USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 66
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At first. the membership, which was small, con- sisted of both German and English Lutherans. This arrangement continned until the English Lutherans formed a separate organization and built the English Lutheran Church at Saxonburg. though they contin- ned to hold the church property jointly with the German Lutherans until 1571. Since that date, the church has been purely German.
Soon after the congregation was organized, a house of worship. 30x 40 feet. was erected. the cor- ner stone being laid by the pastor. Rev. Schweitzer- barth This ed fico stood within the present limits of the graveyard. The present church. a neat and very tasty building, surmounted by a steeple, cost, includ- ing furnishing and boll. about $3,400. It was built in 1874. A good parsonage and several acres of ground belong to the congregation. A parish school, condneted by the pastor, meets in the basement of the church. This school has been in operation sev. eral years. The church is strong numerically, com- prising a membership of sixty-two families. We have no means of ascertaining the names of former pastors. The present pastor, Rev. Frederick Wil- helm, has ministered to this congregation since 1870. The full name of the organization is the German Evangelical Lutheran St. Lucas Congregation of Buffalo Township, so called from the fact that the church was in Buffalo Township at the time when it was organized.
SUMMIT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The house of worship belonging to this congrega tion is situated in the northern part of tofferson Township The church was formed April 24. 1861, by a committee of the Presbytery of Allegheny (now the Presbytery of Butler), consisting of Rev. Loyal Young. D. D .. and Rowv. E. Ogden. with James D. Anderson. Ruling Elder, from the church of Middle- sex. The number of members was twenty. of whom sixteen were from the church of Middlesex and four from the Butler (Imreh. Two of the members. Jo- soph Graham and Thomas Martin, were elected. or- dained and installed Ruling Ellers of the church on the day of its organization. Subsequently, John Em rick, James HI Graham and George Welsh were add ed to the mumber of Elders. The membership of this church is now about ninety. The house of wor- ship. a tasty and comfortable frame building, was completed early in the summer of 1867, and dedicat ed June 22 of the same year, with services conducted by Rev. Loyal Young, Rey. William I Brongh and Rev. E. Ogden. There have been no installed pas- tors. The following have served as stated supplies: Rev. James S. Boyd, two years : Rev. William 1. Brough, five years; and Rey. J. W. Hamilton, two
RESIDENCE OF L. HARTENSTEIN.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
years. The present stated supply is Rov. E. Ogdon. who began his labors in 1872.
SHILOH U. P. CHURCH.
This church is situated in the western part of Jefferson Township. In 1864, Rev. William Huteh- inson began preaching in the schoolhouse in District No. 4. and. April 12 of the same year. a congrega- tion was organized, under the name of Shiloh U. P. Church, by Rev. William Galbreath. who had been appointed by the U. P. Presbytery of Butler at its ses- sion of January. 1864, for this duty. The congre. gation consisted of thirty-one members. At the same time (April 12), John Shrader, John Mellvain and David Logan were elected and installed Ruling EI- ders.
Immediately after the organization. stops were taken to build a house of worship, the congregation meanwhile continuing to meet at the schoolhouse. The church edifice, begun in 1564, was finished and dedicated in 1865. It is 33x40 feet. well finished and convenient, and cost from $1,500 to $1.500.
The first pastor, Mr. Hutchinson, remained about ten years. Rev. James ME. Imbrie and Rev. S. B. Stewart have been his successors. At various times, the church has been without a pastor, and has been supplied with preaching by direction of the Presby- tery. During Mr. Hutchinson's stay, the church had at one time about seventy members. The present membership is about tifty. Shiloh and Clinton to- gether form one appointment.
JEFFERSON CENTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Rev. Charles Lynn was the leader in establishing this church. The house was built in 1871, at a cost of about $2.500. The organization was effected un. der Rev. C. W. Seaman, who was the pastor until 1876. Under him the house was dedicated. The membership at first numbered ten or twelve. There are now twenty-one supporters. The first Elders elected were William Montag and John Cooper: the first Trustees, J. E. Montag. G. Steinhauser and Frank Fruth.
After Rev. Seaman left. the church had no pas- tor. but the pulpit was supplied by various preachers until 1SS1. when Rev. Angust Reibert, the present pastor, was installed.
The land upon which the church stands was do- nated to the society by Judge MeJunkin.
