USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 53
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The farm owned by Andrew Barr, the father of these children, was part of a tract owned by Robert McKee in the early history of this county, and om- braced hundreds of acres. For many years he has been an Elder of the United Presbyterian Church, and his ememplary habits, sincere but social life, has gained for himself the high esteem of every one.
William Vandevort was born in 1803, in Butler County. In 1828. he chose for his life companion Miss Nancy Cain. They located on a farm purchased from Mrs. Dr. Catlett, consisting of 120 acres. By frugulity. incessant toil. self-denial and perseverance. they cleared the forests. cultivated the soil and at the same time reared a family of eleven children. all of whom are now dead.
William Vandevort, the father, died April 16. A. D. 1867. His wife still lives, aged seventy-two years.
The farm now owned by Mrs. Jane Goehring. daughter of Judge Marshall (deceased), is where John Goehring was born in 1811. His wife was Catherine Husselbaugh, who was born in Harrisburg. Penn. Eight children were the result of this union -- William, who married Fannie Landis: David, who married Phebe Vandevort, and after her death, which occurred in 1868. married Lonisa Romach: Annie, who married Andrew English: Ida, who mar- ried Charlie Graham, and Maggie, who married John Buzzo.
Frederick Croft is a farmer of some prominence. His farm and that of his brother, on the old Frank-
lin road, and just a quarter of a mile apart. give evi- dence of skillful management. The Crofts are of English origin, their parents having been born in England. In 1832, Frederick and his brother Will- iam with their mother located as before mentioned. At the age of twenty-eight. Frederick married a lady named Chestina Barks, of this county. She bore him ton children, six of whom are now living-Will- iam, John, Harriet. David, Thomas and Mary. Will- iam, the eklost of the children, married Abigail (fochring, and removed to Alleghony City. John, Harriet and David also married. Miss Malinda Gra- ham, danghter of Mathew Graham, became John's wife. Harriet became the partner of George Covert. of this township, and is a farmer. David selected Miss Nancy Wilson for his better part. and are living in Allegheny City.
The uncle of these children. William Croft, mar- ried Sarah Jane Davidson in 1815. The farm he is living on with his family and already alluded to was bequeathed to him by his mother. He has nine chil- dren living, three of whom are married. Mary Jane and her husband, John Barts, are living in this town- ship. Estolla married William Robinson.
Another of the enterprising farmers of Cranberry Township is James Rowan, who came here with his wife from Delaware County, Penn .. in 1824. He is living with his family of six children on a farm pur chased from Jamos Graham, of Philadelphia. in the castern part of the township. Mrs. Rowan's maiden name was Mary Boyd, reared in Wilmington, Penn. Of their children, John married Margaret Dickson. daughter of Esquire Dickson, of Penn Township: Mathew married Nancy Miller. of Freedom, Beaver County : William T. moved to the State of Illinois some twenty-five years ago. where he married Maggie Smith. of that State. John is among the most prom. inent citizens of Cranberry Township, and his worth as a man has frequently been recognized by his being elected to offices of trust by the people of the township. He has a family of four children: Mary E. married Alfred Shanks, of Allegheny County. The others are William, Belle and James.
John Rohuer was a native of Bavaria, Germany. and emigrated to this country when thirteen years old. He resided with Judge Marshall, deceased, in Adams Township, until he arrived at the age of twenty- four years. He then married Miss Margaret L. Duncan, but remained on the farm with the Judge seven years longer. at the end of which time. in 1861, he purchased the farm upon which he is now living. Mr. Rohner, or Esquire Rohner, by which title he is better known, was a very destitute boy when he landed on the shores of America, and was entirely destitute of money and friends, and is desery
SAMUEL DUNCAN.
M.P.S. SAMUEL DUNCAN.
F. A. Edmonde
231
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ing of great commendation for the manner in which he raised himself from poverty to independence and an honorable position in society. Esquire Rohner always manifested an earnest interest in the welfare of schools, spending time and money often for their advancement. For twelve years he was a Director of the schools, and has been a Justice of the Peace for eight years.
