USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 100
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101
Messrs. Richard B. Allen. George Gibson and Will- iam D. Allen were ordained as the first Ruling Elders May 1, 1548, and the first communion services were held on the 11th day of June of that year. when Revs. Loyal Young and "Father" John Coulter officiated. The members then numbered but twenty. For three years various ministers supplied this organization. Early in 1851. however. Rev. John V. Miller became the pastor. and continued until the carly part of 1855
*The pastor, Rev. T. M. Thompson, was installed in May, 1550. Rev. J. H. Marshall, of Concord, Rev. I. D. Decker, of Fairview, and Rev. J. R .. Coulter, of Scrub Grass, being present
111
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
His successor was Rev. J. R. Coulter who came in 1.57. and preaching one-third of his time here, and the remainder of the time at Serub Grass, remained until October, 1870, when failing health caused him to re- sign. In October, 1873. Rev. B. C. Montgomery was installed as the pastor of this and the Martinsburg Church, dividing his time equally between them. 11 health caused him to resign in April, 1875. Following him came the last pastor, Rev. T. M. Thompson (just from the Wesleyan Theological Seminary), who was in stalled and ordained over this and the Martinsburg Church May 15. 1878. He resigned in October, 1882 to accept a call from the Presbyterian Church at Free- port Penn. New Salem Church. therefore, is now without a pastor. Its present membership is one hun- hred and five. [From data furnished through the cour- tesy of Rev. T. M. Thompson.]
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
During the first quarter of the present century, a Presbyterian Church was organized within the limits of Washington Township as now formed. A church edi- fice was erected, and though the congregation was small in numbers, it flourished as well, presumably, as other churches of like denomination in this portion of the Presbytery, yet. just when it was organized or who its pastor and original members were, we have not been able to ascertain. About the year 1834. however. a Presbyterian minister named Johnson (then but re- cently from Ireland), was called to the charge consist- ing of this church, Bear Creek and Unity Churches and for a time, it seems, matters progressed very smoothly. It was but the lull before the coming storm, though, for Mr. Johnson being of a nervous, pas- sionate, intractable disposition, became incensed at some act or ruling of the Presbytery, and about the be- ginning of 1835 seceded from the old church, joined the Associate Reformed, or as now termed, United Presbyterian Church, and carried a large number of each of the congregations, over which he presided. with him. ៛
Thus was ushered into existence the United Presby- terian Church of Washington Township, known as "Mt. Vernon." and among its original members were Samnel N. Moore. Mrs. Samuel N. Moore, David Shira. Andrew Donaldson. Robert Donaldson, Mrs. Rosana Donaldson. Samuel Mortimer. Thomas Smith. Charles Hilliard, William Shira. Jacob Shira. William Bell and Robert Hanna. Of the original members, named or nn named. David Shira, Mrs. Sammel N. Moore and Mrs. Rosanna Donaldson are the only survivors at this writing.
Mr. Johnson returned to Ireland after being here some two or three years, and was succeeded by Rev. James Green, who was installed in October. 1837. and remained about three years, His successors have been Robert W. Oliver, from abont 1812 to 1816; J. K. Rid-
die. 1816-18; J. H. Fife, 1818-55; J. A. Campbell, 1857 59; W. - Black. 1860-73; J. E. Dodds, 1874 77; R. A. Giltillan, 1879 82. The present church «litice was built in 1866. The one which preceded it, about 1833. The present members namber one hun- dred and twenty-five.
LUTHERAN CHURCH.
For the past forty years, a Lutheran congregation las existed at North Washington, and its members. now numbering one hundred and five, worship in a church edifice which was erected as early as 1842. Although earnest efforts have been made to obtain further information concerning this organization, they have not been successful. The present pastor, Rev. J. N. Zimmer, has been in charge since November, 1879.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JACOB DAUBENSPECK.
George Daubenspeck was born of German parents, and passed his youthful days in Bucks County, Penn., where he married his wife. Some time between the years 1796 and 1800. he emigrated westward and finally settled in the region now known as Parker Township, Butler County. Penn., or to be more particular. on the premises now owned by Christian Hoover. who mar- ried a grand-daughter. The sons of George Dauben- speck. Sr., were, Henry, Philip. Lewis, George, Jr., and John, besides four daughters, who married respectively Hilliard. Smithers, Milliron and Hepler.
George Daubenspeck, Jr., married Margaret A., daughter of Samuel Meals, Sr. (before alluded to in the history of this township), and to them were born eighteen children, of whom fen arrived at a mature age, viz .: Jacob, who was born November 14. 1805 ; Polly, who married Hoover ; Margaret, who never married ; Lydia, who married Emerick ; Elizabeth, who married Milliron ; John. Samnel. George, William and Lewis.
