USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 15
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George A. Black was born in Butler Connty, Penn., acquired a liberal academic course and soon engaged in teaching school. On the opening of the war, he enlisted in Company D, Eleventh Pennsylva- nia Reserves, and served three years; he read law with Gen. Purviance, and was admitted September 25, 1865. He was a gentleman of excellent character. and soon developed a good legal mind. After prac ticing his profession in his native county for some time, he removed to the City of Kansas, Mo .. where he practiced several years. He finally returned to his native county, somewhat enfeebled in health; he finally died of consumption.
J. B. Mechling, son of Maj. Jacob Mechling, was admitted to practice law on the 18th of April, 1866, but never relinguished his former occupation as teach - er; he still remains a member of that honorable pro- fession, so useful, and yet frequently so poorly re- warded for their labor.
Watson J. Young, son of Rev. Loyal Young, who had served in the army during the war until wounded, and who was afterward elected Clerk of the Courts of Quarter Sessions and Orphans' Court, read law and was admitted to practice in 1867; he soon after went to Wisconsin.
Aaron M. MeCandless was born in Centre Town- ship, Butler County, son of Moore McCandless. He acquired an academie course at the Witherspoon In stitute; he reid law with his cousin, Hon. C. Me- Candless, and was admitted to the bar April 23, 1867; he removed to Lincoln, Neb., where he afterward died.
Henry D. Timblin was born in Butler; was edu- cated at the Witherspoon, and studied law with L. Z. Mitehell, Esq .. and was admitted on the 23d of April. 1867: he practiced his profession for some time at Marion. Linn Co., Iowa, and afterward at Kansas City, Mo. He died of consumption in 1877.
John Purviance, son of Gen. John N. Purviance. is a graduate of Jefferson College: he read law with his father, and was admitted to the bar on the 27th of September, 1868.
John M. Greer was born in Jefferson Township (then Buffalo), Butler County, on the 3d of August. 1844; his grandfather. Matthew, emigrated to this country with his family from the County of Tyrone, Ireland: he had four sons Robert. Charles, Matthew
IHISTORY OF BETLER COUNTY
and Thomas. The last named was the father of five sons. The subject of this notice was educated in the common schools of the township, and acquired au academie course at a select schoof in Zelenople: he had taught two winter terms of schoof before he en tered the military service, in 1862. yet under eight een years of age. He took part in the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac: had a muskot ball pass through his thigh while engaged in the assault on Petersburg. in 1564; he was bearing the colors of his regiment at the time. He returned home at the close of the war, and, under the advice of friends. com meneed the study of the law in the office of Judge McCandless. While studying, he taught another term of school, and even after his admission to the bar. on the 23d of September, 1867, he renewed his relations to the schoolroom as a means of livelihood. The following year. 1868, he was nominated by the Republicans and elected District Attorney of his county. He filled this office three years. In 1876, he became the candidate of his party for the office of State Senator, in the district composed of the counties of Armstrong and Butter: he was elected over his Democratic opponent (Golden) by a good majority. Four years later, he was re-nominated and elected in the same district. He is yet in the middle of his second term (four years is a Senatorial term).
In the meantime, his friends presented his name to the people of the State for the office of Secretary of Internal Affairs. He received the party nomina- tion, and ran beyond the vote of his party, but, with the rest of the State ticket, was defeated at the elec tion-swept away by a sort of political cyclone that passed over the Middle States on the 7th of Novem- ber. 1882. a storm that will long be remembered by politicians.
Mr. Greer is a man of powerful physique, of marked social qualities, and fine presence. His reputation at the bar is that of strict integrity. He possesses a good legal mind, has a good practice and has the sunny side of life before him.
In 1864, he married Miss Anlia Butler; he has three children-Thomas. John and Robert. His his- tory is not yet all written; future advances await him.
Sammel M. Boyd is a son of Mr. William S. Boyd, one of the early residents of Butler, and still an ac- tive citizen. Samuel obtained an academic course at the Witherspoon Institute. He read law with Judge McCandless, and was admitted to the Butler bar on the 12th of January, 1569. He soon after opened a law office in Lincoln, Neb., where he remained some years. He is now practicing in Pittsburgh.
Moses Sulfivan, brother to Charles A .. obtained his education at the same institutions, gener- ally in the same classes. He read law with Hon. E
Medunkin, the present President Judge of this Judi cial Distriet. He was admitted to the bar on the 14th day of June. 1869. flo commenced the practice of his profession in Butler, but at prosent is practicing at Bradford, MeKean Co., Penn.