GREAT BELT METHODIST CHURCH.
over $1.500. As it was built upon an insecure foun- dation, and during the winter time, when the frost came out of the ground, it nearly fell down, and con- siderable expense was necessary to right it. The first Trustees elected were John Hendrickson, Samnel Caldwell and Levi Heidrick. The present member- ship is fourteen.
FIRE INSURANCE.
The Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Hannah-town and vicinity (limited) was organized in September. 1859, and has since been doing business satisfactorily. It has insured a large number of pa- trons, and its standing is excellent. The first officers of the company wore: A. L. Krause, President: C. J. Smith. Secretary; and T. H. Tolley, Treasurer.
OIL COMPANY.
The citizens of Jefferson Township and Saxon- burg had some experience in oil business. Begin- ning in 1870, a company organized and drilled for oil on the farm of George Welsh, near Frazier's Mill. Oil was struck, and it was thought that a valuable de- posit had been found. Owing to mismanagement, the works had to be abandoned. and some $20.000 was lost in consegnenee. The Directors of the Thorn Creek Oil Company were E. A. Helmbold, James (iribben, Alex Welsh, H. F. Aderhold. H. Osborn, Robert Douthett. John Wareham, Francis Laube, H T. Tolley, William Burtner. John Bulford and J. Q. A. Kennedy.
GREAT BELT.
This village, on the line of the West Penn Rail- road. in the northeastern part of Jefferson Township. was formerly known as Coyle's Station. but received its present name on account of the supposition that it was situated in or near the oil belt of the eastern part of the county. Great Belt contains about twenty houses, one church. one store. one hotel. one carriage and blacksmith shop, one saddlery and harness shop and one shoemaker's stop. In 1879. it contained a machine shop and several mercantile establishments.
In 1876, the site of the present village, then known as the Gottlieb Wolf farm, was purchased by David Kirk and subsequently owned by Kirk and Dil worth. who laid out lots and commenced selling them in 1876.
A post office was established in 1870, Michael Sweeney. Postmaster. The office was then known as Coyle's, but the name has since been changed, and is now the same as the station. The second Postmaster was L. Heidrick, succeeded by L. Hartenstein, the present incumbent.
Before the village was laid ont. a hotel was erect-
This church was organized with eight members. February 25, 1577. A house was erected during the winter of 1876-77. and was dedicated by the pastor during the same winter. The cost of the house was , ed by MI. and P. Shields, its present proprietors.
2.88
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Michael Swooney was the first merchant and build the first store. It is now occupied by L. Hartenstein & Co., who have much enlarged the building. This firm began business in February, ISSO. One of the partners, Mr. William J. Redick, has been employed in mereantilo business in this place since 1874. Mr. Emery J. Collins acts as elork for this firm.
SAXONBURG.
The borough of Saxonburg, containing about three hundred inhabitants. is most pleasantly situated in the southern part of Jefferson Township. Its sur roundings are beautiful: on every side broad acres of fortile farming land, interspersed with pleasant groves. extend for a distance of several miles. and embrace some of the most attractive rural scenery to be found in the county. The site of the principal , portion of the borough is a gentle elevation, which commands a good view of the surrounding country. Within the town, neatness and good order prevail, while carefully kept gardens, pretty flower beds and graceful rows of shade trees bear witness that its in- habitants are people of refinement and taste.
The honses and business establishments of the place, though few in number and not pretentious in external appearance. nevertheless have about them those evidences of thrift which are apparent even to the most casnal observer. For a borough of its size, Saxonburg represents a great variety of business in- terests, and is a thriving and prosperous place. Peo- pled by Germans, their characteristic industry, econ- omy and business enterprise have contributed to make the town not only a pleasant place in which to live, but also to place it far ahead of other more pop- nlons boroughs in point of wealth and commercial importance.
Saxonburg is nine miles southeast of Butler and three miles west of Saxonburg Station, on the West Penn Railroad. Its attractions-pure air, good water and a picturesque location-have caused it to become quite a favorite summer resort during recent years. and the number of health and pleasure seekers who escape from the crowded city to find repose and health in this quiet and hospitable community increases with each returning summer, so that three large ho. tels no more than suffice for their accommodation.
INCORPORATION.
The borongh of Saxonburg was incorporated by order of the Court of Quarter Sessions. Angust 11, 1S16. The first election was held September 5, 1846. E. Maurhoff was the first Burgess.
THE ORIGIN.
