : Curtis; Joseph; Sophia, deceased, and two that died in infancy.
Mr. Powell is a member of the German Reformed church, and politically, lie is a
Republican.
JACOB Stacuki; was horn in Germany, there grew to manhood and married
Mary [loch, and immigrated to Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, They were
the parents of six children, as follows: Henry, deceased; David; Maria, wife of
Jacob Latshaw ; Jacob; Nancv. deceased wife of Moses Shontz, and Sarah, wife
of Isaac Shontz. Mr. Stauffer removed with his family to the vicinity of Har-
mony, Butler county, where he purchased 200 acres of land, and resided upon it
until his death, lie lived to a very advanced age. lie was a member of the
Mennonite church, and in politics, an adherent of the Republican party.
Henry Stauffer, eldest in the family of Jacob and Mary Stauffer, was
born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, worked at farming until he was of
age. and subsequently engaged in droving cattle, which business he followed the
remainder of his life. He came with his parents to Butler county, and settled
near Harmon v. where he died in 1^-71 llis widow married Abraham Stauffer,
now a resident of Harmony. Henry Stauffer and wife were the parents ot ten
children, as follows: Rosa, who married Res. C. F. Hartung ; Mary, deceased
wife of L. M. Covert ; Ira: Elizabeth, wife of I). M. Ziegler; Lydia. wife .if
Andrew Bachman, of Ogle county, Illinois; Eranius, a resident of North
Dakota: Levi; Sarah, and Emma, the last three of whom an- dead: Henry, a
Methodist minister residing in Ohio, and Birdie, wife of Daniel Rosenberg.
Ira Stauffer, eldest son of Henry Stauffer, was horn in Harmony, Butler
county, December 27, 1*1L anil has been engaged in farming all his lite. He
served in Company II. Fifth Pennsylvania Artillery, and participated in the
1200 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
battles of Piedmont, Manassas Junction, and other engagements, and was honor-
ably discharged in 1865. He was married September 20, 1868, to Barbara
Stauffer. a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Stauffer, who resided upon the
farm now owned In- our subject. After his marriage he purchased 200 acres of
land in Lancaster township, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Ten children were horn by his marriage to Barbara Stauffer, seven of whom are
living, as follows : Henry; Eliza, wife of Elmer H. Sloan: Samuel; Charles;
Barbara ; Ira, and Birdie. The deceased are Abraham. Sarah anil John. Mrs.
Stauffer died July 20, 1886, and he was again married June 19, 1887, to Mrs.
lennie McBride. nee Brown. Both he and wife are members of the German
Reformed church, in which he tills the offices of elder and deacon. lie is also
a member of the G. A. R., the Royal Arcanum, and the Farmers' Alliance, and
in politics, he is a stanch Republican. Mr. Stautfer makes dairy farming and
stock-raising a specialty, and is one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of
Lancaster township.
John Warner was born in Germany in the year 1800, was apprenticed to
the stonecutter's trade, and after learning it followed that business in his native
land, lie married Mary C. Wells, also a native of Germany, and soon after his
marriage immigrated to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where he found employment
at his trade. He remained there but a short time, then purchased a small farm
near where Braddock now stands, lived upon it for several years, then moved to
Butcher's Run and later to Pine Creek. In 1854 he settled on a farm near Mil-
lerstown, Butler county, where he died, Julv -7, 1861. His wife died January
29, L861. They were the parents of six children, viz.: Mary, who married
Henry Muhlenberg, and afterwards a Mr. Wise; John; Charles; Catherine,
widow of Samuel Stewart ; Peter, ami William. In religious belief, Mr. Warner
was a Presbyterian, and in politics, a Democrat.
Charles Warner, second son of John and Mai)' C. Warner, was born in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1836, and was reared upon his father's farm
near Braddock, and on tin- homestead near Millerstown. He worked at farming
until 1862, and then enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry,
ami served until the close of the war. The most important engagements in which
he participated were Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and Petersburg.
In 1865 he returned to Butler county, then went to Pithole, Venango county,
remained there only a short time, and then located in Millerstown. In 1866 he
married Margaret Hemphill, and resided in Millestown until 1ST"), when he
settled upon his present farm of 250 acres, in Lancaster township, where he has
since been engaged in general farming. Mr. Warner is the father of four chil-
dren, viz.: Mary, wife of Frank Xeelv ; Emma J., wife of Andrew Eiler;
William J., and Jacob F. The family are connected with the German Reformed
church, in which Mr. Warner has held most of the important offices. He is a
stanch Democrat, has been a school director of Lancaster township for eleven
years, and is one of the representative farmers of Butler county.
John Scheidemantle was born in Germany, in 1817, there learned the
shoemaker's trade, and subsequently served five years in the German army. After
leaving the service he married Elizabeth Moyer, and immigrated to Butler
-^^/Cz^/^ /i^^^u-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1201
county, Pennsylvania, in 1848, where he .settled upon a farm in Lancaster town-
ship. He afterwards purchased a farm of seventy-five acres in Muddy Creek
township, resided upon it for nineteen years, and then removed to a farm of 120
acres in Lancaster township, which has ever since Keen his home. He is the
father of nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity, as follows : John ;
Elizabeth, widow of Conrad Shuler ; George; Mary, wife of William Barkley ;
William; Maggie, wife of Lewis Eichholtz, and Caroline, wife of Philip Koch.
The family are connected with the German Reformed church, in which Mr.
Scheidemantle has rilled the offices of elder ami treasurer. Politically, he is a
Democrat.
William Scheidemantle, son of John and Elizabeth Scheidemantle. was
born in Muddy Creek township. Butler county, in L853, grew to manhood upon
his father's farm, and married Lena Garwig. lie removed with his parent- to
Lancaster township, and now resides upon the homestead farm with his father.
William and Lena Scheidemantle are the parents of six children, viz. : Charley
E. : William H. ; Sadie E. ; Ida May; Birdie, and Annie L. They are mem-
bers of the German Reformed church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
George Scheidemantle, Sr., was born in Germany, son of fohn and
Elizabeth Scheidemantle. and was twelve years of age when his parents settled
in Lancaster township, Butler county. He was reared beneath the parental roof,
and worked upon the homestead farm until his marriage to Margaret Flinner, in
1858. She was a daughter of John and Annie (Rader) Flinner, and came with
her parents from Germany to Lancaster township, Butler county. Soon after his
marriage Mr. Scheidemantle purchased a farm in Muddy Creek township, upon
winch he resided some three years, and then removed to the farm in Lancaster
township now owned by his son George, where he died in 1 s 7 7 . He was a
member of the German Reformed church, ami an elder in that body for many
years. In politics, he was a Democrat. His widow resides with her son upon
the homestead farm. They were the parents of ten children, viz. : George;
Mary S.. wife of Paul Allen ; Conrad ; John, and John Jr., both deceased; Annie;
Edward; Albert; Andrew, and Peter, the last deceased.
George Scheidemantle, eldest son of George and Margaret Scheide-
mantle, was born in Lancaster township, Butler county, in 1859, anil grew to
manhood upon the homestead farm. In 1886 he married Emma Scheel, of Lan-
caster township, to which union have been born four children. viz : Annie ;
Clyde A. ; Earl, and Ralph E. Mr. Scheidemantle inherited the homestead at his
father's death, audi his mother and grandmother reside with him. He is a mem-
ber of the German Reformed church, and is quite an active worker in the Repub-
lican party.
Joiix Flinxkr, Si:., was horn in Germany, in 1802, and worked upon his
father's farm until his marriage to Annie Rader, also a native of Germany. For
fifteen years after his marriage he was engaged in a distillery near his home, at
the end of which time he immigrated to Pennsylvania and settled upon a tract of
400 acres of land in Lancaster township, Butler county. He made many improve-
ments upon this property, and resided there until his death, in 1861. Thirteen
children were born to John and Annie Flinner, ten of whom grew to maturity.
1202 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
as follows : Elizabeth, wife of Casper Frishkorn ; Catherine, wife of Fred Mil-
ler ; Margaret, widow of George Scheidemantle, Si'.; John; Michael; George;
Philip; Man . wife of Peter Miller; Yenie, and Henry . Mr. Flinner was a prom-
inent member of the German Lutheran church, and served as an elder in that
organization fur a number of years. In early days he was a Democrat, and sub-
sequently a Republican. His aged widow resides with her daughter. Mrs.
( leor^e Scheidemantle.
Piiii.i.it' Fi.innkr. fourth son of fohn and Annie Flinner, was born in Lan-
caster township. Butler county, in 1858. He was reared upon his father's farm
and lived with his parents until his marriage to Amelia Kristophel, when h
located on a part of the homestead, consisting of ninety acres, given to him by
his father. He subsequently purchased 111) acres adjoining, and is now th
owner of a well improved farm of 200 acres, lying about half a mile from Middl
Lancaster. He is the father of the following children: Elizabeth; Frederick
[da ; Jacob; Delia, and Charley, the last deceased. The family are connected
with the German Reformed church. Politically, he is a Democrat, has served as
auditor for two terms, and also tilled the office, of collector and assessor. lie is
a member of Middle Lancaster Lodge, Number 648, I. O. O. F., of which he
wa-> one of the organizers. Mr. Flinner gives particular attention to stock-rais-
ing, having now upon his farm i'(H l head of sheep, which has proved a profitable
in\ est menl .
John Flixxkr, eldest son of |ohn and Annie Flinner, wa^ born in Ger-
many, in 1838. came to the United States with his parents, who settled in Lan-
caster township, Butler county, where fohn grew to manhood. The old home-
stead is now owned by the eldest son of our subject, lie attended the common
schools of Lancaster township and worked upon his father's farm until the death of
the latter, when he inherited a portion of the original homestead. In 1858 he
married Christina Ilcvl.a daughter of Martin and Christina Heyl, to which union
have been horn the following children: Annie : Mary, wife of Walter Boyer ;
John : Catherine, deceased; Willie II. , deceased ; Albert ; David ; Samuel A.;
and Lvdia C. Mr. Flinner cultivates the farm of 100 acres upon which he lives,
and aUo owns another farm ol his acres in Muddy Creek township. Politically,
he is a Demo, rat. has rilled the office of supervisor, and has always taken a com-
mendable interesl in public affairs. lie is one of the prosperous and enterpris-
ing fa rmers ol his township.
Lewis Siiikver was born in Germany, in 1825, son of George and Mary
(Gallagher) Shiever. also natives of that country. His parents immigrated to
Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1831. settled upon a farm and died there in 1861,
and 1859, respectively. The}' were members of the Lutheran church, and had a
family of six children, as follows: Andrew; Lewis: Michael: Henry, deceased:
Margaret, deceased, and Caroline. Lewis resided with his parents in Beaver
county, and worked upon the farm until he arrived at maturity. lie then pur-
chased sixty-two acres of land in Beaver county, and married Lli/.aheth Xipp, of
the same county, to which union four children were horn, as follows: Sidney;
Sarah, wile ol Calvin Bellis ; Annie, and Yenie. Mrs. Shiever died in 1878, and
in 1 s>L' he married Elizabeth Ziegler. After his first marriage he purchased a
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 203
(arm of 127 acres of land in Lancaster township. Butler county, upon which he
settled and has since resided. lie is a member of the Lutheran church, and an
elder in that denomination. In politics, Mr. Shiever is a Republican, and one of
the progressive Farmers of his township.
CHAPTER LXXIV.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Slippery Rock Township ami Centrevili.e Borough — Mercer Township and
Hakkisvii.i.e Borough— Worth ami Brady Townships — Franklin Township
and Prospect Borough— Muddy Creek Township wd Portersviexe Borough.
Zebulon Cooper, Si;., was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in
ITTln a son of Zebulon Cooper, a native of New Jersev, who removed to Wash-
ington county at an early day. The subject of this sketch grew to maturity in
his native county, and in 1796 accompanied his uncle. Nathaniel Cooper, to
Butler county. They purchased a tract of 500 acre- of land in what is now- Slip-
pery Rock township, situated on both -ides of Wolf creek, upon which they
settled in 1798. Zebulon retained 890 acres, and his uncle the balance. He
built a log cabin on the site of the residence of his son. Svlvanus Cooper, and
later in life erected the present home. The old log house was moved back, and
is still doing service as an out-building. Upon this farm he spent the remaining
years of his lite. Alter making his settlement and erecting a cabin, he returned
to Washington county and married Sarah Bean, to whom were born the follow-
ing children : Elizabeth, deceased wife of T. J. McNees; John, who died near
Whitestown ; Mary, deceased wife of Thomas McNees; Rebecca, who died May
31, 1894; Anna: Sarah, deceased wife of Robert S. Andrews ; Zebulon, of Worth
township; Jerusha, wife of William Bigham ; Hannah, deceased wife of Syl-
vester Carey, ami Sylvanus. Mis. Cooper died in L830, and her husband. August
24, 1864. They were members of Plain Grove Presbyterian church, and are
buried in the graveyard belonging to that society. In politics, he was a Whig in
early life, and afterwards a Republican.
Sylvanus Cooper, youngest child of Zebulon and Sarah Cooper, was born
in Slippery Rock township, Butler county. August III. 1822, ami has spent his
entire life upon the old homestead. He obtained his education in the common
schools, and has made- fanning his life vocation. In 1853 he married Susannah
Thorpe, who died in 1864, leaving a family of six children, viz.: Oliver V;
John A. ; Charlotte M., wife of Prof. William McGee ; George \\ . ; Mary J.,
wife of Lee Musick, and Ida A. Mr. Cooper married for his second wife Mis.
■ -"] HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Sarah R. Cummings, a daughter of John Xeal, deceased. Botli he and wife are
member- of the Presbyterian church, and in politic.-., he is a Republican. He
has filled several of the township offices, and is one of the leading and enterpris-
ing farmers of the community.
John Neal was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, November 27. 1801,
John Xeal. a native of Germany, ami one of the pioneer- of that county.
lie grew to manhood in Eri< county, and in 1820 came to Butler county and
-ettled near Centreville, in Slippery Rock township. His father also settled
in this town-hip. upon 200 acres of land, where he died in 1^47. aged eighty
years, leaving the following children : Catherine ; Ann. who married Joseph
McDermott ; Elizabeth, who married Enoch Perrine ; Nancy, who married
Joseph McCoy ; John ; James, who married Eliza McCallan, and Smith, who
married Mary McConnell. all of whom are dead. John Xeal. Jr., married
Johanna Stillwagon, in December, 1825, and their children were- as follows:
Alexander; Mar} : William ; Smith : George W. : Oliver I'. ; Joseph M. : Johanna
E. ; Lewis J.; Vance R. ; James; Margaret; John, and Sarah R., wife of
Svlvanus Cooper. Mr. Xeal moved to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, in April. 1850,
whe re his wife .lied in 1859. He married for hi- second wife .Mrs. Mary Ann
Davis, who became the mother of two children. David Alfred, and Xancv Tane,
both of whow are resilient- of Wisconsin. Mr. Xeal was one of the early jus-
tice- of the peace, a Democrat, in politics, and a member of the Seceder church,
lie died in Wi -con-in. in 1874.
Xi la lon Cooper was born in the old log cabin on his father's farm in
■\ Rock township, Butler county, April 11, 1816, a son of Zebulon and
Sarah Cooper. lie wa- reared upon the homestead, and attended the pioneer
schools of his neighborhood. Ik1 remained with his parents until he wa- thirty
years of agt . assisting hi- father on the farm, and in is It'; settled on 109 acres of
the same tract, which hi- father gave him. lie resided on thi- place for nine
years, then sold it and purchased 120 acres in Worth town-hip. to which he later
add.ed 180 acres, winch includes the site of his present home. Here he has resided
for nearly forty years engaged in farming. Mr. Cooper was married on Tulv 2.
IS57, to Amanda Leslie, a daughti r of Francis Leslie, of Slippery Rock town-
ship. She was born October 15, 1827- and was the second youngest in a family
of ten children, four of whom are living. Seven children have blessed this
union, viz. : Francis M.. who lives upon a part of the homestead, married lane
Henry, and has three children. Pearl A.. William Z. and Minnie I.: Sarah E..
wife of I. G. Grossman, of Worth township; William E.. who married Marx
Allsworth, and lives on a part ol the home farm ; Hannah E., who died at the
age of twenty-six years: Thomas U. ; fames IE. and Joseph II. The family are
members of the Presbyterian church, with the exception of Thomas. James and
William, who belong to the Baptist denomination. Mr. Cooper is one of the
oldest and most prosperous citizens in the township, and is highly respected by
the community at large.
Xathaxiel Coopek, St;., was one of the first settlers <~\ Slippery Rock
township, Butler county. He was a native of Washington county. Pennsylvania,
and in 17'.,(i came with hi- nephew, Zebulon Cooper, to Butler county, and to-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1205
gether they purchased 500 acres of land lying on both sides of Wolf creek. Nath-
aniel owned 110 acres of this tract, and here he erected his cabin and -pent the
remaining vears of his life. He married a Miss Turner, and was the father of
four sons, viz. : Lot. a physician, who died in Cincinnati; Nathaniel: William,
and Stephen, and one daughter. Polly, who married John McGowan. All of
these are dead, but numerous descendants of the family are -till living in Butlei
county.
Nathaniel Cooper, son of Nathaniel Cooper. Sr., was born in Washing-
ton county. May 16, IT'.'-), and came to Butler county with his parents in infancy,
lie was reared upon the farm in Slippery Rock township, and after arriving at
maturity, he settled on the land where his grandson, Joseph Cooper, now resides,
near the borough of Centreville. He married Sarah Hunter, a daughter of Eph-
raim Hunter, and was the father of the following children : Harvey ; Lemuel ;
Munson ; Martha ; Jane ; Lewis; Milton; William; John R. ; Sarah, and Clar-
issa, all of whom are dead excepting Harvey. Mr. Cooper was one the well
known justices of the peace of his township, and tilled that office some ten years.
He was a member of Plain Grove Presbyterian church, and one of the original
members of Centreville Presbyterian church. He was an eider for nearly hall a
century, and died in 1880. Hi- first wife died June 13, 1838. and he was after-
ward- married to Mrs. Jane Dunlap, nee Walker. In politic-, he was a \\ hig
during his early life, and afterwards became a Republican.
Harvey Cooper, only living child of Nathaniel and Sarah Cooper, was
born in Slippery Rock town-hip. May 9, ls17. and was reared upon the old
homestead. In 1851 he removed to Mercer county, lived there ten years, and in
1861 purchased his presenl farm of [60 acre-, in Slippery Rock township, upon
which he has since resided. lie was married in 1851. to Lucinda Leslie, a daugh-
ter of Francis Leslie, of Jack-on township, Butler county and has two surviving
children, viz. : Andrew L. ; Sarah E., who married <i. W. I lino-, and died
August 9, 1894, and Mary 1.. wife of Ashley Grossman. In politic-. Mr.
Cooper i- a Republican, and is one of the oldest citizens of the town
Andrew L. Cooper, son of Harvey Cooper, was born in Mercer county.
Februarx 26, 1855, and was reared in Slippery Rock township, where he i-
now engaged in fanning on the old homestead. He married Mary I']. Fulkman,
a daughter of David Fulkman, of Brady township, and ha- three children, vi/. :
Earl G. ; Edward I., and II. .ward V. Mr. Cooper is connected with the 1. O.
(). V.. and Ir. < ). U. A. M.. and is a member of the Presbyterian church. Politic-
ally, he is a Republican, ami i- one of the leading farmer- of the township.
Milton C i.i'- -on of Nathaniel and Sarah (Hunter) Cooper, was born
on September 5, 1829, upon the farm where hi- father settled and where his
widow and family now reside, in Slippery Rock township. Butler county. Ik-
was reared a farmer, and received such an education a- the linn- and circum-
stances afforded. He spent his entire life upon the farm, and .bed in 1876. In
1S58, he married Maria Hill, a daughter of Daniel K. Hill. Eight children were
the fruits of this union, viz. : Mary E. ; Joseph L. : William D., deceased; Sarah
B., wife of William Chri-tlev : Clarissa C. ; Francis N.: Harriet F., and Salina
C. Mr. Cooper wa- one of the pioneer member- of the Centreville Presbyterian
1206 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
church, and was buried in the new cemetery in that borough. In politics, he \\as
an ardent Republican, and a very worthy citizen.
I'iskimi L. Cooper, eldest son of Milton and Maria Cooper, was horn in
1861, upon his present homestead, which he took charge of at his father's death.
He is one of the energetic and enterprising farmers of his township, a leading
member of the Republican party in Slippery Rock, and has served on the
school board for two years. He is one (if the original stockholders of the
State Normal School, also oi the Centreville Creamery Company, and gives a
hearty support to every worthy enterprise. He is a member of the K . of 1'.. of
Centreville. and takes an active interest in the social and material prosperity of
rhe community.
Thomas Bigham was born near Gettysburg, Adams county. Pennsylvania,
in 17^2. a son of William Bigham, who served in the Revolution, ami came of
Scotch-Irish ancestry. Thomas grew to manhood in his native county, and in
lSOO accompanied his lather and brother Hugh to Slippery Rock township. But-
ler county. His lather purchased 100 acres of land and gave each of the sons
I'ou acres, and then returned to his home in Adams county. Hugh staved about
two years and then disposed of his land and went back to his earlv home. Some
two years alter making his settlement. Thomas married Elizabeth Walker, a
daughter of John and Caroline Walker, of Slippery Rock township. William
Bigham, the son of Thomas, now resides upon the farm settled by his father,
while the lands belonging to Hugh form a part of the borough of Centreville.
To Thomas and Elizabeth Bigham were born the following children : William ;
Ann Eliza, deceased; Sarah, deceased; Catherine M.. deceased wile of fonah
Hodge; Margaret |.. deceased wife of lames Davidson; John, deceased; Asen-
ath, who married Eli Beckwith, and Minerva, who married Alexander Davidson
and died in Iowa." Mr. Bigham was one of the enterprising farmers of his time.
He was a Whig in early life, and afterwards a Republican. He served in the
War of 181:2. In r. ligion, he was an adherent of the Presbyterian church. He
died in February. lSf)4. and both lie and wife are buried in I he old cemetery at
Centreville.
William Bigham, the only surviving child of Thomas and Elizabeth Big-
ham, was horn on the farm where he now resides in Slippery Rock township,
September 10. 1805.), and ha- spent his entire life in tilling the old homestead.
His opportunities for obtaining an education were confined to a few months each
winter at the pioneer subscription school of his neighborhood. Upon the death
of his father he inherited the homestead farm, haying worked, per agreement
with his father, twenty-one years to pa) for the same. lie subsequently built
the present improvements, and cleared the forest off a large portion of the land,
and has to-dav one of the best improved farms in his locality. On December 12,
1848, Mr. Bigham married Jerusha Cooper, a daughter of Zebulon Cooper, one
of the tirst settlers of Slippery Rock township. Both he and wife are pioneer
members of the Centreville Presbyterian church. lie has been prominent in
chin-, h and Sabbath school work, and has been treasurer of the society for many-
years. Politically, he is a Republican . and has tilled the offices of school director.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
assessor and collector. Mr. Bigham is known for his benevolence, and lias
always been ready to extend a helping hand t<> religious and charitable purposes.
John Ralston, Sr.. was born near Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1 7 7< > , son
of William Ralston, there grew to maturity, and subsequently settled in Law-
rence county. In 1801 he traded his land in Lawrence county for 300 acres in
Brady township. Butler county, upon which he built a cabin and settled the
same year. Some time after effecting a settlement he erected a grist mill,
also a saw mill, and operated them until his death, in the spring of 1850.
They are now known as (J roll's mills. Mr. Ralston owned 800 acres of land.
which his children inherited at his death. He married Betsev Sharp, a daughter
of James Sharp, who founded the village of Sharpsville, Mercer county, and
their children were as follows: William, who built RaUton's mill, and died in
Centre township: Jane, deceased wife of William Hoge ; James, who died in
Venango county: John, who died in Iowa; Elizabeth, who married John Snyder;
David, a resident of Nebraska; Polly, wife of Henry Hilger; Elim. who died in
Iowa: Susan, who married Henry Wolford ; Samuel, who died in Slippery Rock,
and George, who died in Clay township. Mr. Ralston was a soldier in the War
of 1812, His descendants are numerous in Butler county, and may be found
among the leading professional and business men of the community.
Samuel Ralston, son of John and Betsev Ralston, was born in Brady
township. Butler county, in 181-!. lie learned the miller's and millwright trades
and was connected with his father's mill for many years, and throughout his
life was more or less engaged in milling and in the erection of mills in this and
adjoining counties. In 1839 he received from his father the farm now owned by
his son John W., upon which he settled. lie married Elizabeth Wolford, a
daughter of Henry Wolford, who is still living at the age of eighty-four years.
Their children are as follows: Salina B., deceased wife of Lewi- Winter;
Mar}- J., deceased: John W. : Henry, who enlisted in Company E. One Hun-
dredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was killed at Fort Steadman ; Sarah E..
wife of L. S. Hall; George, deceased ; Minerva, deceased: Zachariah, deceased;
Samuel, and Lewis, both residents of California. Mr. Ralston died in 1865, and
is buried in the old cemetery at Centreville.
John W. Ralston, eldest son of Samuel and Elizabeth Ralston, was born
September 16, 1839, in Slippery Rock township, Butler county. lie received a
common school education and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
until 1870, and then located upon the old homestead farm , where lie has since
been engaged in cultivating and improving the property, which contains 100
acres. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E. One Hundredth Pennsylvania Vol-
unteers, and served until the close of the war, participating in the battles of
South Mountain. Antietam. Fredericksburg, Petersburg, etc., and witnessed the
surrender of Lee at Appomattox. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat, and
gives an earnest support to the measures and principles of his party. In 1876 he
married Sarah M. Dickey, a daughter of John Dickey.
John Ralston, Jr., third son of John Ralston, Sr., was bom in Brady
township, Butler county, and after reaching manhood settled on 127 acre- of land
in that township, given to him by his father. He afterward.- purchased a farm
I20S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
in Slippery Rock township, and five years later removed to Iowa, where he died
in 1852. He was twice married: first to Susan Mawha, of Slippery Rock town-
ship, who died in 1S32, leaving two sons, Robert and John. His second wife was
Nancy McLane, to whom was horn the following children: William Nelson;
Susan : Caroline : Elvira : Mary : Alexander, and Margaret. Mr. Ralston took
an active interest in educational matters, erected the first school house in Slippery
Rock township, and served as school director of Brady and Slippery Rock for
many years. His eldest son. Robert, is a retired carpenter and builder, and lives
with his brother John in Slippery Rock township.
John Ralston, second son of John and Susan Ralston, was born on theold
homestead in Slippery Rock township, September '.I. 1831. He learned the car-
penter's trade, and in the spring of 186J settled "ii his present farm. lie is the
owner of valuable farm lands in Butler county, and is one of the leading farmers
of Slippery Rock township. Mr. Ralston was married in 1853, to Hannah,
daughter of Alexander McCoy of Worth township. Butler county, and their chil-
dren are as follows: Everett L., an attorney of Butler; Frank C and \\ illiam
A.. aKo a member of the Butler bat
Benjamin Campbell, deceased, son of Samuel and Mary (Graham) Camp-
hell, was born in 1809, in Lawrence county, and grew to manhood upon the home
stead farm. His father was a native of Londonderry, Ireland, immigrated, to
America prior to the Revolution, and w hi lc working at the blacksmith's trade near
Baltimore, Maryland, joined Washington's army, and served throughout the
Revolution. About 1796 he entered 100 acres of land in Plain Grove township,
Lawrence county, upon which he settled and spent the remaining years of his
life. His family were as follows : Alexander; fames; William ; Mark ; Samuel;
Sarah, who married Andrew Turk; Jane, who married Daniel McMillan, and
Benjamin. The last mentioned settled in Mercer county, where he resided until
1850, in which year he located upon his late farm in Slippery Rock township.
lie married Nancy Craig, a daughter of William Craig, of Mercer county. She
died on fune 21, 1893, the mother of ten children, viz. : lames, deceased: fose-
phine, wife of James Clark: Adeline, wife of Col. \. J. Maxwell: fai •
of C. S. Grace; Milton, who enlisted in Company E, One Hundredth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, and was killed at the Wilderness; Agnes, widow- of Newell
Glenn; Ellen, wift of G. W. Wood; Martha; Mark, and, William. Mr. Camp-
hell was an elder in the Presbyterian church of Centreville, and in politics, he
was a supporter of the Republican party.
Samuel Weaklki was a native of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, of
English ancestry, the family being among the first settlers ol that county. After
reaching his maturity he removed to Mercer county, with his brothers, fames
and Robert, and aboul 1817 purchased 200 acres of land in Slippery Rock town-
ship. Butler county, lie built his cabin on the farm now occupied by Mrs. fane
Brown, and spent the remaining years of his life on that property. He married
Sarah Hogg, and reared three children, viz.: Robert; lane, who married
Matthew Brown, and Samuel, who married Susan Rigby, and lived and died in
Slippery Rock township. Mr. Weakley was a soldier in the War of IS12. He
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. [ 20g
was a member of the Covenanter church, and is buried in the Harmony chun
graveyard.
Robert Weakley, eldest son of Samuel and Sarah Weakley, was born in
Mercer county, September '2 I , 1816, and was reared in Slippery Rock township.
lie settled <>n seventy-five acres of the homestead farm, upon which be devel-
oped a coal mine, and engaged in farming and mining, lie married Martha
Watt, a daughter of Hugh Watt, a native of Ireland, but a resident of Slippery
Rock township. To this union were born the following children: Hugh A.,
born January 17, 1841 , served in Company 1, One Hundred and Third Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, was wounded at Fair Oaks and taken prisoner, spent nine
months at Andersonyille. was then exchanged and died at Annapolis, December
21, 1864; Sarah J., born July It. 1843, died April 27. 1848; Samuel S.,
September 2 I, 1845, died April 5, 1848; Margaret, October 28, Is 17. died
December 26, 1854; Maria A.. January 18, IS52, died January 4. L855 ; Mary
S., April 19, 1854, died January 1, 1872; John F., August 12. 185b, and
Martha, June 11, 1859. Mr. Weakley died April 14, L885, and bis wife,
December 24, 1892. He was a member of the Associate church, of Centreville.
and in politics, he was a Republican.
John F. Weakley, son of Robert and Martha Weakley, was born upon the
homestead in Slippery Rock township, August 12, 1856, was reared upon the
farm and received a common school education. In 1880 he opened a coal mine
on bis farm, and carries on mining in connection with agriculture. Since pur-
i basing the old homestead be has made many improvements, and erected bis
present residence in 1893. On June 11, 1885, be married < Hive Atwell, a daugh-
ter of Robert T. Atwell, of Venango county, and lias two living children : Mary
E., and Gertrude. Mr. Weakley has been a Prohibitionist since 1885, before
which year he was a Republican. lie is a member of the United Presbyterian
church, of Centreville, and is a member of the session.
Philip Kiester was one of the early settlers of Slippery Rock township,
and a son of Philip Kiester. a native of Holland. His lather came from Holland
with his parents when three years old. They settled in Northampton county,
where he grew to manhood, and removed to Westmoreland county prior to the
Revolution, where the subject of this sketch was born ami reared. The family
of Philip. Sr.. consisted of the following children : John ; Philip; Daniel ; Jacob;
Peter; Michael; Elizabeth, and Katie. Philip was born in 1780, and served in
the war of 1812. He was married in his native county to Margaret Shaffer, anil
in ISIS came to Butler county and purchased 200 acres of land in Slippery Ro< k
township, where Ins son Paid now resides. Here he spent the remaining years
of his life, clearing and improving his land, and died in [863. His wife died in
1872, and both are buried in the old cemetery al Centreville. Their children's
names are as follows: Jesse, and Jacob, both deceased: John; Leah, who first
married George Christley, and after his death. Thomas Wilson ; Sarah, deceased
wife of Williamson Christie; Abraham, deceased; Paul, and Mahala. who mar-
ried James Christley. Mr. Kiester, was a Republican, in politics, and in religion,
an adherent of the Presbyterian chinch.
I2IO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John Kiester, third son nf Philip and Margaret Kiester, was born in West-
moreland count)', July 10, 1 S 1 2 , and was about six years old when his parents
settled in Slippery Rock township. He here grew to manhood, and obtained his
education in the old log school house of pioneer days. After reaching his
maturity he purchased the farm where his son George now resides, cleared and
improved it. and lived there until 1864. In that year he bought 500 acres of land,
including the mill property, where he has since resided. He cleared 140 acres of
the tract, and built the residence now occupied by him. Besides his original pur-
chase, Mr. Kiester owns two other farms, each containing 200 acres, and is the
most extensive land owner in Slippery Rock township. He was at one time an
extensive oil producer in Venango county. The Union Coke and Coal Company
are now mining on his land, which brings him in a considerable income. He re-
tired from active farming business some years ago, but devotes his time to the
management of his mills and other interests. Mr. Kiester has been twice married.
His first wife was Sarah Wolford, whom he married about LS36. She was a daugh-
ter of Henry Wolford, ami died June 80, I860, leaving the following children :
Adaline, wife of Amos Dunbar; Monroe; Susannah, wife of John Fielding;
Josiah ; Margretta, wife of Jacob Oross; Sophia, deceased wife of Leach Kelly;
George; |olm I1).; Miami, wife of Jeremiah Grove; Ehnina, deceased: Ilarner.
and Amanda, wife of Frank Altis. Mr. Kiester was again married, to Mrs.
Matilda Hays, a daughter of Thomas Armstrong, a native of Tyrone county, Ire-
land. In politics, he was first a Whig and later a Republican, and has always
taken an active interest in the success of his party. Kiester station and post-
office were both named in honor of this family.
I \i OB KlES'l Ell, son of Philip and Margaret (Shaffer) Kiester. was born in
Westmoreland county, October 20, 1809, and came with his parents to Slippery
Rock township. Butler county, when about nine years of age. Hi1 remained on
the homestead until arriving at his majority, and then settled upon 100 acres of
land where his son |acob S. now resides. This land was owned by a Revolu-
tionary soldier, and was purchased by him, his brother Jesse locating mi 100 acres
adjoining. He resided upon this farm until his death, in 1885, spending his
entire life in agricultural pursuits. He married Elizabeth Miller, and their chil-
dren were as follows: Margaret, deceased wife of John McClellan ; William,
who died at Davis Island, New York, while serving in the United States army:
Elizabeth, wife of Perry Wolford : Annie, wife of Greer McCandless; Epaphro-
ditus, who died in Andersonville prison during the Rebellion; Eveline, wife of
W. M. Humphrey; les^r 1.. and Tabitha, deceased wife ofCurtis Hockenberry.
He married for his second wife Margaret Weakley, a daughter of lames Weak-
ley, who survives him and re-ides upon the old homestead. Of their three chil-
dren. Jacob Shaffer survives. Mr. Kiester was a justice of the peace for many
years and also tilled the office of school director. He was an elder in the United
Pn sbyterian church, of Centreville, and in politics, a Republican.
1 u <>i; Shaffer Kiester, only Hying child of Tacob and Margaret Kiester.
was born January 27, 1859, upon the homestead farm in Slippery Rock town-
ship. He received a common school education, and has always resided upon the
old farm. In LSSS he, with M. C. Dobson, P- A. Shannon and Tohn Cannon.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
established the Empire Brick and Tile Company, of which he is secretary and
treasurer, and carried cm business in the manufacture of brick and tile. In 1892
he married Bessie Morrison, a daughter of W.J. Morrison, of Slippery Ruck
township. Mr. Kiester is a stanch Republican. Moth he ami wife are connected
with the United Presbyterian church at Centreville.
Jesse Kiester, son of Philip and Margaret (Shaffer) Kiester, wa- born in
Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, October IS, 1808, and came with his par-
ents to Slippery Rock township. Butler county, when about ten years of age.
After reaching his majority lie settled upon 1(10 acres of land where his. son. W .
S. Kie~ter. resides. lie cleared this farm, and engaged in keeping a tavern,
which he conducted tor many years. He married Margaret Wolford, a daughter
of Henry Wolford, and their children were as follows: Philip, deceased; Jacob
S.. a member of the One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, who died
in a rebel prison at Florence, North Carolina; Amelda, wife of Alexander
Mortl mil : William H., a resident of Washington ; James M., deceased ; Emma,
wife of Tohn Bovles, and Winfield S. Mr. Kiester died February 1. 1888, and
his wife. April 9, 1890.
Paul Kiester, sun of Philip ami Margaret Kiester, was born in Slippery
Rock township. Butler county, November 22, 1823, was reared upon the home-
stead, and received a limited education in the pioneer schools of his district. He
remained on the homestead until 1850, and then removed to Harrisville, where
he spent two years. Returning home he resumed farming,and has since followed
that occupation. Upon the death of his mother he purchased the farm, which con-
tains 130 acres of well improved land. In 1S48 he married Mary Neyman, a
daughter of Daniel Nevman. and their children are as follows : Oscar D. : Mary
N.. deceased wife of Prank Pair, and John C. P.. of Washington, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Kiester is a Republican, lias served as school director six years, and also is
collector of the township.
George Christley was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and was
a s,,n of George and Margaret (Snyder) Christley. His father was a native of
Germany . who immigrated to Reamstown, Lancaster county, about 1760, and
engaged in merchandising : he there married Margaret Snyder, to whom were
born four children. Two of these, George and Margaret, survived. The father
died when our subject was a child, and his widow married a man named Norris,
to whom she bore one daughter. Elizabeth. Norris returned to England, and
was never heard of again. The mother witli her three children removed to West-
moreland county, and settled near Greensburg, where she was again married, to
Curtis Rook. Two son,-. William and Curtis, were the fruits of this union.
Margaret Christley married Fred Richard, ami subsequently a man named Mat-
tox. ~she sun ived both husbands and died at the age of ninety years at the home
of her daughter, in Clarksville, Mercer county'. George Christley grew to man-
hood in Westmoreland county, and about 1811 removed to North Liberty. Mer-
cer county, where the remaining years of his life were spent. His family con-
sisted of the following children : William: John; Michael: George; Samuel;
Curtis; Mary, who married Stephen Cooper: Eva; Margaret, who married
121? HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John Smith; Elizabeth, who married William Fleming, and Catherine, who
married Valentine Glenn.
John Chrisi i- in . second son of George Christley, was born in Westmore-
land county, in 1797, and removed with his parents to Mercer county in 1811.
He learned the cabinetmaker's trade with his father, who followed that business
in connection with farming. In 1823 he came Slippery Rock township. Butler
county, and settled on a farm of 100 acres, which his lather purchased for
him, now the property of his son Curtis. Here he resided until his death,
carrying on the cabinet trade in connection with farming. lie married Mary
Smith, a daughter of William Smith. She died in 1825, leaving three sons, \ i/. :
lame. P.; William George, and John II. 1 1 is second marriage was with Eliza-
beth Smith, a sister of hi.- first wile, to which union were horn the following chil-
dren : Thomas F.; Mary ).. who married John Hockenberrv ; \V. Edwin,
deceased; Samuel 1.. who was killed at Second Hull Run; Sarah E., who mar-
ried E. Stevenson, and after his death John Moore; Curtis I. ; Catherine F., who
married William Bruce; Margaret C, who married Samuel Glenn, and Caroline
B., who became the wife of William Foster. On the completion of the Pitts
burg and Erie turnpike, Mr. Christley was appointed toll-keeper of the gate
located near his house, which position he held as long as the road continued a
toll road. He also kept a hotel, anil his house was the change station for the
stage and mail route between Mercer and Pittsburg. Mr. Christley was a
stanch Republican, and although not a member of any church, he attended serv-
ices witit the Methodist Episcopal society, ami was a liberal supporter of that
denomination. He died in IS72.
Ci rtis I. Christley, youngest son of John and Elizabeth Christley. was
horn on the farm where he now hues, in Slippery Rock township. March 81,
1830. He was reared on the homestead, and attended, the common schoo - of
the district. In 1S62 he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-sev-
enth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months. He participated in the
battles of South Mountain. Aufietam. Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville. At
the expiration oi his term of service he returned home, and subsequently pur-
chased his present farm from Ins father, and is now the owner of 115 acres ol
well improved land. In 1^7 1 he married Margaret E, Brannon, a daughter of
Thomas Brannon, of Franklin township. Their family consists of Tirza F.. an
only daughter, and Fred. Mr. Christley is a stain h Republican, ami has filled
the offices of school director, auditor, and treasurer of his township. He is a
member of Bingham I'o.st. Xumber 305, G. A. P., and is a representative ol one
ot the oldest families in the community.
John Harvey Christley, third son of John and Mary (Smith) Christley.
w.i horn in Slippery Rock township. February 18, 1824, received a good educa-
tion, ami in early life followed teaching. In 1852 Ik engaged in farming, and in
1807, in partnership with Mr. McKnight, purchased the mill property which he
now operates. This partnership continued for four years, when he disposed of
his interest in the mill, hut subsequently bought it back, and has since operated
it in connection with his farm of 100 acres. He married Mary J. Gabby, a
daughter of John Gabby, and by this union they are the parents of ten children,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 12 13
viz.: Margaret E. ; Lillie F., deceased; Anna F. ; John L. ; Alice !.. wi
John Moore : Florence A., wife of C. A. Atkinson : Curtis O. : Mary E. ; Thomas
L., and Hannah, deceased. Mr. Christley has been a life-long Republican, and
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which society lie has rilled the
office of steward, and is one of the present trustees.
Michael Christley, son of George Christley, was horn in Westmoreland
county. Pennsylvania, December 23, 1799, and came to Mercer county with his
parents in childhood. He attended the pioneer schools of his vicinity for a short
period, but in after years he acquired by observation and reading a wide knowl-
edge of men and hooks. He was familiarly known as " Uncle Mike" Christley.
and highly respected for his upright character and strict integrity. About 1823
lie settled upon 100 acres of land in .Slippery Rock township, Butler county, pur-
chased by his father, adjoining his brother John's farm. This he cleared and
improved, and continued to follow agricultural pursuits until his death, in 1867.
His son Neyman now resides upon the old homestead. Mr. Christley was mar-
ried three times. His first wife was Rachel Beckwith, who died in 1 ~->07. the
mother of the following children : Almira B., wife of E. II. Adams. Catherine,
who married E. D. DeWolf, and after his deatli a Mr. Keniff ; Joel B., of
Indiana; Eidelia. deceased, and Calista, wife of W. B. Pearson. His second
wife was Almira Beckwith. a sister of his first wife, who died in 1^:!'.! without
issue. His third wife was Mrs. Elizabeth Wallace, a daughter of Daniel Ney-
man, whom he married in IS 10. She survives him and resides with her son upon
the old homestead. Five children were the fruits of this union, viz. : Rachel I"..
wife of Dr. J.* 15. Livingston : Neyman : Mary C, wife of W. R. Hays ; Mi
deceased, and William L., a resident of Indiana. In politics, Mr. Christley was
an ardent Republican, and during slavery days was a strong Abolitionist. He
was one of the original members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Centre-
ville, and filled the offices of steward, trustee and class leader.
Neyman Christley, son of Michael and Elizabeth (Wallace, nee Neyman)
Christley, was born May 10, 1843, upon the homestead where he now resides, in
Slippery Rock township. lie was reared upon the farm, and received a com-
mon school education. In September. 1861, he enlisted in Company II.
Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served three years, lie partici-
pated in the battles of Stone River, Chickamauga, and other engagements in
which his regiment served during his term of enlistment. Alter his return to
Butler county, he followed the occupation of a carpenter for -onu years. In 1ST I
lit settled upon the old homestead, and has since followed agricultural pursuits.
On January 18, LS69, he married Mary A. Robb, a daughter of Tosiah C. Robb,
of Mercer county, to which union have been horn three children, viz. : Illula S. :
Ben. and Grant, who died in February. 1892. Mr. Christley is one of the trustees
and original stockholders of the State Normal School, at Centreville. Politic-
ally, he is a Republican, and is a member of O. G. Bingham Post, Number 305,
(i. A. R., of that borough.
Cornelius Gir.r. came with his parents from Ireland to Pennsylvania, and
settled on Turtle creek, Westmoreland county. He married in that county, and
resided there until 1825, in which year he came with his sons, Samuel, David and
I 2 14 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
( < > 1 1 1 1 . in Slippery Rock township. Butler county, and purchased 400 acres of
land situated where Hiram M. Gill, the Patton heirs, J. C. Kerr and John Kelly
now live. 1 1 is homestead was the form Kelly farm, and here he spent the
remaining years of his life. 1 1 i — wife died prior to his settlement in Slippery
Rock township. He was buried in the graveyard attached to the United Pres-
byterian church in Worth township. llis family were a- follows: Arthur,
who died in Westmoreland county; Samuel and David, both of whom died in
Slippery Rock township; fohn, who died in Missouri in 1868: lane, and Nancy.
both of whom died in Westmoreland county; Maria, who married William Reed,
and died in Slippery Rock township, and Martha, who died in Westmoreland
county, at the age of ninety-four years.
David Gill, son of Cornelius Gill, was born in Westmoreland county, in
]; SOl, ami there learned the wheelwright's trade, which business he followed
through life. ,He came to this count v with his lather, and settled upon the farm
where- his son. Hiram M., resides, cleared seyentv-five acres during his residence
thereon, and died on February III. 1885. He married Martha Mckee, a daugh-
ter of James McKee, one of the pioneers of Slippery Rock township She sur-
vives and is living with her son Hiram M. They were the parents of the fol-
lowing children : Sarah B., deceased wife of lames Wilson; Thomas M. ; Leti-
tia. deceased wife of Hiram Cochran; Hugh P.; Nancy, and Jasper, both of
whom died in youth; lames S., who enlisted in Company E, One Hundredth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was killed at Spottsylvania Court House. May 1l\
1864; Hiram M. . Martha, decease. 1. and Maria A., wife of T. F. Patton. Mr.
Gill was a Democrat until 18(50, and then became a Republican, lie was a
member of Slippery Rock United Presbyterian church, and is buried in the
graveyard of that society in Worth township.
Hiuaji M. Gill, son of David and Martha Gill, was born upon the home-
stead farm in Slippery Rock township. February li'. 1.844. At the age of
seventeen lie enlisted in Company C, One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers,
and served three years and eight months. He was in the following engage-
ments : James Island, Second Bull Run, South Mountain. Antietam, Freder-
icksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Knoxville, etc. After his re-enlistment his regi-
ment became a part of the Ninth Corps, Armv of the 1'otomac, and he par-
ticipated in the battles of I he Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor. Peters-
burg and Poplar Grove Church, and was with Grant at the surrender of Lee.
After the war closed he returned to his home, and upon his father's death pur-
chased the farm, which he has since made his residence. Mr. Gill was married
in 1867, to Elizabeth Wilson, a daughter of David Wilson. She died in 1878,
leaving four children, viz ; Ina M. ; Frank P., who died in 1891 ; Sallie V., a
graduate of the State Normal School, and now engaged in teaching, and Char-
lie I ). In L883Mr. Gill married Louisa Crawford, a daughter of Samuel Craw ford,
of Beaver county. In politics, he is a Republican, has tilled the office of school
dii.. tor six years, and is a member of Bingham Post. O. A. R. lie is president
of the Creamery Company, and an active, representative citizen. Both he and
wife are members of the Centrcvillc United Presbyterian church.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 121 5
|(iiix Dickey svas born at Gettsyburg, Pennsylvania, in 1791, eldest son of
Archie and Isabella (McGrew) Dickey. His father was a native of Down county,
Ireland, and immigrated to Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1785, and served with
the forces that suppressed the Whiskey Insurrection. About L808 he was placed in
charge of the Manor lands, near Kittanning, and filled that position for some
years, lie married Isabella McGrew, in Chester county, .n\d their children were
as follows : John; William: Jane; James; Robert : Bell; George, and Archi-
bald, all of whom are dead except George, who resides in Tarentum. Archibald
Dickey, Sr. , died at the home of his son Robert . in Sugar Creek township, Arm-
strong county. The subject of this sketch was reared in Armstrong county, and
after arriving at manhood engaged in farming in Sugar Creek township. t >n
April I. 1830, he purchased from the Western University 117 acres of land in
Slippers' Rock township. Butler county, where his sons, John and David, now-
live. He settled upon this farm and resided there down to his death. May 31,
1S7l'. lie married Nancy Templeton, who died in 1832, leasing the following
children : Ann. who married fames foster, and died September 24, 1894: Archie,
of Worth township; fames, who died in 1892, and Samuel, of Venango town-
ship, who died April 23, 1894. Mr. Diekev married for his second wife Mrs.
Eliza J. Wilson, a daughter of D. I). Cross, of Worth township, to which union
the following children were bom: Isabella, deceased ; John W. : David ; Sarah,
wife of I. W. Ralston, and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Diekev survived her
husband about fifteen years, dying in October, ls^7. Roth are buried in the
graveyard in Worth township attached to Slippers Rock I nited Presbyterian
church. He was an elder in that organization, and was one of the builders of
the present church edifice. In politics, he was a Republican.
foHX W. Dickey, son of fohn and Eliza 1. Dickey, was born in Slippers
Rock township, upon the homestead farm. February 19, 1845. He received a
common school education, but his father being of poor health, the work of
the farm was attended to by our subject. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Com-
pany F, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served
nine months. He ssas at the battles of Antietam, South Mountain. Fredi ricks-
burg, anil Chancellorss ille. His term of service basing expired lie returned to
his home and resinned the duties on the farm. At his father's death he and his
brother David purchased the old homestead. (In April 24, 187(5, he married.
Margaret Reed, a daughter of George Reed, and has seven children, viz. : Mabel :
J. Robert; Joseph A. ; 'William J.: George; Eleanor G., and Alice V Mr.
Dickey is one of the leading Republicans of his township, and ha- served tour-
teen sears as school director. He is a leading member of Slippers' Rock I nited
Presbyterian church, and has tilled the otlices of elder, treasurer, clerk of the ses-
sion, and superintendent of the Sabbath school for many years. IK- is one ol I he-
original stockholder- of the Mate Normal School, and al-o a stockholder in the
Centreville Creamery Company.
William Bovard, eldest son of lames and lane Bovard, ssas born in Fair-
view township, Butler county, in 1799, and grew to manhood in his native town-
ship. He afterwards located on the farm in Fairs icsv township settled by his
father, but in I S34 purchased 125 acres in Slippers Rock township, ss here his
I2l6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
son, Samuel C now lives. He resided here until 1851, in which year he retired
from active labor, and lived with his son,.James ].. the balance of his life, dying
in lx7l'. He married Sarah Cross, a daughter of Samuel Cross, who survived
him four years, and died in June. 1876. They were the parents of three children,
viz. : James |. ; Samuel C, of Slippery Rock township, and Sarah E. Politic-
ally, Mr. Bovard was a Democrat. He was one of the early members of Harmony
United Presbyterian chinch, and when the Centreville society was organized he
united with that body, and gave liberally towards the erection of the church
I wilding.
James I. Bovard, eldesl son of William and Sarah Bovard, was born in
F.iirview township. Butler county, August 21, 1827, and was about seven years
old when his parent-- located in Slippery Rock. He was reared in this town-
ship, and educated in the public schools. In 1851 he purchased the Cross home-
stead, where he has since lived with his sister, Sarah E. He was originally a mem-
ber of Harmony United Presbyterian church, later became connected with Bethel
United Presbyterian church, and held the office of trustee in that society for six
years. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, is one of the progressive citizens of
the community, and a substantial, enterprising fanner, owning one of the best
improved homesteads in the township.
Johnston Bovard, son of lame- and Jane (Chambers) Bovard, was born
in Fairview township, Butler county, in Isll , and was reared amidst pioneer sur-
roundings. After he grew to maturity he purchased lot) acres of land in Slip-
pery Rock township, upon which hi- son William II. now resides, and here he
erected a house and* continued to follow agriculture the remaining years of his
life. In 1833 lie married Lydia Adams, a daughter of Jonathan Adams, of Slip-
pery Rock township, to which union were born the following children : Jona-
than, of Mercer township : Jane, wife of Andrew Drennan ; George W.. of Tio-
nesta ; Tame- C, of Mercer town-hip: William II.. and Eli D. Mr. Bovard
died in LS74 ; his widow is -till residing on the old homestead in Slippery
Rock town-hip. lie wa- a stanch Democrat, and served as justice of the peace
and school director for several term-. He always took a special interest in edu-
cational matters. ( >riginally a Covenanter, he afterwards united with the Bethel
United Presbyterian church, and served a- a ruling elder and superintendent of
the Sabbath school for a number of years.
Jonathan Boy \m>. eldest son of Johnston and Lydia Bovard, was born in
Slippery Rock township, Butler county, September 9, 1834, was reared upon
the farm and learned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed more or less in
connection with farming. Mr. Bovard wa- married to Theresa Brown, a daughter
of h.-cph Brown, of Mercer township. November 26, L873. They are the par-
ents of five children, viz. : Jane E.. deceased; Frank F. ; Joseph H. ; Flora M.,
and Richard E. In 1875 lie purchased a part of the Joseph Brown farm, upon
which lie now resides. Mr. Bovard is a member of the United Presbyterian
church, and in politics, an adherent of the Democratic party. He has filled most
of the offices in the township, at different periods, including that of school
director.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 12 1"
William H. Bovard, son of Johnston Bovard, was born November 26,
1846, on the homestead farm in Slippery Rock township. He received a com-
mon school education, and is now the owner of the old homestead, which con-
tains 110 acres. He married Harriett McCallan. a daughter of John McCallan,
and has three children : John A. ; Karr C, and Mary. Mr. Bovard is a Demo-
crat, and takes a deep interest in the success of his party. He is a member of
Bethel United Presbyterian church, has served on the school board, is connected
with the Farmers Alliance, and is a substantial, enterprising citizen.
Charles Bovard, son of Tames and Jane (Chambers) Bovard, was born in
Fairview township, Butler county, March 24, 1810, and removed to Cherry town-
ship with his parents in the spring of 1824. He received a common school
education and was reared a farmer, which vocation he followed all his life. He
was married Februarv 14, 1850, to Mary Jane Hays, a daughter of John Hays,
of Centreville. She was born August 29, 1829, and became the mother of eight
children, viz. : Jennie Chambers, born June 21, 1852, married Albert S. Haynes,
January 18, 1878. and died September 25, 1881 ; Fanny Caroline, born February
8, 1854, married Hiram Caler, July 4, 1877, and died January 2, 1879 ; John
Richard, born August 20, 1857, and married Mary M. Miller. December 18, 1879;
Charles Benning, born September 3, 1859; George McWatty, born August 15,
1801; William Elmer, born October 22. 1863, Mary Emma, born August 18.
1800, and Ettie Lutetia, born August 12. 1869. Mrs. Bovard died March 7,
1876, and on July IS. 1877, he married Catherine Kerr, of Cherry township.
He died December 1, 1880, and his wife in 1898. They were members of the
United Presbyterian church, in which he filled the office of elder for twenty-
two years. In politics, he was a Democrat, and served as school director in
Cherry township.
William E. Bovard was born upon the homestead in Cherry township,
Butler county, October 22, 1808, there grew to maturity, and obtained his educa-
tion in the public schools. On September 24, 1884, he married Elizabeth Snyder,
born July 13, 1866, a daughter of John Snyder, Jr., of Mercer township, and has
four children : Elsie Jane, born July 9, 1886: Charles Earl, October 24. L887 :
Roy Elmer, June 29, 1889, and Floyd Snyder, March 25. 1891. In 1885 Mr.
Bovard removed to Mercer township and purchased the Morrison farm, consist-
ing of sixty-two acres, upon which he has since resided. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Democrat. lie has served as auditor and
supervisor of his township, and is a member of the K. O. T. M.
John Reed, Sr., was born in Down county. Ireland, in 1700, and immi-
grated to Pennsylvania in 1821. settling in Allegheny county, whence he removed
to Mercer county. In 1837 he purchased the claim of James Nesbit, containing
116 acres, in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, where his grandsons. John
and H. R. Reed, now reside. Here he spent the remaining years of his life, and
died abont 1844. He married Marv McKnight. in Ireland, to which union were
born ten children, as follows : William, who died in Slippery Rock township in
1864; Jane, who died in Ireland: Thomas, who died in Armstrong county in
1892; Sidney, who died soon after the family came to this country: Mary,
deceased wife of Thomas Davidson ; Hugh, who died at Freeport ; George ; Mar-
[2 l8 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
garet, deceased wife of W. J. Nairn, and two that died in early youth. Mr.
Reed was a member of Harmony Associate church, of Mercer township. His
wife died about 1837, and both are buried in the old Harmony churchyard.
George Reed, son of John and Mary Reed, was horn in Ireland in 1809,
and came with his parents to Pennsylvania in 1821, and to Butler county in 1837.
He resided with his parents until bis father's death, when the farm came into his
possession. He made most of the improvements thereon, and resided upon the
homestead until his death. lie was a cooper, and alter coming to Butler county
worked at his trade a few years in Freeport. Mr. Reed married Eleanor McCoy,
a daughter of Thomas McCoy, a native of Virginia, who settled in Mercer
county. They were the parents of the following children: Colin ; Man I.,
wife William McGrew : Hannah, wife of J. M. Hines : Thomas, a resident of
Kansas City, Missouri ; Margaret, wife of J. W. Dickey; William, who resides
on a part of the old homestead; Ella; Sadie; Hugh R.. living on the old home-
stead, and two that died in infancy. Mr. Reed was reared in the Associate
church, and joined t he 1 nited Presbyterian church in IS;~)7, being one of the
original members of the Centreville organization. lie died November',), 1871,
and was buried in the Harmony' graveyard. His widow survives him. and resides
upon the homestead farm. In politics, Mr. Reed was originally a Whig, and
afterwards a Republican.
John Reed, eldest son of George and Eleanor Reed, was born March 3,
1842, upon the homestead in Slippers Rock township, wa- reared a farmer, and
received a common school education. lie has followed agriculture in connection
with mining, having developed and operated a coal mine upon his farm lor the
past thirty years. In 1^7-~> Mr. Reed married Samantha Moorehead, a daughter of
William Moorehead, of Lawrence county, ami has five children, viz. : Bertha E.;
William F. ; Lawrence; Alexander, and Everett L. In politics, Mr. Reed is a
Republican, and was elected a justice of the peace in 1887, and re-elected in IS'.li'.
He has always taken a commendable interest in school affairs, has served on the
school hoard, and is one of the original stockholders of the State Normal School,
lie 1^ a member oi tin- Cnited Presbyterian church, of Centreville, in which he
has tilled the positions of trustee and superintendent of Sabbath school.
An \\\uei; Black, Si,-., a native of Donegal county, Ireland, immigrated
to Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, and purchased 180 aires of land in Clay
township. He cleared and improved his farm, and died upon it in IST-~>. He
married Elizabeth McElhaney, in Ireland, who bore him the following children :
Elizabeth, wife of William McElhaney; Catherine, wile of John McKinney;
Esther, wife of William McKinney; Alexander; Samuel; Rebecca, and Martha.
The mother died some two years before her husband. Mr. Black was a member
ol the United Presbyterian church of West Sunburv, and in politics, hi- was a
Democrat.
Ai.KXANDEtt Black, eldest son of Alexander and Elizabeth Black, was
born in Ireland, in 1834, and came with his parents to Butler county". He
grew to manhood on the homestead in Clay township, where he resided
until his removal to Warren county, to engage in the lumber business. In
1873 he purchased his present farm in Slippery Rock township, containing
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 21 y
131 acres, and has since been engaged in farming. lie married Angeline Christie,
a daughter of William Christie, and has four children, viz. : Elizabeth, wife of
Joseph Barnes; Annie, wife of C. McCandless ; Gustavus, and Angeline, wife
of Fred Uber. .Mr. Black is a member of the United Presbyterian church, of
Centreville, and in politics, i- a Democrat, lie i- one of the leading farmer- (if
his township.
Samuel T. Chandler was born in New Hampshire, in January, Is I I. a
son of Nehemiah and Abagail (Dustin) Chandler. His mother was a descend-
ant of the famous Hannah Dustin. In 184] he settled in Lawrence county,
where he resided on a farm until 1860, and then purchared the property in Slip-
pery Rock township, Butler county, now owned bj hi- -<>n George X. lie was
a teacher by profession, and followed that vocation lor some year- after coming
to this State. He improved and resided on hi- farm in Slippery Ruck township
until his death, which occurred on March 22, 1884. He i- buried in the new
cemetery at Centreville. Mr. Chandler married Mary A. Denniston, a daugh-
ter of William Denniston, of Springfield township. Mercer countv, to whom
were horn the following children : Margaret, wife of lame- Lawrence; Eliza A.,
widow of S. N. Stephenson; Mary E. ; Emma F. ; George N. ; William D..
deceased, and Sarah M. Mis. Chandler resides on the old homestead with her
children. In politics. Mr. Chandler was a Democrat, and rilled the office of
school director several years.
George X. Chandler was born in Lawrence countv, December 2, 1 v"> I .
son of Samuel T. and Mary A. Chandler. lie wa- about six vears "hi when his
parents located in Slippery Rock township, and he lias ever since resided upon
the homestead farm. Politically, he is a Democrat, and i- a member of
Mylert Lodge, I. O. O. F., of Centreville. He ha- followed general farming,
ami is the owner of ll'li acre- of well improved land.
Robert McFate was born in Londonderry, Ireland, in 1816, ami immi-
grated to Pennsylvania, in 1836, where he found employment in the construction
of the Pennsylvania canal. Later he removed to Venango comity, and pur-
chased a farm near Oil City. In 1860 the oil excitement in that vicinity brought
him a purchaser, ami he sold hi- farm at a good price, and bought the land
where his son, Robert A., now live-, in Slippery Rock township, embracing lot)
acres. Here lie died [ulv 14, 1892, and is buried in the new cemetery at Cen-
treville. He married Mary McElwee, to which union were born the following
children: Martha, deceased ; Margaret , wife of J. E. Walt: Mary, wife of A.
C. Perry: Eliza, wife of T. M. Johnson; Flo, wife of W. J. Johnson, and Rob-
ert A. In politics, Mr. McFate was a Democrat, and in religion, wa- a member
of Bethel United Presbyterian church, of Slippery Rock township.
Robert A. McFate, the only son of Robert and Man McFate, was born
June 18, 1865, upon the homestead farm, was educated in the public schools, and
upon the death of his father he purchased the farm from the other heir-. lie
married Ella McFate. a daughter of Joseph McFate. and has two children, viz. :
Robert W. C, and Thomas Johnson. The family are connected with the United
Presbyterian church, of Centreville, and in politics, he i- a Democrat. He i- a
1220 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
member of the Farmers Alliance, and is a stockholder in the Centreville Cream-
ery Company, and in Slippery Rock State Normal School.
Thomas McCoy, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, immigrated to Penn-
sylvania towards the close of the Eighteenth century, and settled in Springfield
township, Mercer county. He entered 200 acres of land, which he cleared and
improved, ami died upon his farm in 1844. He married Rebecca Denniston,
whose parents were among the first settlers of Springfield township. She became
the mother of the following children : John ; Maria, who married William Alex-
ander; Sarah, who married Andrew Coulter; Nancy, who married Moses Par-
shall; William: Thomas; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Andrew Rose;
[anc, who married Philip Painter; Alexander, and Robert. Mr. McCoy and
wife were members of the Presbyterian church. She died some years before her
husband, and both are buried in the Stevenson graveyard, in Springfield town-
ship. Mercer county.
John McCoy, eldest son of Thomas and Rebecca McCoy, was born in
Springfield township, Mercer county, October 7, 1800, and was reared upon the
homestead farm, lie learned the carpenter's trade, and followed that business
many years at Centreville, to which place he removed from Mercer county. In
1864 he settled on a farm in Slippery Rock township, where his son Robert
resides, which property he purchased some years before, and here he died on
August 24, L884. Mr. McCoy was twice married; first to Jane Hall, a native of
Ireland, who died without issue. On October 19, 1850, he married Elizabeth
Armstrong, a daughter of Thomas .Armstrong, a native of Tyrone county, Ire-
land, who came to Mercer county in 1842. The children of this union are as
follows : Thomas, a resident of Lawrence county ; Robert ; John E., of Pendle-
ton. Oregon; Rebecca, wife of John G. Uber, and Elizabeth, a professional
nurse in Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. McCoy resides upon the old homestead. Mr.
McCoy was a member of the'L nited Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was
a stanch supporter of the Democratic party.
Robert McCoy, son of John and Elizabeth McCoy, was born in Centre-
ville, Butler county, October 25, 1854, and received a public school education.