Richard Gaily, of Ohio, read law with Judge Me- Junkin. and was admitted to practice on the 11tb of Jamary. IS69.
William It. Blaek was the son of John Black. Esq. He was born in Marion Township, Butler Co., Penn. He was an excellent young man, of liberal mind and culture. On the outbreak of the rebellion, ho enlisted in Company D. Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserves, and served three years in the war. On his return home, he read law. and was admitted to prac tice at the Butter bar on the HIth of June, 1869. He soon gained prominence and secured a lucrative prac- tice. fle married a Miss Purvis, a daughter of Sam- nel Purvis, Esq., of the bar of Butler, and gave prom- ise of a happy and prosperous life. But consumption soon came and blasted his otherwise promising profes- sional life.
Alexander Mitchell was born in Butler County, Penn .. November 22, 1842. He received his aca- demic edneation at the Witherspoon Instituto; read law with Hon. Charles MeCandless; was admitted to the bar on the 14th of June, 1569. He was for several years Cashier of the First National Bank of Butter. In 1879, he formed a partnership with A. G. Will- iams. under the firm name of Williams & Mitchell, which firm still exists. He is a gentleman of excel- lont character, and of good standing in his profession.
S. H. Piersol was born in Beaver County. He ac- quired a classical and scientific education at Mount Union College, Ohio, and read faw with Hon. E. Me. ·Junkin, and was admitted to the Butler bar June 14, 1869. He was also admitted to the bar of the Su- preme Court.
He is a gentleman of excellent character, and is engaged in the labor- of his profession. Originally a Democrat, he gravitated into the Greenback party, and became a leader in that organization.
Robert P. Scott was born at Fairview, Butler Co., Penn., July 11. 1842. After availing himself of such educational advantages as the public schools of his neighborhood afforded, and serving for a brief period as salesman in his father's store, he enlisted, in 1961, in Company H1. Seventy eighth Pennsylvania Infan- try, serving until November, 1864. While on duty in the Quartermaster's Department of the Army of the Cumberland. he mastered various studies under the instructions of Capt. Bohan. Upon his return to But- ler County, Mr. Scott became a student of the With- erspoon Institute. and subsequently read faw with Col. John M Thompson. He was admitted to the bar Jan
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HISTORY OF BETLER COUNTY
mary 11, 1869, and, Jannary 1, 1570, formed a partner ship with Col. Thompson, which business relation continued until August 6. 1581.
Ferdinand Reiber, a graduate of the Witherspoon Institute and Jefferson College, was born at Millers- town, Butler Co .. Penn., June 19. 1517. Col. John M. Thompson was his preceptor also, and he was ad mitted to practice in the courts of the county in June, 1869, and was elected District Attorney in the fall of 1871, which office he filled during the three following years.
Theo C. Campbell was born in the borough of But- Jer, Penn .. January 27. 1548. His education was ac- quired at the Witherspoon Institute and Philip's (Andover, Mass. ) Academy. He commenced the study of law with Col. John M. Thompson, but completed his course of reading with Samuel A. Purviance, of Pittsburgh, where he was admitted as an attorney at law in July, 1869. and in Butler County during the autumn of 1872.
Livingston MeQuistion, who is a grandson of John MeQuistion. one of the first settlers in the vicinity of Butler Borough, was born in Butler, Penn., May 16. 1849. After acquiring an academic education, he read law with L. Z. Mitchell, and was admitted as a member of the Butler County bar in the fall of 1870.
Washington D. Brandon was born in Connoquen- essing Township November 1, 1847. He graduated from the Washington and Jefferson College in IS68, and, after studying law with Hon. Ebenezer MeJun- kin, was admitted to the bar of Butler County in March, 1871. His grandfather. John Brandon, was a native of York County, and settled in the region now known as Forward Township, Butler Co., Penn., about the year 1795.
George R. White was born in the borough of But ler, Penn., in 1548. He acquired an academic edu- cation: read law with Hon. James Bredin, and was admitted to the bar of Butler County in March, 1571.
Charles A. Sullivan is the eldest son of Hon. C. C. Sullivan. He was born in Butler. He received a primary education in the public schools of his native town, and his classical and scientific course at West Chester, Penn.
