USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 18
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
Dr. Bell obtained an academical education. and com- menced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. T. M. McMillan, of Fairview. Passing through the required course of reading, and obtaining much practical knowl- edge from other sources than books, he went to the Cleveland Medical College, from which institution he graduated with honor in 1874. Prior to his graduation. he had established himself in the practice of his pro- fession at Millerstown, and. on the completion of his medieal course. returned to Millerstown, where he has
since remained. He has been highly successful in his chosen profession, and. although he is comparatively a young practitioner. he occupies a foremost position among the physicians of Butler County. He is a mem- ber of both the county and State Medical Societies.
The Doctor has taken an active interest in political matters, and, in 1880, was elected to the Representative branch of the State Legislature. His official duties were discharged with credit to himself. and to the satisfaction of his constituents. and his record as a legislator evi- dences the possession of many of the essential qualifica- tions of the successful physician-good judgment quick perception and honesty of purpose. In ISTI. Dr. Bell was married to Miss Mary E .. daughter of William Alexander, of Fairview, one of the early settlers of that township. Four children have been born to them Harry A. Charles E. Anna L and Bessie
83
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
Center Township October 6, 1857. He first studied medieine with Dr. A. M. Neyman, in Butler Bor- ough, and then pursued a course in the Jefferson Medical College, graduating in 1879. The following winter he returned and attended a course of lectures. thus doubly preparing himself for his profession. Ho is now practicing in Glade Mills, where he estab- lished himself in the spring of 1881.
CENTERVILLE.
Dr. Eli G. De Wolf, who had a long and success- ful practico in Centerville and vicinity, where he was widely esteemed, came from Ohio and settled in Cen- terville about 1825. He was married in this eounty to Miss Sarah A. Harris. He died in 1847.
Dr. Lyman Howard, who afterward settled at Harrisville, practiced in this place several years, be- ginning in 1836. Dr. Van Horn practiced here about four years, then went to Alleghany County. Dr. Crane came a few years before Dr. De Wolf died and practiced a number of years.
Dr. Samuel Marks, a graduate of Allegheny Col. lege, and a highly esteemed physician, practiced about seven years, commeneing in 1817. He died soon after his removal from the place.
Dr. Dodds, the next physician, went West after several years' practice here. He was followed by Dr. Gamel, Dr. Gettis and Dr. James B. Livingston. The latter remained here until 1872, then went to Middlesex, Mereer County, his present location. Dr. Smith was in practice with Dr. Coulter for a time, as was also Dr. Livingston.
Dr. G. W. Coulter was born in New Lisbon, Ohio. in 1830. He was edneated at Meadville, Penn .. studied medicine with Dr. Greer at Harmonsburg and graduated from the Ohio Medical College, Cleve- land. in 1856. Ho practiced in Eastbrook. Lawrence Co .. Penn .. several years. In 1862, he settled at Centerville, where he had eleven years of successful practice. He died in this place in 1873. He was Secretary of the County Medical Society at the time of his death.
Dr. Benjamin Pearson, whose extensive practice renders his name familiar in this county, was born in Mercer, Peun., in 1838. He was educated at Mereer Academy and studied medicine with Dr. S. S. Mehard. He settled at Centerville in 1862, where he has since practiced continuously, with the exception of two years in Forest County. Dr. Pearson is a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College, Phila- delphia.
Dr. A. M. Patterson, the successor of Dr. Coulter, was born in Somerset County, Penn., in 1833. He was edueated in Butler and Sunbury, and graduated from the Medical Department of the University of
Wooster, Ohio, in 1873, and since that date has been practicing in Centerville.
HARRISVILLE.
Dr. James Owens was the first resident physician in Harrisville. He came from New York State, and after about ten years' practice here, went West.
Dr. Lyman L. Howard, from Ithaca, N. Y., an educated and skilled physician, practiced from 1836 until 1854. Dr. Howard is now practicing in Illi- nois.
Dr. James McConnell practiced in Harrisville eight or ten years. He sold out to Dr. Elriek, went to California and died.
Dr. Jackson MeMillen, a very competent phy sieian, now a resident of Kansas, practiced about tif- teen years in this place. He left about 1860.
Dr. J. H. Elriek was born in Indiana County, Penn., in 1830. He graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and entered upon his professional career at Harrisville in 1856. He has been abundantly successful.
Since 1856. ten or more physicians have practiced in Harrisville, but nono remained more than two or three years. The present doctors are Dr. Elriek, Dr. S. L. Strain and Dr. D. W. Webster. Drs. Strain and Webster have each been here about five years.
WEST LIBERTY.