Jacob, the oldest son of George Daubenspeck, Jr., was born in 1805, and resides in Washington Township. Early in life he married Miss Catharine Hoover, and to them were born thirteen children. all of whom became men and women. As a second wife, he married Marga- ret Meals, and by her had four children, all of whom are living. Of the fourteen surviving children of JJacob Danbenspeek. there are Christain. Elias, Jobn, William L., Henry H .. Campbell. Daniel ( .. An M. (Mccullough), Lydia (Hutchison), Mary C. (Donaldson), Elizabeth (At- well.) Mary ( Atwell), Sarah ( McMahon ) and Louisa; while of those deceased, there were Samuel, who as a member of the One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Volunteers, died of wounds on the field of battle near Richmond, Va., in the spring of 1865; George, who died of dis- ease, in the State of Indiana, and JJacob, Jr., who died
145
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTV.
at home, of typhoid fever. Jacob Daubenspeck has ever been known as a quiet, unostentatious, but most estimable citizen. He served as Justice of the Peace for a period of ten years, and the official title in his ease was most appropriate, for he advised his neighbors to keep the peace, to settle their grievances among themselves, and as a consequence but few cases were tried before him.
SAMUEL G. MEALS.
Sammel G. Meals, the son of George and Elizabeth (Studebaker) Meals, was born in Westmoreland County July 4, 1809, and when about two years old came to Mechanicsburg, Worth Township. Butler County, with his parents. Here the family resided until about 1817, when they removed to Concord Township, where they remained until their removal to Washington Township. llis father was a blacksmith, and Samuel worked in his shop when a boy. He learned the trade of a stone- mason. and worked at it for about sixteen years, in But- ler and adjoining counties, getting his start in life in this way. Before he married. Mr. Meals improved the land that is now the Shira farm. February 18, 1836, be married Catharine, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Hilliard, of Washington Township. The children of this union were Isaiah N., now a resident of Wash- ington Township ; Alfred G .. Concord ; Elizabeth i Ar- nokdl), Shenango. Mercer County ; Maria ( Daubenspeck), Parker Township ; Emeline, deceased ; Maggie L. (Campbell. Washington Township, and Catharine, deceased. Mrs. Meals died October 5, 1850, in her thirty-seventh year. November 4. 1853, Mr. Meals was married to Mrs. Emeline Clark. She was born in Alle- gheny County, but came to Butler County when a child; with her parents, Henry and Mary Bright. By her first husband, Alexander Clark, she had two sons-Henry J. Clark. Concord Township, and Hale Clark. Fairview Township. The children of this second marriage were, Amanda J . George W., Samuel F., Mary A., Abraham L. (deceased), Anna L. and Carrie B. The oldest daughter is the wife of Robert Thompson, Washington Township. The other children are unmarried and reside at home.
Mr. Meals was a man of diligence and industry and succeeded well in business. Soon after he began farm- ing he owned over four hundred acres of land, on which he had commenced improvements. This fine farm is situated in the beautiful spot known as the - Glade,'' on the South Branch of Slippery Rock. Mr. Meals erected a large barn, and a fine brick house, which is now the home of his family : also a tenement house on another part of the farm. Mr. Meals was a life-long member of the Lutheran Church, and held the office of Deacon. He also held several township offices, and stood high in the community. He died September 21. 1877. Mrs. Meals and her unmarried children reside on the old farm. The homestead now consists of two
hundred and forty acres, and is owned by George W. Meals, a successful and progressive young farmer.
CHAPTER L.
ALLEGIIENV.
Pioneers and Their Experiences- The Lowries, Crawfords, Grants. Rosenberrys, Grahams, Andersons, Gibsons and Others The Early Home of Hon. Walter Lowrie, and Rev. John Hedick -Mills, Pur- naces and Industries-Coal Resources.
A LLEGHENY TOWNSHIP was formed in 1854, from portions of Venango and Parker. It was for many years but sparsely populated, and conse. quently the progress of improvements was slow. The discovery of oil in recent years has enlarged the pop- ulation, and improvement has been very rapid. Thongh inneh of the surface is nneven, and not well adapted to farming, the township contains some ox- cellent farms, and many tasty residences. On the whole, the people are well situated and prosperous.
