USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 56
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Matthew Wigfield emigrated to Butler County and located in this township in the year 1796. He came from Maryland, was married to Mary Ann Wilson, September 29, 1785. His wife was born in Ireland, but came to America when six years of age. As the issue of this alliance there were nine children, viz., Jane. Nancy. Elizabeth. Mary. John, Rachel. Mar- garet Wilson and Sarah Ann. Jane married Samuel Oliver, and removed to the State of Indiana. Nancy married the Rev. James Watts, a Methodist minister, and lived in Virginia in a village called Hodgeville, Berkeley County. Elizabeth was married to James Cunningham, and resided in Penn Township, where Mrs. C. died but a few years since. Mary married Charles Baker and lived in this township for several Years.
Charles Baker was an itinerant failor and traveled around among the people, not only through this coun ty. but as far as Pittsburgh. making and mending wearing apparel. which was simple and not by any means costly.
Pack-sadilles were used to transport goods from place to place, and on one of these Mr. Baker would convey his baggage and utensils to whatever places he was going. frequently stopping at one place for a whole work at a time. To vary the monotony of his life, he sometimes gathered together a few scholars and played the role of school teacher. John Baker died unmarried. When fifteen years old. he was stung in the eyes by yellow jackets. the consequence
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of which was the total loss of his eyesight. Rachel Baker married James Baker, and moved to a point which is now known as Bakertown. Margaret nover married, and died at the age of fifty. Wilson mar ried Mary Moser, and, after the death of her tirst husband, she subsequently married a gentleman named Case. Sarah Ann, the youngest child, married Robert Graham, then of Butler, brother of the ven- erable John Graham, at present living in the borongh of Butler.
The grandson, John Baker, who is living in close proximity to the old homestead, enjoys a great pleas. ure and satisfaction in exploring old family records of these early ancestors, and in relating interesting incidents connected with their lives, which were eer- tainly rich with varied experiences Mathew Wigfield died in October, 1816, aged tifty-nine years. Mary Ann, his wife, survived him until 1855, when she died. aged ninety-five years.
Thomas Baker emigrated from Nova Scotia, and settled in the southern part of Middlesex Township about the year 1798, and lived and died upon the farm which he took up. The names of his children were as follows: Hans. Charles, John, Elward, James, fo. seph, Nancy (Crummie). Sally ( Brittain) and Betsey. Of these, Betsey, Hans, John and Joseph. James settled in Alleghany County, but died in Butler County in 1532. Hans, John and Joseph lived and died in this county. Hans and Joseph both died in 1881, the former at the age of eighty-five years.
Jolin Bartley and his son James, with their fami. lies, emigrated from Ireland and settled in Allegheny County in 1803. About 1812, they came to Butler County, and located upon a farm in the northern part of Middlesex Township, where they passed the re. mainder of their days. James Bartley was a soldier of 1812, and served about nine months. He died in 1852, at the age of seventy seven. His children are William. deceased; John, Allegheny County; Thom- as. decease l: James, Mid llesex Township; Robert, deceased; Joseph, deceasel: David. Clay Township: Campbell, Middlesex; Dickson. Allegheny City: Williamson, Penn Township: Mary Ann (Pierce), Allegheny City: and Washington, Allegheny County.
The 17th day of June, of the year 1838, is dis- tinctly rememberel by many persons to day on ac- count of the heavy storm which occurred at that time. especially in the southern part of the county. On that day, Wilson Wigtield started with a load of logs to the saw-mill, where Frazier's flouring-mill now stands. about tw ) and one half or three miles from his home. He was cantioned not to make the trip at that particular time. as there was a thunder storm evidently approaching. Not heeding the timely a lvice, he procee lel on his journey, hoping to get to
the mill before the rain began to fall. Before reach ing his destination, the wind began to blow terrific- ally, and the rain poured down in torrents. The run which he was compelle I to cross on other orca- sions in getting to the mill rose very rapidly, and in a miraculously short time it had swollen to innnonse proportions. In this condition, Mr. Wigfield at tempted to cross it, but the desperate act carried horses, wagon and himself down the violent and rapid current. After floating down the stream a distance of forty rods. ho grasped the limb of a white thorn tree, which was almost enveloped by the water, and climbed into its branches, where he was compelled to remain for hours, until the storm had abated and the water fallen. His eries then brought the neighbors to his rosone. His face and hands were terribly lac- pratel with the thorns and sharp limbs, and being almost submerged in water for several hours, his health suffered in consequence, from which he never entirely recovered. The horses were rosened. but wore badly injured.