He was reared a farmer and has continued to follow that vocation up to the
present. In November. 1S83, he married Grace Morehead. a daughter of Harvey
Morehead, of New Castle, and has three children: Robert T.. Max E.,and
Martha E. Mr. McCoy devotes considerable attention to the breeding of fine
stock, and is quite a successful farmer. Both he and wife are members of the
United Presbyterian church. In politics, he is a Democrat, is a member of the
K. of P., and has served five years in Company F, Fifteenth Regiment, X. G. 1'.
Samuel Bard, a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and of German
ancestry, was born in 1795, and married Margaret McArthur, who was of Irish
descent. He learned the tailoring trade in his youth, and after his marriage
moved to New Lisbon, Ohio, where he followed his trade for sonic time. In
L822 he removed to Slippery Rock township, Butler county, settled on the
present site of Centreville, and was the first tailor in the village. About 1836 he
engaged in manufacturing fanning mills, and in ISMS started a foundry, the first
between Pittsburg and Erie. This he operated until 1840, when he sold it to his
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
son, Tohn T., who carried it on for two years, and it then was bought back by
our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Bard were the parents of the following children :
Mary Ann, wife of William L. Bingham ; John T., who died in December, 1879 .
William B., who died in 1892; Benjamin F., who enlisted in the Union army,
and was killed at the battle of Pea Ridge; two who died in youth : A. J., and
R. M., the latter a retired merchant of Centreville. Mr. Bard was a Democrat,
in politics, and though he never held office, he took a lively interest in public
affairs.
A. J. Bard, son of Samuel and Margaret (McArthur) Bard, was born
in Centreville, Butler county, June 5, 1828. He attended the village school
until he was twelve years of age, when he entered the store of his brother, John
T., asa clerk. Here he remained until 185(3, having in the meantime become a
partner with his brother, J. T., whom he soon bought out and engaged in
business for himself, until 1858. In 186] he was elected a justice of the
peace, and served four terms. He was engaged in the timber business for
outside parties for one year; was appointed a notary public, and combined
with its duties the business of tire insurance, until May, 1893, when lie was
appointed by President Cleveland postmaster of the borough. Mr. Bard was
married June 1,1854. to Marion McKnight, a daughter of Robert McKnight,
to which union have been born four children, viz. : S. S., a hardware mer-
chant of McKeesport : R. M., who is in the gas business in Centreville;
Jennie D., wife of Peter Bartz, and Annie May, wife of Rev. U. S. Bartz, a
Presbyterian minister. Mr. Bard has spent his entire life in Centreville. and is
the oldest living person born in the town. He is known and recognized as a
public-spirited citizen and a man of high integrity. In politics, he has always
been an unswerving Democrat, and an ardent advocate of the principles and
doctrines of his party. He has been a member of the I. ( >. O. F. since 1849, and
is a charter member of Slippery Rock Lodge, No. 10S, A. O. I'. \V. The family
are members of the Presbyterian church.
Jonathan Maybury, Si:., a nati\e of Virginia, born about 1 T H 7 - came to
Butler county early in the present century, and entered the employ of Dr. Det-
mar Basse, sometimes called Dr. Basse Muller, the founder of Zelienople, as
book-keeper at his iron furnace. He subsequently went to Westmoreland county
where he engaged in farming, and while there was appointed a weigh-master on
the Pennsylvania canal, with headquarters at Johnstown. About 1838 he again
came to Butler county, as book-keeper fur the Hickory furnace, in Slippery Rock
township, and died in Centreville about 1S42. Mr. Maybury was twice married.
His first wife died in Virginia, and he married his second wife. Mary Williams,
of Westmoreland county, while a resident of Zelienople. Their children were as
follows: Julia, wife of John Bigert ; Charles, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased
wife of George Dorn ; Polly, deceased, and Jonathan. Mr. Maybury is buried
in the old cemetery at Centreville.
Jonathan Maybury, son of Jonathan and Mary Maybury. was born at
Zelienople, Butler county, in 1829. He was reared at Centreville, received a
common school education, and learned the carpenter's trade. In 1850 he com-
menced business for himself, and has followed contracting and building lor the
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
past forty-four vears. lie has erected the larger portion of the homes in Centre-
ville, including the Humphrey residence, and lias remodled the extensive build-
ings of the Stale Xormal School, in that borough. The firm of Maybury & Son,
is one of the well known building firms of Butler county. In connection with
his business, he also carries on fanning. Mr. Maybury married Frances M.
Crane, a daughter of Dr. Crane, and his children are as follows : Austin : Orrie
F.. and Harriet, all of win. m are dead ; Edward M., a member of the firm of
Maybury & Son : Mary ; Cyrus H., and William. Politically, he is a Republi-
can, and in 1ST'.1 was elected county commissioner. He lias served three terms
as burgess of Centreville. and is one of the leading citizens of the borough. The
family are adherents of the Presbyterian church.
Dr. Ei.i (I. DzWoli was one of the early physicians of Butler county. He
came from Ohio to Slippery Rock township in 1825, where for twenty-two
years he was engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, dying in 1847. He
married Eli/a Harris, a native of Butler county, and their children were as fol-
lows; Ephraim II.. of Freeport, Ohio; Oratio J., editor of the Fostoria Daily
and Weekly Dispatch, at Fostoria, Ohio ; Eli G., deceased, founder and for many
years editor of the Findlay Daily and Weekly Republican, Findlay, Ohio ; E.
Darwin, deceased: Naac S. 1'.. a resident of Centreville, Butler county, and Ann
Eliza, wife ..I Thomas Robinson, of Butler.
E. Darwin DeWoi.k, son of Dr. Eli G. DeWolf, was born in Slippery Rock
township. Butler county, and spent his early years amidst pioneer surroundings.
He married Catherine Christley, a daughter of Michael Christley, of Slippery
Rock township, and resided upon his homestead in that township down to his
death, in 1865, at the age of thirty-eight years. Mrs. DeWolf now resides in
California. The\ were the parents of four children, viz, : Joel 1'.. editor of the
Fostoria Daily and Weekh Review, Fostoria, Ohio: Willard I ... of Millers-
town : Melvin. ami Ella, the hist two of whom are dead.
Benjamin Pearson", physician and surgeon, is a son of Thomas W . and
Margaret 1. (Rodgers) Pearson, the former a native of Mercer. Pennsylvania, and
the latter of Ohio. His grandfather, Bevan Pearson, a native of Philadelphia,
was one of the early settlers of Mercer, where he lived and died. The subject of
this sketch was born in Mercer. December 24, 1838, received a common school
education, and subsequently attended the Mercer Academy, and Duff's Commer-
cial College, lie read medicine with Dr. S. S. Mehard, of Mercer, commenced
practice at Centreville, Butler county, in March, 1862, where he remained until
180(5, in which year lie removed to Tionesta, because of ill health, and continued
his professional duties at that point for two years. In 1868 he returned to Cen-
treville, where he has been engaged in continuous practice for the past twentv-
irs. In the spring of 188] he graduated at Jefferson Medical College.
Philadelphia. Dr. Pearson has always taken an active interest in educational
matters, and was one of the leading spirits in obtaining the State Normal School
at Centreville. He was one of the building committee, and is now serving as
trustee of that institution. He is one of the incorporators and original directors
of the Centreville Savings Bank, and has been prominent in the social and
material development of t he borough . Up to L884 the doctor was a Democrat,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I--.1
but since that year he has supported the Prohibition party. In 1892 he was the
nominee of theProhibitionists of Butler county for Congress, and was one of I he
nominees of the same party for the legislature in 1894. He is an elder in the
Presbyterian church, and is one of the charter members of the A. O. lT. VV. On
August 13, 1863, Dr. Pearson married Lizzie Wise, a daughter of [acob Wise, of
Emmitsburg, Maryland, to which union have been born five children, as follows:
Eftie I.; Thomas \\\. a Presbyterian minister; Benjamin; Eugene O., and
Alfred, deceased. Dr. Pearson is one of the leading and prominent citizens of
the community, and gives a liberal support to every worthy enterprise.
George Maxwell was born in Plain Grove township, Lawrence county.
Pennsylvania, August li!. 1841, son of William and Nancy (Waddle) Maxwell,
and grandson of lames Maxwell, one of the pioneers of Lawrence county. lie
was reared upon the homestead farm, and in 1861 enlisted in Company E, One
Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, known as the '•Round Heads." anil served
until the close of the war. He participated in the following engagements : James
Island, where he w a- slightly wounded, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Moun-
tain. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, Jackson, Knoxville, the Wilderness,
and Spottsylvania Court House ; was wounded in the last mentioned battle. May 12,
1864, by a gun shot in the right knee, was sent to the Held hospital, thence to
Grosvenor Hospital, Alexandria, Virginia, thence to McClellan Hospital. Phila-
delphia, where he remained until August 28, 1865, on which date he was
honorably discharged from the service. In 1866 Mr. Maxwell located at Cen-
treville, Butler county, where he engaged in the purchase of live stock for the
eastern market, which business he has followed up to the present. He is a man
of commendable public enterprise, and was one of the first citizens of the com-
munity to offer his means ami influence towards obtaining the State Normal
School, at Centrcville. He was one of the original stockholders of that institu-
tion, served on the building committee, and has been president of the board of
trustees since its organization. Few men of his locality have done more for the
matt rial prosperity of tlie community than the subject of this sketch. lie is a
leading Republican, and is a prominent member of O. G. Bingham Post, Number
305. «'. A. K.. of Slippery Rock.
Dr. Albert E. Maltby, principal of the State Normal School, at Slip-
pery Rock. Butler county, was born in Pulaski, Jefferson county, New York.
October 27, 1850, son of John and Rachel (Crawford) Maltby, the former a native
of New York, and the latter of Ireland. Lis early education was obtained in the
public schools of Fayetteville, Onondaga county. New York, and at the Fayette-
ville Academy. He subsequently entered Cornell University, and was graduated
with honors in 1876. A pupil of Agassiz and Goldwin .Smith, he enjoyed unusual
advantages in science and history. He began teaching in the Ury school in
Philadelphia, and was soon offered an instructorship in Cornell Cniyersity, but
declined the offer. In 1878 lie was appointed an engineer on the survey of the
boundary line between Guatamala and Mexico. In 1880 he accepted the pro-
fessorship ©I' mathematics and astronomy in St. Lawrence University, New
York, and during his residence in that place was married. December 26, 1883, to
Harriet Dezell. a daughter of Robert Dezell, of Canton, St. Lawrence county.
1224 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Dr. Maltby became professor of natural sciences in the State Normal School at
Indiana, Pennsylvania, in L884, and after five years of very successful work at
that institution, he resigned to take charge of the training department of the
State Normal School at Millersville. As a master of methods and the detail of
model school work, his power was soon evident to all who visited that school.
The enthusiasm of the young teachers under his instructions was unbounded,
and "".is shown in the work which the}- were able to do. In 1890 Dr. Maltby
accepted the principalship of the State Normal School at Slippery Rock, Butler
county, and the rapid growth of this institution is a fair index of his executive
ability. As an institute instructor and lecturer, he has acquired a State repu-
tation, and his admirable efforts in that field of labor have gained many students
for the Slippery Rock State Normal, and placed that school in the foremost
rank. As a writer on theoretical and practical school methods, he is singularly
happy in taking his readers into confidential sympathy with his views and con-
verting them to his original ways of putting them into school-room practice. It
would lie impossible for a teacher to follow him through any illustrative teach-
ing, either as observer, auditor, or reader, and not feel a strong desire to investi-
gate and undertake the work for himself. This power to inspire others to think
and to work, is of the first importance in the training and supervision of teachers,
and is one secret of Dr. Maltby's success in attracting live people within his cir-
cle of influence. In addition to giving close attention to the duties of his
responsible position. Dr. Maltby has found time during recent years to write and
publish three volumes that have given him a wide reputation as an author. Two
of these hooks"" "FroebeFs Square," and " Map Modeling in Geography," have
taken a high rank as text hooks. The third volume is entitled '•The Story of
Our Flag.'" and deals with a patriotic subject in an exceedingly entertaining and
int cresting manner.
Prof. Isaac Newton Moore, of the State Normal School, was horn July
27, 1858, upon the homestead faun in Brady township, son of Samuel and
Martha (Graham) Moore, and grandson of Samuel Moore, the pioneer. He
received a good English education, and in ]>77 commenced teaching in the pub-
lic schools of Lawrence county. In 1881 he entered Westminster College, at
New Wilmington, and was graduated in 1885. In the latter year he was
appointed principal ol the High School at New Castle, filled that position two
years, and in 1887 accepted the principalship of the Waterford Academy, at
Waterford, Erie county, where he continued until the autumn of 18SS, when he
was appointed professor of ancient languages and natural science, in the State
Normal School, at Slippery- Rock, which position lie lias tilled acceptably up to
the present. Professor Moore was married August 30, 1888, t<> Adella McDow-
ell, a daughter of David McDowell, of Sheakleyville, Mercer county, and has
one son. Ralph. Politically, lie is a Republican, and in religious faith, is a
member of the United Presbyterian church.
Prof. Isaac M. McI'ia moxds, son of James and Lydia (Vance) MeClvm-
onds, was horn on the McClymonds homestead in Muddy Creek tovwnship, But-
ler county. June 15, Is 17. After receiving a good common school education, he
entered Westminster College, at New Wilmington, anil subsequently the Edin-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 122:
buro State Normal School, and graduated from the latter institution. He taught
in the public schools of Butler and Armstrong counties from 1868 until the
spring of 1881, when he was appointed superintendent of the model department
of the Edinboro State Normal. In 1889 he was appointed professor of school
economy algebra, at Slippery Rock State Normal School, which position he has
filled with credit up to the present. Professor McClvmonds was married Sep-
tember '2, 1809, to Elizabeth R. Glenn, a daughter of Robert Glenn, of Worth
township, to which union have been born seven children. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church, and tills the office of elder in that society.
Frank Clutton, son of Jonathan Glutton, one of the early settlers of Brad\
township, Butler county, was born in Franklin township, November 10, 1857.
He was reared in Brady and Worth townships, attended the district schools, and
began clerking in his father's store in boyhood. At the age of twenty-two he
took charge of the store at Coaltown, for Bard & Son. with whom he remained
three years. He then became manager of the Hazard Coal Company's store, in
Mercer county, where he remained some two years and a half. He next entered
the employ of the Westermann Brothers, of Millerstown. as book-keeper. In
1S77 he and his brother George W. purchased the drug store of M. L. Kellv. at
Slippery Rock, which they conducted under the firm name of Clutton Brothers
until 1893, when it was changed to Clutton Brothers & McGaffic, and the gents
furnishing business, and boots and shoes were added thereto. Mr. McGaffii
retired from the firm in September, 1894, and it then became Clutton Brothers,
whose business is now confined to drugs exclusively. George W. Clutton located
in New Castle, in August, 1891 , where the firm carry on the drug business under
the name of Clutton Brothers. Mr. Clutton was married September 11, 1ST'.1, to
Lola F. Riddle, a daughter of James I). Riddle, deceased. Their children are as
follows: Bertha, deceased ; William K. : Paul D. ; Augustus T., and Francis
E. Politically. Mr. Clutton is a Republican, is president of the borough council,
and was one of the original stockholders and trustees of the Slippery Rock Mate
Normal School. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he
has filled the offices of trustee and steward. He is also a member of Hebron
Lodge. F. & A. M.. and Slippery Rock Lodge. K. of P. He is one of the lead-
ing business men of the town, as well as a progressive, enterprising citizen.
George W. Clutton was born in Franklin township. Butler county. April
8, 1864, and received a common school education. In 1878 he entered the
employ of John II. Walker, who established the lirst drug store in Slippery
Rock. After serving his apprenticeship, he went to Coaltown ami took charge
of a drug store, which he afterwards purchased, and which he continued to carry
on until the fall of 1S86, when it was burned out. In the spring of 1887 his
brother Frank and himself purchased their present place in Slipper)' Rock. In
August. 1891, he went to New Castle and took charge of the Central drug -lore.
which is also carried on under the name and style of Clutton Brothers. Mr.
Clutton married Ellen Ridgeway. a daughter of Henry Ridgewav. of Coal-
town. Butler county, and has one son. Fred. lie is a member of the I. O. O. F.,
and the K. of P.. also of the Methodist Episcopal church.
1226 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
W. II. Grixe was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, fune 23, L854, son of
Helwig and Catherine (Croll) Grine, natives of Germany, and residents of
Franklin township. Butler county. Our subject was reared in Allegheny county,
and Franklin township, Butler county, his parents locating here in 1868. He
received a common school education, and at the age of seventeen began clerking
in Pittsburg, remained there one year, and then went into the oil fields of Ven-
ango, McKean and Clarion counties. Alter two years spent in that region, he
again went to Pittsburg and resumed clerking in a store. In 1884 he settled at
Centreville, and engaged in the huckster business, which he followed for several
years. In 1893 he became interested in the creamery business, and it was mainly
through his efforts that Centreville Cooperative Creamery Association. Limited.
was organized, and a creamery established. Mr. Grine was elected genera! mana-
ger, and in connection with the duties of this position he also follows fanning,
lie married Anna Kennedy, a daughter ol J. K. Kennedy, of Butler county, to
which union have been born ten children: William II.; Arthur E. ; Catherine
E. ; Charles R. ; Albert F., deceased: Clifford C. : Eugene E. : Raymond K.,
deceased; Mary, and Helen <i. In politics, Mr. Grine is a Republican, has filled
the office of burgess, and also served in the borough council. In early life he was
a Lutheran, but after settling at Centreville he united with the Presbyterian
church. He is a member of the K. of P. , the Jr. O. U. A. M..and the K. of II..
and is one of the enterprising citizens of the borough.
II. I'. Griffith was born in Utica, New York, November 17. 1832, son
of Henry ami Jane (Hughes) Griffith. At the age of fourteen he went to New
York city, where he learned the cooper's trade. In 1860 he located at Titus-
ville. Pennsylvania, established himself in business, and manufactured the first
iron bound oil barrels made in Pennsylvania. He established several cooper
shops throughout the oil region, and conducted an extensive business. He sub-
sequently engaged in the oil industry, and followed producing in the < HI Creek
held from 18(52 until 1ST4. In the latter year he began operating in Greece City,
Butler county, and afterwards in the Millerstown Held, which he continued until
1 S7T. In that year, under the linn name of Havs iV. Griffith, he commenced
operations in the Bradford field. In March. 1885, he returned to Butler county,
and leased a strip of land extending from Wurtemburg, Pennsylvania, to a point
six miles northeast of Centreville. and with II. E, Pickett, organized the She-
nango Gas Company, to supply Mew Castle with natural gas. This company
carried out its plan successfully, and is in operation at the present time. In 1880
Mr. Griffith dialled a well west of Centreville, put down another the following
year on the John Wolford farm, and in 1890 drilled a third on the Williams
farm, in Slippery Rock township, and in 1892 a fourth well on the Eyth farm.
In 1887 he pipeil the borough of Centreville, and the foregoing wells supply his
plant, and furnish fuel for about 500 tire-. Mi'. Griffith married Barbara Kahler.
and is the father of four children, viz. : Jane A. ; Grace; Frank F... and Helen.
He was one of the leading spirits in obtaining the location of the State Normal
School at Centreville, and was the largest cash subscriber to the building fund,
lb ha- been a trustee of that institution since its organization, and also a mem-
ber of the sanitary committee. Politicallv.be is a stanch Republican, and in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1227
religious faith, an adherent of the Presbyterian church. He is recognized as one
of the representative and progressive citizens of the borough, a man always
ready with his means and influence to advance the prosperity of the town.
Robert <■. Humphrey . son of Tames Humphrey, was born in Worth town-
ship. Butler county, in L825. He learned the wagonmaker's trade in youth, and
carried on business in North Liberty township. Mercer county, until IS65, in
which year he settled in Connoquenessing township. Butler county, purchased a
farm, anil carried on that business in connection with his trade. He married
Margaret Maxwell, a daughter of William Maxwell, and was the father of the
following children : William M. : Milton 1.. a resident of Slippery Rock town-
ship: Mary A., wile of J. C. Morton ; Wellington W.. of Slippery Rock town-
ship'. Xancy ]., wile of Charles Minich ; Norman A., of Pendleton, Ohio: John
G., who resides in Ottawa, Kansas, and George M. Mr. Humphrey died June
."), Is71: his witlow resides in Centreville with her son William M. He was a
member of the United Presbyterian church, at Prospect, and in politics, a Repub-
lican, llis only brother, Thomas G.. is a fanner, and resides in Beloit, Kansas.
William M. Humphrey, eldest son of Robert G. and Margaret Humphrey,
was born in Mercer county, September J 1 . 1849. He was reared a farmer, and
was educated in the common schools. In 1884 he purchased a farm of 100 acres
in Connoquenessing township, which began producing oil about 1890, and has
now twenty-six wells located upon it. It is in the Hundred Foot field, and has
made its owner one of the wealthy citizens of the county. In 1892 he purchased
some twentv-four acres at Centreville, upon which he has erected one of the
finest homes in this section of the State. lie is also the owner of another farm of
143 acres, known as the David McKee farm, in Slippery Rock township. On
December 31, 1874, Mr. Humphrey married Eveline Kiester. a daughter ot
Jacob Kiester. and has two sons: Clyde and Glenn. Eva I'. McClellan, a niece,
now twentv-three years of age, has made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Hum-
phrey since she was four years old. Mr. Humphrey is a member of the United
Presbyterian church, and politically, is a supporter of the Republican party.
Albert H. Baker was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, Decembers,
1846. son of James C. Baker. lie was reared in his native county, and after ar-
riving at manhood lie engaged in various occupations, and finally became a tire-
man on a railroad. In l^T1* he removed to Slippery Rock township. Butler
county, and engaged in I he saw mill business, followed this for some time, and
then began mining coal, at which he remained four years. He afterwards fol-
lowed contracting, and also embarked in butchering, and finally went into the
livery business at Centreville, under the firm name of Baker & Christley. This
firm continued until August, 1892, when the firm of Baker & Nelson suc-
ceeded it. Mr. Baker is also engaged in the furniture business under the firm
name of Baker. Kiester \ Nelson. IK- lias been twice married. His first wife
was Martha 1. Downs, who died in 1893, leaving three children, viz.: Frank;
Eva, ami Herbert. Ilis second wife was Mrs. Melissa Kelly, of New Wilming-
ton. Mr. Baker is a stanch Republican, and has served in the borough council
and other local offices. He is a member of the F. tV A. M.. the I. O. O. 1'.. and
1228 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the Jr. O. U. A. M., and is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church, of
Centreville.
John McGonegal was born in Slippery Rock township, Butler county,
May 21, 1859, son of Marcus and Lillie A. (Morrison) McGonegal, his mother
being a daughter of Benjamin Morrison. He received a common school educa-
tion, and was reared upon a farm until seventeen years of age, when he com-
menced learning the carpenter's trade. He followed this business until July,
L893, at which time he was appointed engineer of the State Normal School, at
Slippery Rock. In 1892 lie constructed his water works plant, which he operates
in connection with his business as engineer. Mr. McGonegal married Mary I.
Taylor, and is the father of six children, viz. : William M. ; Bessie J.; George
F. : Ruth II.; John R.. and Eva F. He has been a member of the Centreville
United Presbyterian church since boyhood, and is a ruling elder in the same
church. Politically, he is a Republican.
Samuel Barnes, Sr., was born in Down county, Ireland, in 173(3, and
immigrated to one of the eastern counties of this State. About 17'.'-~>. accom-
panied by his wife Susanna and two children, William and Betsey, the latter of
whom subsequently married a Mr. Martin, he came to Mercer township. Butler
county, and settled upon 200 acres of land now the property of his great grand-
sons, John A. and James B. Barnes. The patent tor this land was obtained by
his son William, April 0. 1832. He built his cabin in the midst of an unbroken
forest, and here spent the remaining years of his life. His wife died on (line 5.
1820, and himself, December 25, 1821. Thev are buried in the graveyard in
Mercer township connected with Harmony United Presbyterian church.
William Barnes, only son of Samuel and Susanna Barnes, was a native
of Ireland, and came with his parents to Butler county. He assisted his
parents in clearing and improving the old homestead in Mercer township, and
after their decease the property came into his possession. He married lane-
Black . who bore him the following children : Samuel, who died in Slippery Rock
township; Jane, who married George McElree ; William, who died unmarried.
May 27, 1863; John, and James, both of whom died in Mercer township; Alex-
ander, who died in Mercer county; Thomas, who died July I, 1875, unmarried,
and Robert, who married Margaret Craig, and died October li. 1887. The mother
died on July 27, 1832, and the father. July 21, 1841. They were earl)- members
of Harmony United Presbyterian church, and were buried in the old graveyard
in Mercer township. In politics, Mr. Barnes was an ardent Democrat.
Samuel Barnes, eldest son of William and Jane Barnes, was born upon
the homestead in Mercer township, Butler county, and resided with his parents
until settling upon the farm in Slippery Rock township, where his son Alex-
ander now lives. He cleared and improved this properry, and spent the balance
of his lite thereon. He married Martha Braden, who died in 1844, leaving the
following children : William, deceased; Ezekiel, also dead: Eva J., who mar-
ried James McKee : Alexander; Phoebe, deceased; James, and Robert, both
deceased; Ephraim. a resident of Bradford; Thomas, of Forward township, and
Braden, deceased. Mr. Barnes married for his second wife Nancy Tannehill. and
died about 1880. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. In early life he sup-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1229
ported the Whig party, and afterwards became a Democrat. He was a member
of the United Presbyterian church.
Alexander Barnes, son of Samuel and Martha Barnes, was born April
15, 1829, in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, was reared upon the home-
stead and received a common school education. He worked in various places
until the age of twenty-eight, when he purchased the homestead, upon which he
has since resided, He married Margaret J. McDermott, a daughter of James
McDermott. She died November 29, 1887, having borne him the following
children : James C, deceased ; Mary, wife of George Bell ; Thomas, and Phoebe
A., both deceased; Samuel, and Eva. His second wife was Mary Dugan.
Politically. Mr. Barnes is one of the active Democrats in his township, and has
tilled the office of school director. He is a member of the United Presbyterian
church.
Jon\ Barnes, son of William and Jane (Black) Barnes, was born on the
old Barnes homestead, in Mercer township, Butler county, in 1800, received his
education in a pioneer subscription school, and was reared amidst the scenes and
trials of early days. After reaching manhood he purchased 100 acres of land
where his son Hiram now resides. He cleared this farm, erected buildings, and
spent the remaining years of his life in making a home for his family, lie mar-
ried Elizabeth Snyder, a daughter of Philip Snyder, of Slippery Rock township,
to which union were born the following children : Sarah, wife of William
McGill ; William, deceased; Philip, a resident of Mercer county ; James B. ;
John II., of Mercer county; Hiram; Jane E.. wife of William Williamson;
Thomas, and Eli, both of whom are dead. Mr, Barnes was an ardent Democrat,
and rilled most of the township offices at different periods. Both he and wife
were members of Harmony United Presbyterian church. They died in 1876,
and 1884, respectively, and are buried in the Harmony graveyard.
James B. Barnes, son of John and Elizabeth Barnes, was born on August
27, 1886, in Mercer township, received a common school education and was
reared a farmer. In 1863 he purchased 100 acres of the old Barnes tract, which
had passed out of the hands of the family, and has since erected all of his present
improvements. On February 12, 1863, he married Mary J- Stevenson, a daugh-
ter of John Stevenson, of Franklin township, Butler county. They are the par-
ents of seven children, viz. : John C, deceased; Edward X. ; David E., deceased;
Catherine E. ; Anna A., deceased ; Josiah S.. and Manthus E. Mr. Barnes has
been an elder of Harmony United Presbyterian church for twenty years, and
politically, he is a supporter of the Democratic party.
Hiram Barnes, fifth son of John and Elizabeth Barnes, was born upon
his present homestead in 1843, and his entire life has been passed in his
native township. On May 27, 1875, he married Harriett J. McCoy, a daughter
of Madison McCoy. Politically, he is a Democrat, and both he and wife are
members of Harmony United Presbyterian church.
James Barnes was born on the old homestead in Mercer township. Butler
county, February 7, 1802, son of William and Jane Barnes, and grandson of
Samuel and Susanna Barnes. He was reared beneath the parental roof, and sub-
sequently purchased the farm where his son Thomas now resides. Upon this farm
I 23O HISTORY OF BUTLER rOUNTV.
was one of the most extensive coal deposits in tins pari of the county, and mining
was carried on here by the Mercer Mining and Manuf act it ring Company for t wenty
years. Mr. Barnes married Sally McCune, a daughter of John McCune, an early
settler of Mercer township. To this marriage were born the following children:
fohn A.: Mary A., wife of Samuel Bovard ; William B., who died October 2(3,
1858 ; Nancy, widow of William McTaggart ; Thomas; Martha J., wife of James
Wile\ : Susanna, deceased wife ol James Kelly; lame- M., who died June 2M.
1858: Robert L., of Marion township, and Washington S. Mrs. Barnes died
August [8, L876, and her husband. December 25, the same sear. The\ were
members of Bethel United Presbyterian church, and in politic-. Mr. Barnes was
an active 1 Jemocrat
|oiin A. Barnes, eldest son ol lame- and Sally Barnes, was born in
Mercer township. Butler county, November H), 1S27, was reared upon the home-
stead, and received a common school education. After he grew to maturity, he
and his father purchased the old Barnes homestead, on a portion of which he
erected all the present improvements, and has been engaged in farming thereon
since the fall of 1852. Mr. Barnes was married October 21, 1852, to Sarah
Hogg, a daughter of Robert Hogg, of Cherry town-hip. and is the lather of t he
following children : Sadie A., deceased; Mary I)., wife of Charles Snyder; Susan,
wife ol lames McDougal ; James V, who married Onie I'al ti-on , and has three
children, and Frankie,deceased. Mrs. Barnes died November 12, 1894. Mr. Barnes
is an elder in Bethel United Presbyterian church, which office he has held since
187(5. Politically, he is a Democrat, has rilled the office of school director for
twenty-one years, and has also held other township offices.
Thomas Bauxes was born upon the farm where he i\a\\ resides, in Mercer
township. April 24, IS8(i, third son of James and Salh Barnes. After the death
of his lather he purchased the farm, and has since been engaged in agricultural
pursuits, lie married Sarah J. McCreary. a daughter of Thomas McCreary, of
Mercer county. Ten children are the fruits of this union, viz. : Lizzie Y.. wife
of William Osier; Richard, who married Catherine Gilmer; Nettie, wife of
HughMilner: Nancy, deceased; Alice M. ; Lila E. : James O. ; Thomas M. ;
Ruby »... and Flossie A. Mr. Barnes i- a stanch Democrat, and i- a member of
the present school board.
Washington S. Bahnes, youngest son of lame- and Sally Barnes, was
born rune 25, 1848, upon the homestead farm in Mercer township, lie was
reared a tanner, and has always followed that vocation. In April, 1879, he pur-
chased hi- present farm in Mercer township, upon which he has since resided,
lie was married December:;, 1878, to Mary J. Black, a daughter of R. S. Black,
of Marion township, and their children are as follow-; Hattie S. ; Samuel 11.;
Frank \l...md Fannie M. In politic-. Mr. Barnes is a Democrat, has filled the
office of poor director for a number of years, and has always taken a leading
interest ill public affairs. lie i- a member of Harmony United Presbyterian
church, and a liberal contributor towards that society.
Ebexezer Buown, a native of Huntingdon county. Pennsylvania, came to
Mercer township. Butler county in 1707. ami took up (500 acres of land. Ik-
cleared and improved a farm on this tract, and died in 1832. lie married a Miss
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I _' } I
Porter, and their family consisted of the following children: Jane: Alexander;
William P.; Samuel; James; Elsie: Ebenezei ; Porter, and Joseph, all of
whom are dead. Mr. Brown was a member of the Presbyterian church, and died
in that faith. His wife died in 1830.
Samuel Brown, third son of Ebenezer Brown, was horn April i'i'. 1812,
upon the old homestead in Mercer township. lie received such an education as
the pioneer schools afforded, and learned the tanner's trade. lie subsequently
established a tannery at Harrisville, which he conducted until 1880. Mr. Brown
married Eliza J., daughter of John Waddell, of Butler county, and their chil-
dren were: Mary M.. who married Thomas Cross; fohn \V. : Ermina L.. deceased
wife of H. M. Kerr: Orlando, deceased; Otis 1'.. a resident of Ohio, and Mead
S.. deceased. In politic--, Mr. Brown was a Democrat, and in religious faith, a
Presbyterian. lie died June 2'2, 1888, near Centreville, Butler county.
John Snyder, Si:., was born in Liberty township. Mercer county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1805, a son of facob Snyder, a native of German}-. 11 is father served
in the Revolutionary war. and sometime prior to 1800 he settled in Liberty
township, Mercer county, where lie spent the remaining years oi his life. The
subject of this sketch was reared on the homestead, and purchased IT*1 acres of
land in Mercer township, Butler county, in 1852, upon which his son |ohn now
resides. lie married Elizabeth Uber, a daughter of Michael Lber, one of the
early settlers >t Mercer county, and the following children were horn to this
marriage: Susan, wife of Eli Beighley ; Mary, wife of Alexander Rodgers ;
Daniel, deceased; Michael, deceased ; Sarah, deceased wife of Robert Hanna ;
Rebecca, wife of A. Wilcox: Maria, wife of Joseph 1. Blair; Caroline, wife of
William Van Dyke; Lavina, and George W.. both deceased: John, and one that
died in early youth. Mr. Snyder was a stanch Democrat, an active worker in the
party, and filled the office of school director in his township. In early life he
was a member of the German Reformed church, and after his settlement in
Mercer township, there being no church of his faith in that locality, lie did not
unite with any denomination. [lis wife died on March 27, 1886. and himself,
February 1 , 1888.
John Snydeh, youngest son of John and Elizabeth Snyder, was born in
Liberty township, Mercer county, March L6, 1841, and was eleven years old
when his parents came to Butler county. I Ie attended the common schools of his
district, and grew to maturity upon his present homestead, which he received
from his father. In September, 1862, he married Eliza J. Bailey, a daughter of
Robert Bailey, of Venango county, and they are the parents of six children,
three ot whom are living, viz. : Lizzie, wife of William Bovai'd ; Joseph F., and
Lawrence. The deceased are William, and two that died in infancy. Mr. Sny-
der is a Democrat, hut has never had any desire for official position. The family
are members of the Presbyterian church, of Harrisville, and Mr. Snyder is an
elder in that society. tie is recognized as one at the leading and progressive
farmers of the community.
William McGakvey was born in Donegal county. Ireland. Jul) 17. 1800.
son of John and Nancy (Jackson) McGarvev of the same place. In 1830 the
family immigrated to Armstrong county. Pennsylvania, where his father died in
1232 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1851, and his mother several years before. In 1 SJ35 he married Margaret Smith,
a daughter of Matthew Smith, of Fairview township, Butler county, who bore
him a family of seven children, viz. : Matthew; Martha, who married J. A.
Wilson; Nancv. who married William Gibson; William; John J.; Robert, and
one that died in infancy. In 1850 Mr. McGarvey removed to Fairview town-
ship, purchasing the Matthew Smith farm of 250 acres. In 1876 he settled in
Fairview borough, where he died on March 10, 1SS5. His wife died on Decem-
ber 19, 1876. They were members of the United Presbyterian church, in which
society he tilled the office of elder a number of years. He was first a Whig and
afterwards a Democrat, and served as supervisor ami collector of his township.
John J. McGarvey was born in Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county,
July 17. 1844, son of William ami Margaret McGarvey. He came with his par-
ent- to Butler county when about six years old, was educated in a select school
and at Dayton Academy, and taught for several terms. He afterwards engaged
in farming, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and
Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, was mustered in at Camp Curtin, and
served in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. lie was honorably
discharged from the service on May 26, 1863, and returned to Butler county. In
September, 1804, lie re-enlisted in Company L, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cav-
alry, joined Sheridan's army in the Shenandoah valley, and served until the close
of the war. Returning home he resumed his duties upon the farm, and on
October 7. 1869, married .Sidney I. Campbell, of Parker township. Eight chil-
dren are the fruits of this union, viz. : Margaret, wife of Willis II. Brown;
William B. ; Samuel N. ; Robert; Harry E. ; Howard E. : Nancy B., and Mary.
Mr. McGarvey is an elder in the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he
is a Republican. He has served as a school director, overseer of the poor, and
auditor, and is one of the enterprising farmers of his township. He is a charter
member of Post Number 325, G. A. R., of Grove City.
Hon. James Kerr was born in Springfield township, Mercer county, Penn-
sylvania, May 18, 1813, son of Samuel Kerr, and grandson of James Kerr, a
native of Ireland. The latter came from Adams county about 1797, and settled
in Springfield township, Mercer county. Samuel was a native of Adams county,
born in 1791, grew to manhood in Mercer county, whence he came to Slippery
Rock township, Butler county, to take charge of Mt. Etna and Hickory furnaces,
which position he occupied for several veals. He was elected to the state senate
while a resident of this county, afterwards removed to New Castle, and was ap-
pointed by Governor Porter superintendent of the canal. He also represented
Mercer county in the legislature, and died at Sandy Lake in 1873. He married
Mary Moore, of Mercer county, who bore him a family of eleven children, as fol-
low- : James ; John ; Mrs. Jane McConnell ; Mrs. Mary A. Cleary ; Mrs. Martha
Alexander; Mrs. Sarah Pollock; Samuel; Lafayette: Clinton; Mrs. Lucinda
Barker, and Mrs. Caroline Brown, all of whom are dead except JamesandMary
A. The subject of this sketch began carrying the mail from Mt. Etna to Frank-
lin when nine years old, and continued to do so until he was thirteen years of
age. He then followed various occupations until 1830, in which year he settled
at Ilarrisville, Butler county. From 1S87 until 1841) he was a contractor on the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 233
Pennsylvania canal. In the latter year he embarked in merchandising at Harris-
ville, and conducted that business successfully for nearly forty years. During a
large portion of this time he was also extensively engaged in farming, being the
owner of twelve farms in the vicinity of Harrisville. In 1847 he built Marion
furnace, in Marion township, in partnership with Robert Breaden, the only iron
furnace in Butler county that did not suspend. He was also superintendent of
Maple furnace, in Allegheny township, in 1846-47 and '48. He carried on an
extensive business in purchasing cattle for the eastern markets during this period,
and was one of the most active and energetic businessmen in the county. Judge
Kerr was a Democrat until 1854. since which time he has been an adherent of
the Republican party. He filled the office of justice of the peace for thirty years,
as well as many other local positions in the township and borough. In I860 he
was an elector on the Lincoln and Hamlin ticket, and in 1861 he was elected
associate judge of Butler county. In 1868 he was elected to the state senate, and
throughout this period wielded a wide influence in the councils of his party.
Judge Kerr was married in 1838, to Priscilla McMillan, who died in 1866, leav-
ing two children, viz. : Mary, widow of J. M. Cubbison, and Lizzie K., wife of
Capt. II. A. Ayers. His second wife was Catherine McCallan, of Cherry town-
ship. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since IS 12, and
few men in the county have a wider acquaintance or are better known than this
venerable pioneer. He retired from active business in 1890, and has since
devoted his attention to looking after his extensive landed interests.
Daniel Wick was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, in 178(3, and at the
age of nine years removed with his parents to Washington county, and located on
Ten Mile creek. When eighteen years of age the family removed to Austintown,
Trumbull county, Ohio, where Daniel enlisted in the War of 1812, and served as
a fifer. At the age of twenty-six he married Elizabeth Armitage, a daughter of
Benjamin Armitage, of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, and became the
father of six children, viz. : Annie K., who married Isaac Kimmell, of Coitsville,
Ohio ; Mary J., wife of T. J. Hisst, of the same place ; Robert K., of Harrisville ;
Phoebe J., wife of George W. Seaton, of Westmoreland county; Daniel M.,
and William H. When Mr. Wick was thirty-one years of age, he removed with
his family to Coitsville, where he died on June 18, 1868. His wife survived until
1869. They were members of the Presbyterian church, in which society he filled
the office of clerk of the church. He was a Democrat until the second election of
Jackson, when he became a Whig, and in 1840 a Free Soiler. He followed farm-
ing throughout his life, and never took mucli interest in public affairs.
Robert K. Wick, son of Daniel and Elizabeth Wick, was born at Coits-
ville, Mahoning county, Ohio, October 15, 1818, and received his education at a
subscription school, subsequently attending a select school at New Bedford. He
received a certificate to teach, and taught for four terms, and afterwards became
a salesman in a general store at Poland. He next followed the peddling business
for two years, and on July 1, 1838, he located at Harrisville, Butler county, where
for twenty years he was engaged in the manufacture and sale of fanning mills.
Mr. Wick was married January 1, 1846, to Bulina A. Rathbun, to which union
have been born six children, viz. : Mary, deceased; Elizabeth E., wife of Samuel
78
1234
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Bingham; Eugene E. ; Clara E., wife of Robert L. Brown; Eva J., and Mar-
garet ( ». Mr. Wick lias been one of t lit- most extensive farmers and stock-growers
in this section of the Stale, in which he is at present largely engaged. lie has
purchased at different periods a large amount of land in Ilarrisville and vicinity,
and erected his present residence in 1870. At one time he was the owner of over
1,000 ~heep. which he had taken care of In different farmers, and settled the busi-
ness without the loss of a cent or a lawsuit. lie is one of the wealthiest citizens
of Butler county. Politically, he is a Republican, has served in the borough
council, and has been a member of the school hoard for several terms. lie is an
elder in the Presbyterian church, and superintendent of the Sabbath school.
Robert Black, an early merchant of Ilarrisville. was born in Donegal
county. Ireland, in October, 1809, there grew to manhood, and in 1834 married
Elizabeth McElhaney, of the same county, a daughter of Robert McElhaney.
The young couple immigrated to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, soon after their mar-
riage, and lived in thai city until 1843, when they removed to Ilarrisville, Butler
county. Mr. Black embarked in general merchandising, which he carried on suc-
cessfully until his death, October rK), 1870. His widow lives with her son Robert.
In LS4S Mr. Black purchased the Harris property, where the postoffice is now
located. I le was a stanch I Jemocrul , was a member of t he school hoard, and also
served in the borough council of Ilarrisville. He was a member of the I'nited
Presbyterian church, to which his widow also belongs. They were the parents of
eight children, six of whom survived infancy, as follows: William, deceased;
Mary J . wife of Dr. J. II. I'.lrick. of Harrisville ; Fannie, deceased wife of Rev.
J. F. Armstrong, of Mercer county : Robert, merchant and postmaster of Har-
risville: John F., and Richard.
Robert Black, Sr., was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, son of Adam
and Polly Blac k, -natives of the same countv. I lis parents removed to Washington
count v in 1803, and the following vear located in Springfield township, Mercer
county, where his father died in 1811), and his mother in 1841. They were mar-
ried in I7S7. and reared a family of nine children, eighl of whom were horn
before the settlement in Mercer county, the voungest having been horn in Mercer
count) in 180i5. The names of their children were as follows: Betsey, who
married John Chambers ; Henry; Alexander: Joseph; Adam; Robert; Maria.
who married Major John Harris; [by, who married Rev. John Munson, and
Chambers. Robert was reared upon the homestead farm, which he afterwards
purchased. He married Sarah Courtney, to which marriage were horn two chil-
dren, both of whom died in infancy. Mis wile died in 1820, and he was again
married, to Sarah 1'bcr. to which union were horn the following children Har-
riet, who married Scott McCreadv, of Lawrence county; Margaret, who married
Joseph Burns, of the same county : Car. .line, who became the wife of T. W. Mor-
row . of Ilarrisville : Sarah, wife of John Fitzgerald, of low a ; Sibbie Ml. Calvin,
and two that died in infancy. Mr. Black was a leading member of the Whig
party, and served two terms in the legislature. He died at Harrisburg during his
second term, in 1848. Mis wife died upon the homestead in Mercer county.
in 184(5.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 12
anu-
II. Calvin Black was born in Springfield township, Mercer county,
ary 4, 1838, only son of Robert and Sarah Black, ami grandson of Adam Black,
the pioneer of the family in Mercer county. lie was letl an orphan at the age ot
ten years, ami then went to live with his uncle, Alexander Black, with whom he
made his home until of age. lie received a good common school education, ami
afterwards attended a Commercial College in Pittsburg. Mr. Black clerked for
a lew years in West Virginia, and subsequently in Mercer count v. and in 1864
embarked in the mercantile business at Balm, where he carried on business for
three years. In 1867 he located at I larrisville. where he clerked lor Harris &
Morrow, and afterwards became a member of the linn ot Morrow & Black. lie
finally became sole proprietor of the business, later took his two oldest sons into
partnership, and carried on under the firm name of Black & Sons until his death.
October 27. 1894. In L863 Mr. Black married Adaline Painter, a daughter of
Philip and lane Painter of Mercer county. Three sons and four daughters
blessed this union, yarned as follows: Robert N . . Austa M.. wife of W. C.
Havvn. of Fair\iew ; John R. ; Harriet \., deceased; Florence E. ; Nora M., and
Garfield, In 1867 he united with the Presbyterian church of Centre, served as
elder in the church at I larrisville until a few years ago, ami then transferred his
membership to the United Presbyterian church of Harmony. Politically, he was
a stanch Republican, and always took an active interest in public affairs. He
tilled several of the borough offices, and was one of its progressive and public-
spirited citizens. I lis main sterling qualities of mind and heart endeared him lo
the community at large. IK- was successful in business, a good citizen, an
accommodating neighbor, and a worthy and liberal supporter of the church. Mr.
Black was an affectionate husband, and a kind and indulgent father.
Iamks C. Curry, eldest son of Isaac Curry, was born in Centre township.
Butler count)', December 23, 1804. F I is father was a native of Ireland, and
settled near Unionville at an earlv date, where lie reared the following children :
James C. ; Robert ; David : Isaac; Barbara: Julia Ann ; Nancy, and Elizabeth.
The subject of this sketch was reared in his native township, and received a good
common school education, which he afterwards utilized in teaching school. On
February 24. 1825, he married Martha Edgar, a daughter of John Edgar, of
Franklin township, to which union were born six children, viz. : John E.: Isaiah
D., who died in the Union army, at Baltimore. April 15, 1865; Sarah A., wife
of Harvey H. Smith, of Butler county ; Angeline, wife of Alexander Duggins,
of Missouri : Martha A., wife of William Gould, of this county, and Amanda M..
deceased. Mr. Curry removed to Greenville, Mercer county, some years after
his marriage, but returned to Butler county in 1850, and settled at Ralston's
mill. He afterwards went to Indiana, ami located at Elizabeth. Harrison
county, resided there some wars and then moved to Missouri, where he died.
His wife died at Elizabeth. Indiana. Mr. Curry served in an Indiana regiment
during the Rebellion.
John E. Curry was born in Franklin township. Butler county. Mav 8,
1>>27. eldest child of lames C. and Martha Curry. He learned the chairmaker's
and painter's trades, and in the fall of 1 850 located at I larrisville. In 1853 he
purchased a business property, which was twice burned, being completely
1236 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
destroyed in March, 1890. He immediately erected his present store building and
residence, where he carries on the grocery, confectionery and notion business.
On December 31, 1850, he married Maria E. McNair, a daughter of Thomas
McNair, of Butler. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church,
in which lie tills the office of treasurer, In politics, Mr. Curry is an ardent
Democrat, was postmaster of Harrisville for eight years under Pierce and
Buchanan, has served in the borough council, arid also as treasurer for several
years.
Rev. David Imbrie, one of the earliest ministers of the Associate church
in Pennsylvania, was a native of Philadelphia, born of Scotch parentage on
August 28, 1777. His parents returned to Scotland, and remained there until
the termination of the War of Independence, when they again came to this
country, and settled at Darlington. Beaver county, Pennsylvania. David was
educated at Canonsburg Academy, and was one of nine students who founded
the Franklin Literary Society. November 14, 1707. He studied theology with
Dr. John Anderson, was licensed December 14, 1803, by Chartiers Presbytery,
and ordained September 3. 1806. He was pastor of Bethel and Darlington con-
gregations from 1808 until his death, June 13, 1842, on which date he was
stricken with apoplexy, soon after his arrival at Bethel church, and died at the
home of a member near l>v.
Rev. David Reed Imbrie, son of Rev. David Imbrie, was born at Dar-
lington, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. January 24, 1812. He was educated at
Darlington Academy, under Dr. George Scott, studied theology at Canons-
burg, was licensed on July 16, 1839, by the Ohio Presbytery, and was ordained
by the Shenango Presbytery. April 26, 1842. He was installed as pastor of
New Wilmington, Prospect, and New Castle congregations, but resigned the last
mentioned charge in 1N47, Mt. Prospect in 1853, and New Wilmington in 1S67.
In 1870 he removed to Kansas, and served Ottawa congregation until his death,
January 29, 1878. Mr. Imbrie married Nancy R. Johnston, a daughter of John
Johnston, of Mercersburg, Franklin county, in June, 1843, and was the father
of eight children, as follows : Rev. John J. ; Almira J., deceased; Rev. David
R. ; Melverin M., deceased ; Nancy S., wife of Robert Clark; Alexander M.,
deceased; Caroline R., wife of John Kelso, and Mary M., deceased. His widow
resides with her daughter. Mrs. Kelso, at New Galilee.
Rev. John J. Imbrie was born on June 29, 1844, at New Wilmington,
Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, was educated at Westminster College, and
studied theology at Monmouth. In 1863 he enlisted in Company I, Fifty-rifth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served in West Virginia under General Negley.
He afterwards resumed his studies, and was licensed by the Garnett Presbytery.
April (j, 1872, and ordained on November 10, L875, bv Wheeling Presbytery.
I lis first charges wrere Brownsville and Mt. Pleasant, Monroe county, Ohio. In
1875-76 he had charge of the congregation at Wampum, Lawrence county; in
L876-79 was pastor of the Remington Harbor and Shenango churches, and
since 1882 he has had charge of Scotch Hill, Ebenezer and West Unity congre-
gations, these being his present charges. In 1886 Mr. Imbrie purchased the
Robert Black property at Harrisville, consisting of sixteen acres, and erected his
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 237
present residence the same year. He was married on September 23, 1873, to
Maggie A. Sharp, a daughter of James Sharp, of Darlington, Beaver countj .
Ten children have blessed this union, as follows: Clarence E. ; Wilburt D. ;
Leroy S. ; Maggie E. ; David R. ; John A. ; Ocie A. ; Bessie R. ; Theron D., and
Tames E. Mr. Imbrie is an adherent of the Republican party, but aside from exer-
cising the elective franchise, takes no active interest in political matters. He
devotes his whole attention to the spiritual and material welfare of his congrega-
tions, which have been quite prosperous during his pastorate.
David W. Humphrey, Sk., was born in Worth township. Butler county,
September 6, 1843, son of William Humphrey. He received a common school
education, and was a farmer and carpenter, which business he followed through-
out his life. In October, 18(51, he enlisted in Company H, Seventy-eighth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, under Capt. William H. Jack, and was mustered into the
service at Camp Orr, near Kittanning. The regiment proceeded down the Ohio
river with General Negley, and he took part in the following battles : Stone
River, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's
Roost Gap, Reseca, Dallas. New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, and
Atlanta. Returning to Nashville he was honorably discharged on November 4.
1864, and thence came home and resumed his duties upon the farm. On Decem-
ber 29. 18(34, he married Julia A. Studebaker, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth
Studebaker, of Worth township, to which union were born two children, viz. :
David W., and Mary R.. deceased. Mr. Humphrey was a member of the Bap-
tist church, and died on July 16, 1871. His widow married Andrew Allison. ol
Worth township, where she is still living.
David W. Humphrey, only son of David \V. and Julia A. Humphrey, was
born upon the homestead in Worth township. February 3, 1866, v\ as educated in
the public schools, and afterwards spent two terms at Grove City College and
one term at the Edinboro State Normal. He then taught school for a period,
and subsequently embarked in merchandising at Eau Claire, as junior member of
the firm of Gardner & Humphrey. In 1889 he purchased his partners interest
and continued to carry on the business alone until 1893, when he sold out to \\ .
P. Jamison & Company, and bought the store of S. B. Bingham, of Harrisville,
where he now carries on merchandising under the firm name of D. W. Humphrey
& Company. He married Nettie A. I'isor. a daughter of John ami Mary J.
Pisor, of Worth township, February '.I, 1888. Five children have been born to
this union, three of whom died in infancy. The remaining two are Paul A.,
deceased, and Ralph. Mr. Humphrey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and has filled the office of steward in that society. He is connected with
Tent No. 187, K. ( >. T. M., of Harrisville, and in polities, is an adherent of the
Democratic party.
Joseph Cummins was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1809,
was reared in his native county, and there married Eleanor Moore, a daughter of
John Moore, in 1831. In 1837 they came to Butler county ami purchased a farm
in Marion township, where Mr. Cummins died in December, 1869. His widow
resides upon the old homestead. They were the parents of thirteen children,
viz.: William A.: Lvcurgus P.: Mary 1.. deceased; Melimla. wife of A. F.
1238 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Hollister, of Youngstown, Ohio: John M., deceased; Lysander F. ; Joseph;
Walter C. ; Mary E., wife of Alphonzo Forquer, of Marion township; Mellville,
and James, both deceased ; Samuel F., and Elizabeth J., wife of JamesM. Scott,
of Butler. Mr. Cummins was an older in the Presbyterian church, and one of
the prominent members of that denomination in Butler county. Politically, he
was a Republican, served in the legislature in 1843—44, was associate judge of
Butler county for two terms, and justice of the peace for eighteen years.
Lvcurgus R. Cummins was horn in Washington countv on September 19,
1834, and was three years old when his parents, Joseph and Eleanor Cummins,
settled in Marion township. He remained with his father throughout his hoy-
hood days, and subsequently learned the butcher's trade, which he now carries on
at llarrisyille. In October, 1801, he enlisted in Company H, Seventy-eighth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, was mustered in at Camp Orr, near Kittanning. and
went down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers with General Negley, where his
regiment joined the Army of the Cumberland. lie participated in the battles of
Stone River, Chickamauga. Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain. Tunnel Hill, Buz-
zard's Roost, Reseca, Dallas, New I lope Church, kencsaw Mountain and Atlanta,
and was mustered out on November 4, 1864, at Nashville, with the rank of ser-
geant. Mr. Cummins is a charter member of X. C. Quillen Post. No. 2 Hi, G. A.
R., also of the I . V. I... of Butler. On June 11. 1800, he married Margaret
A. Timblin, of Concord township, a daughter of Jonathan Timblin. Eight chil-
dren have been born to this union, viz. : Joseph A., deceased; Edwin L. : Sadie
E. ; Frank; Harry: Paul; Nellie <>.. and Eva M. Mr. Cummins is a member
of the Presbyterian church. He is a stanch Republican, has been delegate to
county conventions several times, has served on the school hoard, and is a mem-
ber of the K. of H.. and the A. O. U. W.
THOMAS HuMPHUEY, a native of Tyrone county. Ireland, who came to
Westmoreland countv. Pennsylvania, after the Revolution, settled in what is
now Worth township. Butler county, in 1T'.^S, where he owned 200 acres of land,
two cows and one horse, in 1803. He purchased a tract of land from a jobber
named Irwin, adjoining the fames- McNees claim, which McXees was holding
for Irwin, and cleared a large area. Before leaving Westmoreland county he
married Elizabeth Coulter, and died in 1839, leaving a widow and nine children.
The willow died in [848, and the last of the children. Mrs. Margaret Riddle,
died in 1892. The names of the sons and daughters were as follows: fames,
who went west in 1830, and died there; William, who died in 1804; Thomas
Armstrong, who died in Arkansas, in 1886; Harvey, who died in Missouri, in
1890; Jane, deceased wife of Jacob Emery; Margaret, deceased wife of John
Riddle; Elizabeth, deceased wife of George Book; Mary, deceased wife of
Michael Steintorf, and Sarah, who married Ebenezer Christy.
William Humphrey, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Humphrey, was born
in Westmoreland countv. in IT'.lT. came with his parents to Butler countv. and
was reared upon the homestead in Worth township. He received from his
lather one-half of the 200-acre tract which he had entered, and upon this land he
spent the remaining vc:irs of his life. In 1825 he married Elizabeth Dunbar, to
which union were born the following children : Angeline, widow of Alexander
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ■ -39
Rutter, of New Castle ; James, who married Ruth Studebaker, and lives in
Worth township ; Alary, who married David Bennett; John; William, a resi-
dent of Portersville ; Washington, who married in Texas and died there ; Wilson,
who married Annie Studebaker. and Ruth, who married I). P. Davis, ot Worth
township. Mr. Humphrey and wife were members of the Presbyterian church,
and in politics, he was an ardent Democrat.
John Humphrey was born in Worth township, Butler county, |ulv Hi.
1833, son of William and Elizabeth Humphrey, and grandson of Thomas Humph-
rey. He attended the old Rocky Springs school, when his uncle. Thomas
Humphrey, was teacher, but like other boys of the period was compelled to give
more attention to farm work than to school matters. During the winter of
L852— 53, he studied surveying under ]. Irwin Hogue, and at the same time com-
menced to learn the carpenter's trade under Porterfleld Martin. In the winter
of 1853-54 he took charge of the old Rocky Springs school, where he presided
for one term, subsequently teaching in the " Eight Square'' and the " Centre"
schools of Worth township, and the Martin school in Lawrence countv. Mr.
Humphrey worked at the carpenter's trade in connection with agricultural pur-
suits, the latter being always his favorite vocation. On August 28. 185C, he
married Lydia Studebaker, a daughter of Henry, ami a grand-daughter of David
Studebaker, the first settler of Worth township. Five children were born to
this marriage, viz. : Josephine; Lillian R., wife of W. F. Gardiner, of |acks-
ville ; William II.. who married Sadie Hay; Sherman C, who married Clara
Studebaker, and Elizabeth, wife of Franklin Book. The mother died on Jan-
uary 6, 1879, aged forty- two years, and was buried in Zion Baptist cemetery.
On October 13, 1892, Mr. Humphrey married Mrs. Millie Book, of Worth town-
ship. Politically, 'Squire Humphrey has always been an unswerving Democrat,
and in 1865 he was elected a justice of the peace, served two full terms, and then
retired from public life. When his brother James was elected to the legislature
in 1878, he resigned the office of justice, and the subject of this sketch was
chosen to till the vacancy. In 1882 he was elected for a full term, and re-elected
in 1887. In January, 1890, 'Squire Humphrey was appointed to fill a vacancy
on the board of county commissioners, and in the fall of that year he was elected
to the same office, and served until January. 1894. He is one of the leading
members of his party, and throughout his official life has retained the confidence
of the best people of the community.
Matthew McCollough, Si;., was born near Belfast. Ireland, in 177s. son
of James McCollough. He acquired a fair education in his native land, and at
the age of nineteen immigrated to Pennsylvania and located at Carlisle, where he
engaged in teaching. He there learned the stonemasoiis's trade, which he fol-
lowed in Cumberland and Butler counties for many years in connection with
farming. Soon after settling at Carlisle he married fane Hunter, a daughter of
William Hunter, and about 1803, accompanied his father-in-law ami family to
Butler county. Mr. Hunter purchased 41 It) acres of land on and near the site of
Prospect, in Franklin township, titty acres of which he gave to Mr. McCollough.
On a part of this the present borough of Prospect now stands. A proviso was
attached to the gift that if he moved off the land he was not to sell it, but give
1240 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
it to his two eldest children, which he did in 1818, at the time he removed to
Muddy Creek township. Mr. McCollough erected a cabin, and began the work
of clearing a farm, carrying on his trade in connection therewith. He assisted
in the erection of the first jail at Butler, being employed by John Negley, the
contractor. In 1818 he purchased 300 acres of land in Muddy Creek township,
which now embraces the Hyle farm, and the Robert, William F., and William
B. McCollough farms. lie cleared and improved 100 acres of this tract, and
erected the brick house on the farm now occupied by Robert and William B.
McCollough. Here he remained throughout the balance of his life, dying in
1858. His wife died in 1842, and both an- buried in the United Presbyterian
graveyard at Prospect. Mr. McCollough was a member of Captain 'Martin's
company in the War of 1812, and was stationed at Erie. His family consisted of
the following children : Mary, deceased wife of David Jones ; William,
deceased; James, who died in Indiana: Thomas, deceased; Matthew, of Worth
township; George W., a resilient of Xew Castle; Robert, and Dinwiddie, both
of whom died on the homestead. Mr. McCollough was one of the early mem-
bers of White ( )ak Springs Covenanter church, but when the United Presbyterian
church of Prospect was organized lie united with that society, assisted in the
erection of a church building, and was connected with it until his death. He
was one of the oldest A. Y. Masons in Butler county, Inning been a member of
a lodge in Belfast, Ireland. In politics, he was a life-long Democrat, tilled many
of the township offices, and took an active interest in public affairs.
Matthew McCollough, fourth son of Matthew and Jane McCollough,
was born on the site of Prospect. Butler county, December 1."), L813, received a
limited education in the pioneer schools, and was reared upon the home farm.
He remained with his parents until ISM I, then rented a farm in franklin town-
ship, where he lived for seven years, and subsequently lived on two other rented
farms in the same township lor nine years. At the end of this time he pur-
chased 117 acres in Worth township, upon which he has resided down to the
present, devoting his sole attention to agriculture. Mr. McCollough has been
twice married ; his first wife was Jane White, only child of Andrew Spear and
Angelina (Ford) White, pioneers of Franklin township; she died in I S 44 . Two
children were born of this union, viz. : Andrew \\'.. a prominent oil and gas
operator of Butler, and Marion P.. who was killed at the Wilderness, May 5,
L86-4, while serving in Company D. Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve. 1 lis second
wife was Fanny J. Shannon, a (.laughter of David Shannon, of Connoquenessing
township, to which union were born nine children, as follows: Annie, wife of
James 4'ebav : fane, deceased wife of lames Reed; Angelina, wife of Oscar
McClymonds ; Nannie, wife of S. B. Martincourt; Emma, wife of Archibald
Marshall; David, and Marion. Mr. McCollough is a member of Portersville
United Presbyterian church, and a liberal supporter of religious and educational
institutions. In politics, he has always been a supporter of the Democratic party,
and has tilled several of the offices in his township. lie is a man of commendable
public spirit, and one ol the representative pioneers of the community,
Christopher Wimer came from Adams county, Pennsylvania, to Butler
county, in the year 1708, and located in Worth township, immediately north of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 24 I'
the site of Mechanicsburg. Mr. Wimer married a Miss Snyder, of Adams
county, and reared a family of seven children, viz. : Samuel; John ; Peter .
Jonathan ; William ; Isaac, and Rebecca, who married Thomas Kelly, one of the
early settlers of the township. The parents resided in this county the balance of
their lives, leaving numerous descendants. Mr. Wimer was a Whig, in politics ,
and a member of the Seceder church.
Samuel Wimer, eldest child of Christopher Wimer, was born in Adams
county, in 1702, and was six years old when his parents settled in Worth town-
ship. Here he grew to manhood enduring the trials and privations of pioneer
days, and obtaining such an education as the schools of the period afforded. Ik-
later purchased the farm now owned by his son George, and resided upon it
down to his death, in 1873. He married Elizabeth Ilines. a daughter of Richard
Hines, and reared the following children : Samuel, of Worth township ; Mary J . P
deceased wife of James Abinett ; Abner, deceased, and George.
George Wimer, youngest child of Samuel and Elizabeth Wimer. was born,
upon his present farm in 1885. Upon his father's death he inherited the old
homestead, where his entire life has been passed. lie makes his home with his
brother Samuel. He owns 210 acres of well improved land, and is quite a suc-
cessful farmer. In politics, he is a Republican, and an adherent of the United
Presbyterian church.
Benedict Grossman, a native of Germany, immigrated to York county.
Pennsylvania, and there married Betsey Stivert. When six years old she was
captured by Indians and held a prisoner for seven years. In 1797 Mr. Gross-
man, with his wife and five children, Simon, Benjamin. Jacob, Betsy, wife ot
of Robert Black, and Catherine, who subsequently married Jacob Kissinger, and
his son-in-law, Robert Black, came to Butler county, and purchased lands in
Cherry township. Another daughter, Polly, the wife of Robert McCallan, did
not come for two years. Mr. Grossman brought with him a small stock of mer-
chandise, which he placed in a log building in Washington township, in charge
of Robert Black, but soon afterwards removed the goods to his home in Cherr\
township, and carried on a small store for several years. He was thus one of the
pioneer merchants of the county. Mr. Grossman and wife died upon the home-
stead, and were buried on the Abner McCallan farm. Their sons. Simon and
Benjamin, served in the War of 1812. Simon settled in Brady township, while
Benjamin and Jacob made their homes in Slippery Rock.