Israel Cookson has been a resident of this town- ship since 1531. He was reared in Beaver County, but purchased the farm he is now living on from one (Griffith, of Philadelphia, when only twenty years of age. For the 106 acres he paid 53 per acre. When eighteen years old. he married Charlotte Goehring. The fruits of their marriage were six children, five boys and one girl William C., Edward J., Mary MI .. Jolm A .. Henry M. and Alfred T. Mary died in April. ISSI, aged forty-six years. William formed a matrimonial alliance with Sarah Kirk. Edward married Hannah J. Blakely, sister of A. Blakely, Esq., of Allegheny City. John A. was united to Alice Savage, of Allegheny City, and is living on a farm in this township, which he purchased from Robert Duncan. being a portion of the old Duncan farm. Heury married twice. His first wife was Margaret MeNorten, who died in 1567. Subsequent ly. he married Amanda Otterson. danghter of John Otterson. of Allegheny City. an officer in the Western Penitentiary for many years. In 1880. Alfred mar- ried Malinda Goehring, and is living with his father. cultivating the farm. The son of Edward J. Cook. son, Thomas, a remarkably bright young man of seventeen years, died in ISS2.
Joseph West was a late settler, coming in 1864. Sneh men as he. however, are welcomed in every dis- friet at any time. His home with its surroundings is beautiful. It was purchased from Judge Daniel Fielder, and the farm contains 212 acres. Mr. West was reared near Zelienople, aud married Maria Powell, of Beaver County.
Freeman Vandevort was born in this township in 1832, and consequently has lived in it fifty years.
In 1857. ho entered into the bonds of wedlock with Margaret Deemer, and at once moved npon a farm purchased from James Rowan. In 1864, twenty three aeres more were added to it. purchased from Ambrose Dunbar. Their family consisted of ten children, six only of whom are now living-John C., Alfred E .. Fannie E., Annie J., William Freeman and Clyde Deemer.
James Sample settled in 1810. Previous to his locating here. he lived in Allegheny City for thirteen years: served an apprenticeship of four years at tan- ning and currying with Thomas Sample, the second Mayor of Allegheny City, and also the third white
child born northwest of the Allegheny River. Mr. Sample purchased a tract of land from R. E. Gritlith, of Philadelphia. through his agent, T. B. Dallis. paying for it $3.50 per acre. He has five children living. All of his boys served in the late war. James K. Polk belonged to the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was killed at Malvern Hill July 28, IS64. John was wounded in action at Hatcher's Run. while guarding the Weldon road, near Peters burg, Va .. leaving him a cripple in his upper limbs.
Mr. Sample has always been noted for his physi cal strength. He is seventy three years old. He served in the capacity of Justice of the Peace when Bigler was Governor.
Tobias Meeden sold his farm in Summit Town- ship and came into Cranberry in 1876. having pur- chased from Jacob Diunbach. Caroline Garwick was his wife's maiden name.
SCHOOLS.
Before the inauguration of the present school sys- tom. private schools were taught by the following teachers: Job Staples. Andrew Dodds. William Dou- thett and others. The first teachers under the pres- ent system were Matthew Wright, Samnel Hood. John and Robert Cowan and Silas Miller. The in habitants of the township take a lively interest in educational matters, and in each district is a com- modious and comfortable schoolhouse, and nearly all are well supplied with the appartenances usually found in well conducted schools. The school prop- erty is valued at $5,000.
MOUNT PLEASANT U. P. CHURCH.
Christians of this denomination worshiped in the Fowler Schoolhouse. on Brush Creek. From 1547 to ISSO. Rev. Thomas C. Guthrie ministering at ir regular periods to them. Rev. Guthrie was then pas- tor of the united charge of Union and Pine Crook congregations. This charge and the adherents at Fowler Schoolhouse were of the New Light Covenant er persuasion, and continued so until the union. The first church edifice was erected in 1550 on an aere lot given for that purpose by Joshna Stoolfier, Esq .. which is now the present location of the church building. This congregation connected with Union and presented a united call to their first pastor. Rev. Andrew Walker, in 1550, who was ordained by the Allegheny Presbytery at Chion. The cost of the first church edifice was $600 in money, exclusive of work done. The size of the building was 12x32 feet. The first members of session were John Reynolds. Robert Fowler: William MeMarlan and Andrew Barr. Rev. Andrew Walker resigned this charge in 1553. The union then between Monut Pleasant and Union con-
232
HISTORY OF BETLER COUNTY
gregations was dissolved in IS51. when Mount Pleas out presented a call to Thomas Guthrie. D. D. for Two thirds of his time. He then resided at Bakers town. Under Dr. Guthrie's pastorate. the present house of worship was built in that upon the site of the former one. Its size is 60x 10 feet, and its cost was $1.200.
