Century history of Butler and Butler County, Pa., and representative citizens 20th, Part 109

Author: McKee, James A., 1865- ed. and comp
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1526

USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > Butler > Century history of Butler and Butler County, Pa., and representative citizens 20th > Part 109

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

858

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY

his sixty-ninth year. When eighteen years old he went to Canada and there learned the carpenter and millwright trades and when twenty-one he returned to Butler County and spent the remainder of his life in this section. He was engaged in a con- tracting business for many years in part- nership with Harrison Dyke, under the firm name of Dyke & Brunermer. In 1865 he bought a farm in Connoquenessing Township, of which his son George A. be- came manager. In politics a Republican, Mr. Brunermer was elected by his party to a number of local offices and filled them honestly and satisfactorily. He married a daughter of Alexander Graham and they had nine children born to them, namely : George A .; Elizabeth, who married Hanse Anderson, of New Castle; Ada, residing at New Castle, the widow of Rev. Samuel Krohn; Laura and Anna, both residents of New Castle; Daniel Graham, who lives in Connoquenessing Township; Agnes, who married Howard Oaks, of Butler Town- ship; Blanche, who married Orie Hayes, residing in Connoquenessing Township; and Etta, who married Philip Carothers, of Youngstown. The parents were worthy members of the White Oak Springs United Presbyterian Church, in which the father was an elder for many years.

After he completed his period of school attendance, George A. Brunermer became a driller in the oil fields and in pursuing that occupation, he visited the oil sections in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, then went to Allentown, New York, where he drilled for ten years and for four years was engaged at Little Washington. In 1893 he came back to Connoquenessing Township and secured leases of oil land and worked as driller and driver, but since 1899, when he purchased his present farm, he has been mainly interested in farming and stockraising. In addition to growing corn, oats, wheat, hay and potatoes, he has an annual bountiful yield of apples. He

has two producing oil wells on his own land.

Mr. Brunermer married Miss Cora Jes- sie Collins, a daughter of George Collins, of Jamestown, Pennsylvania, and they have three children: Ella J:, wife of Joseph Anderson, of Butler; Hazel Ruth, and Henry Clare. He is a member of the White Oak Springs United Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an elder for some years and has also served in the office of Sunday-school superintendent. In poli- ties he is a Republican.

JOHN R. McNAMARA, a representa- tive citizen and prosperous agriculturist of Parker Township, residing on his very valuable farm of 180 acres, is also a veteran of the Civil War and has served as commander of Campbell Post, No. 107, Grand Army of the Republic, at Petrolia. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, May 24, 1844, and is a son of Matthew and Mary (Ryan) McNamara.

The parents of Mr. McNamara were natives of Ireland. When he was five years old, death deprived him of his mother, and shortly afterward his father emigrated to America, settling first at Brady's Bend, in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, but later coming to the present farm in Parker Township, Butler County. Here John R. McNamara grew to manhood and after he completed his school attendance, he engaged in teaching school for a short time, after which he became a soldier in the Federal Army. He enlisted, in September, 1864, in Com- pany I, Eighty-eighth Regiment, Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Army of the Potomac, in Gen- eral Hancock's Corps, under General Grant. Mr. McNamara saw much hard service, taking part in the battle at Hatcher's Run, the long series of engage- ments in front of Petersburg, the battle of Weldon Railroad, and the vigorous

MR. AND MRS. JOHN R. MCNAMARA AND FAMILY

861

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

campaign which was closed by the sur- render of General Lee, at Appomattox, He was honorably discharged in June, 1865, when he returned to Parker Town- ship and resumed the quiet occupations which had interested him previously.

Mr. McNamara married Miss Edith Forquer, who was born in Washington Township, Butler County, and is a daugh- ter of the late William Forquer of that section. Mr. and Mrs. McNamara have the following children: Mary, wife of F. C. Campbell, who has one son, John M .; Elizabeth, who married Samuel Harmon, of Armstrong County, Penna., October 7, 1898; Margaret; John C., division super- intendent for the Oil Well Supply Com- pany located at Steubenville, Ohio; Anna, bookkeeper for the Clay Pool Lumber Company at Kittanning, Armstrong County, Penna .; Agnes and Estella, who were both pupils at the State Normal School at Slippery Rock and are now teaching school in Allegheny County, Penna .; Matilda, who died at the age of seventeen years and who was to graduate the year of her death from the State Nor- mal School at Slippery Rock; Irene and Josephine. The family belong to the Roman Catholic Church. Mr. McNamara is serving in the office of school director and has also been township auditor and road supervisor. Nominally he is a Demo- crat, but he reserves the right to vote in- dependently when his judgment so dic- tates.