In 1798, Mr. James Parks identified himself with the early history of this county, and especially of this township. Ho came with a family of ten children, seven boys and three girls. John was the oldest. aged twenty one, and William was the youngest, aged seven years. William Parks married Hannah Run- del, who was reared about twelve miles northwest of Pittsburgh. They are both living two miles west of Glade Mill, in good health. Mr. Parks is ninety-two years old at the present writing. and, though entirely blind and partially deaf. his ordinary health is vigor- ous and he retains his mental faculties unimpaired.
Mr. William Park. it is said, was always known to be a good man and was an important factor in the early settlement of this township -a good farmer and true friend Mr. Park said to the writer, when in- terviewing him on the industries of that part of But- ler County in which he settled: "I have the pleasure of saying that I built the first brick chimney that was seen in this part of the county. Archie McGill built the first frame house and barn," and, he added fur ther. " from 1795 and later. to 1821. folks lived in very small log huts, with greased paper for windows. The food of the carly settlers for several years was deer meat, honey and hominy. The corn men' thon used was ground by hand-mills. Horse-mills shortly after superseded these. Wheat was sparsely raised It was prepared for food simply by boiling and rat ing it with milk. "
Joseph Flick came from Westmoreland County to this place in 1799. He was born in the year 1790. in Berks County, Penn : was married in ISI3, to Elizi beth Tar, and had seven children. viz., JJacob, John. Abram and Joseph: Katie and Annie. twin- All
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
aro still living, except Abram. The nephew of Jo- seph Flick and son of Jacob is a carpenter working in this township. He was in the war of the rebell- ion, and belonged to Company A. Sixth Pennsylva- nia Heavy Artillery.
James Fulton was a noted hunter. In 1793, he found himself penetrating the deep wilderness of what is now this Hourishing township. He was born in Ireland, emigrated to Butler County in the year mentioned above, married a Miss Nancy Thompson, of Westmoreland County, and had nine children- John. Samuel. James, Jesse Robert and William (twins), Polly, Eliza and Naney. James Fulton was a man of indomitable energy and industrions habits. His death occurred in 1823. The circumstances of his death are peculiar and are still fresh in the minds of many of the older citizens of Middlesex to-day. In by-gone days, it was the invariable custom for farmers to supply harvest hands with good liquor. One morning during barvest, Mr. Fulton started, be- fore breakfast, for Oliver David's distillery, which was one mile north of Glade Mill and five miles from his farm, He arrived there, procured his liquor and was returning home, when, as it was supposed. he was seized with an epileptie fit. to which he was sub- jeet : knowing that it was coming upon him. he dis- mounted, tied his horse to the fence. sit down and there died. In that position he was found about 9 o'clock by James Cochran. He was said to be a de. cided genius, and exhibited this natural ability by frequently inventing some piece of machinery or mak- ing some contrivance useful to the people at that day. He once attempted to accomplish perpetual motion, and for weary months and even years, he thought and planned and schemed, until. perplexed beyond endur- ance. he finally abandoned the project as an impossi- bility. John Fulton became a wheelwright, having learned his trade with James Harbison in 1804. He died in 1556. Samuel pursued farming until drafted into the army. during the war of 1St2. James learned and followed cabinet making, but devoted his whole time to undertaking, for many years supplying coffins, when needed, to the whole neighborhood for ten and fifteen miles around. in 1-2, he erected the first carding machine over seen in this part of the county. It was propelled by horse power. For a dozen miles around, people brought their wool here to be converted into rolls. Robert and William located in Westmoreland County. where they devoted their time to agriculture until their death. Jessie remained in Middlesex. Polly married William Clendenning and went to Allegheny County to reside. Eliza was united in marriage to Samuel Logan, son of James Logan, theu of Allegheny County. They removed to
the State of Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their days. Nancy died in her infancy.
Samuel Rippey came from Shippensburg. Pon., and, in 1798, was appointed Justice of the Peace by Gov. McCain. He was regarded as a marvel of legal lore.