Dr. Albert A. Kelty, the first settled physician at West Liberty, was born in Lawrence County, Penn .. in 1849. He was educated at the Poland (Ohio) Seminary, and attended medical lectures in Detroit and Cleveland, graduating from the Cleveland Medi- cal School in 1873. 'He then settled at Rose Point, Lawrence County. In 1876, he removed to West Li- berty, where he still continues, having a good prac- tice.
MECHANICSBURG.
The first physician here was Dr. George Kirkpat- riek. He removed to Harlansburg, where he kept a general store for about six years. He died at North Liberty in 1841. He was succeeded by one Steen, a " water doctor."
The present physicians are Drs. William Cowden and - Abernethy. The latter came here in 1872. Ho is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- phia, and also of a school of medieine in New York City. He was born in St. Louis and obtained his general education in Pittsburgh. Previous to his graduation, he served in the Union army in the war of the rebellion. going out as a private and returning as First Lieutenant.
Dr. John Cowden was the first physician of the western part of Butler County. He was born in
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
Washington County, Penn .. in 1797. and was of Scotch dese .t. About the year 1500, he went with his parents to Poland, Trumbull County (now Mahon- ing County), Ohio, where he studied medicine with his uncle. Dr. Isaac P. Cowden .* In ISIS, he began the practice of medicine at Portersville. Butler Co .. Penn .. and continued it successfully until within about fourteen years of his death. His practice was large and his duties arduous. He rode on horseback day and night. visiting patients in three or four counties. At an early day, the people were poor, and for years much of his practice was rendered gratui- tously. He led a busy and useful life. and was widely esteemed. He was a man of extensive reading and sound judgment, and his patients placed implicit confidence in his ability and skill.
When he settled at Portersville, he at first board- ed with Thomas Christie, Esq .. one of the pioneer set- tlers of this county, who moved here from Westmore- land County. Later, he married Mr. Christie's daughter. Elizabeth. He resided at Portersville until abont 1966, when he retire l from practice, and dur- ing the remainder of his life lived with his daughter in Allegheny City. He died February 15, 1580, aged eighty-three years. His wife died in 1979, at the age of eighty-two. They and six children who reached mature years Dr. William R., now of Worth Town- ship: Maria C., wife of James Frazier. Muddy Creek Township: Elizabeth. deceased, was the wife of Erskin MeClelland; Eleanor J., now the wife of John Frazier, one of the firm of Frazier Bros .. builders and lumber merchants, Allegheny City: Tirzah, the wife of Andrew Gaily, resides in Allegheny County. near Economy: Susan, deceased, was the wife of Rev. Samuel Kerr, of Harrisville.
William Reynolds Cowden was born in Portersville March 4. 1820. He attended the academy at James. town. Mercer County, and afterward the Venango Acad- emy, in Franklin. Penn. In IS#1. he entered Jeffer son College as a sophomore, and remained two years. He then taught school to obtain means to pursue his studies further. Teaching at home in 1843. he be- gan the study of medicine under his father's tuition. He attended medical lectures at the Jefferson Medical
College, Philadelphia, in the winter of 1814 15, and again in 1845 16. His health having been injured by too close application, he was obliged to leave the college early in 1946 and return home. In the spring of that year, having in a measure regained his health, he began the practice of medicine at Porters- ville, which he continued uninterruptedly until 1879. His skill and good judgment soon became known. and his practice grew rapidly. His health was restored
" Dr. Isant P Cowden was one of the very first students of Jefferson Col- lego, Cannonsborg. Pen , and one of the pioneer physicians of the Western Re- serve in Ohio.
by the exercise he obtained by visiting his patients on horseback. In 1559 60, his devotion to work cansed another decline in his health, and thenceforth he restricted his visits to a narrower territory. In 1879, he removed to Sunbury, and in the spring of 1882 to his present home in Worth Township (Jack- ville Post Office), Butler County. He is now resid- ing in the neighborhood where he has labored so long and so successfully.
Though retired from active practice and living on a farm, the Doctor still continues to pursue his profes- sion about home, and is frequently called to consulta- tions with neighboring physicians. He is a member of the Butler County Medical Society, of which he has served as President several years; also a member of the State Medical Society, and was one of the Vice President- at the meeting of the society held at Lan- caster. Penn .. in IS81.
Not only is Dr. Cowden well skilled and thorough- ly educated in the science of medicine, but his liter- ary attainments are of a high order. His knowledge of the classic- and his acquaintance with good litera- ture evine > his stn lions habits. Within the last two years. alone and without instruction, Dr. Cowden has taught himself the French language, and is able to read it readily. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and socially and professionally his character is without reproach. In politics, he is an earnest Republican. He cast his first vote for a Presidential candidate at the old State House, Phila- delphia. in 1914, voting for Henry Clay.