The courageous pioneers invaded this part of the county in 1796. It was then an unattractive wilder- ness, peopled only by the wild denizens of the prim- itive forest. One of the first settlers was John Low- rie, a Scotch Presbyterian who took up a tract adja- cent to the Allegheny River. At Poplar Bottom, a point which is on the land formerly owned by him, are now the corners of four counties. John Lowrie led the pure and simple life of men of his class, and after many years' residence here, died at the home of his daughter, on Slippery Rock, aged and respected. He had three sons -- Walter, Matthew B. and John. There were also several daughters who married here and reared families. Their descendants are still liv- ing in the neighborhood, and are munerous and re- speetable. Walter Lowrie, like so many men of humble origin, after passing his boyhood after the manner of pioneers' sons, became a distinguished and honorable citizen. He was elected to the Legis- Tature, and from that position he rose to the office of United States Senator, and afterward served as See- rotary of the Senate. Later, he became Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church, and hold that position until his death. Dur- ing his early life here, he operated a saw-mill on the small stream known as Lowrie Run. Matthew B. Lowrie went to Pittsburgh, where he became a promi uent citizen, and held the office of Alderman. He was the father of Hon. Walter Lowrie, of Meadville, late Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. who always claimed that the old farm in Butler County was his birthplace. John Lowrie was a farmer, and died in the neighborhood. Hon. Walter Lowrie acted as land agent for disposing of the Fields lands in this neigh- borhood until 1835, when he was succeeded by Hon.
4 16
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Samuel A. Purviance, who closed up the business, as- sisted by Dr. A. W. Crawford. The Lowrie farm re- mained in possession of the Lowrie family until 1845, when it was purchased by Dr. Crawford, the present owner.
John Lowrie, Sr., opened the first store in the northern part of Butler County. He was keeping store on his farm in ISH, and probably established the business some years before that date.
In 1797. John Crawford, from Greene County, settled on a tract adjacent to the Lowries. John Crawford and John Lowrio were two of the first Rul- ing Ellers of the Serub Grass Presbyterian Church. John Crawford was the father of a large family. Most of his sons settled in Venaugo County and in Ohio; and only two, James and Samuel, in this coun- ty. William T., son of Samuel, lives upon the old farm. His father died in 1878. James Crawford died in 1802, leaving one son, James Crawford, born in 1800, who is now the oldest native resident of this township. He has spent his days in this township and in Armstrong County, and is well known as an active and useful citizen. The widow of James Craw- ford. Sr. (nre Abigail Coulter), married Gideon Gib- son, and reared the following children: William, Polly (Mechling), Thomas. George, Margaret (Mar- tin), Abigail (Moore), and John.
Dr. A. W. Crawford, a grandson of John Craw- ford, is a son of Dr. Alexander Crawford. of Wash- ington County. He came to this township to reside, in 1846, since which time he has taken a prominent part in the affairs of the county. He was elected a member of the Legislature in 1556, and served three terms. In 1861. he was appointed by President Lincoln to be United States Consul at Antwerp, and held that position until 1566.
James Anderson, the father of John Anderson, Esq., and Samuel, was an early settler, and lived on the farm now owned by T. A. Crawford. Both John and Samuel lived and died in this township. R. P. Anderson, son of John, is one of the old and re- spected citizens. Samuel Anderson died in 1869. His widow, Elizabeth ( Low), is still living. His sons S. A. and H. C. and a daughter, Mrs, Sutton, live upon the homestead farm, Three of the sons were soldiers in the late war.
Sheriff John Pollock. of Irish descent, was an early settler and a prominent man. He was three years Sheriff of the county, and was Major of militia. He owned the land which is now the Sloan, McKee. Chambers and Morgan farms. He had some broth- ers, whose descendants still live in the county.
Alexander Grant. a Scotchman, was one of the first settlers. He settled the tract which is still known as the Grant farm. His sons, Robert, Alexander,
James and William, and his daughters. Susan (Hutch- inson), Matilda (Say), Elizabeth (Anderson) and Jeanette (Crawford), all lived in this immediate vi- cinity. All are now dead. James, married Miss Sloan; Alexander. Miss Say; Robert. Miss Johnson; and William. Miss Meager. James' children are 1. B., Elizabeth (Eakin), W. P., residents of Allegheny Township; James, Washington Township; Sarah (Langhner), Clarion County; R. S., Allegheny Town- ship: Margaret (Cornelius), Mercer County; and L. D., Oil City.
In 1879, a well was drilled on the farm of W. P. Grant, by Mr. Grant and his sons, which produces a quantity of gas sufficient to furnish fuel for running the engines of the pumping stations at Hilliard, Craw - ford Station and Donley Station. In ISS2, a second gas well, on the A. B. Grant farm. was drilled, and connected by a pipe with the main leading from the well before mentioned.