Simon Grossman came with his parents to Butler county, and spent the
remaining years of his life in this section of the State. He married a Miss
Carothers, and reared the following children : Benjamin, born in 1801 , and died
in Brad}' township ; Alexander, who died in Missouri: Eliza, deceased wife of
Henry Black; Hugh C. who died in Brady township ; John, who died in Frank-
lin township ; Simon and James, both of whom died in Brady; Robert, who
died in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Polly, wife of William Webber. The parents
died in Franklin township, the mother in 1N44. anil the father in 1849.
Hugh C. Grossman, son of Simon Grossman, was born in Brady township,
Butler county, April 3, 1810, was reared a farmer, ami always followed that
occupation. He married Mary A. Moore. October 13, 1842, to which union
1242 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
were horn the following children : Elizabeth A., wife of John Carnahan, of Kan-
sas; Hugh II .. of Worth township; James M., of Cherry township; Sarah C,
wife of James Dunn, of Brady; Catherine S.. deceased wife of Ezra Christie:
Mary E., wife of Robert Fowser, of Butler; Ashley W., of Slippery Rock;
Dora I... wife of James Stoughton, of Clay: Richard B., of Brady; Joseph (i..
of Worth ; Lydia A., wife of Charles Hunt, of Lawrence county, and John S., a
resident of Brady township. Mr. Grossman died on [anuary 10, 1891, and his
wife. April 12, 1892.
lire n 11. Grossman, son of Hugh C. and Mary A. Grossman, was horn in
Brady township, Ma\ 11, IS45. received a common school education, and was
reared a farmer. When twenty years of age he commenced life for himself,
working on a farm, subsequently hail charge of a portion of the homestead, given
him by his father, which he sold, and purchased from John Craig his present
home of ninety acres, lying northeast ol Jacksville, upon which he has resided
since 1872, Mr. Grossman was married April Id. 1872, to Rebecca A. Wick, a
daughter of Henry E. Wick, of Slippery Rock township. Six children are the
fruits of this union, viz.: Araminta F. ; Hugh II.: Lewis A.; William S. :
Perry G., and Irene, all of whom are living at home. The family are connected
with the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, Mr. Grossman is a Repub-
lican.
John Moore, Si:., was horn in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1761, son
of William Moore, a native of Ireland. Alter reaching his maturity, he went to
Washington county, lived there a short time, and about 1800 came to Butler
county and located about two miles south of the present Moore homestead, which
he purchased two years later. He resided upon ibis farm until his death, in L851.
He married Elizabeth McClintock, who died in 1840. They were the parents of
five children, all of whom are dead. viz. : William; lames; Sarah; |ohn. and
Mary.
WlLLIAM MOORE was born in Chester counts, and came with his parents to
Butler county, where he was reared and spent the remaining years ot his life,
lie followed farming upon the old homestead, where he died in 1868. He mar-
ried Mary McClymonds, a daughter of Thomas McClymonds. She died in l^To,
the mother of the following children : John, deceased; Thomas: Jane; William,
who was killedat Gaines Mill; James, of Worth township: Samuel, who
was killed at Petersburg, and Elizabeth, who died in childhood.
Thomas Moore was born on his present farm, in Worth township, in 1829,
and his entire life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits. After arriving at
manhood he bought a farm two miles south of the homestead, which he sold two
years later and purchased a place in Slippery Rock township, where he lived
from 1856 to 1869. On the death of his father he returned home, anil has since
resided upon the homestead. Mr. Moore was married May 18, 1852, to Mary
Glenn, a daughter of Robert Glenn, of Worth township, who has borne him the
following children: Elizabeth, and Tressa, both of whom died in childhood ;
William R., who lives on the homestead: James W, a member of the Butler
bar; John G., a resident of Butler; Jennie, who died in childhood, and Olive.
Mr. Moore is a stanch Republican, and tilled the offices of collector and constable
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 243
while living in Slippery Rock township, and has been road commissioner in
Worth township. The family are adherents of the United Presbyterian church,
and Mr. Moore is an elder and trustee in that society. He cultivates 165 acres of
well improved land, and is one of the leading farmers and stock-growers in his
township.
|oiin Moore was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, eldest son of
Samuel Moore, and came to Brady township, Butler county, with his parents.
He grew to manhood in this county, receiving such an education as the schools
of the period afforded. In L829 he purchased the farm in Muddy Creek town-
ship now owned l>y Samuel Jones, upon which he resided until his death. Julv
19, 1833. Mr. Moore was married on March lo. 1829, to Anna McClymonds, a
daughter of Thomas McClymonds, to which union were horn two children, viz. :
fane, who died unmarried. May lo, 1875, and Samuel II., of Worth township.
The mother married for her second husband, James Moore, no connection of her
first husband, and died June 1. L889.
Samuel H. Moore, only son of John and Anna Moore, was born iii Muddy
Creek township. Butler county. November 21, 1829, was reared upon his step-
father's farm in Worth township, and received a common school education.
When he was twenty-three years of age, he settled upon the farm purchased by
his father in Muddy Creek township, where he lived until 1866, in which year
lie bought his present homestead of 1()() acres. Here he has erected buildings
and made the nece^sarv improvements, and possesses one of the best farms in his
locality. Politically, he is a Republican, and has always taken a deep interest in
the public schools of the county. All of his children have taught school, and he
has served as a school director for many years. In 1880 he was elected a justice
of the peace, and re-elected in 1885. On November i'o. 1852, Mr. Moore mar-
ried Katie J. Patterson, a daughter of John Patterson, and is the father of five
children, viz. : Hannah C, wife of J. M. Hunt : Anna J., wife of J. W. Phil-
lips: Martha V . . wife of Samuel Kildoo : John M., and Edith. The family are
connected with the United Presbyterian church of Harlansburg.
Samuel Cornelius was born in Worth township. Butler county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1S04. and received his education in one of the pioneer subscription
schools. lie grew to maturity upon his father's farm, and in 1827 he married
Margaret, a daughter of Thomas McClymonds, of Muddy Creek township.
Eleven children were the fruits of this union, nine of whom grew to maturity, as
follows: Col. James E., who died from wounds received in the Rebellion;
Samuel M. ; Lieut. Isaac W., killed at the battle of Cold Harbor: Mary A., wife
of George Kennedy, of Slippery Rock township ; Thomas J., who was killed at
the battle of Gaines Mill; John C who was killed at Fredericksburg; Alexander
M. ; William M., and Jesse G. Mr. Cornelius was a member of the Seceder
church, and died in 1868. His widow survived ten years, dying in 187S. Polit-
ically, he was in early days a Whig, but upon the formation of the Republican
party he joined that organization, and remained faithful to its principles down
to his death.
Robert Barros was born in Down county. Ireland, September 19, 1832,
son of David and Margaret (Gibson) Barron, who were married in Ireland in
1244 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1831. His father was a son of John Barron, a native of Down county, Ireland,
and grandson of John Barron. Sr., a farmer of the same county. The latter had
a family of eight children: Archie: John; William; David; Robert; Mar-
garet; James, and Samuel. The second son, John, was the grandfather of our
subject, and died in Down county, aged eighty-five years. His sons William;
Robert; John, and David, came to the United States. William, a school teacher,
died in West Virginia; Robert, a merchant, died in Ohio, and John, a weaver,
worked in Pittsburg ten years, and then returned to Ireland and died there.
David, the father of Robert, was a weaver, but followed farming until ls:il. in
which year he came to the United States, leaving his wife and child in Ireland,
and died at Steubenville, Ohio. His widow and child made their home with her
parents, James and Susan (Hines) Gibson. Her maternal grandfather, Richard
Hines, came to this country in 1800, with his wife and five children, viz. :
Richard; George: Eleanor: Betty, and Jane, leaving behind Alexander and
Susan. Thev afterwards settled in Brady township, Butler county. Alexander
later came to this county, and died at the home of his parents. Their children.
George, Eleanor, and Jane, also died at home. Richard located on a farm in
Brady township, married Betsey Brandon, and two of his children. Eli and Mrs.
Mary Gibson, reside on the old Hines homestead. The mother of our subject
married George Dixon, and remained in Ireland. Robert came to the United
States when seventeen years of age, worked for a short time on a railroad at
Albany, New York, and then came to the home of his grandmother. Susan Gib-
son, of Worth township. Butler countv. Here he remained for two vears. work-
ing on a farm in summer and attending school in winter, lie afterwards learned
the plasterer's trade, and worked at it until ISTl'. In 1860 he bought 1(10 acres
of land upon which he now resides, sent for his mother and her husband, and
gave them a home during their declining years. He has added to his farm from
time to time until he now owns 250 acres, and is one of the leading farmers of
the township. Mr. Barron was married, September:?*, 1854, to Mrs. Mary Craig,
i/cc Shaffer, and has five children, viz. : Joseph, who married a daughter of Alex-
ander Black, and lives on a part of the homestead ; Mary C, wife of A. V. Gross-
man, of Brady township ; Robert J., who died at the age of seven; Elizabeth
J., wife of W. P. Martin, of Venango township, and Alvirda, wife of Jacob
Milleman, of Harmony. In 1872 Mr. Barron was elected, on the Republican
ticket, to the office of county commissioner, and re-elected in 1875. During this
time he purchased the Willard Hotel, conducted it for a short time, ami subse-
quently sold it. For many vears he has been prominent in the local councils of
his party, and has filled nearly all the township offices. In March, 1885, lie served
as foreman of the grand jury in the United States district court at Scranton. Mr.
Barron is now vice-president of the Worth Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
tilled the office of president of the company for two vears, and has also served on
the board of directors. He was an elder in the Slipper)' Rock United Presby-
terian church for twentv-five vears, and for two vears has filled the same office in
the West Liberty United Presbyterian church.
John CrAIG, a son of John Craig, was born in Ireland, in 17*2. there grew
to manhood and married Nancy Hinds. Thev reared five children, viz.: George,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. r-45
who came to Butler county in 1839, and was killed while working on the canal
near Sharon, Mercer county ; William ; James ; Sarah, and John. In 1841 Mr.
Craig and family immigrated to Pennsylvania, and settled in Butler county. He
rented the Wigton farm, celebrated as the home of the Wigton family murdered
bv the Indian, Mohawk, which he cultivated for three years. Later he and his
son William bought a farm in Worth township, where Mr. Craig died in 1866,
aged eighty-four vears, and his wife, in 1872, aged ninety years. Their sons,
William and James, also died on this farm, while Sarah, who married Samuel
Gibson, is also dead.
fonx Craig. Jr., only living child of John and Nancy Craig, was born in
Ireland, Februarv 9, 1828, and was about eighteen years of age when the family
settled in Butler county. He afterwards rented a farm for two years, and then
purchased the H. H. Grossman farm, which he sold in 1878. He went to Vir-
ginia, purchased a farm in that State, and lived there for three years, then sold it
and returned to Worth township, bought his present homestead, and has since
been engaged in farming upon it. Mr. Craig was married February 11. 1846, to
Esther Clark, a daughter of James Clark, of Slippery Rock township. Both he
and wife are members of the Baptist church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
His homestead, containing seventy-four acres, is on the line of Lawrence county,
the county line dividing it.
David Locke was born in Lawrence county. Pennsylvania, February 28,
1839, son of Thomas Locke, and grandson of William Locke. His father was a
native of Lawrence county, married Sarah Fox, and reared a family of five chil-
dren, viz.: Mary, wife of William McCracken ; John; David: William,
deceased, and Maria A., wife of David McCracken. of New Castle. Thomas
Locke died in 1846. When fifteen years old David began life for himself as a
common laborer, and afterwards learned the shoemaker's trade, which he worked
at for three years in Lawrence county. In 1861 he went to the oil country, and
worked from Titusville to the river, drilling oil wells. After about six months he
left the oil country, and on August 27, 1861, married Catherine Rodgers, a
daughter of Nathaniel and Catherine Rodgers, of Lawrence county. She was
born December 8, 1888, and is the mother of the following children : William
E.,of New Castle; Jennie, deceased; John, also a resident of New Castle :
Catherine E., wife of Edward Crocker; Earnest L. ; Sarah D., wife of Harry
Rodgers; David F. ; Anna C; Alice T., deceased, and LeRoy N. After his
marriage Mr. Locke took up his residence in Mercer county, and for three years
worked at his trade during the winter months, and for James Uber on a farm in
summer. He then moved to Slippery Rock township, Butler county, and worked
on a farm for David Porter. At the expiration of five years he rented a farm
from David Armstrong, on which he remained three years. He next rented a
farm from Philip Fair and lived on it two years, after which he moved near
Centreville and resided one year, when he bought the place upon which he now
resides from William Crocker. Mr. Locke and wife are members of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church.
Edward Campbell was born in Hickory township, Lawrence county,
February 22, 1829, son of Robert Campbell. He received a common school edu-
1246 HISTORY OK BUTLER COUNTY.
cation, learned the plasterer's trade, and followed that in connection with farm-
ing. In 1849 lie married Lavina Smart, oi Lawrence county, to which union
were horn eight children, as follows: Robert M. ; Joseph G. ; William J.;
Amnion II.: James E; Mary E., wife of William Kildoo ; Ruth E., wife of
Frank Black, and Charles L. Mr. Campbell located in Worth township. Butler
county, in 1N(>6, upon the old Stoughton farm, and there died in 1889, and his
wife in 1891. They were members of the Baptist church, and he was connected
with Portersville Lodge, I. < >. O. F. In politics, he was a stanch Democrat.
|i>iin Hockenberry, a native of Perry county, Pennsylvania, came to But-
ler county about 1803, and settled in Brady town-hip. He resided there for
several years, and then removed to Cherry township, where he died. lie mar-
ried Hannah Kelly, and was the lather of eight children. \i/.. : fohn ; Casper;
Jonathan ; Elizabeth, who married lames Buchanan; lane, who married Moses
McCandless : Annie, who married and died in Ohio; Ellen, who married Will-
iam Graham, and Joseph, all of whom are dead.
Casper Hockenberry-, Si;., second -on of [ohii and Hannah Hockenberry,
was horn in Perry counts, in 17s."). came with hi- parent- to Butler county, and
about 1810 located on Muddy creek, in Worth township. Me purchased 200
acre- of land, upon which he spent the remaining years of hi- life, and died on
October 29, I860. He married Margaret Shaffer, who bore him the following
children: Annie, who married Jonathan Wimer ; Joseph, a resident ot Butler;
Catherine, wife of J. J. Baker; Hannah, deceased wife of William Gallagher;
Effie, wife of Joseph Forrester; Mahala, wile ..I Sheplar Boston ; William, who
died recently in Worth township, and Mary, wile of Elijah Roll-.
Joseph Hockenberry, eldest son of Casper and Margaret Hockenberry,
wa- horn January 16, 1814. After arriving at maturity he purchased a farm in
Worth township, -but subsequently removed to Franklin township, and followed
agriculture until 1891. He then retired from active business life, and located in
Butler, where he is spending hi- declining years, Mr. Hockenberry has been
twice married. Hi- lir-t wife wa- F.li/.a Kennedy, a'daughter of David Kennedy.
She died in 1878, leaving -i\ children, viz. : Casper: Euphemia, wife of Jacob
Shields; Mary J., wife of J. S. Snyder; Margaret, who married William Ben-
net, and after hi- death John Hunt; Mahala. wife of James C ratty, and J.
Pierce. His second wife was Mr-. Mar\ |. Lepley, who died in 1883.
Casper Hockenberry". eldest -on of Joseph and Eliza (Kennedy) Hock-
enberry, was horn on l he Hockenberry homestead, in Worth township. Novem-
ber 27, 1835. He obtained a common school education, and was reared a tanner.
In 1,N('>4 he purchased seventy-five acres in Franklin township, to which he has
since added the same amount, and has resided upon this farm up to the present.
He i- al-o the owner of Kill acre- in Connoquenessing town-hip. In 1891 oil
was discovered upon his farm in Franklin township, which now contains ten
producing wells, which bring him in a comfortable competence. Mr. Hocken-
berry is one of the successful farmers of the county, and a man oi enterprise and
public spirit. In 1804 he married Pri-cilla Bryan, a daughter of Robert Steel
Bryan, of Cherry township. Fourteen children have been born to this union,
viz.: Wilbert E. ; Margaret C. , wife of William Cooper : Robert M. ; Joseph
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1 247
M.: Mary F... wife of Lewis Double; Casper A.: William M.; Amelia ; James
C. ; Ann Eliza: Blanche; David; Milton, and Ernest. Mr. Hockenberry is a
stanch Democrat, and is a member of the Baptist church, lie is recognized as
one of the leading citizens of the community.
William Hockenberry, youngest son of Casper ami Margaret Hocken-
berry, w;i> born in Worth township. Butler county. March 80, 1827, and died
upon his homestead. December 15, 1898. lie was reared to farm life, and received
a common school education. When twenty-three \ears of age, his father having
died. William began life for himself, and continued to follow agricultural
pursuits until his death. On October 2. 1851, he married Mary Fisher, a daugh-
ter of Jacob Fisher, of Worth township, who survives him. Ten children blessed
this union, vi/..: James X., a resident of Illinois: Nancy, wife of William
Steckle. of Butler; Hampson, of Brady township; Casper J., of New Castle.
Lizzie, wife of William Shields, of Worth township ; Clara, wife of Benjamin
Lillie, of Coraopolis : lva J., wife of John Lemmon, of fackson township; Marion
1".. who resides on the homestead, and Nettie K.. wife of Edward [ohnson, of
Connoquenessing township. Mr. Hockenberry was ;i member of the Baptist
church, and in politics, a Democrat.
John Thompson, Sr., a native of Antrim countv, Ireland, immigrated to
Pennsylvania in 1705, and in April. 1799, removed from Chartiers creek. Alle-
gheny county, to what is now Brad) township, Butler county. lie was married
in Ireland to Martha Humes, who became the mother of six sons and five
daughters, as follows : William II.; John II. : Robert W. ; Thomas C. ; Humes,
ami James. The daughters were. Jane, w ho married lames Alls worth ; Eliza-
beth, who married Nathan F. McCandless ; Margaret, who married James W.
Turk; Martha, who married John S. McCandless. whose father was the first
sheriff of Butler countv. and Mary, who became the wife of William Cooper.
The sons were very large men. and were noted for their great physical strength.
Mr. Thompson owned 1,000 acres of land, was one of the leading pioneers of
the comity, and died in 1846, aged ninety-six years. I lis wife survived him
many years, and died on March <',. 1861. Both were pioneer members of Muddy
Creek Presbyterian church.
William II. Thompson was born in Allcghem county, December I, 179(3,
eldest son of John and Martha Thompson, lie came to Butler county with his
parents, was reared on the old homestead in Brady township, and -pent his
entire life on the farm. He stood six feet five inches in height, and was recog-
nized as the strongest man in the county, He married lane McCandless, a
daughter of John McCandless. and reared three children, viz.: John M., of
Butler: William (i., of Marion. Iowa, and Solomon R... of Brady township.
Mr. Thompson was a Republican, in politics. and both he and wife were mem-
bers of Muddy Creek Presbyterian church. He died August 19, 1807, and bis
wife the following year, in the seventv-second vear of her age.
John II. THOMPSON, second son of John and Martha Thompson, was
born on Chartiers creek, Allegheny countv. December 1. 1798, and removed with
his parents to Butler county the following April, where he was reared and edu-
ated. He married lane C. McCandless. a daughter of William McCandless. a
I 24S HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
pioneer of Centre township, and settled on a part of the land purchased by his
father. They became the parents of seven children, as follows: Martha A.,
deceased, who first married James W. Coulter, and for her second husband, David
Stapleton ; Nancy J., wife of S. \Y. Pingrey, of Durango, Colorado ; Jemima,
wife of Lewis Wigton, of California ; Josiah M., of Brady township; Mary E.,
who first married William Lytic, and is now the wife of Rev. William Lodge, of
Iowa City, Iowa ; Keziah II.. wife of Addison Miller, of Butler, and E. Julia,
deceased wife of T. II. Lyon. Mr. Thompson and wife were members of Muddy
Creek Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a Republican. He died
December 21, 1860. His widow resides with her son, Josiah M., at the ripe age
of eighty-nine years.
Robert W. Thompson, third son of John and Martha Thompson, was born
upon his father's farm in Brady township, Butler county, in 1803. He grew to
manhood inured to the trials and hardships of pioneer life, and inherited the
homestead from his parents, lie married Frances Craig, to which union were
born five children, viz. : Nelson II., who resides upon the old homestead in
Brady township; Martha B., wife of Benjamin Scott, of Venango county ; Jennie
F. ; Maggie R., wife of Frank P. Critchlow, of Prospect, and Robert C. The
parents spent their whole lives in Brady township.
Solomon R. Thompson, youngest son of William H. and Jane Thompson,
was born on his grandfather's homestead, in Brady township, March 17, 1831.
He was reared on the farm, and attended the common schools of his neighbor-
hood. After the death of his father he inherited the old Thompson homestead,
where he has spent his life engaged in farming. He married Martha McCand-
less, a daughter of Nathan McCandless, to which union have been born eight
children, viz. : Nathan, of Smethport ; William G., deceased; Edna ; Edwin
C. ; Mary E. ; Anna Loretta; William H. , and Charles W. Mr. Thompson has
been a life-long member of Muddy Creek Presbyterian church, and since the
organization of the Republican party he has given it an unswerving support.
Edwin C. Thompson, physician and surgeon, son of Solomon R. and
Martha (McCandless) Thompson, was born July 14, 1861, in Brady township,
Butler county. He was educated in the common schools, and at West Sunbury
Academy and Grove City College. He read medicine with Dr. A. A. Kelty, of
Rose Point, Lawrence county, attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, and subsequently spent two years in the medical department of the
Western Reserve College, Cleveland, Ohio, graduating from the latter institu-
tion, February 28, 1885. His certificate of graduation was endorsed by the Medico
Chirurgical College, January 13, 1892. In March. 1885, he commenced practice
at West Liberty, Butler county, where for the past ten years he has continued in
the active duties of his profession. He is a member of the Butler County Medi-
cal Society, and keeps well abreast of the improvements in medical science. Dr.
Thompson is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In politics, he
is a Republican, but takes no active interest in public affairs. He was married
March 31, 1885, to Berdena Stapleton, a daughter of David Stapleton, of Iowa
City, Iowa, and is the father of two daughters, Franc, deceased, and Mary.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1249
Conrad Snyder, Sr., was born in Switzerland in 1785, there married,
and lied with his wife from his native land to the Netherlands to escape con-
scription into the French army. On reaching his destination he learned for the
first time of America, and decided to come to this country. He sold his time for
transportation for himself and wife, and it is believed that he served seven years
in one of the eastern counties of this State to pay for his passage. He removed
from Philadelphia county to Bedford county, thence to Westmoreland, and in
L800 accompanied his son Conrad and family to Butler county. They settled in
Brady township, where he died on March 10, 1827, at the advanced age of ninety-
two vears. His wife, Nancy, died July 16, 1808, and both are buried in the grave-
yard on the Snyder farm. They reared three children, viz. : Catherine, who mar-
ried Frederick Dubbs ; Nancy, who married Daniel Carter, and Conrad.
Conrad Snyder, Jr., son of Conrad and Nancy Snyder, was born in Phil-
adelphia county, Pennsylvania, in 1777, and came with his parents to Butler
county when about twenty-three years of age. He purchased 400 acres of land,
now known as the Watson farm, but subsequently sold one-half of this tract, and
gave the remaining half to his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Double. After residing
here some years he purchased 200 acres in Brady township, where his son Con-
rad now lives, and here he spent the remaining years of his life. He was the
most extensive farmer and stock-breeder in this section of the country, and a few
vears before his death owned 3,000 acres, situated in Brady, Franklin, and Slip-
perv Rock townships. He gave to each of his children 200 acres of land, and at
his death the remainder was sold and the proceeds divided among his children.
Mr. Snyder was quite a celebrated hunter, and during pioneer days made con-
siderable money in this way, which he carefully invested in stock and lands. He
was a self educated man, and could read and write both English and German
fluently. In politics, he was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican, but
would never accept any public office. He was one of the pioneer members of
Muddy Creek Presbyterian church. Mr. Snyder married Ann M. Bryan, a
daughter of Seth Bryan, of Westmoreland countv. Nine children blessed this
union, named as follows : John, who married Elizabeth Ralston, and lived and
died in Brady township; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Seth Double; Alary, de-
ceased wife of Thomas Strain ; Nancy, deceased wife of Isaac Double ; Zepha-
niah. who married Rachel Kennedy, and died in Brady township ; Prudence,
deceased wife of John Webb; Effie J., widow of Humes Thompson : Conrad, of
Brady township, and Catherine, widow of John Croll. Mr. Snyder died Feb-
ruary 27, 1866, and his wife, January 2, 1869, in the eighty-eighth year of
her age.
Conrad Snyder, youngest son of Conrad and Ann M. Snyder, was born
upon his present farm in Brady township, November 2, 1822. He received such
an education as the common schools afforded, and grew to manhood beneath the
parental roof, assisting his parents in carrying on the farm, which his father gave
to him a few years before his death. He retired from active business life in 1893,
and the farm is now managed bv his son, Everett C. He married Nancy Mc-
Candless, a daughter of James McCandless, of Franklin township. She was
born January 6, 1826, and died November 28, 1863. Mrs. Snyder was the
79
I25O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
mother of the following children : Lavina, wife of Lyman P. Hilliard ; Elva
T., who married Sarah McCall ; Emeline S.. wife of John Allen: Alfred II.. who
married Ann Campbell; Alvin C, who married Laura McNees ; Mary A.,
wife of Josiah 1'. McCall: Everett C. who married Edith Abernathv. and
Nancy J., deceased. Politically, Mr. Snyder is a Republican, but like his father
would never accept office of any kind. lie has been a life-long member of Muddy
Creek Presbyterian church, and is one of the leading citizens of the community.
Zephaniah Snyder, son of Conrad and Ann M. Snyder, and grandson of
Conrad Snyder. Sr., was born upon the old homestead in Brady township. But-
ler county, January 17. 1813, and grew to manhood amidst the scenes of pioneer
days. lie settled on 200 acres of land where John Grossman now lives, in Brad}-
township, and here he resided down to his death, June 1 2, ISS7. lie married
Rachel Kennedy, a daughter of John Kennedy, of Franklin township, who
resides with her daughter, Mrs. John McNees. Nine children were the fruits of
this union, viz. : Louisa, who died in 1892; Joseph C. : Mary E., wife of John
McNees ; Eleanor J., widow of Nicholas Ifft ; Effie, wife of Robert Allen;
Harvey N., of Kittanning ; Rachel E., wife of \V. I>. Curry; Seth, and Lorenzo 15.
Mr. Snyder was a Republican, and took quite an active interest in local political
matters. lie was a member of Muddy Creek Presbyterian church.
Joseph C. Snyder, eldest son of Zephaniah and Rachel Snyder, was horn
November 24, 1837, upon the homestead farm. He received a common school
education, ami at the age of twenty-one engaged in merchandising, which busi-
ness he followed for a few years at West Liberty. He then purchased his pres-
ent farm of 141 acres, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since
devoted his attention. In 1859 he married Mary |. Hockenberry, a daughter of
Joseph Hockenberry, who has borne him a family of eight children, viz. : Rachel
A., wife of Oscar Boozel; Joseph A., of Butler; Mary P., deceased; Armada,
wifeofMilo V. Gold; Ilosea '/.. ; David L. ; Robert K., and Clara M. Mr.
Snyder is a stanch Republican, was elected justice of the peace in 1876, and
served five years, lie has also tilled the office of school director, and has been
quite active in the local councils of his party. He is a member of Muddy Creek
Presbyterian church, in which society he has served as trustee. He is recognized
as one of the enterprising and public-spirited citizens of his township, and Ljiycs
his support to every worthy project.
Roberi Glenn was a son of John Glenn, a native of Ireland, who settled
in Centre county. His father was twice married, and on his second marriage he
purchased land in Kentucky for the children of his first wife, and the Glenns of
that State are his descendants. Robert was a son of the second marriage, and
was born in Centre county about 1773. He came to Mercer county about 1808,
purchased 21 Ml acres of land in Pine township, and 1 7"> acres in Butler county,
but did not settle upon either. The same year he bought of John Hockenberry
and William Elliott 300 acres of land where his grandson, John A. Glenn, now
resides, in Worth township, upon which he settled in 1810. He built the stone
house still standing, where he died in 1833. He is buried in the United Presby-
terian graveyard of Worth township. Mr. Glenn married Martha Borland, of
Lent re countv, who bore him a family of eight children, viz. : John, who served
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. [25 1
in the War of 1812, and died on the homestead; Mary, deceased wife of John
Gilfillan ; Andrew; Catherine, deceased wife of James "Humphrey ; Robert, who
died in Worth township ; Margaret, deceased wife of John Christie : William,
who died in Beaver county, and Archibald, who died in Muddy Creek township.
Andrew Glenn, son of Robert and Martha Glenn, was born in Centre
county, and came with his parents to t His county in childhood. He was reared
upon the homestead farm, and learned the blacksmith's trade with John Emery,
whom his father had established in business on the Glenn farm. About 1824 lie
settled on a portion of the homestead, in Brady township, where his son Robert
F. now lives. He erected a blacksmith's shop and carried on that business until
1883. in connection witli farming. He returned to the old homestead after his
father's death, then purchased the property, and resided there the balance of his
life. He died in 1869. In politics, he was a Republican, and in religion, was an
adherent of the Seceder church, in which society he rilled the office of elder.
Mr. Glenn married Ann Eakin, a daughter of Robert Eakin. of Lawrence county.
She died in 1S44, the mother of the following children : Robert F. : Alexander.
and Martha J., both deceased; Aaron, of Iowa; Polly, deceased; Martha J.,
widow of Ezekiel Wilson ; Wilhelmina, wife of Presley (Jill : John A., and
Margaret, deceased. His second wife was Mary Maxwell, who bore one daugh-
ter, Annie E., wife of Benjamin Thompson.
Robert F. Glenn, eldest son of Andrew and Ann Glenn, was born Sep-
tember 21, 1820, upon the old homestead farm. He assisted his parents in the
farm duties during boyhood days, and attended the district school of his neigh-
borhood. In 1842 he settled upon his present farm, the site of his father's first set-
tlement, and here he has resided for more than fifty years, following the peaceful
ayocation of a farmer's life. He owns 200 acres of well improved land, and is a
prosperous and well-to-do citizen. In |N42 he married Sarah Moore, a daughter
of Samuel Moore, one of the pioneers of Brady township, and has two children,
Margaret, and Samuel C, the latter of whom carries on the farm for his father.
Mr. Glenn was a member of the first Republican organization in the county, and
has always supported that party. Originally a member of the Seceder church.
he later united with the Centreville United Presbyterian society, in which he
fills the office of trustee.
John Wick, a native of New Jersey, came to Armstrong county in lT'.Ni,
and early in the present century removed to what is now Brady township, But-
ler county. He married a Miss Ferguson, and their children were as follows :
James ; John ; Elisha ; William ; Jeremiah ; Margaret ; Sarah ; Jemima: Eliza-
beth, and Jane. The parents spent the balance of their lives in this county. The
second son, John, was born in 1795, and came with his parents to Butler county,
where he grew to manhood. He married Mary Wigton, a daughter of John
Wigton. and was the father of the following children : Henry E.: Perry; Mary
J. : Harvey; Sarah; Alfred, and Lewis. The family lived in Slippery Rock and
Brady townships, and the parents spent their lives in that part of the county.
Henry E. Wick was born in Slippery Rock township. Butler county.
August 22. 1825, eldest child of John and Mary Wick. He grew to manhood
upon the homestead farm, and then commenced buying anil shipping horses.
12 52 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
He afterwards followed merchandising and the lumber business over forty-five
years, a portion of the time at Wick station, which was named for him and
where he was the first postmaster. Mr. Wick married Elizabeth Smith, a daugh-
ter of Daniel Smith, a Scotchman, an early settler of Brady township. Thir-
teen children were the fruits of this union, as follows: John S. ; Mary T. ;
Rebecca A. : Lewis C. ; Sarah M., deceased; Elizabeth Z. ; Alfred II. ; Perry
C. : Rosallia A.; William S. ; Walter S., deceased : Florence A., and Amy F.
Mr. Wick has been a Republican since the organization of the party, and was a
delegate from Butler county to the first Republican convention at Pittsburg, in
1855. In 1887 he located at Oil City, but is now a resident of Butler.
James P. McQuistiox was born in Brad}' township, Butler county, Penn-
sylvania, in 1844, received a common school education and was reared a farmer.
After arriving at manhood he embarked in stock-dealing and merchandising at
Centreville. Soon after the war commenced he enlisted in the three months'
■service, and when his term expired he re-enlisted in the artillery and served three
years. He was honorably discharged when his term had expired, and then
returned to his home in Butler county. In bsij.j lie married Eleanor, a daughter of
William Hunter, of Pittsburg, to which union were born six children, as follows:
Charles F. L. ; Clare E. ; Emma A". ; Orville, deceased; Frank E., and Rolla H.
Mr. McQuistion was a member of Bingham Post, G. A. R., of Centreville, and
resided in that locality down to his death. lie was a member of the United
Presbyterian church, a trustee in that denomination, and also a Sabbath school
teacher. Politically, he was a Republican, and filled the offices of justice of the
peace and school director.
Joseph Donaghy was born in Antrim county, Ireland. December 27, 1805,
a son of Thomas and Catherine (Gordon) Donaghy. He learned the carpenter's
trade in his native land, and in 1830 immigrated to St. Johns, New Brunswick,
where he found employment until 1832. In the latter year he removed to Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, where he continued to work at his trade, and later engaged
in the grocery business until 1840. He then located at Centreville, Butler county,
and embarked in merchandising. In 1844 he purchased 175 acres of land in
Brady township, and here he devoted the remaining years of his life to agriculture.
He married, in Ireland, Nancy Murray, March 23, hs_7. She was a daughter of
George Murray, of Antrim county. Ireland, and bore him the following children :
Thomas; Jane M, wife of James Hall; George, who died in infancy; George
W., of Pittsburg; Mary A., wife of J. C. Gill: Martha M., wife of William
Gill ; Lucinda G. ; Amanda M. ; Nancy, and Emma F.. the last four of whom are
dead, and James II. Mr. Donaghy was a stanch Democrat, and served as bur-
gess of Centreville. He was one of the original members of the Centreville
United Presbyterian church, and died January 17, 1863. His widow resides with
her son, James H., upon the old homestead, where she has lived for more than a
half a century.
James H. Donaghy, youngest son of Joseph and Nancy Donaghy, was
born upon the farm where he now resides, June 4, 1848. He was educated in
the common schools and at Duff's Commercial College, of Pittsburg, and has
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 2 53
devoted his entire attention to agriculture. lie is one of the leading Demo-
crats of his township, as well as one of its progressive and enterprising citizens.
Samuel Riddle, Sr., came from Chester count}-, Pennsylvania, about
1800, and settled in Butler township, Butler county, close to what is now the
limits of the borough of Butler. He subsequently purchased a farm in Franklin
township, upon which James Cratty resides. It contained 100 acres, upon
which he erected a log house and began the work of making a home for himself
and family. He prospered in his efforts, and afterwards purchased the two
farms where his grandsons, James and Samuel Riddle, now live, but died upon
his original purchase, at the remarkable age of ninety-six years. Mr. Riddle
married Hannah Harvey, and by this union became the father of the following
children: Martha, who married Dr. Andrew Spear; James; Matilda, who
married Tacob Brinker ; Eliza, who married Xorbert Foltz ; John; Samuel, and
Julia, who married James Harvey.
Tames Riddle, eldest son of Samuel Riddle, was born in 1 T - *< "> - in Chester
county, Pennsylvania, and was about four years old, when hi* parents settled in
Butler county. He was reared upon the homestead in Franklin township, and
afterwards located upon the farm now owned by his son Samuel, which he-
cleared and improved. He died there in 1.^7". aged seventy-four years. He
married Sarah Potts, a native of Ireland, who died in 1837, leaving a family of
seven children, viz. : William; Samuel; John, deceased: James; George, who
died in Tennessee; Alfred, a resident of Missouri, and Aimer J., who lives in
Kentucky. Mr. Riddle married for his second wife Eliza Potts, a sister of his
first wife, who bore him the following children : Francis S. ; Sarah, deceased
wife of Joseph Sponsler ; Anna E., wife of John McClure ; Theodore, and Nel-
son, who died from wounds received at Chancellorsville. Mr. Riddle was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Prospect, and in politics, he was
an adherent of the Democratic party.
Samuel Riddle, second in the family of James and Sarah Riddle, was born
May 22, 1825, upon the farm where his brother James resides, in Franklin town-
ship, Butler county. He received a common school education, and was reared a
farmer. In 1850 he went to California, where he worked in the mines for two
years, then returned to Butler county, and embarked in merchandising and hotel
keeping at Prospect, in partnership with Jacob Phipps, under the firm name of
Phipps & Riddle, which existed for two years. He next located at Wesleyville,
Venango county, where he conducted a store and hotel for one year. Return-
ing to Prospect, he was interested in various enterprises until 1859, when he
again went to California, but remained on the Paciric coast onlv a short time.
He then established a confectionery business at Prospect, which he carried on for
several years. In 1N67 he was elected a justice of the peace, and served in that
capacitv for twenty-six years, removing to his farm in Franklin township in
April, L893. Mr. Riddle was married in 1853, to Elizabeth Allen, a native of
Ireland, and their family are as follows: Tames; Margaret, deceased ; Victor
E. ; Letitia, deceased wife of George Cowan ; Alvin. and Annie, widow of
George Cowan. While a resident of Prospect, Mr. Riddle was one of the pro-
gressive citizens of the borough, and rilled many of the public offices. He has
I J 54 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
been a life-long Democrat, and is an ardent supporter of the measures and prin-
ciples of that party.
Thomas Critciilow was born in Connoquenessing township, Butlercounty,
Pennsylvania, October 5, 1812, son of John and Sophia (Gray) Critchlow, early
settlers of this county. His father enlisted in the War of 1812, and died at Black
Rock, on the Niagara river. From an old diary of Thomas Critchlow's, it is
learned that he was at Bald Ridge, in Connoquenessing township, at the age of
sixteen, working upon a farm, believed to have been purchased by his father.
He possessed a good education, and engaged in teaching in that locality. In 1844
he embarked in merchandising at Petersville, erected a --tore building there, and
carried on business until 1859, when he removed to Prospect. He erected a store
building in the borough, on the site of S. S. Forrester's store, where he conducted
business two davs a week. Fridays and Saturdays, until 1883, when he retired,
transferring his business to his sons. F. P. and T. J. In 1862 he purchased the
original fair grounds at Prospect, which he owned for several years, as well as
considerable real estate in and around that borough. Politically, he was an ardent
Democrat, ami served as school director, always taking an active interest in
educational matters. Mr. Critchlow married Eliza Dodds, a daughter of James
Dodds, which union was blessed with four children , viz. : Frank P.; George
W., a minister; Thomas J., and Dillie, wife of O. M. Russell. Mr. Critchlow
died December 28, 1SM». and his wife, July 27, 1891.
Frank P. Cri rcriLOW, eldest son of Thomas and Eliza Critchlow, was born
at Petersville. Butler county, December 4, 1825. He received his primary
education in the common schools and subsequently attended Waynesburg College,
lie taught in the schools of Franklin. Washington. Muddy Creek and Clay town-
ships, for some years, and afterwards engaged in the huckster business. He
next entered the employ of Thomas Wilson, of Centreville, as clerk, and in 1883
formed a partnership with his brother, Thomas I., and succeeded to their father's
business at Prospect, which they have since successfullv carried on. Mr. Critch-
low was married February 28, 1888, to Maggie R. 14iompson, to which union
have been born four children, viz.: Howard T. ; T. Roscoe ; Robert F. , and
.Mice. Politicallv. he was a Democrat until within a few years, when he became
a Prohibitionist, and was the candidate of that party for the legislature in 1SS7.
He has filled the office of school director for nine vears. and is also a member of
the borough councilof Prospect. Mr. Critchlow is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian church of Prospect, and is an elder in that society. lie is connected
with the Jr. 0. I". A. M.,and the A. 0. U. W.
Rev. George W. Critchlow, second son of Thomas Critchlow. was born
in Petersville. Butler countv, received a good education and afterwards studied
for the Lutheran ministry. He is now- located at Sagerstown, Crawford county,
where he has charge of the Lutheran congregation, lie married Felecia Nesbit,
and they are the parents of five children.
James Cratty came to Muddy Creek township, Butler countv. from the
vicinity of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, early in the present century, and
settled upon the land now owned by Joshua McCandless. He was accompanied
countv bv his brothers, Robert and Thomas, and sister Rachel. His
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 2 5 5
brothers each selected a tract of 400 acres, upon which they settled. James was
twice married, his first wife being Mary Johnston, a daughter of Bernard Johns-
ton, to whom were born two children, viz. : Sarah, deceased wife of Joseph
White, and Mary, wife of James McDonald. His second wife was Jane English,
who became the mother of the following children : Thomas ; Jane, deceased wife
of David Dunmire ; Margaret, deceased wife of Robert Morrison ; Elizabeth, wife
of James Morrison ; Rachel : Anne, deceased wife of Nelson Myers ; Matilda,
deceased wife of William Phillips; James, deceased : Prudence, deceased wife of
Alexander Wilson : Catherine, wife of Conrad Shanor ; Samuel ; William ;
Robert, and John, the last four of whom are dead. Mr. Cratty was a member
of Mt. Xebo Presbyterian church. He was one of the early assessors and collec-
tors of the township, was a Democrat in early life, and later a Republican. He
served in the War of 1812. as a member of Captain Martin's company.
Thomas Cratty, oldest son of James and Jane (English) Cratty, was born
in Muddy Creek township. Butler county, December 19, 1811, and grew to man-
hood upon the homestead farm. At the age of twenty-eight he settled upon the
farm where he now resides, in Franklin township, and has since cleared and im-
proved the same. In 1839 he married Sarah Morrison, a daughter of John Morri-
son, and is the father of three children, as follows : James A. ; Mary, deceased,
and John M. The last mentioned married Hannah J. McCandless. and has four
children. He cultivates the old homestead, upon which his father has lived for
fifty-five vears. Politicallv, Mr. Cratty has always been a Democrat, and in
religious faith, he is a member of Mt. Xebo Presbyterian church. lie is one ot
the oldest citizens of Butler county, being now in his eighty-fourth year.
Alexander Campbell was born in Parker township. Butler county.
Pennsylvania, April 18, 1813, and was reared upon his father's farm. In 1S87
he purchased a farm in Concord township, anil April 11. 1839. he married Eliza
f.. daughter of Thompson Jamison, of that township. Three children were born
to this union, as follows : Joseph C, who enlisted in Company E, Thirty-first
Ohio Volunteers, in August, 1861, participated in twenty-two battles and was
killed at the battle of Chickamauga : William T. . and Andrew G. In L873 he
bought property in Mount Chestnut, where he resided until his death. Novem-
ber 13. I(s77. His widow survived until December 3. 1883. They were mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian church . and died in that faith. Mr. Campbell
was a Whig during the existence of that party, and afterward- a Republican.
Adam Albert came from Virginia to Butler county, Pennsylvania, about
1799. and located on a tract of 500 acres of land in Franklin township. He
resided upon that farm until he died, clearing and improving it. He was the
father of twelve children, as follows : Daniel : Adam ; George : William ; Henry ;
John; Peter; Andrew ; Elizabeth, who married Charles Henshew ; Margaret,
who married James Miller; Mary, who married Thomas Dunn, and Nancy, who
became the wife of David Pearce. Mr. Albert was a member of the Lutheran
church, and was one the pioneers of that denomination in Butler county.
Andrew Albert was born in Franklin township. September 12, l^l'l. -on
of Adam Albert, and grew to manhood in his native township. In January,
I Mi'., he married Maria Baker, a daughter of Cadwallader Baker, and they were
I256 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the parents of the following children : William VV. ; Matilda J., deceased wife
of John Stewart: Emma, who married Andrew J. Avery: Uriah, deceased;
Levi : Mary E., wife of John Robinson ; Warren ; Alfred, deceased, and Cora B.,
who married R. O. Quigley. Mr. Albert and wife were members of the Luth-
eran church, in which faith he died, June 3, 1890. He was a Republican, and
tilled several of the township offices.
William Weigle was born in Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, in
1812, there learned the carpenter's trade, and subsequently removed to Lawrence
countv, where he married Sarah Hogue, in 1830. They were the parents of nine
children, as follows : Abraham ; Samuel : Jeannette, wife of William McGinnis ;
John; James, deceased; William: Charles; Daniel, and Cyrus. The family
removed to Butler countv and settled in Franklin township, where Mr. Weigle
died in 1880, and his wife in 1882. They were members of the Baptist church,
and in politics, he was an adherent of the Republican party.
Samuel Weigle was born at Weigletown, Lawrence countv, in June,
1833. learned the blacksmith's trade, and came to Butler county with his parents.
In 1854 he married Barbara Albert, a daughter of George Albert, of Franklin
township, and has five surviving children, viz. : George P. ; John M. ; Raymond
S. ; William G., and Charles E. Mr. Weigle is engaged in business at Prospect,
where he has carried on blacksmithing for many years. lie is a member of the
Baptist church, and in politics, a Republican.
Sipe Bei.lis was born in Harmony, Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1821,
received a common school education and learned the blacksmith's trade. From
Harmony he went to Portersville, thence to Muddy Creek, Worth and Franklin
townships, consecutively, coming to the last mentioned in 1861. Here he pur-
chased the C. Shannon farm, upon which he now resides. Mr. Bellis was married
in 1845, to Mary, daughter ot John Myers, of Yellow Creek, which union has
been blessed with nine children : fohn C, deceased; George C. ; Lewis; Cath-
erine, deceased ; William ; Samuel ; Charles ; Mary, wife of Benjamin McLaugh-
lin of Titusville, and Ollie, deceased. In politics, he is a Democrat, has tilled
the office of school director, and is a trustee in the Presbyterian church.
Henry Shanor, Si;., was born in Maryland, in IT-"'*, removed to Hunting-
don county, Pennsylvania, after reaching his maturity, and about 17'.l.s settled in
Butler county, purchasing 200 acres of land where George Flinner and William
Barkley now live, in Muddy Creek township. Upon this farm he built his cabin
and resided until his death, in 1838. He married Elizabeth Buttonbarger, a
native of Westmoreland county, who survived him four years, and died in 1842.
The)- were members of the Lutheran church, and were interred in the old Stone
Church graveyard, in Lancaster township. Their family were as follows: Henry;
Daniel; Elizabeth, who married Thomas Johnson; Susan; .Abraham; Michael;
.Solomon; Christina; Margaret, who married Abraham Xerlev. and Lvdia. who
married Jacob Mover.
Henry Shanor, Jr., eldest son of Henry and Elizabeth Shanor. was born
in Huntingdon county. Pennsylvania, in 17>VS, and was about ten years of age
when his parents came to Butler county. lie grew to manhood in Muddy Creek
township, married Susan Beighlev, a daughter of fohn Beighlev, and settled upon
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1^57
his father-in-law's farm. In 1817 he located Upon the farm where his son Jonathan
J. now resides, which was purchased after his death, in 1827, by his father-in-
law, who deeded it to Mrs. Shan or. 1 1 is family were as follows: Jonathan ].:
Abraham, deceased; John C. ; Mary R., who married William McDonald.
Catherine, deceased wife of Andrew Kaltenbach ; Henry J., and Absalom. His
widow married James Black, and died in 1887. Mr. Shanor was one of the pio-
neer members of St. John's Lutheran church, and was a deacon in that society at
the time of his death.
Jonathan J. .Shanor, eldest in the family of Henry and Susan (Beighley)
Shanor. was born in Connoquenessing township, upon the farm of his grand-
father, John Beighley, in 181:2. When five years old his father removed to the
farm where our subject now lives, and he has spent seventy-seven years of his
life upon this place, the greater portion of which time he was engaged in farm-
ing. He cultivated 200 acres until within a few years, when he sold one-half of
his property. In 1838 he married Ann McDonald, a daughter of William
McDonald, to which union were born the following children : Susannah, wife oi
John Dodds ; William, deceased; Reuben; William McD., of Iowa; Conrad.
who enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and died at Georgetown, D. C, from wounds received at the battle
of Fredericksburg; Samantha, widow of S. McAllister; Angelina, deceased;
Maggie, wife of Warren Myers, and two that died in infancy. Mr. Shanor and
wife are members of the Lutheran church, of Prospect, in which he has held the-
offices of deacon and elder. In early life he was a Democrat, but has been a
Republican since 1856. He has filled the offices of school director, and many
other minor positions.
Daniel Shanor. Sr., second son of Henry and Elizabeth (Buttonbarger)'
Shanor, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, about 1791, and came
with his parents to Butler county in 1798. He was reared upon his father's
farm in this county, and was the second man to join Captain Boston's company,
at Butler, for service in the War of 1812. He afterwards purchased 200 acre~-
of land in Lancaster township, where William Kocher now lives, cleared and
improved it, and died there in 1879. Mr. Shanor was a stonemason and plas-
terer, and followed that business in connection with farming. He married
Deborah Moyer, a daughter of Samuel Moyer, of Lancaster township, and they
were the parents of the following children: Henry, who died in Franklin town-
ship ; Catherine, widow of John Ziegler ; Samuel, of Muddy Creek; Edward,
who died in Lancaster township ; Jacob, who was murdered in Georgia ; Sarah.
who died in 1835; Daniel, who died the same year; Abraham, who died in
1830, and Elizabeth, wife of Henry Kocher. Mrs. Shanor died in 1870. The)
were members of the German Reformed church of Harmon v, in which Mr.
Shanor filled the offices of elder and deacon. He was a stanch Democrat, but
would never accept office or take any active part in political affairs.
Samuel Shanor, only living son of Daniel and Deborah Shanor, was born
in Jackson township, Butler county, September 7. 1823, anil grew to manhood
upon his father's farm in Lancaster township. He resided upon the old home-
stead until 1881, in which year he purchased his present farm of 121 acre- in
I 2 58 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Muddy Creek township, and has since erected the buildings now upon it. He
married Catherine Stauffer, a daughter of Henry Stauffer. She died in 1861,
leaving three children, viz. : Ellen, wife of Madison Davis; Campbell, who
resides upon the homestead, and Daniel, of Erie. Politically, he is a Democrat,
has served two terms as supervisor and overseer of the poor in Lancaster town-
ship, and has held the office of supervisor in Muddy Creek township since 1890.
He is a member of the German Reformed church of Harmony, in which society
he has tilled the offices of deacon and elder.
Henry Shanor, eldest son of Daniel and Deborah (Mover) Shanor, was
born upon the homestead farm, in Lancaster township, Butler county. Pennsyl-
vania, in 1 S 1 4 . and grew to manhood beneath the parental roof. He received a
meager education in the pioneer subscription schools, and learned the stone-
mason's trade before reaching manhood. In 1840 he purchased a farm of 180
acres, in Franklin township, now in possession of his son Daniel, which he
cleared and improved, and resided upon it until his death, in 1880. He was
engaged for many years in contracting and building, in connection with his farm
duties, and was quite a successful man. He married Magdalena Stamm. a
daughter of Daniel Stamm. of Beaver county, and their children were as follows :
Sarah, wife of Jonathan Taylor : Daniel ; Deborah, wife of William Morrow ;
Eli. deceased; Alfred F. ; Elizabeth J., wife of William Kaufman, and Emma,
wife of J. C. McClymonds. Politically, Mr. Shanor was a Democrat, and in
religious faith, an adherent of the Lutheran church.
Daniel Shanor, eldest son of Henry and Magdalena Shanor, was born in
Franklin township. Butler county. November 1, 1844, grew to maturity upon
the homestead farm and inherited the same at his father's death. He resided
upon it until ls'.ll, when he purchased his present farm of 105 acres, and is now
operating both places, making a total acreage of 268 acres. In 1891 oil was dis-
covered upon the old homestead, and there are now seven producing wells
located there, with a total production of fifty-six barrels per day. They are
operated by McFarland & Company. Mr. Shanor married Mrs. Annie Warren,
wee Forrester, who died in [lily, 1892, leaving three children, viz. : Magdalena;
Erne May. and Etta P. Politically, Mr. Shanor is a Democrat, and is one of
the enterprising farmers of Franklin township.
Alfred F. Shamir, youngest son of Henry and Magdalena Shanor, was
born October 1, 1851, in Franklin township, Butler county, and was reared and
educated in his native township. lie purchased his present farm of PIT acres,
in Muddy Creek township, in 1880, and located upon it the following year. He
has made all the improvements which it now contains, and has one of the best
farms in the township. Mr. Shanor was married in April, 1881, to Ellen
Shaffer, a daughter of Henry Shaffer, of Prospect, and has three children, viz. ;
Mont. W. ; Amy B., ami Catherine A. In politics, he is a Democrat, and an
ardent supporter of his party. In 1886 Mr. Shanor engaged in buying stock tor
the home market, which business he has since carried on in connection with his
farm. He is recognized as one of the leading farmers of his township, as well
as one of its most progressive citizen-, and has a small production of oil on his
farm.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1 2 59
David Kennedy was one of the early settlers of Muddy Creek township,
Butler county. lie was born in Monaghan county, Ireland, in 1752, there mar-
ried lane Gracie, and in 1788, in company with his Nvife and one son. Robert, he
immigrated to Philadelphia, where he found employment as a wheelwright,
which trade he had learned in his native land. While residents of Philadelphia
the following children were born to them: John. Edward, and David, who
lived and died in Muddy Creek township ; Daniel, who settled in Slippery Rock
township. Lawrence county, and there died, and Elizabeth who married George
Frazier, and died in Muddy Creek township. The eldest son. Robert, grew to
manhood in Philadelphia, and engaged in teaming between that city and the
western part of the State. 1 1 is mother carried on a dairy in Philadelphia, and
the parents and Robert combined their capital with the intention of purchasing
a farm in western Pennsylvania. In 1800 they removed to Butler county, and
purchased a 400-acre claim from Matthew Kelly, a Revolutionary soldier, situ-
ated in Nvhat is now Muddy Creek township, and built a cabin on the land where
David R. Kennedy now lives. It was a log structure, twenty-six by eighteen,
one and a half stories high, anil finished in that crude manner in which nearly all
of the early buildings were constructed. The father lived to see 200 acres of this
land cleared and improved, and died January 1, 1840, while on a visit to the
home of his son Edward, who resided a few miles distant in the same township.
His wife had died about ISl'S. Both were members of the Presbyterian church
of Montville. Lawrence county, and were interred in the cemetery attached to
that church.
Robert Kennedy, eldest in the family of David and Jane Kennedy. N\as
born in Monaghan county. Ireland, in 1777. spent his early life in Philadelphia,
and was afterwards employed in hauling goods between that city and the towns
in the western part of the State. It is claimed he brought the first load of mer-
chandise to the borough of Butler, from Philadelphia, for John Potts, an early
merchant of Butler. After his father purchased land in Muddy Creek town-
ship. Robert devoted himself to clearing and improving it. and at his father's
death he received 217A acres of the original tract, containing the old home. Here
he resided until his death, in November, 1848. He married Mary Ann Patter-
son, a daughter of John Patterson, a native of Ireland. Nvho settled in Pittsburg.
The following children were born to this union : Jane, who married Alexander
Aiken : David R. : John, a resident of New Castle, and Cassie. wife of William
1. McClvmonds, of Beaver Falls. Mrs. Kennedy died in 1854. Both were mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian church at Portersville, and he was instrumental
in the erection of the first church in that village. Politically. Mr. Kennedy was
a Democrat, and served as a school director for several years. IK- N\as a soldier
in the War of 1812, from Butler county.
Dan-id R. Kennedy, eldest son of Robert ami Mary Ann Kennedy, was
born upon the old homestead in Muddy Creek township. Butler county. October
4, 1830, Nvas educated in the old log school house of his neighborhood, and has
been engaged in agriculture up to within a few years, when he retired, turning
over his farm of 140 acres to his sons. Robert B. and James E. In April. 1861,
when the first call was made for troops by President Lincoln, he accompanied a
I26o HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
squad of thirty men from his neighborhood, all of whom joined Company II.
Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He served three months, the full term of
his enlistment. In 1862 he married Mary J. Stoner, a daughter of James Stoner,
of Lawrence county. Four children are the fruits of this union, viz. : Robert
B. ; Laura E. ; Lizzie, deceased, and James N. Mr. Kennedy is a Republican,
and has held the offices of assessor, collector and school director. He and wife
are members of the United Presbyterian church of Portersville, in which he held
the office of treasurer for a number of years.
Daniel Kennedy, fifth son of David and Jane Kennedy, was born in
Philadelphia, and came with his parents to Muddy Creek township, where he
grew to manhood. He followed farming and droving for some years, buying
stock for the Pittsburg and Philadelphia markets. Later he removed to Law-
rence county, and. in partnership with his sons, David L. and Ilosea, engaged
in operating two mills in that county, where lie resided until his death. Ik-
married Cassie Levis, daughter of John Levis, of Philadelphia, who died some
years before her husband. Their children were as follows: David L., deceased ;
Elizabeth, wife of Dr. D. R. Marks, of Prospect ; John K., who resides in Xew
Brighton ; Ilosea, a resident of Xew Castle; William, deceased, and Thomas P.
Mr. Kennedy was an adherent of the Democratic partv, and was recognized as a
progressive, enterprising business man.
Thomas P. Kennedy, youngest son of Daniel and Cassie Kennedy, was
born upon his father's homestead in Muddy Creek township, November '.). 1836,
was reared a farmer, and went to Lawrence county, where he assisted his father
in operating the mills for five years. In 1875 he purchased forty acres of the
Bauder farm, erected buildings and has since devoted his attention to farming.
He married Mary Bauder, a daughter of John Bauder. and they are the parents
of the following children : Henry X. : John K. ; Lewis K. ; Harvey P. ; Minnie
V. ; Sarah E. ; Dora M. ; Peter C, and three that died in early youth. Mr. Ken-
nedy is a Democrat, and lias tilled the office of school director and other minor
positions in his township.
Arthur Cleeland, a native of Down county, Ireland, immigrated to the
United States about 1791. owing to religious and political troubles in his native
land. He was forced to leave home in disguise to escape violence, and was con-
cealed near the seaboard for three months while his family disposed of his pro-
perty, after which they joined him and came to this country, settling in the
Buffalo Valley, Pennsylvania. About 1800 Mr. Cleeland came to Butler county,
purchased 400 acres of land, and built his cabin on the farm now owned by
Samuel Cleeland. in Muddy Creek township. With him came his wife and
family. Their children were as follows: John; James; Robert; Arthur;
David; Thomas; Samuel; Jane, who married Allen Streator, and Ellen, who
became the wife of Thomas Kelty. Mr. Cleeland ami wife spent the remain-
ing years of their lives upon their farm in Muddy Creek township.
Robert Cleeland, third son of Arthur Cleeland, was born in Down
county, Ireland, about 1774, and came with his parents to Butler county. I lis
father gave him 1(10 acres of land, which he settled and improved, and spent his
life thereon. IL- married Phoebe Wimer. and their children were as follows.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 26 I
John, a resident of Butler; Nancy, deceased wife of John Morrison; Isaac,
deceased ; Sarah, deceased wife of Adam Streator ; .Samuel; William; Rachel;
Eleanor ; Jane (the last three are dead), and Phoebe, wife of Jacob Struble.
Mr. Cleeland and wife were pioneer members of the Portersville Presbyterian
church. He died in 1837, and she in 1844. Politically, he was a Whig, but
never held any public office.
Samuel Cleeland was born upon the homestead farm in Muddy Creek
township, Butler county, July 31, 1818, third son of Robert and Phoebe Clee-
land. He was reared a farmer, and remained with his parents until his marriage,
when the farm was divided between him and his brother Isaac. In L865 In-
removed to Centre township, lived there eight years, and then returned to the
homestead, where he has since resided. Mr. Cleeland married Mary Wimer, a
daughter of Adam Wimer, of Lawrence county. She died November;?*, 1881,
leaving two children : Henry and Robert, who are engaged in cultivating the
farm, their father having retired from active life. He has been a life-long mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
Thomas Cleeland was born in Down county, Ireland, about 1780, sixth
son of Arthur Cleeland, and came with his parents to the United States, and
subsequently to Butler county. Very little is known of his early life by his
descendants. He was twice married, each time to a Miss Johnston, and his
children were as follows: William, who died in Wisconsin; David, deceased;
Nancy, deceased wife of Allen Morrison; Mary, deceased, who was twice mar-
ried, first to Thomas Robinson, and afterwards to John Limfer ; Ellen, wife of
Rev. Joseph Buchanan, and Margaret and Hannah, both deceased. The parents
spent the remainder of their lives in Butler county.
David Cleeland was born upon his father's homestead in Muddy Creek
township, Butler county, in 1810, son of Thomas Cleeland. He received a good
education, and taught in the schools of his native county for several years. In
1833 he purchased the farm upon which his son, Thomas J., now resides, where
he died in 1859. He married Mary M. McClymonds. a daughter of James Mc-
Clymonds, one of the pioneers of the county. Their children were as follows :
Margaret, deceased wife of William Dowler ; James M.. of Grove City ; Addison,
who died in early youth ; Addison, who grew to manhood, enlisted in Company
C, One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers ( ''Round Heads''), and died from
exposure in the service, at Fairfax Court House, Virginia ; Maria E.. deceased ;
William J., who resides in Muddy Creek township; Thomas J., of the same
township ; David T. , a physician of Harlansburg, Lawrence county, and Ella, who
resides upon the homestead with her brother Thomas J. Mrs. Cleeland survived
her husband until 1889. They were members of the United Presbyterian church
of Portersville, in which society Mr. Cleeland filled the office of elder. He served
as school director for a number of vears, and also filled other offices in his town-
ship.
Thomas J. Cleeland was born December 10, 184^. upon the homestead
farm in Muddy Creek township, and is the fifth son of David and Mary M.
Cleeland. He received a common school education, was reared a farmer, and is
engaged in cultivating the original homestead, consisting of 100 acres. He is
1262 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
one of the representative farmers of his township, and a progressive, public-spir-
ited citi/en. Politically, he is a Republican, and is at present serving as a mem-
ber of the school board. lie is connected with the United Presbyterian church,
and contributes liberally towards that denomination.
William J. Cleeland, fourth son of David and Mary M. (McClymonds)
Cleeland, was born upon the homestead farm in Muddy Creek township, Butler
county, March ^'7, L846, and received a common school education. He was
reared a farmer, and resided with his parents until his enlistment in the Fifty-
second Pennsylvania Militia, Captain Christie's company, in which he served two
months. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A, Sixth Pennsvlvania Artillery, and
served until the close of the war. IK- was subsequently engaged in various occu-
pations until he purchased his present farm of eighty acres, and is now making a
specialty of fruit growing. He was married in 18(58, to Sarah |. Fisher, a
daughter of Samuel Fisher, of Lawrence county. Five children are the fruits of
this union, viz. : Addison; Mary; Ira: James, and Roy. Mr. Cleeland is a
Republican in politics, ami is a member of the I'nited Presbyterian church of
Portersville. He is connected with Watson Brothers Post, <i. A. R., and also
with the A. 0. U. W.
John Gallagher, Si;., one of the pioneers of Butler county, was a native
of Down comity. Ireland, and settled in Muddy Creek township, late in the
Eighteenth or early in the present century. He purchased a tract of 400 acres
of land, erected upon it a log house, and resided there the remainder of his life.
The site of his home is now the property of Henderson Wilson. With him came
his wife and the following children: fames ; John ; William: Mary, who mar-
ried James English ; Margaret, and Jane. The eldest son, James, was twice
married, his first wife being Sarah Forrester, and his second, Mary Albright. lie
died in Muddy Creek township, as did also his brother William.