JOHN F. MURRIN, stock dealer, resid- ing at No. 320 West Cunningham Street, Butler, was born in Marion Township, But- ler County, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1849, and is a son of Hugh and Jane (Gormley) Murrin.

The late Hugh Murrin was one of But- ler County's well known men. He was born in Venango Township and was a son of John Murrin, who came from Hunting- ton County to Butler County and secured

land from the Government in Venango Township, in 1798. After an active and useful life, which caused his memory to be commemorated in the naming of the vil- lage of Murrinsville, he died in 1863. Hugh Murrin was born in 1817 and died in September, 1885. He was a large farmer and for many years conducted a hotel. He married Jane Gormley, who was born in Ireland.

John F. Murrin was reared on his father's farm and obtained his education in the public schools of Marion Township. His main interests have been connected with the livestock business for many years and he has dealt very extensively, buying and shipping fat stock to eastern markets. In 1904 he removed from the farm and established his home at Butler but still continues in the same line of business, in which his years of experience have made him an expert. He owns a number of houses and lots in this city and is more or less interested in city realty.

In 1889 Mr. Murrin was married to Miss Saretta Seaton, who was born and reared in Marion Township. Mr. and Mrs. Mur- rin are members of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church at Butler.

GEORGE W. HINES, a well known and highly respected farmer of Slippery Rock Township and owner of about 228 acres of farm land, has been a life-long resident of Slippery Rock Township. He was born on his present farm May 13, 1855, and is a son of William and Margaret (Robison) Hines and a grandson of Richard Hines, one of the early settlers of Butler County.

Richard Hines, grandfather of our sub- ject, was born in Ireland and came to this country about the time the Revolutionary War began. He gave his services to the country and in return received a tract of 500 acres in Butler County, Pennsylvania, the greater part of it lying in Brady Town- ship. After the close of the war he en- gaged in farming on this land until the

862

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY

time of his death. He married Elizabeth Brandon. On this farm, William Hines, father of our subject, was born and reared to manhood and later engaged for many · years in agricultural pursuits. He mar- ried Margaret Robison, a daughter of James Robison and a native of Slippery Rock Township. To them were born the following children: William Perry, a resident of West Liberty, Butler County, Pennsylvania; Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Mar- tin); James M .; Susanna (Mrs. Mc- Camant), deceased; Margaret J. (Mrs. Hay) ; George W., our subject; Robert C .; Rebecca E. (Mrs. McDeavitt); Sarah M. (Mrs. Castor) ; and John A., deceased. William Hines died on the homestead farm March 30, 1878, and his widow sur- vived him until November 9, 1895.

George W. Hines was reared on his present farm and has always made farm- ing his occupation. In connection with his farming interests, however, he has for a number of years been engaged in the saw-mill business, having for some time been associated with Al Hay and John Ralston. He is still engaged in the same business, his present partners being John H. McDeavitt, Joseph Boyd and William McDeavitt. Mr. Hines resides on 100 acres of the old homestead farm, lying partly in West Liberty Borough, and re- cently purchased a tract of 128 acres, known as the William B. Cooper farm, in Slippery Rock Township about one mile west of the borough of Slippery Rock.

Mr. Hines was first united in marriage. with Sarah E. Cooper, and to them were born six children, but three of whom are living, namely: Clyde F., a surveyor; John H .; and William P. Those deceased are Celetta, Robert, and Alvin. After the death of Mrs. Sarah Hines Mr. Hines mar- ried Myrtle M. Taylor, who was born and reared in Worth Township and is a daugh- ter of William E. and Adeline A. Taylor. Her father was a surveyor and died in 1894. He is still survived by his widow.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hines have been born three children, as follows: George S., Margaret A., and Everett C.

FRANK S. and JOSEPH L. BECK, farmers and oil operators of Clearfield Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, have a fine farm of 100 acres located about two miles and one-half east of Herman. They are sons of Adam Joseph and Bar- bara (Sauer) Beck, and grandsons of George Frank Beck.