The session was supplemented June 22. 1862, by the election and ordination of William Anderson, William Johnston and James G. Marshall. Rev. Guthrie resigned his charge in 1861, when Mount Pleasant and Evansburg congregations united in one pastoral charge, and presented a call in 1986 to Rev. J. F Martin. He was ordained and installed in the -muo year. At the end of four years he resigned. and was succeeded by Rev. J. S. Brandon, who was ordained and installed June 10, 1578. In the same year session received the additions of Speaker Gra ham and (. H. MeCon. Rev. Brandon labored with read real aval profit for five years. when his health began to fail. He resigned. and was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Dight. the present pastor. who was of- Jained in ISSO. Under his pastorate the session was again supplemented by the ordination of Sammel Dean. T. W. Kennedy and Prestly Duncan.
The congregation is tosony in a flourishing con dition.
METHODIST EHISTOI L CHI LA.
There wa no Methodist society in this township. until 1579. Persons of that persuasion. however. attended divine service in Allegheny County for mans years, meeting regularly. The Trustees of that con gregation, living principally in this place, e nu Inder to build an edifice in Cranberry, and in the year above mentioned they were con tituted a building committee. The Trustees who for ved this committee were Dr. Crawford. Jaed drink and Theunis Roh inson. The church was built cy Ran No 91. be longing to Charles Dntill. .. P. bdpmin. but who donated one acre and one four by the church purposes. In IST9, the church was ready for se apaney, and on November 30 of same year it was l livated, the ded. icatory sermon being preached by Eller chapas. i sisted by Rev. J. M. Swan and the minister in charge. Rev. Weaver. The cost of the building was $2.000. The congregation numbers righty members. Its first minister was Rev. Swan, and, as hos before horn mentioned. Rov. Weaver is the present pastor. Be ing out of debt. the congregation is on a fair way to prosper.
STORES AND OTHER ENTERPRISES.
There are three general stores in this township. two on the Franklin road, about one mile apart. and one on the plank road A. G. Hendricksou and D.
B. Wilson are the respectiv - proprietors of the first two mentioned, and William Garvin owns The latter. Three blacksmith shops find employment enough to keep them running the great or par of the year. The people get their mail at Ogle Post Office, the only one in the town-hip. Dr. Crawford. son of Thomas Crawford, of Washington County, is the physician of the plice, and is regarded : a skillful man.
IN10. Joshua Stoffer: ISto. John Hory: 1545. Samnel Marshall: 1915. Compe- WISE 1550. Thomas W. Borges: 1550. Things Wife h: 15:4. David Garvin: 1554. Thomas Stewart: 15%. Joseph (. Douthett: 1559. Ross Boyle: 1839, Home- Sampl .. 1860. William (. Anderson: 1968. David Garvin. 1864. Thomas Robinson: 1567. Alexander Gillespie: 1869. John Rowan: 1572. John Robner: 1874. Nichol Allen: 1577. David B. Wilson: 1879. John Rohner: 1582. Flemming West.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
SAMUEL DUNCAN.
Samuel Duncan, one of the oldest and most re -pected citizens of the southwestern part of the county. was born in Cranberry Township, on the same tract of land ou which he now resides, on the. 22d of Angust. 1SOS, His father. Sammel Duncan. . I whom a sketch appears on another page. was one the pioneers of 1796, and encountered during Lis life all the difficaltid and hardships which beset the early settlers. Samuel was brought up to hard work. and received only sub education as the limited school privileges of early days afforded. Hi- life has been marked by jednattions tail and wise eron ony, and he is the possessor of a confortable prop erty as the reward of his labors. The beautiful fields now surrounding his home were covered with th primitive forest when he came into possession of the farm. and have been brought to their present state In the work of his own hands. He labored midor all the disadvantages of a lack of food farming implements, Ent perseverance. industry and economy rendered bi- labors successful. Mr. Duncan is a man of intelligences helpful in all good works, and is held in high es eem by all who know him.
He was married. April 19. 131. to Elizabeth. oldest daughter of David and Mary Caldwell. work settler- of Allegheny County. Their long period of happy wedded life has been blessed by a large family of children Matilda S. is the wife of Samuel Gra bam. Cranberry Township: Mary Ann, single, resides in Pittsburgh: Elizabeth, the wife of Charles F'olor.
HON. WY WALDRON.