James Gallagher, eldest son of John Gallagher, Sr., was born in Ireland,
and came with his parents to Muddy Creek township. Butler county. He subse-
quently settled on a farm in what is now Franklin township, where the remainder
of his life was spent. Mr. Gallagher was twice married. His first wife bore
him a family of three children, as follows: George; William, and Margaret,
who married George Elliott, all of whom are deceased. By his second marriage
he became the father of nine children, viz.: John, a resident of Franklin town-
ship: Sarah A., deceased wife of William Rose: Nancy, wife of Lott Wilson;
James, who resides in California; Robert, who was a member of Captain Pillow's
company, ami died in the Rebellion; Henry , of Pittsburg : Mahala J., wife of
Samuel Burnsides ; Amelia, wife of Dinwiddie McCollough, ami Matilda, wife
of James Dunn.
John Gallagher, Ik., second son of John Gallagher, Sr., was born in
Ireland, and came with his parents to Butler county, He finally settled upon a
part of the land entered by his father, who gave him 101) acres, and he resided
upon the same down to his death, in 1881. The farm is now in possession of his
son Thomas, ami the original log house is still standing. Mr. Gallagher married
Frances Mains, a daughter of Thomas Mains, who lived in what is now Franklin
township. To this union were born the following children: John: Thomas:
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 263
Ellen, who married Charles Gallagher; Margaret; Mary, and Catherine, who
married Jacob Cable, all of whom are dead excepting Thomas and Catherine.
Mr. Gallagher and wife were members of the United Presbyterian church, and
are interred in the cemetery at Prospect. lie was a member of Captain Boston's
company in the War of 1812.
Thomas Gallagher, second son of lohn and Frances Gallagher, was born
July 11, 1817, upon his father's farm in Muddy Creek township. He was reared
a farmer, and his advantages for an education were such as the pioneer schools
afforded. He remained with his parents until 1860, and then purchased a farm
of fifty-three acres, and erected his present residence and other necessary improve-
ments. It adjoins the old homestead, a part of which he owns, his farm now-
embracing 130 acres. Mr. Gallagher married Catherine Garvey. a daughter of
Thomas Garvev. She died in 1885, the mother of two children : William, a
resident of California, and James, who resides at home, and who married Anna
Woods and has two children. In early life Mr. Gallagher was a Whig, but has
been a Republican since the formation of tint party. He is a member of the
English Lutheran church of Prospect, in which he has rilled the offices of deacon
and elder. He has retired from the active duties of life, and is one of the oldest
citizens in his native township, where he has resided for seventy-seven years.
John Gallagher, eldest son of John ami Frances (Mains) Gallagher, and
grandson of John Gallagher, Sr., was born in 1811, upon the land purchased by
his grandfather, in Muddy Creek township. He was reared on his father's farm,
and subsequently purchased fifty acres of the homestead, upon which be erected
improvements and resided until his death. April 16, 1885. He married Sarah
Ferguson, a daughter of Hugh Ferguson, one of the early settlers of Franklin
township, to which union were born the following children : Ferguson W. ; Fan-
nie, deceased wife of James White ; Mary E., deceased wife of J. Milton White ;
Nancy A., wife of Charles F. White Joshua; Elizabeth, and John, deceased. Mr.
Gallagher was a Democrat until the Rebellion, when he became an adherent ot
the Republican party. Both he ami wife were members of the United Presby-
terian church at Prospect. The latter died March ('), 1887.
Ferguson- W. Gallagher, eldest son of John and Sarah Galla-
gher, was born upon his father's homestead in Muddy Creek township, Butler
county, February 27, 1834. He received a good education and followed teaching
until 1861. In August of that year he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and
Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until discharged because ot
physical disability. Returning to his home he engaged in huckstering, which
business he followed for some years, then purchased a farm adjoining his present
homestead, upon which he resided until 1882. In that year he bought 111 acres
and located upon it. where he has since lived. In 1863 he married Jane Ken-
nedy, a daughter of David Kennedy, who died leaving two children ; Sherman
and Hosea. The former married Nancy Prudence Kennedy and has two chil-
dren, Nancy Jane and Florence Louisa. Mr. Gallagher married for his second
wife Sarah Findley, to whom have been born eight children; viz. : Emma J.:
Amelia M. ; Maggie L.; Clara; James; Aggie; Grace E., and Bessie. Politi-
cally, he is a Republican, and has held the offices of overseer and collector. lie
1264 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
is a member of John H. Randolph Post, G. A. R., and is secretary of the United
Presbyterian church of Prospect, in which he has also held the office of trustee.
Joshua Gallagher, son of John and Sarah Gallagher, was born July 20,
1846, in Muddy Creek township, where he has always resided. In 1878 he mar-
ried Mary J. Moore, a daughter of Isaac Moore, and settled upon his present
homestead. They are the parents of one son, Ralph. Mr. Gallagher is a Repub-
lican, and one of the prosperous farmers of the community.
John Myers, Sr., was a native of Germany who came to America prior to
the Revolution and served in that struggle for liberty. After the close of the
Avar he settled in Virginia, and resided there until his removal to Butler county.
About 1805 he accompanied John Boston, William Beighley, Adam Albert, and
John Moon to this county, and settled upon what is now the Bauder farm, in
Muddy Creek township, but through an imperfect title or some other cause he
lost the property. He then purchased 400 acres, situated where David Myers'
heirs, John Myers, and William and Charles Myers, now reside, upon which he
resided until his death. He was married in Virginia to Sarah Moon, a daughter
of John Moon, and their children were as follows: Solomon; John; Samuel;
Daniel; George; David, and Annie, who married John Beighley, all of whom
are deceased. Mr. Myers and wife were pioneer members of the Lutheran church
of Lancaster township.
John Myers, second son of John and Sarah Myers, was born in Virginia,
about 1791, and came with his parents to Butler county. After reaching his
majority, his father gave him 200 acres of the original tract, upon which in later
years he erected the stone house where his sons William and Charles reside. He
devoted the balance of his life in clearing and improving this farm. He was
twice married, his first wife being Rachel Stickel, to which union were born six
children, viz. : .Sarah, deceased wife of James Slemmons ; Xelson, who married
Annie Cratty, and lives in Tennessee; Mary, wife of Sipe Bellis ; Samuel, de-
ceased, who married a Miss Smith; John, who married Nannie Turner, and lives
in Nebraska, and Margaret, wife of Henry Fieldgrow. He married for his sec-
ond wife Hannah Morrison, a daughter of John Morrison, who became the
mother of four children, as follws : Tirzah; Emeline ; William, and Charles.
Mr. Myers died in 1844. His second wife survived him until 1888, and both are
interred in the Presbyterian cemetery at Portersville. to which denomination
they belonged.
William Myers, eldest son of John and Hannah Myers, was born upon
the homestead farm in Muddy Creek township, attended the public schools of his
district, and grew to manhood in his native township. He has always resided
upon the old homestead, engaged in farming. He is a member of the Presby-
terian church of Portersville, and in politics, he is a Republican.
Charles Myers, youngest in the family of John and Hannah Myers, was
born in Muddy Creek township, and has spent his entire life upon the homestead
farm, which he and his brother William cultivate in partnership. He is a mem-
ber of the Presbyterian church, and politically, an ardent supporter of the Repub-
lican party. His sisters, Tirzah and Emeline, also reside on the old homestead,
which was purchased by their grandfather early in the present century.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 265
Solomon Myers, eldest son of John and Sarah Myers, was born in Vir-
ginia, came with his parents to Butler county, and settled upon a part of the
tract entered by his father in Muddy Creek township. He was twice married.
His first wife was Margaret Boston, a sister of Capt. John Boston, who served
in the War of 1812. His children by this marriage were as follows : George;
John ; Boston ; Samuel ; Elizabeth, who married Charles Phillips, and Sarah,
who married William Albert. His second wife was Margaret Douglass, to
which union were born the following children: James; Jasper; Newton;
Hosea ; Milton; David, and Lucinda, who married James A. Humphrey. Mr.
Myers and wife were members of the Lutheran church. They died upon their
homestead in Muddy Creek township.
David Myers was born in Muddy Creek township, Butler county, in 1834,
grew to manhood upon his father's farm, subsequently purchased the old home-
stead, and resided upon it until his death. He was twice married; tirst to
Eleanor Cooper, who bore him two sons: Orin D., and Ellsworth E. His
second marriage occurred in September, 1870, to Margaret S. Sullivan, a daughter
of Thomas Sullivan, of Prospect. .She became the mother of the following
children : Hosea M. ; Milton S. ; Gailey ; James A. : Hosea H., deceased; Don
C. and Samuel T. Mr. Myers was an active worker in the Republican party,
and filled the office of school director for a number of years. He was a member
of the Baptist church, and died in that faith, October 15. 1889. His widow
resides upon the homestead farm, where the greater portion of his life was
passed.
Daniel Myers, fourth son of John and Sarah Myers, was born in Virginia,
October 13, 1800, and was about four years of age when his parents located in
Muddy Creek township, Butler county. He grew up upon the farm, and at the
age of eighteen commenced learning the stonemason's trade with John Moon,
which he followed for some years, finally engaging in the business for himself.
He purchased 100 acres of the original Myers tract, erected buildings and other
improvements, and engaged in farming in connection with his trade. He mar-
ried Annie Smith, a daughter of Elijah Smith, who came from New Jersey to
Slippery Rock township, Butler county, at an early day. She died in 1852, and
her husband, September 5, 1855. Thev were interred in the Presbyterian ceme-
tery at Portersville. Their children were as follows : Sarah, wife of Tohn
Johnston ; Mary J., deceased wife of William Roberts ; Ruhama. wife of Richard
Lewis; Milton, who enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Third Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, was captured and died at Andersonville prison ; John S. ;
Amanda, wife of William Robbins, and Annie, who married a Mr. Woods.
Daniel Myers was a colonel in the old State Militia, took quite an interest in pub-
lic affairs, and served as collector, assessor, auditor, supervisor and school director
in his township. In politics, he was a Whig. He was reared In the Lutheran
church, but in later life united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a
class leader in that denomination.
John S. Myers, second son of Daniel and Annie Myers, was born April 23,
1832, upon his present homestead in Muddy Creek township. He learned the
stonemason's and bricklayer's trades with his father, and in 1853 commenced
1266 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
business for himself. He followed that business for thirty vears in different
parts of the county, while at the same time he carried on hi-- farm, In 1883 he
retired from contracting, and has since devoted his entire attention to agricultural
pursuits Mr. Myers was married November '.I, 1855, to Mary A. Peggs, a
daughter of Edward Peggs. of Lawrence county, to which union have been born
tile following children : Annie, wife of Samuel Jones; Laura J., wife of (ieorge
Magee ; Ella, wife of Frank Reis ; William; Harry; Edward; Minnie, and Jef-
ferson. Mr. Myers is a Republican, anil has rilled the offices of supervisor,
assessor and collector in his township. The family are connected with the Pres-
byterian church of Portersville.
John Boston was born near Winchester, Virginia, in 1774, there grew to
manhood, and about ISO.") came to Butler county, and purchased the claim of a
Revolutionary soldier, consisting of 200 acres, in what is now Muddy Creek town-
ship. He was accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth, and several sisters. He
cleared up a farm and resided upon it until within a few sears of his death, which
occurred in 1862, at the home of his son. Sheplar, in Portersville. His children
were as follows : George; Rebecca, who married Daniel Smith; John; Chris-
tina, who married James Douglass; Samuel; Elizabeth, who married John
Douglass ; Adam : Catharine, who married Andrew Douglass ; William ; Shep-
lar, and Sarah. Mr. Boston was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was located
in the Lake Erie country. He was a stanch Democrat, and one of the original
members of the old Lutheran church of Lancaster township. His widow
survived him two vears.
Thomas Christie was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and
settled on the site of Portersville, Butler county, in 1812. He was a brother-in-
law of Robert Stewart, the lirst settler on the site of that borough. His grand-
father was a native of Scotland, and settled in Connecticut at an earl}- day, leav-
ing a family of six sons, two of whom settled in Ohio, two in Nova Scotia, and
two in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, one of the last mentioned being the
father of Thomas. The subject of this sketch purchased 400 acres of land, a
portion of which is included in the southern part of Portersville. He married
Eleanor Gailey, and they were the parents of the following children ; Susan,
who married Archibald Glenn; Clara, who married Dr. William McClelland;
Margaret, who married Dr. Randolph; Jane, who married John Sharp: Eliza-
abeth, who married Dr. John Cow den ; John; William, and Thomas (!., all of
whom are dead. William was the father of Dr. James II. Christie, of Alle-
gheny. Mr. Christie was one of the extensive fanners of Muddy Creek town-
ship, was a justice of the peace for main vears, anil is well remembered as
" Squire Christie.'' He was a pioneer member of the Associate Presbyterian
church, and later of the United Presbyterian church, of Portersville. He was
one of the early merchants of that borough, and a wideh known anti-slavery
advocate. He died in 1851, and his wife some years before.
Thomas (J. Christie was born at Portersville, Butler county, in 1822, and
was the youngest son of Thomas and Eleanor Christie. He was reared upon the
homestead farm, and afterwards engaged in merchandising at Portersville, which
he followed until his death, in 1851. In 1843 he married Nancy R. George, a
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 2(5/
daughter of James George, of Mercer county, to which union were born three
children, viz. : Henderson W. ; Calvin G., and Thomas G. Mr. Christie was
a member of the Seceder church, and in politics, a Whig.
Dr. John Cowden was born in Washington county. Pennsylvania, in 1 TUT.
son of William Cowden. a native of Franklin county. Pennsylvania, who removed
to Washington county after reaching his majority, and in 1800 located in Trum-
bull (now Mahoning) county, Ohio, with his family, where he spent the remain-
der of his life. John was the fourth son. was reared in Ohio, and read medicine
with his uncle. Dr. Isaac P. Cowden. of Poland, Ohio. In ISIS he commenced
practice at Portersville, Butler county, where he prosecuted his professional
duties for nearly fifty years. He then retired to Allegheny City, and died Feb-
ruary 15, 1880, in his eighty-fourth year. Dr. Cowden married Elizabeth Christie,
a daughter of Thomas Christie, one of the early settlers of Muddy Creek town-
ship, and a justice of the peace for many years in that subdivision. They reared
a family of seven children, viz.: William Reynolds; Maria C. who married
James Frazier; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Erskine McClelland: Eleanor J.,
wife of John Frazier; Tirzah, wife of Andrew Gailey, and Susannah, deceased
wife of Rev. Samuel Kerr, of Ilarrisville. Mrs. Cowden died in 1879, and both
she and husband are interred in the United Presbyterian cemetery at Portersville.
Dr. Cowden was one of the early members of the Associate Presbyterian church,
and later an elder in the United Presbyterian church for many years.
Dr. William Reynolds Cowden was born in Portersville. Butler county.
March 4, 1820, only son of Dr. John and Elizabeth Cowden. His primary edu-
cation was obtained at the Jamestown Academy, in Jamestown, Mercer county.
and at the Venango Academy, in Franklin, Venango county. He subsequentl}
spent two years at Washington and Jefferson College, and then engaged in
teaching. He read medicine with bis father, and attended lectures at Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, in the winters of 1844-45, and 1845-46. In the
spring of 184(5 he commenced practice at Portersville, and with the exception of
three years spent at West Sunbury, and a few years in Worth township, when
comparatively retired from practice, he was engaged in the active duties of his
profession at Portersville for forty-eight years, and is the oldest practicing
physician in Butler county. In 1894 he removed to Middle Lancaster, where he
still continues to practice. Dr. Cowden was married November 7, 1850, to
Matilda M.Kline, a daughter of J. George and Catherine Kline, of Mercer,
Pennsylvania. They are the parents of two sons and five daughters, as follows :
William Rush, a practicing physician at Middle Lancaster, Butler county; John
Victor, who is now reading medicine; Anna E., wife of C. F. Wick, of West
Sunbury; Ida M., wife of George M. Campbell, of Centreville ; Margaret K.,
wife of Elmer Elliott, of Butler: Eva M., wife of John Edmundson, of Prospect,
and Eleanor J., a teacher in the public schools. Dr. Cowden is a member of
the United Presbyterian church, and one of the liberal supporters of that society.
Politically, he was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party, and
since that time has supported that organization. He cast his first vote for
Henry Clay in 1844, and has voted for every presidential candidate of his party
for the past fifty years.
1268 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William Humphrey, son of William and Elizabeth (Dunbar) Humphrey,
was horn August 22, L835, upon the homestead farm in Worth township, Butler
county, the same tract settled by his grandfather, Thomas Humphrey, in IT'.tS.
lie received a common school education, and also attended a select school at
Portersville. At t he age of twenty-two lie commenced to learn surveying under
Hugh Smith, and followed that profession, in connection with teaching in the
public schools of Portersville and Muddy Creek township, for fifteen years. In
1861 he established a general store at Portersville. and also engaged in buying
wool. Since that time lie has purchased over 500,000 pounds of wool, being one
of the most extensive buyers in Butler county. For more than thirty years Mr.
Humphrey has carried on merchandising at Portersville, and is one of the success-
ful business men of the community. In 1868 he was elected justice of the peace
for Portersville. and filled that position for twenty years. He has also been a
school director for ten years, and a member of the council and burgess of Porters-
ville. He was identified with the Democratic party until 1876, when he became
connected with the Prohibition movement, and has since given it his support.
He is a strong protectionist, and an advocate of a high tariff, believing that
policy beneficial to the country at large. Mr. Humphrey is a member of the
Portersville Presbyterian church, is a trustee in that society, and a member of the
general session since 188(3. In 1856 he married Elizabeth Riddle, a daughter of
John Riddle, and has a family of four sons and one daughter, as follows : lames;
John, who is in partnership with his father; Walter N., a physician ; Edwin W.,
now a law student in Philadelphia, and Margaret. Mr. Humphrey is one of the
leading citizens of Butler county, and has always been one of the enterprising
and progressive business men of the community in which he has spent the greater
portion of his life.
David Marshall was born in Ireland, in 1811', son of James and lean
(Peebles) Marshall, who immigrated with their family, to Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1822, and located in Penn township, Butler county, in 1824. David
was about twelve years of age when his parents settled in this county, and he
grew to manhood upon his father's farm in Penn township. In 188'.) he engaged
in merchandising at Petersville, Connoquenessing township, where he carried on
business for two years, then removed to Prospect, Franklin township, and con-
tinued the same business down to 1865. In that year he retired to a farm near
Prospect, where he died in 1877. He was twice married, his first wife being
Euphemia Gilliland, a daughter of Barnet Gilliland, to whom was born one son,
James M. Mrs. Marshall died in November, 1871, ami was interred in the United
Presbyterian cemetery at Prospect. Mr. Marshall married for his second wife,
Mrs. Martha Frazier, who survives him. lie was deeply interested in the public
schools, and served as a director for many years. Politically, he was a Whig in
early life, and a Republican from the formation of that partv. He was a mem-
ber of the United Presbyterian church of Prospect, was a trustee in that society,
and was one of the building committee in the erection of the present church
building.
James M. Marshall, only child of David and Euphemia Marshall, was
born at Petersville, Butler county, June 8. 1841, received his education in the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 269
public schools of Prospect, and subsequently entered his father's store in that
borough. In 1862 he formed a partnership with William Riddle, and carried on
merchandising at Prospect down to 1873, when he retired to a farm in Worth
township, and resided there until 1885. In 1880 he established the banking
house, now known as J. M. Marshall & Company, at Portersville, and removed to
that borough in 1885. He lias devoted his attention to his banking business for
the past fourteen years. In I860 he married Ruth A. Riddle, a daughter of
lohn A. Riddle, of Portersville, and they are the parents of the following chil-
dren : John D., an attorney of Butler ; Archie S., a merchant of Portersville ;
II. N., an attorney of New Castle; Thomas C., a merchant at Hazell Dell : Mar-
garet, wife of Edward Kennedy ; Sarah E. ; William R. ; James P. ; Nannie E.,
and Edwin II. Mr. Marshall was a Republican until 1808. and since that time
lias been an ardent supporter of the Democratic party. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church of Portersville. He is one of the leading citizens of the
county, and is interested quite largely in real estate at Hazel Dell, Lawrence
county, as well as in his native county.
\V. H. Daxx, manufacturer and dealer in harness, etc., \va> born in Middle
Lancaster, Butler county, May 2, 1859, son of Jacob and Margaret (Total) Dann.
His father was a native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and immigrated to Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, in 1844, where he worked at the tailor's trade, which lie had
learned in his native land. In 1847 he settled in Middle Lancaster, Butlercounty,
where he has carried on business for the past forty- seven years. Jacob Dann was
married in Pittsburg, and reared a family of nine children. \Y. II. grew to man-
hood in Middle Lancaster, received a common school education, and learned the
harnessmaker's trade, which he worked at for several vears in various places.
He finally established himself in business at Middle Lancaster, which he carried
on down to 1891, and then removed to Portersville, where he has since conducted
a general store in connection with his trade. He deals in all kinds of harness
and wagon stock, and carries a full line of whips, harness, blankets and driving
goods. Mr. Dann married Mar}- Erb, a daughter of E. Erb, of Middle Lancas-
ter, and has two children : Ralph L., and Luella. Politically, he is a Democrat,
and is the present tax collector of Portersville. He is a member of Portersville
Lodge, Xo. 909, I. O. O. P., and assistant secretary of the I. ().(>. F. Endowment
Association. He is one of the prosperous anil enterprising merchants of Por-
tersville, and gives a liberal support to every worthy project.
Jacob Hebeki.ixg was born in Carbon county, Pennsylvania, in 1792, was
reared in his native county, and came to Zelienople, Butler county, after reaching
manhood. He had learned the stonemason's trade in his early home, and one
of his first contracts after coming to this county was the erection of the old
stone church at Zelienople. He was a man of good education and taught school
during the winter seasons. IK- married Mary Gruver, a daughter of Michael
Gruver, one of the earlv settlers of Jackson township, and of their family of twelve
children, six grew to maturity viz. : Reuben ; John : Paul ; Christina, who
married Samuel Swain ; Sarah, wife of William Peffer, and Henry. Mrs. Heber-
ling died in 1S40, and her husband, in 1842, upon their farm in Jackson township.
I2JO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
They were members <>f the Lutheran church in early days, but subsequently
united with the Methodist Episcopal church.
Henry Heberling, youngest in the family of Jacob and Mary Ileberling,
was born in Jackson township, Butler county, August It), 1887, and was reared
upon the homestead farm. In March, 1857, he went to Missouri, and learned
the tinner's trade at Canton. In 1859 he returned to Pennsylvania, and engaged
in business at Beaver, Beaver county, but removed to Portersville, in April, I860,
where he established a general tin store, which he has conducted up to the present
time. Mr. Ileberling was married September 27, 1 >>* >< > , to Christina, a daughter
of George Lambert, and has a family of seven children : Nettie; Harry. William :
Thomas; Frank. Sarah, and Theodore. In politics, he is a Republican. He is
a member of the Lutheran church of Middle Lancaster.
Samuel Moore, Si:., was one of the early settlers of what is now Brady
township, Butler county. He was born in Antrim county, Ireland, in 1780,
there learned the weaver's trade, and at the age of sixteen immigrated to Balti-
more, Maryland, near which city he found employment on a farm, but remained
there only a short time. He removed to Chester count)-, Pennsylvania, where he
worked at his trade for several years. lie married Sarah Cornelius, a daughter
of Isaac Cornelius, of that county, who subsequently came with his family to
Butler county. In 1801 Mr. Moore located in Allegheny county, where he fol-
lowed his trade and cultivated a small farm, but later bought a larger farm six
miles southwest of Pittsburg. He resided there until 18l'7, in which year he
purchased 200 acres of land in what is now Brady township, Butler county,
erected buildings and resided upon it until his death, in 1888. His family con-
sisted of the following children: lohn. who died in Muddy Creek township;
Mary, deceased wife of William McClymonds ; Isaac, of Muddy Creek township;
Charles, who died in the same township; James, deceased, whose descendants
are in Ohio; Jane, deceased wife of James Brown; Joseph, deceased; Sarah,
wife of Robert Glenn ; Esther, widow of Silas Covert ; Elizabeth, deceased wife
of Newell Graham ; Samuel, a resident of Brady township, and one that died in
infancy. Mrs. Moore survived her husband twenty-three years, dying in 1856,
and both are buried in the Wolf Creek graveyard. Mr. Moore and wife were
members of the Seceder church, in which he was an elder. Politically, he was
a supporter of the Whig party, and an ardent anti-slavery advocate.
Isaac Moore, second son of Samuel and Sarah Moore, was born in Alle-
gheny count v. Pennsylvania. March 19, ISO"), grew to manhood in that county,
and came with his parents to Butler county. lie remained with them for two
years, and then purchased 100 acres of land in Muddy Creek township. He
cleared and improved this farm, and followed agriculture until 1882, when he
retired. In 1829 he married Nancy Scott, a daughter of John Scott. .She was
the mother of eleven children, vi/.. : Samuel W., of Brady township; Rachel,
who lives with her father; Joseph, of Mercer county; John C, of Muddy Creek
township; Sarah, widow of M. W. Kennedy; Eli J.; Adeline, wife of John
Kennedy; William S., of Muddy Creek township; Mary J., wife of Joshua Gal-
lagher; lames Madison, deceased, and Minerva A., wife of Benton Dick. Mrs.
Moore died in 1891. A coincident connected witli this family is the fact that
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 127 I
Samuel \V., Eli J., and Adeline A., were all born on March 19, their father's
birthday : while his son, William S., and grandson, William P., were born on
October 18. Mr. Moore has lived to see all of his children well settled in life, and
all engaged in agricultural pursuits. Both he and wife were members of the
Seceder church, later of the Associate Reformed, and finally of the United Pres-
byterian church of Portersville. He is a worthy christian man and an upright
citizen. He was originally a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, and has filled
a number of the minor offices of his township. He is to-dav one of the oldest
citizens of Butler county.
Samuel Moore was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December
20, 1822, ami is a son of Samuel Moore, Sr. He was reared in Brady township,
received a common school education, and has spent the greater portion of his life
upon his present homestead, following the peaceful vocation of a farmer. Mr.
Moore has been twice married. His first wife was Martha Graham, of Mercer
county, who died in 1873, leaving five children, as follows : Elizabeth, wife of
Presley Stevenson, of Kansas; John, a resident of Brady township; Lorenzo, a
merchant of Butler; William, of Pittsburg, and Isaac Xewton, a teacher in the
Slippery Rock State Normal School. His second wife was Martha Dodds, whom
he married in 1874, by which union five children have been born to him, viz.:
Thomas: Clara; Nannie: Sadie, and Ida. Mr. Moore isa member of the United
Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
Samuel W. Moore, eldest son of Isaac and Nancy Moore, was born in
Muddy Creek township, Butler county, March 19, 1830, and was reared upon
the old homestead. In 1855 he settled on the farm where his brother John
resides, and lived there until 1859. In that year he purchased his present farm
of 1(>0 acres, in Brady township, which he has since cleared and improved. J)n
May 10, 1855, he married Elizabeth A. Moore, a daughter of James Moore, of
Worth township, and their children are as follows : Willis J., deceased; Jeffer-
son W. ; Cyrus G. : Elizabeth A., wife of W. L. Connell ; Mattie A., wife of
John G. Thompson; William M., and Charles S. Mr. Moore is a member of
Slippery Rock United Presbyterian church, in which he has filled the office of
trustee. He is a stanch Republican, and has served as school director, and held
other minor offices in his township. For the past nineteen years he has been a
director and agent of the Worth Mutual Insurance Company, and always takes
a decided interest in public matters.
John C. Moore was born July 8, 1836, upon the homestead farm in Muddy
Creek township, Butler county, son of Isaac and Nancy Moore. He resided with
his parents until August. 1861, when he enlisted in Company C, One Hundreth
Pennsylvania Volunteers, known as the " Round Heads,"' and served three years
and eleven months, participating in the following engagements: Port Royal,
Hilton Head Ferry, James Island, where he was wounded in the left shoulder,
was in the hospitals at Hilton Head, and New York city, and after four months
returned to his regiment ; Sulphur Springs, Second Bull Run. Chantilly, South
Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg. Knoxville, siege of Vicksburg, Gettys-
burg, the Wilderness. Spottsylvania Court House, and other engagements. He
returned to Butler county at the close of the war. and remained at home until
1272 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
1866, when he purchased his present farm, upon which he has since resided. He
married Sarah Wilson, a daughter of David Wilson, of Clay township, in I860,
and has two children, vis. : Frank W., who married Etta Weigle, and Laura
E., wife of John Humphrey. Mr. Moore and wife are members of the United
Presbyterian church of Portersville. In politics, he is a Republican, and is a
member of Watson Brothers Post, (i. A. R.
Eli J. Moore, fourth son of Isaac and Nancy Moore, was born upon the
homestead farm in Muddy Creek township, March 1',), 1841, received a common
school education, and remained with his parents until August, 1864, when he
enlisted in Company A, .Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery. He served until the close
of the war, then returned to the homestead, and remained working upon it for
two years. At the end of this time he entered the employ of W. E. Kirker,
of Harlansburg, Lawrence county, and clerked for him four years. He then
returned to the homestead, where he has since resided, cultivating it in connec-
tion with a small farm of his own. He married Rachel Shaffer, a daughter of
Samuel Shaffer, of Lawrence county, and has three children, viz : Blanche ; Ira
L., and Floyd R. Mr. Moore is an adherent of the Republican party, and has
filled the office of overseer of the poor for twelve years and school director for
three years. He has always taken a commendable interest in the local affairs of his
township. Both he and wife are members of (he United Presbyterian church,
in which he fills the office of elder. He is connected with Watson Brothers Post,
G. A. R., of Portersville.
William S. Moore, fifth son of Isaac and Nancy Moore, was born Octo-
ber 18, 1N4;5, upon the old homestead farm in Muddy Creek township, Butler
county, was educated in the public schools, and reared a farmer. He taught in
the schools of Muddy Creek and Worth townships for four years, and in 1871
located on his present farm, which is considered one of the best in the township.
It contains 100 acres, with good improvements, all of which he has made since
locating upon it. He married Margaret Tebav, a daughter of John Tebav, of
Muddy Creek township. She died in February. 1882, the mother of four chil-
dren, as follows: Isaac II.. deceased; William I'., a teacher; Maud S., and
Minnie P. He married for his second wife. Sadie Buchanan, a daughter of
James Buchanan, of Mercer township. Politically, he is a Republican, and was
elected justice of the peace in 1880,- and again in 1893. He has always mani-
fested a commendable interest in the schools of his township and has served as
school director for several years. He is a member of the United Presbyterian
church of Portersville. and has been choir leader for thirty years.
Ciiahles Moohk, son of Samuel and Sarah Moore, was born in Allegheny
county, Pennsylvania, in 1807, was reared in that county, and was twenty years
of age when his parents located in Butler county. He subsequently settled upon
the farm where his son Robert now resides, in Muddy Creek township, which
he cleared and improved. He married Margaret White, a daughter of Robert
White, of Lawrence county, to which union were born the following children :
John, a resident of Kansas; Jane, wife of James Snooks; Sarah, deceased wife
of Thomas MeMurray ; Robert: Mary E., wife of Rev. Elim Thomas, and Sam-
uel, of Pittsburg. Mr. Moore died in ls4o. His widow married lames English.
gi (fal cP/oaJC^-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 12/^
by whom she had two children : Murray E., and William. She died April 1.
1887. Mr. Moore is buried in the United Presbyterian churchyard at Montville,
Lawrence county.
Robert Moore, second son of Charles and Margaret Moore, was born Sep-
tember 3, 1889, upon the homestead farm in Muddy Creek township, which
property he now owns, having purchased it in 1873. He received his education
in the district school, and has been engaged in farming since boyhood. He mar-
ried Rachel Scott, a daughter of John Scott, of Muddy Creek township, to
which union have been born ten children, nine of whom are living, viz. : Cora,
wife of Robert Kennedy; James ; Annie; Lizzie ; Sadie ; Mary ; Nannie ; Robert).
and Francis. In August, 1861, Mr. Moore enlisted in Company F, One Hun-
dred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months. He
is a member of Watson Brothers Post, G. A. R., of Portersville. Politically, he
is a Republican, and is now filling the offices of school director, township treas-
urer, and clerk. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church of Por-
tersville.
Edward White, Sr., was a native of Down county, Ireland, and immi-
grated to Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, and subsequently to Pittsburg, at
an early day. He afterwards settled upon a tract of 200 acres of land in Butler
county, close to the line of Lawrence. He was twice married, his first wife
being a Miss Christie, who became the mother of the following children : James,
who settled upon an adjoining tract of 200 acres: John; Mrs. Ann Wilson;
Joseph, and Mrs. Jane Cist. I lis second wife was a Mrs. Food, to whom were
born two children, viz.: Thomas, and Charles. The father died at the home
of his son, Joseph, in Muddy Creek township.
Joseph White, third son of Edward White, was born in Pittsburg, Penn-
sylvania, in 179—. His mother thing when he was quite voung. he was thrown
upon his own resources in early bovhood. He grew to manhood in Allegheny
county, and early in the present centurv came to Butler county and purchased
200 acres of land from a Mrs. Elliot, situated where his sons, Charles F. and
J. Milton, now live, in Muddy Creek township. He resided upon this land, clear-
ing and improving it, until his death, which occurred in 1873. He married
Sarah Cratty, a daughter of James Cratty.and they were the parents of the fol-
lowing children: James C, of Beaver Falls; Edward, and Newton, both
deceased; Mary A., a resident of Butler ; J. Milton ; Thomas P.; William C. : and
Elizabeth J., the last three bein<r dead, and Charles F. ; also four that died in
infancy. Mr. White was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving in Captain Mar-
tin's company, of Butler county. Politically, he was a Democrat, and filled the
offices of school director and supervisor. His wife died in May, 1889. Both she
and husband were members of the United Presbyterian church of Prospect.
J. Milton White, son of Joseph and Sarah White, was born in Muddy
Creek township, Butler county, September 6, 1840, and was reared and edu-
cated in his native township. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, One Hun-
dred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, ami served live months, when
he was discharged because of physical disability. lie then settled upon his pres-
ent homestead of 100 acres, and has made many improvements by the erection of
1274 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
buildings, etc. He married Mary E. Gallagher, a daughter of John Gal-
lagher. She died in 1 S 7 7 - leaving a family of six children, viz.: Albert E. ;
Anderson F. : Lawrence M. ; Cora E. ; Jackson \V., and John I). He married
for his second wife Margaret E. Fleming, a daughter of Robert Fleming, of
Petersville, Connoquenessing township. Mr. White is a member of the Porters-
ville Presbyterian church, and is connected with Watson Brothers Post, G. A. R.
In politics, he is a Democrat, and has held the office of school director in his
township.
Charles F. White, youngest son of Joseph and Sarah White, was born
upon his present homestead in Muddy Creek township, August 29, hs4f>, and
has spent his entire life in his native township. In 1875 he married Nancy A.
Gallagher, a daughter of John Gallagher, and has three children: Curtis L. ;
Mintie F.. and Ada L. Politically. lie is a Republican, and is a member of the
United Presbyterian church. He is engaged in mining coal upon his farm, from
the same mines developed by his father fifty years ago. which now produce about
20,000 bushels per year.
James English, a native of Ireland, settled upon the farm where his
grandson, William F., now resides, in Muddy Creek township, Butler county.
It consisted of 200 acres, a portion of a tract purchased by his wife's father. He
married Mary Gallagher, and their family were as follows : John ; Margaret,
who married Steel Bryan ; Jane, who married Zeni Durren ; Elizabeth, who
married James Pisor; Isaiah: James Y. ; Mary Ann, who married Valentine
Whitmer; David, and William. Mr. English and wife were early members of
the United Presbyterian church of Portersyille, and both died in Muddy Creek
township.
James Y. English, third son of James and Mary English, was born in
Muddy Creek township, Butler county, in 1882. He grew to manhood in that
township, and lived with his parents until 1861, when he enlisted in Company
E, One Hundred and Thirtv-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was severely
wounded in the right arm at the battle of Fredericksburg, and was afterwards
-discharged from the service. He settled on a farm in Franklin township, after
bis marriage to Jane Forrester, a daughter of William Forrester, and died there
in June, 1892. Their children were as follows: William F. ; Leroy ; Newton,
deceased; Edward; Martha, deceased: Mary, deceased; Henry; Judson ; Susan,
and Ford. Mr. English was an enterprising citizen, and tilled many of the town-
ship offices; in politics, he was a Republican, and was a prominent member of
the Zion Baptist church. His widow resides upon the homestead in Franklin
township.
William F. English, eldest son of James Y. ami Jane English, was born
in Franklin township, Butler county, June 19, 1856, received a common school
education, anil afterwards taught in the schools of Franklin, Fairview and
Washington townships for six years. In 1881 he settled upon the old English
homestead in Muddy Creek township, where he is cultivating 100 acres, and
engaged in the dairy business. He married Eliza Jane Ililliard. a daughter of
Frederick Hilliard. and has four children, viz. : Xewton ; Pearl ; Enos. and
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I2J5
James. He is a member of Zion Baptist church, and in politics, he is an adher-
ent of the Republican party.
Nicholas Barkley was born near Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in 17*4, was
reared upon his father's farm, and cultivated a farm of his own in li is native
land before coining to America. lie married in Germany, Ann Strutt, and
became the father of the following children : Margaret, widow (if William
Cleaver; Nicholas, deceased; Conrad; George, deceased; John, a resident of
Ohio; Hartman, who resides in Pittsburg, and Elizabeth, deceased wife of
Cornelius Beighlev. In 1884 Mr. Barkley and family immigrated to Pennsyl-
vania, and settled in Muddy Creek township, Butler county. lie purchased 400
acres of land, which is now in possession of his son Conrad, and grandsons, and
Mrs. Edward Beighlev, his grand-daughter. After his settlement here he com-
menced clearing and improving his land, but lived only three years, dying in
April, 1837. His wife died the following month, and both were buried in the
gravevard at the Lutheran church, in Lancaster township. Thev were members
of that society and very worthy people.
Conrad Barkley, Sk., second son of Nicholas and Ann Barkley, was
born near Hesse-Cassel, Germany, September 14, 1816, and was eighteen years
old when his parents immigrated to Butler county. After attaining his majority,
he received 200 acres of the land purchased by his father, to which he has since
added 100 acres more. He cleared and improved the homestead, and his entire
life since coming to this county has been spent upon it. lie has divided 200
acres. of this land between his sons, retaining 100 for himself, upon which are very
substantial buildings and other good improvements. lie married Margaret Staaf,
a daughter of Milton Staaf. a native of Germany, who settled in Lancaster town-
ship. Eleven children were born to this union, eight of whom are living, viz. :
John ; Conrad ; William ; Samuel ; Elias ; George A. ; Margaret, wife of George
Flinner, and Mary, wife of Robert Campbell. Mr. Barkley is li member of the
Lutheran church of Middle Lancaster, is a Democrat in politics, and is one of
the oldest living citizens of Muddy Creek township.
John Barkley, oldest son of Conrad Barkley, was born June 2(.l, 1842, and
reared on the homestead farm. He married Eva Bloom, born March 26, 1849, a
daughter of Nicholas Bloom, of Zelienople, to which union have been born nine
children, as follows : Nettie E., wife of John Naggel : Tillie M., wife of Will-
iam G. Duncan ; Josephine S. ; Henry E. ; Austin S. ; Clarence 1. ; Charles A. ;
Sidney A., and Bessie V. The family belong to the Lutheran church.
Conrad Barkley, second son of Conrad and Margaret Barkley, was born
upon the homestead in Muddy Creek township, and has always resided in his
native township. He married Caroline Koch, and has two children ; John A.,
and Clara. He resides on a portion of the original farm which he received from
his father. Politically, he is a Democrat.
William Barkley, third son of Conrad and Margaret Barkley, was born
and reared upon the homestead farm, and received fifty-five acre- of land from
his father. In 1871 he married Mary Scheidemantle, and has four children :
Lizzie, wife of George Gross: William; Annie, and Henry. Mr. Barkley is a
stanch adherent of the Democratic party.
1276 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Samuel Barkxey, fourth son of Conrad Barkley, was born June 20, 1851.
lie was reared on the homestead farm, learned the blacksmith's trade, and in
1878 received a house and lot from his father in Middle Lancaster. He married
Elizabeth Behm, daughter of Adam Behm, of Middle Lancaster, to which union
there have been born seven children, as follows: Clara Emma; William
Edward ; Samuel Albert ; Annie Catherine ; George Martin ; Herman F., and an
infant son. The family are members of the Lutheran church of Middle Lan-
caster.
Elias Barkley, fifth son of Conrad and Margaret Barkley, was born Sep-
tember 3, 1857, in Muddy Creek township, received a common school education,
and was reared a farmer. In 1881 he settled upon fifty acres of the original
homestead, to which he has since added thirty-five acres, and has made all the
improvements. On April 14. 1879, he married Leah Behm, a daughter of Adam
Behm, and is the father of six children, as follows: Sadie A.; Harry E..
deceased ; Maggie K. ; Perry M. ; Ida C, and Lizzie. In politics, Mr. Barkley is
a Democrat, and both he and wife are members of the Lutheran church at Middle
Lancaster.
George A. Barkley was born November 6, 1803, in Muddy Creek town-
ship, Butler count}', and grew to manhood upon the homestead farm, which has
always been his residence. In 1886, he married Anna Bauder, a daughter of
Nicholas Bauder, of Muddy Creek township, and has four children, viz. :
Emma; Mary; Pierson, and Anna. Mr. Barkley is a member of the Presbyterian
church of Portersville, is an adherent of the Democratic party, ami is one of the
enterprising young farmers of his township.
George Barkley was born near Hesse-Cassel, Germany, in 1818, third
son of Nicholas and Ann (Strutt) Barkley. In 1834 the family immigrated
to Pennsylvania,- and settled in Butler county. George subsequently went
to Pittsburg, where lie followed various occupations until 1852, when he returned
to Butler county, and purchased 140 acres of land in Muddy Creek township,
now the home of his son Alfred II.. where he resided until his death, in 1S77.
He married Margaret Behm, a daughter of Nicholas Behm, who still resides upon
the homestead farm. They were the parents of the following children : Cath-
erine, wife of Henry Hyle ; John, of Franklin township ; Sarah, wite of Sam-
uel Knox ; Margaret, wife of Joachim Snyder: Emma, wife of David West :
Mary, widow of Jonathan Jones, and Alfred II. In politics, Mr. Barkley was
a Democrat. He was a member of the Lutheran church, in which organization
he filled the office of elder.
Alfred II. Barkley-, youngest son of George and Margaret Barkley,
was born upon the homestead in Muddy Creek township, in 1862, received a
common school education, and after reaching his maturity, purchased the farm
from his parents. In 1893 oil was developed upon it, and thirteen wells have
since been put down, with a total production of 200 barrels per day. In
L885 he married Emma Wimer. a daughter of Jonathan Wimer, of Worth town-
ship, and has three children, viz.: Floyd; Gladys, and Paul. Mr. Barkley is
an adherent of the Democratic party, and is a member of Rustic Lodge, I. O.
O. F., of Prospect. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church, of
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1277
which he is also an attendant. lie is one of the enterprising, substantial and
progressive farmers of his township.
Philip Melvix, a native of Down county. Ireland, son of James Melvin,
was born in 1S02, grew to maturity in his native land, and about 1821 immi-
grated to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He learned the cooper's trade in that
county, and followed it for some years in Allegheny City. He married Eliza
Seth, a daughter of Jacob Seth, of Beaver county, to which union were born the
following children : Ann J., wife of James M. Breckenridge ; Elizabeth, wife of
Frank Davis; David R. ; Charlotte, deceased wife of William Lock, and Philip
S.. of Kansas. In 1836 Mr. Melvin removed to Muddy Creek township, Butler
county, and settled upon the farm now in possession of his son David's children.
He purchased 200 acres of land, which was patented by James Stewart in 1787.
Here he erected a home and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pur-
suits, in connection with his trade, which he followed down to within a few
years of his death, in 1882. In early manhood he was a Whig, and afterwards a
Republican, and always took a deep interest in political matters. Mr. Melvin
was one of the original members of tiie Methodist Episcopal church of Porters-
ville, and died a member of the society at Prospect.
David R. Melvix was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, November 14.
1832, and is the eldest son of Philip and Eliza Melvin. lie remained with his
parents until he learned the wagon-maker's trade, and in 1856 established that
business upon his farm in Muddy Creek township, and conducted the same
for twenty years. He also engaged in farming. In 1855 he married Susan
Roberts, a daughter of William Roberts, of Lawrence county, to which union
have been born eight children, six of whom survive, as follows : Emma, wife of
Gilmer Sharp ; Herman P. ; Olive, wife of A. J. Francis ; Jennie, wife of Win. S.
Lutz ; William W., and Augustus II. Mr. Melvin is a Republican, and has
filled the offices of constable, supervisor and school director. He is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church of Prospect.
Lott Wilsox was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, February
10, 1831, son of James and Mary (Baum) Wilson, and came with his parents to
Butler county in 1844. His father was a native of Berks county, whence he
removed to Westmoreland county, and afterwards to Butler countv. After a few-
years' residence in Connoquenessing township, he removed to Portsmouth, Ohio,
where he died. By his marriage to Mary Baum he became the father of the fol-
lowing children : Martha J., who married Hiram Milhuisen ; Tamson, who mar-
ried James Cratty ; William, of Lancaster township, and Lott. The subject of
this sketch learned the cooper's trade, which he followed until 1854, and then
settled upon the farm where he now resides. It contains 100 acres, which he
has cleared and improved, and for the past forty years he has devoted his atten-
tion to farming. Mr. Wilson was married in 1854, to Nancy Gallagher, a
daughter of James Gallagher, to which union have been born five children, viz. :
Dunwoody ; James; Henderson; Robert; William; Jane, wife of Vest Sharp;
Tillie, and two that died in infancy. In politics, Mr. Wilson is a Republican,
and he is a member of the Lutheran church of Prospect.
I 278 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
|i>iin Bauder, Sk., \\;is born at Mett, Canton of Berne, Switzerland,
November 19, 1S07, son of Abraham anil Ro.se (Walters) Bander, natives of the
same country. He learned the cooper's trade in youth, and in 1831 immigrated
with his parents to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he found employment
upon the construction of the Pittsburg and Allegheny aqueduct, of the Pennsyl-
vania canal. lie afterwards engaged in the dairy business, and then purchased
a farm six miles west of Allegheny City, where he lived until the spring of 1852.
At that time he removed to Butler county, purchasing 450 acres of land in Muddy
Creek township, where his sons, Henry, Jacob, Frederick, and Nicholas, and his
daughter, Mrs. T. P. Kennedy, now reside. His parents came with him to this
county, died here, and are interred in the Presbyterian cemetery at Portersville.
In 1867 he ami son Henry erected the mill now operated by the latter, who pur-
chased his father's interest in 1870. In the latter year Mr. Bauder retired from
active business, and spent the remaining years of his life upon his farm. Politi-
cally, he was a Whig in early days, and afterwards a Republican. He married
Anna Wiloma, a native of Berne, Switzerland, and they became the parents of
the following children : John, a resident of California ; Anna, deceased wile of
Nicholas Voeghtley ; Jacob; Nicholas: Mary, wife of T. P. Kennedy; Frederick,
and Henry, all residents of Muddy Creek township; William, of Lawrence
county; Charles, of Washington county; Samuel, of Beaver county ; Edwin, a
resident of California, and two that died in early youth. Mr. Bauder and wife
were members of the German Reformed church, in which society he filled the
office of deacon. He died March HI. 1886, and his wife, July 29, 1887. They
were interred in the German Reformed cemetery, at Middle Lancaster.
Henry Bauder, son of John and Anna Bander, was born in Allegheny
county. Pennsylvania, January 20, 1841, and came with his parents to Butler
county when eleven years of age. He attended the district school of his neigh-
borhood, and upon reaching his majority he went to Allegheny county and
learned the miller's trade. After completing his apprenticeship he spent two
years in Cleveland working at his trade, and subsequently four years in St. Louis.
Returning to Butler county he obtained a position as miller in the Kennedy mill,
on Slippery Rock, where he worked for two years, In 1867 he formed a part-
nership with his father, in the erection of the Bauder mill, in Muddy Creek town-
ship, and has since carried on business at that point. He was associateil with
his father, and afterwards with his brother John. The latter sold his interest to
Samuel anil Edward Bander, and they afterwards disposed of their interests to
Henry, who has always been the practical member of the firm, and is now sole
proprietor. The mill has a daily capacity of thirty barrels, and is operated by
steam. Mr. Bauder is also engaged in fanning, and is quite a prosperous busi-
ness man. He married Johanna Pvle, a daughter of Joseph Pyle, of Muddy
Creek township, and they are the parents of rive children, viz. : Melissa J., wife
of Henry J. Marks; Cora, wife of F. R. Wimer ; Ellen R. ; George C and
Edna. Mr. Bauder has been a member of the United Presbyterian church for
twenty years, and is one of the ruling elders of the Portersville church. In
politics, he is a Republican, and takes a deep interest in the success of his party.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I279>
Jacob Bauder, second son of John and Anna Bauder, was born May IS.
1834. in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and grew to maturity in that county. Ik-
accompanied his parents to Butler county, and remained with them until 1865.
when he purchased a farm in Muddv Creek township, upon which he lived for
seven years. He then returned to the homestead farm, where he has since
resided, being now the owner of 225 acres. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Com-
pany II. Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served three months. He was,
married in 1865, to Louisa Bratschi. a daughter of Samuel Bratschi, who resided
in Muddy Creek township down to his death. Four children have been the
fruits of this union, as follows: ]ohn N., a resident of Portersville ; Elizabeth
A., wife of John G. Lutz, of Lancaster township ; Franklin E., and Henrietta
R. Politically, Mr. Bauder is a Republican, is a member of Portersville Lodge.
Number 909, I. O. O. F.. and is one of the leading farmers of Muddy Creek
township.
Nicholas Bauder, third son of John and Anna Bauder, was born in-
Allegheny City. Pennsylvania, December 6, 1885, received a common school
education, and was reared a farmer. He came with his parents to Butler county,
and assisted his father in clearing and improving the lands purchased in Muddv
Creek township. In 1864 he bought fifty acres from his father, erected a resi-
dence upon it and made other necessarv improvements; he has also added con-
siderable to the acreage of his farm since making his first purchase. In connec-
tion with his farm duties, Mr. Bauder has been engaged for some years in
purchasing and selling live stock. In 1861 he married Anna Bratschi, a daughter
ot Samuel Bratschi. who emigrated to this county in 1856, from Switzerland, and
settled near Middle Lancaster, After his wife's death Mr. Bratschi made his
home with the subject of this sketch until his death, in 1892, at the age of eighty-
three years. He was a member of the German Reformed church of Middle
Lancaster, and in politics, a Republican. Six children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Bauder, as follows: Anna, wife of George Barkley ; Nich-
olas, deceased : Samuel, who married Nettie Powell; Helena; Emma, deceased
wife of William Covert; Hays, and Herman. Politically. Mr. Bauder is a
Republican, and has filled the office of overseer of the poor for one term, and
also that of supervisor four terms. He is a member of the German Reformed
church of Middle Lancaster, is connected with Portersville Lodge, Number 909.
I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the Encampment.
Frederick Bauder, fourth son of John and Anna Bauder, was born in
Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 18, l,s39. and when thirteen years of
age came with his parents to Butler county, where he attended the public schools
of his district, and grew- to manhood upon his father's farm in Muddy Creek
township. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, One Hundredth Penn-
sylvania Volunteers, known as the "Round Heads,'' and served until December
28, 1863, he then re-enlisted and remained in the army until mustered out, July 25r
1865. He participated in the following engagements : The capture of Port
Royal, James Island, where he was struck with a piece of shell on the shoulder,
but not severely injured, Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, where
he was wonnded in the right index finger, Antietam, Fredericksburg, siege
I2SO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of Knoxville, Yicksburg, the Wilderness, and Spottsylvania Court House. In the
last mentioned battle he was severely wounded. A minie-ball entered his upper
lip, on the left side, and came out through the right cheek, tearing out his teeth
and nearly severing his tongue. He was confined for several months in Mount
Pleasant and McClellan Hospitals. Washington, D. C, and at the hospitals in
Germantown, near Philadelphia, and Pittsburg. He was discharged from the
last mentioned hospital October 15, 1864, was transferred to the Veteran Reserve
Corps, and located in Washington, D. C, doing guard duty, until mustered out
of the service. Returning to his home in Muddy Creek township he purchased
:i part of the old homestead, and has since been engaged in general farming and
coal operating, having two coal banks upon his farm. Mr. Bauder was married
in 1867, to Rebecca J. Wimer, a daughter of Isaac Wimer, of Muddy Creek
township, and has four children, viz.: Robert J.: Frederick U., deceased;
Jeannette, wife of James Powell, and Eliza, wife of John Wagner. Mr. Bauder
is a member of Watson Brothers Post, Number 478, G. A. R., also of Portersville
Lodge and Encampment. I. (). (). F. Politically, he is a stanch Republican,
takes quite an active interest in the local politics of his township, and has served
.is supervisor and collector.
Reuben Fisher was born in Slippery Rock township, Lawrence count}-,
Pennsylvania, in 1817. son of George Fisher, a native of Westmoreland county,
who removed to what is now Lawrence county about 1797. He settled upon
100 acres of land in Slippery Rock township, where he spent the remainder of
his life. His children were as follows : John ; Solomon ; Henry ; Jacob ; Reuben;
Isaac ; William ; Polly; Katie; Bessie, and Andrew. Reuben was the fifth son
in the family, and resided in Lawrence county until 1845, in which year he pur-
chased a farm in Butler county, close to the county line, upon which he lived for
fourteen years engaged in farming. He then bought a grist mill at Harlansburg,
Lawrence county, which he operated until 1863. In that year he purchased 180
acres of land in Muddy Creek township, Butler county, where his sons, Wash-
ington and Thomas, now live, and resided upon it until his death, in 1869. He
was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Kennedy, who did not long sur-
vive her marriage. His second wife was Barbara Burton, to whom were born
the following children : Washington; Reuben, of Cranberry township; Thomas ;
Phoebe, who married Jacob Leight ; Catherine; Salina, wife of William Upde-
graff, and Lizzie. Mr. Fisher was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian
church, of Rose Point, Lawrence county, and died in that faith.
Washington Fisher, eldest son of Reuben and Barbara Fisher, was born
August 9, 1840, in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, received his education at the
common schools, and resided with his parents in Lawrence and Butler counties
until his manhood. He married Sarah E. Pollock, a daughter of Alexander Pol-
lock, of Lawrence county, and has one son, Chester L. He is engaged in farm-
ing on a portion of the old homestead in Muddy Creek township.
Thomas Fisher, third son of Reuben and Barbara (Burton) Fisher, was
born in .Slippery Rock township, Lawrence county, September 7, 1859, and was
reared upon the homestead in Muddy Creek township, Butler county. Upon the
death of his father he received fifty acres of land, to which he has since added
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 28 I
twenty acres more, erected buildings and otherwise improved his farm. He mar-
ried Dora Taylor, a daughter of William Taylor, of Lawrence county, which
union has been blessed by three children, viz.: Ernest; Madge, and Winifred.
Mr. Fisher was reared in the Covenanter church, and is now a member of the
Reformed Presbyterian church, of Rose Point. Lawrence county, in which
society he is superintendent of the Sunday school. He is one of the progressive
and enterprising farmers of the community.
Alexander C. Weller is a son of John and Mary (Vance) Weller,
and a grandson of Philip Weller, who came from New Jersey, in 1812, and
located on Big run, near Xew Castle, Lawrence county. John Weller was
born in New Jersey, in 1800, came with his parents to Lawrence county, there
grew to manhood, and married Mary Vance. He died in that county in 18S8.
They were the parents of six sons and five daughters. Alexander C. is the
youngest son, and was born September 5, 1845. He received a common school
education, and lived with his parents until 1867, when he settled upon his pres-
ent farm of 114 acres, in Muddy Creek township, Butler county, where he has
since been engaged in general farming. In 1866 he married Mary A. Riddle, a
daughter of John Riddle, of Butler county. Ten children have been the fruits
of this union, as follows : Cynthia E., wife of Jonas Fry ; Willliam N. ; Mar-
garet J., wife of Dallas Wimer; Minnie, wife of Glenn Goves ; Elizabeth A.;
John R. ; Laura; George A.; Ada R., and Wealthy Emma. In 1864 Mr.
WTeller enlisted in Company I, Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and served until
the close of the war. He is a member of Watson Brothers Post. G. A. R.. of
Portersville, and is an ardent supporter of the Republican party.
CHAPTER LXXV.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Cherry, Washington, Marion. Venango. Parker and Allegheny Townships.
John Christy, a native of Ireland, immigrated to Westmoreland county,
Pennsylvania, toward the middle of the last century, and settled on a farm near
the site of Greensburg. He there married Sarah Dunbar, and in the spring of
1799 removed to Butler county and purchased 400 acres of land in what is now
Cherry township, situated where his grand-daughter, Mrs. Martha Campbell,
now lives. Here he erected a cabin in the primitive forest, and spent the remain-
ing years of his life in clearing and improving a home for his children. His
death occurred about 1820. The following children were born of his marriage
to Sarah Dunbar : Andrew, and David, both of whom died in Cherry township;
12S2 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John, who died in Donegal township; James, who died in Cherrv : William,
who died at Parker's Landing; Dunbar, who died in Cherry; Robert, and
George, both of whom died in the same township; Gilbert, who died in Mercer
county; Mary; Anna: Elizabeth, and Sarah, all of whom became the heads of
families.
Di'nbak Christy, son of John and Sarah Christ)-, was born in Westmore-
land county, in IT'.'i!. and was six years old when his parents settled in Cherry
township. Here he grew to manhood, and purchased a tract of i<Kt acres
in Clay township, his farm being where fames Porter now reside-. In
ISilJ he sold the original farm and purchased the property where Mrs. Eliza-
beth Christy lives, consisting of 200 acres, and died upon this farm March 7.
1883. Mr. Christy was married on June 16, IMS. to Mary Findlev. a daughter
of Judge Samuel Findley, of Clay township, one of the first associate judges of
the county. She died in \S"Ji), at the age of eighty-two veal's. Their children
were as follows: Mary, who died in early youth; John !'".. who died in 1885;
Samuel I)., who died in L864, while serving in the Union army: David D.. a
minister of the United Presbyterian church, residing in Kansas; Robert F., of
Cherry township, and Sarah A., who died in infancy. Mr. Christy was a mem-
ber of the Associate Reformed church in early life, and one of the original mem-
bers of West Sunbury United Presbyterian church, being one of the first elders
in that society. In politics, he was tirst a Whig, and afterwards a Republican,
and took an active interest in public affairs.
Robert F. Christy, youngest son of Dunbar and Mary Christy, was born
August L'(l, 1828, upon the homestead farm in Clay township, received a com-
mon school and academic education, and remained with his parents until their
death. He followed teaching for several years, and was engaged in farming
until 1893, in which year he retired from active business life. He is a member
of the United Presbyterian church, at West Sunbury, is a Republican, in poli-
tics, and is one of the esteemed and progressive citizens of his township.
Robert Black, a native of Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, born about
1 TT* • . was one of the early settlers of Cherry township, Butler county. He-
was married in Huntingdon county, to Elizabeth Grossman, a daughter of lien-
edict and Betsey (Stivert) Grossman, and in I 7'.(7 the whole family came to
Butler county. Mr. Grossman brought out a small stock of goods, opened a
store in a log building in Washington township, and placed Robert Black in
charge ol the same, but t he store was soon removed to their new home in Cherry
township, where they carried on the business for several years. About 1800
Mr. Black purchased 250 acres of land in Cherry township, where his son Joseph
now resides. Here he cleared a farm anil passed the remaining years of his life
engaged in agricultural pursuits. His children were as follows: Benjamin,
born in 1800, and died in Cherry township; Henry, who died in Brady town-
ship; Margaret, deceased ; Robert, who went west and there died: John, who
died in Concord township; Elizabeth, deceased wife of )ohn Pierce: Adam,
who died on a part of the old homestead ; James, who died in Allegheny town-
ship; Simon, who died in the same township; Joseph; Mary, deceased wife of
John Turner, and Eli, of West Sunbury. Mr. Black and wife were life-long
'biographical sketches. 1283
members of the Presbyterian church, and in politics he was a Whig. lie was
one of the pioneer constables of his township.
Joseph Black, son of Robert and Elizabeth Black, was born in Cherry
township, on his present homestead, July 6, 1820. He was reared on the farm.
and followed the millwright's trade four years. He then settled on the old
homestead, subsequently purchased ITS acres of the original tract, and continued
to farm the same until 1882, in which year he retired, and now resides with his
daughter, Mrs. Henry Peters. Mr. Black married Polly McCallen, a daughter
of Robert McCallen, who became the mother of the following children : Mary
E., wife of Joseph Kenahan ; Robert McCallen, who married Ke/.iah McCoy in
1872, and who resides on the old homestead ; Julia Ann. wife of Henry Peters ;
John C; Eli C, and Maria, the last three of whom are deceased. Politically,
Mr. Black is a Republican, and is an adherent of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian
church, in which society he has filled the office of trustee. lie is one of the
oldest citizens in the township, and is highly respected by the people of the
community.
Henry Peters was born in Germany, in 1S.">4, and is a son of Henry
Peters. He immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1874, and found employment in the
mines and oil fields of Butler county, in 1 S7'.t he married Julia Ann Black, a
daughter of Joseph Black, and settled upon eighty acres of the Black homestead.
In politics, Mr. Peters is a Republican, and takes a deep interest in public affairs.
He is a member of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian church, and is a public-spirited
and progressive farmer.
James Bovahd was born in Ireland, in 1776, a son of John Bovard, a
native of Donegal county, who immigrated to Pennsylvania about 17*<>, and set-
tled in Westmoreland county. The family of John Bovard consisted of five chil-
dren, viz.: John; Charles; James; Fanny, who married William Chambers, and
Mary, who married Robert Foster. James was the only member of the family
who settled in Butler countv. In 1798 he purchased 200 acres of land in what i~
now Fairview township, a part of the site of Karns City, and resided there until
the spring of 1824. The previous year he bought 250 acres of land in what is
now Cherry township, to which he removed with his family the following spring.
The homestead is now in possession of his grandson, Charles B. Bovard. He
cleared the land, erected buildings thereon, and resided there down to his death.
In youth he obtained a very limited education, but through the passing years
acquired a wide knowledge of public affairs. He was a stanch Democrat, filled
the various township offices, was county commissioner one term, and associate
judge of Butler county for thirty-six years. In early life he was connected with
the Associate Reformed church, known as Unity church, but when Centreville
United Presbyterian church was organized he joined that hotly ami gave liberally
of his means toward the erection of a church building. lie filled the office of
elder until his death, which occurred in 1853. Mr. Bovard was married in
Westmoreland county, before his removal to Butler countv. to Jane Chambers, a
daughter of James Chambers. Ten children were born to this union as follows :
William ; John; Jane, who married Thomas Floyd; James C. : Fanny: Johnson;
1284 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Hutchison; Charles; George, and Washington, all of whom are dead except the
last mentioned.
Washington Bovard, youngest son of James and Jane Bovard, was born
in Fairview township, Butler county, April 9, 1819. He resided with his par-
ents until maturity, and received his education in the pioneer schools of his neigh-
borhood. In 1845 he embarked in merchandising at West Sunbury, which busi-
ness he followed for five years. He then settled upon a part of the homestead
farm in Cherry township, where he has resided down to the present, owning a
farm of 140 acres of well improved land. In 1847 he married Naomi Mcjunkin,
a daughter of William Mcjunkin. to which union have been born the following
children: Imelda. wife of John Bailey; James, deceased, who married .Sarah
Hall ; Angeline, wife of Clarence Campbell; William D., who married Belle
Buchanan: Orrin D., of Pittsburg, and Margaret, wife of H. Q^ Walker.
Mr. Bovard and wife are members of Bethel United Presbvterian church,
in which society he fills the office of elder. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist,
always true to his party and an ardent advocate of its principles. In 1855 he was
elected a justice of the peace, in which office he served five years. He has been
a school director for twenty years, and has filled many other offices in the town-
ship. The postoffice at Bovard, also the railroad station, were named in his
honor. lie is one of the prominent, respected and enterprising citizens of the
community.
Charles B. Bovard, son of Charles and Mary Bovard, was born upon the
homestead where he now resides. September 3, 1859, received a public school
education, and has followed farming since boyhood. He now owns fifty-four
acres of well improved land. In politics, he is a Democrat, and in religious
faith, is a member of the United Presbvterian church, of Centreville. Mr.
Bovard is connected with Lodge, Number 408, Farmers Alliance, of Branchton,
and is one of the enterprising farmers of his community.