John Redick came from Westmoreland County in 1799, and settled on the farm now owned by John Allen. John Redick, his son, having been accident. ally wounded while on a hunting expedition, and con- sequently unfitted for farm labor, was educated for the Presbyterian ministry, and was pastor of Slate Lick and Union Congregations, Armstrong County. from 1815 to ISIS. He died in 1850. His wife was Betsey Coulter, a sister of Rev. John Coulter. The other children of John Redick, Sr .. were Hamilton, William. James. George. Esther (Meanath), Hannah (Leslie) and Elizabeth. The latter married John Allen, who was born in 1799. in this county. and is now deceased. Of his family, only one member survives-John Allen. of this township.
William Porterfield, whose wife was a daughter of John Lowrie, settled on a farm joining the Lowrie place. His son. P. F. Porterfield, Esq., now resides npon the okl homestead.
Samuel ConIter was an early settler. He was a brother of Rev. John Coulter. for many years pastor of Concord Church. Samuel moved to Erie, Ohio, where he died. He sold his farm to Benjamin Low. and from him Adam Brittan and others purchased.
Jolm and Samuel Jack settled a four-hundred-acre traet, on part of which is- now the village of Byrom Centre. Samnel Halderman bought John Jack's farm. and afterward sold to E. Robinson. Samuel Jack sold to H. Kohlmeyer, Esq .. in 1536. Two years later, Mr. Kohlmeyer moved here from Centre County. He is one of the successful and progressive farmers of the township.
George Parker, a cousin of Judge Parker, was the first settler at Six Points. The farm was afterward occupied by James McMahan. J. P. Crawford is its present owner.
447
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John Turner was an early settler in the northern part of the township. Part of the farm is now owned by his son William.
Levi Gibson and his wife, Sidney (Abercrombie), settled on Scrubgrass, in Allegheny Township, about 1799, coming from the Eastern part of this State. Their children, John, Alexander, James, Sammel, Levi. Hugh, William, Betsey (Sloan). Jane (Redick), and Esther (Dutchess). all lived to rear families except Alexander and William, who died single. Nearly all resided in this county. James settled in Parker Township. His wife was Rebecca Knox Their children numbered eleven - Betsey. Sidney, Levi. George, Esther, Samuel. John, Rebecca, James. Hous- ton and Eleanor.
John Rosenberry, from the eastern part of the State, was one of the earliest of the pioneers. He came into the wilderness alone, and lived in a small cabin one summer before returning to the East for his wife. Bears and wolves were his neighbors on all sides, and he frequently received visits from strolling Indians, who were glad to exchange deer- meat, etc., for small quantities of salt. Rosenberry carried his provisions from Freeport, either on foot or on horseback, following an Indian trail. He put in his first wheat by the aid of a team composed of a three- years old bull and an old horse harnessed together He brought out a bed-tiek with him. and made a bed by filling it with leaves. After his summer's work was completed. he returned home, married and came back to his lonely cabin in the woods. The leaves of his bed were lying on the floor, but the tiek had dis- appeared, and very likely the Indians had it. Mr. Rosenberry was twice married. James, Henry. Oliver and two daughters who died young were the children by his first wife. The second wife bore John, Levi, David. Joseph. Cyrus, William and Polly (Dow). Three of the family -- John. Joseph and Polly -are living. John was born in 1807, and now lives on the old homestead. A hand-mill was used by this family for grinding corn, and the stones of it are still lying on the old farm. When Mr. Rosenberry first located here, for some years he was greatly an- noyed by bears, which killed his hogs, ealves and sheep. One day he found a bear killing a hog. Having no gun at hand. he sharpened a pole, and with this weapon attacked the bear so roughly that he was glad to escape.
Samnel Graham, from Cumberland County, set- tled in this township in 1798. His father was an officer on Washington's staff during the Revolution. Samnel died in 1813, while in the service of his country. in the second war with Great Britain. His sons. John. James, Andrew and Bailey. all lived in this county. All are dead except Andrew. who resides
in Concord Township. Mary, residing in Fairview Township, is the only surviving daughter of Samuel Graham. Three other daughters-Rebecca. Nancy (Parker) and Betsey (Brandon) - all lived in this county except Mrs. Brandon, who resided in Venango County.
East of the Rosenberry farm, a man named Brown was an early settler. The land was afterward owned by Mr. Allen. The land known as the Widow Goe farm was a part of the Brown traet. Samuel Turner was an early ocenpant of this farm. He died here, and left his property to his daughter, Mrs. Goe. J. M. llays, from Armstrong County, has owned a part of this larm since 1870.