George Frank Beck was born in Ba- varia, Germany, and upon coming to the United States settled on a farm of thirty acres in Clearfield Township, Butler County, this being the nucleus of the farm now owned by his grandsons.

His son, Adam Joseph Beck, was born September 12, 1841, and engaged in farm- ing throughout his active career. He took charge of the home farm after his father's death, and by persevering and good man- aging was able to add to the place. His first additional purchase was that of an adjoining tract of forty-one acres, and shortly prior to his death he bought an- other piece of land consisting of thirty-one acres, making the total a little more than 100 acres. He was a man of the highest honor and integrity, and enjoyed the con- fidence and good will of his fellow citizens. He served the township two terms as su- pervisor. His death occurred on Decem- ber 8, 1906, and he was buried in the ceme- tery at Herman. He was a devout Chris- tian and a faithful member of the Catholic church. Mr. Beck was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Sauer, who was born in Pittsburg and is of German parentage. She lived in Pittsburg until her marriage, since which time she has lived on the old Beck homestead in Clearfield township.

Frank S. Beck was born on the home place June 3, 1887, and Joseph Lewis Beck was born on the same place, May 14, 1889. They were reared here and attended the local schools, and after the death of their

863

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

father assumed the management of the farm, becoming undoubtedly the youngest farmers in the township. Reared to work and of ambitious natures, their chief de- sire is to furnish their mother a home and peace and comfort. Joseph L. looks after the farming interests chiefly, and Frank S. devotes his attention to the oil interests. They are producing about three barrels of oil per day and contemplate drilling in the near future. They follow general farming and raise some stock. They have but re- cently fixed up the house which has adorned the place so many years, and now have a very comfortable home. Relig- iously, both are members of the Catholic church.

JOHN F. LOWRY, capitalist, a retired citizen of Butler, who owns much property here and for many years was a very active business man, was born in this city on October 12, 1850, and is a son of Alexander Lowry, one of the pioneers of the county.

John F. Lowry completed his education in Witherspoon Institute and for several years after conducted a livery stable and after that he succeeded his father as pro- prietor of the Lowry House, one of the old hostelries of the city. He conducted this public house for several years and after disposing of it ran a livery stable again, for six years, and then became interested in real estate. His time is occupied in looking after his large interests in this line. He owns a tract in the borough lim- its which he has platted under the name of Hilldale. He is a stockholder in vari- ous prospering enterprises and has always been considered a man of much business foresight. Politically, he is a Republican and he served during nine years as a mem- ber of the Butler council and during that period the larger number of the streets were paved, his influence ever being ex- erted in the direction of permanent public improvements.

On July 19, 1877, Mr. Lowry was mar-

ried to Miss Martha Belle Thompson, of Pittsburg, who died December 4, 1903. Three sons survive-Gardner C., Robert S. and Walter Thompson. The eldest son, Gardner C., is a graduate of Grove City College, and is connected with the Butler Savings & Trust Company. Robert S. is a practicing physician at Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. He attended Lehigh Uni- versity two years, spent three years at Jefferson Medical College, and was grad- uated from the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia. The youngest son, Wal- ter Thompson, is a graduate of Grove City College and is a student in the medical department of the University of Pennsyl- vania.

Mr. Lowry is a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Butler. Frater- nally he is identified with the Masons and Odd Fellows.

PETER McCOLLOUGH, one of But- ler County's prominent and substantial citizens, who is engaged in oil production and insurance, at Chicora, retains posses- sion of his valuable farm of 116 acres, in Fairview Township, on which he re- sided until 1896. He was born in Fairview Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, April 10, 1835, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Rumbaugh) McCollough.

The McCollough family was established in Butler County at a very early day by Captain John McCollough, a native of Virginia, who gained his title through service in the War of 1812. He was the grandfather of Peter McCollough and the father of William McCollough. The lat- ter was born and spent his entire life in Fairview Township, Butler County. He married Elizabeth Rumbaugh, who was born in Armstrong County, and they had ten children, namely: Polly, Phebe, Sarah, Elizabeth, John, David, Henry, Peter, Wil- liam and Samuel, the survivors being David, Peter and Samuel. The parents of this family were most worthy people and

864

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY

through their long and useful lives were beloved and respected.

