USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 68
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
falo. Its existence is cooval with the county, and al- though there is no documentary evidence extant. yet it is oven asserted by the oldest inhabitants of this township that it existed before the separation of But. ler County from Westmoreland.
It is an old township, and early in the history of this county it embraced an extended area. It derived its name from the fact that when the early settlers came in from Westmoreland County and elsewhere as early as 1794, they discovered, much to their surprise, a large square of cleared land in the vicinity of a family of Mittigans, in Buffalo Township. From its general indication it was concluded that it was an Indian corn field. There was no doubt in the minds of the pioneers but that the cultivation was recent. as the ground was still soft and loamy. The name Clear- field, was. therefore. very appropriate. for nothing was further from the minds of the early pioneers than the thought of discovering an arena such as that. in the dense and almost impenetrable forests of this portion of the country, and at so early a period.
Patrick McBride came here in 1798, from Ireland, County Donegal, and settled ou a 400-acre tract of fand about a haff mite cast of Coylesville. facing Kit- tanning Road. When he located upon it not a single stick of timber had been ent. Wild cats were in abun- dance at the time, and Mr. McBride often related to his children how common an affair it was for him. while sitting in his cabin door in the evening smok. ing his pipe, to see bears and wolves pass near by him. For making his settlement on this tract. Mr. McBride received from the agent. Archie McCall. 100 acres. The first year only corn was raised. and that with venison was the ouly food to be obtained.
Patrick McBride married a Miss Mary Dougan, also a native of the " Emerald Isle." Of nine chil- dren. three are still living at an advanced age. Neal is seventy years ohl. Mrs. Downey is sixty-eight. Sallie, the other sister, now Mrs. Daniel Converry, is abont sixty.
Mr. MeBride died in ISIS, at an advanced age. He bequeathed his fands and dwellings to Anos and Catherine (both deceased). Sallie and a Miss Me- Ginley. Neal McBride's farm was purchased by him from one John Ferry, the price being $1 per acre. Frank P. McBride, Esq .. is living on his father's farm.
James Denny when thirteen years old emigrated to this country from Donegal, Ireland. in 1793, lo- eating in the southern part of this township. with his parents. in 1803 They also settled a tract of 400 acres, and received a title to his 200 acres from Archie MeC'all. For a few years they obtained a livelihood by working on the farm in the summer and by " packing " salt from over the mountains in the
fall and winter. Mr. Denny was a shoe maker by trade, and during his leisure time he made shoes for his neighbors, and also for sale to merchants. He traded salt to Hugh MeKee, of Butler, a tanner. for leather. His wife was Mary O'Donnell, who emi- gratod from Ireland in 1795. They reared a family of eight children: but tive only are now living-Will- iam. Arthur, Daniel. John. Nancy, now Mrs. Philip Cypher. James Denny died February 25, 1872, his wife having died July 1. 1535.
Arthur, the second son, occupies the old home. stead. with a fine family around him. He is sixty- six years of age.
Michael. son of John McGinley, an early settler in this township, was born on the cean in 1800. while his parents were on their way to this country from Ireland. Lite was so nearly extinct at one time that the captain of the vessel took him in his arms to east him in the sea, but was prevented by some of the women present. The children of Michael were Mary. Bridget. An E .. Sarah J., Catherine T .. Margaret Gracie E .. Rosynthia, Henrietta. Phio_ leme, Jolm F. P.
John Coyl and his wife. Elizabeth (Hanlan). came to America in 1791, and to Cleartield Township in 1800, and settled on the farm known as the Wick farm. at present owned by Charles Duffy and others, von isting of a 100-acre tract. He disposed of a largo tract of land given him by a Mr. Belt for one horse and a keg of whisky. He made this trade so as to complete a team, he already possessing one horse. Coylesville took its name from him. He was a weaver by trade, and took linen cloth woven by himself to " Masou's Works." in Fayette County. and exchanged it for salt and iron, which he packed home. In order to protect his sheep and hogy from the ravages of the wolves and bears thou to be found in great numbers, they were securely penmed up each night. His sou John. Jr .. moved to Donegal Town- ship in 1551, his death occurring in 1566. His wife, Margaret (Daugherty), aged eighty two years, lives on the old place with her son W. F.