Joseph McCoy was a son of Thomas and Catherine McCoy, who removed
from Virginia to Mercer countv, Pennsylvania, prior to 1800. He remained
with his parents in Mercer county until 1802, in which year he settled in Mercer
township, Butler county. He had previouslv married Isabella Craig, a native of
Virginia, to which union were born the following children: Thomas; John;
Nancy, who married David Johnson; Hiram C. ; Elizabeth, who married Alex-
ander Black, and after his death Robert Mitchell; Hugh; David; William, and
Lewis. Mr. McCoy remained upon his farm in this countv until 1820, when he
went to Louisiana for the purpose of erecting a mill, and there died of yellow
fever. He was a soldier from Butler county in the War of 1812.
Hiram C. McCoy was born in Mercer township, Butler countv, August
17, 1811, third son of Joseph and Isabella McCoy. He was about nine years
old when his father died, leaving the family in straightened circumstances, and
his opportunities for an education were thus limited to a few months each year
in the pioneer schools of his neighborhood. At the age of seventeen he com-
menced to learn the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed for some years. He
then entered the employ of Thomas Kyle, a merchant of Harrisville, later engaged
in business with his employer, and opened a store in Wolf Creek township,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 285
Mercer county. In 1850 he formed a partnership with Judge Kerr and opened
a store at Anandale, Butler county. He subsequently purchased Kerr's interest
and continued the business until 1861, in which year he was elected to the legis-
lature, and re-elected in 1S&2. In 1808 he embarked in the hotel business at
Anandale, and conducted a hotel there for several years. About 1868, in part-
nership with Jacob Grossman, he builtVa grist mill at New Hope, Cherry town-
ship, and operated it for several years. In 1870 he was appointed an associate
judge to till the vacancy caused by the death of Judge Cummins, and was the
Republican nominee for the same office, but was defeated by the late Samuel
Marshall. In 1871, in connection with Charles Duffy, he opened a general store
at Anandale. and this partnership continued until 1878, when the firm of H. C.
McCoy iS; Son was formed, and existed until the death of Judge McCoy, October
20, 1893. In politics, he was originally a Whig, but upon the formation of the
Republican party he cast his fortunes with that organization and continued to
support it down to his death. He was cjuite prominent in local affairs, and besides
serving in the legislature and on the bench, he was a justice of the peace for
some years, and also filled the positions of school director, postmaster, etc., for
a long period. He was cpiite an extensive dealer in real estate, and actively
identified with agricultural interests throughout his life. Judge McCoy was
twice married; first in 1834, to Sarah McCallen, a daughter of Robert McCallen.
She died in 1NM7, leaving three children, viz. : Lewis B., of Washington ; Mary
A., wife of Robert Shira, and .Sarah M., wife of Ephraim Black. Ilk second
wife was Harriet McCallen. a sister of his first wife, to whicli union were born
two children : Isabella, deceased wife of Lewis Seaton, and John F. Mrs.
McCoy survives her husband and is spending her last years with her children.
Judge McCoy was a member of the United Presbyterian church, a man of strong
religious convictions, and gave liberally of his means toward the erection of the
church building at Mt. Vernon. He was a man of broad views and liberal
opinions, and one of the leading men of the community, being progressive, enter-
prising and public-spirited.
Johx F. McCoy, youngest son of Hiram C. McCoy, was born May 10,
1857, in Butler county. He received a common school education, and was
associated with his father in business until the death of the latter, since which
event he has continued alone. He married Clara Christley, a daughter of T. F.
Christley, of Cherry township. He has filled the office of postmaster of Anan-
dale, and his wife is now holding the same position. Politically, he is a Repub-
lican.
Henry Wolford, a native of Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, settled
in Slippery Rock township. Butler county, in 1804. where he purchased 125
acres of land, erected a cabin and began life in the forests of this county. His
father, John Wolford, was a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and came of Dutch
ancestry. He lived anil died in Westmoreland county where he followed the
occupation of a miller and farmer. I lis family consisted of the following chil-
dren : George ; John : Peter; Henry; Christian: Daniel; Jacob ; Betsey, and
Susan. All of these died in Westmoreland county excepting George, who set-
tled in Indiana county. John who located in Mercer county, and Henry who came
1286 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
to Butler county, and spent the remaining years of his life here. After residing
in Slippery Rock township for many years. Henry purchased a small place at
Coaltown, Cherry township, where he died. He married Mary Frick, of West-
moreland county, to which union were born thirteen children, as follows: Mary,
deceased wife of Daniel Kiester; John, of Prospect; Henry, deceased: Betsey,
widow of Samuel Ralston; Margaret, deceased wife of Jesse Kiester; Catherine,
deceased wife of Joseph Fair; Jacob; Daniel, deceased; Sarah, deceased wife of
John Kiester; George, deceased; Peter, of Venango county; Eli, a resident of
Ohio, and Angeline, wife of Henry Bolinger. Mr. Wolford was a member of
the Lutheran church, and both he and wife died in that faith. In politics, he
was a Whig.
Jacob Wolford, son of Henry ami Mary Wolford, was born on the farm
in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, April 22, 1s17. lie attended the
pioneer subscription schools, and worked upon the farm assisting his parents in
the home duties. At the age of twenty-two he settled in Clay township, and in
1848 he purchased MM) acres of land where he now resides, to which he has since
added fifty acres, and also owns an adjoining farm of sixty-two acres. He has
one of the best improved farms in Cherry township, but of late years has prac-
tically retired from active labor, being now in his seventy-eighth year. Mr. Wol-
ford married I.avina Adams, a daughter of John Adams, who bore him the fol-
lowing children : Perry : Emeline, wife of Foster Hindman ; Milton, a resident
of Illinois; Lewis, of the same State; Charlotte, and Nelson, both deceased ;
George; John, deceased ; Sarah M.. wife of William Stewart, and Angeline.
wife of W. Tinker. Mr. Wolford is a Republican, and has tilled the office of
school director and other official positions in his township. He is one of the
original members of the United Presbyterian church of West Sunbury, in which
society he has been" a trustee for twenty years. He has been a liberal contributor
towards the erection of three church buildings in West Sunbury. ami is a gen-
erous supporter of every worthy enterprise. He is one of the leading citizens of
Cherry township, where he has resided for nearly half a century.
GEORGE Book, a native of Germany, came to the I'nited States after the
Revolutionary war, and subsequently settled in what is now Worth township,
Butler county, where he died. February 5, 1*23. He married Isabella Yogan,
who survived him until October 25, 1854. They were the parents of nine chil-
dren, as follows : Ruth, who married Charles Brant : Christine, who married
|oseph Studebaker ; John; George; William; Samuel: fames; Polly, who mar-
ried Harlan Vogan, and Isabella, who became the wife of Thomas Shannon.
The family were among the early settlers of Worth township.
[ames Book, son of George and Isabella Book, was born upon the home-
stead in Worth township. Butler county, in 1812. lie was reared in his native
township and learned the trades of stonemason and shoemaker, which he fol-
lowed there and at New Castle. He subsequently purchased a farm in Cherry
township, where his sons, Charles II.. and Uriah II. now live. After his settle-
ment in Cherry township he worked at the stonemason's trade in connection
with his farm until a few years preceding his death, which occurred April 8.
18(38. Mr. Book married Mary Studebaker. a daughter of David Studebaker,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 287
one of the first settlers of Butler county. She died in February, 1885, the mother
of the following children: Isabella, deceased wife of Aquilla Miles; David P..
who was captain of Company E, One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers;
Elizabeth N., who died in early youth; John G., who dieil in 1S74 ; Charles II.,
and Uriah II. Mr. Book was one of the original members of Zion Baptist
church, and in politics, he was a Democrat.
Charles II. Book, son of James and Mary Book, was born in 1N47, in
Worth township, Butler county. He was reared upon a farm, received a com-
mon school education, and settled upon a part of the homestead in Cherry town-
ship, where he made the present improvements. He married Martha Wasson,
a daughter of William Wasson. They are members of Pleasant Valley Presby-
terian church, in which he holds the office of elder. He is an ardent Republican,
has filled the position of school director, etc., in his township, and was a candi-
date for county treasurer in 1893.
Uriah H. Book, youngest son of James and Marv Book, was born October
8, 1850, in Worth township, Butler county, was reared on a farm and received a
common school education. He learned the carriage-maker's trade, which he fol-
lowed in Kentucky and Tennessee until 1880, when he embarked in the mercan-
tile business at New Hope, Butler county, and subsequently removed to Kiester,
where he continued the same business. In 1894 he engaged in oil producing, and
is now operating in the Washington field. Politically, Mr. Book is a Democrat,
and is one of the representative citizens of his township. He is a member of
Pleasant Valley Presbyterian church.
Jesse Hall was born in Cecil county. Maryland, in 1799, son of Isaac
Hall, a native of the same State, and of English extraction. Jesse followed farm-
ing in his native county until 1837, in which year he trailed his farm for 500
acres of land situated in what is now Cherry, Brady, Clay and Slippery Rock
townships, the larger portion of which is vet owned by his descendants. He
built his house upon the farm in Clay township now owned by Amos Hall,
where he spent the remaining years of his life, dying in 1869. He married Mary
Alexander, of Cecil county, Maryland, who survived him about ten years, and
both are buried in St. John's graveyard. Ten children were the fruits of this
union, viz. : Isaac A. : James W. ; Robert B. ; William P. ; Caroline, widow of
William Scott : Jesse R. ; John X. ; Mrs. Rachel Brown ; Amos, and Isaiah. In
politics, Mr. Hall was a Republican. Some fifteen years before his death he
united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was the leading spirit in the
organization of St. John's church and the erection of the building.
Isaac A. Hall, eldest son of John and Mary Hall, was born in Cecil
county, Maryland. January 5, 1824, came with his parents to Butler county, and
grew to manhood upon the homestead in Clay township. At the age of twenty-
two he received thirty-seven acres of his father's farm, and commenced the work
of making a home, clearing off the timber and otherwise improving it. He has
since added to his original farm IP! acres, and has erected all of the improve-
ments. Mr. Hall has devoted his entire life to agriculture, and is the owner of
one of the best improved farms in the northern part of the county. He retired
from active business life in 1892. leaving the management of the farm to his son
1288 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Milton. Mr. Hall married Hannah Mcjunkin, a daughter of James Mcjunkin, to
which union were born four children, viz.: Mary A., and Nancy, both deceased ;
Milton, who married Agnes Glenn, and Sarah, widow of James Bovard. Mrs.
Hall died January 21, 1895. She was a member of West Sunbury Presbyterian
church. Mr. Hall is a member of the same society, and in politics, he is a
Republican. He has led a very busy life, and although taking no active interest
in public affairs, he has tilled the office of school director in his township, and
done his full share in the social and material development of the community.
John SprOUL, a native of Down county. Ireland, settled on Oil creek,
Venango county, about 1811. In 1816 he came to Butler county and purchased
a farm near Mt. Chestnut, which he cleared and improved, and spent the remain-
ing years of his life there. He was a weaver, and left his native land in com-
pany with a family named Robinson. On the vovage Mr. Robinson died, and
our subject subsequently married the widow. Six children were born to this
union, viz. : Andrew; Robert; Margaret, who married William Howe: Sarah,
who married Samuel Howe ; Fannie, who married John Weigley, and Ellen, who
married Joseph Dodds, all of whom are death His second wife was Eleanor
Kincaid, nee Pillow, who bore him four children : William, deceased; James,
of Marion township ; Susan, wife of Andrew Rose, and Hugh. Mr. Sproul died
in 1837 ; his widow survived him until 1854. They were members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church.
Hugh Sproul, youngest child of John and Eleanor Sproul, was born on the
homestead farm near Mt. Chestnut, Butler county, July 4, 1824. At the age of
sixteen he commenced learning the carpenter's trade, and in 1848 he located in
Cherry township, where he established himself in business, and was one of the
leading carpenters and builders of that locality for thirty years. He also per-
formed the duties of a millwright, and still continues to work at his trade in con-
nection with farming. In 1851 he purchased anil settled on his present farm of
11)0 acres, which he has since improved and. cultivated. Mr. Sproul has been
twice married; first in L848, to Elizabeth Smith, who died in 1850, leaving two
children, who are Mill living, viz. : John P., a physician of Plain Grove, and
Elizabeth, wife of C. S. Stoner, of Butler. In 1851 he married Sarah Glenn, a
daughter of James Glenn, of Clay township. The children of this marriege are
as follows ; William, and Ellen, both of whom died in early youth ; James, who
died in l)S<s4 ; Andrew, a merchant at Gomersal ; Addie. wife of Jacob Reinck ;
Clara, wife of John Christy ; Rella, wife of Samuel Hindman ; Minnie, wife of I).
L. Hockenberry ; Everett, and Ross. In politics, Mr. Sproul is a Republican,
has filled the office of school director, and is at present collector and assessor of
his township. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, of West Sun-
bury. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A. Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and
served until the close of the war. lie and Edwin G. Sproul built the grist mill
at Anandale, which is operated under the firm name of Hugh Sproul & Com-
pany.
James Sproul, son of John and Eleanor Sproul. was born in Franklin
township, Butler county, November 15, 1820, and was reared in his native town-
ship, lie has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and lias resided in
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. IjSy
Marion township since 1880. In 1851 he married Elizabeth Scott, a daughter of
Robert Scott, of Franklin township, and is the father of four children, viz. :
Edwin G. ; Francis, deceased; James, and John. Mr. Sproul is the oldest living
member of the family. In politics, he is a Republican, and a respected citizen of
the township.
Edwin G. Sproul, eldest son of James and Elizabeth Sproul, was born in
Butler township, Butler county, in October, 1852, where lie was reared and edu-
cated. After attaining his majority he engaged in lumbering and in operating-
saw mills in different parts of Butler county, and in partnership with his uncle,
Hugh Sproul, erected the Anandale grist mill, at Anandale station, in Marion
township, which has since been operated under his management, the firm name
being Hugh Sproul & Company. The mill is equipped with modern improve-
ments, including the roller process, and is one of the leading mills in this section,
of the county. Mr. Sproul was married July 9, 1878, to Mary Croup, a daughter
of Abraham and Harriet Croup, of Butler township. They have four children,
viz. : Clara ; Hugh ; Cora, andCortie. Mr. Sproul is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and in politics, he is a Republican.
Thomas Bryan was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 23,
1789, and was a son of Zephaniah and Elizabeth ( De Vorce) Bryan. His father
was a native of Maryland, and settled on the line of Allegheny and Westmore-
land counties, Pennsylvania, where he died. lie was a veteran of the Revolu-
tion. His wife was Elizabeth De Vorce, and their children were as follows:
John; Mary, \\ no married Conrad Snyder; Joseph; Elizabeth, who married
Joseph Spears; Jennie, who married John Double; Effie, who married John
Wilson; Thomas, and Prudence, who married John Abner. His second wife
was a Miss McLane, and their children were: James; Zephaniah; Zachariah ;
Phoebe; Mrs. Margaret Wilson ; Nancy, who married James Wilson; David,
and Hamilton, all of whom are dead. In October, 181'J, Thomas Bryan came to
Butler county and purchased 300 acres of land in Brady township, where his sun
Thomas now resides. He was a manufacturer of spinning wheels, and worked at
his trade in connection with farming. He died upon his farm in Brady township-
January 23,1874, and his wife Margaret, in 1879. He married Margaret Steel, a
daughter of Robert Steel, of Westmoreland county, to which union were born the
following children : Eliza J., deceased wife of John T. McCandless ; Robert S. :
Zephaniah, of California; Thomas J. D., deceased; John, a resident of Beaver
Falls; Thomas, of Brady township, and Archie L., of Beaver Falls. Mr. Bryan
was a Baptist, and Mrs. Bryan a Presbyterian. In politics, he was a Democrat.
Robert S. Bryax, son of Thomas and Margaret Bryan, was born in Pitts-
burg, Pennsylvania, July 31, 1818, and was reared in Brady township, Butler
county. He worked with his father at the spinning wheel trade, at which he
was engaged for many years. In 1N41 he purchased sixty acres of the old home-
stead farm, upon which he resided until l.N(54. In that year he bought 318 acres
in Cherry township, which he has since improved, and now owns one of the best
farms in the community. Mr. Bryan was married in 1S44, to Margaret English,
a daughter of James English, of Muddy Creek township. The following chil-
dren are the fruits of this union : Priscilla, wife of Casper Hockenberry ; Mary
I29O HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
A. ; Eliza J., deceased wife of Robert Hogg; Thomas J., of Concord township;
Margaret A.; Archibald L., of Franklin township; Elizabeth A., deceased, and
Marinda C. Mr. Bryan and wife are members of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian
church. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat, and has rilled many of the township
offices. He is one of the most extensive farmers of his township, and gives a
liberal support to every worthy enterprise.
Thomas F. Christley, son of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Christley, was
born in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, February 7, 1K2,S. He received
a common school education, and learned the plasterer's trade in early manhood.
In 1858 he purchased his present farm in Cherry township, which consisted of
196 acres, a portion of which he lias since sold. He now owns 100 acres of well
improved land, where he has followed agricultural pursuits, in connection with
his trade, up to within a lew years. In July, 1K57, he married Ann C. Hill, a
daughter of Daniel K. Hill, of Centreville, and has the following children:
Clara M., wife of John F. McCoy; Alfred M.. an attorney of Butler; Samuel
J., a lawyer residing in Chicago; Wilbur II., deceased ; Emma, wife of Andrew
Sproul ; John and Herbert, both deceased; Laurell E. ; DeWitt, deceased;
Blanche, and Maude. Mr. Christley was a Republican until 1884, when he
became a Prohibitionist. He has rilled the offices of school director and super-
visor, and has always taken an active interest in public affairs. In 1864 he
enlisted in Company 15, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the
close of the war. participating in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Petersburg, etc.
In early life he united with the Methodist Episcopal church of Centreville. and
was one of the original members of the Anandale church. He is a member of
Dickson Post, G. A. R., of West Sunbury, and one of the leading citizens of his
township.
William D. McCune, physician and surgeon, is a son of Robert and Jane
(Devin) McCune, and a grandson of Archibald McCune, one of the earlv settlers
of Lawrence county. He was born near Grove City, Mercer county, October 5i
1848, and was educated in the public schools and at Grove City Academy. He
read medicine with Dr. M. 1'. Barker, of New Castle, and graduated at the
Medical University, Cincinnati. Ohio, in 1S7.S. The following year he located
at Bovard, Butler county, where he has continued in practice up to the present.
Dr. McCune married Cary Cosgrove, a daughter of James Cosgrove, of Law-
rence county, anil has one son, Harry B. In politics, he is actively identified
with the Democratic party. He is a member of New Hope Presbyterian church,
and is connected with the I. ( ). ( ). F., and the Jr. O. U. A. M.
George K. McAdoo, M. D., son of W. F. and Maria (Dumars) McAdoo.
was born in Sugar Grove township, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 21,1866.
He was educated in the public schools of Greenville, Grove City College and at
Thiel College, read medicine with Dr. L. II. Henry, of Kennard, and graduated
at West Penn Medical College. Pittsburg, in March, 1892. He began practice
at Coraopolis, but in May, 1892, located at Anandale, Butler count}*, where he
has since been engaged in the duties of his profession. Dr. McAdoo was mar-
ried in June. 1891 to Ethvl Nelson, a daughter of ]. J. Nelson, of Emlenton,
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 29 I
and has one daughter, Dulce M. The Doctor is a Democrat in politics, and is a
member of Pleasant Valley Presbyterian church.
William Bell, Si;., was a native of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania,
and came to Butler county about 17i">. He entered a tract of about 500 acres of
land in what is now Washington township, where lie spent the remainder of his
life. lie was killed while assisting in the erection of a neighbor's house, and left
a family of five sons and four daughters, all of whom are dead. The names of
the sons are as follows : John ; William : Samuel : George, and Walter, all of
whom were in the War of 1812. The daughters were: Polly, who married
David Christie: Rosa, who married Thomas Taylor: Betsev, who married
Robert Phillips, and Rebecca, who became the wife of John Campbell. Mr. Bell
was a man of considerable prominence in his locality, and was widely known for
his great antipathy to Indians, against whom he had seen much service. lie had
lost several of his brothers and ancestrv during the Indian wars, consequently
had little love for the red man.
William Bell, son of William Bell, Sr., was born in Westmoreland countv,
April 11, I78s. and came to Butler county with his father when about eight
years old. lie grew to manhood in Washington township, served in the War of
1812, and was married to Catherine McKimmons, May 8. LS14. They settled in
this township, and lived and died upon the old homestead, now the property of
their son Alexander. Mr. Bell was the father of the following children : Sam-
uel ; John; Gabriel: William; Alexander; Patton ; Polly ; Rebecca; Eliza J., and
Martha. His wife was a daughter of Gabriel McKimmons, a native of Ireland,
and a pioneer of Butler county. Mr. Bell died January 30, 1850, and his wife,
August :?:?, 1852. They were among the original members of the United Pres-
byterian church, at Mt. Vernon.
Alexander Bell, son of William and Catherine Bell, was horn on his
present homestead in Washington township, May 28. 1829. He inherited the
property from his father, and has always been engaged in farming, and recently
in oil producing. He was married September 12, 1854, to Ellen Stewart, a
daughter of James and Elizabeth .Stewart, the former a native of Butler county,
and the latter of Ireland. Mrs. Bell was horn June 28, 1885. and is the mother
of ten children, all of whom are living, viz. : Ada A. : Amanda J. ; Thomas P. ;
Lizzie A. ; Emma C. : Sarah L. : CharlesE.; Edwin E. ; Jessie M.. and Harriet E.'
In August, 1864, Mr. Bell enlisted in Company A, Eighty-eighth Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. being present at the sur-
render of Lee's army. Politically, he has been a Democrat, but of late years has
supported the Prohibition party. He and wife are members of the United Pres-
byterian church.
Samuel Bell, third son of William Bell, Sr.. was born in Westmoreland
county, and grew to manhood in Butler countv. The family located in Wash-
ington township, Butler county, and later Samuel opened a store at Xorth Wash-
ington, being one of the early merchants of that place. He subsequently pur-
chased 200 acres of land, which embraced the farms now owned by his sons.
Nelson P. and Andrew I. Bell, on the line of Washington and Concord town-
ships. Here he resided until his death. September 18, 1846. Mr. Bell married
I292 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Barbara Campbell, a daughter of Samuel Campbell, to which union were born
the following children : James C. ; Rosanna, wife of Henry Shane ; Samuel S ;
William and Archibald, both deceased; Martha J., wife of Ira Campbell: An-
drew Irvin, and Nelson P. Mrs. Bell died about 1879. She was a member of
the Presbyterian church, to which denomination her husband also belonged. Ik-
was a soldier in the War of 1812, and in politics, he was a stanch Democrat.
Andrew Irvin Bell, fifth son of Samuel and Barbara Bell, was born on
his present homestead farm in Washington township, December 9, 1837. He
received a common school education, and was reared a farmer. After reaching
his majority, he bought fifty acres of land from his mother, to which he has
added fifty-one acres and made all of the improvements. In connection with
farming, he is also interested in oil producing, having several wells upon his
farm. Mr. Bell married Sadie Miller, who has borne him the following children:
Eveline, wife of W. P. Ililliard; Albert S. ; Minnie May; Leroy ; Harry E.,
deceased; Plummer E. ; Lester, and Lilly. Politically, Mr. Bell is a Republican,
and in religion, is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church of North
Washington.
Samuel Meals was a native of York county, Pennsylvania, whither his
parents immigrated from Germany prior to the Revolution. He grew toman-
hood in his native county, whence he removed to Adams county, there married
and reared the following children : George, who married Elizabeth Studebaker ;
Peggy, who married George Daubenspeck ; William, who finally settled in Clar-
ion county; Samuel, who married Miss Hoover; Jacob, who married a Miss
Varnum, and Daniel, who married Catherine Studebaker. In the spring of L796
the eldest son, George, came to what is now Butler county, took up several hun-
dred acres of land on the line of Washington and Concord townships, and made
some improvements. The following year the father and balance of the family
came and settled on this land. Mr. Meals was a blacksmith, as were also his
sons George and Samuel, and built the first shop in the township, which he car-
ried on in connection with farming. He was quite a prominent man in his
neighborhood and filled many of the township offices at different periods. He
and all his children attained a ripe old age, and their descendants are numerous
in Butler county.
George Meals, eldest son of Samuel Meals. Si\, was born in Adams
county, Pennsylvania, and there grew to maturity. In 17'.lli he came to this part
of the State and took up the large tract of land referred to in his father's sketch,
upon which the family settled the following year. George afterwards went to
Westmoreland county and there married Elizabeth Studebaker. About 1M1 he
returned to Butler county and settled at Mechanicsburg, in Worth township,
where he carried on a blacksmith shop. In 1817 he removed to Concord town-
ship, and later to Washington township, where he continued to follow his trade
in connection with agriculture. To George and Elizabeth Meals were born
seven children, as follows: Samuel G., who was born in Westmoreland comity,
July 4, 1809, and died on his farm in Washington township, September 21,
1877: Lydia, who married John Mahood ; Mollie ; Joseph <i. : Peggy, who mar-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 293
ried Joseph Pisor ; Elizabeth, who married Jacob Pisor, and Susanna, who mar-
ried Daniel Pisor. The parents and all of the children are deceased.
Joseph G. Meals, second son of George Meals, was born in Worth town-
ship, Butler county, June 6, 1818. He removed with his parents into Concord
township when about four years old, and later to Washington township. He
married Hannah Hilliard, a daughter of Isaac Hilliard. to whom were born ten
children. Five of these grew to maturity, viz. : Isaac ; Samuel P. ; Naomi J.,
wife of E. E. Kidder; Thomas J., and Sheridan T. Mr. Meals was a stone-
mason, and followed his trade in connection with farming until his death, May
5, 1893. His widow resides with her daughter in Warren , Ohio. He was an
elder in the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Republican.
John Shira was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, of German origin,
and served in the Revolutionary war. After its close he married and settled in
Westmoreland county, his wife being Maria Ann Frifugle. About 1798 he
removed to Butler county, accompanied by his wife and five children, and set-
tled on what is now known as the Fletcher farm, in Washington township. He
soon afterwards purchased a large tract of land in the southern part of the town-
ship, of which, however, he was afterwords dispossessed by fraud. He then
bought a tract of 300 acres near the center of the township, which is now owned
by his grandsons, Alfred L. and David H. Shira. He reared a family of ten
children, seven sons and three daughters, as follows: Daniel; Susan, who mar-
ried Adam Mooney ; Polly, who married Jacob Hilliard ; John, who served in
the War of 1812 ; William ; Jacob ; Peter ; Lewis ; Elizabeth, who married Robert
Hanna. and David, all of whom are dead. Mr. Shira was one of the original
members of the Lutheran church at North Washington, was an exemplary man
and a good citizen.
David Shira, youngest son of John and Maria Ann Shira, was born March
4, 1805, in Washington township, Butler county, and grew to manhood in that
locality. He married Maria Hutchison, whose parents were among the early sett-
lers of the county. They reared seven children, whose names are as follows :
William M. ; Samuel; Robert O. ; Alfred L. ; David II.; Eliza J., and Anna.
Mr. Shira and wife were pioneer members of the United Presbyterian church, at
Mt. Vernon. He died April 9, 1885, and his wife, April 7. 1890.
William M. Shira, eldest son of David and Maria Shira, was born June
23, 1833, upon the old homestead, grew to maturity in his native township, and
received a common school education. In 1854 he crossed the plains to California,
in pursuit of the riches stored in the gold mines of that state, and followed min-
ing until 1858. In that year he returned home via the Isthmus of Panama,
bringing with him the accumulations of the four years spent in the mines. In
the meantime he had sent sufficient money here to purchase his present farm,
upon which he settled and has since resided. Mr. Shira was married on June
29, 1850, to Elizabeth M. Christy, a daughter of William Christy, of Venango
county, where her father served as justice of the peace for many years. Six
children have been born to this union, viz. : Margaret L., wife of George W.
Meals; Maria E., wife of James B. Young; Leonidas, who married Edith
Mitchell; Alvin L. ; Jennie, and Adda M. The family are adherents of the
1294 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
United Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Shira has tilled the office of ruling
elder for several years. Politically, he has been a life-long Republican, has
taken quite an active part in public affairs, anil was elected prothonotarv of But-
ler county in 1884, in which office he served three years. lie has also tilled the
office ot school director many years, and is one of the leading farmers of the
community.
SAMUEL SHIRA, second son of David and Maria (Hutchison) Shira. was
born January 7, L836, upon the homestead farm in Washington township. He
received a common school education, was reared a farmer, and is now the owner
of 125 acres of well improved land. Mr. Shira was married on February 22,
1859, to Ruth E. Steintorf, who was born July 6, IS 10. They are the parents of
the following children : Calvin C, who married Clara Ootids, and lives in But-
ler; Iila M., wife of J. Horace Glenn, of Washington township; Annie E.,
wife of Edward Bell; Madge A.: David W. : Thomas 1'.. and Eva F. Mr.
Shira has a tine oil development on his farm, one of the most productive wells in
the Washington field being .struck there in 1893, which now contains nine oil
wells and one gas well. lie is one of the progressive business men of the town-
ship, and gives his support to every worthy enterprise. Politically, he is a stanch
Republican, and has filled most of the local offices of his township. He and
family are members of the United Presbyterian church.
Peter Shira, son of John Shira, was born October L5, 1800, and is still
living in Washington township at the remarkable age of more than ninety-four
years. On January 2, 1826, he married Jane Hutcheson, born May 12, 1800, and
immediately following their marriage they settled in Washington township,
Butler county, and began the work of making a home. They became the par-
ents of four sons and four daughters, viz. : William II.. of Parker township ;
Margaret A., wife. of William Lewis, of Washington township; John M., and
Fergus M.. both residents of Parker township; Matilda, wife of M. J. Christy,
of Washington township; Esther, wife of William Christy, of Venango town-
ship ; Pelina, wife of D. M. Waldron, of Mercer county, and Alfred G., who
enlisted in Company 15. One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and
died in the service. The mother died April t'i. 1892, after a happy married life
of sixty-six years.
Fergus M. Shira was born in Washington township, Butler county,
February 4, 1883, third son of Peter and Jane Shira. He was reared upon a
farm and received his education in the common schools anil at Witherspoon
Institute. On January I, 1857, he married Catherine J. Kelly, a native of Slip-
pery Rock township, where she was born September I. 1889. Her father.
Samuel Kelly, was born in Down county, Ireland, December 25, 1800, and died
April 28, 1880. Her mother, Eliza (McKee) Kelly, was bom in Antrim county.
Ireland, in 1814, and died April IT, 1880, eleven days before her husband.
After their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Shira took up their residence in Washington
township, where he followed the carpenter's trade, and also engaged in oil
operating in Venango county. In 1809 he located near Parker City, which has
since been his home. He followed his trade for some years, but later devoted his
attention to oil producing, which he still continues to follow. Mr. and Mrs.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 1 2Q5
Shira are the parents of two children, viz. : Samuel Curtis, born December (!.
1857, and Caspian II., March 17, 1860. He is an elder in the Presbyterian
church, is a member of the Masonic order, and is connected with the Roval
Templars. Politically, he is a leading Republican of his township, has seryed as
justice of the peace, and was a candidate for sheriff in 1SS2.
James Mahood was a native of Ireland, whence he came to the United
States, where he married Sally Mahood. whose parents had immigrated to this
country at the same time. They stopped fur a short period near Hollidaysburg,
Pennsylvania, coming to Butler county about 1800. His wife's family settled in
what is now Penn township, while lie located on a tract of 500 acres lying
northwest of the site of North Washington, a portion of which is still owned by
his grandson, James A. Mahood. He reared a family of seven children, as fol-
lows : John; George; lames: Adam; Thomas; Ann. and Sarah, who married
Jacob Miller, all of whom are dead except James and Mrs. Miller. Mr. Mahood
became a man of some local prominence. He was killed in middle life.
John Mahood, eldest son of James Mahood. was born in 1800, grew up
amidst the scenes of pioneer life, and endured the privations incident to that
period. He married Lydia Meals, whose parents were pioneers of Washington
township, and reared four children, viz.: James A.; George W.; Samuel, and
Joseph. Mr. Mahood was one of the original members of the United Presby-
terian church of Mt. Vernon, and died in 1851. His widow belonged to the
same organization, and survived him more than forty years, dying January 16.
1893, aged eighty-six years.
JAMES A. Mahood. eldest son of John and Lydia Mahood, was born on the
farm near where he now resides. January 14. 1830, was reared to farm life, and
has followed that vocation up to the present. In early manhood he worked for
a few years at wagon-making. On March IS. 1856, Mr. Mahood married
Marilda Hilliard. a daughter of Samuel R. Ililliard. a descendant of one of the
early settlers of the township. They are the parents of six children, as fol-
lows: John I,.; Margaret A.; Samuel E. ; Cora M.. wife of W. R.Turner:
William E., and W. Scott. Mr. Mahood anil wife are members of the United
Presbyterian church of Mt. Vernon, anil in politics, he is a Republican.
Jacob Hilliard, a native of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, was a
son of Isaac Ililliard, a native of Germany. Jacob was a soldier in the War ot
the Revolution, and after its close engaged in farming. In 1802 he located in
what is now Washington township, Butler county, purchasing 300 acres of land
where Oscar Meals now resides. Soon afterwards he and two of his sons secured
a second tract of about 3<>0 acres, and in the course of a few years the family
owned about 1200 acres in that locality. Jacob Ililliard reared a family of nine
sons, all of whom lived to a ripe old age. and became heads ol families, except
Philip, who never married. Their names are as follows: Francis: Jacob;
Peter; George; Abraham; Isaac: John: Philip, and Elisha. Abraham and
Isaac served in the War of 1812. The father died at the age of eighty-one years.
He was a man of considerable local influence and prominence, and led an active
and useful life.
■I 290 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John Hilliard, son of Jacob Milliard, Sr., was born August 3, 1795, and
came to Butler county with his parents when a lad of seven years. He was
reared in Parker township, and was married December 11. 1820, to Mary Parker.
They were the parents of ten children, all of whom grew to maturity. Four of
the sons served in the Rebellion, viz. : Eli, Israel, Peter and James. Eli was a
lieutenant, and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg. In 1823 Mr. Hilliard
erected the lirst grist mill on Slipper)' Rock creek, at Hilliards, and followed
that business the remainder of his life. He died December 11, 1869.
Philip Hilliard, fourth son of John and Mary Hilliard, was born in what
is now Washington township, February 10. 1828, was educated in the common
schools and at Butler Academy, and taught several years in the public schools of
the county. In 1856 he was elected a county commissioner, and at the close of
his term was twice appointed to rill a vacancy as clerk of the board. In I860 he
was elected a justice of the peace, and served continuously for twenty years. In
1ST1 > lie was census enumerator for six districts in the northeast part of the county.
In 1877 he engaged in merchandising, which he followed for six years. He is at
present filling several township offices, and is one of the useful men of the com-
munity. Mr. Hilliard was married on June 7. 1859, to Mary S. Coe, to which
union were born four children, all of whom are dead. Politically, he is a Repub-
lican, a high protectionist, and a stanch supporter of the principles of his party.
He served as postmaster under Harrison's administration, and for forty years has
filled some official position. He is the oldest living representative of this pioneer
family, after whom the village of Hilliards was named.
Peter P. Hilliard. miller, is the seventh son of John and Mary (Parker)
Hilliard, and was born in the village of Hilliards, December 24, 1882. He
received a common school education, and in boyhood commenced to learn the
milling business with his father ; subsequently became his partner, and at his
father's death succeeded to the business, which he continued down to 1888. He
and his brother Philip are the only surviving members of the family in this
vicinity. In August. 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-
fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served eleven months. He was taken pris-
oner at the battle of Fredericksburg, and was kept in Libby prison for twenty-
three days, when he was exchanged. He participated in many hard fought
battles, and was mustered out of service with the rank of corporal. Mr. Hilliard
was married to Sarah A. Rider, September IS, I860, who became the mother of
four children, viz. : John M. F. : Newton E. ; Nancy Bell, deceased, and Mar-
garetta A. Mrs. Hilliard died July 11. 1863. He was again married, to Effina
M. Hilliard, a grand-daughter of '/.. A. Hilliard, of Washington township, who
is tlie mother of one daughter, Chloe M. Politically, Mr. Hilliard is a Republi-
can, and both he and wife are members of the Lutheran church.
Hilliard Brothers, farmers and manufacturers of brick and tile, consist
of P. Lyman Hilliard, born December Is. 1848; M. Luther Hilliard, born Sep-
tember 21, 1861, and William P. Hilliard, born in July, 1869. All were born
upon the old homestead, where they now reside, and are sons of Samuel and
Elizabeth (Jamison) Hilliard. Samuel was a son of Isaac Hilliard, and a
grandson of Jacob Hilliard, Sr., the first of the family to settle in Washington
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 297
township. Their mother was the grand-daughter of a Hessian soldier who served
in the German contingent of the English army, in the Revolution, and settled in
Pennsylvania at the close of the war. The old homestead of Samuel Hilliard
has been divided into three farms, the property of his sons. In 1887 they estab-
lished a brick and tile yard upon the old farm, which is rapidly developing into
a lucrative business, being the only one of the kind in the township. The
family are Republicans, in politics. The Hilliard Brothers are recognized as
enterprising and progressive business men.
Thomas Kelly. Jr., son of Thomas Kelly, was born in Parker township,
Butler county, received a good common school education, and followed school
teaching for many years. He afterwards settled in Washington township and
engaged in farming. He was a Whig during the existence of that party, and
afterwards a Republican. lie filled many of the offices in his township, and one
term as county commissioner. From his youth lie was a member of the Seceder
church, and after the union, in 1858, he was a United Presbyterian. He was an
elder in both denominations, and was known as one of the most pious, God-
fearing men in Butler county. Mr. Kelly married Miss Miriam Wilson, and to
them were born the following named children : James W. : John T. ; Richard ;
Melinda, now the Widow Maxwell ; Thomas D., deceased ; Nancy, deceased wife
of H. H. Daubenspeck ; Isabella; Milton A., and Melvin B., the last three of
whom are dead, and Amelda J., wife of Frank Peffer. Mr. Kellv was a natural
mechanic, an industrious man, a fine penman, and was strong in body, mind and
character. He died on October 2, 1SG7, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. His
wife, a sincere Christian and a kind mother, survived him until March. 1871.
Harmon Seaton was born in Washington township, Butler county, June
'J, 1842. His grandfather, Robert Seaton, came from eastern Pennsylvania to
Butler county in 1800. and settled in Marion township, entering 400 acres of"
land, upon which he afterwards carried on a tannery and woolen mill. The sub-
ject of this sketch enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Second Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, in August, 1861, and served three Years. In September. 1864,
he enlisted in the Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until the close of
the war. At the battle of Fair Oaks he was wounded in the right thigh, and
has been a pensioner since the Rebellion ended. In politics, Mr. Seaton is a
Republican, and is now filling the offices of collector and constable.
Alexander Clark was born in eastern Pennsylvania, May 30, 1800, ason
of Col. William Clark, a native of Scotland, who served in the Revolution.
After the war Colonel Clark settled in this State, and married a Mis* Nesbit.
Alexander was reared in Pennsylvania, came to Butler county in 1835, and set-
tled on a farm near the center of Washington township, where he remained the
balance of his life. He was one of the prosperous farmers of the community for
half a century. He was twice married ; first to Eliza Storey, May 23, 1848. She
was born in Fairview township, Butler county, March IS, 1817, anil became the
mother of nine children. By his second marriage Mr. Clark was the father of
seven children. He died December 25, 1889. He was a Republican, in politics,
and filled the various offices in his township. A member of the United Pres-
82
1298 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
byterian church, he always manifested a commendable interest in religious
a flairs.
John C. Clark, fourth son of Alexander Clark by his second marriage,
was born upon the old homestead where he now lives. December 31, 1856. He
was reared and educated in his native township, and has devoted his energies
towards agricultural pursuits. lie lias recently engaged in oil producing on his
own farm, most of which he has leased for that purpose. He is an active Repub-
lican, and one of the prosperous voting farmers of his township.
William Royle was a native of Chester county, England, and by trade a
machinist. lie married Sarah Simmons in his native land, and immigrated with
his family to Pennsylvania in 1N;57. In 1840 he came to Butler county, and ten
years afterwards purchased a farm in Allegheny township, upon which he lived
until his death. They had a family of four sons, named as follows : William,
of Allegheny township; Charles, deceased; Robert, deceased, and Henry, of
Washington township.
Henry Roylk, farmer and coal dealer, was born in England, in August,
1825, and came to Butler county with his parents. He purchased his present
homestead in 1867, consisting of seventy acres, upon which he has since resided.
In 1876 he leased some coal lands near his farm, which he has developed into a
very lucrative trade, shipping as many as thirty tons per day. He has recently
constructed a switch to his mine, and hopes in the near future to largely increase
his business. Mr. Rovle was married November 18, 1851, to Eliza Crozier, a
native of Armstrong county. Eleven children have been born to this union,
whose names areas follows: Mrs. Sarah Jenkins; Mrs. Harriet Cook ; William;
Mrs. Julia A. McKee : John : Robert ; Washington M. ; Clara ; James II. ; Isa-
bella, and Catherine. Four of the sons. Robert. Washington, fames, and John
are in business with their father. Mr. Rovle was a Democrat up to 1893, when
he declared his intention to henceforth support the Republican party and a high
tariff.
Edmund Jenkins was born October 5, 184l'. a son of Joseph Jenkins. On
May 14, 1874, he married Sarah Royle, a daughter of Henry and Eliza Royle.
He was then a resident of Brady's Bend, Armstrong county. Mrs. Jenkins was
born August 31, 1853, and has two children, viz.: Mary, born December 6,
1877, and Hattie, born March l)(,», L879. Her husband died August S. 1878.
John Beatty, a native of Ireland, came to Pennsylvania with his parents in
boyhood, and settled in Westmoreland county. He grew to manhood in that
county, and there married Jane Guthrie, December 31, 1789, a sister of Jack
Guthrie, a celebrated Indian scout of that period. Her brother William was
killed by the Indians during the massacre at Ilannahstown. In 17'J- John Beatty
removed to Perry township, Armstrong county, and settled on a farm, where he
spent the balance of his life. His children were as follows : Jane, who married
William Campbell ; Agnes, who married James Shepard ; Margaret, who mar-
ried a Mr. Hall, and after his death, fames Guthrie ; John G. : Samuel ; William;
Elizabeth, and Sarah.
William Beatty, youngest son of John and Jane Beatty, was born in 1805,
in Perry township, Armstrong county. He there grew to maturity, and married
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 2CJ9
Elizabeth A. Sedgwick. They lived upon the old homstead in Armstrong county
until 1854. in which year they located upon a farm at Annisville, Washington
township, Butler county, where he died the same year. Mr. Beatty was an old-
line Whig and an Abolitionist, and was a strict temperance man. He served as
a justice of the peace in his native county for many years. lie reared a large
family, and has many descendants residing in this section of the State.
|oiin L. Beatty, druggist, was born in Perry township, Armstrong county,
November 1, 1883. On the death of his father the care of the family largely
devolved upon him, as he was the eldest. He worked for his mother for some
years, and then purchased the farm and carried it on until 1871, in which year
he sold out and engaged in oil producing. He followed the oil business for four
years, removing to Ililliards in 1875, where he engaged in the lumber trade. Hi-
continued in that business until 1888. and then embarked in a drug store, which
he has since conducted. Mr. Beatty was married June 25, 1N57. to Henrietta I).
McCool, whose ancestors came from Ireland. Nine children were the fruits of
the union, five of whom are living, viz. : Edwin C. ; William S. : Gertrude E.,
wife of Joseph Burnett ; Maud M.. and Clarence L. The deceased are : Laura
B., who married W. B. Fowler; George P.: Philo A., and Elizabeth L. Mr.
Beatty and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he
tills the office of Sunday school superintendent. In politic-, he is a Republican,
and has held many of the offices in his township. He is the owner of a farm of
125 acres adjoining the village of Hilliards. from which the Standard Plate Glass
Company of Butler obtain the sand for polishing purposes. It is thus a valuable
property, and brings him in a respectable income.
Rev. R. B. Starks. pastor of the Lutheran church at North Washington.
was born in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, January 17, 1842. He is a son of
Robert P. and Margaret (Wills) Starks, natives of Mifflin county, of Scotch
ancestry, and of the same lineage as Gen. John Stark, of Revolutionary fame.
His father was a laborer, and had a brother who died while serving in the Mexi-
can war. The subject of this sketch was educated at Selins Grove Missionary Insti-
tute, and was ordained in 1879. He commenced his ministry in Will county.
Illinois, where he remained for two years, and then located at Elderton, Arm-
strong county, Pennsylvania, where he was pastor of a Lutheran charge for four
and a half years. In January, 1885, he became pastor of his present charge,
which position he has occupied up to the present. Mr. Starks served in Com-
pany C, Forty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, for nearly three years, being hon-
orably discharged on May 29, 1865. He was wounded in the right thigh bv a
gun shot in front of Petersburg, for which he draws a pension from the govern-
ment. His brother, Charles T., served in the same company, and died in the
rebel prison at Salisbury, North Carolina. Mr. Starks was married May 12,1880.
to Jennie Kistner, who died July 27, 1882, leaving two sons : Benjamin K.,born
February 27, 1881, and Robert W., deceased. He was again married Augusts.
L883, to Maggie Black, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Crissman) Black, of
Indiana county. Since becoming pastor of his present charge, Air. Starks has
done much towards its spiritual and material prosperity, and the congregation is
now in a flourishing condition.
I300 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
O. P. Pisor, physician and surgeon, North Washington, was born in Slip-
pery Rock township, Butler county. January 16, 1853, son of John and Mary
(Emery) Pisor, both natives of this county. ThePisors were among the first set-
tlers of this section of the State, and located in Butler county as early aa 1795,
their original entries being situated in what is now Worth township. We find
in the first assessment of original Slippery Rock township, made in 1803, the
names of Jacob and John Pisor, spelled in records " Povzer." Jacob is assessed with
400 acres of land, one horse and one cow. and John with a saw mill and distil-
lery. Adam and George Pisor came about the same time as John and Jacob,
and settled in the same locality. Adam married a daughter of David Studebaker,
the first settler of Worth township, and their son John, was the father of our
subject. Tile family is of German origin, and numerous descendants of the
original settlers are still living in the county. John Pisor, son of Jacob, was the
first white child born within tire limits of Worth township, his birth occurring
on October 81. IT'.'S. David Studebaker, the maternal great grandfather of our
subject, came to Butler county from Westmoreland county. His father was a
soldier in the Revolution, and a captive among the Indians in boyhood for nine
years. T°fin Pisor married Mary J. Emery, located in Worth townsthip in 1857,
and was quite a successful farmer. He was a Democrat, in politics, and was an
elder in the Presbyterian church. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a
farm, attended the common schools in boyhood, and completed his education at
Pine Grove Academy and at Waynesburg College. He afterwards engaged in
teaching, which profession he followed for several years, commencing in the
meantime the study of medicine with Dr. Patterson, of Slippery Rock . He
attended lectures for two seasons at the Medical Department of the University of
Wooster, Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1881 he attended lectures at Jefferson Medical
College, in Philadelphia, graduating from that institution in March. 1881. He
began practice at Harrisville, Butler county, remaining there tor seven years, and
then removed to North Washington. He has since built up a lucrative practice,
and is recognized as one of the progressive physicians of the county. Dr. Pisor
is a member of the Butler County Medical Society, and takes a deep interest in
the growth and development of medical science. He is prominent in educational
affairs, and has served as a member of the school board, and secretary of the same
for several years. He is an elder in the Presbyterian church, and for some years
superintendent of the Sunday school. Dr. Pisor was married October 4, 1881,
to Margaret A.Jordan, a daughter of Henry and Isabella (Orr) Jordan, a native
of Lawrence county. Three children are the fruits of this union, as follows :
Marshall Orr; John Plummer, and Frank Jordan. Politically. Dr. Pisor is a
Democrat, and is a stanch supporter of the principles and measures of his party.
Camdon McKee, of the firm of McKee & Company, merchants and man-
ufacturers, was born in Allegheny township, Butler county, September 11, 1857,
son of Josiah and Julia A. (Low) McKee. His father was born in Armstrong
county, in 1819, and his mother in Butler county, in IS:?:.'. They removed to
Ohio in 18*7, where they now reside. His maternal grandparents were early
settlers of Allegheny township, where the subject of this sketch was reared. On
September 23, 1887, lie married Loretta Sloan, a daughter of Samuel and Mar-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I3OI
garet (Irvin) Sloan of Venango township, Butler county, where her family were
pioneers. Mrs. McKee died February 21, 1891. The firm of McKee & Com-
pany carry on an extensive business in hardware, stoves, agricultural implements,
wagons, etc., and also conduct a planing mill at Hilliards. The mill was estab-
lished by Mr. McKee's father at Six Points, Butler county, in 1870, and removed
to Hilliards in 1876. It was carried on byjosiah McKee until 1884, in which year
it came into the possession of its present owners.
William K. Partridge, of the firm of McKee & Company, was born in
French Creek township, Venango county, February HI, 1853, son of Thomas and
Margaret (Kilgore) Partridge, both natives of Mercer county, who located in
Venango county about 1843. William K. was reared on a farm, and on May
25, 1882, was married to Ada McKee, a daughter of Josiah and Julia A. McKee.
She was born in Allegheny township, Butler county, and is the mother of two
children: Mabel, born February 17, 1883, and Fred, April 17. 1885. Mr. Part-
ridge located at Hilliards in 1884, where he formed a partnership with Camdon
McKee in the mercantile and manufacturing business, which they have since
carried on successfully. Politically, he is a Democrat, and in religious faith, is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of North Washington.
Ozias M. Patterson', agent of the Pittsburg, Shenango and Lake Erie
railroad, at Hilliards, was born in Delaware township, Mercer county, March
18, 1855, son of William C. and Mary (Colton) Patterson, the former a native
of Mercer county, and the latter of Erie county. I lis grandfather. Andrew Pat-
terson, a native of Maryland, located in Mercer county about 1808. His father
died in 1886. His maternal grandfather, Luther Colton, a native of New York,
first removed to Erie county, and thence to Mercer county at an early day. He
was a soldier in the War of 1*12, and his widow drew a pension as long as she
lived. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, but has been connected
more or less with railroads since boyhood. He has been an employee on regular
station work since 1881, and became agent at Hilliards in March, 1888. Mr.
Patterson was married on January 1, 1875. to Lucy Patterson, a daughter of
Joseph and Sarah (Hart) Patterson, of Crawford county. Her grandfather was
one of the early settlers and owned a part of the land where the town of
Sharon now stands. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson have a family of four children, as
follows: Blanche; Llovd L. ; Wade W., and Raed J. The family are con-
nected with the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics, he is a Republican,
and is a member of Eureka Lodge, A. O. LT. W., of Grove City.
James Vincent, Sr., a native of Ireland, came to the United States in
1794, and located in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. While there he married
Charity Gilmore, and early in 179(3 they removed to Mercer county. Becoming
dissatisfied with the locality in which they settled, Mr. Vincent purchased, the
same year, a tract of 4(H) acres in what is now Marion township, Butler count)',
and early in 1798 he settled upon it with his wife anil two sons, Thomas and
John. The children born here are as follows: James; Robert; Jane, who mar-
ried Robert Allen; Mary, who married Alexander Scott; Margaret, who mar-
ried James Barnes; Gibson ; William, and George C. Some time in the twenties
he purchased 200 acres of land near Cadiz, Ohio, and gave to Thomas and John,
I302 HISTORY OF BUTLER COl'NTY.
100 acre* each, upon which they settled, but they sold their farms in 1839, and
removed to Washington county, Iowa. About the same time Mr. Vincent pur-
chased another 200-acre tract in what is now Slippery Rock township, Butler
county, upon which his sons Robert and William located. He built a grist mill
there, operated by water power, but in the fall of 18i5-*i it was burned. He soon
afterwards rebuilt it and the mill is still standing and in successful operation.
Gibson Vincent married Matilda Baird, a daughter of Thomas Baird, of
Venango county, owned the larger part of the old homestead, and died there in
1864. His willow is still living on the old place. The youngest son. Rev.
George C. Vincent, became a Presbyterian minister, and for nearly fifty years
preached the gospel in Ohio, Illinois. Iowa and Pennsylvania. He was also a
prominent educator, being a professor in Westminster College at one time, and
president of Franklin College tors even years. He was an editorial writer of
considerable ability and continued his labors in the ministry until a few months of
his death, which occurred at Allegheny. Pennsylvania, October llj. 1889. James
Vincent, Sr., died upon the old homestead, March 18, 1X47.
James Vincent, son of James and Charity Vincent, was born in Marion
township, Butler county, August 11, 1798, and is said to have been the first
child born in that part of the county. He resided on part of the old homestead
all his life. In early days he served as captain of a militia company, and took
an active interest in public affairs. He married Nancy Kerr, a daughter of John
Kerr, of Mercer county, who bore him three children: Harriet, who married
James Porter; John K.. and Charity, wife of Levi Porter. Captain Vincent
was a stanch Republican, and was a leading member of the United Presbyterian
church. He died on August 10, 1870, aged seventy-two years.
John K. Yi\ci:\ i . only son of James and Nancy Vincent, was born on the
old Vincent homestead in Marion township. August 6, ISoO. and has spent his
entire life thereon. In 1862 he married Martha Baird, a daughter of James
Baird. and a grand-daughter of Thomas Baird. Her grandfather was a native of
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, a surveyor by profession, and settled in Clinton
township, Venango county, in 1796. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are the parents of
three children. viz. : 1 1 at tie- ; William J., and Charles G. They are members of
the United Presbyterian church. In politics, he is a Republican, and has served
one term as justice of the peace.
William J. Vincent, son of John K. and Martha Vincent, was born on
the Vincent homestead. Marion township. January I'll. 1866, received a common
school education, and has followed farming as an occupation. On October 20,
1887, he married Nannie Snyder, a daughter of Jonathan and Rose (Nutt)
Snvder, of Mercer county. Three children are the fruits of this union, viz.:
Mary: Wilda, and Rose. Politically, Mr. Vincent is a Republican, and is a
member of the United Presbyterian church.
Hugh Murrin, Si;., a native of Londonderry county. Ireland, immigrated
to America prior to the Revolution, and served in a New Jersey regiment
throughout that struggle for liberty. He was married in New Jersey to Cathe-
rine Shaw, and they were the parents of the following children who grew to
maturity: James; Joseph; Hugh: John; Philip; George: William; Peter;
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 303
Catherine, and Mary. After his marriage he settled in Huntingdon county.
Pennsylvania, where he resided until 1799, in which year he removed with his
family to Butler county, and settled upon a tract of 400 acres in what is now
Venango township. His sons, James and Joseph, each took up 200 acres neai
their father's entry. Mr. Murrin erected a cabin and began the work of making
a home in the primitive forest of Butler county. Both he and wife died upon
the farm, and were buried in a private graveyard located thereon. They were
stanch members of the Catholic church, and erected on their farm, as early as
1805 a small log church building where services were celebrated by the early mis-
sionary fathers of western Pennsylvania. In his will he left some money towards
the erection of a more commodious church, which was carried into effect at a later
day through the efforts of his son John. The lands settled by himself and sons
are yet in possession of his descendants.
John Murrin, fourth son of Hugh and Catherine Murrin, was born in
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1787. ami was twelve years of age when
his parents came to Butler county. He grew to manhood upon the homestead
farm, and obtained such an education as the schools of that period afforded, but
in after years he acquired through observation and reading a wide knowledge of
men and books. After attaining his majority he purchased 200 acres of land
adjoining the old homestead, where he established a store about 1830, and con-
ducted that business for some ten years. He also purchased a grist mill, erected
saw mills, and was an extensive lumber manufacturer for many years. At his
death he owned between 1200 and 1500 acres of land. He also operated a
distillery for some years. In 182(1 he was appointed by Governor Wolfe a
justice ot the peace, ami served continuously through re-elections to the same
office for over forty years. He was widely and intimately known throughout
western Pennsylvania as 'Squire John Murrin, and was one of the most promi-
nent men in this section of the State. Politically, he was an ardent Democrat,
was a candidate of his party for the legislature, associate judge, etc.. anil always
active in public affairs. He was the founder of the village of Murrinsville, and
gave liberally of his means towards the erection of the Catholic church at that
point, being one of the leading members of the congregation throughout his life.
He married Elizabeth Keating, a daughtel of Hugh Keating, of Centre county,
and reared a family of eleven children, as follows: Hugh, and William, both
deceased : John, of Butler ; Francis P., a resident of Ohio ; Margaret, deceased wife
of William Forquer; Catherine, wife of Patrick McBride ; Mary, deceased wife
of C. McBride; Julia Ann, who married Alexander Simpson; Matilda, wife of
Michael Gormley; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Henry Gormley, ami Louisa, wife
of J. S. Xeeson. 'Squire Murrin died July l'.l. 1863, his wile having passed away
on August 31. 184S. They sleep side by side in the Catholic graveyard at
Murrinsville.
Hugh Murrin, eldest son of John and Elizabeth Murrin. was born in Ven-
ango township, Butler county, April 4. 1817, was reared upon the farm, and received
a common school education. In early manhood he located in Marion township,
upon the farm now owned by his nephew. John Z. Murrin. He later spent four
years at Emlenton, where he was engaged in the hotel and mercantile business,
I3O4 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
and then returned to his farm in Marion township. In 1866 he removed to
Murrinsville, locating on the property now occupied by his children, where he
continued farming, and also carried on the hotel business for sixteen years prior
to his death, which occurred September 28, 1885. He married Jane Gormley, a
daughter of Cornelius and Mary Gormley, of Marion township, to which union
■were born nine children, as follows : Elizabeth ; John F. ; Anna, wife of Michael
Higgins ; Harry; James A.; Josephine L. ; Cornelius G. ; Catherine, and
Matilda. His wife died February 1:2, ]ss:i. Mr. Murrin was a practical mem-
ber of the Catholic church, and reared his family in that faith. In politics, he
was a Democrat, ami in early days was captain of a militia company.
William Murrin, son of John and Elizabeth (Keating) Murrin, was born
in Marion township, Butler county, April 10. 1827] and was reared upon his
father's farm. In early manhood he conducted a store at Murrinsville in partner-
ship with Patrick McBride, and later was proprietor of the Murrin House, at
Franklin, for fifteen years. Ik- then returned to Murrinsville, and was engaged
in merchandising from 1*74 until 1881, when he located upon his farm in Marion
township, and continued to follow agriculture until his death, which occurred
December 20, 1887. He married Elizabeth Fielding, a daughter of Zachariah
and Rosanna (Carr) Fielding, of Slippery Rock township, Butler county. She
became the mother of seven children, viz. : Bessie, wife of Bernard McCrea ;
John Z. ; Rosanna, deceased ; William E. ; Estella, now Sister M. Norberta, of
the order of Sisters of Charity: Maude, and Katherine. Mrs. Murrin is a
resident of Franklin, Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Catholic church, in
which faith her husband lived and died. Politically, he was a Democrat, ami an
enterprising, progressive citizen.
|(in\ Z. Murrin, eldest son of William and Elizabeth Murrin, was born at
Murrinsville, Butler county, October 31, 1858, and was reared in Butler and
Venango counties." He received a common school education, and has been
engaged in farming in Marion township since 1879. On August 20, 1880, he
married Catherine McBride, a daughter of Michael and Grace (Friel)
McBride, of Venango township, ami has six children, viz. : Marie; Grace: W.
Lawrence; John B.; Catherine, and Ella. Mr. Murrin and family arc members
of the Catholic church, find in politics, he is a Democrat. After serving four
years as justice of the peace of Marion township, he resigned to accept the post-
mastership at Boyers, to which position he was appointed in July, 1893. He is
a descendant of Hugh Murrin, Sr.. who came to Butler county nearly one hun-
dred years ago.
John Black was born in Donegal county, Ireland, son of John Black, a
native of the same county, where he died in 1783. His grandfather, James Black,
born near Letterkenny, Ireland, was a son of James Black, a native of Scotland,
who removed to Ireland towards the close of the Seventeenth century. The subject
of this sketch came to the United States in 1793, and settled in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, where he married Jane Criswell, a native of Derry county, Ire-
land, in 1795. In 1 7'. >7 they removed to Westmoreland county (now Armstrong),
and in 1799 settled in what is now Marion township, Butler county, upon the
land where William ami Joshua P. Black reside. lie subsequently purchased
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 50;,
another farm of 400 acres on the Middle Branch of Slippery Rock creek, where
he built a saw mill in 1825 and later a grist mill, the only mill in this section for
many years. It was known as Black's mill, and was a familiar landmark in pio-
neer times. Here he died on October 3, 1832, and his wife, in January, 1864.
He was one of the founders of West Unity United Presbyterian church, and a
leading Democrat of his day. The children of John and Jane Black are as fol-
lows : Martha, who married Robert Breaden ; Matthew, who died in 1850;
Jane, who married John Kerr; Robert C, who died in 1850; John, who
died in Butler, in 188'.); James, a resident of San Jose, California; William.
who died in 1891; Alexander M., who died in 1834; Rebecca, who married
David Vance, and Julia A., who married John Porter. Several of the .-.ons
became leading citizens of Butler county, and were prominent factors in its
social and material development. During the Rebellion thirteen grandsons of
John Black, Sr., served in the Union armies, and four of the number laid down
their lives in defence of the flag. No other family in Butler county exhibited a
greater devotion to the Union cause than the descendants of this Irish pioneer of
Marion township.
Matthew Black, eldest son of John and Jane Black, was born in Marion
township, Butler county, in October, 1800, was reared in the old log cabin
erected by his father in the primitive forest of Marion township, and received a
meager education in the pioneer schools of that period. He made farming his
life vocation, and owned a portion of the original tract entered by his father,
to which he added thirty-three acres, owning at his death a farm of 110 acres of
well improved land. He died on June 8, 1850, in his fiftieth year. Mr. Black
was twice married. His first wife was Eliza Curry, of Marion township, who
bore him three children, viz. : John A., deceased ; James C, a resident of Iowa,
who served in the Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, in the Rebellion, and Matthew
I., deceased. His second wife was Charlotte Tinker, a daughter of Joshua Tin-
ker, of Cherry township, but a native of England. Six children were the fruits
of this union, as follows : Uriah J., who enlisted in Company C, Eleventh Penn-
sylvania Reserve, and died in the service; Jarvis W., deceased; Abigail, wife of
W. F. Maxwell, of Kansas; Robert W. ; Silas T., deceased, and Joshua T.
Mr. Black was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, was
a supporter of the Whig party.
Joshua T. Black, youngest son of Matthew and Charlotte Black, was horn
upon the homestead farm in Marion township, March 17, 1845. He was edu-
cated in the common schools, and soon after attaining his majority he purchased
the old homestead, upon which he has resided since his birth. On July 24, IS73,
he married Annetta M. Byers, a daughter of Resa and Ellen (Patterson) Byers,
of Waterloo, Venango county. They are the parents of four children, viz. : Ira
E. ; Frank B. ; Alda M., and Charles E. Mr. Black is a member of the United
Presbyterian church, and politically, he is a Republican. He is now serving his
second term as justice of the peace, and is recognized as one of the representative
citizens of his community.
James Black, fourth son of John and Jane (Criswell) Black, was born in
Marion township, Butler county, August 31, 1S08, and was reared upon the old
1306 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
homestead. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade and followed that business in
connection with farming until 1865. Removing to Franklin in that year he
engaged in the furniture and carpenter business, which he followed until Sep-
tember, 1S74, and then removed to San Jose, California, where he now resides
at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. During his residence in Butler county
he took a deep interest in educational matters, and was a director in the public
schools tor several years. He has been an elder in the United Presbvterian
church since arriving at the age of twenty-five, and a liberal supporter of that
organization. In politics, he was originally a Democrat, but afterwards united
with the Republican party. Mr. Black married Nancy A., daughter of David
Russell of Marion township, Butler county, June 20, 1833, to whom were born
the following children : John C, a lawyer, residing in San Jose, California ;
David A., a farmer of Santa Clara county, California; William M., a
resident of Illinois, who served in Company K, Seventeenth Indiana Vol-
unteers, from June, 1861, to July. 1^65; James H., of Leavenworth, Kansas,
who served in Company H., Seventeenth Illinois Volunteers; Isaiah, of Frank-
lin. Pennsylvania, who was rife major in the Sixteenth Illinois Volunteers;
Newton, attorney at law, Butler; Josiah B.. an oil producer of Butler; Perry N.,
of Bradford, Pennsylvania; Jennie INI., who died March 3, 1893; Lysander, a
physician of Butler, and Alfred P., assistant district attorney of San Francisco.