Joseph Logan emigrated from Ireland, County Tyrone, to Lancaster. Penn .. in 1794. and made a settlement in this township, on what is now the Eras- Ins Logan farm, in the fall of 1795. He was married and had three children-Nancy, who married William Dickson, and removed to Philadelphia; Mary, who married John Welsh, and moved to Pittsburgh. where ho reared his family. and David, who married Eliza- beth Davis. John. Elizabeth, Levi, Joseph, Belle and Barbara were the offspring of this union. John died in his infancy. Elizabeth married Samuel Purvis, who was reared in Susquehanna County, and after- ward moved to Butler Borough, where he followed the vocation of a carpenter. Levi married Mary Da- viz. Joseph married Margaret MeCandless, of this county. Bolle married William Purvis, who also came from Susquehanna County. Barbara married Jesse Sutton, and removed to Allegheny City.
Thomas Logan, the great-grandfather of the last- named children, came to America eight years after Joseph's settlement, with his son William, who was elected First Lieutenant of a militia company during the war of 1812. As has been already stated, during the early experience of the worthy pioneers of this township. many were the privations and hardships they were called upon to endure. William Logan. for example, worked in Pittsburgh, and at the close of each week he walked home, carrying a sack of corn meal and a few other articles munch needed by his family. He, like many others, was compelled, also, to go to Greensburg to have blacksmithing done. An incident occurred during the time Mr. Logan was drilling a military company, which is well worth re- vording. A great many Irishmen were members of the company, and when going through the manual of arms, they found it extremely diffienlt to be accurate and mindful. Their particular trouble was that they could not keep time-could not distinguish between right and left. When the commander called out " Right." they would almost invariably put forward their left foot. Mr. Logan's patience being sorely tried. he finally hit on this happy plan: He procured some hay and straw; on the right foot he put the hay, and on the left the straw. Instead, then, of saying, "right, right. left, loft," he called out "hay foot, " " straw foot." They soon became acenstomed to this, and never again had the same trouble and annoyance of distinguishing between right and left foot. The
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
expression. " hay foot," " straw foot " originated with Lient. Logan.
THE FIRST SCHOOL.
The first schoolhouse built in Middlesex Township was constructed of unhewn logs and was erected on the farm of Thomas Denny, now owned by his grand- son. Thomas Denny, in 1796. The house was cor- tainly a rude affair, with rough pieces of timber laid lengthwise for a floor and the interstices plastored with mud. Instead of the modern style of windows. it had four square opening's cut out, two on either side, over which greased paper was hung. The teacher was William Powell, born in Pennsylvama, and was sixty years of age when he organized the first school ever held in this township. His manner was said to be quaint and many pleasing accounts are given of the wonderful dignity he assumed before his unlettered pupils, when teaching the mysteries of the alphabet and the elementary rules of arithmetic. Yet withal his quaintness and eccentricity of demeanor many living to-day cheerfully admit that they are indebted to this old gentleman for many thorough and valna- ble lessons in their rudimentary education.
In the year 1799, James MeCollum reared a rude structure for the purpose of dealing in those articles of merchandise most urgently neo.led by the inhabit- ants of the country within due bounds. We couldn't with strict propriety use the phrase " mercantile es- tablishment," with reference to this enterprise, yet it was the first store. The articles kept for sale were principally powder. lead and coffee.
In the year 1800, we find one James McBride, from the eastern part of the State, rendering valuable assistance to the early settlers of Midatesex, and, in fact, to many others within a radius of twenty miles, by " setting bones." " bleeding," " administering phy- sic," etc. An old resident says of him: " We always looked upon him as an angel of mercy."
William Martin was from Scotland and settled here in 1796. His object was to plant a colony and to rapidly make an extensive settlement. Ho built " land jobbers " cabins in various parts of the town- ship, then a howling wilderness. Being a man of energy, industry and influence, he did much toward clearing ont the forests and inducing immigration.
LATER SETTLEMENT.
Robert Trimble resides on a well-cultivated farm in the southern part of this district. He was born in 1820. on the 12th of March, and has an interesting family of seven children. His grandfather. Thomas Trimble, was born in Ireland and emigrated to this country in 1790, but did not locate in this township until 1807. He had tive children-one son and four
daughter-, viz .. Mary. Margaret, Satin, Nancy and Samuel. Thomas Trimble died in 1537.