Arthur O'Donnell, a native of Donegal. Ireland. settled in 1795 near the center of Clearfield Town- ship, and there lived and died. He raised seven chil- dren, three of whom were born after the family set- tled hore. Their names wore Hannah (Dugan), Mary (Denny), Bridget. Sarah (Duffy), Aun (McGee), Arthur and Daniel. Of this family there are three survivors - Mrs. McCree, Clearfield; Mrs. Duffy. Pittsburgh, and Daniel, Buffalo Township. Arthur lived and died in this township. Daniel, born in 1800, lived here until recently.
Near the beginning of the present century, Con- nell O'Donnell emigrated from Ireland, and settled
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY,
in Clearfield Township on the farm now ocenpied by Joseph Lane. He was a tailor by trade, and made clothes for the settlers for miles around. Finding business dull at home, he sought work in Ohio, and there took the fever and ague, from which he died. He reared eight children. The sons wore Hugh. John. Charles, Dennis and James. Of these, Dennis. Oakland Township. is living. The daughters are Bridget, single; Mary (Slater), Oakland, and Ellen (Henry), Summit Township.
Marens Melaughlin was one of the early settlers. His father and grandfather emigrated from Ireland in 1795, and located east of the mountains first, but finally settled in this township on a traet of 100 acres. Marens MeLaughlin and his sister, who is eighty years of age, occupy the old farm. Their mother's name was Hannah Daugherty.
In IS38, John Sipe came to Butler County, and lo- cated on a farm in Clearfield. for which he paid $'S per acre. His home had been in Armstrong County where he had operated a grist-mill. His object in coming into the wilderness of this township was to secure for himself a home and also to gratify his natural pro- pensity for hunting. During the first winter he shot seventeen deer, and conveyed them a great distance to sell. His first money, however, was obtained by chopping wood for the Buffalo furnace. There was nothing produced on his farm the first year of his pioneer life, so he found it absolutely necessary to turn his attention to whatever work presented itself in order to obtain the necessaries of life. John Sipe married Margaret Stevens. They had a very large family, and all are living except two. William Sipe. one of the sons, owns the greater part of the old homestead, which he has occupied for ten years. He has been a prominent man in this township for years, filling several offices of trust.
Daniel Heineman, a native of Germany, who landed in Philadelphia on the 4th of July. 1835. came into this township in IS3S. He cleared a part of the farm where Great Belt now is, but did not re- main many years to enjoy the fruits of his industry. preferring to move. Henry Heineman, since 1843 a resident of Butler, and his brother Charles are his sons.
LATER SETTLERS.
John McDevitt located on a farm in 1847. which he purchased from Mylert and Clymer. After farm- ing a few years, he removed to Kittanning, Armstrong Connty, but returned again to this township in 1864, and purchased land from Daniel Fennell, which he has very industriously cultivated since that time. He he has made many very noticeable improvements. had established a wholesale and retail grocery and liquor store in Kittanning, and for several years was engaged in the business and prospered, but finally
adverse circumstances overtook him, and he was com- pelled to sueenmb to fate.
Peter Fennell, Si., with his son Peter and two nephews. Daniel and Abram Fennell,' came from Armstrong County in 1556. Mr. Fenneth (father of Peter) purchased 113 acres of land from Clymer and Mylert, and afterward transferred the farm to his son. When he settled upon it, it was entirely covered with hazel and thorn bushes, black-jacks and ground oaks, presenting anything but prospect of fertility. Peter Fennell. Sr., entered the United States service as a soldier September 20, 1864, and remained in the army until the close of the war. He was a member of Company 11. Capt. John G. Bippens, One Hundred and Ninety-ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. Mr. Fennell has in his possession an interesting relic in the shape of Luther's translation of the Bible from the original language into German. It was published at Amsterdam in 1704.
James Martin is the possessor of a fine farm, which seems to be under a high state of cultivation. Since his location in this township in 1855, he has ranked among the honest and best citizens of Clear- field. His first farm, purchased from Mylert, the agent and attorney in fact for Archie MeCall, con- sisted of 100 acres. To this he added in 1870 101 acres more, purchased of Gen. John N. Purviance and Philip Bickel, making in all 201 acres. Mr. Martin came originally from Ireland. County Down and Province of Ulster. His wife's maiden name was Margaret (fraham, of Scotch Irish parentage. They have reared a very estimable family. some of whom are married. In 1876, Mr. Martin erected a fine two.story house at a cost of 82,500. It is very sub- stantial, and reflects eredit on the architects who were members of the family.
Charles Reilly, in 1865, removed from Allegheny City. where he had been reared, to this township, and purchased a farm from Barney Sherridan of 130 acres. upon which he has been living for fifteen years. He has cleared forty acres of timber since he took charge of his place. and made other decided improve. inents. His wife was Ellen Clark, of Albany, N. Y. Mrs. Reilly was the mother of thirteen children. all boys.