Dr. Cowden was married. November 7. 1850, to Matilda MI. Kline, daughter of J. G. and Catharine (Eyster) Kline. Mrs. Cowden's parents were among the most prominent of the early settlers of Mercer. Penn. Dr. Cowden is the father of seven children living Annie E., Ida MI .. Maggie K .. Eva M .. Will- iam Rush. John, Victor and Nellie J. F. Anie E. is the wife of C. Fosterwick. of Sunbury, and the mother of four children. The rest of the Doctor's children reside at home,
MILLERSTOWN.
Dr. Josiah MeMichael was born in Meadville. Pent . October 2. 1526. He studied medicine prior to attending a course of lectures at the Cleveland Medical College, He first established himself in practice in Venango County, in 1852, and came to Millerstown in 1858, where he continued to practice his profession until his death, Jannary 12, 1580. He was a member of the Butler County Medical Society. also of the State Medical Society, and took an active part in their deliberations. He was very successful in his practice and a man of liberal ideas. He took an active part in educational matters, and was highly
N. M. HOOVER M. D.
W. R. COWDEN M. D.
W. N. CLARK, M.D
WILSON N CLARK. M. D
Wilson N. Clark was born near Meadville, Penn .. February 22, 1835. He was the son of Robert and Naney (Gross) Clark, who reared a family of five chil- dren. The early life of the Doctor was spent on his father's farm. He received an academical education. and after the completion of his literary edneation. fol- lowed teaching for several years. In 1862. he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of Gettysburg he was severely wounded, and was discharged for disabil- ity June 28. 1861. He returned to his home, and after a few months of rest. he entered the office of M. L. Faulkner, M. D., and commenced the study of medi- cine. His medical education was completed at the Medical University of Michigan and the Cleveland Medical College, graduating with honor from the latter institution in 1867. Shortly after, he established him- self in the practice of his profession at Whitestown, where he has since resided.
Two years subsequent to his removal to Whites- town, the Doctor was married to Miss Elizabeth C., affectionate, a good husband. father and friend. and in
daughter of Robert Bolton. of Connoquenessing. Mrs. Clark was born in Zelienople. Four children have been
born to them -Francis E .. Luella M .. Zelia Estella and Charles R.
But few physicians have attained a larger measure of success in the practice than Dr. Clark. and none have devoted themselves more assiduously to profes- sional duties than he. At all hours and in all kinds of weather, he was ready to attend to the calls of the sick and afflicted. until his health became so impaired by hard work and exposure that he was compelled to abandon his practice.
He is a member of the Butler Medical Society and the State Medical Association. The Doctor has always taken a deep interest in public affairs, and in him the temperance cause has a stanch advocate. In his polit ical and religious attiliations, he is a Republican and a Presbyterian. Dr. Clark is a gentleman well and favor- ably known, and one who is highly respected and esteemed. He possesses the necessary qualifications of a physician other than knowledge geniality of dispo sition and firmness blended with kindness and compas sion. In his domestic relations, he is kind and cvery sense a worthy citizen.
1 -
85
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
esteemed as a man possessed of many ennobling qualities.
Dr. R. L. Patterson was born in Wolf Creek Town- ship, Mereer County, Penn., in 1852. Preparatory to a medical education. he studied for nearly three years in Allegheny College. Meadville. He studied medi- cine with Profs. Bennett and Hines, and graduated from the Cleveland Medieal College in 1872, but re- mained in the city for six months, engaged in hospital practice. Ho then attendel a course of lectures in Pennsylvania University, and then commenced to practice in the then flourishing (freece City, and fol- lowing up the oil excitement. changed his residence to the now defunct village of St. Joe, but shortly changed his residonee to Millerstown, where he now enjoys a lucrative practice and is numbered among the successful physicians of the county, a reputation well earned and worthily bestowed.
Among the early physicians were Dr. Marks, who remained but a short time; Dr. MeLaughlin, who lived in the borough about two years, and Dr. God- des, who remained abont an equal length of time.
PETROLIA.
As many as fifteen physicians have practiced in Petrolia for a longer or a shorter period during the last ten years. We allude briefly to some of the most prominent.
Dr Lyman Willard was the first to settle here. He eame in 1872, and remained until 1878, when he removed to New York State. He was quite success- ful in his practice.
Dr. F. C. Cluxton. a well educated and aecom- plished man, settled in Petrolia soon after Dr. Wil- lard. In 1870, he removed to Bradford.