HON. W. S. WALDRON
Probably there n the county that has a more honorable ancestry, or that car tothom back farther into the past than that of Hon. W. s. Waldron, a Towant Township The historian learns that as carly as 1647 Barron B Sol Ven Waldlion, the progeitor of the American branch of this illustrion. 00 0 Gnor trono Harlem, Holland, with Peter stuyvesant, the first tonegeri of the statt of New York In 1656, he obtained a patent of the Potebeton cini bt, of which he was a magistrate for seventeen years, for a fact of landof the month in part of Manhattan Island, and here founded and land ont a town that be chansened New Har- lem, after his native town in Holland, and it lams this name to-day with the prefix dropped. In 100, be built a ball called " Waldron's Hall"-a large stone structure 36×50, with an annex 20 0, contaming two large halls eight and twelve feet wide respectively The ball was finnsholm sel- low birch brought from Holland in a Dutch merchantmon The hall was lucated on " Horn's Hook," East River, and was na gond state a pasiv ;- tion when razed to the ground to make way to miote modern sommetnn It was the property of the family until 1800, Barron Resolved Von Waldion was a lineal descendant of Barron Rudolph Von W. Idion, who was granted coat of arms and a large manor in 112s by the Hal ant Government for valor displayed in the Plains of Palestine in the secon Lemade in the lak- ing of Jerusalem in 1099.
One of Rudolph's sims named Richard went to En_bupl mn A. D 1151. and became a warrior under Henry IL, the first Plantagenet of the sweeps v ho conquered part of France and Ireland A. D. 152 Richand was granted a coat of arms, and created a Barion A. D. 1137. Richard Inplt a castle of his manor in Bradfield. Devon County, where his descendants now resple.
Barron Resolved Von Waldron had four sous, the third being named Adolph. Adolph's son, named Franejs, who emigrated to this country and settled on a farm in Clover Hin, N. J. One of the; sons of P'raness, named John, byed and died in Clover Hill : Sammel Waldron the prefix " Von " appears to have been dropped heres, married and settled in Trenton. N. J., where he resided until 1794, when he moved to Washington County, Penn , end one year later to Mercer County, into the wilderness, being among the hrst settlers of that county. He served for five years under Grus, Wash- ington and Marion during the Revolutionary war, participating in the bat- fle of Branderwine and other engagements. He was born in 122, and died in 1x 19. in Mercer County, He and his wite, Magdalena osimpson, became the parents of five elnildren, viz .. Daniel, Jomm >, Oliver, Elizabeth and Margaret John was born April 17, 175, and died April 3, 1863. Ihis wife. Maria Lindsey , died In cemiler 20, IS31 John Wallion served in the war
of IS12, and served in the Lake squadom Debesson Mered a doubly dange-
In 1817, he emigrated to Butler County, and purchased the farm where his son W > now resides, when in a state of nature. In common with other pioneers, he was not blessed with inch of this world's goods, and having an ox and horse they were harnessed together, and constituted his team for farm work. He was a man exceedingly generous and kind, and although in straitened financial circumstances, assisted many a poor widow in vulti- vating her farm. By orenpation, he was alternately a school teacher, farmer and mechanic. He was for forty years an Elder in the Presbyterian Church. He wasa typical juomeer, industrious, honest and generous, willing at any time to render assistance to the newly. His children were Margaret, I-a- Tell, Jemima, Alexander, Samuel, John L., Susan and W. S.
W S. was born June 24, 1823, and being reared on a form had little opportunity for self-enliure, but by seenring text books, studying nights, and even while resting his team in the field, he became possessed of a gon- erons store of knowledge. Having qualified himself, be taught common and singing schools very shecessfully. Sime thirty years since, he purchased the old homestead, around which plings so many pleasant associations, and it is now his residence, a view of which can be seen on another page in this vidinne. Mr Waldron is an active, energetic, progressive man, fully alive to the issues of the day, and his fitness for official position was early recognized by the people of his township, whom he has served acceptably in various township offices, and particularly so as School Director, he taking a great Interest in the case of education. In IS, he received a call to come up Ingher, and was elected County Anditor, and served for three years mast deeptably. Von, in 1852, he was favored with the suffrages of the people, not only ot his county bot of the counties of Beaver and Washington, which constituted the legislative district, and he was elected to the State Legisla- fire by a handvane majority, and filled this office with credit to himself and hinton to his constituents, 'In 15;4, he was re-monmated, bit in common with his colleagues on the Republican ticket was defeated. Twice since has his name ben prominent in the nominating convention for this other. During the war of the rebellion, he was detively engaged in billing the quota af salhers due from his township, and in all public affairs takes an active and working interest, and it is lo sach bien that the omity is indebted for
In September, 1844, he was married to Eliza M, daughter of John and Susana Kline Belles, She was born in Lazerbe Lunaty, Penn, August 11. 1.2h, and came to Butler County in 1842 with her parents Their children are Orland K . susan O, Theodore, William .. Laura H , John C, LAa M. Reuben O. Maria R. Frederic E. Ann J. Ulysses > (, Ada M. Let I: Religiously, they are identified with the Presbyterian church
RESIDENCE OF W. S. WALDRON.