California.
Robert Seaton was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, of Irish
parentage, in 1763, and came to Butler county in 1800. He settled in what is
now Marion township, and at once set to work and erected a log cabin, in which
his daughter, Eliza, was born the fourth day after the family arrived at their des-
tination. Mr. Seaton was a millwright, and built nearly all the mills in this
section of the country in his day. furnishing the lumber for the same, in payment
of which he received a certain share of the profits of each mill for seven years.
About 1815 he built a fulling mill on the South Branch of Slippery Rock creek,
and subsequently a tannery. These he carried on until his death, in 1852. He
married Mary Davis, of Huntingdon county, and their children were as follows:
Polly, who married Robert Shaw; Alexander ; Eliza, who married Stephen Van-
derlin ; Ann, who married Robert Hutchison ; Margaret ; Thomas ; Robert ; Will-
iam ; James, and John.
Alexander Seaton, eldest son of Robert and Mary Seaton, was born in
Huntingdon county, in 1790, and came to Butler county with his parents when
about ten vears old. On attaining his majority he purchased a farm on the line
of what i> now Mercer and Marion townships, his residence being in the former.
He was a millwright and farmer, and erected a saw, jurist and cloth mill, which
he operated for many years. Mr. Seaton married Isabella Donaldson, a daugh-
ter of Andrew Donaldson, and reared a family of eight children , viz. : Mar-
garet, who married James Bailey; Robert F. : Andrew; Mary A., who married
John Buchanan: John; Thomas; William A., and Abner. Mr. Seaton was a
member of the United Presbvterian church. In politics, he was a Democrat, and
held the office of justice of the peace many years.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I ~,°7
Robert F. Seaton, eldest son of Alexander Seaton, was born upon the
Seaton homestead in Marion township, in 1<S21. He learned the stonemason's
trade and subsequently engaged in farming. He married Mary, a daughter of
Alexander McMurray, and their children 'were as follows: Samuel M. ; Eva
J., wife of John Ray; Matilda, deceased; Samantha ; Seretta, wife of John
Murrin, and Scott A.
William A. Seaton, fifth son of Alexander and Isabella Seaton, was born
in Mercer township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1881, was reared on
the homestead farm, and acquired a common school education. When eighteen
years of age he began learning the blacksmith's trade with James McDowell, of
Harrisville, Butler county, and served an apprenticeship of two years, for
which he received fifty dollars in store goods. He next worked one year at Clin-
tonville. Venango county, for which he was paid seventy-live dollars. In 1851—
52 he followed lumbering at Irwinsburg, on the Conowango river, and in the
spring of 1853 he located at Mercer, Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade
until the summer of 1854. He then entered Westminster College, at New Wil-
mington, Pennsylvania, where he spent the fall term of 1854, and the winter and
summer term of IS.");"). In the fall of the latter year he went to California and
worked at his trade in the mining region until the spring of 1857. He then pur-
chased a claim and embarked in mining, which he followed two years. In the
spring of 1859 he sold his claim and engaged in farming in Feather river valley,
which he continued until April. 1861, anil then started for his old home in But-
ler county, where he arrived in safety. On September 16, 1861, Mr. Seaton
enlisted in Company L, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and participated with his
command in the Seven Days Fight before Richmond, Gaines Hill, Mechanics-
ville, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Shepherds-
town, and many other engagements, and was honorably discharged September
17, 1864. After his return from the army, he worked at his trade in Grove City
for eight years, and then purchased his present farm, upon which he has >ince
resided. Mr. Seaton married Ann E., a daughter of Robert Hutchison, of
Marion township. August 6. 1863, and has two daughters : Anna B., and Ella
M. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, also of the G. A. R.,
and is a man of upright character and strict integrity.
Samuel M. Seaton, eldest son of Robert F. and Mary Seaton. was born
March 9, 1847, on the Seaton homestead in Marion township. He received a
common school education, and was reared upon his father's farm. In 1864 he
enlisted in Company G, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served with his regi-
ment until the battle of Amelia Springs, where he was taken prisoner and held
until the surrender of Lee. When the war closed he returned to his home and
engaged in the lumber business, but subsequently located upon the homestead,
where he remained engaged in farming until 1888. In that year he removed to
his father-in-law's farm, but in 1892 settled upon his present farm in Marion
township, which he had purchased some years previous. In 1893 Mr. Seaton
was elected, on the Republican ticket, prothonotary of Butler county, and began
his official duties in January, Is'.i4. He has been always an active participant in
local politics, and has rilled the offices of collector and secretary of the school board
I308 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of Marion township. He was married in 1872, to Juliann, a daughter of William
Black, of Marion township. Five children have been born of this marriage, as
follows: Cora B. ; Tillie; Robert W. , and two that died in infancy. Both he
and wife are members of West Unity United Presbyterian church, in which he
fills the office of elder. He is a member of Z. C. McQuillen Post, G. A. R.,
and Mylert Lodge, I. O. (). F., of Centreville.
William Seaton, son of Robert Seaton, was born in Butler count}-, in
February, 1804. He was reared on the old Seaton homestead, and resided there
until his death, in 1886. He married Rebecca Vanderlin, a daughter of John
Vanderlin, of Venango township, to whom were born the following children :
Kate; Margaret, who married Thomas Hovis ; Caroline, who married James
Jack; John; William G.; Hettie, who married Stephen Cooper ; Amos; Elias,
and Lewis.
Amos Seaton, third son of William and Rebecca Seaton, was born in
Venango township, Butler county, August 23, 1838. He was educated in the
common schools, and learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed four years.
In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company C. Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve, and
participated in the first battles before Richmond, Malvern Hill, Charles City
Cross Roads, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and other engagements, and was
wounded in the battle of Charles City Cross Roads. He was honorably dis-
charged on June 20, 18(54, and re-enlisted on August 24, following, in Company
D, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was mustered out of service June 20,
L865, and returned to his home, where he resumed his life upon the farm. He
has devoted his entire attention to agriculture, with the exception of four years
residence in Butler. Mr. Seaton married Mary Laughlin, a daughter of Samuel
Laughlin, of Marion township, who has borne him seven children, viz. ; Hettie;
Delphine ; Ada; Ersie ; Fannie; Homer, and Darley M. Politically. Mr.
Seaton is a Republican, and has served one term as treasurer of Butler county.
He is a member of the G. A. R., and the U. V. L., and is connected with the
Methodist Episcopal church.
Alexander Mortland, a native of Ireland, came from Juniata county,
Pennsylvania, to what is now Marion township, Butler county, in 1N00. He
settled on a farm near the site of Murrinsville, which he continued to clear and
improve until his death, in IMS. He was twice married, his first wife bearing
him a family of six children, viz. ; John, who served in the War of 1812; Will-
iam; James; Ann, who married Hugh Orlton ; Mary, who married John Snv-
der, and Sally, who became the wife of William White. Mr. Mortland was a
Democrat, in politics, and a Presbyterian, in religious faith.
William Mortland, son of Alexander Mortland, was born in Juniata
county, Pennsylvania, in 1796, and was ten years of age when his parents came
to Butler county. On attaining his majority, he settled on the farm now occu-
pied by his son Newton, in Marion township, cleared and improved it, and
resided there the balance of his days, dying March 19, 1856. He married Tamar
Orlton. a daughter of John Orlton, of Marion township, to whom were born
four children, viz. : Harvey ; Newton ; Jerusha, wife of W. H. Gilchrist, and
Alvin, Mr. Mortland was a member of the Presbyterian church, was a Demo-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 309
crat in politics, and held various township offices during his residence in this
county.
Newton Mortland was born in what is now Marion township, Butler
county, December 24. 1885, son of William and Tamar Mortland. lie was
reared in his native township, received a common school education, and has made
farming his life vocation, succeeding to the old homestead at his father's death.
On November 12, 1857, he married Ellen Gilmer, a daughter of John and Mar-
garet (Kilgore) Gilmer, of Marion township, and has five children, viz. : Sarah
E. ; Maggie A.; William H. ; John G., and James C. Mr. Mortland is a vet-
eran of the late war. He enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-
seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 13, 1862, and participated in the bat-
tles of .South Mountain, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, assisted in burying
the dead at Antietam, and was honorably discharged after nine months' service.
On March 31, 1SG4, he re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer in Company F, Second
Pennsylvania Artillery, and was engaged in the battles of the Wilderness, North
Anna, and Cold Harbor. At the last mentioned engagement, June 2. L864, he
was taken prisoner. After eight days spent in Libby prison, he was transferred
to Andersonville, where he remained four months. lie was then sent to
Savannah, Georgia, soon afterwards to Milieu, same State, and after ->ix weeks
at that point, with many other sick and wounded, he was brought back to
Savannah, was there paroled and sent to the hospital at Annapolis, Maryland.
In December, 1864, he was sent home on furlough, rejoined his regiment on
June 2, 1865. at Petersburg, and on July 14, following, was honorably dis-
charged. Mr. Mortland is a member of the G. A. R. Politically, he is a stanch
Democrat, and has held most of the local offices in Marion township, being al
present justice of the peace.
George Ray, Sr., was born in Fairview township, Butler county, in 1802,
and in 1810 removed to what is now Marion township, where he found a home
with his uncle, George Ward, at that period one of the largest land-holders in
the township. He was reared by his uncle, and spent seventy-four years of his
life on the Ward homestead, a large portion of which he owned at the time of his
death. He was recognized as one of the leading farmers of the township. He
married Elizabeth Gilmore, a daughter of Hugh Gilmore, a native of Ireland,
who settled in what is now Marion township in 1706. To this union were born
eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, viz.: William, deceased; Mrs.
James Buchanan ; Hugh; Mrs. J. S. Neely ; John; Jane, who married William
Johnson ; Isabel, who became the wife of J. E. Miller, and George. Mr. Ray
died in 1884. at the age of eighty-two.
George Ray, youngest son of George and Elizabeth Ray, was born on the
homestead farm in Marion township. February 15, 1850. He was reared ami
educated in his native township, and has made farming his life vocation. He
married Cynthia McCoy, a daughter of James M. McCoy, of Pine township,
Mercer county, and has four children: Mame R. ; Ettie G. ; Laura B., and
George N. Mr. Ray is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in pol-
itics, he is a supporter of the Democratic party. He resides upon the old home-
stead, and is one of the progressive farmers of the community.
I 3 IO HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Robert Atwell, a native of Ireland, came to Pennsylvania towards the
close of the Eighteenth century, and settled in what is now Scrubgrass township.
Venango county, prior to 1800. By survey of October 24. 1801, he became the
owner of 190 acres of land, by virtue of settlement and improvement. About
1816 he removed to Marion township, Butler county, where he cleared and
improved a farm, on which he resided down to his death, in 1840. lie was a
soldier in the War of 1812, and a man of quiet manners and unobtrusive
character. lie was a member of the Associate Reformed church, known at that
time as the Seceder church. Mr. Atwell was twice married. His first wife was
Mary Dixon, who bore him one son, Dixon. His second wife was Margaret
Russell, to whom were horn seven children, as follows : Ellen, who married
William Brandon; William; George; John ; James; Robert, and Mary, who
became the wife of Alexander Watt.
George Atwell, second son of Robert and Margaret Atwell, was born
in Venango county, in 1808, and removed with his parents to Marion township,
Butler county, where he grew lo manhood and resided until his death, in 1877.
He married Mary McKissiek, a daughter of David McKissiek. a pioneer of Mer-
cer township, Butler county, lo which union were born eleven children, viz. :
Sarah, who married William Vogus ; Margaret, who married Robert Donaldson ;
Nancy, who became the wife of Samuel Vanderlin ; David M.; Julia A., who
married Samuel Eakin; Maria, who married John Kimes ; Thomas J.; John;
Mary E., who married Samuel Kramer; Elizabeth, and |ane, who married Mar-
tin Hoffman. Mr. Atwell was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and
died in that faith.
1), win M. Atwell, eldest son of George and Mary Atwell, was born in
Marion township, Butler county, December 8, 1837, received a common school
education, and was reared upon the farm. He learned the carpenter's trade,
which he followed as an occupation for twenty-five years, a portion of the time
in the various oil fields of Pennsylvania, where lie also operated as a producer to
some extent. He has been a resident of Marion township since 1874, where he
owns and occupies what is known as the James Black homestead, and devotes his
attention t«> farming. In September, 1869, he married Nannie Daubenspeck, a
daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Hoover) Daubenspeck, of Washington town-
ship, Butler county. Nine children have been born to this union, as follows:
Harry P. ; Catherine, wife of A. P. Painter; Jacob C. ; George C. ; Samuel S. ;
David F. ; Mary M. : Margaret M., and Olive X. Mr. Atwell is one of the best
known and most highly respected citizens of the community, and has an exten-
sive acquaintance throughout the oil region. Politically, he is a Democrat, and
in religion, is an adherent of the United Presbyterian church.
Alexander Poktek was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, about
1761, a son of Samuel Porter, a native of Ireland, whose father was born in Scot-
land, and whose grandfather was a native of Holland, from which count ry he was
driven on account of religious persecution. Alexander had five brothers who
were soldiers in the Revolution, three of whom never returned. He settled in
Clinton township, Venango county, in 17U4, and was the first blacksmith in
that locality, carrying on his trade under great difficulties. It is related that an
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 3 I *
iron wedge driven into a stump did service as an anvil, a piece of an old axe
was used as a hammer, and the bark of trees utilized for fuel. Iron was brought
from the furnaces in Huntingdon county, on pack-horses, through the trackless
forests. Mr. Porter settled on 400 acres of land, where his grandsons, Samuel
and Thomas V, Porter, now reside, which has been the property of the family
for over 100 years. He carried on his trade in connection with farming, and
died September 26, 1847. His widow survived him until 1850, and both are
buried on the old homestead. Her maiden name was Margaret Braden, and she was
the mother of twelve children, viz. : Joseph; Mary; Elizabeth; Isabel, who mar-
ried William Coulter ; Nancy, who married William Osborn ; James; Annabel.
who married James Kerr; Samuel ; John, whose first wife was Juliann Black, and
second wife Rachel Parr; Margaret, who married Benjamin Yard; Lucy, and
Alexander, whose first wife was Margaret McKinley, and second wife Levina
Mitchell.
Jamhs Porter, second son of Alexander and Margaret Porter, was born in
Clinton township, Venango county, December 21, 1801. and resided upon the
old homestead until 1828. In that year he purchased a farm in Marion town-
ship, Butler county, now occupied by his son Levi, where he lived until 1857.
when he purchased the old homestead in Venango county, upon which he resided
down to his death. While a resident of Butler county, he filled the office of jus-
tice of the peace. He was an ardent supporter of the temperance cause, and
quite prominent in temperance circles. He was twice married; first to Sibellah.
a daughter of Patrick Coulter, of Clinton township, Venango county, who died,
leaving two sons, Levi, and James C. His second wife was Harriet Vincent,
a daughter of James Vincent, of Marion township, Butler county, who bore him
two sons, Samuel and Thomas V. Mr. Porter died onjune 18, 1887, in his eighty-
sixth year.
Levi Porter, eldest son of James and Sibellah Porter, was born upon his
present homestead in Marion township, Butler county, July 11. 1S29, where
nearly all his life has been spent. He received a good common school education,
and is a surveyor by profession, which he has followed for many years in con-
nection with farming. His farm was purchased by his father in 1828, and was
originally settled by Edward Canaan, about 1799. He erected a water-power
sash saw mill on his place in 1852, and built his present frame residence in 1877.
On November 20, L882, his barn, built in 1839, was burned, with horses, etc..
the loss amounting to $2,300. He rebuilt it in 1883. Mr. Porter enlisted in Com-
pany K, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry^September 13, 1864, and participated in
the Seven Days Fight before Richmond, the battles of Antietam. South Moun-
tain, Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville, Trevellian Station. Haws Shop. Hanover
Court House, St. Mary's Church, Petersburg, and many other engagements, and
was honorably discharged from the service, October 18, IS04. Being refused
re-enlistment on account of disability, he returned home and resumed tanning
and surveying. On November 4, 1869, he married Charity Vincent, a daughter
of James and Nancy (Kerr) Vincent, of Marion township. Mr. Porter and wife
are members of the United Presbyterian church, and stanch advocates of prohi-
bition principles.
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Joseph Porter, eldest son of Alexander and Margaret Porter, was born in
Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1702, and removed with his parents to
Clinton township. Venango county, when two years old. He there grew to
manhood, and in 1817 married Martha VanDyke, a daughter of John YanDyke,
of Marion township, Butler count}-. The following year they located in Cherry
township, where he cleared and improved the farm now occupied by his son
Alexander, and resided thereon the remainder of his life. To Joseph and Martha
Porter were born the following children: Lucy, who married Robert Seaton ;
John; Isabel, who married Cyrus Kerr: Braden ; Polly, who married Abner
McCallen ; Martha, who married David Dunn; Sarah, who became the wife of
Robert Sankey, and Alexander. Mr. Porter was a soldier in the War of 1812,
and died February 2-">, 1886, in his ninety-fourth year. He was always known as
a most worthy citizen, strictly honorable in all his dealings, and was never sued
or brought a suit during his long and eventful life. He was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he was a Republican.
Johx Porter, eldest son of Joseph and Martha Porter, was born on the
homestead in Cherry township, Butler county, February 13, 1823. He received
a common school education, and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
for several years. In June, 1852, he settled in Marion township, on the farm
where he now resides, on which he has made all the improvements. Mr. Porter
was married October 21, 1*47, to Martha C. Turner, a daughter of William and
Mollie (McCandless) Turner, of Parker township, who has had a family of
eleven children, six of whom are living, viz. : Mary A.; Maggie I., wife of John
II. Crawford ; Jennie J., wife of Abner Buchanan ; Joseph T. ; Ada E., wife of
Martin McGill, and Laura H., wife of Lewis Sankey. Mr. Porter is a member
of the Presbyterian church, is an ardent advocate of prohibition, and votes the
Republican ticket. He served in the Union army ten months during the Civil
war.
Joseph T. Porter, only son of John and Martha C. Porter, was born in
Marion township, Butler county, February 2, 1859, was reared on the old home-
stead, and was educated in the common schools and at Grove City College. He
was married September 21. 1884, to Melda E. Carson, a daughter of William
and Prudence (Calvin) Carson, of Marion township, and has four children, viz. :
James C. ; John R.; Grace M. P., and William H. Mr. Porter has always fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits, and resides upon the farm where he was born.
Politically, he is a Republican, an advocate of prohibition, and is a member of
the Presbyterian church.
James Milford was born in Antrim county, Ireland, and immigrated to
the United States in 1807- After a varied career he located in Mercer county,
Pennsylvania, removed to Clay township, Butler county, about 1824, and in
1827 settled in Marion township, on the farm now owned by his son Samuel F.
He cleared and improved this property, and resided upon it until his death, in
1 859, nged about seventy years. He married Martha Findley, a daughter of
Judge Samuel Findley, a pioneer of Butler county, and one of its first associate
judges. Four children were born to this union, viz. : Mary J., who married J.
J. Dunn ; Samuel F. ; James, and David. Mr. Milford was a member of the
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I3I3
Associate Reformed church, afterwards the United Presbyterian, and in politics,
he was a Republican. He was one of the honored and respected citizens of the
community during his residence therein.
Samuel F. Milford, eldest son of James and Martha Milford, was born
in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1822, came with his parents to Butler
county, and has lived in Marion township since 1827. He assisted in clearing
and improving the old homestead, which he inherited upon the death of his
father, and has always resided upon this farm. Mr. Milford enlisted in Com-
pany H, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, September 20, 1804, and served until
honorably discharged, June 2, 18(35. In 1873 he married Mrs. Margaret Rea, a
daughter of John and Margaret (Scott) Morton, of Antrim county, Ireland.
Both he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and politically,
he is a Republican. Mr. Milford is a successful farmer, and is one of the pro-
gressive citizens of the township.
Joseph Kerr was a native of eastern Pennsylvania, a son of John Kerr,
grandson of Thomas Kerr, Jr., and a great grandson of Thomas Kerr, Sr., who
was born in Ireland in 1721. and came to America about the middle of the last
century. In early life Joseph Kerr removed to Ashtabula county, Ohio, served in
the War of 1812 from that countv, andsoon afterwards settled in Venango town-
ship, Butler county, Pennsylvania. He cleared and improved a farm, upon
which he resided down to his death. His wife was Margaret Braden, to whom
were born the following children : James; Thomas; John; Zachariah ; Joseph ;
Harvey; Lucy, who married Samuel Briggs ; Amanda, who married Calvin
Graham, and Eliza.
John Kerr, third son of Joseph and Margaret Kerr, was born in Ashta-
bula county, Ohio, February 21, 1805, and removed to Venango township, Butler
county, with his parents after the close of the War of 1812. He grew to man-
hood in this township, and soon after his marriage, in 1834, he settled in Marion
township, where he cleared and improved the farm now owned and occupied by
his sons, Joseph, James H., and William. He died upon this farm on March 21,
1872. He married Jane Black, a daughter of John and Jane (Criswell) Black,
of Marion township, who bore him a family of eight children, viz. : Joseph ;
Alexander P. ; Nancy J., who married James Vanderlin ; John B. ; Janus II. ;
Rebecca A., who married Samuel McMurray ; William, and Carlisle, deceased.
Mr. Kerr was a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics, he was a
Democrat, and served three terms as justice of the peace in Marion township.
James H. Kerr, fourth son of John and Jane Kerr, was born in Marion
township, Butler county, on the farm where he now resides, January 12, 1830.
He received a limited education in the common schools of his district, and has
followed farming as an occupation since childhood. He has always resided on
the old homestead, a portion of which he now owns and occupies. In July, 1S63,
he married Eliza J. Vanderlin, a daughter of Stephen and Eliza (Seaton) Van-
derlin, of Venango township, Butler county. Eleven children have been the
fruits of this union, viz. : Lodusky J., wife of Marion Kohlmeyer ; Ida; Ella;
Louisa; Stephen; Nannie; Tames; Maud; Tohn A.; Samuel A., and Lottie.
83
I 3 14 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Air. Kerr is one of the leading farmers of Marion township, is a Democrat, in
politics, and has tilled the offices of assessor and school director.
William Kerr, fifth son of John and Jane Kerr, and grandson of Joseph
Kerr, was born in Marion township, Butler county, October 9, L840, and was
reared on the homestead farm, on a portion of which he now resides. He received
a common school education, and learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed
for fifteen years, having also been engaged in farming more or less for the past
twenty-five years. In 1864 he married Matilda Vanderlin, a daughter of Stephen
and Eli/.a (Seaton( Vanderlin, of Venango township, Butler county. They are
the parents of six children, named as follows : Eli Y. : William F. : Lida J. ;
Etta M. ; Lewis B.. and Hulbert S. Politically. Mr. Kerr is a stanch Democrat.
Cornelius Gormley, a native of Tyrone county. Ireland, came to Phila-
delphia in L840, and settled in Marion township. Butler county, the same vear,
locating on the farm now owned by his son Cornelius, where he resided down to
his death. lie married Mary McCullough. who bore him ten children, viz.:
fames; Patrick ; Kate, who married Michael Conway; Sally, who married Hugh
McCollough ; Henry: Michael; Mary.; fane, who married Hugh Murrin ; Cor-
nelius, and Francis. Mr. Gormley and wife were members of the Catholic
church, to which denomination the family also belong.
Michael Gormley, fourth son of Cornelius ami Mary Gormley, was
borne in Tyrone county, Ireland, in lSi'7. anil came to Butler county, Pennsyl-
vania, with his parents in 1840. Alter attaining his majority he engaged in farm-
ing in Venango county, and later was proprietor of a hotel in Franklin, Pennsyl-
vania, for three years. For over thirty vears he has been engaged in farming in
Venango township, Butler county, and cleared a part of the farm whereon he
now resides. He married Matilda Murrin, a daughter of Squire John Murrin, of
Venango township, of which union ten children survive, viz. : John H. ; James;
Mary L., wife of -Michael McBride; Michael: William; Elizabeth; Francis;
Kate; Birtilla, and Charles. Mr. Gormley ami family are members of the Cath-
olic church, and in politics, he is a stanch Democrat.
John II. Gormley, eldest son of Michael and Matilda Gormley, was born
in Venango county, Pennsylvania, March "21, 1850. He was reared upon the
homestead farm, received a common school education, and was engaged in farm-
ing until thirty years of age. In 1880 he embarked in merchandising at Mur-
rinsville, in which he has since successfully continued. In February, 1875, he
married Catherine McBride, a daughter of Patrick ami Catherine (Friel) Mc-
Bride, of Venango township, Butler county, and has four children, viz.:
Matilda M. ; John A. ; Patrick M, and Mary ('•. Mr. Gormley and family are
members of the Catholic church, lie is one of the influential citizens of Marion
township, is a stanch Democrat, and has been postmaster of Murrinsville since
1893.
John Walter was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsyl-
vania, eldest son of |ohn Walter, a native of Germany. His father and uncle
Peter settled in Irwin township, Venango county, about 1800, where the former
resided down to his death. His children were as follows ; John; Peter: Jacob,
and Philip. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native township, and
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 3 I 5
followed milling in connection with farming. He married Elizabeth Walter, a
daughter of Peter Walter, of Venango county, to whom were born eight children,
viz.: David; Craft; John; Peter; Mary A., who married David Ayers ; Ann,
who married Jacob Hoffman ; Ellen, who married Michael McFadden, and Sarah
C, wife of Ghost Hoffman. Mr. Walter died at the age of sixty-two years.
Craft Walter, son of John and Elizabeth Walter, was born in Irwin
township, Venango county, April 9, 1826, and was there reared to manhood.
He received a limited education in the public schools, and has always been
engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1848 he located upon his present homestead
in Marion township, Butler county, most of which he has cleared and improved.
Mr. Walter has been twice married, first to Martha McMurdy, a daughter of
George McMurdy, of Irwin township, Venango county, who bore him two chil-
dren : Melissa, wife of John Kimes, and Martha, wife of Craft Hoffman. His
second wife was Lucy A. Gilmore, a daughter of John Gilmore, of Irwin town-
ship, to whom have been born the following children: Carlisle; John G. ;
Louisa, wife of James McFadden ; William J. ; Emma : James, and Alice. Mr.
Walter is a member of the Church of God, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
He has held the offices of constable and collector, and is one of the substantial
farmers of his township.
John McFadden- was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 171)0, and
was a son of Edward McFadden. a native of Ireland, who located in that county
in 171)7. whence he removed to Irwin township, Venango county, in L808. He
subsequently removed to Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, where he resided until
his death. His children were : William ; John ; Michael ; Charles; Sarah, who
married George Green : Anna, who married Ed Megargil, ami Mary, who mar-
ried George Sheffler. fohn was reared in Venango county. Pennsylvania, and
Perry county, Ohio. From thirteen years of age he lived in Irwin township.
Venango county. He was a natural mechanic, and followed the trades of a car-
penter and a millwright; It is said he built nearly all the blasts for furnaces,
and the saw and grist mills in his locality. He owned a farm of 160 acres of
land in Irwin township, which he cleared and improved, and there died in 1881.
His wife was Barbara Hoffman, born in 1801, a daughter of James Hoffman, of
Clinton township, Venango county, who bore him twelve children, as follows :
James; Sarah, who married John Layton ; Michael; John; Daniel; Mary A.,
wife of A. J. Morrow; Philip G. ; Perry ; Margery, wife of James Farren ; Jacob ;
Carlisle, and Barbara. Mr. McFadden was a member of the Methodist Episco-
pal church, and in politics, a Democrat.
Carlisle McFadden, youngest son of John and Barbara McFadden, was
born in Irwin township, Venango county, April 10, 1841, and received a com-
mon school education. He learned the wagonmaker's trade, which he followed
ten years, but since 1871 he has been engaged in farming, in Marion township,
on the farm where he now resides. In June, 1864, he enlisted in Company E,
One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteers, and was honorably dis-
charged on March 17, 1865. In 1870 Mr. McFadden married Elizabeth Farren.
a daughter of William Farren. of Marion township, and has three children :
Sarah J., wife of E. Sutherland; Lafayette T., and Anna D. Politically, he is
I 3 I 6 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
a Democrat, is a member of the G. A. R., and is an adherent of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
Patrick McDowell was born upon his father's farm in Venango county,
Pennsylvania, and is a son of Patrick McDowell, a native of County Down, Ire-
land, who immigrated to America in 1768, anil served in the Continental army
rive years. Patrick, Sr., married a Miss Turner, and at an early day settled on a
tract of 40O acres of land in Venango county, upon which he died in 1828,
aged seventy-six years. He reared a large family, all of whom are dead
except the subject of this sketch. When sixteen years of age, Patrick. Jr.,
went to Mercer county, there learned the blacksmith's trade, and followed
that occupation for a period of forty years. After a short time spent in
the oil fields of Armstrong county, he settled in Venango township, Butler
county, where he is now living in the eighty-first year of his age. lie was
twice married ; first to Lucinda, a daughter of Daniel Waldron, of Mercer county,
who bore him two children, one of whom is living, Patrick. Mr. McDowell's
second wife was Susan Beach, a daughter of Stephen W. Beach, of Venango
county, to whom were born three children. Of these, Cynthia married Tacob
Kellerman and died in 1892, and John resides in Marion township.
John McDowell, son of Patrick and Susan McDowell, was born in Cen-
tretown, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1S47, received a common school
education, and served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which business
he followed about fifteen years. He then engaged in farming in Marion town-
ship, Butler county, where he has resided since 1874. During this period he was
also an oil producer in the Armstrong, Clarion and Bradford oil fields. He mar-
ried, on September 9. 1873. Lena, a daughter of Ernest Slicker, of Clarion
county, and has five children, viz.: Susan; Henry; Charley; Minnie, and
Ernest. Mr. McDowell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, also of
the Epworth League. He is a Democrat in politico, a member of the school
board, and an enterprising and respected citizen of his township.
Robert L. Barnes, son of John and Sarah (McCune) Barnes, was born in
Mercer township, Butler county, November 13, 1845, was reared on the home-
stead farm, and received a common school education. lie lived in Mercer town-
ship until 1SS4, then removed to Allegheny township, and in 1892 located on
his present home in Marion township. For twenty years Mr. Barnes has been
engaged in the oil industry, as a producer, driller and contractor, first atPithole,
Venango county, then at Petersburg, Clarion county, and Byrom Centre, and is
now operating in the Washington township field. During this period he has
also been engaged more or less in farming. Mr. Barnes was married May 9,
1867, to Lucy E. McCoy, a daughter of Thomas McCoy, of Pine township, Mer-
cer county, who bore him three children: Thomas E. ; Minnie M., and Sarah
II. His second marriage occurred January 1, 1879, to Etta Richmond, a daugh-
ter of Isaac Richmond, of Pine township, to whom has been born one son,
Charles R. Mr. Barnes is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in
politics, he is a Democrat.
Thomas Jolly, Si;., came from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, to
Venango township. Butler county, in 1796, purchased a tract of land, erected a
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 3 I 7
log cabin, and brought his family to his new home in the spring of 1797. His
purchase was the farm now owned by his grandson, Thomas Jolly. He cleared
a part of this tract, set out an orchard soon after his coming, and resided here
until his death, May 25, 1841, aged eighty-rive years. He married Betsey
Mitchell, who bore him the following children : David ; John ; James; Thomas;
Jane, who married Patrick Layton, and Mrs. Betsev McDowell. Mrs. Tolly
died on May 10, 1840, at the age of eighty-six.
Capt. Thomas Jolly, son of Thomas and Betsev Jolly, was born in West-
moreland county, February 19, 1793, and came with his parents to Butler county
in 1797. He was reared upon the homestead farm in Venango township, and
resided upon the same until his death, which occurred December 1, 1885, at the
ripe age of ninety-three years. Captain Jolly was a soldier in the War of 1812,
and was afterwards a captain of a militia company for twenty-one vears. Dur-
ing early manhood he devoted considerable attention to hunting, and he esti-
mated that his father, himself and brothers, killed over 100 bears in the vicinity
of 'his home during pioneer days. He married Rebecca Jolly, a daughter of
Samuel Jolly, of Venango county, on December 27, 1824. Four children were
the fruits of this union, as follows: Samuel; Sarah, who married Samuel
McGinnis ; Jane, who married Eli Williams, and Thomas. Captain folly and
wife were members of the Presbyterian church, and throughout his life he was
an ardent supporter of the Democratic party.
Thomas Jolly, Jr., son of Capt. Thomas and Rebecca Jolly, was born on
the Jolly homestead in Venango township, Butler county, October 30, 1839. His
entire life has been spent upon tins farm, and he obtained in the common schools
a good English education. On October 27, 1859, he married Marilda A. Russell,
a daughter of David and Sarah (Searles) Russell, of Venango county, to which
union have been born seven children, viz. : S. Calvin, who married Mina Rup-
pert ; Simeon, deceased ; D. Theodore; Sarah E. ; John E., deceased: Charles
O., and Oliver P. Mr. Jolly and wife are members of the Seceder church, and
like his father, he has always been a Democrat. He is one of the enterprising
and progressive farmers of the county, a man of broad views and liberal opinions.
John Vanderlin was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1760, and
was a son of Nicholas Vanderlin, a native of Holland, who served under Wash-
ington in the French and Indian War, and was present with General Forbes in
1758, in the second expedition against Fort Duquense, Washington leading the
Virginia forces. John Vanderlin was a soldier in the Revolution, and was
serving under Washington during the dark davs of Valley Forge. He came with
his father to what is now Venango township, Butler county, in 1799, where
the}' settled and purchased together 540 acres of land, which he improved into a
fine farm, now valuable for its oil production. Here his father died in 1817, at a
rige old age. He was interred upon the old Vanderlin farm, which is now the
property of Robert Vanderlin. John Vanderlin married Elizabeth Kimes, in
Chester county, and their children are as follows: Stephen; Elizabeth, who
married Philip .Stoops ; Mary, who married James Mortland ; Margaret, who
married Thomas Hutchison ; Rebecca, who married William Seaton : Nancy, who
became the wife of John McCauslin ; Hannah, who married John Hutchison;
[318 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Harriet, who died unmarried, and one that died in infancy. Mr. Vanderlin was
a Democrat in politics, and was a commissioner of Butler county in 1833. He
was noted for his strong determination, courage and wit, and died in 1856, aged
ninety-six years.
Stephen Vanderlin, only son of John Vanderlin, was horn in Perm's
valley, Centre county, Pennsylvania, in 1796, and came with his parents to But-
ler county in 1799. Here he grew to manhood in the backwoods, and spent his
entire life in agricultural pursuits. He married Eliza, daughter of Robert
Seaton, and they were the parents of ten children : John ; Robert ; James ;
William, deceased; Samuel; Eli; Joseph C; Eliza J., wife of James Kerr;
George S., and Margaret M., wife of William Kerr. Politically, Mr. Vander-
lin was a life-long Democrat, a good citizen and an honest man. He died in
1886, in his ninetieth year. His wife died in 1883.
John Wilson was born in Adams county. Pennsylvania, a son of William
and Jane Wilson, the former a native of Scotland, and his wife of Ireland. They
were among the pioneers of Adams county, and lived and died there, being life-
long members of Brush Creek Presbyterian church, near Gettysburg. John Wil-
son was reared to manhood in that county, afterwards located in Washington
countv, where he married Nancy Conn, and then removed to Venango town-
ship, Butler county, where his three eldest children were born. He returned to
Washington county, remained there for several years, and in ISIS again settled
in Butler county, lirst in Venango township, and afterwards in Washington
township. Later in life he took up his residence in Venango township again,
and spent his remaining years in that subdivision. He was the father of nine
children, as follows: William; Robert; Margaret, wife of Samuel Ililliard;
jane, who married Robert Cochran ; Joseph ; Mary, who married Joshua Griffin;
Miriam, who married Thomas Kelly; Richard, and John, all of whom are dead
but Richard, a resident of Clintonville, Venango county. Mr. Wilson was a
member of the Presbyterian church.
Joseph Wilson, third son of John and Nancy Wilson, was a native of
Washington county, and came with his parents to Butler county in 18J.8. In
1837 he settled on a farm in Venango township, now occupied by his sons Rob-
ert C. and Adam C, the larger portion of which he cleared and improved, resid-
ing there until his death. He married Eliza Curry, a daughter of Adam Curry,
one of the pioneers of Venango township. Of this marriage seven children
grew to maturity, as follows : Mary J., who married Robert L. Black ; Robert
C. ; Margaret A. ; Nancy C, wife of James S. Martin ; Adam C. ; John G., and
Eliza C. Though not a member of any church, Mr. Wilson was a liberal sup-
porter of religion, lie died in 1868.
Adam C. Wilson, second son of Joseph and Eliza Wilson, was born on
the old homestead in Venango township, Butler county. May 5, 1842. He
received a common school education, such as the schools of his period afforded.
He was reared a farmer, and has always resided upon a portion of the old home-
stead. Mr. Wilson was married June 10, 1875, to Sarah, a daughter of Gilbert
and Jane (Dickson) Christy, of Cherry township, and has five children, viz.:
Mary; Margaret J. ; Gilbert C. ; Joseph McN., and Rhoda. Mr. Wilson is a
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 3 19
member of the Associate Presbyterian church ; in politics, he is a Democrat, and
has held the office of justice of the peace for fourteen years.
Robert C. Wilson, eldest son of Joseph and Eliza (Curry) Wilson, was
born in Washington township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1836.
He was reared in Venango township, and received a limited education in the
common schools. With the exception of two years spent in the mercantile busi-
ness at Farmington, he has followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns and
occupies a part of the Curry and Wilson farms, on which he has made all the
improvements. Mr. Wilson was married December 27, 1860, to Eliza Blair, a
daughter of William and Eliza (Eakin) Blair, of Venango township, and has a
family of seven living children, viz.: Eliza J.; James A.; Elma ; Louisa;
Miriam ; Harry, and Blanche. Mr. Wilson and wife, and their three eldest
daughters, are members of the Associate Presbyterian church. In politics, he is a
stanch Democrat.
Lewis Chambers, a native of Xew Jersey, and a son of Daniel Chambers,
a native of Scotland, came to Butler county about 1818, and settled in what is
now Venango township, on the farm now occupied by his son James L. He
cleared and improved this property, and resided upon it until his death. May I'l',
1871. He married Elizabeth Hilliard, a daughter of Guy Hilliard, a native of
Ireland and one of the pioneers ot Venango township. Her mother, Margaret
Hilliard, lived to the remarkable age of 1()2 years. Seven children were born to
Lewis and Elizabeth Chambers, as follows : Lvdia. who married William Tebay;
Thomas; Daniel ; John ; James L; Margaret, wife of D. C. McCandless, and
Elizabeth, wife of David Conn. Mr. Chambers was a member of the Methodist
church nearly all his life, and a class leader for many years. In politics, he was
a Republican.
James L. Chambers, fourth son of Lewis and Elizabeth Chambers, was
born in Venango township, Butler county Februarv 23, 1835. and was reared,
upon his present homestead, which has always been his residence. lie received
a common school education and has devoted his attention to farming. In 1870
he married Caroline Marshall, a daughter of Joseph Marshall, of Marion town-
ship, and has five children, viz.: Mandam McC. ; Burgess ; Lewis ; Mary C,
and Anna M. Politically, Mr. Chambers is a Republican, and in religious faith,
is a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Samuel Fleming, a native of Ireland, was among the early settlers of
Venango township, Butler county, where he purchased seventy-three acres of
land, which he continued to clear and improve as long as he lived. He was
twice married, his first wife being Mary Lindsay, to whom were born several
children, only one now living, James, a resident of Missouri. His second wife
was Matilda Becket, a native of Ireland, who bore him four children, viz. :
William; Mary J., who married Hosea Oliphant ; Samuel C, and Thomas J.
Mr. Fleming was a member of the Presbyterian church, was a Republican, in
politics, and lived to the ripe age of eighty-six years.
Samuel C. Fleming, son of .Samuel and Matilda Fleming, was born in
Venango township, Butler county', November i!. 1860, was reared on the old
homestead, and with the exception of three years when engaged in teaming in
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the Butler oil field, he has resided upon the same place up to the present. lie is
a member of the Presbyterian church, and is an ardent supporter of the Republi-
can party.
John Eakin, a native of Derry county. Ireland, born in 177(3, was a son of
John and Margaret (Posten) Eakin. In 1837 he immigrated to Pennsylvania,
and after a voyage of ten weeks and four days in the ship "Harmony," landed
with his family at Philadelphia, August 6, of that year. lie came westward to
Venango county, ami settled in Irwin township, where he engaged in teaching
school and fanning, and resided there until his death. He married in Ireland,
Margaret McClelland, a daughter of John McClelland, a dry goods merchant of
Londonderry. She bore him a family of five children who grew to maturity,
viz.: Elizabeth, who married William Blair; John; David: Margaret, who
married Robert Bovard. and Thomas. Mr. Eakin was a life-long member of the
Presbyterian church, and died May 10, 1S4<*>. in his seventieth year.
Thomas Eakin. voungest son of John and Margaret Eakin, was born in
Donegal county, Ireland. November 10, 1818. He was reared and educated in
Derry county, and came to Venango county. Pennsylvania, with his parents in
1887. He lived in Irwin township, Venango county, until 1863, and then
removed to Venango township, Butler county, where he has since resided,
engaged in farming. Mr. Eakin was married March 27, 1845, to Eliza, a daugh-
ter of Robert and Xancv (Eakin) Blair, of Venango township, and has eight
living children, viz. : Nancy J., wife of C. P. Reynolds: John McC ; Robert
S. : Thomas; Lavina. wife of William McMillan: Emma, wife of Oliver Kohl-
meyer ; Mary, and Mina E., wife of Joseph Meals. Mr. Eakin is one of the sub-
stantial farmers of the township, is a member of the Associate Presbyterian
church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
William Blair was burn in Donegal county, Ireland, October 31, 1S10,
and was a son of John and Margaret (Hawthorn) Blair. He immigrated to
Pennsylvania in 1837) and settled in Venango township. Butler county, on the
farm now owned and occupied by his son John. lie cleared and improved this
property and resided theron down to his death. He married Elizabeth Eakin, a
daughter of John Eakin. a native of Ireland, who settled in Irwin township,
Venango county. Seven children were the fruits of this union, five of whom
grew to maturity, as follows: Margaret E., wife of Robert Wilson; John;
Rachel, wife of A. M. Reynolds: Rebecca J., wife of Oliver Lewis, and Louisa,
wife of John Stalker. Mr. Blair died Mayo, 1871. He was a member of the
Associate Presbyterian church, and in politics, an ardent Democrat.
John Blair, only son of William and Elizabeth Blair, was born upon the
homestead in Venango township, Butler county. May 29, 1843. He was reared
upon his present farm, and, with the exception of three years spent in mercantile
business at Farmington, has passed his entire life in agricultural pursuits. He
married Nannie, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Wilson, of Venango town-
ship, who has borne him the following children : Gertrude; William; Prank P. ;
Edward; John M. : Thomas A. ; Ralph S. : Mamie; Louisa, and Bertha. Mr.
Blair is a member of the Associate Presbyterian church, in which he is a ruling
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 32 1
elder. In politics, he is a Democrat, has held various township offices, and is
one of the progressive and representative farmers of his township.
Levi Williams, a son of Benjamin and Tamar K. (Wood) Williams, was
born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1781, and came to Sandy
Creek township, Venango county, with his parents about 1803. His father was
a native of Wales, and married Tamar K. Wood, a native of England. They
settled first in Lancaster county, whence they removed to Northumberland county,
remaining until 1808, when they removed to Venango county and settled in
Sand}' Creek township. Benjamin Williams was a tailor, and followed his trade
among the pioneers. He was the father of the following children : John ; Jes-
sie; Levi; Sarah, who married William Crawford ; Mrs. Polly Stofelt ; Benja-
min, and Eli. In 1812 Levi removed from Clinton township to the extreme
southwest part of Scrubgrass township, Venango county. He owned 109 acres
of land, which is still in possession of his sons, and in 1886 erected the stone
house now occupied by Simeon Williams. He, too, was a tailor, but devoted
his principal attention to farming. With the assistance of his sons he cleared
and improved the farm upon which he resided at his death, in April, lsf>7. He
was a soldier in the War of 1812 from Venango county. Mr. Williams married
Polly Phipps, a daughter of John Phipps, of Scrubgrass township. Their chil-
dren were as follows : John ; Tamar, who married John .Scott ; Benjamin ; Levi ;
Jesse; David; Samuel; Simeon: Eli; Thomas; Catherine, who married
Thomas Christy, and Mary A., who married A.J. Jack. Mr. Williams and wife
were pioneer members of Scrubgrass Presbyterian church.
John Williams, eldest son of Levi and Polly Williams, was born in Scrub-
grass township, Venango county, Februarv 13, 1812. and was reared on the old
homestead. In 1844 he settled in Venango township, Butler county, where he
cleared and improved the farm upon which he has since resided. On November
-, 1887, he married Mary Scott, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Scott, ot
Scrubgrass township. Ten children were born to this union, seven of whom
grew to maturity, viz. : Levi J. ; J. W. Milton ; Lavina, wife of W. J. Eakin ;
Sarah, wife of H. B. Stalker; Samuel C. : Margaret, wife of Austin Eakin. and
Selina. wife of Samuel Beyers. Mr. Williams is in his eightv-third year, and still
hale and hearty for a man of his advanced age. Politically, he has always been
a Democrat. »
Samuel C. Williams, son of John and Mary Williams, was born on the
homestead farm in Venango township, Butler county, January 25, 1850, and has
resided thereon up to the present. In 1880 he married Sarah Moore, a daughter
of James and Clarinda (Hovis) Moore, of Clinton township, Venango county.
They are the parents of four surviving children, viz. : Mary C. ; Charles F. ;
James A., and William E. Mr. Williams is a member of the United Presbyte-
rian church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.
John McNamee, son of Neal and Bridget (McCullough) McNamee, was
born in Derry county, Ireland, in I Till', was reared in his native land, and in
1836 immigrated with his family to the United States, settling the same year in
Venango township, Butler county, Pennsylvania. He was employed for ten
years in the furnaces of that locality, and then purchased a farm in Venango
I 3-- HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
township, which instill owned by his heirs. He cleared and improved this
property, and died thereon, July 15, 1887, at the age of ninety-five years. His
wife died on March 30, 1887, aged eighty-seven years. He married Sarah
McNally, a daughter of Harry McNally, of Ireland, of which union five children
grew lo maturity, viz. : Bridget; Ellen: Patrick; Francis, and .Sarah A. Mr.
McNamee and wife were members of the Catholic church, in which faith thev
lived and died.
Fkancis McNamee, son of John and Sarah McNamee, was born in Derry
county. Ireland, in August. 1833, and came to Butler county with his parents,
lie was reared in Venango township, and on attaining his majority engaged in
lumbering for several years, also as a pilot on the Clarion and Alleghenv rivers.
In 1862 he located on the farm in Venango township where he now resides,
•cleared and improved it. and has since been engaged in agriculture. On March
3, 1862, he married Ellen C. Reid, a daughter of John and Mary (Coakley)
Reid, ot Venango township, They are the parents of eight children, as follows:
John L. ; William P. ; Hugh A.: Mary C, wife of Jacob Downev ; Francis H. ;
James P.; Annie C, and Charles J. Mr. McNamee and family are members of
the Catholic church. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has held the offices of
constable, collector, assessor and school director.
Hamilton Morrow was born in eastern Pennsylvania, in 1800, a son of
Thomas Morrow, and settled in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, about
1820. He was a furnaceman and farmer, and cleared and improved a farm of
fifty-three acres in that township, upon which he resided until his death. lie
married Jane Davis, a daughter of Lemuel Davis, of this countv. She bore him
a family of seven sons and seven daughters, whose names are as follows : Nancv,
who married Daniel Wolford ; Margaret, who married Williamson Christy;
Washington; Elizabeth, who married George Blakeney ; Andrew J.; Jonathan;
Kale A., who became the wife of Hartley Bell; Prudence, who married Samuel
Bell : Mary, who married William McConnell : Perry, who died while serving
in the Union army during the Rebellion: James; David; Annie, and William.
Mr. Morrow was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he
supported the Democratic party.
Andrew J. Morrow, son of Hamilton and Jane Morrow, was born in
Slipperv Rock township, Butler county, in 1834, and resided there until thirty-
five years of age. lie then removed to Venango countv and engaged in mining,
which occupation he still continues, having followed agriculture in connection
therewith since 1871. In that year he purchased a farm in Venango township,
Butler county, and has since atlded to his original purchase, until his farm now
contains over 200 acres, a good share of which, with the assistance of his sons,
he has cleared and improved. In 1858 Mr. Morrow married Mary McFadden, a
daughter of John and Barbara ( Hoffman ) McFadden, of Irwin township. Venango
county, and has eight children, viz.: John; Barbara: Jacob ; Margery; Michael;
Lewis; W. Jackson, and Albert. Mr. Morrow is a Democrat, and has held the
offices of supervisor and school director in Venango township.
Andrew Addleman, son of John and Sarah (Gnow) Addleman, was born
in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and was of German extraction-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Li2J
He came to Venango township, Butler county, in 1848, and settled on the farm
at that time owned by Andrew and Thomas Sloan, now the property of Amos
Seaton, where he died in 1871. He married Margaret Henry, a daughter of
Alexander Henry, of Huntingdon county. She was born in 1808, and died in
1894. The following children were the fruits of this union : Angeline, who
married James Feely ; Lucinda, who married Samuel Rosenberry ; R. Miles;
Sarah; James A.; Margaret; John \Y. : Benjamin 1'.: Lindley II.; Robert A.;
Eliza, and Porter. Mr. Addleman was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and in politics, he was a Republican.
Reuben Miles Addleman, eldest son of Andrew and Margaret Addle-
man, was born in Huntingdon county, May 15, ISiJi, and came to Venango town-
ship. Butler county, with his parents when he was about eleven years old. He
received a common school education, and assisted his father in clearing and
improving the farm upon which he now resides. In 1800 he married Nancy J.
Atwell, a daughter of James and Martha (Boyle) Atwell, of Marion township,
and has the following children, viz. : Louisa, wife of Leander Lewis ; Margaret,
wife of Frank Calvert : < )live, wife of William Graham ; Addison P. ; Andrew ;
Elmeda ; Vera, and Fannie. Mr. Addleman is a Republican, and has held various
offices in Venango township.
foHN Parker was one of the pioneer surveyors of Butler county. He was
a son of General Parker, was born in 1770, and came here before his marriage,
in 1794, in the employ of a Mr. Moore, to survey the lands in what is now Parker
township, adjacent to Parker City. He was from Westmoreland county, Penn-
sylvania, and took up 600 acres, a portion of which is now within the limits of
the town. He subsequently married, brought out his wife and settled in Parker
township, Butler county. John Parker was one of the early associate judges of
the county, a man of wide influence in the community, progressive, public-spir-
ited and energetic, and one of the most useful citizens of his day. In 1815 he
surveyed a part of his land into town lots and named the place Lawrenceburg,
which is now a portion of Parker City. He married Jane Woods, on December
7. 1707. She was born near Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1774, and became the
mother of eight sons and one daughter, as follows : James: John ; Juliet, who
married John Gilchrist; William M. ; Fullerton W; Washington; George P;
Thomas, and Wilson. ludge Parker died in 1842.
Georce Parker, son of John and Tane Parker, was born in Parker town-
ship, Butler county, September 8, 1812. He grew to maturity upon the home-
stead farm, his education being limited to the advantages afforded by the pioneer
schools of his neighborhood. He took an active interest in military matters, and
served in one of the militia companies of the county. Mr. Parker was married
July 20, 1843, to Jane Pollock, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Pollock, and
niece of John Pollock, one of the early sheriffs of Butler county. She was born
near Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio, May 3, 1818, and is at present resid-
ing at Parker City. Her husband died December 10, 1887. For many years he
tilled the office of trustee in the Presbyterian church of that town, and gave lib-
erally of his means towards religious and charitable purposes. He was a stanch
Republican, and quite active in public affairs. Mr. Parker accumulated through
1324 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the passing years a large fortune, by successful oil operations and the development
of that industry on the lands which he owned.
Archibald Kelly, a native of Ireland, was a grandson of James Kelly,
who died at the siege of Derry, leaving one son, James. The latter married and
reared four sons and one daughter. The sons were : Thomas ; Archibald : John.
and Samuel. Archibald was reared in his native land, there received a good
education, and immigrated to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 17*5,
where he taught school for several years. In 1796 he came to Butler county and
located a claim in what is now Washington township, erected a cabin thereon,
and then went back to Westmoreland county for provisions. Returning to
Butler county, he found his claim had been taken possession of during his absence,
and he selected another one, this time in Parker township, and then returned to
Westmoreland for his wife anil family. .Some years previously he had married
Margaret Dunseth, who had several children prior to their removal to this county.
They made the journey on pack-horses through the trackless forest, being com-
pelled to cut a pathway much of the distance. On arriving at his second cabin in
Parker township, he found it occupied by John Jameson's family, who. after
some forcible persuasion, vacated the property to the rightful owner. Mr. Kelly
began at once the work of clearing and improving his farm, upon which be and
wife resided the remainder of their lives. lie was one of the first school teachers
in this section of the State, and for many years wrote the deeds and articles of
agreement for the early settlers. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian
church, and died in April. 1839, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. His wife
died some years before. They were the parents of the following children :
James; Thomas; Hannah, who married John Jameson; Martha., who married
Thomas Martin ; John ; Sarah, who married Daniel Cannon : David ; Esther.
who married Hugh Fleming; Margaret, who became the wife of Edward Flem-
ing; Betsey, who remained unmarried; William, and Andrew, all of whom are
dead.
Thomas Kelly, son of Archibald and Margaret Kelly, was born in West-
moreland county, Pennsvlvania, November lit). 1789, ami was nine years of
age when his parents settled in Butler county. He was reared in Parker town-
ship, and attended the pioneer subscription school of the neighborhood. When
eighteen years old he engaged in the distilling business, followed that vocation
for thirty-seven vears, and then settled on the homestead in Parker township,
where he died on November 1, 1868. Mr. Kelly married Elizabeth Donellv, and
reared a family of seven children, viz. : Archibald, deceased; James; Margaret,
deceased ; Hannah, widow of John Thompson ; Matilda, widow of John Scott :
Jane, wife of Robert Storey, and Thomas. Mr. Kelly was a member of the
United Presbyterian church, and an elder in that organization.
James Kelly was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January 6,
1815, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Donellv) Kelly, ami grandson of Archibald
Kelly. He obtained a good education, and at the age of twenty-six commenced
teaching during the winter season, while in the summer he followed farming.
This he continued for eight vears, anil then purchased a farm in Concord town-
ship, upon which he resided until 1879, when he traded it for his present home-
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 325
stead in Clav township. Mr. Kelly was married December 28. 1848, to Isabel
Turner, to which union have been born eleven children, as follows : Elizabeth
M. ; Matilda J.; Miriam C, and Thomas W., all of whom are dead; Hannah
V., wife of Harvey Cumberland ; Nancy A., deceased; James E., who married
Sarah Carothers, and has two children, Clarence and Isabel ; Emma F., deceased;
Sarah M., wife of Charles Mershimer; John II., of Butler, and Charles A., a
resident of Chartiers, Pennsylvania. The family are connected with the United
Presbyterian church, and in politics, Mr. Kelly is a Republican.
David Kelly, seventh child of Archibald andMargaret Kellv, was born in
Parker township, Butler county, March 22, 1*00, and grew to maturity upon his
father's farm. In 1S24 he married Jane Tweedy, a native of Westmoreland
county, born March 30. 1805. For some years they kept a hotel at Xew Alex-
ander, and at Bairdstown, but removed to Butler county in 1833, and located near
Bruin. Here David Kelly died, September 21, 1874, and his wife, April 27,
1S77. He was quite a prominent citizen of that township, .served seventeen
years as a justice of the peace and held a colonel's commission in the militia.
David and Jane Kelly were the parents of thirteen children, named as follows :
John; Archibald, and William, both deceased; Thomas D. ; Elizabeth J., wife of
David McKelvey ; David Porter; Margaret A., deceased wife of James Wilson ;
Isabella, deceased wife of Abraham Daubenspeck ; Johanna, deceased wife of
Samuel C. Turner; Evaline, deceased wife of James Fleeger ; Alvina, wife of
Andrew Bullman ; Salina, deceased wife of John Sutton, and Adelia, deceased
wife of Myron Brawley. The parents were members of the United Presbyterian
church.
David Porter Kelly, voungest son of David and Jane Kelly, was born
upon the farm where he now resides, in Parker township. March 12, 1836, and
was reared and educated in that locality. On September 9, 1869, he married
Margaret McGarvey, to which union two children have been born, viz. : Nancy
Jane, deceased, and Salina M., wife of Frank Black, of Bruin. Mrs. Kelly died
October 17, 1872. He was again married May 0, 1878, to Sarah M. Glenn, a
daughter of John and Dorcas (Mcllvaine) Glenn, born in Clav township, Butler
county. She was educated at the Sunbury Academy and for many years was a
teacher in the public schools. Four children have been born to this union, viz. :
Lucy Hays, deceased; Bessie Woods; Ethel Gray, and Bertha Earnestine. Mr.
Kellv and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, at Fairview, in
which he fills the office of elder. In politics, he is a Prohibitionist, and has held
various township offices.
Thomas W. Kellv, son of James and Rachel Kelly, was born in Parker
township, Butler county, September 17, 1883, and was reared upon the home-
stead farm. In 1852 he married Rosanna Forquer, a daughter of Tohn Forquer,
of Washington township, to which union were born twelve children, viz. :
Washington J. ; Florence A., who married R. L. Gibson; Margaret E., who
married Samuel Clark; Sarah L., who married F. F. Howe; Elmer E. ; Nancy
J., deceased ; Maud B. ; Lewis M. ; Minnie ; Thomas L., deceased, and two that
died in infancy. Mrs. Kelly died on August 23, 1894. Mr. Kelly is a member
I326 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of the- Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Republican. lie resides upon the
old homestead in Parker township.
Capt. Robert Storey, one of the pioneers of Parker township, Butler
county, was a native of Ireland, born December 25, 1 T7<*>- He first settled in West-
moreland county, whence he came to Butler countyin 1796, and located on a 400-
acre tract of land in Parker township. He built his cabin in the midst of the primi-
tive forest, and through the passing years cleared and improved his farm, and
resided thereon until his death. July 5, 1850. He married Jane Moore, a daughter
of William Moore, an early settler of Oakland township. She died in 1883.
Their children were as follows : Elizabeth, who married William Adams; Alex-
ander : Jane ; Ann. who married Eli Campbell; William; Eleanor; Mary D. :
Robert, and John. Mr. Storey was a captain in the War of 1812, serving in a
company from this county. He was one of the early members of Bear Creek
Presbyterian church, and was widely known anil highly respected in the com-
munity.
William Storey, son of Robert and Jane (Moore) Storey, was born in
Parker township, Butler county, February 11. 1820. He spent his boyhood days
with his parents, residing with them until his twenty-fifth year, then located on a
tract of land in the same township, which he began clearing and improving. He
continued to follow agricultural pursuits until August, 1863, when he enlisted in
Company E, Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and subsequently served in
the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth regiment. He participated in the battles of
Hatcher's Run, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Mine Run, etc. At
the battle of the Wilderness lie received a scalp wound which laid him up in the
hospital. He is now disabled from the hardships endured in the service of his
country, and draws a pension. After the war Mr. Storey returned to his home,
and has since resided near the village of Martinsburg, where he owns 110 acres
of land upon which there are valuable coal deposits. Though formerly a Repub-
lican, he is now a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the (i. A. R.. also of
Bruin Presbyterian church.
Cyrus Campbell, a leading farmer of Parker township, was born upon
his present homestead, May 18, 1826. His father. Joseph Campbell, was of
Scotch descent, and came to Butler count}- at an early day. He married Mary
Storey, a daughter of William Storey, and to them were born nine children, as
follows: William; John; Alexander; Joseph: James; Andrew; Thomas; Mary
A., who married Joseph Henlin, and Cyrus. The father died in Parker town-
ship, January 13, 1875, in his eighty-eighth year, his wife having preceded him
to the grave, September 22, 1869, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. Cyrus
remained with his parents until their decease, looking after the farm during the
latter years of their lives. He now owns 10C) acres of the original homestead,
upon which he resides. To this he has added 112 acres adjoining, and has made
many improvements thereon, his residence being one of the finest in the town-
ship. He has been very successful in business and possesses considerable inter-
ests in the oil industry. In politics, he is a Republican. He is a member of the
United Presbyterian church, at Fairview, in which he has served as trustee.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I }2J
John Allen, Sij., a soldier of the Revolution, was horn and reared in east-
ern Pennsylvania, and came to what is now Parker township. Butler county,
about 1796. He subsequently removed to Allegheny township, and settled on a
tract of 100 acres. He resided upon this farm until an advanced age, and died at
the home of his son William. He was twice married. Bv his first marriage he
was the father of six children. 1 1 is second wife was Martha Van Dyke, to
which union were born the following children : John; Richard; Robert: Wash-
ington; William, and Martha, who married William Davidson.
John Allen, eldest child of John and Martha .Mien, was born in what is
now Parker township, Butler county, December 20, IT'.l'.l, and was reared upon
his father's settlement in that township. He afterwards settled upon the farm
where his son John R. now resides, in Allegheny township, and died July 4,
1865. Mr. Allen married Elizabeth Redic, a daughter of John Redic, who died
February 22, 1864. Their children were named as follows : Eliza, deceased :
Martha, deceased wife of W. T. Crawford; Jane, and Mary A., both deceased;
John R.,who resides on the homestead. and Richard H. deceased. Politically, Mr.
Allen was an ardent Whig, anil afterwards a Republican , and served in the
office of justice of the peace for thirty-five years. He was one of the pioneer
members of Parker Presbyterian church, and rilled various offices in that society,
being elder for many years.
John- R. Ai.i.ex, the only living child of John and Elizabeth (Redic) Allen,
was born April 4. 1827, upon the farm where he now resides, and received a
common school education. lie has been a life-long Republican, and has been
connected with the Allegheny Presbyterian church since its organization, lb-
was married December 7. 1854, to Mary 1. Campbell, a daughter of William
Campbell, of Rockland township. Venango county. Their children are as fol-
lows : Margaret, deceased wife of James Pearce ; Elizabeth I... wife of John
Warner; Orrill Emma, wife of Josiah Pearce, and Harvey C, who married Ida
J. Shimmel. Mr. Allen is a progressive farmer, and one of the enterprising citi-
zens of his township.
Geohce Daubexsi'Eck was born in Parker township, Butler county,
November 30, 1799, eldest son of Philip and Mary Daubenspeck, and grandson
of Jacob Daubenspeck, who came from Luzerne county with his wife and family
in 1796 and settled in Parker township. Here Jacob's wife died, and he removed
to Clarion county. I lis original settlement came into the possession of his sons.
George and Philip, both of whom spent their lives in this township. George
Daubenspeck, Sr., married Ann Margaret Meals, and reared ten children. He
was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in 1858, in his eighty-second year.
Philip married Mary Freize, and reared seven children, as follows : Mrs. Cath-
erine Warner; George; John; Mrs. Mary Barnhart; Mrs. Anna 11. Kamerer ;
Mrs. Barbara Shakeley, and Lewis. The subject of this sketch attended a sub-
scription school in boyhood, and followed the occupation of a farmer throughout
his life. On December 27, 1825, he married Elizabeth Barnhart, a daughter of
Daniel Barnhart of Millerstown. and settled in Parker township. Ten children
were the fruits of this marriage, viz. : Daniel, who was killed in the late war;
Philip; David; Abraham; Lavina. deceased wife of Christopher Daubenspeck :
1320 HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
William P> . who was killed at Fredericksburg; Susanna, who was twice mar-
tied, first to James Hutchison, and second to Shryock Harper, who died recently
at North Washington: George F. ; Mary J., wife of James Gibson, and Jacob
I). Mr. Daubenspeck and wife were members of the Reformed church, in which
he rilled the office of elder for many years. Politically, he was a Democrat, and
served as supervisor, collector, and school director in Parker township. He died
on October 7. 1881, and his wife. October 12. 1S92.