Peter McCollough went to school with his brothers and sisters, in Fairview Township, and until he was twenty years old assisted his father on the home farm and, after his marriage, in 1856, took pos- session of it. He continued to operate the farm, growing grain and raising stock, and also developed oil on his land, there being three producing wells on the property at the' present time. In 1898 he purchased property at Chicora and moved to the town in the same year. He is one of the most active business men of the place and aside from his own affairs, lends his in- fluence to all public-spirited measures which promise to benefit the whole com- munity.

In 1856 Mr. McCollough was married (first) to Miss Anna Daubenspeck, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine Dauben- speck, of Washington Township. Mrs. Mc- Cullough died March 11, 1897, having been the mother of eight children, namely: Catherine, who was born August 8, 1857, and died February 23, 1861; Emma, who was born October 30, 1858, married Ross McDermott, and they reside at Butler; Henry C., who was born November 7, 1860, married Mary Miller and they live at But- ler and have one child; Newton. C., who was born December 28, 1863, married Mil- lie Sherman and they live at Butler and have one son; Euphemia, who was born August 6, 1865, married John Steindorf and they live in California and have two children; Clara M., who was born Novem- ber 6, 1869, married Finley Milford and they live at Foxburg and have three chil- dren; Jacob W., who was born October 5, 1872, married Clara Craig and they live in East Butler and have three children; and Jessie O., who was born June 4, 1879, mar- ried George Glenn and they live in Michi- gan and have two children. Mr. McCol- lough was married (second) June 6, 1900, to Miss Martha Emery, of Washington

Township, Butler County, where she was born October 4, 1858. Their infant son, born May 3, 1901, died on the same day. Mr. McCollough is a leading member of the English Lutheran Church at Chicora. He belongs to the Order of Knights of Pythias. For many years Mr. McCollough has shown his interest in educational ad- vancement in this part of the county by serving as treasurer of the School Board and as school director. He is a good citi- zen but is no seeker for office and when elected road supervisor, declined to serve.

ALEXANDER TAYLOR, a venerated and highly respected citizen of Allegheny Township, Butler County, Penna., has been a resident of the township for more than a quarter of a century and has been engaged in farming and the production of oil. He has a half interest in a tract of 108 acres, most of which is under cultiva- tion, and takes rank among the substantial and progressive men of the community. He was born in County Down, Ireland, January 27, 1836, and is a son of James and Nancy (McMurray) Taylor, both na- tives of that country.

Alexander Taylor was reared to man's estate in Ireland, and there received a common school education. He turned his attention to agricultural pursuits in his boyhood days and continued at that occu- pation in his native land until 1857. He then went to Liverpool, from whence he took passage in a sailing vessel for New York City. He landed on June 12th, after a voyage of one month, and immediately thereafter made his way to Beaver County, Pennsylvania. He farmed in that county several years, then was located for a time at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In 1866 he located at Parker's Landing, and shortly after came on to Allegheny Town- ship, Butler County, where he has since continued with uninterrupted success.

February 6, 1862, Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Gorman, who

A. C. RICHARDS

867

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS

was born in County Down, Ireland, and was a daughter of James H. Gorman. Of ten children born of their union, five sur- vive, as follows: James A. of Allegheny Township; John H. of Parker's Landing; Jennie D. of Baltimore, Maryland; Will- iam, of Pittsburg; and Samuel M., who also lives in Allegheny Township. Mrs. Taylor was called to her final rest, De- cember 23, 1905. She was a woman of the highest Christian type, was a member of the Episcopal church, and her death was sadly mourned by her family and the many friends in the community, with whom she had been so long acquainted. Mr. Taylor also is a member of the Episcopal Church. He is a Republican in politics, and evinces an intelligent interest in matters, of im- portance to the community.

A. C. RICHARDS, of the firm of Goehring & Richards, wholesale dealers in fruits and produce, with business quarters at No. 333 East Main Street, Butler, is one of the city's enterprising young busi- ness men. He was born in Iowa, Septem- ber 19, 1877.

Mr. Richards was small when his par- ents removed from Iowa to Kansas, his father taking charge of a ranch near Silver Lake, and later removing to Topeka, Kansas, where the child grew into a youth of sixteen years. While in Topeka Mr. Richards' father died. He then came to Butler, with his stepfather and mother, where he completed his education, after which he entered the employ of the Street Railroad Company. In 1902 he went to work for his present partner, Mr. Goehr- ing, and in February, 1906, was admitted a member of the firm, at which time the present style was adopted. This business is the only one of its kind at Butler, and, covering the whole field, is constantly gaining in volume and importance. The firm does an entirely wholesale trade and handles and ships all kinds of produce and fruit. Mr. Richards has additional

interests and is a stockholder in the But- ler Fair Association.