William Leithold was born in this county in the vicinity of Saxonburg. He came to this township in 1870, and purchased a farm of John Gallaher for 86,640. Mr. Leithold is a superior farmer. and his well-tilled broad acres tolls the story of thrift and energy. Since he became the possessor of this farm, The old Imbering log house has given place to a eommodions dwelling. costing $2.000. One year later. in 1877, he replaced his old barn by a new one 8
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
100 feet long and thirty eight feet wide. Mr. Leithold married Elizabeth Bauer in 1863. She is the sister of the Bauer brothers, who are known throughout the county as extensive contractors and builders. George Leithold is the father of William. He is the proprietor of the hotel at Delano Station. on the West Pennsylvania Railroad.
OTHER PROMINENT FARMERS.
Valentine and Henry Reiger. Joseph Flick, Jacob Cramer, Hugh McCrea. George and John Sipe, Bur- ton Bigler. Henry Baitenbaugh. Dennis A Duff. Dennis McBride, Neal McBride, Barney Sheridan, Arthur Denny. Marcus MeLaughlin, Walter Lucas, Dennis Logue, Manasses Dougan. William Gallaher. Simon and Andrew Gallaher. Abraham Fennell. Daniel McMillan, John O'Donnell, Hugh O'Donnell. John and James McDevitt, John Milligan. Joseph Osterman. William O'Neil. Nicholas Reott. John Struble, Robert Thompson, Mrs. John Green.
EARLY SCHOOLS.
John Smith was the first teacher in this part of the country. The schoolhouse was in the eastern part of the township on Andrew Dougan's farm, now owned by Manasses Dougan, his son. Some of the early pupils were Dennis Dougan, Mary Dongan, Frank Duff. Margaret Duff, Bridget MeLaughlin, Henry McBride, Enos McBride, Nancy MeBride. John and James Sheridan, John, Thomas and Will- iam Coyle and Damel Me(tee. The school was taught in 1807, and the term was one year. Mr. Smith's compensation was $4 per year for each pupil However, if there were but two or three in the family, no extra charge was made. Large families subscribed more. The teacher boarded with the pupils, stopping one or two weeks at a time at each house. It was not then enstomary to pay the tuition until the end of the year, in order to give parents plenty of time to earn some money. During the year, money would be obtained by raising flax and converting it into linen; then taking it a great distance to some large town to sell. In the fall and winter, men would go off to Fayette County and to Harmony, in this county, and obtain employment in the iron works until spring. In this way they not only paid for the education of their children, but purchased necessaries for the family. John Washington taught the second school. He died at Mr. Sheridan's. Other teachers who taught at various times up to the time of the organ- ization of public schools were Thomas H. Cook, Michael Herron, Francis McBride, Daniel MeLaugh- lin, Benjamin Sedwiek, Manasses Boyle, James Den- ny and Brandon.
The first public school teachers were Neal Mc-
Bride. William Daughtery, Jacob Sipe, Poter Fen . nell. George Hoover and John Beamer. These teachers and all others in the various townships were examined by three Trustees before the office of Su- perintendent came into existence. If these Trustees did not feel themselves competent, they designated some person who in their estimation possessed the requisite literary ability. There are some good school buildings in this township to-day, some of which were built very recently. The school property, inclui ling grounds, is valued at 83.755.
CARBON CENTRE.
In the year 1875, and for a few subsequent years, this was a considerable town. Oil had been dis- covered in paying quantities, and operators began to locate. Robert Thompson, now deceased, in order to encourage the building of a town, laid out two acres of ground into town lots, upon which houses were promptly built. For a few years the town flourished, but it finally met the fate of all small towns which depend entirely on the oil business for support and vitality; the oil production began to di- minish, and with it the inhabitants of the town. It is to-day but a shadow of its former self, yet about a half-dozen families still reside here. William Mc- ('rea carries on a general and wholesale liquor store.
RELIGIOUS MATTERS.
St. John's Catholic Church .- The passer by will involuntarily slacken his pace to view this magnificent edifice and admire its elegant architecture and the pleasant and inviting retreat surrounding it. This edifice was reared in the year 1553. It is ninety feet in length and forty-two feet in breadth, and has a very large seating capacity, and the interior through- out is elegantly finished. Twenty four years after the church proper was built (in 1877), a gigantic tower. 156 feet in height, was added. at a cost of $3,666. lending to the main building a lofty, hand- some and imposing appearance. Although this church building was not erected until the year above mentioned. yet for many years prior to this time serv. ices were held from time to time at the various pri- vate houses of those in the neighborhood who rejoiced in the Catholic faith, especially upon such holy days as Christmas and Easter Sunday.