Dr. J. H. Sutherland, originally from Canada. eame in 1874 or 1875, and remained until 1881. He had been following up the oil developments some years before he came here. He went to Richburg, N. Y. Just before he left, his son Lee fell from a foot bridge into the creek, February 10. 1881, during a time of high water, and was drowned. Both the boy and the father had a great many friends, and the sad event distressed the entire community.
Dr. E. P. Squire practiced from 1876 until 1880. He was in partnership with Dr. Sutherland for a time. He moved to New York State. Dr. G. Reno, Dr. John Mechling and Dr. Deitrick were among those who practiced from one to three years each.
Dr. Stuart. now of Bradford. eame to Petrolia during the first excitement and praeticed until 1878.
Dr. W. C. Foster and Dr. C. C. Rumberger are the physicians at present. Dr. Foster located here in 1876. He was born in Armstrong County in 1852; studied medicine with Dr. H. M. Wick & Son, of
Clarion County: graduated from the Jefferson Medi. cal College, Philadelphia, in 1871: practiced two years in Now Bethlehem. Clarion County.
Dr. C. C. Ramberger has enjoyed a large practice in this vicinity for ten years. He is a son of Col. W. F. Rumberger, and was born in Slippery Rock town ship, Butler County, in 1851. Ho studied medicine under the tuition of Dr. Johu K Maxwell, Worthing- ton. Armstrong County; graduated in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. in 1872: settled at Buona Vista, where he remained until 1881. when he removed to Petrolia.
KARNS CITY.
But little ean he said of the medical practitioners of this place, as nearly all have moved away and their present locations are unknown. Dr. S. H. Pettigrew was the first to settle here. He came in the fall of 1972. and practiced successfully until 1881. when he moved to Dubois, Penn. He had a drug store while here.
Dr. Binkard practiced about one year. commenc- ing in 1874. Dr. William F. F. Mahueke came from Butler in 1878, and remained two years or more.
Dr. D. Harper settled in Karns City in 1873, and still continues his practico. He was born in Alle- gheny County in 1832; graduated in medicine at the University of Michigan, and practiced in Oil City and Bradausburg. Venango County, before coming here.
MARTINSBURG,
Dr. Samuel Wallace, of Sugar Creek, Armstrong County, was the first who practiced in Martinsburg, but he did not settle here. Dr. Goe, of Lawrence- burg. also practiced here.
The first resident physician was Dr. David Fow- ler. who moved to this place from Fairview about IS45. He resided also at North Washington and at Harrisville. After at least twenty-five years of sue. eessful practice in this vicinity, he went West and is now located near Chicago.
Dr. Thomas. a young man, practiced here about two years, then moved to Fairview. Dr. Adair prac- ticul in Martinsburg for two or three years.
Dr. B. E. Dennison. the present resident prac- titioner. settled in Martinsburg in 1972. He was born in Stonington. Conn .. in 1836, and brought np in Portage County. Ohio: fitted for college at Hiram, Ohio, under President Garfield: elneitel at Harvard University: studied medicino with Drs. Bennett an I Pitman, in Portage County, and graduated from the Louisville, Ky .. Medical College in 1860. He settled for a time in Missouri. but at the breaking-ont of the rebellion, entered the Union army as a Surgeon, and served through the war. In IS54 15. he was ou the
86
JHSTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
staff of Assistant Surgeon General at Louisville, Ky.
Among those who have practiced in Martinsburg from one to three years cach, since 1872, have been Dr. S. H. Pettigrew, Dr. J. W. Kelly, Dr. A. Bryan. Dr. C. M. C. Campbell and Dr. S. Il. Kerr.
FAIRVIEW.
As nearly as ean be ascertained, Dr. Bullard was the first physician who settled in Fairview. After several years of faithful practice, he died here in 1850. Dr. Fowler came from North Washington, settled here and practiced some years. Dr. Ormsby was another practitioner, who came soon after Dr. Fowler. Dr. Barnhart. a German physician, was in the place in 1840.
Dr. J. W. Beatty died in Fairview in 1881. after a faithful and fairly successful professional career of twenty-five years in this place.
Dr. McMillen practiced in Fairview several years, and died here.
Dr. H. C. Birchard, at present the only medical practitioner in the borough, was born in Crawford County in 1839. He was educated at Bellevue Hos- pital Medical College. New York City, and began practice in Venango County in 1865. In 1873, he settled in Fairview.
Dr. C. F. McBride, a nativo of Butler County, practiced in Fairview about three years, and moved to Youngstown, Ohio, in 1882. He had a drug store here, which he sold out to Dr. Birchard.