In January, 1902, Mr. Richards was married to Miss Frederica W. Leidecker, who is a daughter of F. W. Leidecker, a prominent oil producer of Butler. They have two charming little children, Freder- ick Lewis and Lucille May. In politics, he is identified with the Republican party.

ABRAM WESTLEY MOYER, junior member of the well known firm of Silter, Swain & Moyer, operating one of the largest general stores of Harmony, Butler County, was born October 8, 1870, in Lan- caster Township, Butler County, Pennsyl- vania, and is a son of Samuel A. and Liz- zie (Measel) Moyer.

Samuel Moyer, a native of Butler County, and now a resident of Harmony, followed farming as an occupation during his years of business activity. He mar- ried Lizzie Measel, also a native of Butler County, who is still living at the age of fifty-nine years. They are the parents of two children-Martha, the wife of John Erb of Harmony, and Abram W., the sub- ject of this sketch. The paternal grand- parents of our subjects were Abram and Martha Moyer, who for many years re- sided in Lancaster Township and died in Butler, Pennsylvania. Michael and Sophia Measel, the maternal grandparents of sub- ject, were natives of Germany, who came to this country and located in Lancaster Township, Butler County, Penna., where they both died.

Abram W. Moyer was reared in Lan- caster Township, where he attended the common schools, after which he attended the schools of Zelienople until nineteen years of age, when he accepted a situation as clerk in the general store of G. D. Swain of Harmony. After remaining in the employ of Mr. Swain for a period of four years, he carried mail to Prospect for the following three years. In February, 1904, he became a member of the firm and

868

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY

has now been associated with the firm for a period of fifteen years, the business hav- ing been established thirty-five years ago, now carrying a stock worth $15,000. It is one of the largest stores of its kind in Harmony and during the busy season sev- eral extra assistants are required to meet the demands which the extensive patron- age of the firm commands.

In 1897 Mr. Moyer was united in mar- riage with Pina Foster, a daughter of A. H. and Hattie Foster of Mazon, Illinois.

Mr. Moyer is a Democrat in politics and has served as a member of the town Coun- cil. He is fraternally affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the I. O. O. F. and the Royal Arcanum Local Lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are members of the Grace Re- formed Church of Harmony.

J. ANDREW EHMER, oil producer, who has resided at Butler for some thir- teen years, is a representative citizen of the place and has long been identified with many of its interests. He was born in Summit Township, Butler County, Penn- sylvania, in 1868 and has always made his home in his native county. Andrew Eh- mer, the father of J. Andrew, was born in Germany and he settled in Butler County, where he carried on farming until his death, which took place July 12, 1886.

J. Andrew Ehmer was reared in Summit Township and during boyhood attended the little brick schoolhouse stand- ing not far from his father's farm. His first independent business was groceries and general merchandising and for thir- teen years he conducted a store at Butler, at 240 Second street, at the end of that time selling out on account of failing health, retiring in March, 1908. For some years he has been interested in oil produc- tion and occupies himself with looking after these interests. He has always been counted a good citizen, his influence ever having been exerted in the direction of good government, but he is no politician.

On April 14, 1896, Mr. Ehmer was mar- ried to Miss Louise Fisher, a daughter of George Fisher, of Jefferson Township, Butler County, and they have two children, Harry and Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. Ehmer are members of the German Lutheran Church.

FRED PEFFER, one of Evans City's most successful business men, has con- ducted a store for the sale of pianos and organs in that village for almost a quarter of a century. He was born on the old home farm in Lancaster Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, January 12, 1862, and is a son of William F. and Sarah (Heberling) Peffer.

William F. Peffer was born in Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, and when a young man accompanied his parents to Butler County. His father, Jacob F. Peffer, set- tled first near Harmony, then moved to Lancaster Township, where he resided at his death. William F. Peffer has always engaged in farming and is now living with his wife on the old home place in Lancas- ter Township. They are parents of four children : William Fred, whose name heads this sketch; John A .; Mary A., wife of David A. Wright; and Paul H.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Century history of Butler and Butler County, Pa., and representative citizens 20th, Part 109

Author: McKee, James A., 1865- ed. and comp Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1526

Author: McKee, James A., 1865- ed. and comp
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1526