In 1830. there appeared in Muchlhausen, Thuer- ingen (formerly in Old Saxony, now in the Kingdom
of Prussia) two German American citizens, who had come from the United States to revisit their former homes. At that time, many Germans wore anxious to emigrato to America, and the presence of these visitors gave the people of Muehlhansen an opportu- nity to gain some knowledge of the land beyond the sea an opportunity which the would-be emigrants Were not slow to take advantage of. Indeed. so many questions were asked these Americans that, in order that all might be answered fully, they deter- mined to hold a publie meeting and set forth the knowledge they were in possession of. The meeting was largely attended, and. as a result of it, imme- diate measures were taken to organize a colony for the purpose of making a settlement in America. In 1831. the plan being to some extent matured, Charles F. and John A. Roebling, of Muehlhansen. were chosen to act as advance agents, go to America, pur- chase such a tract of land as should, in their opinion, be adapted to the wants of the proposed colony, and communicate to their friends at home the results of their mission. Accordingly, the two Roeblings came to the United States. After making various inquir ies, while in Pittsburgh, they learned of the cheap lands then offered for sale in this part of Pennsylva- nia, anl at length decided to purchase in Butter County. They bought from Mrs. Sarah Collins, of Pittsburgh, who had inherited it from her father, Stephen Lowry, land embracing in all about sixteen thousand acres. The price paid was $1.25 per acre, and it was sold out to the colonists upon their arrival at only a slight advance npon these figures.
THE SETTLEMENT.
The Rooblings came to the site selected for the town, and began the work of pioneers upon a farm outside the stes looked for the future village. In 1932. they canmeneed making preparations for the arrival of the settlers. The emigrants from Saxony, about three hundred families, altogether, embarked at Bremen, upon three diferent vessels, for America. But few of them, however, ever emme to Saxonburg. Some had decided upon other locations before they left their native land: others, while en route; still o.hees. after arriving in the Uuito l Stites, were pre- vailed upon by colonization agents to go to other parts of the country. Two of the vessels mentioned landed at Baltimore, and the third at Philadelphia. None of the third ship's passengers came to Saxon- burg at first, nor did any from that vessel settle here . permanently. The first party of settlers reached Sax- onburg August 21, 1832. They left Muehlhausen May 1, waited some time at Bremen for a vessel. were fifty-eight days upon their ocean voyage, and had a long and ( lions wagon journey from Baltimore to
RESIDENCE OF WILLIAM DIVENER.
289
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
their destination, through a country with whose ens toms ant language they were almost totally unac. quainted. The history of their experiences would till a volume, but lack of space forbids details.
The settlers of 1832 were as follows: Charles and John A. Roebling, F. Baehr. A. Eisenhart, G. Kinne. William Fuhrmann. C. G. Lamb. F. Kunz, A Stuopgen, C. Stuepgen, A. C. Bornigan. JJ. H. Muder, G. Franke. C. Tolley. All were from Muchi- hausen, with the following exceptions: Charles Tol- ley and Christopher Stuepgen came here from Phila. delphia, whither they had emigrated six years pre- viously: August Kunz and C. G. Lamb were from Zwickan, in Saxony. Except Kinne, Fahrmann and Kunz. all remainel and became permanent settlers. Of those who arrived in 1832, there are only four survivors now in Saxonburg, viz. : Christopher Stnep- gen. C. G. Lamb, T. H Tolley (son of Charles Tol- Jey) and John E Muder (son of J. H Monder).
Among the first arrivals, there were but two who had a practical acquaintance with agriculture-Mu- der and Lamb. The others were merchants or me. chanies, the most of whom had followed their trades for a livelihood and residel in the city. Of course the work of clearing land and tilling it was a species of labor in which their first efforts were not of the most successful character. But they possessed to a remarkable degree the valuable attribute industry. and, though many of their first attempts were ludi- crous and miserable failures, they yet persevered un- til they became adepts at handling the ax and agri- cultural implements. It was not only desirable that they should subdue the earth and make it fruitful, but it was an absolute necessity. They must " con- quer or die." Their seanty funds would soon be ox hausted. and then, if their land failed to produce. starvation stared them in the face.