Dr. C. F. MeBride, now of Youngstown, Ohio, practiced here for several years; also in other locali- ties in the county. He was born in Harrisburg. Penn., March 23, 1851, and came with his parents to Butler when an infant. He attended the public schools of Butler and Witherspoon Institute, after which he taught school in Slippery Rock township and elsewhere. In the fall of 1871, he entered the office of Dr. A. M. Neyman, in Butler, for the purpose of reading medicine, and remained there until the fall of 1873, when he entered the Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, from which he graduated in the spring of 1875. He began practice at Butler, remained there one year, and re- moved to Harrisville, where he practiced for a year and a half in partnership with Dr. J. Elrich. From thence he removed to this place, where he remained for three years and a half, leaving in the spring of 1882 for Youngstown.
FARMINGTON,
The first physician to locate in this place was Dr. T. B. Rhodes, from Ohio, who settled here in 1875. and is still practicing here.
Dr. Albert Ritchie practiced here two years, and in 1881 moved to Kansas.
Dr. R. J. McMichael, of Farmington is a son of C. MeMichael, and was born in Clay township, But- ler County, in 1851. He began practice at Sunbury in 1879, and located at Farmington in 1881. Dr. Me Michael was educated in his profession at the Cleveland Medical College, where he attended three courses, and was graduated therefrom in 1881.
CHAPTER XI.
SOLDIERS OF THE WAR OF IS12
Rosters of the Companies of Capts. Abraham Brinker, Robert Storey. James Thompson, Samuel Jordon and James Stewart in Col. John Purviance's Regiment-Capt. Robert Martin's Company of Col, Miller's Regiment.
THE hardy pioneers of Butler County responded with patriotic promptness to the call for troops when the border was menaced by the British, and a goodly number marched to the field.
A regiment consisting of twelve companies, the Second Regiment of Infantry, commanded by Col. John Purviance, of Butler town, as composed largely of men from this county. Wo present the rosters of five full companies in this chapter. A number of Butler County pioneers also went out in Col. Miller's regiment, but not so many of them as in Col. Purvi- ance's regiment, which had its strongest representa- tion from the adjoining county. We append first the five companies of Col. Purviance's regiment :*
CAPT. BRINKER'S COMPANY.
Officers-Captain, Abraham Brinker; Lieutenant, William Ralph (ho acted as Brigade Quartermaster); Ensign, Robert Lemmon: Sergeants, Reuben Ayres, Alex McCandless. Abraham Maxwell, Thomas Me- Kee: Corporals, Matthew Randles. Peter Henry, John Moser. Jr., Henry Slator ; Fifer, William Pillow; Drummer, Peter Mckinney.
Privates-Philip Barnhart, Samuel Robb, Robert Ilogg, Hugh Mckee, Alexander Wilson, Martin Mc- Candless, Alexander W. Galbraith, John Dunbar, Matthew Thompson, William Frazer, Andrew Porter. Arthur Frazer, Alex Scott, Samuel White, Samuel Fulton, Norbet Foltz, Rees Evans, Alexander Wright, William Johnson, James MeCleary, Sammel William- son, David Delong, James Robb, John Wormcastle.
CAPT. STOREY'S COMPANY.
Officers-Captain, Robert Storey ; Lieutenant, Robert Means: Ensign, Christopher Stewart; Ser- geants, Andrew Christy, William White, William Weakley. John Ross; Corporals, Thomas Martin, Thomas Anderson, John Gibson, Edward Connan; Fifer, John Bell: Drummer, William Bell.
*The roster of this regiment was proenred by the son of its commander, Gen. John M. Purviance, in 1851, and published in the Butler journals, together with the magnanimous offer of procuring free of charge, prusions for the snr- vivors, or for the descendants of those deceased who were entitled to them. It is from this published muster-rall that we take the companies given in this chapter
Formuel Franan, CH.2.
Samuel Graham. M. D. one of the prominent prac- titioners of Butler County. was born in the borough of Butler January 31, 1836. He is descended from one of the old families. his grandfather. Robert Graham, hav- ing been one of the first settlers in the borough. He availed himself of such educational advantages as the schools of Butler afforded at that time, and in his twenty-first year commenced the study of medicine in the office of Dr. R. L. MeCurdy. laving completed the usnal course of reading, he went to Washington, D. C .. where for two years he was a student in the National Medical College of that city. In 1861, he relinquished his studies, and entered the service as a private soldier in Company 11. Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers. llis experience in this department of the service. was. however, of short duration. He returned to his home, and shortly after went to Philadelphia. and entered the Jefferson Medical College. from which institution he
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.