Chari.es McCafferty was a native of Donegal county, Ireland, where he
was born about 1754. He came to this country at an early date, and settled in
the vicinity of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where he married a Miss Williams.
Towards the close of the Eighteenth century, he removed to Butler county and
purchased a tract of 111) acres in what is now Parker township. Here he
cleared and improved a farm, and resided thereon until his death, in 1848, at
the age of ninety-four years. His wife died some years before. The farm upon
which he settled is now the property of his grandson. William J. McCafferty, of
Butler. In religious belief, he was a Catholic, and in politics, a stanch adherent
of the Democratic party. His children were as follows: Mary; Mrs. Jane
Kelly; Nellie; William, who located at Fairview and afterwards near Green-
ville, Pennsylvania, and there died : John, who died in Butler, and Charles, who
lived and died in Clarion county.
John McCafferty, second son of Charles McCafferty, was born on the
homestead in Parker township, Butler county. May 81. 1818, and grew to man-
hood in his native township. He received such an education as the pioneer sub-
scription schools afforded, and all of his life was spent upon the old homestead
up to 1890, when he removed to Butler, where he died. November 2, 1892. Mr.
McCafferty was quite an active man in his locality, and took a deep interest in
the growth and. progress of the community. lie was one of the leading Demo-
crats of Parker township, and rilled the offices of collector and assessor many
years, and at his death he was one of the jury commissioners of Butler county.
He married Mary A., daughter of Joseph Murrin. of Murrinsville, Butler county;
she died October lli, 1891. Their children were as follow* : Austin J., a
deceased attorney of Butler: Louisa, wife of Daniel Wasson ; Lena, and Lizzie,
both of whom died in infancy; Charles A., of Washington county; Mollie M.,
wife of John Barbary, of Glade Run: Joseph A., of Glade Run; Matilda, wife
of E. D. McKelvv, and William J., of Butler.
John Say, one of the oldest living citizens of Parker township, was born in
this township, January 26, 1811. His father. John Say. emigrated from Hunt-
ingdon county at an earl)' day, and settled on a tract of land in what is now
Parker township, Butler county. He married Sarah Martin, who bore him a
family of four children, viz: John; James, deceased; Fannie, wife of Samuel
jack ; and William. The parents spent the remainder of their lives in this
county. John was reared amidst the scenes and incidents of pioneer days. In
l*:'>ii he married Sarah Fletcher, and to this union were born five children, viz. :
Hamilton; Eliza Ann, deceased wife of John Cannon; Sallie J., and Ann Eliza,
both deceased, and Perrv. Mrs. Say died, and he married for his second wife
Hannah Fleming. To this union were born the following children : Edgar F. ;
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 329
George M.; Matilda, wife of William Butler, and Isabella, wife of John Heck-
man. Mrs. Say died November 12, 1884. Though well advanced in years Mr.
Say is still strong and active. His memory is clear and he vividly remembers
many of the incidents connected with the early history of Parker township.
He has been a life-long member of the Presbyterian church, and has filled the office
of elder in that society.
George M. Say, son of John and Hannah Sav, was born August 24, 1808,
upon the homestead farm in Parker township, and received a common school
education. He was reared a farmer and has always followed that vocation. In
1883 he married Lena M., a daughter of George and Jane Knox, of Parker town-
ship. They have two children : George K., and Jennie. Mr. Say owns 115
acres of the original homestead, is one of the leading farmers of the township,
and takes an active interest in modern agricultural methods, his farm being a
model one. Politically, he is a Republican, and a man of enterprise and public
spirit.
Owen Thomas was a native of Virginia, born June 26, 1795, and spent his
boyhood days in Ohio, whither he had gone with his parents during the pioneer
history of that State. He married Martha Johnston, of Crawford county, Penn-
sylvania, and was employed at Mt. Etna furnace, in Slippery Rock township,
Butler county, for several years. He was a moulder and collier, and followed
these occupations the greater part of his life. About 1830 he settled on a farm
in Parker township, and died on July 18, 1868 ; his widow survived until July
21, 1870. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living.
Mr. Thomas was a plain, industrious, honest man, and was highly respected by
the community in which so many years of his life were passed.
William Finley Thomas was born in Slippery Rock township, Butler
county, in 1825, son of Owen and Martha Thomas. He came with his parents
to this township when five years old, and spent his boyhood days upon the farm,
his education being obtained in the subscription schools. In 1852 he joined a
party of prospectors and went to California, traveling overland on the government
trail, via Fort Laramie and Salt Lake City. He remained in California eleven years,
and in Idaho two years, prospecting with varying success and enduring the
privations of the early gold hunter's life. In 1805 he returned to Pennsylvania
and engaged in boating oil on the creek at Oil City. In 1867 he went to Mis-
souri, where for a time he followed agricultural pursuits, and still owns a farm
in that State. Returning to Butler county in the spring of 1870, he embarked in
the oil industry, which business he has since followed, and is a stockholder in
the Producers Oil Company, Limited. Mr. Thomas is connected with the I. O. O.
F., the A. O. U. W., and the E. A. U. ; he is a member of the Presbvterian church,
and in politics, is a stanch Republican.
Owen J. Thomas, producer and farmer, was born where he now resides, in
Parker township, July 21, 1839. He is a son of Owen and Martha (Johnston)
Thomas, and spent his boyhood days beneath the parental roof. In 1861 he
went to Oil City and engaged in boating oil on the creek, also in hauling oil
in wagons prior to the introduction of pipe lines. In 1869 he returned to
Parker township, where he has since resided. Mr. Thomas was married Decem-
84
133° HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ber 16, L8S5, to Ida E., a daughter of I. S. and Florence Gibson, of Oil City, and
has two children : Owen Gibson, and Robert Bryan. He resides upon a farm of
IK) acres of well improved land, containing a splendid production, and devotes
his principal attention to the oil industry. Politically, he is a Democrat, and in
religious faith, a member of the Presbyterian church, lie is connected with the
K. of H., the A. O. I". W., and the Royal Arcanum.
Hai;i:\ M. Caldwell, general merchant, is a native of Ireland, born in
Ballvmonney, Antrim county, March 28, 1841'. son of Henry and Margaret
(McKay) Caldwell. He was educated in the schools of his native land, and
learned the linen-maker's trade with his father, who was a manufacturer of linen.
When seventeen years of age he decided to come to the New World, and embarked
in a sailing vessel at Liverpool. After a voyage of six weeks he landed at Phil-
adelphia, where he found employment in a harness-maker's shop, but afterwards
learned the moulder's trade. In 1870 he came to Pittsburg and accepted a
position as traveling salesman, later becoming a member of the firm of Morrison
cV. Caldwell. In 1878 lie located in the village of Bruin, Butler county, and
established his present general mercantile business, which under his careful man-
agement has proven successful. Mr. Caldwell has been closely identified with
the progress of the village since his coming, and has taken an active interest in
public affairs. He is a stanch Republican, and was appointed postmaster of
Bruin in 1888 : he has tilled various other official positions and has served as a dele-
gate to both state and county conventions. In connection with his varied busi-
ness interests, he also tills the position of station and express agent at that point.
In January. 1876, Mr. Caldwell was married to Mary H. McKallip, to whom
has been born one son. Henry K. McK. The family are connected with Bruin
Presbyterian church, and Mr. Caldwell is a Knight Templar in the Masonic
order.
Daniel Walker was born in Tyrone county, Ireland, November 19, 1882,
son of Robert and Margaret Walker, both of whom died in their native land.
In 1849 Mr. Walker came to the United States, and from New York proceeded
by canal and wagon to Pittsburg, and finally to Clarion county, where he
engaged as a laborer at twelve dollars per month. In 1S50 he removed to Par-
ker township. Butler county, where he worked as a farm laborer with one man
for six years, receiving as a part payment for his labor eighty acres of land. In
March, I860, he married Ann Eli/a Guthrie, and settled upon his eighty acres in
a little log cabin. His was prosperous from the start, and is to-day the owner of
more than 500 acres of land in Butler and Mercer counties. Ten children were
born of his marriage to Miss Guthrie, whose names are as follows : William G. ;
George ; Samuel ; Margaret J. ; Lallah ; Annie ; John ; James ; Lulie, and Lillie.
The family are connected with the United Presbyterian church, at Fairview. in
which society Mr. Walker tills the office of trustee. He is a stanch Republican,
and has served on the school board for ten years.
William G. Walker, eldest child of Daniel and Ann Eliza Walker, was
born in Parker township, May 6, 1861, and was educated in the public schools
and at Grove City College. On March 15, 1886, he married Lizzie J., a daugh-
ter of William and Nancy J. Kelly, of Parker township, and has three children.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I 33 I
viz. : Lillie May; Lena Bell, and Charles Roland. In 1891 he located upon his
present farm, containing 100 acres, and is one of the progressive young farmers
of the community, lie is an ardent Republican, is quite active in politics, and
lias served as inspector of elections.
James Gibson was born in Parker township, Butler county, on the old Gib-
son homestead, June 4, 1818, son of James Gibson, who settled in that township
in 1707. He was reared amidst the scenes of pioneer days, was a farmer and
riverman, and had the contract for shipping the Brady's Bend iron to the differ-
ent river ports along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In 1839 he married Jane, a
daughter of Walter Sloan, of Pine township, Armstrong county, who bore him
a family of seven children, viz. : Miles M. ; Harvey S. ; Rebecca, who married
William Gibson; Eliza J., who married William Wilson; James D., and two
that died in infancy. Mr. Gibson was a member of the Presbyterian church, and
always took a very active interest in educational matters. He died in 1856. His
widow is living with her son. Miles M., at North Clarendon, Warren county.
Eli L. Gibson was born upon his present farm in Parker township, Butler
county, April 20, 1830. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Le Vere) Gibson,
were natives of Butler and Armstrong counties, respectively. George Gibson
died at his home in Parker township, December 18, 1877. and his wife, Septem-
ber 27, 1886. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: Eli L. ;
Sarah J., wife of A. L. Turner; Sidney M.. wife of Aaron Graham ; Elizabeth;
Nancy ; Matilda, and Montgomery K. The subject of this sketch was reared
upon the homestead farm, and on reaching his majority took charge of the same,
remaining with his parents until their death. He received a good education, and
for many years was a teacher in the public schools. He is a stanch Republican,
and has served two terms as township auditor, one as collector, and was lor one
term a member of the school board. He is a member of Bruin Presbyterian
church, and is recognized as a public-spirited and progressive citizen.
INDEX.
Page.
Aborigines and Explorers 24
Abrams, Charles A 816
Abrams, Edward Everett 815
Academy at Butler opened, 1810 186
Acme Lime Co., Limited, Winfield 489
Act of March 12, 1783 38
Act of April 2, 1803, 116; of April 2, 1802. . 135
Act creating Butler county 115
Adams, Ebenezer C 1055
Adams, Joseph W 932
Adams, Thomas 932
Adams Township. — Origin of name, 440;
organization, 440: pli3'sical character-
istics, 440; coal deposits, 441; pioneers,
441; population and statistics, 442:
schools, 442; justices, 442; churches, 442;
villages, 444; biographical sketches.. .1083
Addison, Hon. Alexander 14T
Addleman, Andrew 1322
Addleman, Reuben Miles 1323
Aderhold, Albert 888
Aderhold, Henry F 888
Administration of justice, early 134
Advertiser, The (Buena Vista) 182
Advertiser, The (Petrolia) 182, 543
Aggas, Widow, adventures of 66
Agnew, Hon. Daniel 142, 148
Agnew, Dr 164
Agricultural societies 203
Agriculture 202
Aiken, David L "5
Aiken, James P 775
Aland, Joseph W 749
Aland, William 749
Albert, Adam 1255
Albert, Andrew 1255
Albert, Warren 788
Alexander, Robert 1188
Alexander, Thomas 1188
Alexander, William H 1189
•'Allegheny." the first stern-wheeler... 195
Allegheny river 19
Allegheny and Susquehanna rivers, ques-
tion of connecting the 195
Allegheny Township. — Organization,
670; population, 670; pioneers. 670; early
business ventures, 671; a hunting rem-
iniscence, 671; schools and teachers,
672; justices of the peace, 672; churches
and cemeteries, 072; villages, 673; bio-
graphical sketches 1281
Allen, Gideon R 1051
Allen John, Sr 220, 1327
Allen, John 1327
Allen. John R 1327
Allen, Joseph 1104
Allen, Robert 1051
Allen, William, Sr 1105
Allen, William, Jr 1105
Allen & McConnell, Pipe Line 291
Alligawi-sipu (Allegheny river) 19
Allison, James 1073
Allison, John N 1073
Allison, Robert 1073
Alumni Association 359
American Citizen (Butler) 178
Anandale 651
Anandale Station 644
Anderson, Maj. Cyrus E 808
Anderson, Elzie H 827
Anderson, Irwin 1192
Anderson, James D 910
Anderson, John 909
Anderson, John F 827
Anderson, William 1193
Andre, Daniel 1034
Andre, William J 1035
Anecdotes of early court days 137
Angelica ^34
Animals and birds 22
Annisville 658
Anti-Masonic movement 119
Anti-slavery and liberty men 120
Anti-slavery meeting 121
Anti-temperance society 211
Apportionment changes 120
Apprentices sixty years ago 68
Archaeology of the county 23
Area of the county 18
Argentine 659
Argonauts, the 70
Argyle 533
Argyle Savings Bank of Petrolia.. 534. 549
Armstrong. David and George 45
Ash. Joseph 1124
Ash, Sj-lvester 1125
Assessors, 1800-1803 85
Assessors and trustees of 1800 85
Associate or Seceder Church, Centreville 632
Associate Presbyterian Church of Unity,
Venango township 662
Associate Judges 129
Association, Medical 170
Associations, Temperance 212
Attack on Kittanning 37
Attornevs admitted in 1804 137
Attorneys admitted to practice, 1804-1893. 158
Attorney's fee controversy ... 107
1334
Atwell. David M 1310
Atwell, George 1310
Atwell, Robert 1310
Ayre.s. Capt. H. A 761
Avres. Jonathan 154
Ayres. Gen. William 69, 94, 136, 151
A)-res. William J 761
Bachelors, tax on 94
Badger, James 1078
Badger, John 1078
Bailev, Charles A 814
Bailev, Thomas 941
Baker, Albert H 1227
Baker, George K 1057
Baker, Richard 1057
Baker, Thompson M 720
Baldwin's Church 597
Balfour, David 1154
Balfour, John 1154
Ball. John 1031
Bancroft. Prof. P. S 805
Baptist Churches. — Butler, 348; Evans
Citv (Amana), 423: Franklin township
(Muddy Creek), 588; Harmony, 416;
Oakland township (Beulah), 560; Peun
township (Zion), 456; Worth township
(Zion) 612
Bar. The 150
Bar, members of from 1804 to 1893, 158;
present members 161
Bard. A. J 1221
Bard, Samuel 1220
Barkey, Enos 1102
Barkey, John, Sr 1102
Barkey, John 1102
Barklev, Alfred H., sketch of 1276
Barkley, Alfred H.. portrait of 1273
Barklev, Conrad, Sr 1275
Barkley, Conrad 1275
Barkley. Elias 1276
Barkley. George 1276
Barkley. George A 1276
Barkley, John 1275
Barkley, Nicholas 1275
Barkley, Samuel 1276
Barkley, William 1275
Barnes, Alexander 1229
Barnes, Hiram 1229
Barnes, James 1229
Barnes, James B 1229
Barnes John 1229
Barnes, John A 1230
Barnes, Robert L 1316
Barnes, Samuel, Sr 1228
Barnes, Samuel 1228
Barnes, Thomas 1230
Barnes, Washington S 1230
Barnes, William 1228
Barnhart, Aaron E 964
Barnhart, Andrew 963
Barnhart, Andrew W 838
Barnhart, Frederick _ 1100
Barnhart, Jacob 46
Barnhart, John D 922
Barnhart, Rudolph, Sr 46, 530, 963
Barnhart, Rudolph 1190
Barnhart. William 838
Barr, Andrew, Sr 1143
Barr, Andrew 1144
Barr, Andrew M 1144
Barr, James, sketch of 1143
Barr, James, portrait of 1137
Barr, John 1143
Barr. John C 1144
Barron, Robert 1243
Barron, William 65
Bartley, David 1052
Bartley, Naainan F 1052
Bartley, James 1051
Bartley, John L 1025
Bartley, John Walker 1052
Bartlev, Joseph 1051
Bartley, J. Walter 1026
Bartley, Thomas, Sr 1025
Bartley, Thomas 865
Bartlev, W. E ''11
Bartley, William J 866
Bartley. Williamson 911
Bartmass, Rudolph 1055
Bartmass, William R 1055
Barto, David 1176
Barto, Jesse 1176
Basse, Dr. Detmar 401
Bassenheim, The 401
Battle at the mouth of the Mahoning. . . 31
Bauder, Frederick 1279
Bander, Henry 1278
Bauder, Jacob 1279
Bauder, John. Sr 1278
Bauder. Nicholas 1279
Bauer, Frederick, Sr 848
Bauer, Frederick 848
Bauer, George 838
Bauer, Peter 838
Bauman, Frederick 893
Beatty, Hon. William 700
Beatty, John 1298
Beattv, John L 1299
Beatty, Dr. J. W 168
Beattv. William 1298
Beck. George 1007
Beers, Alexander M 1112
Beers, James 1112
Behm, Augustus H 1132
Behin, George R 1132
Behm, George L 1119
Behm, John 1119
Behm, Nicholas, Sr 1131
Behm, Nicholas 1131
Beighle, Cornelius S 1194
Beighle, William 1104
Bell, Alexander 1291
Bell, Andrew Irvin 1292
Bell, George 46, 4S2
Bell, John 218
Bell. Samuel 1291
Bell. Samuel S 980
Bell, Sylvester D., M. D., sketch of 725
Bell, Sylvester D., M. D., portrait of 345
Bell, William, Sr 1291
Bell. William 1291
Bellis, George C 768
Bellis, Isaac 1195
1335
Bellis, Sipe 1256
Bellis, William 1195
Belvidere Community of Practical
Christians 449
Bench, The 147
Bench and Bar 134
Benson, John 1032
Benson. William F 1032
Bentle, Eranious 1094
Bentle, Howard M 1094
Berg-, Henry A. and Louis 744
Berg-. John, Sr 743
Berg. John, Jr 744
Berg- & Co., John, banking house 361
Berkitner, Marshall A 774
Bible Society of Butler county 350
Bieghlev. Aaron 824
Bieghlev. Michael 1194
Biehl. Henry 765
Biehl, Peter 765
Big-ham, Thomas 1206
Big-ham, William 1206
Biographical sketches of Butler 674
Biographical sketches of the judges and
older members of the bar 147
Bippus, Capt. John G 1027
Bippus, Samuel M., M. D 726
Black. Alexander, Sr. (Clay township). .1218
Black, Alexander (Slippery Rock Tp.),1218
Black. Archibald, Sr. (Donegal Tp.)... 946
Black, Archibald, Jr. (Donegal Tp.)... 947
Black, Archibald (Donegal township). . . 948
Black, H. Calvin 1235
Black, James (Doneg-al township) 948
Black, James (California) 1305
Black, John, Sr. (Marion township) 1304
Black. John (Donegal township) 947
Black, J. B 825
Black, John F 948
Black, Joseph 1283
Black, Joshua T 130S
Black. Lysander, M. D., sketch of 726
Black, Lysander, M. D., portrait of 377
Black. Matthew 1305
Black. Newton, sketch of 713
Black, Newton, portrait of 241
Black, Owen F 947
Black, Robert, Sr (Mercer county) 1234
Black, Robert (Harrisville) 1234
Black, Robert (Cherry township) 1282
Blain, Alexander 1082
Blain, William 1081
Blair, John 1320
Blair, William 1320
Blakeley, Andrew 1142
Blakeley, Col. Archibald 156
Blakeley. Isaac E 1142
Blakeley, Joseph 1141
Blakeley, Joseph L 883
Blakeley, Lewis 1141
Blakeley, Col. William 157
Bleichner, Jacob 845
Bleichner, Matthias 845
Bogg-s. Andrew 1097
Boggs. Henry C 1099
Boggs, Capt. James P 1098
Boggs, Robert 417, 1096
Boggs, Thomas W., sketch of 1098
Bogg-s, Thomas W., portrait of 417
Boice. Charles 901
Bole, F. H.. factory of 371
Bond Case. Butler County 198
Bonner. James A 824
Bonny Brook 504
Book, Charles H 1287
Book, George 1286
Book, James 1286
Book, Uriah H 1287
Boos, Jacob 756
Boozel, John 1059
Borland, Dayid F 778
Borland, William 778
Boston, John 1266
Boundaries of the county 18, 74
Bounties for soldiers 105
Bovard village 651
Bovard, Charles 1217
Bovard, Charles B 1284
Bovard, James 138, 1283
Bovard, James J 1216
Bovard, Johnston 1216
Bovard, Jonathan, 1216
Bovard, Washington 1284
Bovard. William 1215
Bovard, William E 1217
Bovard, William H 1217
Bowser", Ross M 920
Bowser. S. F., sketch of 713
Bowser, S. F., portrait of 713
Boyd, Charles N., sketch of 760
Boyd, Charles N., portrait of 761
Boydstown 561
Boyer, Isaac L 1196
Boyer, John 1196
Boyer, John R 1197
Brackenridge, Henry M 136
Brackney, Jesse 1053
Brackney, Lawson E 830
Braden, William A 073
Brady, Captain 31
Brady Township — Origin of name, 614;
organization, 614: physical character-
istics, 614; mineral wealth. 614: coal
deposits. 614: pioneers, 615: population
and statistics. 616; early industries,
616: schools, 616; justices of the peace,
616; churches, 617: villages and post-
offices, 618; the Stone House counter-
feiters, 618; biographical sketches. . . .1203
Branehton 623
Brandon. John 1184
Brandon, John W 11S4
Brandon, Washington D 711
Brandon, William 1184
Breaden, Rev. John H 1061
Breaden. Rev. William P 1060
Bredin. Edward M 154
Bredin. Hon. James 149
Bredin. Hon. John 147
Bredin. Maurice 691
Bricker, John 868
Bricker, McCurdy, M. D 727
Brinker. Capt. Abraham 841
Brooks, Mark Hargen 831
Brower. Dr. H. B 166
Browington 619
m6
Brown, Adam. Sr 1128
Brown, Adam, Jr 1128
Brown, Christian 1046
Brown, Ebenezer 1230
Brown, Henry J 1046
Brown, Jacob, Sr 1046
Brown, Jacob, Jr 1047
Brown. John 104h
Brown, John D 780
Brown, John M 1046
Brown. John W 814
Brown, Milton R 903
Brown, Nathan 903
Brown, Robert 902
Brown, Robert H 1129
Brown, Samuel 1231
Brownfield, James, Jr., sketch of 961
Brownfield, James, Jr., portrait of 961
Brownfield. William 961
Brownsdale 457
Brunermer, Henry 11H5
Brush Creek Protective Association. . . . 440
Bryan, Robert S 1289
Bryan, Thomas 1289
Bryson, Alexander 219
Buckwheat, Butler county famous for. . 202
Buena Vista 533
Buffalo Township. — Organization, 481;
physical features, 481; coal deposits,
482; pioneers. 482: a game story, 483;
first election. 483; mills and distiller-
ies, 483: schools. 484; justices. 484;
churches. 484; villages. 485; biograph-
ical sketches 831
Burnngton, Hon. Joseph 152
Buhl, Christian. 1084
Buhl, Henry 1085
Buhler, John 1176
Building and Loan Assoc'ns, of Butler.. 364
Bullard. Dr. Henry . .' 198
Burckhalter, Jacob C 774
Burial place, first in the county 379
Burke. Patrick R " 1006
Burkhart, Elijah 833
Burkhart, John 833
Burnside . James 218
Burr j- , Frederick . 1105
Burry, Lewis N 1106
Burtner. Isaac P 876
Burtner, John 879
Burtner. Philip 876
Burton. Benjamin P ^42
Burton, John W 941
Butler Academy 186, 353
Butler Agricultural Association 205, 208
Butler American 177
Butler American and Star of Liberty. . . 178
Butler Bar Association 161
Butler Boiler Works 371
Butler Borough. — Robert Morris and
the Cunninghams, and original owners
of the site, 299, 300; the town laid out,
300; first sale of lots and names of pur-
chasers, 303; early settlers and first
births, 306; the town incorporated, 307:
first borough officers, elections and
transactions of councils, 308; lot owners
of 1821, 309: first quarter century, 311;
Page.
taxables of 1828, 311; interesting peti-
tions and ordinances, 312; burgesses
and councilmen, 314; justices and post-
masters, 320; pioneer merchants, 321;
old-time innkeepers. 323; Lafayette's
visit to Butler, 324; taverns and hotels
of the past and present, 323; suburban
growth. 327: churches, religious socie-
ties and charitable institutions, 328;
the Butler Academy. 353; Witherspoon
Institute, 356: public schools, 357; school
directors from 1854 to 1894, 359; Cath-
olic schools, 360; banking institutions,
361; building and loan associations,
394; insurance companies, 365: manu-
facturers, 366; railroads, 371; telegraph
offices, 372: water supply, 373; fire de-
partment, 373; light and fuel com-
panies, 374; secret and benevolent
societies, 375; public buildings, 378;
soldiers' monument, 378; graveyards
and cemeteries, 379; old and new But-
ler, 381; biographical sketches 674
Butler Cemetery Association 380'
Butler Centinel 173
Butler Citizen 179
Butler County Agricultural Society 204
Butler County Agricultural and Horti-
cultural Societv 204
Butler County Bank. Millerstown 518
Butler County Childrens' Aid Society. . . 351
Butler County Colonization Society 206
Butler County, derivation of name of . . . 18
Butler County, erection of 74
Butler County Farmers' Club 206
Butler County Mutual Insurance Co. . . . 365
Butler County Mutual Fire Insurance Co. 365
Butler County National Bank 363
Butler County Press 178, 179
Butler county, purchase of from the
Indians 37
Butler County Record 180
Butler County Sabbath Association 350
Butler County Sabbath School Ass'n... 350
Butler County Teachers' Association... 189
Butler County Teachers' Institute 188
Butler County Whig 177
Butler Driving Park Association 208
Butler Eagle 179
Butler Electric Light and Power Co. . . . 374
BUTLER Gas Field. — Discovery and
uses, 295; earl3r gas wells, 295; the
Campbell, Harvey and Burns wells.
295, 296; A. W. McCollough's enter-
prises, 298; a deep test well, 298: other
natural gas producers 298
Butler Herald 175
Butler Manufacturing Co.. Limited 371
Buti.ek Oil Field. — Discovery and
early uses of petroleum, 269; ancient
oil vats. 270; first shipment of crude
oil, 270; distilled petroleum, 270; coal
oil lamp invented, 270; an excavated
well, 271; first drilled well. 271: first
producing well, 271: Butler Oil Co. or-
ganized. 271; early wells in Butler
county, 272; form of oil leases. 271:
early consignment of oil to Europe.
Page.
272: beginning- of oil production in
Butler county, 272; rapid development,
272; discovery and development of the
fourth sand, 278: phenomenal wells,
278: Phillips and Armstrong gushers,
284; statistics of oil production, 290:
average price of pipe line certificates,
290: pipe line companies, 291; how for-
tunes were missed, 292; the pumper
and his signals, 292; torpedo invented,
292: oil pooling, 293; cost of drilling
wells, 293; mysteries and surprises, 294;
discredited prophets 294
Butler oil-field boom of 1874 125
Butler-Armstrong- Venango oil field.... 269
Butler Palladium and Republican Star. 172
Butler Pipe Line 291
Butler, Gen. Richard, sketch of 74
Butler, Gen. Richard, portrait of . .Title page
Butler Savings Bank 362
Butler Township. — Organization, 383;
changes of boundary, 383; physical
features, 383; pioneers, 383; an old cem-
etery, 383; early mills. 385; population.
385; justices, 385: churches, 386: bio-
graphical sketches 831
Butler Union 176, 178
Butler Water Co 373
Buttercup 395
Buxton, Friend 932
Buxton. Robert W 933
Bverly, Jacob 864
By erly . John 865
Bvers. George 219
Byers, James M 1013
Byers, John E.. M. D 725
Byers. William 843
Byrne, James 220
Byrom Centre 673
C
Caesar, first settler of Mudd)' Creek 600
Caldwell, Harrv M 1330
Caldwell, JohnB 880
Callery 445
Calvary Cemetery Association 381
Campaign of 1856, 122: of 1860. 124; of
1874 125
Campbell, Alexander 1255
Campbell, Andrew Graham, sketch of. . 809
Campbell. Andrew Graham, portrait of . . 809
Campbell. Benjamin 1208
Campbell. Cvrus 132o
Campbell, Edward 1245
Campbell, General 22<>
Campbell, James, Sr. (Concord Tp.) 1C37
Campbell, James, Sr. (Middlesex Tp.). . . 930
Campbell, James, sketch of 700
Campbell, James, portrait of 193
Campbell, James E. (Concord township). 1038
Campbell, James E. (Butler) 776
Campbell, James Gilmore, sketch of. . . . 690
Campbell, James Gilmore. portrait of. . . 81
Campbell, John S 690
Campbell, Joseph L., M. D 980
Campbell, Joseph P 980
Campbell, Robert S 1038
Campbell, Theodore Chalmers 702
Campbell, Squire William 688
Campbell, William, Sr., sketch of 689
Campbell, William. Sr., portrait of 65
Campbell, William 690-
Camp-Meeting Register (Prospect) 183
Canal convention 19S
Carbon Black, or Saxon Station 4'i2
Carbon Centre 498
Carner, Jefferson C 829
Carruthers. John 1158
Carson. James Monroe 804
Carson, William. ; 220
Cashdollar, John F 1150
Cashdollar, Joseph 1150
Cashdollar, William 1149
Catholic Churches. — Butler (St.
Peter's), 339— (St. Paul's), 340; Clear-
field township (St. John's), 496— (St.
Mary's-of-the-Woods), 497; Donegal
township (St. Patrick's Parish), 507;
Forward (Mission), 434: Marion town-
ship (St. Alphousus), 645, 663; Millers-
town (Mater Dolorosa). 526: Oakland
township (St. Joseph's, German, and
St. Joseph's, English). 558— (St. Wen-
delin's), 559: Petrolia (St. James'
Chapel), 547; Summit township (St.
Mary's) 502
Catholic schools, Butler 360
Cattle mark of Benjamin Zerber, 1804. . 138
Cemeteries.— 380, 381, 416, 426, 450, 456.
473. 474, 480. 497. 504. 510, 526, 558, 585,
626. 663 i .73
Centinel, The Butler 173
Centre Township. — Origin of name,
580; physical characteristics, 580: coal
deposits and gas wells, 580; population
and statistics. 581: pioneers, 581; fir^t
election, 583; justices of the peace, 583:
schools, 583: churches. 583; villages.
585: biographical sketches 045
Cp:ntreville Borough. — Founding of
the town, 624: Stephen Cooper, the
first settler, 624; early business enter-
prises. 624: fatal Fourth of July acci-
dent, 625: Savings Bank, 625; gas-
plant, 625; water works, 625; Co-opera-
tive Creamery Association. 626; Cen-
treville Cemetery Association, 626;
present business houses. 626; borough
officials, 626; justices of the peace, 627:
schools. 627; Slippery Rock State Nor-
mal School. 628; churches. 631; secret
societies, 632: biographical sketches. .1203
Centre ville Casket 184
Chambers, James L 1319
Chambers, Lewis.* 1319
Chandler. George N 121' 1
Chandler, Samuel T 121l>
Character of soils 22
Chautauqua National Building and Loan
Association 365
Cherry Township. — Organization, 647: -
physical characteristics, 647: coal de-
posits, 647; mining- companies, 647;
population and statistics, 647; pioneers,
647; early manufacturers, 648; first
1338
Page.
election, 648; schools, 649; justices of
the peace, 649: churches, 649; villages,
650; cyclone of 1882, 652; biographical
sketches 1281
Chesney , William J 893
Chestnut Hill Stock Farm. Millerstowu. 519
Christian Endeavor Union 350
Christie, Henderson W 822
Christie, John 1074
Christie. J. L., M. D 1187
Christie, Oscar Levi 1047
Christie, Thomas 1266
Christie, Thomas G 1266
Christie, Thomas T 1047
Christie, William 1073
Christie, William A., sketch of 1074
Christie, William A., portrait of 585
Christley, Alfred M 720
Christley, Curtis 1 1212
Christie)', George 1211
Christley, John 1212
Christley, John Harvey 1212
Christley, Michael 1213
Christley, Neyman 1213
Christley, Thomas F 1290
Christy, Dunbar 1282
Christy. John (Cherry township) 1281
Christy, Josiah 1050
Christy, Rev. Richard C 237
Christy. Robert F 1282
Christy, Samuel 1050
Christy, Samuel E 1050
Christy, William 1050
Church of Christ, Petrolia 547
Church of God.— Butler, 349: Centre
township, 584: Concord township, 566;
Harmony, 416; Middlesex township,
450; Washing-ton township, 656; Worth
township (Mt. Union) 612
Citizens' Bank, Evans City 421
Citizens' Building and Loan Association 364
Citizens' Gas Co 375
Citizens' Light and Fuel Co., Millers-
town 519
Civil law and other cases 138
Clark, Alexander 1297
Clark, Frank S 781
Clark, John C 1298
Clark, Thomas. Sr 220
Claytonia 572
Clay Township. — Organization, 568;
origin of name, 568; physical char-
acteristics. 568; streams, 568; coal de-
posits and coal banks, 568; building
stone, 569; population and statistics,
569; pioneers, 569; mills, 570; schools,
570; justices of the peace, 571; churches,
571: villages, 572; biographical
sketches 945
Clearfield Township. — Origin of
name, 494; creeks, 494; coal deposits,
494: physical conformations, 494: pio-
neers, 494; population and statistics,
495; schools, 496; justices of the peace,
496; churches, 496; villages, 498; bio-
graphical sketches 831
Cleeland, Arthur 1260
Cleeland, David 1261
Cleeland, David L.. sketch of 753
Cleeland, David L.. portrait of 753
Cleeland. John '. 752
Cleeland, Robert 1260
Cleeland. Samuel 1261
Cleeland, Thomas 1261
Cleeland. Thomas J 1261
Cleeland, William J 1262
Clerks of the Courts 130
Clinton Township.— Organization, 476;
physical characteristics, 476: pioneers,
476; population and statistics, 478;
schools, 478: justices, 478: churches,
478; cemeteries, 480; villages, 480:
manufacturing and mercantile inter-
ests, 481; Harvey Post, G. A. R., 481;
biographical sketches 831
Clutton, Frank 1225
Out ton. George W 1225
Coal deposits 22
Coal, discovery of in county 20
Coaltown 650
Colbert. Edwin D 751
Colbert. Isaac 751
Colbert, William R 751
Commercial Bank, Harmony 413
Commissioners 132
Commissioners, first meeting of county.. 93
Common school law agitation 186
Common school law, passage of 186
Common school system not popular. . . . 186
Concord Township — Physical charac-
teristics, 562; early oil wells, 562; pio-
neers, 563; pioneer mill. 563; population
and statistics, 564: schools, 564: justices,
564: churches. 564; villages, 566; bio-
graphical sketches 945
Concordia Orphans' Home 464
Congressional, senatorial, representa-
tive and judicial districts 116
Congressional and representative appor-
tionment of 1887 125
Conn. Dr. Eli 168
Connoquenessing Township. — Origin
of name, 387: original and present
area, 387; drainage, 387; physical fea-
tures, 388: coal and limestone, 388;
pioneers, 388; population and statistics,
390; early elections, 391; justices of the
peace, 391; mills, 391; schools, 392;
churches, 392; villages, 394; societies,
396; biographical sketches 1083
Connoquenessing Valley Agricultural
Association 207
Connoquenessing Valley Agricultural
Society 396
Connoquenessing Valley News 183, 403
Connoquenessing Vigilance Association 396
Constables in 1804 138
Constitution of 1790. Butler county under 116
Constitution of 1838 120
Constitutional convention of 1873 124
Constitutional convention delegates from
Butler county 128
Contempt case, notable 136
Contract for new court-house building,
1852 Ill
Conway, Hugh 1039
1339
Con way, William 1039
Conway, William, Jr 1039
Cooper. Andrew L 1205
Cooper. Harvey 1205
Cooper, Joseph L 1200
Cooper, Milton 1205
Cooper, Nathaniel, Sr 620, 1204
Cooper, Nathaniel 1205
Cooper, Robert 913
Cooper. Samuel H 914
Cooper. Stephen 620, 624
Cooper. Sylvanus 1203
Cooper, William 762
Cooper. Zebulon, Sr 620. 1203
Cooper, Zebulon 1204
Cooperstown 452
Cornelius. Alexander M 717
Cornelius, Samuel 1243
Coroners 131
Coulter, Dr. G. W 168
Coulter. Joseph 777
Counterfeiters, raid on 145
Counterfeiters in Brady township 618
County and township organization 74
County school superintendents 188
County seat, commission to locate 85
County seat removal scheme 110
Court-house (present one), building' of,
109; history and description of 112
Court-house buildings, old, 110: new.... 114
Court-house burned Ill
Court-house, second one completed 105
Court decisions, land title disputes.... 41
Court of common pleas and quarter ses-
sions, first 135
Court proceedings, early 135
Covenanter Church, Buffalo township.. .485
Covenanter or Reformed Presbyterian
Church, Centreville 632
Covenanter Church, Concord township. 565
Covenanter Church, Old, Portersville. . 608
Covert, Isaac 1151
Covert, John 1166
Covert, John Milton 1167
Covert, Luke 220
Covert, Miles 1152
Covert, Morris 1166
Cowden. John. M. D 164, 1267
Cowden, William Reynolds. M. D . .166, 1267
Coy lesville 498
Craig, John 1244
Craig, John, Jr 1245
Cranberry Township. — Organization.
434; reduction of area, 434; physical
characteristics, 434: coal deposits, 434;
oil production, 435; the pioneers, 435:
early industries. 435; population and
statistics, 435: schools, 436; justices,
436; Independence Day celebration,
436; churches, 436; villages, 440; asso-
ciations, 440; biographical sketches. . . 1083
Cranmer, Asaph N 1052
Cranmer, Asaph P 1052
Crattv, James 1254
Crattv, Thomas 1255
Crawford, Elder. M. D 1171
Criley, Joseph 783
Crilev, Nicholas J 783
Criminal trials, earlv 140
Criner, John " 929
Criner, William 930
Criner, Wilson P 930
Criswell, James (Clinton township) 898
Criswell, James (Adams township) 1142
Criswell. John A 1143
Criswell, Joseph 809
Criswell, William 1142
Critchlow City 45M
Critchlow, Frank P 1254
Critchlow, Rev. George W 1254
Critchlow, Henry C 915
Critchlow, James 220
Critchlow, Jesse 915
Critchlow, Thomas 1254
Croft, James A 941
Croft, Joseph 941
Croft, Lewis 941
Crooks, John M 931
Crooks, Samuel 931
Cross, Thomas and Samuel 46
Crowe. John 1120
Crowe, William P 1129
Cruikshank, Andrew 219
Criiikshank Family 4s7
Cumberland Presbyterians 594
Cummins, Joseph 1237
Cummins, Lycurgus R 1238
Cunningham, A. V., M. D 1085
Cunningham, David C .' 150
Cunningham brothers 300
Curry, James C 1235
Curry, John E 1235
Cushcushking 24
Cyclone of 1882 652
Cypher, John 852
Cypher, Martin 853
Cypher, Matthias 852
Cypher, Philip 853
D
Dale, David E 752
Dambach, Adam, Sr 1174
Dambach, Adam 1174
Dambach, Henry. W 1174
Dambach, Jacob, Sr 1172
Dambach, Jacob, Jr 1173
Dambach, Jacob 1173
Dambach, John Nickolas 1172
Dambach, Nickolas 1172
Daniels (pioneer) 46
Dann, W. H 1269
Danville 511
Darling, Alpheus 882
Daubenspeck, George 1327
Daubenspeck, Philip 778
Daughertvi Sons, W. H., Petrolia 540
David, Oliver 700
Davison , James 1148
Davison, James K 1148
Davison. William. Sr 1148
Davison, William 1149
Davis, Dr. C. H 168
Davis, Jeffrey 943
Davis, Morgan 828
Davis. Philip V 828
1340
Page.
Davis, William, Jr 943
Davis, William J 943
Day, John 10S8
Decker, Horace 1061
Decker, Rev. Isaac Davison 1062
De Coliere, Dr. Henri 166
Deed Poll, 1804 138
Delano Station 493
Democratic Herald (Butler) 1T5
Democratic-Republicans in 1814 118
Dennison. John 4b
Dennison, Walter A 972
Denny, Daniel 854
Denny, James 853
Denny. John 854
Denny, William 854
Depreciation Certificates 3S
Depreciation Lands 38
De Wolf, E- Darwin 1222
De Wolf, Eli G.. M. D 164, 1222
De Wolf. Henry 722
De Wolf, Dr. Henry C 163
De Wolf. Tensard Robinson. M. D., 163. 722
De Wolfe, Willard L.. M. D 97s
Dibell, David M 939
Dickey, John 1215
Dickey, John W 1215
Dig-ht. Rev. John M H.08
Dindinger, John 1087
Dindinger, Lewis 1086
Dindinger. William, sketch of 1087
Dindinger, William, portrait of 1105
DISTILLKRIKS.—370, 385, 431, 435, 483. 513,
557. 582, 602, 611, 648. 665 671
District Attorneys 130
Dittmer, M. B... S47
Di v ener. Charles ' 160
Divener, George Henry 959
Dixon, James L 907
Dixon. Winfield Scott 908
Dobson, George 218
Dodds, Adam 904
Dodds, David B 904
Dodds, Findley B 904
Dodds, John . ." 903
Dodds, William 903
Donaghy , James H 1252
Donaghy, Joseph 1252
Donaghy, Thomas 819
Donation Lands 38
Donkgal Township.— Organization. 505:
physical characteristics, 505: coal de-
posits, 505: pioneers and pioneer indus-
tries, 506; statistics and justices, 507;
schools and teachers, 507: St. Patrick's
parish. 507: the old log church. 509; St.
Patrick's cemetery, 510: Lutheran and
private cemeteries, 510: villages, 511;
biographical sketches 945
Double, Joseph 961
Double. Prushey 960
Double, Zephaniah 960
Dougal, David, sketch of 684
Dougal. David, portrait of 41
Doug-lass. Andrew 1106
Douglass, James H 772
Douglass, William C 1106
Douthett, Allison J 1123
Douthett. Benjamin 1121
Douthett, David 1122
Douthett, Hon. David B 1123
Douthett. James M 1123
Douthett, James M., Jr 1123
Douthett, Joseph. Sr 1121
Douthett. Joseph 1122
Douthett, Marshall B 1124
Douthett, William G 770
Downey ville 445
Drainage of the county 19
Dresher, Andrew " 889
Dresher, William 889
Duffy, Charles, Sr 945
Duffy. Judge John 140, 693
Duffy, Peter 693
Duffy farm, dispute over 40
Duff y town 328
Dufford. George Lewis 1064
Dufford, Samuel 1064
Duncan . Presley 1146
Duncan. Robert 114h
Dunlap, James, sketch of 692
Dunlap. James, portrait of 49
Dunn, Andrew 218
Du Panchell. Dr 165
Duplicate tax lists 95
E
Eakin, John 1320
Eakin. Thomas 1320
Earhart. Joseph 1009
Early administration of justice 134
Early campaign methods 118
Early court proceeding's 135
Early criminal trials 140
Early financial transactions 80
Early judges and lawyers 134
Early judges of the supreme court 138
Early justices of the peace 133
Early military history 217
Early mills, tanneries, etc., in Butler... . 366
Early roads 94. 193
Early school laws 186
Ebensburg and Butler stage line 195
Eberhart. Andrew 0 837
Eberhart, John 837
Eberhart Family 837
Economites, sale of their lands 398
Education, association for promotion of. 186
Efforts to organize a new county 88, "'2
Ehrman. George 1178
Ehrman, John, Sr 1177
Ehrman, John 1177
Eichenlaub, Francis 846
Eichenlaub. Jacob 846
Eichenlaub, William 846
Eichholtz. William 1091
Eidenau 401
Eighteenth Militia Regiment 257
Eisler, Edward W 785
Eisler, Martin 784
Eitenmiller, Henry 773
Ekastown 486
Ekin, John 47
El Dorado, or Glenora 669
Election, first general, in the county... . 116
1341
Election of 1854, 121: of 1864 124
Election campaigns, 1856, etc 122
Election for state and county officers,
1854, 121: 1893 126
Electors from Butler county 128
Elevations of county 18
Eleventh Reserve . ." 234
Ellenberger, Amos W 1003
Ellenberger, Isaac 1003
Ellenberger, John 10C2
Ellenberger, William 1002
Elliott, Charles R 772
Elliott, John 1067
Elliott, John A 1067
Elliott, Joseph J 772
Elliott, Robert 46, 482
Elliott, William and John 46
Elora 619
Emery Chapel, Ekastown 485
Emery, Joseph 1040
Emery. Robert N 1041
Emery, William 1040
Emlenton Agricultural Society 206
Emmerling-, Dr. Charles 167
Emrick. Andrew 842
Emrick, John 843
Emrick, Michael 842
Eudres, Adam 1119
Endres, Jacob 1120
English, James 1274
English. James Y 1274
English. William F 1274
Erection of county 74
Escape from jail 146
Euclid 572
Eureka Building and Loan Association. 364
Evangelical Association, Adams Tp. . . . 444
Evangelical Church. Bethesda, W. Sun-
bury 578
Evangelical Lutheran Churches.—
Brady township, 617; Buffalo township,
485: Butler (St. Mark's) 342— (English),
345; Centre township, 584; Concord
township (Zion), 565 — (Springdale), 565:
Connoquenessing township (Peters-
ville) 394; Cranberry township, 439:
Evans City, 424; Jefferson township,
(St. Lucas), 463; Lancaster township,
597; Millerstown, 524; Prospect, 593;
Saxonburg, 473; Winfield township 490
Evangelical Protest autChurch. German,
Saxonburg 473
Evangelical Protestant United Church,
German, Petersville 393
Evangelical Union Church. Evans City 424
Evangelical Zion Church, Winfield 490
Evans City Borough. — Location and
early history, 417; population and sta-
tistics, 417: pioneers, 417; hotels, 417,
419; manufacturing industries. 419; the
village of 1878, 420; postmasters. 420;
merchants and banks. 420; schools. 421:
councils and justices, 421: churches
and cemeteries, 423: secret societies,
426; sketch of Capt. William Stewart,
426; biographical sketches 1083
Evans City Cemetery Association 426
Evictions attempted 40
Excelsior Mutual Fire Ins. Co.,N. Wash-
ington 658
Explorers 26
Eykes, Samuel 1012
F
Fair and Festival (Butler) 179
Fairview Borough. — Founding and
growth of the village, 535; later busi-
ness enterprises. 535; oil fever. 536;
population. 536: schools and churches,
536; incorporation and officials, 538;
postmasters and justices of the peace,
540; destructive fires, 540: secret socie-
ties. 540; biographical sketches 945
Fairview Deposit and Savings Bank. . . . 536
Fairview Pipe Line Co 291
Fairview Reporter 182, 536
Fairview Township. — Organization.
530: boundary lines. 530; statistics, 530:
first settlers. 530; churches, 531; early
schools and teachers, 532: first officials
and justices, 532; villages, 533; bio-
graphical sketches 945
Fanker. H. W 1120
Farm statistics 210
Farmers' Alliance 210
Farmers' Institute 207
Farmers' Mutual Fire Ins. Co., Winfield
township 4' i3
Farmers' and Breeders' Mutual Live
Stock Insurance Association 365
Farming' and milling methods 73
Farmington 663
Faubel, J. H 782
Fauna of the county 22
Federal appointees from Butler county.. 128
Fees charged by early attorneys, etc. . . . 139
Feigel, Ferdinand 797
Feigel, Valentine 797
Felges, August 1034
Felges, John 1034
Fennelton 498
Ferguson, John (of Prospect) 829
Ferguson, John, sketch of 935
Ferguson, John, portrait of 945
Ferguson, Rolandus H 829
Ferguson, William 25
Ferris. .- 664
Fiedler, Daniel, Sr 1113
Fiedler, Daniel : 1113
Fiedler. Jacob 1113
Fifty-sixth Militia Regiment 257
Fifty-eighth Militia Regiment 258
Financial transactions, earlv 80
Findley, David .' 1042
Findley, John 807
Findlev, Samuel, Sr 1042
Findley, William C 722
Fire and flood in Karns City 553
Fires at Fairview, 540; at Greece City,
567: at Millerstown, 519: at Petrolia." . 544
First borough officers, elections, etc. .But-
ler 308
First burial place in the county 379
First children born in Butler 306
134^
First court of common pleas and quarter
sessions 135
First court-house 110, 111
First general election 116
First merchant in Butler 321
First murder trial 140
First National Bank of Butler 3i>l
First newspapers in Western Pennsyl-
vania 172
First proceedings of county commis-
sioners 03
First railroad meeting 197
First railroad survey 197
First sale of lots in'Butler 303
First school-tax lew 186
First settlers 44
First steamboat up the Allegheny 195
First taverns in Butler 323
Fisher, Reuben 1280
Fisher. Thomas 1280
Fisher. Washington 1280
Fleeger, Austin '11,7
Fleeger, Christian 1067
Fleeger, Capt. George W 711
Fleeger, Jacob 1067
Fleeger. Peter 1068
Fleeger. Solomon 967
Fleming. Edward 998
Fleming. Robert 861
Fleming, Samuel (Buffalo township). . . . 861
Fleming, Samuel (Venango township) .. 1310
Fleming, Samuel C 1319
Fleming. Samuel H 861
Fleming. Thomas 861
Fleming. William 997
Fleming, William A 90S
Flemining, Charles 859
Flemming, John H 859
Flick, Henry 927
Flick. Jacob ' 027
Flick. J acob B 927
Flintier. John, Sr 1201
Flinner, John 1202
Flinner, Phillip 1202
Floods and storms 23
Flood of 1879 at Petrolia 546. 553
Forest growth 22
Forest House 619
Forestville 636
Forquer, F. J 715
Forquer, W. A 714
Forrester, Joseph, M. D 72(>
Fort Stanwix, treaty of 1768 37
Fortieth Regiment, Eleventh Reserve.. 234
Forward Township. — Organization,
429; physical characteristics, 429; coal
banks, 429; oil wells, 429; pioneers. 429:
population and statistics, 431; mills
and distilleries, 431; schools 431; jus-
tices, 432; churches, 432; postofnces,
434; biographical sketches 1083
Fourteenth Cavalry 251
Fourteenth Militia Regiment 256
Fowler, Dr. David 168
Franklin Township. — Derivation of
name, 586; organization, 586: a pastoral
township, 586; oil wells and oil produc-
tion, 586; township statistics, 586; jus-
tices of the peace, 586: first settlers,
587; schools and teachers, 588: religious
societies, 588; Mount Chestnut, 589;
biographical sketches 1203
Frantz, Jacob 860
Frantz. John S 860
Frazier, James 874
Frazier, Thomas 8T4
Frazier, Thomas A 875
Frazier, Thomas W 874
Frederick. Edward G 968
Frederick, John Jacob 968
Frederick. P. G 981
Fredley, John 938
Free Methodist Church 350
Free Soilers and Laborites 121
Freeman's Journal (Butler) 175
French explorers 26
Fruhling, August 857
Fruhling. George 857
Fryer, Abraham 46
Fulton. James 46
Funerals in pioneer days 66
G
Gaertner. George 1181
Gaisford, J. C 971
Galbraith. John (Revolutionary soldier) 217
Galbraith, John (founder of the Pal-
ladium) 151 . 173
Galbraith. Joseph 1068
Galbreath. James M 718
Galbreath. Robert. Sr 851
Ualbreath. Robert 852
Galbreath, William 852
Gallagher. Andrew 850
Gallagher, Ferguson W 1263
Gallagher, Hugh 850
Gallagher. James 1262
Gallagher, John, Sr 1262
Gallagher, John. Jr 1262
Gallagher, John 1263
Gallagher. Joshua 1264
Gallagher, Thomas 1263
Gallagher, William 850
Gansz, Lewis, Sr 1099
Gansz, Lewis 1100
Gapen. Stephen 299
Garfield mine, Cherry township 651
Garvin, Alexander 1163
Garvin, Benjamin 1165
Garvin, Benjamin W 1165
Garvin, David, Sr 1163
Garvin, David 1164
Garvin, James Wallace 1163
Garvin, Newton, sketch of 1165
Garvin, Newton, portrait of 1169
Garvin, William, Sr 1165
Garvin, William 1166
Garvin, Wilson 1164
Gas Field. Butler [SeeButler gas field],
Gelbach, Henry 1130
Gelbach, John A 1131
Gelbach, Philip, sketch of 1130
Gelbach, Philip, portrait of 441
Gelbach, Philip D 1130
Gelbach, William H 1131
1343
General election, first 11<>
Geographical center of the county 18
Geological structure of the county 20
German Evangelical Church of Har-
mony 416
German Mutual Fire Ins. Co. of Zelien-
ople 403
German National Bank, Millerstown 518
Germich, Dr 165
Gettys, Dr. George W 166
Gibson, Eli L 1331
Gibson, Harvey S 822
Gibson, James, Sr 25, 996
Gibson, James 1331
Gibson, James W 1054
Gibson, John 912
Gibson, John, Alex., James and Hugh
(pioneers) 25
Gibson, Levi 997
Gibson, Robert 912
Gibson, William 997
Giesler, Jacob 857
Giesler, William 858
Gill, Cornelius 1213
Gill. David 1214
Gill. Hiram M 1214
Gill, William 219
Gillespie. Hamilton 937
Gillespie, William J 937
Gilmore, Hon. Alfred 154
Gilmore. John 139, 150
Gilmore, Hon. Samuel A 153
Girty , John 46
Girty Family 46
Glade Mills 451
Glade Mills Mutual Fire Insurance Co. . 451
Gleason, Dr 166
Glenn, Andrew 1251
Glenn, James C 1045
Glenn, John 1045
Glenn, Robert 1250
Glenn, Robert F 1251
Glenn, Samuel 1045
Glenn Family 1044
Glenora, or El Dorado 669
Glossner, Jacob W 1009
Glover, James 45, 218
Goehring, Charles 1167
Goehring, Charles F 1168
Goehring, Edwin E 1170
Goehring, EHas 1169
Goehring, Gellert 1170
Goehring, George 1169
Goehring, Harvey 1170
Goehring, Henry 1168
Goehring-, Joseph 1169
Goehring, William 1168
Goehring, William Henry 1167
Goetz, John 371, 797
Gold Fever of 1849-52 70
Golden City 465
Gomersal 651
Goodall, Dr 165
Gormley, Cornelius 1314
Gormley , John H 1314
Gormlev, Michael 1314
Goucher, H. H., sketch of 716
Goucher, H. H., portrait of 353
Page.
Graham, Albert G 1161
Graham, Alexander 1185
Graham, Daniel 218, 1185
Graham, Ebenezer 771
Graham, Edward 46
Graham, Elmer E 8' '-
Graham, George H 999
Graham. Hart W. F 771
Graham, Dr. James 165
Graham, James H., Sr 1160
Graham, James H 909
Graham, John (lawyer) 155
Graham, John (Butler) 732
Graham, John (Parker township) ''90
Graham, John Newton 1161
Graham. Joseph 871
Graham, Matthew, Sr 1159
Graham, Matthew, Jr 1160
Graham, Oliver H. P 1162
Graham, Orin Palmer 1162
Graham, Patrick 460. 871
Graham, Robert. Sr 384, 731
Graham, Robert 908
Graham, Samuel. M. D 723
Graham, Samuel (Allegheny township)
671. 999
Graham. Samuel (Cranberry township). .1160
Graham, Thomas 1185
Graham, Thomas J 908
Graham, Walter L 157. 732
Graham. William 1161
Graham. William B 871
Graham, William S 764
Graham, Wilson W 908
"Grand Hunts'* '1
Grand jury empanelled in 1804 137
Grant of Pennsylvania to William Penn 36
Gray, James C 894
Great Belt 465
Greece City 566
Green, John 219
Greer postoffice 511
Greer, Hon. John Morgan, sketches of. 150, 707
Greer, Hon. John Morgan, portrait of. . 153
Greer, Matthew 863
Greer, Matthew N s,,3
Greer, Thomas 862
Gregg. Robert J 788
Gregg. William S 788
Grieb. Francis X 750
Grieb, Henry 750
Grieb, John R 750
Griesbach, Gustave 1110
Griffith, H. P 1—6
Grine, W. H 1226
Grossman, Benedict 1241
Grossman, Hugh C 1241
Grossman, Hugh H 1242
Grossman, Simon 1241
Grove, Absolom 769
Grove, William H 769
Gubernatorial election, 1854 122
H
Hale, Isaac ,:>9
Hall, Cyrus W 1152
Hall, Enoch 1176
1344
Hall, Isaac A 1287
Hall, James '. 46
Hall. Jesse 1287
Hall. John 1152, 1175
Hallstein, Frederick 1095
Hallstein, Henry A 1096
Hallston 619
Halstead. Henry 900
Halstead. Henry H 900
Halstead, John*. 900
Hamilton Bottle Works 368
Hannahstown 464
Harbison, James (Buffalo township) 865
Harbison, James (pioneer) 46, 925
Harbison. James D 932
Harbison, John (Indian scout) 45, 219
Harbison, John and Massy 482
Harbison, Robert (Jefferson township). . 906
Harbison, Robert (Middlesex township). 926
Harbison, Robert H 907
Harbison, Thomas 865
Harbison, William 217
Harbison, William J 932
Harbison-Monk's celebrated case 145
Harbison's story. Massy 32
Hardman, W. V 823
Harmony Borough. — Founding: of the
village, 409; Georg-e Rapp. 409; the
Harmonist Society, 410; sale of the
property. 411; removal to Indiana. 411;
return to Pennsylvania, 411; present
status, 411: secular Harmony. 411; pop-
ulation and statistics, 412; manufac-
turing- industries, 412: hotels and busi-
ness houses, 413; banks, 413; post-
masters and justices, 414; burgesses
and councilmen, 414; schools. 415:
churches, 415; the first cemetery, 416;
secret societies, 416; biographical
sketches • • • • 1083
Harmony National Bank 413
Harmony Savings Bank 413
Harmonist Society 138, 410
Harper, Andrew 1118
Harper, Cyrus B 1118
Harper, John H 774
Harper, Robert M 774
Harper, Thomas 1118
Harris, Ephraim 636
Harkisvillk Borough.— Founding of
the town, 636; Col. Robert Reed's addi-
tion, 636: early business enterprises,
637; schools, 637; Harrisville in 1865.
637: hotels, mills and merchants, 638;
borough officials, 638: burgesses and
justices of the peace, 638; churches,
639: secret societies, 640; biographical
sketches 1203
Hartenstein, Henry 884
Hartenstein, Lewis 885
Hartman, Hon. Joseph, sketch of 744
Hartman, Hon. Joseph, portrait of 745
Hartman, Philip 219, 945
Hartman. William 945
Hartung-, Casper 839
Hartung, John 839
Hartzell, Jacob 918
Hartzell, Jonas 918
Hartzell, Jonas S 918
Harvest Home 398
Harvey, Patrick 45, 476
Haslett, Charles 738
Haslett, William 154, 178. 737
Hauck, Joseph 785
Hauck, William A 785
Hawn, William C 1014
Hays, E. F 970
Hays, E vert R 944
Hays. George 46
Hays, Joseph 944
Hays, Robert (Fairview) 1012
Havs, Robert (Connoquenessing) 1191
Ha'vs, Robert S 1191
Hays, Samuel 1191
Hays, Thomas 1012
Hays, Valentine 969
Haysville 534
Hazen. Hon. Aaron Lyle 149, 706
Hazlett, James 1138
Hazlett, John 1109
Hazlett, Leslie P 1138
Hazlett mill, Winfield 489
Hazlett, Robert 1109
Hazlett, Samuel W 1109
Heberling, Henry 1270
Heberling, Jacob 1269
Heck, Daniel, Sr 1078
Heck, Daniel 1029
Heck, Daniel A 770
Heck, Peter 1029
Heckart, Francis 864
Heckart, Michael 864
Heckart, Michael S 864
Heineman, Charles M 807
Heineman, Henry C 806
Heinzer, Joseph 847
Heller, George J. C 883
Helmbold, Ernest A 886
Helmbold, John G 886
Helmbold, Louis A 887
Helmbold, Theodore, sketch of 887
Helmbold. Theodore, portrait of 889
Hemphill. James 506
Hemphill, James, Adam and John 46
Henrv. Joseph 1186
Henry, Peter 1186
Henry. Robert S 1187
Herald, The, Millerstown 182, 515
Herman Station 504
Heron. William 1004
Herr, Charles E 805
Hespenheide, Christopher F 1157
Hespeuheide, Frank W 1158
Hespenheide, Henry F 1157
Hespenheide, John H 1157
Hespenheide, William 1157
Hicks, William 449
Higgins Corners 659
Hilliard, George L 1010
Hilliard, Jacob 220, 1295
Hilliard, John 1296
Hilliard, Peter P 1296
Hilliard, Philip 1296
Hilliard Brothers 1296
Hilliard Station 658
Hindman, John 1053
Hindman, Thomas 1053
Hoch. Adolphus A 965
Hoch, Augustus 965
Hoch. Martin 964
Hockenberry, Casper, Sr 124<>
Hockenberry, Casper 1246
Hockenberry, Harvey D 1063
Hockenberry, John 1063
Hockenberry, John, Sr 1246
Hockenberry, Joseph 1246
Hockenberry, Robert 1063
Hockenberry, William 1247
Hogan, Ben, the evangelist preacher. . . 543
Hoheu (Allegheny river) 20
Holman, Dr. Albert 1075
Home Natural Gas Co 375
Hooks, Blair 827
Hooks City 669
Hoon, Henry 1075
Hoon, John 1075
Hoon, Thomas R., sketch of 1076
Hoon, Thomas R., portrait of 1073
Hoover, David L 867
Hoover, N. M., M. D 168, 724
Howard. Dr. Lyman L 167
Huff. Frank J." 768
Hughes, James W 795
Hughes, John C 795
Hughes, Richard, Sr 786
Hughes. Richard 786
Hultz, William 46
Humes, Patrick 1156
Humes, William 1156
Humphrey, David W., Sr 1237
Humphrey, David W 1237
Humphrey, John 1239
Humphrey. Robert G 1227
Humphrey. Thomas 1238
Humphrey, William, Sr 1238
Humphrey, William 1268
Humphrey, William M 1227
Hunter. Alexander 1132
Hunter, Alexander D 1133
Hunter, William 1132
Hunter, William W 1133
Hunting reminiscence 671
Hunts of 1820, 1828, etc 71
Huselton, John 813
Huselton, John F 813
Huselton, Stephen H 814
Hutchison, George 1019
Hutchison, James W 721
Hutchison, John 1019
Hutchison, Miller 1058
Hutchison, William 1018
Hutchison, William J 1019
Hutchison. William M 1020
I
Ifft, George. Sr 1103
Ifft, George 1104
Ifft. Henrv J 1103
Ifft, John N 1104
Imbrie, Rev. David 1236
Imbrie, Rev. David Reed 1236
Imbrie, Rev. John J 1236
Improvements on court-house. 1877 112
85
1345
Incidents of pioneer medical practice. . . 162
Independent Natural Gas Co 375
Indians and Indian towns, 24; Corn-
planters. 25; Delawares, 25, 44; Senecas
and Shawnees 25
Indian attack on the English colonists.