But, in spite of all obstacles. the little settlement advanced, slowly, to be sure, but there was progress. During the year 1832. three frame buildings were erected, and six log cabins. The first frame house completed was that built for the preacher, Rev. Will- iam Fuhrmann. Then the Roebling house, still standing, was finished; also Baehr's dwelling house. These were the only frame buildings in the place for many years, and, indeed, the munber of log cabins remained nearly the same for several years. A settler of 1537 says that Saxonburg, when he first saw it, consisted of about a dozen houses -- three on Water street and the balance on Main street.
As soon as these settlers had established their fam- ilies in their rude dwellings, and made such provis- ions for their comfort as they were able to mako with the limited resources at their command, many of the men left their homes and went to Pittsburgh and
elsewhere, where they songht employment. This means of earning money was practiced for soveral years, and was successful to the extent that absolute want was averted; but, as may be inferred, the prog- ress of improvement within Saxonburg was slow in consequence of it.
Early in 1833, the settlement received an addition to its numbers by the arrival of E. Manhoff and F. D. Schwiering, who came from the Kingdom of Hanover. Others who came in during the same year, and for several years following, were dismayed by the dismal unattractiveness of the place, and soon left to week their fortunos elsewhere. Every new- comor was heartily welcomed, and every possible in- ducement and encouragement was offered for him to stay, and some were thus led to locate here who oth- erwise would have left. The hospitality of the colo- nists was unbounded. and, in spite of their discour- aging prospoets, sociability, good cheer and friend- ship prevailed. "A generous spirit and a cheerful mind in the midst of adversity" is considered by the poet Horace as one of the greatest boons conferred upon mortals, and it is pleasant to reflect that such sentiments pervaded in the minds of these pioneers of Saxonburg.
As it was late in the year when the settlers of 1832 began their work, winter soon checked the work of elearing and improving the lands, so that but little was under cultivation in 1533. The crop of that year was consequently an unimportant one. The next year, however, it was hoped that such a crop as would be of material aid could be seenred. But a frost in the month of June. 1834. disappointed this hope, and compelled the settlers to get along as best they could, with but slight returns for the labor they had expended upon their fields and gardens.
In 1834. J. G. Helmbold arrived in Saxonburg. coming directly from Prussia. He is still living west of the town. and is now eighty-five years of age. Upon his arrival. he found the settlement in a dis conraged condition, or in a state of mind closely bor- dering upon discouragement. What wonder if there was some sighing for a return to the Fatherland, con sidering what the settlers had thus far endmed! But Mr. Helmbold had come here to stay, and he advised the others to stay and hope for brighter days to come. He bought 1.000 acres of land in and near the town. and this act no doubt had some inthence ou the minds of such as were ready to leave. inducing the to remain, for surely no man would make so large a purchase in the wilderness if he foresaw no possibil- ities of gain therefrom.
In IS35. several more settlers arrived and located in or near Saxonburg. All who had thus far arrived were men of education and ability, who were quick
IHISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
to adapt themselves to their circumstances, and profit by the lessons of experience. The little village grad- ually assumed an improved appearance, and a ray of light seemed to be glimmering through the overhang- ing clouds. But in 1838 the effects of the panie be- gan to be experienced, and, during that year and sev- eral succeeding years, the settlers of Saxonburg came to realize fully the significance of the words " hard times.'
The growth of the town was slow but constant. As the country abont it became settled more and more. the borough became the trading-place for the people of an extensive region. One by one the ele- ments of solidity and permanency were added, until to-day Saxonburg is one of the busiest and wealthiest small towns in the State.
It is but fitting that this sketch of Saxonburg's early history should be followed by a reference to its founders, as well as by mention of others who have been prominently identified with its growth and de- velopment.
PERSONAL MENTION.
John A. Roebling, who may be looked upon as the founder of Saxonburg, was untiring in his efforts to promote the welfare of the little colony in the wil- derness. He was born in Muehlhansen, and educated in architecture and civil engineering two branches of science for which he had a special fondness. and in which he displayed remarkable talent. Com. ing to Saxonburg, he devoted himself to farming. The house erected for his dwelling, now the residence of Julius Riedel, was one of the first built in the town. It is of wood and brick. the walls being brick, with wood on both sides. The brick used in its construet- ion were manufactured by Mr. Roebling. After see- ing his little settlement well established. finding that he could make but little or no money farming. Mr. Roebling went to Harrisburg and obtained work as an engineer upon the railroad then being constructed between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Hore he ob. tained work for many laborers from Saxonburg. Af- ter working for a time as Second Engineer, Mr. Roe- bling was at length promoted to the position of First or Chief Engineer, Mr. Rogers, the Chief Engineer, having become ill and unable to go on with the work. Roebling found it necessary to make several changes in the original plans, and though he met with mneh opposition on this account, he nevertheless proved to the satisfaction of all interested that these alterations were of vital importance. Later, he worked as engi- neer npon the canal at New Lisbon. Ohio.
