USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 69
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Abont 1812. Abraham Brinker purchased the Smith property. He was one of the most prominent citizens of his time: served as Justice of the Peace, as County Commissioner, ete., besides carrying on a good deal of business. He was publie-spirited and generous: encouraged and supported schools, and, both directly and indirectly, his influence was exerted for good. His judgment was sound. and it was very common when any dispute arose among his neighbors for them to say, "Let us leave the matter to Squire Brinker." Thus, without an appeal to law, many troubles were settled quietly and to the satisfaction of all interested parties. There being no public houses near, his house and Squire MeCurdy's often afforded entertainment to travelers upon the pike. Squire MeCurdy was a religious man, and his hospitable home was often visited by ministers. who came to preach at the schoolhouse. As his house stood on one side of the creek and Mr. Brinker's on the other, it became a common saying among the settlers that Bonnybrook had the law on one side and the Gospel on the other.
The Mitchell and Scott families settled in 1796.
RESIDENCE OF R. D. STEVENSON SUMMIT, PA.
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301
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
James Mitchell, a native of Ireland, was brought to this country when an infant, and brought up in Mary- land. From that State he emigrated to Westmore- land County, and, in 1796, he came to Butler County and located on the farm which his son, Judge James Mitchell, now owns. After coming here, he married Nancy MeGahey. Their children were Jane, James, Samnel. Margaret, Alexander and John. Jane (Jam- ison) resides in Summit Township. Her husband died in the late war. James and Samuel also reside in Summit. James was born in 1812, and now lives about half a mile from his birthplace. He was elected County Commissioner in 1851, and an Associate Judge in 1861. He has been an Elder in the Presbyterian Church since 1849. Margaret (Seaman) lives in Butler Township. Alexander died when a young man. John resides in Butler.
James Mitchell. Sr., died in 1844, and his wife about ten years later. Each reached the age of sev- enty-five. Mr. Mitchell lived a quiet, peaceable life, made no enemies, and had hosts of friends. His hospitable home was always kept with the latch-string out. He was long a member of the Presbyterian Church, which he joined under its first pastor.
William Scott and his sons were among the first settlers. The father was an old man when he came to the county. He lived on what is now the Heinser farm. Of his children. James lived in Oakland and died there while a Representative to the Legislature. Robert became a prominent citizen of Butler, and a county official: Samuel left and went to Westmoreland County: David married Mary, sister of James Mitch- ell, and settled near his brother George: he removed to Freeport, where his son, Alexander, now lives: George Scott married another of James Mitchell's sisters, and settled upon the farm his son now occu- pies; Alexander followed shoe-making, and lived in Butler; William left early and went to Ohio; Cath- arine became the wife of James Moore who lived a few years in Oakland Township, then returned to Westmoreland County.
James Mitchell and several of the Scotts served in the army during the war of 1812.
Robert Scott. of Westmoreland County, was one of the settlers of 1796 in this township. Soon after the vitlage of Butler was laid ont. he removed there and built the house on Main street now owned by F. P. Baldauf, one of the oldest in the borough. He died in 1830. His son, John Scott, now resident in Butter, was born in this house in IS19. Chambers, another son of Robert Scott, now lives in Fairview, and Harper resides at Brady's Bend.
George Scott. a native of Westmoreland County, came into the wilds of Western Pennsylvania a young man. He selected land, built upon it and com-
menced improving, meantime living alone and keep- ing bachelor's hall. Before there were any mills nearer than Westmoreland County, he was obliged to go thither for his milling, riding horseback and car- rying the grist in a pack-saddle. In his hand he carried a rifle to keep off wolves. It usually required two days to obtain a grist -- one to go and the other to return. From his cabin door he frequently shot deer and turkeys. On one occasion, a bear and cubs were discovered near his dwelling. One of the cubs ran np a tree and Scott shot it. The old bear, very anx- ions for a fight, at once arose on her haunches and wouki have attacked him, had he not been ready with another shot which killed her. Mr. Scott helped to carry the chain for the surveyors when Butler was laid out. He married Rachel Mitchell, who bore eight children- James, Sammel, Robert. Washington, all dead: Amelia (Holmes). Indiana County: Mitchell, on the old homestead; David, Oakland Township; and Sarah ( Winner), Penn Township. George Scott was a soldier of 1812.
One of the first mills. if not the very first in But- ler County, was William Neyman's, erected at the mouth of Bonnybrook. near the beginning of the present century. James McCurdy assisted in build- ing it, and James Mitchell was the first miller. The mill was operated but a short time, but it received custom from all the settlements in the southern part of the county. " Neyman's Path, " a pack-horse trail leading to it, is still remembered by old residents. On account of a dispute as to the ownership of the land, Neyman took the machinery out of his mill and moved it north, where he established another mill. The old log structure stood many years, and also the eabin erected for the miller. The latter was at length torn down, because it was learned that a family who had a bad reputation proposed to ocenpy it.