D
233
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
resides in Wheeling, W. Va .; Lewis F. follows car- . township, where it i jomed by the Glade Run from pentry in Allegheny City; Emeline is the wife of James Me Marland, Adams Township: John died April 1, 1865, in tae twenty-third year of his age. He enlisted as a private in the nine-months service, and was mustered into the army Angust 11. 1862, as a private in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty- fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Re-en- listing, he served as a Corporal of Company G, Fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Cavalry. He was wounded in the spine at Dinwiddy Court House. Va., March 29, 1865, and died forty-eight hours after receiving the wound. He was a gallant soldier, and when he received the fatal shot he was attemping to capture a rebel flag. He passed safely through eleven battles, but the twelfth terminated his noble career. The next member of the family. Alfred G., is a merchant in Pittsburgh: Sarah J. died in infancy, December 31. 1547; Nelson B, is a farmer on the old homestead.
Mr. Duncan is a Republican in polities. Ho be- came a member of the Presbyterian Church about 1841. and has lived an earnest Christian life. Mrs. Duncan has also been a faithful member of the sante organization since her youth.
CHAPTER XXIV.
FORWARD.
Topography-The Connoquenessing-Settlement-The Ashes, Buroses, Doutheits, Gillilands, Hlovers, John McCollom-Early Mills-Piet- ure of Pioneer Home-lite Mail Carriers-The Pioneer School Teacher-Church History-Schools.
TT would seem that even the untutored savages who once roamed the wilds of Western Pennsylvania had some idea of "the eternal fitness of things." We have good evidence that they possessed this trait from the geographical names supplied to various parts of the country from out the copious resources of the Indian vocabulary. They were happy in their choice of a name for the principal stream of this county- Connoquenessing -Crooked Water. Could any name describe it better! If any observer should attempt to describe the course of this stream through Forward Township his powers of description would be taxed to the utmost. But at least one portion of the creek is worthy of delineation, inasmuch as it is peculiarly picturesque. We refer to the "Horseshoe Bend." which. together with its surroundings. forms a most pleasing landscape of quiet and subdued beauty. The Connoquenessing enters Forward Township not far from the northeast corner, and. after going through " all manner of twisting and turning." and coming down nearly to the geographical center of the
the southeast. winds abruptly to the north and west. ward, and finally zigzags over into Jackson Township about a mile from the northwest corner. The Horse shoe Bend occurs just below the month of Glade Run. and nearly surrounds the farm of Eli Goehring. which consists of 200 acres. The curve is swift, but not an- gular or abrupt. The distance across from one point of the Horseshoe to the other is not more than forty or fifty rods. This bend is included within a bean- tifnl basin, nearly circular and about two miles in diameter, which is inelosed on all sides by hills, save where the eroeks have forced their way through these opposing barriers. No traveler through this township ean fail to note and remark upon the ppenliar charms "of this singuber natural basin. Within it is fertile bottom land, formerly somewhat wet in portions. but now brought. by the labors of the skillful agricult- urist. into a high state of cultivation. Along the eastern side of the valley runs the Pittsburgh & West. ern Railroad. crossing Glade Run upon lofty trestle work, and issuing from the valley in its southeastern part through a tunnel. This railroad was built dur- ing the summer of 1882. Some of the most difficult portions of the road to construct were in this town- ship. from the junction with the inain line on the Breakneck Creek to the northeast corner of the township.
Breakneck Creek flows through the southwestern part of Forward as far as Evansburg. where it passes into Jackson Township. Its bottom lands, while not extensive, vet contain some very pretty fields. Nu- merous small streams or runs thoroughly drain all parts of the township, and good springs are many. In the eastern part of Forward are a number of level farms, while west of Glade Run the land is gently undulating. with no particularly striking features. The farms of the township are generally well im- proved, showing that the population is thrifty and industrious,
Forward contains no villages, excepting a portion of Evansburg. Eight churches are included within the township. four of which are in Evansburg.
SETTLEMENT.
This was a heavily wooded district, and the pio- neers found that arduons, long-continued toil was ner- essary to reduce it to a fit state for habitation. Hum ble as the labor of the pioneer appears when we give attention to its details, his work nevertheless had in it the elements of heroism. Surely it was " generous toil " which sought to render the wilderness habita- ble, and prepare the way for permanent prosperity. The early history of this township contains noth ing of remarkable or peculiar interest. The pioneers
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