James Gold was born in Ireland, and came to this e mutry when five years of age, settling in this part of the county in the month of May, 1815. His son Adam H. Gold, was born in 1820, September 27. Hle owns and cultivates the same farm which his fa- ther cleared and tilled for many years.
Jmaps and Margaret Campbell. both originally from the North of Ireland, settled here in 1829, and onde l their days on the farm where they first located. They settled in Chester County in ISOI, and their son James, when they decided to remove to Butler, came ont in 1527, and built a log house for their occu- paney. James removed to Butler Borough in 1841. and followed the mercantile business until 1865.
Mr. James Wilson located on a farm in the west ern part of the township in 1851. He has relatives living in the vicinity of Mt. Chestnut. this county. His partner in life was Miss Sarah Gilliland, whose parents were among the carly settlers of this county.
Robert Black moved from Butler Township to Middlesex, and located in 1865, on the farm known as the Wilson Wigtiold farm. This farm contains 100 acres of very productive land. Since 1815. many improvements have been made. 1 new and commodious barn has taken the place of the old one. the dwelling-house has been reconstructed, and many other desirable changes have been made which indi- cate a growing prosperity, Mr. Black was born in Ireland, but emigrated with his father and mother to America when he was but a small boy. He spent several years of his early life with Mrs. Collins, who then owned immense tracts of land both in Allegheny and Butler Counties. Mrs. Collins resided near Pittsburgh, and. being a very amiable and distin- guished lady, she frequently entertained many guests at her residence, amongst them Judge MeLure and family. Robert Black was quite a favorite among these notables and frequently was made the recipient of numerous presents as a token of their appreciation of his services and fidelity to duty. Ho married a very worthy young lady living with Mrs. Collins, named Margaret Allingham, who was born in Ireland. After living a short time in Pittsburgh. Mr. Black ro- moved to Butler Township and connoneed the busi- ness of farming. They roarel a family of five chil dren, four of whom are living. viz .. Mary. Martha. Robert and Jennie.
In 1879. Mr. J. H. Star purebased the farm for- merly owned by William Campbell. noar Glade Mill. and now resides upon it.
GLADE RUN 1. P. CHURCH.
This church edifice is located about the center of
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IHISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
the township. About 1817, the members of this do. nomination met and worshiped in schoolhouses and often in " God's first temples." "There was no regular preaching and the congregation was visited by sup- plies. Rovs. Bruce. Ramsey and Dnnn. from Pitts- burg. alternated. The congregation was very do- sirons of having a house of worship of its own, and commenced to build a log church in ISIS. Before it was completed, however, it was destroyed by fire. One year afterward, another building was commenced and finished. Its dimensions were 21x20 feet. Rev. France, born in Scotland, was the first stated mmis- ter. He was ordained in the year 1519. the member ship at that time being over 100. At the first com. munion held by Rev. France, twenty-eight were add- ed to the church by " confession of their faith." The Elders of the church were Messrs. Andrew Duncan, John Crawford. William Criswell, George Wallace, David Park. Barney Gilland. Joseph Logan. William Dickson. Samuel Galbraith, John Donaldson and Rob- ert Duff. The salary promised Rev. France by his congregation was $400. but he was paid principally in produce, such as apple butter, dried apples, meat. butter, etc. It is said that he was willing to take anything offered him.
Rov. France was married twice. His first wife was a Scotch woman. intelligent. pious and benevo- lent: she was well adapted for a minister's wife and for ten years they lived supremely happy. when death. which always loves a shining mark. claimed her as his own. She was buried in Middlesex Graveyard.
Rev. France ministered to this congregation for twenty-four years, when he removed to Ohio, where he died. His second wife survived him several years. His children by his first wife wore three sous - Jamos. JJohn and Ogloboe. James read medicine and still practices in the State of Ohio Ogleber was a railroad clerk in Pittsburgh until his death, which oc- eurred not long since. Rov. Frawe was eighty years old at the time of his death.
MIDDLESEX M. E. CHURCH.
This society was organized in 1570 with only eight members. Before a church edifice was provided. divine service was held in Sandy Hill and Cumming- ham Schoolhouses. The present building is a fine frame structure and was built in 1872, having a seat- ing capacity of 300. The first stated pastor was Col. Danks, who labored among his people with great ac. coptance, and under his ministration the church was built up mimerieally. During the first revival, fifty- two persons were taken into membership.