Father Joseph Cody's name appears prominently among those who performed these primitive services. Yet it seems there were others who preceded him. The first services were held in the church in the fall of 1853 by Father Larkin. Remaining but one year, he was succeeded by Rev. William Pollard, who also remained but one year. Father Christy succeeded him February 17, 1855, and ministered for six years,
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
at the termination of which time Rev. Thomas Quinn came in, and officiated for one year. On March 23. 1862, Father Doyle took charge of the congregation, and ministered to the spiritual wants of the church for eleven years. His successor was Rev. Patrick Brown, who graduated at St. Vincent's College, West- moreland County, Penn. Rev. Brown was born in Donegal, Ireland, in 1823, and emigrated to thi- country in 1850. A social, genial gentlemen, he finds many warm friends outside the pale of the church, as well as many ardent friends within it.
Methodist Episcopal Church. - The first organiza- tion of this church took place in November, 1857, in a building which had been ereeted on the Peter Graff JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. farm by the English Lutheran congregation for union 1840, Joseph Henry; 1840, John Gallaher; 1845, Joseph Henry: 1845, James McCafferty; 1850, John Gallaher: 1550. James Johnson: 1853, James B. Kennedy: 1554, John MeLaughlin; 1859, John Mc- Laughlin: 1555. Arthur O'Donnell: 1860, Bernard Sheridan: 1861. John Mclaughlin: 1565, John B. Gallaher: 1870. . Arthur O'Donnell: 1870. John B. Gallaher: 1875, W. S. Sype; 1875, Patrick Donoghue: 1SSO. Francis P. McBride: 1880, W. S. Sipe. services. Rev. Mr. Cooper organized the first class and preached the first sermon to that denomination. Continuing to preach for two years in this place, he was at the expiration of that time succeeded by Rev. Wilkinson, who remained but one year. He was fol- lowed by Daniel Rhodes, who preached at irregular intervals. Rev. Tibbles was then sent by the Con- ference to the charge, and he remained until the war broke out. when he raised a company and went with it to the seene of carnage. No services were then held in this house until 1581. during which time it had become quite dilapidated. In the year 1879, a CHAPTER XXXII. temporary house was put up one mile west of the SUMMIT. former building, and in it a Sabbath school was in- Scotch-Irish Settlers-The MeCurdys, Mitchells and Scotts-Neyman's Old Mill-Peter Henry's Remarkable Adventure-The German Seltiers-The Prosperity of the Township largely due to Them- -The Rimp, Orsterling and Eichenlaub Families- St. Mary's Church and Monastery. augurated and maintained for one year, when the society or congregation was re-organized by J. P. Me- Kee, of Butler, a local minister, who was instrument- al in building up the congregation. In ISSI. the . THIS township was mainly formed from the former townships of Butler and Clearfield, though portions of Donegal and Center were also ineluded. "Summit" was the name bestowed upon the new Mitchell. original site and building were purchased. and after making some improvements, the house was ro-ded- icated to the service of God on October 9, 1581, by Rev. MeSweeney, of Freeport, Penn., when thirty. | township at the request of one of its citizens-Judge five adults and children were baptized.
The congregation now numbers about fifty-one members. Rev. J. Altsman is the present pastor. The Trustees are Daniel MeMillen, Abram Fennell and Joseph Baker. The Stewards are Peter Fennell and L. Milligan.
United Presbyterian Church .-- The United Pres- byterian Church was organized by Rev. R. G. Fer- guson. assisted by Allen Wilson and Eli Balph, act- ing Elders from Butler congregation, July 15. 1878. Members of session were Henry Gumpper and Louis ' Kreor and James Martin. Trustees were Lonis Kreor and Robert Thompson.
The building is a plain frame, costing the sum of $1,200. The first members were James Martin, Sr .. and wife, Robert Martin, Elizabeth Martin, Mary Stopher, Ellen Martin. Maggie Martin. James Mar- tin, Jr., Alexander McMullen and family -- William.