37; uprising, defeat and submission.. 39
Indian towns, camps and trails, 24;
treaties, 36: villages, 24; wars 37
Institute Hill 328
"Intellectual Fair" 189
Internal improvements 193
Iron City 534
Irvine, John 1148
Irvine, Wellington A 1148
Irvine, William, M. D 168, 1100
Irwin, Archibald 1125
Irwin. George W.. sketch of 1126
Irwin. George W.. portrait of 433
Irwin, John A., sketch of 1126
Irwin, John A., portrait of 465
Item, The (Greece City) 182
Itinerant school teachers 185
J
Jack, Benjamin 780
Jack, John S 780
Jackson, John D 766
Jackson Township. — Organization, 396;
physical characteristics, 396; pioneers,
397: population and assessment, 398;
Harvest Home, 398; the Harmonists'
estate, 398; early industries. 399;
schools, 400; justices of the peace. 400;
villages, 400; biographical sketches.. .1083
Jail delivery 146
Jameson. James 1000
Jameson, John 219
Jameson, Thomas, sketch of 1000
Jameson, Thomas, portrait of 1001
Jamisonville 572
Jefferson Centre 465
Jefferson Township. — Organization,
460; physical characteristics, 460; coal
deposits, 460; gas wells, 460; game, 460;
pioneers, 460; population and statistics,
461: early industries, 461: schools, 462;
justices, 462; churches, 462; Concordia
Orphans' Home, 464; villages, 464: bio-
graphical sketches 831
Jefferson ville 499
Jenkins, Edmund 1298
Johnson, Charles H 970
Johnston, Benjamin 1077
Johnston, David C 1140
Johnston, Jesse 1077
Johnston, John 218
Johnston. John Nevin 828
Johnston, Stephen A., D. D. S 727
Johnston, Thornlev C 1077
Jolly, Thomas, Sr." 1316
Jollv, Thomas, Jr 1317
Jolly, Capt. Thomas 1317
Jones, Caleb 487, 488
Judges and lawyers, earlv 134
Judges of the supreme court, early 138
Judicial apportionment of 1893 126
1346
Pagi .
Judicial contests of 1*74 and 1884 144
Judicial districts. Butler Co., assigned to 116
Jury Commissioners 131
Justices of the Peace, early 133
K
Kamerer, Adam 813
Kamerer, Daniel L 987
Kamerer. Samuel H 988
Karns City Borough.— Early history,
551; the celebrated McClymonds farm,
551; the town named, 552; rapid growth,
552: incorporation, 552; population.
552; postmasters, 552; present business
interests, 552; fire and flood, 553: bor-
ough officials, 553: schools, 554: church-
es, 554; secret societies, 555; biographi-
cal sketches 045
Karns City Item 182
Karns, James 834
Karns, James R 834
Karns, S. D 551
Karns, William 834
Kaskaskunk 24
Kearns, William 46, 383
Keasey, George W 858
Keasey, Henry. 858
Keasey. Henry C 859
Keasey, Webster 859
Keck, Jacob, sketch of 756
Keck, Jacob, portrait of 321
Kelly, Archibald 665, 1324
Kelly. David 1325
Kelly, David Porter 1325
Kelly, Elmer E 830
Kelly, James 1324
Kelly, John C 835
Kelly, John T -. 809
Kelly, Richard 810
Kelly, Samuel 835
Kelly, Thomas 1324
Kelly, Thomas, Jr 1297
Kelly. Thomas W 1325
Kemper, Bernard 761
Kemper, Frank 761
Kemper, Joseph 760
Kennedy, Charles H 798
Kennedy, Daniel 1260
Kennedy, David 1259
Kennedy, David R 1259
Kennedy, John, Sr. (pioneer) 219, 905
Kennedy, John (Penn township) 905
Kennedy, John (Adams township) 1146
Kennedy, John Q. A., sketch of 818
Kennedy. John Q. A., portrait of 825
Kennedy, Robert 1259
Kennedy, Thomas 1146
Kennedy, Thomas P 1260
Kennedy, William 906
Kennedy, William M 787
Kensington Furnace 673
Kepple. Isaac 1004
Kerr, Hon. James 1232
Kerr, James H 1313
Kerr, John 1313
Kerr, Joseph 1313
Kerr, William 1314
Page.
Kesselman. William 794
Kesselman tv Co., William 370
Ketterer, George 7o2
Kidd, Hugh 1149
Kidd, Robert 1149
Kiester. village of 623
Kiester, Jacob 1210
Kiester, Jacob Shaffer 1210
Kiester, Jesse 1211
Kiester, John 1210
Kiester, Paul 1211
Kiester, Philip 1209
King, Daniel S 1001
King. George 1001
King, John H 1002
Kingan, James 933
Kingan, Samuel J 934
Kirker. James W 157
Kirkpatrick, David L 919
Kittanning, attack on 37
Kline. John W 1099
Klingler Family 738
Klingler, Charles Washington 742
Klingler. Frederick Julius 742
Klingler. Harr}' Samuel 741
Klingler. Hermann Julius, sketch of. . . . 739
Klingler, Hermann Julius, portrait of. . 273
Klingler, Rev. Paul Gerhardt 742
Knauff, Adam Henry 1136
Knauff . Hartmau 1135
Knauff, Henrv 1177
Knauff, John 1136
Knoch, Herman 880
Knoch, John 879
Knoch. William H 880
Know Nothing party 121
Koch, Charles 758
Koch, Frank W 758
Koch, John G 758
Koegler, Herman G 885
Kohler, Frank X 719
Kohler, Gabriel 718
Kopp, John 798
Kradel. Adam S48
Kradel. John 84S
Krause, Alphonso 855
Krause. Lewis A 854
Krause, Robert, sketch of 855
Krause, Robert, portrait of 857
Krause, Thielo 856
Kribbs, Re v. J. A 108S
Krumpe, W. A 897
Kuhn, Henrv 1039
Kuhn, McAllister 1040
L
La Belle Riviere (Allegheny river) 20
Labor's Voice (Martinsburg) 183
Lafayette's visit to Butler 324
Lancaster Township. — Organization,
595; pioneers. 595; population and sta-
tistics, 596: schools, 596; justices of the
peace, 596: churches, 597; Middle Lan-
caster, 598: Oilbronn, 599; biograph-
ical sketches 1083
Land claim difficulties 65
Land title disputes 40'
1347
Land warrants 39
Lane. James T 156
Lane, Joseph 1033
Lane, Stephen 1033
Lang, Henry 895
Langhorst, Charles 1155
Lardin, Thomas and Daniel 477, 480
Lardintown 480
Larkin & Company ? 370
Lasher, Abraham, mill of 513
Lasher, Weston W., M. D 891
Latitude and Longitude of county 18
Laube, Francis, Sr 888
Laube, Francis 889
Lawall, John 787
Leasure, Abraham 220
Leasure, A. W 869
Leasureville 491
Lee, Hugh, case of 119
Lefever, Isaac, Sr 877
Lef ever, Isaac 877
Lefever, Jesse 877
Lefevre, John, Sr 860
Lefevre, John 799
Leise, Frederick 1179
Leise, John 1179
Leithold, Edward George 851
Leithold, William 851
Leota 465
Liberty party 120
Licenses, early tavern 67
Life, Protective, Savings and Loan As-
sociation. Millerstown 518
Lincoln's death, notice of 106
Lindsey, Thomas 842
Lindsey, William 842
Linn, Dr. George 164
Linn. Dr. H. C 165
Linnenbruck, Dr 165
Liquor traffic, regulation of 211
Literary activity in Western Pennsyl-
vania 172
Locke, David 1245
Logan, Benjamin B 879
Logan, Calvin 878
Logan. David 877
Logan, David H 878
Logan, Joseph, Sr 877
Logan , Joseph 878
Logan. Joseph D 879
Logan, Levi 878
Logan, William J 974
Log cabin da3's 43
Logstown 24
Lonitz, Henry J 881
Lottery of land 38, 66
Loudon, John Montgomery 1054
Loudon, Capt. Samuel 1053
Love, George 897
Love, H. W 896
Love, James 897
Love, Samuel M 896
Love. William, Sr 896
Love, William 896
Lowman. Dr. William 165
Lowrie, John 670, 674
Lowrie, Hon. Walter, sketch of 674
Lowrie, Hon. Walter, portrait of 17
Lowrie, Hon. Walter, marriage of 67
Lowrie, Walter H 154
Lowry, Col. Alexander 746
Lovvry . Porter W 746
Lusk, Amos, M. D., sketches of 167, 1083
Lusk, Amos, M. D.. portrait of 401
Lusk. AmosM 1084
Lusk, Dr. Joseph S 167
Lusk, Loring, M. D 164, 1083
Lusk, W. H 717
Lutheran cemetery, Donegal 510
Lutheran Chdrches. — [See also Evan-
gelical, and other, Lutheran Churches]
— Butler (Grace), 346: Clearfield town-
ship (English), 497: Connoquenessing
township (St. Paul's Reformed). 393:
Evans City, 424: Fairview (German),
536 — (St. Peter's), 537; Lancaster town-
ship (German) 597— (English),598; Pros-
pect (German Reformed and Lutheran)
593: Summit township (German), 504;
Washington township (N. Washing-
ton) 655; Winfield township (German),
490: Zelienople (German), 406— (En-
glish) 407
Mc
Mc Adoo, George K. , M. D 1290
McAlpine, Volnev 727
McAnallen, Joseph 1048
McAnallen, Patrick 1048
McAnallen, William A 1048
McBride, Alexander S 771
McBride, Cornelius 849
McBride, Col. Francis 152
McBride, Francis P 849
McBride, Isaiah J 772
McBride, Patrick 849
McBride, Paul J 830
McBride, Samuel 926
McBride, Thomas J 830
McBride City 459
McCaffertv, Charles 132s
McCaffertv, John 1328
McCafferty, William J 782
McCalmont, Rev. David T 935
McCandless Family 582, 1069
McCandless. Anderson 1070
McCandless, Hon. Charles, sketchesof. 148,703
McCandless, Hon. Charles, portrait of. . 113
McCandless, George 1069
McCandless, Isaiah J., sketch of 822
McCandless, Isaiah J., portrait of 337
McCandless. James 1069
McCandless, Sheriff John 136, 1069
McCandless, John 47. 587
McCandless. John F • 1070
MeCandless, John M 1071
McCandless, Josiah, M. D 166, 934
McCandless. Nathan F 1071
McCandless. Porter A 1070
McCandless. William 1069
McCandless, William C.,M. D., sketch of. 935
McCandless, William C, M. D., portrait. 937
McCandless, William C I'"''1
McCandless, William H 1070
McCandless, William L 1072
1348
McClung-, Charles. Sr 1047
McClung-, Charles 1048
McClung-, Charles H 1048
McClymonds. H. S., M. D 919
McClymonds. Prof. Isaac M 1224
McCollough, Andrew White, sketch of. . 819
McCollough, Andrew White, portrait of. 297
McCollough. David 984
McCollough, David S 986
McCollough, Elmer S 985
McColloug-h, Henry C 987
McCollough, James 983
McCollough, James Mvlet 984
McCollough. Capt. John 218, 983
McCollough, John C 985
McCollough, Matthew, Sr 1239
McCollough, Matthew 1240
McCollough. Peter 986
McCollough. Richard J 985
McCollough. Samuel W 985
McCollough. William S 984
McConnell, Daniel and William 46
McCoy, Hiram C 1284
McCoy, John 1220
McCoy, John F 1285
McCoy, Joseph 1284
McCoy, Robert 1220
McCoy, Thomas 1220
McCoy. William T 1013
McCrum, Alexander 1155
McCrum. Francis 1154
McCune, William D., M. D 1290
McCurdy, Dr. R. L 168
McDermitt. Arcus 156
McDermott. Paul 990
McDermott, Robert 991
McDermott, Robert Ross 991
McDowell, John 1316
McDowell, Patrick. Sr 220, 1316
McDowell, Patrick...' 1316
McFadden, Carlisle 1315
McFadden, John 1315
McFann, Levi R 943
McFarland, A. B. C 721
McFate. Robert 1219
McFate, Robert A 1219
McGarvey , John J 1232
McGarvev, William 1231
McGill, George E 1007
McGinlev, John 1021
McGinlev, J. F. P 1023
McGinlev, Michael. Sr 1022
McGinlev, Michael 1022
McGonegal, John 1228
McGuffin, Hon. Lawrence L 143, 148
McHenry, Dr. J 164
Mcintosh, Kenneth ' 1006
Mclntyre, John 867
Mclntyre, Nathaniel 868
McJunkiu family 582
McJunkin, David 1066
McJunkiu, Hon. Ebenezer, sketches. 148, 702
McJunkin, Hon. Ebenezer, portrait of. . 12l>
McJunkin, Ira 736
McJunkin, Dr. Isaiah 165
McJunkin, James 1042
McJunkin, James T 735
McJunkin. Hon. J. David, sketch of 710
McJunkin. Hon. J. David, portrait of... 257
McJunkin. John R In43
McJunkin, John W 1043
McJunkin, Loyal S 736
McJunkin. William 1066
McKee, Andrew 65
McKee, Camdon 1300
McKee, Hugh 694
McKee, James 46, 384, 832
McKee, James A 806
McKee, Col. James Cooper, sketch of. . . 694
McKee. Col. James Cooper, portrait of.. 225
McKee. John. James and Hugh 620
McKee. Rev. John S 801
McKee. J. W 793
McKee. Joseph W 891
KcKee. Robert 806
McKee, Thomas 218, 384, 831
McKim, H. G 1090
McKinney. Peter 45. 219, 429
McLaughlin, Daniel G 989
McLaughlin, John 988
McLaughlin, Patrick 988
McLeod. John 218
McMarliu, James A 1145
McMarliu, William 1144
McMichael, Dr. Josiah 167
McNair, Dunning 47
McNamee. Francis 1322
McNamee. John 1321
McXees. William 46
McPherrin, Rev. John 680
Mc<Juistion, Charles F. L 812
Mc<Juistion, James 833
McQuistion, James P 1252
Mc<Juistion. John 384, 832
Mc<Juistion, Livingston, sketch of 712
McOuistiou, Livingston, portrait of 305
McQuistion, Robert H 833
McQuistion, William 712
M
Mackey, Prof. Ebenezer 802
Magee. James, Sr 397, 1147
Magee. James 1147
Magee, James D 1147
Magee. John 1147
Magic 563
Magnet. The (Butler High School) 181
Magoffin. Dr. Beriah 164
Magoffin. Dr. Beriah, advertisement of.. 164
Mahan, John B 936
Mahan, Randall Ross 936
Mahan. Shaffer 936
Mahan, William A 937
Maharg 457
Ma hood, James 1295
Mahood, James A 1295
Mahood. John 1295
Maltbv, Albert E., M. D 1223
Mangold. John 870
Mangold. Peter 776
Manny, John C 785
Manny, Joseph F 786
Map of Butler county 17
Maple Furnace 673
Marburger. George, Sr 1137
'349
Marburger, George 1137
Marburger, John 1138
Marion Township. — Origin of name,
641: physical and geological character-
istics, 641; coal deposits, 641; oil sands
and elevations, 641; population and
statistics, 642; pioneers, 642; past and
present industries, 643; schools, 644:
justices of the peace, 644; villages,
644; churches, 645: biographical
sketches 1281
Markel, Daniel 1112
Markel, Zeno 1111
Marks, Dr. Samuel 168
Marks, William 934
Marks, William J., sketch of 934
Marks, William J., portrait of 929
Mars 444
Marsh, Abraham 915
Marsh, George 915
Marshall, David 1268
Marshall, George 1135
Marshall, James 909
Marshall, James M 1268
Marshall, John D 722
Marshall, Robert J 1135
Marshall, Hon. Samuel 1145
Marshall, Samuel J 1135
Marshall, Thomas M 155
Marshall, William M • 1135
Martin, Abram 1024
Martin, James (Penn township) 906
Martin, James (Oakland township) 1024
Martin, Robert 906
Martin, Thomas 46, 220
Martinsburg 667
Masseth. Benjamin 794
Masseth & Black 371
Mates, Amos 917
Mates, James B 719
Maurhoff. Emil 887
Maurhoff, George W 887
Maxwell, Abraham, shooting of 40
Maxwell, George 1223
Maxwell, James 1011
Maxwell. James J 1011
May , Eli 787
May, Henry 114(1
May bury . Jonathan, Sr 1221
May bury. Jonathan 1221
Meals, George 653. 12' '2
Meals. Isaac 812
Meals, Joseph G 12'»3
Meals, Samuel 1292
Mechanics Building and Loan Ass'n 365
Mechanicsburg 613
Mechling, Jacob, Sr 729
Mechling. Jacob, Jr 73o
Mechling, John, Sr 1043
Mechling. John 1044
Mechling, Joseph B 836
Mechling, Simon 730
Mechling, William 1044
Mechling, Col. William T 731
Medical Association 170
Medical profession, The 162
Meeder, George 1179
Melissadale 492
Page.
Melvin, David R 1277
Melvin. Philip 1277
Mennonite Church 415
Mercer Township. — Organization, 634:
population and statistics, 634; pio-
neers, 634; enterprises, 635: schools,
635; justices of the peace. 636; Forest-
ville, 636; biographical sketches 1203
Mershirner, Adam 1059
Mershimer, Samuel S 1059
Mershirner, Sebastian 1059
Mershimer, Zelman R 1059
Mershon, Dr. E. B 889
Methodist Episcopal Churches. —
Adams township (Mars). 444; Alle-
gheny township (Maple Furnace). 672 —
(Grant) 672; Bradv township (-'Hall's
Church"), 617— (West Liberty), 617;
Buffalo township (Emery Chapel). 485;
Butler, 346— (Free). 350; Centreville,
631; Cherry township (Auandale), 650;
Clearfield township (Fennelton). 497:
Concord township, 565; Connoqueness-
ing township. 393; Cranberry town-
ship (Dutillh). 439: Evans City. 425:
Fairview, 538; Forward township
(Richmond), 432 — (Brownsdale), 433 —
(Petersville). 433: Jefferson township
(Great Belt), 464: Harmony, 416; Har-
risville, 640; Ivarns City. 554: Lan-
caster township. 598: Middlesex town-
ship, 450; Millerstown, 525: Parker
township (Martinsburg). 668; Penn
township (Thorn Creek), 456 — (Ren-
frew), 456: Petrolia borough. 547: Pros-
pect (Bethel), 594; Sippery Rock town-
ship (Hickory Mills), 622: Venango
township (Farmingtonl. 662; Washing-
ton township (North Hope). 655; West
Sunburv, 578: Wiurield township
(Knox), 489— (Fisk's), 490; Zelienople
(Monroe Chapel) 408
Methodist Protestant Church. Winfield.. 491
Metz. Annas 1157
Metz. Christian 1157
Mexican War, Butlercountv in the 225
Middle Lancaster ". 59S
Middlesex Township. — ( irganization,
446: reduction of area, 44i.; physical
characteristics, 446; coal deposits, 446:
oil production, 446; population. 446:
pioneers, 447; first election. 448: jus-
tices of the peace, 448: schools and
churches, 448; cemeteries, 450; villages
and industries, 451; biographical
sketches 831
Middletown 566
Midwifery in early davs 163
Milford. James ...'....'. 1312
Milford, Samuel F 1313
Military history, early 217
Militia. — Organization of. at the out-
break of the war of 1812. 220: volun-
teers in the Mexican war. 225: pioneer
militia organizations. 226: militia mus-
ters. 227: militia elections, June, 1854,
228: Militia Act of 1887 229
Militia celebration 69
135°
Militia companies, Butler county 226
Miller. Alfred 1057
Miller. Dr. George 163
Miller. George 763
Miller. Dr. Gottlieb 165
Miller. Henry (Butler) 773
Miller. Henry (Clay township) 1047
Miller. Jacob 1136
Miller. James H 763
Miller. John B 1136
Miller. John M 1137
Miller. John N 1101
Miller. Milton 923
Miller, Robert 933
Miller, Silas 47
Miller, William (Butler) 773
Miller. William (Middlesex township). . . 933
Miller. William F 800
Miller, William H 800
Millerstown Borough. — Derivation of
name, 512; first settlers, 512; physical
characteristics, 513: population, 513;
early business interests, 513: later
growth and development, 515: hotels,
516: business companies and corpora-
tions. 517; fires and fire companies,
519; postmasters and justices, 521;
borough councils, 521: schools. 523:
churches and cemeteries, 524; secret
societies, 526; review, 529; biographical
sketches 945
Millerstown Deposit Bank 518
Millerstown Fair Association 209
Millerstown Herald 182, 515
Millerstown Oil Exchange 517
Millerstown Review 182, 515
Millerstown Saving Bank Association.. 518
Mills.- 366, 385, 391, 399, 412. 417. 419,
431, 435, 451, 454. 461, 470, 483, 488, .500,
513. 557. 561, 563, 570, 573, 591, 602, 611,
616, 621, 635, 638. 642. 643. 648, 651. 658,
660 666
Mineral wealth of the county 22
Mirror and News (Prospect) 183
Miscellaneous commands during the
Civil war 259
Miscellaneous transactions of county
commissioners . . '. 95
Mitchell, Alexander 715
Mitchell, James, Sr 841
Mitchell, Judge James 841
Mitchell, John 766
Mitchell, Hon. John H.. sketches of.. 15s. 704
Mitchell, Hon. John H., portrait of 161
Mitchell, Lewis Z 155
Modification of township lines 91
Modoc City 567
Mohawk. Samuel, the murderer 141
Moniteau 652
Monks, Absalom, Sr 928
Monks, Absalom 928
M.mks, Martin 928
Monnie. Charles H 1035
Monnie, Frederick H 1036
Monroe Station 486
Monroeville 486
Montgomery. John (Clinton township). . 899
Montgomery. John (Armstrong county 1.1036
Montgomery, John T 1037
Montgomery, Samuel 899
Montgomery, Stewart 899
Moore, Aaron 47, 587
Moore, Andrew 1026
Moore. Andrew G 1027
Moore, Charles 1272
Moore, Eli J 1272
Moore, Isaac 1270
Moore, Prof. Isaac Newton 1224
Moore, J. Emerson 1027
Moore, James 1027
Moore, James N 718
Moore, Hon. Jesse 135, 137. 138, 147. 211
Moore, John, Sr 1242
Moore, John 1243
Moore, John C 1271
Moore, Martin V '>42
Moore. Matthew ., 942
Moore, Robert 1273
Moore. Samuel, Sr 1270
Moore. Samuel 1271
Moore. Samuel H 1243
Moore. Samuel W 1271
Moore, Thomas 1242
Moore, William 1242
Moore. William S 1272
Moorhead. David 4S7
Mormonism in the county 69, 403
Morris. Robert " 40, 299
Morrison. Charles W 901
Morrison. William 901
Morrow, Andrew J 1322
Morrow, Hamilton 1322
Morrow. John 959
Morrow, Robert 9S9
Morrow tannery, Prospect 591
Mortland. Alexander 1308
Mortland. Newton 1309
Mortland. William 1308
Moser. John 220
Mount Chestnut 589
Mount Etna 623
Mount Olive Evangelical Church, Alle-
gheny township o72
Muddy Creek Township. — Organiza-
tion, 600: change of boundaries. 600:
physical characteristics. 600: coal and
coal mines. 600: pioneers. 600: schools
and teachers, 601; manufacturing in-
dustries. 602; population, 602; justices
of the peace, 602; biographical
sketches 1205
Muder, John E 885
Muller. Detmar Basse 398. 401
Muller, Detmar Basse, petition of 194
Muutz. John G 776
Muntz, John George 776
Muntz. John N 777
Murder trials 140
Murphy, Francis 974
Murrin, Hugh. Sr 218, 660, 1302
Murrin. Hugh 1303
Murrin, John 1303
Murrin. John Z 1304
Murrin, William 1304
Murrinsville 644
Murtland. John 982
1 35 1
Murtland, John C 982
Muster day festivities 226
Mvers, Charles 1264
Myers, Conrad 1195
Myers. Daniel 1265
Myers. David 1265
Myers, Henry J 967
Myers, Jacob 966
Myers. John. Sr 1264
Myers, John 1264
Mvers, John G 966
Myers. John S 1265
Myers, Samuel 1195
Mvers, Solomon 1265
Myers. William 1264
Myoma 445
N
Nast, Philip TT5
National Building-, Loan and Protective
Association, Millerstown 518
National Guard 229
National Road convention 196
Natural gas 295
Neal. John 1204
Neff, Egid 1030
Neff , Francis M 1082
Neff, Ignatz 102'>
Neff, John Vitus 1082
Negley, Felix H 917
Negley, Hon. John, sketch of 686
Neg-ley. Hon. John, portrait of 33
Neg-lev, Hon. John Henry 142. 155. 687
Negley, William C 804
Nesbit, William 840
Nesbit, William R 840
New county, erection of, attempted 92
New School Presbyterians 443
Newell, Adam 937
Newell, David 938
Newspapers. — Butler, 172: Millerstown,
181; Petrolia and vicinity, 182; Pros-
pect. 183; Zelieuople, 183; Centreville
and Saxonburg- 184
Neyman, A. M., M. D 167, 723
Neyman, Abraham M 723
Nevman. John 1017
Neyman, John H 1018
Neyman, John L 1017
Nevman, Markle J 1018
Neyman, William 500, 1017
Niblock, Rev. Isaiah, D. D 683
Nicklas, Daniel P 1153
Nicklas, George H 1153
Nicklas, Peter 1153
Nicklas, W. A 1121
Niggrel, Joseph 757
Niggel.Thaneus 757
Nolf, Conrad 869
Nolf, William 869
Non-Partisan Temperance Union 216
Normal School at Centreville 191, 628
North Butler Agricultural Club 204
North Oakland 560
North Side Cemetery Association 381
North Union Reformed Presbyterian
Church, Forward 432
North Washington 656
North Washington Institute 657
Northwestern Independent (Butler) 179
Notable contempt case 136
O
O'Brien. William H 767
O'Donnell, Connell 050
O'Donnell, Dennis 950
O'Donnell. John 951
O'Donnell. Mrs. Mary 66
O'Hara, Michael. 22o
Oakland Township. — Organization.
556; statistics. 556; pioneers, 556: schools
and teachers, 557; churches and ceme-
teries, 558; justices of the peace, 560:
villages, 560: secret societies, 561; bio-
graphical sketches 945
Oesterliug, John 844
Oesterling, Leonard 844
Oesterling, Peter 845
Offices of president and associate judges
made elective 142
Ogle 440
Oil Exchange, Petrolia 549
Oil field, Butler [See Butler oil field].
Oil operators (ancient) 270
Oil, prices of 290. 294
Oilbronn 599
Oilman's Journal (Parker and Butler).. . 180
Old Covenanter Church 60S
Oiler. Re v. William E 802
One Hundredth Regiment — Round Heads 239
One Hundred and Second Regiment. . . . 242
One Hundred and Third Regiment 243
One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Reg't. . 246
One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Reg't. 249
One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Regiment
— Fourteenth Cavalry 251
One Hundred and Sixtj'-ninth Regiment 252
Oneida 561
Orchard trees 22
Organization of board of commissioners 93
Organization of the county 74
Organization, county and township 74
Organization of townships 85
Oriental mills 366
Orphan's Friend (Butler) 181
Orr, Andrew 220
Oswald, Charles 1031
Oswald, Philip 1031
Owens, Frederick 890
Paliwathorika (Alleghenj- river)
Palmer, Dr. Orrin D. . . . ."
Pape, Charles F. T
Pape, D. T
Pape, Gerard P.
. 19
. 165
. 749
. 748
. 749
Pape. Theodore D 749
Park, Harry M 927
Park, Thomas, Sr 926
Park, Thomas 926
Park, William 926
Parker, George 1323
Parker. John 1323
135^
Parker Township.— Origin of name,
665: early settlers, 66S; population and
statistics, 666; justices of the peace,
666: schools, 666; manufacturing in-
dustries, 666: Martinsburg, 667;
churches. 668; secret societies, 669;
other villages, 669: biographical
sketches 1281
Parkin, Joseph 799
Parkin. Joseph W 799
Partridge. William K 1301
Patrons of Husbandry 207
Patterson, Eli 1050
Patterson. Ozias M 13nl
Patterson, Robert (Cranberry township). 910
Patterson. Robert (Clay township) 1050
Patterson, "William. ..." 1050
Patterson. William R 910
Patton. David 1039
Patton, John 45
Patton, Robert 1039
Pearson, Benjamin, M. D 1222
Peffer, Frederick 1198
Peffer. John Gottlieb 1198
Peffer John R 1198
Peffer, Joseph 1198
Pemi, William, and Pennsylvania 36
Penn's purchase from the Indians 36
PENN Township.— Origin of name, 452:
organization, 452: physical characteris-
tics, 452: coal deposits, 453; oil produc-
tion, 453; natural curiosities, 453: pio-
neers. 453; population and statistics,
454: schools and justices. 455: churches
and cemeteries. 455; villages, 457: bio-
graphical sketches 831
People's Building and Loan Association 364
People's Gas Co 375
People's Reformed Ticket, 1857. 1858 124
Perry. James 1156
Peters, Henry 12S3
Peters, M. J. 1158
Peterson, Peter 21"
Petersville 305
Petition of Barron and McKee 65
Petrolia Borough.— Founding of the
town, 542: oil discovered, 542: rapid
growth, 542: early business interests,
542: the notorious Ben Hogan. 543:
population and statistics, 543: post-
office, 544: schools, 544: destructive
fires, etc. ,544; fire companies and water
supply, 545: the great flood, 546;
churches, 547; borough councils and
justices of the peace, 548: banks and
business companies, 549; secret socie-
ties. 550: biographical sketches 945
Petrolia Creamery, Petrolia 550
Petrolia Record 182, 543
Petrolia Refining Co.. Petrolia 549
Pfabe, Charles 902
Pfabe, Frederick 893
Pfeiffer, Charles 894
Philips, Elijah T 913
Philips, John 913
Philips. Grin M 769
Philips. Robert 913
Phillips City 459
Phillips. Hon. Thomas W.. sketch of. . . 816
Phillips. Hon. Thomas W.. portrait of. . 289
Phillips. Victor K 818
Phipps, Maj. Robert J 821
Phipps, Simeon W 022
Physical features of the county 17
Physicians, brief personal sketches of. . 163
Physicians, old-time and modern 162
Physicians, registered 169
Pierce, John 220
Pillow, Capt. Henry 812
Pioneer agriculture, agriculturists and
farm implements 202
Pioneer arrivals 44
Pioneer farming and milling 73
Pioneer militia organizations 226
Pioneer newspapers of Western Penn-
sylvania 172
Pioneer reminiscences 65
Pioneer schools, school teachers and
school-houses 185
Pioneer steamboat ••William D. Duncan" 20
Pioneers, the 42
Pioneers prior to 1796 44
Pisor, Jacob and John 46
Pisor, O. P., M. D 1300
Pittsburg and Erie line of mail stages. . 195
Plank roads 196
Plummer 511
Political affairs 115
Political parties in 1828 119
Political status of county 115
Pollock, Alexander " 1080
Pollock, John R 1080
Pontius, Gabriel 951
Pontius, John 953
Pontius. John Henry 953
Pontius, Nicholas. . '. 1005
Pontius. Solomon 952
Population, statistics of 64
Porter, Alexander 1310
Porter, James 1311
Porter. John 1312
Porter, Joseph 1312
Porter. Joseph T 1312
Porter. Levi 1311
Porterfield, Samuel 21S
Poktkrsvii.i.e Borough. — Laying out
of the town, 603; change of name, 603;
postmasters. 603; business enterprises,
603; population and statistics. 604:
borough officials. 604: justices of the
peace, 606; churches, 607; secret so-
cieties. 608; biographical sketches 1203
Post, Frederick, visit of 28
Post. John, Sr 1080
Post, John 1080
Post routes 195
Potts, James 156
Potts. John 321
Powell, Joseph, Sr 1199
Powell. Joseph 1199
Presbyterian Churches. — [See also
United. and other. Presbyterian
Churches] — Adams township (Crest-
view), 444; Allegheny township, <>72;
Brady township (Cumberland). 617;
Buffalo township. 484: Butler. 328:
1353
Centre township (Unionville), 584;
Centreville. 632 — (Covenanter or Re-
formed), 632; Cherry township (Pleas-
ant Valley), 649— (New Hope), 650;
Clay township (Muddy Creek), 571;
Clinton township (Westminster), 478:
Concord township (Concord), 564; Con-
noquenessing township (Mt. Nebo).
?92: Cranberry township, 436; Evans
City, 425: Fairview. 537: Fairview
township (Bear Creek), 531: Forward
township (Reformed). 432; Harrisville,
639: Jefferson township (Jefferson
Summit), 463 — (Jefferson Centre), 464;
Karns City. 555: Middlesex township,
448; Oakland township (North Butler),
559: Parker township (Martiusburg),
668; Petrolia. 547; Portersville, 607
—(Old Covenanter), 608; Prospect, 594
— (Cumberland Church), 594; Venango
township (Associate), 662; Washington
township, 654 — (New Salem), 655—
(North Washington). 656: West Sun-
bury, 577; Zelienople 407
Present bar, members of 161
President Judges 129
Presidential electors, vote cast for in
November, 1892 126
Producers' Bank of Butler County 361
Producers' Free Press, Petrolia 182, 543
Producers' and Refiners' Pipe Line Co. . 292
Press, The 172
Prices of goods, &c, 1804 to 1830 69
Prospect Academy 592
Prospect Borough. — Location. 590:
survey and sale of lots, 590: early mer-
chants and tavern keepers, 590; past
and present business interests, 591; in-
corporation and officials, 591; popula-
tion and assessed valuation, 592; secret
societies, 592; public and private
schools, 592: churches, 593; biograph-
ical sketches 1203
Prospect creamery 5')1
Prospect Leader 183
Prospect Record 183
Prospect Savings Bank 591
Protestant Episcopal Church. Butler. . . . 341
Protestant Episcopal, St. Peter's Mis-
sion, Petrolia 548
Prothonotaries 130
Proving a claim 65
Prugh, Rev. Peter C. D. D son
Prvor, James 1064
Pryor, John 1064
Public buildings 110
Public building agitation, 1852 110
Public lands and surveys 36
Public officials.' 127
Public prison 93
Public roads, transactions of commis-
sioners in matter of : 193
Purucker, Frederick William 981
Purviance, Col. John ISO, 221
Purviance, Gen. John N 154, 233
Purviance, Hon. Samuel A 151
Purvis, Joseph L 729
Purvis, Levi O 729
Purvis, Samuel D 729
Purvis, Samuel G., sketch of 728
Purvis, Samuel G.. portrait of 72f>
Purvis. S. G., & Company 368
Purvis, William 728
R
Raabe, Christian J 892
Rader, Oswald A 1134
Rader, Peter 1193
Rader, William M 1134
Railroads 197
Railroads. Butler 371
Railroad Company, Northwestern 197
Railroad accident at Sandy Creek 200
Railroad bonds subscribed 105
Railroad meeting, first 107
Railroad survey, first 107
Ralston, Everett L 719
Ralston, John, Sr 1207
Ralston, John, Jr 1207
Ralston, John 1208
Ralston, John W 12"7
Ralston, Samuel 1207
Ralston, Samuel E., M. D 1090
Ralston, William M 869
Ralston roller mill. Prospect 591
Ramsdale 400
Ramsey, Alexander, Sr 1116
Ramsey. Alexander 1116
Ramsey. Alexander C 1117
Ramsey, Anthony 1117
Ramsey, Baxter R 1117
Ramsey, James 1117
Ramsey, James Crayton 786
Ramsey, James C 786
Ramsey, William S 1116
Randolph, Charles J 870
Randolph. John J 870
Rankin. Benjamin S 995
Rankin, Daniel L 996
Rankin, David 995
Rankin, David C 995
Rankin, James, sketch of 916
Rankin. James, portrait of 921
Rankin. John 217
Rankin. William 096
Ranson. John 218
Rapp. George 398, 409
Raselv. Matthias 1193
Rattigan 511
Rattigan. Peter A 972
Ray Family 499
Ray. George. Sr 1309
Ray, George 1309
Ray, John ' «9
Ray, John C 090
Ray, Matthew S 990
"Recollections of the West" (Bracken-
ridge) 136
Record, The Petrolia 182, 543
Red Jacket, the Seneca chief 270
Reed, Alfred G 606
Reed. Charles E 1088
Reed, George 1218
Reed. Maj. George W.. 228. sketch of. ... 695
Reed, Maj. George W., portrait of 97
1354
Reed. John. Sr'. 1217
Reed. John (Zelienople) 1087
Reed. John (Slippery Rock township). . .1218
Reed. John B 764
Reed, John M 765
Reed, Nelson P 606
Reed, Col. Robert 634
Reed, Wilson E 823
Reep, Eli 994
Reep, Isaac. Sr 993
Reep. Isaac 994
Reformed Churches. — Butler (St.
Paul's and Bethany). 349: Butler town-
ship (Zion) 386 — (St. John's Congrega-
tion of Zion). 387: Fairview, 537: Fair-
view township, 532; Harmonj' (Grace).
415; Lancaster township (Middle Lan-
caster), 598: Millerstown (German),
525; Prospect (German Reformed and
Lutheran) 593
Register City 673
Registers and Recorders 131
Registered physicians 169
Reiber, Aaron E 754
Reiber, Alfred M 755
Reiber, Ferdinand 754
Reiber, Frederick T 756
Reiber, George, Sr 755
Reiber. George, sketch of 754
Reiber, George, portrait of 385
Reiber, George J 755
Reiber, Jacob 939
Reiber. Jacob F 755
Reiber, Martin, sketch of 753
Reiber, Martin, portrait of 209
Reiber, Martin J 753
Reiber grist mill 366
K't'i. hie, John Barnet 1182
Reihing, William Henry 781
Reilly, Charles '. 850
Reiniiold, Gottfried 881
Remedial legislation 41
Reminiscences, pioneer 65
Renfrew 457
Renfrew, David A 918
Renfrew, Samuel 918
Renno, Frederick M 793
Renuo, George J 7'*3
Renno, John 840
Renick, George W 1060
Repository, The (Butler) 174
Representatives from Butler county. . . . 128
Representatives in Congress from Butler
county 127
Republican victory 123
Re-subdivision of 1854 90
Review, The. Millerstown 182. 515
Revolutionary soldiers, Butler county.. . 217
Richardson, John 1187
Richardson, Dr. N. M 168
Richardson. William. Sr 1188
Richardson, William 1188
Richey, A. B 759
Richey. John A 758
Richey, William 758
Riddle, James 1253
Riddle, Samuel, Sr 1253
Riddle, Samuel 1253
Page.
Riddle. W. H. H 710
Rider, George 1079
Rider, Jacob 1078
Rider, Orestes C 1079
Rider, Samuel B 1079
Rider, Ulysses S 1079
Riesenman, John Martin 784
Rifley. John, Sr 940
Rifley , John 940
Rifley. Nicholas 940
Right of petition 71
Riley, Isaac 1139
Riley, Samuel 1139
Riott, Francis 844
Riott, Nicholas N44
Ripper, John A 1107
Ripper, Philip 1107
Ritter, William H 764
Ritts. J. V 745
Ritzert. Casper 953
Ritzert. Conrad 953
Ritzert. John 954
Ritzert. Joseph G 955
Roads. — From Isaac Voris' cabin to Sam.
Findlej-'s, 103: from Isaac Voris' house
to Robert Galbreath's, 193; from east
line of Butler county to seat of jus-
tice, 193; Butler to Freeport. &c, 193:
Butler to Zelienople. 194: Butler to
Erie. 194; Butler and Pittsburg Turn-
pike Road Company. 194; Pittsburg
and Mercer road. 194; Butler and Mer-
cer Turnpike Road Company, 194; But-
ler and Kittanning turnpike road, and
company, 195; plank roads 196
Robb, William 1020
Robb. William J 1020
Roberts, David W 920
Roberts, Hon. Samuel 139, 147
Robinson, Eli D 804
Robinson. Thomas. Sr 012
Robinson. Thomas, sketches of 157. 709
Robinson. Thomas, portrait of 145
Rodgers, James 958
Rodgers. John 958
Roebling, Charles F. and John A 467
Roebling's Wire Factory, Saxonburg. . . 469
Roessing, Barnhardt E '. 789
Roessing. Conrad 788
Roettig. Charles 883
Rohner. John 1101
Roll, John Louis 1174
Roll. John P 1175
Rough Run Mufg. Co., Winfield 489
Rowan, James 1170
Rowan, John 1171
Royle, Henry 1298
Royle. William 1298
Rudolph. Jacob 218
Russell. Alexander 811
Russell. David 220
Russell. William 811
S
Sachs, John 890
St. Fidelis' College 501
St. Joe 511
1355
St. Joe Station 501
St. Mary's Cemetery, Summit 504
St. Mary's Monastery 501
St. Patrick's Cemetery, Donegal 510
St. Paul's Orphan Home 352
Sakonk, or Saconk 24
Salt wells 20
Sample, Dr lo7
Sand Pump, The Millerstown 181, 515
Sanderson, Henry L, 104'i
Sanderson, Philip 1049
Sandy Point 673
Sanitary condition of the county 23
Sarver, Benjamin 482
Sarver's Station 486
Sarversville 485
Sarversville Farmers' Club 486
Saxonburg Borough. — Founding- of the
village, 466: the Saxon colony, 466;
Charles F. and John A. Roebling, 4o7:
first settlers, 468: schools, 469; post-
masters, 469: population, 469; manu-
facturers and merchants. 469; Roeb-
ling's wire factory, 469; hotels, 470;
borough officials, 470; justices of the
peace, 472; churches and cemeteries,
473: societies, 474; biographical
sketches 831
Saxonburg Herald 184
Say, George M 1329
Say, John 1328
Sciiaffner, George 791
Schaffner, George Jacob 836
Schaffner, Samuel 836
Schaul, Philip 775
Scheidemantle, George, Sr 1201
Scheidemantle, George 1201
Scheidemantle, John 1200
Scheidemantle, William 1201
Schenck, Adam 790
Schenck, George 791
Schenck. Peter, Sr 790
Schenck, Peter 790
Schmidt, Dr. F 166
Schneideman, Hyman 770
Schneideman, Mark 769
Schnur, Peter 847
Scholar, Eli 47,595
Schools. — Adams township, 442; Al-
legheny township, 672; Brady town-
ship, 616; Buffalo township. 484; Butler,
357: Centre township, 583; Centreville,
627: Cherry township. 649: Clay town-
ship, 570; Clearfield township, 496;
Clinton township, 478; Concord town-
ship, 564; Connoquenessing township,
392: Cranberry township, 436: Donegal
township, 507; Evans City, 421; Fair-
view, 536; Fairview township, 532; For-
ward township, 431; Franklin town-
ship, 588; Harmony, 415; Harrisville,
637; Jackson township. 400; Jefferson
township, 462: Karns City, 553; Lan-
caster township, 596; Marion township.
■644; Mercer township, 635; Middlesex
township, 448; Millerstown, 523; Muddy
Creek township, 601; Oakland town-
ship. 557; Parker township, 666; Penn
township, 455; Petrolia, 544; Prospect,
592; Saxonburg. 469: Slippery Rock
township. 622; Summit township, 501;
Venango township. 663; Washington
township, 654; West Suubury,574: Win-
field township, 491; Worth township.
612; Zelienople 404
Schools, academies and colleges, secular
and denominational 191
Schools and school finances, condition of,
1893 190
Schools and school laws 185
Schools, school teachers and school-
houses, pioneer 185
Schools on the increase 187
School books, free 188
School building-s in the county, 1854 187
School laws, early 186
School law of 17l>0, first observance of. . 186
School reininiscences 191
School superintendents 188
School superintendents' reports 187
School tax levy, first 186
School for poor children. Buffalo Tp... . 186
Schultz, Adam 981
Scott, Albert T 720
Scott, Chambers 1011
Scott, Francis M 1197
Scott, John 1197
Scott, John M., M. D 856
Seaman. Joseph Sidney 1095
Seaton. Alexander 1306
Seaton, Amos 1308
Seaton, Harmon 1297
Seaton. Robert 1306
Seaton, Robert F 1307
Seaton, Samuel M 1307
Seaton, William 1308
Seaton, William A 1307
Seats of justice in Armstrong, Butler
and Mercer counties 85
Second Regiment of Infantrv 221
Sefton. Edward. Sr ". 895
Sef ton. Edward 895
Sefton, Henrv 895
Seibert, James 969
Seibert, Reuben 969
Sellers, James 777
Semiconan Agricultural Society 205
Semi-Monthly, The (Butler). . . ." 181
Semple. Steel 137
Senatorial apportionment of 1874 125
Seneca Indians 24
Seneca Oil 270
Sentinel, The (Butler) *. 173
Separate judicial district, Butler county
becomes a 144
Settlement of the county, first 42
Seventv-eighth Regiment 236
Shakely, Alva. . . 1082
Shakely, John S 1082
Shaler, Hon. Charles 140, 147
Shannopin Town 24
Shannon, David, Sr 1151
Shannon, David 1183
Shannon, John F 1151
Shannon, John L-, sketch of 1183
Shannon, John L.. portrait of 1185
13 56
Page.
Shannon, Leonard 1183
Shannon. Matthew W 1151
Shanor. Alfred F 1258
Shanor, Daniel, Sr 1257
Shanor, Daniel 1258
Shanor, Henry, Sr 1256
Shanor, Henry, Jr 1256
Shanor, Henry 1258
Shanor. John C 1189
Shanor, Jonathan J 125T
Shanor, Samuel 1257
Sheriffs 130
Sherman, Joseph B., sketch of 794
Sherman, Joseph B., portrait of 793
Sherrard, Rev. Robert M 1014
Sherwin. P. D 1008
Shields, James 220
Shiever, Lewis 1202
Shira, David 1293
Shira, Fergus M 1294
Shira, John 1293
Shira. Peter 1294
Shira. Robert 0 1005
Shira, Samuel 1294
Shira. William M 1293
Showalter, John 976
Showalter, John J 977
Showalter, Hon. Joseph B., sketch of.. . 976
Showalter, Hon. Joseph B., portrait of. . 513
Showalter. Levi 976
Showalter, Samuel F 077
Shufflin, Thomas J 795
Signal, The (Centreville) 184. 626
Simpson, Alexander H 971
Simpson, James 902
Six Points 673
Sixth Artillery 253
Slater. Nathan 811
Slater, Nathan M 812
Slator, Henry. Sr " 949
Slator, Henry 050
Slator. Jacob 950
Slator. John 217. 948
Slator. John W 949
Slator, Samuel 949
Slaves in the county : 68
Slippery Rock Township. — Organiza-
tion, 619; change of boundaries, 619;
physical characteristics. 620: coal
banks, 620; salt works, 620: natural gas
discovered, 620: population, 620: pio-
neers, (i20: early industries. (.21:
schools, 622: justices of the peace, 622:
churches., 622; villages, 623: biograph-
ical sketches 1203
Slippery Rock State Normal school. .191, 628
Sloan, James 1155
Sloan, James R 1156
Sloan, William A 1156
Smalley, Richard 881
Smith Family (Winfield township). ..487, 488
Smith, Adam 1072
Smith, George W 153
Smith, John 1180
Smith, John H 1181
Smith, Joseph, the Mormon 403
Smith, Thomas 1072
Smith, Washington Perrv 1072
Snyder, Abraham 44
Snvder, Conrad, Sr 1249
Snyder, Conrad, Jr 1249
Snyder, Conrad 1249
Snyder, Rev. Henry E 803
Snyder, John, Sr 1231
Snyder, John 1231
Snyder, Joseph 220
Snvder. Joseph C 1250
Snyder, Philip 930
Snyder, William 931
Snyder, Zephaniah 1250
" Soap Mines " 21
Soldiers' Monuments 266
Spear. Dr. Andrew 164
Spear, Dr. Matthew W 165
Spear, William 220, 1183
Spohn, John 846
Springdale, or the First ward, Butler. . . 327
Springdale water supply 373
Springfield, Oakland township 560
Sproul. Ed win G 1289
Sproul, Hugh 1288
Sproul, James 12S8
Sproul, John 1288
Stage lines 195
Stahl, George 1091
Stainin. Daniel 1133
Stamm. Jacob. Sr 1133
Stamm, Jacob 1133
Stamm, J. George, sketch of 791
Stamm, J. George, portrait of 369
Stamm. Solomon 1133
Stamm. William H 1134
Standard Plate Glass Works 369
Star Iron Works 371
Star Spangled Banner (Butler) 178
St. irks. Rev. R. B 1299
Starr. Albert H 913
Starr, Jeremiah W . . 012
State officials from Butler county 128
State Senators from Butler county 128
Statistics of population 64
Stauffer, Henrv 1199
Stauffer. Ira, sketch of 1199
Stauffer. Ira, portrait of 1193
Stauffer, Jacob 1199
Steelsmith, Amos 826
Stehle, John F. T 748
Stehle. Thomas, Sr 748
Stein, Louis 747
Stein, Louis B 748
Stein. William A 747
Sterrett, Samuel O., M. D.. sketch of. . .1150
Sterrett. Samuel O.. M. D., portrait of. .1153
Sterrett. William, M. D 1150
Stevenson, Nathaniel 219
Stewart. Alexander 1190
Stewart. Robert 603
Stewart, Samuel 1189
Stewart, Capt. William 426
Stewart, William 1189
Stiuetorf , Henrv 46
Stiver, F. B ' 1094
Stiver. William 1094
Stock, Christopher. Sr 766
Stock. Christopher 767
Stokev. Charles 1090
1357
Stokey. Henry, sketch of 1089
Stokey, Henry, portrait of 1089
Stokey, Henry W 1089
"Stone House" tavern 618
Storey, Alexander Baird 994
Storev, Capt Robert 1326
Storey, Townsend R 995
Storev, William 1326
Strance, George 1008
Streams 19
"Struck lands" 39
Studebaker. David 44, 609
Studebaker, Joseph 45
Subscription Schools 185
Sullivan, Aaron <>7ii
Sullivan, Charles 219, 676
Sullivan, Hon. Charles Craven 154, 678
Sullivan, James 678
Sullivan, John 677
Sullivan, Col. John McPherrin, sketches
of 156, 678
Sullivan, Col. John McPherrin, portrait. 681
Sullivan, Moses 676
Sullivan, Thomas 677
Sullivan, William 678
Summit Township. — Organization, 499;
early settlement. 499; Neyman's mill.
500: statistics, 500; justices of the
peace, 501: schools and colleges, 501;
St. Mary's monastery, 501; church
history, 502: village growth, 504: bio-
graphical sketches 831
Survevors 132
Surveys 38
Sutton. Daniel H 784
Sutton, James 1110
Sutton, James J 1001
Sutton, Jeremiah lllo
Sutton, John 1000
Sutton, John H 820
Sutton, John R 917
Sutton, Piatt 1110
Swain, G. D., sketch of 1092
Swain, G. D., portrait of 409
Swain, Samuel 1092
Swartz, Frederick 940
Swartzlander, Charles 1003
T
Tadder. George P 982
Tanneries.— 367,384, 400, 403, 413, 410,
451, 591, 611, 621, 637, 643 661
Taverns, early 67
Taverns, original petition to regulate. . 211
Tax levies, 1800 to 1803 85
Tax levy for school purposes, 1835 186
Tax on bachelors 94
Taxables.— Buffalo township, 1803, 47:
Butler, 1828, 311: Connoquenessing
township, 1803, 50; Middlesex town-
ship, 1803, 54; Slippery Rock township. 59
Taxables of 1803 47
Taylor, R. B 796
Tebay, Thomas 1055
Tebav, William 1055
Telephone, The (Karns City) 183
Temperance agitation 211
Temperance associations 212
Temperance cause 211
Temperance Societies, first 211
Temperance work 214
Thieleman, Christian H 1154
Thieleman. William 1153
Thirteenth Regiment, Company- H 233
Thomas, Owen, sketch of ' 1329
Thomas, Owen, portrait of 665
Thomas, Owen J 1329
Thomas, William Finley 132M
Thompson, Andrew G 1178
Thompson, Anthonv H>77
Thompson, Edwin C., M. D 1248
Thompson. Ephraim 0 924
Thompson, Harvey D 1081
Thompson, Howard 780
Thompson. Hon. James 153
Thompson, James (Cherry township), . . .1076
Thompson, James (Cranberry towuship)1178
Thompson, James C 924
Thompson, John, Sr 1247
Thompson. John, (Middlesex township). 924
Thompson, John, (Concord township). . .1041
Thompson, John H 1247
Thompson. Col. John M 157, 708
Thompson, Moses 1076
Thompson, Oliver D 718
Thompson, Capt. Robert 923
Thompson. Robert C 1054
Thompson, Robert W 1248
Thompson, Solomon R 1248
Thompson, William, Sr 47. ''23
Thompson, William (Middlesex Tp 924
Thompson, William (Greene county). . . .1080
Thompson. William G 156
Thompson. William H 1247
Thompson, William Ross 924
Thompson, William S 925
Tidings, The (Butler) 181
Timblin, William 155
Times, The Daily and Weekly (Butler). . 181
Titley , James J .' 979
Title y, John W 979
Titley, William E 979
Topography of the county 18
Townships "created in 1804 86
Township organization of 1804 85
Training Day in early times 68
Transactions of county commissioners
from 1803 to 1894 93-109
Transcript of accounts between Alle-
gheny and Butler counties. 1800-1803. 80
Treasurers 131
Treaty of 1768, Fort Stanwix 37
Trimble, Robert 929
Trimble, Samuel 929
Trimble, Thomas 929
Troutman 568
Trump, The (Prospect) 183
Turk, William, mysterious disappearance 618
Turner, George B 1065
Turner, James 1065
Turner, John F 1066
Turner. William R 1065
Two Hundred and Twelfth Regiment —
Sixth Artillery 253
Type, prices paid for in 1829 174
u
Union-Herald (Butler) 176. 178
Union meeting at court-house, in 1861.. . 230
Union Pipe Line Co 291
Unionists of 1856 122
Unionist party 122
Unionville 585
Unionville Cemetery Association 5S5
United Christian Church, Evans City. . . 425
United Evangelical Church. Zelienople. 407
United Pipe Lines Association 291
United Pipe Lines Station. Millerstown 518
United Presbyterian Churches. —
Adams township (Union Church). 442
— (Mars). 444: Brady township (West
Liberty) 617: Butler, 333: Centre town-
ship (Holyoke), 583: Centreville, 631:
Clearfield township (Carbon Centre).
498: Clinton township, 470— (Oak
Grove). 479: Connoquenessing town-
ship (White Oak Springs). 393: Evans
City. 423: Fairview, 537: Franklin
township (Mt. Chestnut), 589; Harris-
ville (Harmony), 639: Jefferson town-
ship (Shiloh), 463; Marion township
(West Unity), 645; Middlesex town-
ship (Glade" Run), 449: Penn town-
ship (Brownsdale), 455: Portersville.
607: Prospect. 593: Slippery Rock town-
ship (Bethel). 622; Venango township
(East Unity). 662; Washington town-
ship (Mt. Varnum). 654: West Sun-
bury, 575: Worth township 611
United Societv of Germans 40')
United States' Pipe Line Co 291
United States Senators from Butler
county 127
V-
Valencia 445
Vanderlin, John 220. 1317
Vanderlin . Joseph C 712
Vanderlin, Stephen 1318
Vandivort, Freeman 1162
Vandivort, John 1162
Van Dyke, Henry J 922
Varnum, Enoch 220
Venango Township. — < irganization.
659: physical characteristics. 659; coal
deposits, 659; streams, 660; population,
660: pioneers, 660; first election. 66];
a remonstrance. 661; churches and
cemeteries. 662; schools. 663; justices
of the peace. 663; villages, 663: bio-
graphical sketches 1281
Vensel, Barney 957
Vensel, Charles Finlev 956
Vensel, John ' 955
Vensel, Joseph 958
Vensel. Richard 956
Vensel. Washington H 957
Vensel, William M 957
Veterans of the Revolution 217
Veterans of the war of 1812 221
Veterans of the Mexican war 225
Viewers' account 90
Vincent, James, Sr 1301
Vincent, James 1302
Vincent. John K 1302
Vincent. William J 1302
Voegele. Rev. Henry 1111
Voegtly. John 1120
Vogeley, George. Sr 736
Vogeley, George. Jr 737
Vogeley, Theodore 737
Vogelev, William 737
Votes of 1892 and 1893 126
W
Wagner. Gebhardt 783
Wagner. Henry Philip Conrad 1139
Wag'ner. Rev. Louis 1108
Waldron Family 1126
Waldron. John 1127
Waldron. William S.. sketch of 1127
Waldron. William S.. portrait of 449
Walker. Clarence 734
Walker, Daniel 1330
Walker. David 734
Walker. David O 153
Walker. James, sketch of 875
Walker, James, portrait of 873
Walker. John (Butler) 734
Walker. John (Clinton township) 875
Walker. John H 921
Walker. Lewis 732
Walker. Lewis P 735
Walker, Nathaniel 733
Walker. Peggy, adventure of 66
Walker, Capt. Samuel 733
Walker, William G 1330
Wallace. Samuel 46
Wallace, Thomas C, M. D 1159
Wallace. William H., M. D 1159
Wallace. William W 989
Walter. Craft 1315
Walter. George 789
Walter. Jacob 789
Walter. John 1314
Walter Mill, the 366
War of 1812. Butler county in the 220
War of the Rebellion. Butler count)- in.. 229
Warner. Charles, sketch of 1200
Warner. Charles, portrait of 1201
Warner. John 1200
Washington Building and Loan Associa-
tion. Petrolia 549
Washington's journey 27
Washington Township. — Origin of
name. 652: physical characteristics,
652: coal mines and mining companies,
652: population and statistics, 653: pio-
neers. 653: first election, 654: justices
of the peace, 654; schools, 654;
churches. 654: North Washington. 656;
educational and insurance corpora-
tions, 657: other villages, 658; bio-
graphical sketches 1281
Watson, Alexander 866
Watson. Andrew 922
Watson. John A 866
Watson. Thomas 219
Weakley. John F 1209
Weakle v, Robert 1209
'3 59'
Page.
Weakley, Samuel 1208
Webb, James 10S6
Webb, John 1056
Webb, William M 10S6
Weber, Adam 1140
Weber, John 911
Weber, Samuel 1140
Weddings in pioneer days 67
Weigand, Edward E . . . * 796
Weigle. John M 788
Weigle, Samuel 1256
Weigle, William 1256
Weir. Alfred D 862
Weir, John 862
Weiser, Adam, M. D 1096
Weller, Alexander C 1281
Welsh, Dr. George 168
Welsh, George (Jefferson township) 872
Welsh, George (Jackson township) 1120
Welsh, Henry C, sketch of 905
Welsh, Henry C, portrait of 905
Welsh, James 905
Welsh, John, Sr 873
Welsh, John, Jr S73
Welsh, John (Connoquenessing) 217, 904
Welsh, Thomas, Sr 872
Welsh, Thomas 873
Welsh, William J 874
Weser, Norbert T 768
Weser, Rudolph 768
Wesleyan Methodist Church 668
West, Andrew J 1180
West, Fleming 1180
West, Joseph 1180
West Liberty 618
West Sunbury Borough. — Laying out
of the village, 572: pioneers. 573; incor-
poration as a borough, 573: early
business men, 573; population and sta-
tistics. 573; schools, 574; West Sunbury
Academy, 574; churches, 575; borough
officials, 578: justices of the peace, 580;
secret societies, 580; biographical
sketches 945
Westerman, Edward 899
Westermau, Joseph 868
Westerman, Samuel 868
Westerman, Thomas 899
Westermann, Charles J 966
Westermann, Henry L 965
Westermann, Jacob J 966
Westermann, Richard F 975
Wetzel, Charles 894
Whig flag incident 120
White, A. J 921
White. Charles F 1274
White. Daniel B 921
White, Edward, Sr 1273
White, Edward 1102
White, J. Milton 1273
White, John M 1103
White, Joseph 1273
White, Matthew 1182
White, Rev. William, D. D 683
Whitestown 394
Whitmire, Francis, Sr 1015
Whitmire, Francis 1015
Whitmire, Jacob 1016
Whitmire, John, Sr 1015
Whitmire. John 1016
Whitmire, Peter 1015
Whitmire, Robert J 1016
Wible, Andrew 915
Wible, William S., sketch of 916
Wible. William S., portrait of 913
Wick 623
Wick, Alfred 820
Wick. Andrew, Sr 1023
Wick. Daniel 1233
Wick. Henry E 1251
Wick, Jeremiah 1023
Wick, John 1251
W'ick, Lewis C 796
Wick, Robert K 1233
Wick, William 1023
Wrick, William M 1024
Wief el, George 860
Wigton family, murder of the 25
Wiles, Simon Monroe 962
Wilhelm, Rev. Frederick 884
Wilhelm, Gottlieb T 884
Wilhelm, Rev. Jacob 883
Wilkins, Hon. William 139, 147
Williams, Alexander 7*3
Williams. Andrew G 715
Williams, John 1321
Williams, Levi 1321
Wrilliams, Samuel C 1321
Wilson, Adam C 1318
Wilson. Andrew H 1114
Wilson, Georg-e (Oakland township) 1028
Wilson, George (Jackson township) 1115
Wilson, George W 1115
Wilson. H. M., M. D 1107
Wilson, James 992
W'ilson, James Armstrong ''93
Wilson, John 1318
Wilson, John H 1114
Wilson, John Milton 1115
Wilson, Jonathan 1115
Wilson, Joseph 1318
Wilson, Joseph C. , M. D 1107
Wilson-Leasure-Sherber land case 491
Wilson, Lott 1277
Wilson. Robert 1028
Wilson, Robert C 1319
Wilson, Thomas 1114
Wilson, William, Sr 991
Wilson, WTilliam 992
Wimer. Christopher 1240
Wimer, George 1241
Wimer. Samuel 1241
Winlield Furnace, Winfield 489, 492'
Wixfield Township. — Organization
and statistics, 487; justices of the
peace, 487; first settlers, 487; early and
modern industries, 488; churches and
church history, 489; schools and teach-
ers, 491; village growth, 491; insurance
company, 493; biograpical sketches. . . 831
Wing, Horace Z 825
Winter, Albert 1088
Wise, Alfred M 1094
Wrise, Henrv M 1093
Wise, Jacob F 1093
Wisener, John G 798.
1360
Wisener, Philip 799
Witherspoon Institute 356
Witte, Fred W 857
Witte, William 856
Wolf scalps, hunts, &c 71
Wolford. George 1065
Wolford, Henrv 1285
Wolford, Jacob 1286
Woman's Christian Temperance Alli-
ance 215
Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
Harrisville 212
Women's Christian Temperance Union.
Zelienople 408
Woodbine 561
Wood rangers 71
Wool Growers' Association 20i>
Working-men's Building and Loan Asso-
ciation 365
Worth Mutual Fire Insurance Co 613
Worth Township. — Organization, (i09;
mineral wealth, 609: coal and gas, 609:
census and school statistics, 609: tax-
able wealth, 609; justices of the peace,
609: pioneers, 609; early industries.
611: churches. 611: schools and teach-
ers, 612: Mechanicsburg, 613; private
corporations. 613; biographical sket-
ches 1203
Worth Township Gas Co 613
Wright. Isaac N 1181
Wright, William 1181
Y
Yaehnig, Charles F 882
Yaehnig, Charles F., Jr 882
Young, Adam 1191
Young, Amos 1060
Young-, Edwin 1192
Young-, Elmer E 721
Young, Jacob S 763
Young, John (Butler township) 840
Young-, John (Clay township) ....- 1056
Page.
Young, Rev. Loyal, D. D 681
Young, Robert H 1056
Young. Samuel 1086
Young, Simon P 843
Y. M. C. A. of Butler 351
Young Women's Christian Temperance
Union 213
Younkins, Daniel 826
Younkins, John 826
Z
Zeliexople Borough. — Origin of name.
401; Dr. Detmar Basse. 401; "The Bas-
senheim." 401; a beautiful site, 401;
George Rapp, the Bavarian, 401: pub-
lic square controversy. 402: pioneers;
402; early taverns, 402: later growth,
403; Joseph Smith, the Mormon, 403;
newspapers. 403: insurance company,
403: bank, 403: leading merchants, 404;
population and statistics, 404; post-
masters and justices, 404; schools, 404;
manual labor school, 404: Zelienople
select school, 404; Connoquenessing
Academy, 405: Orphans' Home, 405:
burgesses and councilmen, 405:
churches, 406; societies, 408; biograph-
ical sketches 1083
Zelienople Recorder 183
Zeuo 434
Ziegler, Abraham 1091
Ziegler, George W 699
Ziegler, Henry D 1196
Ziegler, Hon. Jacob, sketches of . . . .176. 697
Ziegler, Hon. Jacob, portrait of 177
Ziegler, Jacob M 914
Ziegler, Joseph 1092
Ziegler, Samuel 914
Ziegler, Samuel A 914
Ziegler. W. G 806
Ziegler's Democratic Herald (Butler) .... 176
Zimmerman, George M., M, D 779
Zimmerman. John Michael 779
*6
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