The sons and danghters of the early settlers were generally strong, healthy and overflowing with ani- wal spirits and good nature. At Halloween, there was always a great deal of fun and mischief prac- ticed: and at huskings, raisings and other similar gatherings, these young people usually had very lively and enjoyable times. There was no restraint, no conforming to established rules of " proper " conduct in society, which in these days often cause young people to appear at a disadvantage: but gennine good- fellowship and a desire to get the most enjoyment possible from each passing moment seemed to pre- vail. The log cabins and the log barns often echoed to the joyous sound of youthful laughter; and, though in the woods and without the advantages now near every farmer's son and daughter, the youth of that day enjoyed contentment and happiness.
George Fowler is one of the oldlest residents of the township, and his father was an early settler here.
Samuel Sloan was an early settler to whom refer- ence is made in the chapter devoted to Venango Township. Two of his sons. William and David, lived in this township, and were comparatively early settlers. William lived near the Venango County line, on the farm now occupied by his children. His wife was Jane Leslie: they had ten children. of whom four sons and four daughters are still living. He died in 1971. aged seventy- four. One of his sons. John N . has several coal banks, yielding some 1,500 bushels of coal per month, averaging by the year.
David Sloan settled in Venango County, but re moved to this township about forty- eight years ago. His wife was Rachel MeLaughlin, who boro him twelve children, nine of whom are now living- Matthew. the oldest son. on an adjacent farm, and John on the okl homestead. Matthew bought his farm thirty- four years ago, and a year later eut the first stiek of timber upon it. He now has good buildings and an excellent farm as a reward of his industry.
Henry Jamison. a son of John Jamison, an early
448
IHISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
settler of Venango Township, settled in 1839 on the farm he now occupies. By untiring industry and strict economy, he has literally howed a good farm out of the forest. Ho married Isabella Crawford (now deceased ), and is the father of ton children, eight of whom are living. The Jamison farm was among the first attacked by the oil producers in this town- ship.
John Milford. for years one of the most active farmers of the township, died in 1881, at the age of seventy-five. He came to the farm now owned by his son, J. P. Milford, in 1846. He reared a family of seven sons and one daughter, and was so successful in business that he was able to purchase, at different times, over 1,500 acres of land, which he divided among them.
Patrick Layton, whose father was an early settler in Venango County, settled in the northern part of the township, on the farm first improved by the Coul- ters. His son, Thomas J., lived and died upon the place which is now ocenpied by his widow.
M. S. Adams, Esq., came to this county from Brady's Bend, in 1844, and located at Fairview, where, in company with Col. J. A. Gibson, he started the first foundry in the place. He was also in the mereantile business in Fairview. About 1858, he sold the foundry to Arnold & Crawford. He purchased his property in this township in 1851, and owns over seven hundred aeres of land lying in one body. Mr. Adams has been engaged in the mercantile line, in the furnace industry, etc., and is a successful busi- ness man.
S. P. Eakin came from Venango County to Butler County in 1861, and in 1865 settled on his present farm. He has kept store several years, and is now in the same business, having recommenced in 1879.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1851. James Black; 1855, John Allen; 1855, James Black; 1861, Henry Kohlmeyer; 1865, Robert Jamison; 1866, Simon Snyder: 1868, M. S. Adams: 1872, P. F. Porterfield; 1877, P. F. Porterfield; 1880, M. S. Adams; 1852, James S. Craig.
INDUSTRIAL.
On Bear Creek, where the Adams mill now stands, a man named Truby erected a small log mill, proba- bly about 1805. A man named Rogers built a saw mill in the same neighborhood. Truby sold out to Dumars, and from him the property passed into the hands of Pierce and Black who creeled the mill now standing in 1846. Walter Lowrie had an early saw mill in the northern part of the township.
The mill now known as the Sedwiek Mill, was built by Samuel Anderson in 1831.
Maple Furnace was built by George and James Bovard in 1814. It was a stone stack, charcoal fur- naro, at first "cold blast," but afterward run by a steam-engine. From the Bovards. it passed into the hands of Henry Graft, of Pittsburgh, about 1847; he ran the furnace until 1854, doing a very successful business. M. S. Adams then purchased it, and con- elurted the business quite successfully until the fall of 1865, when the scareity of ore became so great that the works were abandoned. From thirty to forty tons of iron per week were manufactured, and from thirty to forty men employed upon an average. A store was started by the furnace company and run by Mr. Adams after he came until 1868.
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.