Mary, Mexander, Jr., and wife Gonis Kreor and wife, Henry Gumpper and wife, Thomas Humes and wife and Mrs. Patton. There never has been a settled minister. Rov. Clark, of Prospect; Rev. Bredin, of Sunburry; Rev T. W. Young, of Mount Chestnut; Rov. Shaw, of Mount Holyoke; Rev. Cook, Rev. Fer- guson. of Butler, and Rov. Scott ministered to this congregation at various times. This congregation met in the little village of Carbon Centre. and it flourished while the village did, but, as it was composed of a floating population, it began to rapidly decline as the population decreased.
Though a large proportion of the surface is hilly and rocky, the nearness of this township to Butler and the convenience of two railroads passing through it render Summit a very prosperous agricultural sec- tion. The land is productive, and the people are in- dustrious.
SETTLEMENT.
James MeCurdy was the first permanent settler in the territory now known as Summit Township. He found a few scattering settlers in his neighborhood when he came. His experience illustrates well the difficulties and hardships which the early settlers of this county had to face, and for this reason we will attempt to outline it. The facts given below were ob- tained from Mr. MeCurdy in his lifetime, and written by Mr. James Stephenson:
James MeCurdy was born in Cumberland County,
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Penn, in 1777. His father moved to Westmoreland County when James was eight years of age, and there the latter remained until 1796, when he determined to seenre himself a home in the yet unsettled portion of the Stato.
In company with a Mr. Smith. he started with knapsack upon his shoulder and gun in hand, and plunged boldly into the wilderness. The first day they crossed the Allegheny River where Freeport now is, and thence took a path leading northward. Night overtook them not far from Saxonburg Station. They discovered here the remains of a tire which had been made by some one who preceded them. and being tired, decided to encamp. They ent brush and laid it upon the ground and attempted to sleep. Rain soon came and forced them to give up the give up the hope of repose; but by midnight the storm had passed. and the moon was shining clearly. They decided to pro- ceed, took up their paeks and journeyed on, guided by a blazed tree here and there along the dimly de- fined path. They found a deserted cabin near the spot where Mrs. Heury now lives, and another, also without an occupant, where John Pistorius now re- sides. About daylight. they reached the Robert Gilli- land farm, and there found a family by the name of Ray. During the day they learned that there were a few other settlers in the neighborhood, who had come the preceding spring, it now being the fall of the year.
MeCurdy and Smith had started ont with the in- tention of settling in Mercer County, but finding that the settlers here were anxious to have neighbors, they decided to look around, and if the country suited, set. tle. After viewing several tracts, they at last selected land in the beautiful valley through which Bonny- brook runs. Smith chose the land which is now owned by James Stephenson and George Bartley, and Me. Curdy took up his abode ou the adjoining tract, now owned by S. P. Young.
McCurdy lived sixty-seven years on the farm where he now lies buried. and never moved, except from a cabin to a log house, and from the latter to his brick residence. The first night. he slept in But- ler County, he lay in a booth made of brush.
James MeCurdy was married in 1802, to Poggy Thorne, by whom he was the father of four sons and five daughters.
He helped to lay out the town of Butler in 1803, and to locate the Butler and Kittanning road in 1827. He acted as Justice of the Peace, and was an influen- tial citizen. He was a Ruling Elder in the church over forty years. He was active in promo ing the best in- terests of the community. He died in 1872, being nearly ninety-five years of age. His children were John, Thorue, Dunean and Elisha; Jane, Matilda,
Sarah and Rebecca. Thorne and Elisha are still living.
The early settlers found deer so plentiful that inany instances of shooting them from cabin doors are related.
The timber was not of as large growth as it is in some localities at present, but the land was very diffi- enlt to clear, owing to the denseness of the growth of wood and underbrush.
The hardships and trials of the pioneers can scarcely be exaggerated. Withont roads, they were obliged to find their way to the older settlements ou horseback or on foot, when a bag of meal or a sup- ply of salt was to be procure l. Farming implements were few in number and of the simplest construction. The early settlers were obliged to go to the Ligonier Valley to get plowshares sharpened or other black- smithing work performed. MInch of their food was made from eorn-meal, the corn being ground in an old-fashioned hand mill.
MeCurdy and Smith built their rude cabins with the assistance of a neighbor, without using other tools than an ax. an anger and a frow.
James MeCurdy erected a brick house about 1830, the large, two-story building which is now the home of Mr. Young. This was doubtless the first brick honse in the township. He planted a few apple trees quite early, as did also his neighbor, Smith. Few orchards were planted by the original settlers; but, when the Germans came, one of the first things they did was to make preparations looking toward a future fruit supply.
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