He read law with Hon. James Bredin (at present one of the law Judges of the several courts of the county), and was admitted to practice his profession on the 15th day of March, 1870. lle at once gave promise of professional talent, and was, in 1874. made the candidate of his party ( Republican) for Dis- triet Attorney. Owing to internal trouble, in comnon with most of the ticket with which he was associated, he failed of an election, but ran a heavy vote. In the campaign of ISSO, he took an active part for the Re-
publican cause, making some tino forensic efforts in Ohio and Indiana in behalf of Gen. Garfield. Ilo is still in the active pursuit of his profession.
Joseph Mitchell, son of 1. 2. Mitchell. Exq. read law with his father, and was admitted to practice June 21. 1570. Ho was a young man of good qualities, but an early death closed his earthly career.
Harvy Snyder was born in Brady Township. But ler Co., Wenn. He read aw and was admitted to practice in the varions courts of Butler County on the 10th of June. 1570.
1 .J. MeCafferty was born in fairview Township. Butler Co .. August 15. 1546: was educated at With- erspoon Institute, and at State Normal School at Ed- inboro, and finally graduated at Allegheny College.
He studied law with Judge MeJunkin, and was admitted to practice in 1870. He was a young man of promise, but died of consumption in 1876.
Livingston MeQuistion is a native of Butler. His grandfather, John MeQuistion, was one of the first settlers of the county. He became the owner of a large tract of land immediately north of Butler. He built a stone mansion house upon one of the tracts of land which he owned. and carried on the tanning business, in addition to his business, as a farmer. His son William learned the tanning trade and car- ried the business on in Butler until he was quite ad vanced in life. He acquired his education in the common schools of his town and at the Witherspoon Institute. Hetaught school for several winters while he was pursuing his studies in the office of L. Z. Mitchell. Esq. He was admitted to the bar on the 10th day of June, 1870, and was made the candidate of his party (Democratic) in 1874 for District Attorney, and was elected, serving in that capacity for three years, with marked ability. He is a good criminal lawyer, and has a good practice in the civil side of the court. In 1882, he was the candidate of his party for Cou gress in his own county, but, not deeming the pros- pects for a Democrat in the district encouraging. he surrendered his claims to another Mr. Caldwell. of Crawford County. who. however, was defeated in the district.
H. H. Goncher was born at Richmond, Ashtabula Co., Ohio. May 9. 1547. His parents were of French origin, but English birth on his father's side, and Scotch-Irish on his mother's side. His parents, while he was at an early age, removed to Mercer County. and latterly to Scrubgrass Township. Venango Co. Penn., where he was reared on his father's farm. Be- sides the advantages of a common-school education afforded him, he made use of the limited opportuni ties surrounding him for self-culture and improve- ment, reading such historical and literary works as were within his reach, and taking an active part in the lite
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HISTORY OF BETLER COUNTY.
rary and debating societies of his neighborhood. Al- though au obscure farmer's boy, of limited means and remote from the influences of a high scale of social or educational training, by his habits of study and close application he early in life acquired a taste for learn- ing which gave him an incentive to seek after the paths of knowledge, and an ambition to fit himself for a higher sphere of usefulness.
His early ambition was to become a lawyer. His parents being in comfortable but moderate cireum- stances, he was thrown upon his own resources for the means with which to accomplish his plans of life. With a view of acquiring sufficient means to educate himself, he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for six summers. In the fall of IS70, at the age of twenty-three, he entered Wilmington College, Lawrence County, with the intention of taking a col- legiato course. But, concluding, after a brief time, to abandon his cherished plan, and to at once enter upon the study of the profession of his choice. He accord- ingly commenced the study of the law at Franklin. Penn., in the fall of 1871, under the tuition of James K. Donly, Esq. He was admitted to the practice of the law at the bar of Venango County in January. 1873, and located in Butler in the month of May fol- lowing, where he has since practiced his profession. since which time he has been admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court, the United States Courts, and the bar of some of the surrounding counties. In 1876, he was appointed United States Register in Bankruptey, which office he still holdls. He is also engaged in the active pursuit of his profession in the various courts of the county, and is recognized as a sound lawyer and successful advocate, and with a mind especially adapted to proceedings in equity.
Clarence Walker is the son of Nathaniel Walker. deceased. He read law with Judge MeJunkin, and afterward married his daughter. He was admitted in March, 1871. Mr. Walker is a ready debater, an aggressive advocate, with a good legal mind. He is a good lawyer, and has a fair practice.