In 1>12. he began the work which made for him a lasting fame and a large fortune, bosides entirely revolutionizing the art of bridge building throughout
the civilized world. In Prussia, he had thoroughly studied bridge architecture, and had submitted to the foremost engineers of that nation a plan for a suspen- sion bridge across the River Ruhr. They declared it an impracticable, impossible project. Other engi- neers had planned suspension bridges; one had been built in Frieburg, Switzerland, and others in Paris, but all were failures. Despite of this, Mr. Roebling still thought a suspension bridge, both durable and substantial could be made. It had therefore loug been a study with him to invent a cable of the neces sary strength, as well as how to place the foundations so that they be secure. After various experiments, in 1842 he produced a wire cable, scientifically con- structed. These ropes were made at his home in Sax- onburg. by Mr. Roebling, assisted by Mr. Julius Rie- del. The same year, he secured a patent upon his invention. The first rope put into practical use. where its strength and utility were fully demonstrat- ed, was at the Sharpsburg Ferry, across the Allegheny River. He afterward went before the State Board of Public Works and urged the adoption of his cable on the canals and inclined planes. By assiduous per- severance, he at last obtained a contract, which he filled in the winter of 1842-43. He personally at. tended to the work, and had the satisfaction of seeing his cables in successful use.
In 1814, he built the suspension wire aqueduct across the Allegheny River at Pittsburgh, and his next work was a suspension bridge across the Monon- gahela, in the same city. In IS50, he erected a large establishment for the manufacture of wire ropes at Trenton, N. J. He next constructed six aqueducts for the Hudson Canal Company in New York State. In 1852 55, the suspension bridge across the Niagara River. a wonderful triumph of man's inventive gen- ius, was planned, built and completed by this inde- fatigable worker. In 1856 57. the Cincinnati and Covington bridge across the Ohio, and in 1858 60 the bridge across the Allegheny at Pittsburgh, were added to his works.
Hle next conceived the most daring and gigantic project in the history of modern engineering - the East River bridge between New York and Brooklyn. which is now in process of construction. The bridge is over a mile in length, and, when completed. will be the largest suspension bridge in the world. In 1866, Mr. Roebling received an injury which resulted in his death. A passing ferry-boat drove a floating piece of timber upon his foot and crushed it, as he stood engrossed in his work. Lockjaw ensued, and. after severe suffering, he died, in the sisty fourth year of his age. As an instance of his wonderful en- durance, it should be stated that. the day before his death, as he lay helpless and suffering. he projected
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IHISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
and made a drawing of an apparatus to be used in lifting and moving himself in bed. This plan he fully explained to his attendant, Mr. Edmund Riedel. and directed that the apparatus be forthwith con- structed. The next morning he died.
Mr Roebling left an estate valned at one and a quarter millions of dollars. His four sons still con- tinne the manufacture of the wire-ropes at Trenton, under the name of the John A. Rochling Sons Com pany. Washington Roebling supervises the work upon the great bridge from his window. by the aid of a telescope, being confined to the house on account of injuries received while endeavoring to complete the work of his father.
Charles F. Roebling, an older brother of John 1., died in Saxonburg in 1838. It is said that his mar- riage was the first that occurred in the new town. He welded Miss Wilhelmina Felber, who is still liv- ing.
The first birth that occurred in the town was that of a son born to Mr. and Mrs C. G. Lamb. His name is Frederick Lamb and he now lives in Iowa. He was born December 17, 1832.
Mr. C. G. Lamb relates the following concerning his coming to Saxonburg: In April. 1832, he left his home in Zwickan, and, after eighteen days' jour- neying, arrived at Bremen, where he was obliged to wait seven weeks before he could obtain passage on a vessel for Baltimore. He was accompanied by his wife and one child and by Mr. Kunz. wife and child. The voyage from Bremen to Baltimore lasted seventy- two days. From Baltimore to Saxonburg was an eighteen days journey for the two families. They traveled by wagon, over the mountains and along roads, which were indescribably rough and difficult.
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