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BUTLER COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS C.
UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
OF !P
11
1781
LIBRARY
HISTORY
-OF-
BUTLER COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA.
EMBRACING
IT'S 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.
-
PREFACE.
NE hundred years ago the territory lying north and west 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 and 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.
.17
iv
PREFACE.
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 HI. Egle, 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 Mc Junkin, Hon. John H. Negley, Charles Duffy, Esq., Hon. Thomas Robinson, Dr. A. M. Neyman, John Humphrey, Esq., Andrew W. McCollough, Esq., Hon. J. D. MeJunkin, Hon. George W. Fleeger. II. Julius Klingler, Esq .. Henry C. Heineman, Esq., Prof. Ebenezer Mackey, W. H. 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 and 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 H. 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-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. 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-Taxables 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 1828-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 Early Roads-William Ayres' Account-First Court House Completed-Miscellaneous Transactions-Butler Academy-Fiuan- 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 Scheine-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-Early 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- inent-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
vii
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XI.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
Introduction-Early 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-Montlily-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- 185-192 cences.
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 -Farmi Statistics 202-210
viii
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 1889-The Woman's Christian Temperance Union Alliance-Non-Partisan Union-Review of Temperance Agitation. .211-216
CHAPTER XVII. EARLY MILITARY HISTORY.
Introduction-Veterans of the Revolution and War of 1812-Muster Rolls of Butler County Companies-Mexican War Veterans -- Pioneer Militia Organizations- Muster Day Festivities-Butler County Militia Companies-National Guard- Military Enrollment. 217-229
CHAPTER XVIII.
WAR OF 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 - Conchi- sion .. .229-269
CHAPTER XIX. THE BUTLER OIL FIELD.
Discovery 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 Price 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
ix
.CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXI.
BUTLER 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 1828-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. BUTLER BOROUGH (Continued).
The Butler Academy-Witherspoon Institute-Public Schools-Catholic Schools- Banking 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 Boundary-Physical Features-Pioneers-An Old Ceme- tery-Early Mills-Population-Justices-Churches. .383-357
CHAPTER XXV. CONNOQUENESSING 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 .387-390
CHAPTER XXVI. JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
Organization-Physical Characteristics-Pioneers-Population and Assessment- Harvest Home-The Harmonists' Estate-Early Industries-Schools and Jus- tices-Villages. 396-401
x
CONTENTS.
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-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. 409-416
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
xi
CONTENTS.
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. WINFIELD 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- Iages. .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
xii
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 XL111. 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. FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP.
Organization-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 Growth 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. PETROLIA 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-Sceret Societies. .556 562
CHAPTER XLIX. CONCORD TOWNSHIP.
Physical Characteristics-Early Oil Wells- Pioneers- Pioneer Mill- Population and Statistics Schools and Justices- Churches Villages .562-568
xiii
CONTENTS.
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 SUNBURY 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 LI1. 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. 595-590
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. PORTERSVILLE 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.
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