M. B. McBride, the only representative of the legal fraternity in Millerstown, is a son of John MeBride, one of the early settlers of Clearfield Township. He read law with Judge E. MeJunkin, and was admitted to the bar in 1871. Having determined to try his fortunes in the West, he attended a course of lectures in the University of Michigan, and from there went to Chicago, Ill., and established himself in practice, when the great fire of 1871 destroyed his library and effects, which caused him to change his location to Paxton, of that State, where he remained until 1573. when he returned to Butler County, and, in 1874. to Millerstown, where, as stated, he is now engaged in practice.
(. S. Christie was a student of Col. Thompson's, and was admitted to practice on the 13th of March, 1872. He is a young gentleman of culture, of good habits, and is actively engaged in his profes- sion.
S. S. Avery was admitted to the practice of the law in Butler on the 14th of June, 1872. He was a young man of mich promise, but soon fell a prey to that great enemy of young students, consumption, and died.
F. M. Eastman was born in Beaver County in 1816. He eulisted in Company H. One Hundred and Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, on the 2d day of September, 1861, and re-enlisted in 1863. He lost his left arm by reason of gunshot wound received at Cedar Creek, Va., October 19, 1864. He was dis- charged Jane 25, 1865, and taught a term of school in Butler Borough, commencing the following Sep- tember He was elected Clerk of Courts in the fall of 1866; appointed Postmaster of Butler in March. 1868.
He afterward read law with Charles MeCandless, Esq., and was admitted to the bar in the spring of 1873, and was appointed official stenographer of the courts in Jannary, 1875, which position he still fills with ac- ceptability to all with whom his official relations bring him in contact. He married a Miss Martin. and has now a family of nine children, all boys.
William A. Forquer was born in Butler County on the 9th day of March. 1545. He received his ed- neation in the schools of his native county, and, after spending the usual period in the law office of Col. Thompson, he was admitted to the practice of his pro- fession on the 19th day of January, 1874. He soon gave promise of legal talent, and took an active part in the ardnous labors of his profession. He was a Democrat in polities, and became a leader of his party in the county, distancing much older men than himself, who had been acenstomed to command. lle was the nominee of his party in 1877 for the office of District Attorney, and was elected, filling that office three years. He is still one of the recognized leaders of his party, and is in the enjoyment of a liberal prac- tire at the bar.
Walter G. Crawford, a grandson of Robert Gra- ham, Sr., was born in Allegheny County. He read law with his unele. W. E. Graham, Esq., and was ad- mitted to the bar on the 12th of January, 1874. He is practicing law in the city of Pittsburgh.
R. L. Maxwell was born in Butler County. He was admitted to the bar on the 12th of January, 1874. He soon gave evidence of good legal attainments, and was building up a fine practice, when disease came. He died of constinption, leaving a young widow, a daughter of Henry B. Lyon, now deceased.
A. D. Heir
Ilon. Alfred D. Weir was born in 1823, in Buffalo Township. this county. on the farm now owned by him. and on which he has constantly lived. His father, Capt. John Weir, was one of the earliest and firmest friends of the common school system-a progressive man gen- erally-and Alfred. encouraged as he was, seized and improved every opportunity within his reach. In his boyhood and early manhood, he was recognized as the best scholar in the neighborhood. He taught school successfully several terms. Debates in those days were quite frequent, and A. D. was sent for far and near.
He is a good public speaker. clear and forcible in expression. Since. and even before he was a voter, he has taken an active part in politics. Ile was a Whig till the Republican party was formed : a hater of slavery. and a friend of temperance.
IFe has filled many local offices : but especially as a School Director his services are deemed almost indis- pensable by the people of his township. He has served in that capacity about twenty years.
He was elected County Auditor in 1853. served three years, and Associate Judge in 1881 for five years. which position he now fills with proper dignity. and with acceptability to all. Ile is still a farmer, and. without disparagement to any. there is no better in the county. His farm and improvements, crops and stock, will show for themselves. He was the first in the county to intro- duce the use of phosphates and commercial fertilizers generally. His home is a resort for progressive farmers for miles around. not only from his own county but also from Allegheny and Armstrong Counties. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. and was a delegate to the Old School General Assembly, which met first in New York. in May. 1869, and afterward in Pittsburgh. Penn .. in November of the same year, when and where the old and new schools were united after a separation of thirty-eight years.