The first Trustees of the M. E. Church clected by the congregation were Wendel Hickey. Lovi Lefevre. Absalom Monks. Thomas Stewart and Thomas Chant
ler. The Stewards of the church were Alex Leslie and Thomas Stewart. Rev. Dempsey was the Pre- siding Elder on the circuit. This is the history from the time of the organization of the church. However, we find that persons holding to the tenets of the M. E. Church with others nof of that creed, met overy Sabbath successively for divine worship at the house of Mathew Wigfield, and continued holding these voluntary union meetings for over half a century. dating back to 1799.
MIDDLESEX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Owing to the scanty material at hand for making up the early history of this church. the following sketch is not as full and perfect as is desirable. Of the time of its organization, or even of the fact of there having been any formal organization, at any time, there is no record. It is certain that the ground on which the church now stands was occupied as a place of preaching as early as the beginning of the present century. The place then, an unbroken, seems to have been selected as a point around which the people gathered and listened to the preaching of the Gospel. sitting under the grand old oaks-their only protection from sun and rain. Meeting habitu- ally for worship under these circumstances and for some time. the congregation grew into general recog- nition, and took the name of Middlesex, from the township in which it was located. The first man known to have preached the Gospel on the ground now occupied by the church was the Rov. Abraham Boyd. Mr. Boyd was licen .ed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of Ohio, on the 25th day of June, A. D. 1800. Ho immediately commenced preaching in the place, standing on a mado platform, with his audience before him seated on logs or on the ground. On the 17th day of June. 1802. Mr. Boyd was ordained to the full work of the church and installed pastor of the Middlesex Chruch, by the Presbytery of Erie, which at that time ineluded all of Butler County within its bounds.
The original members of the session of the church wore Hugh Gilliland. William Johnson and Robert Med'andless. From time to time additional Ruling Elders have boon elected and ordained as office bear- ers in the church to the number of twenty in all. Mr. Boyd was pastor of the church fifteen years. He was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Reid Bracken, who was installed as pastor of this church September 28. 1820. He continued its pastor twelve years. The Rov. J. Watson Johnson succeeded in the pastor- ate in the year 1538, but continued in it two or three years only. Next in the succession of pastors was the Rev. Thomas W. Kerr, who was installed by the Pres- bytery of Allegheny in the fall of 1810. He contin
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IHSTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ued to till the pastoral office in this church until the day of his death. which occurred October 29, 1847. His successor, Rev. E. Ogden, was ordained and in- stalled pastor of the church by the Presbytery of Alle- gheny November 14. 1848, and remains its pastor to the present time. The first house of worship erected for the use of the congregation was of round logs and was built A. D. 1803. This house served them for about fourteen years, when it gave place to another and larger one, though made of the same material. The logs of this house. however, were hewn and square, and the building covered with shingles. It stood and was occupied as a house of worship until the year 1512. when the house now occupied by the congregation was built. It stands precisely on the ground where the first edifice stood, and its walls of briek remain as stong and substantial as when first reared.
GLADE MILL.
This little village in the western part of Middle- sex Township derived its name from the fact that a flouring-mill was built on its prosent site. John Woodcock erected the first grist-mill in this place in 1799. It was run by water. The building and ma- chinery has been remodeled since then half a dozen times. There is something like a dozen families in Glade Mill. It contains a store, post office. black. smith and wagon shop. It is just ten miles from Butler.
THE OLD " TAVERN STAND."
A short distance north of Glade Mill is a farm now owned by Mrs. Hannah Bailey. widow of Thomas Bailey. It is the place formerly known as the Will- iam Crooks farm. who purchased it from Oliver Da- vid for the small sum of $5 per acre. Crooks " kept tavern " here from 1830 to 1861. It was the general stopping-place for teamsters who made semi-weekly trips to Pittsburgh from Butler and elsewhere.
In close proximity to the above farm, Oliver Da vid, who was well known by every individual prob- ably in this county as a man of energy and great business tact, lived and carried on the business of tanning and distilling. His father resided on the farm adjoining this one eighty years ago, and was engaged in the same business. At present Mr. J. 1. Forsythe is living on the former place.
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