Judge Weir was married to Miss E. J. Morris, in 1855, and has a family of three daughters and two sons. whose attainments in music and scholarship are quite unusual in young people of their age.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Albert C. Johnston, son of William and Sarah A. Johnston, was born in Adams Township, Butler Co., Penn., May 4, A. D. 1850; parents removed to Cran- berry Township, same county, where they have since lived, in the latter part of the year 1852; attended the common schools until eighteen years of age, when he began to teach: afterward took a course of private instruction under the direction of Dr. Thomas C. Guthrie, and also for a short time attended the With- erspoon Institute, in Butler, Penn., and Westminster College, Lawrence Co., Penn. In the spring of 1872, he began the study of law in the office of Hon. Charles McCandless, of Butler, Penn., and was ad- mitted to practice in the several courts of Butler County on the 9th day of March, A. D. 1874. On the 26th day of April, A. D. 1876. he was admitted to practice in the several courts of Allegheny County, to which place he removed in May of the same year, and has resided in the city of Allegheny ever since. He practices in the various State and United States Courts of the city. He was married, April 2, 1874, to Miss Mattie M. MeMichael, of Allegheny County, Penn.
S. F. Bouser was born February 11, 1812, in Ma- nor Township. Armstrong Co .. Penn. He received a good primary, academic and classical education. grad- uating at Washington and Jefferson College in the class of 1872; studied law in the office of Col. John M. Thompson, and was admitted to practice law in Butler and adjoining counties in the fall of 1874. He is a gentleman of fine scholarly attainments, and is in the enjoyment of a good practice.
E. I. Brugh is a gentleman of scholarly attain- ments, possessing a thorough primary and collegiate education. He is the son of Prof. Brugh, formerly of Jefferson College. Young Brugh read law with Judge MeCandless, and was admitted to practice the 28th of April, 1874.
Joseph P. Timmory was a law student in the office of Judge MeCandless, and was admitted to practice on the 28th of April, 1874. He is an apt thinker. and full of energy.
J. T. Donely is a native of Venango County. He was admitted to the bar on the 27th of April, 1874. Since that time, he has pursued his profession with commendable application. He is a young man of ex- cellent character. He became a candidate of the Re- publican party for nomination to the Assembly, and. although competing with some of the oldest men in the party, he was one of the successful candi- dates.
Joseph C. Vanderlin was a native of Butler Coun- ty. He read law with L. Z. Mitchell, and was ad- mitted to practice on the 7th of September, 1874. He is still pursuing his profession in his native county.
L. G. Linn is a native of Butler County, a son of Dr. Linn, of West Sunbury (now of Butler). He is a graduate of Jefferson College. He read law with Judge McCandless, and was admitted to the bar on the 4th of December, 1574. lle is a young man of excellent character.
A. T. Black, son of John, was born in Marion Township, Butler Co., Penn., December 31, 1847. He studied law with his brother, George A. Black, of Kansas City, Mo .. and was admitted to the bar of that city and county December 22, 1572. He became a member of the Butler County bar in March, 1875.
J. B. MeJunkin is the son of Judge MeJunkin, at present President Judge of our courts. He was ad- mitted to the bar on the IIth of March. 1875. He is pursuing his profession.
Edward McSweeney read law with L. Z. Mitchell. Esq., and was admitted on the 4th of November, 1875. He is a young man of good promise. He is at present located at Bradford. Pon.
Joseph B. Bredin was born in the town of Butler, Penn., December 24, 1846. His studies and his oc- cupations have been varied. Thus, after having been a student of the Butler Academy, of the Pennsysvania and Michigan State Agricultural Colleges, he studied medicine with his brother, Dr. Stephen Bredin, and attended lectures at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. He then engaged in business as a druggist in the States of Iowa and Min- nesota. Finally, however, he read law with George R. White, and was admitted to the Butler County bar in 1875.
Erman B. Mitchell was admitted to practice law on the 20th of October, 1875. He went West.
John M. Roth was admitted to, the practice of the law on the 4th of November, 1875.
Andrew G. Williams was born in Richmond, Va., September 8, 1840. In 1842, his parents removed to Allegheny County, Penn., where he obtained a com- mon-school education, and learned and worked at his trade as a nailer until 1974, when he became a resi- dent of Butler, Penn. After reading law under the instructions of Hon. John M. Greer, he was admitted to practice November 5, 1875. During the late war, Mr. Williams was especially active. After having assisted to recruit and plac . in the field three com- panies, he joined Company E. of the Sixty-third Pennsylvania Infantry, in which he serve ! three years as Sergeant, Second Lieutenant and Captain, mean- while receiving four wounds.
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