Abraham Brinker, soon after his settlement. put in operation a saw-mill on Bonnybrook, which runs through the farm. In IS13-14, he erected the stone mill which is still standing and is still known as Brinker's Mill. He afterward operated a carding-mill and distillery.
Brinker's Mill was long the scene of busy activity. as it received enstom from a wide extent of country. The machinery was at first very simple. The mill had no elevator, and the corn or wheat was carried up a ladder. a half a bushel at a time, and thrown into the hopper. The next improvement was to carry up a bag filled with grain, and finally a barrel was so ar- ranged that it could be filled and hoisted. John Moser was the miller for many years, and afterward John Warneastte, who brought up a large and very respectable family.
James MeLaughlin purchased the mill from his
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
father-in-law. Mr. Brinker. He died in California, and the property was purchased by Elisha K. Mar- shall, who sold it to JJohn Burford. In 1861, the mill was bought by James Stephenson, its present owner.
Hugh Gibb, an early settler, lived on the Robert Stevenson farm. He was botter situated. financially, than many of his neighbors, having considerable means when he settled. and was therefore able to go back to Westmoreland County occasionally and buy supplies of groceries. He was one of the few men in the neighborhood who were not drafted during the war of 1812, and it was his custom to ride around to his neighbors' houses frequently during the winter to see that none of the families suffered for want of the necessaries of life.
Hugh Gibb was a very generous-hearted man. His family are all dead. His wife was Sarah. sister of James Mitchell. Their children were Samuel. James M., Jane (Watts). Susan ( Leasure). Nancy (Myers), Mary (MeCool). Isabella (Jamison) and Sarah (Scott).
Jacob Summey, a Pennsylvania German, was an early settler on the farm now owned by Jacob John- ston. He brought up a large family, all of whom scattered after his death.
Joseph Gold, an early settler where Alexander McMillan lives, still has numerous descendants in the county. Following are the names of his children: Robert, William, Joseph, Hugh, John. Anna (Karns) and Mary (Slater).
John Green is remembered as an carly resident poor but respectable-on the Rettig farm. Sanmel Low resided on the place adjoining.
John Wunderly, an carly settler in the same neighborhood, was considered " well fixed " in early days. He died on the farm, and his widow lived to be quite aged.
About 1800, Francis Warmeastle emigrated from Chester County, and settled in Summit Township. He afterward moved to Pittsburgh, and thenew to Bast Liberty, where he died. His children-Jolin. Charles Francis and Jacob -- are all dead. John, the latest survivor, died in Centerville in 1865. He was mar- ried to Evanna King, who bore six children, all of whom are still living-Mary Ann, Francis. Eliza (Covert), Susan (Davidson), Margaret (Bard) and John.
Peter Henry was a well-known citizen of that portion of Summit Township which was formerly in- cluded in Clearfield. Until the division of the town- ships. elections were held at his house. Before the Germans bogan settling, there were only about sixty- four voters in Clearfield.
Mr. Henry came to his homestead in 1797, follow-
ing an Indian trail from Freeport. In 1800. he brought his family from Westmoreland County, in a wagon, following up Rough Run some distance. Glades wore everywhere abundant, and through them the deer had well-beaten paths.
Poter Henry died in 1557. agod eighty-eight. His wife. Margaret, died in 1532. Of their children, Int one survives-Joseph Henry. Esq .. Connoquenes- sing Township. He is now seventy-two years of age. The sons of Peter Henry were John, Adam, Peter, Frederick. Joseph and William; the daughters. Eliza- beth (Brinker) and Mary (Coyle).
Mrs. Ellen Henry lives upon the old homestead.
Peter Henry's life was distinguished by a startling incident. When he was fourteen years of age. living in Westmoreland County, six miles from Greensburg. one day when his father. Frederick Henry, was away at a mill. the Indians entered the house and attacked its inmates. Mrs. Henry and her two youngest chil- dren wore killed: Peter and his two children, younger than himself. were taken captives, and led away into the woods. After the savages had proceeded a short distance, the youngest child commenced to cry. and she was killed by a blow from a tomahawk. The In- dians. seven in number, had with them six horses and considerable plunder which they had stolen from the settlers. When the news of the massacre became known in the settlement. Brady's company, a band of settlers commissioned by the Government to pre- vent Indian outrages, hastily collected together, and pursned the savages. The path made by the horses was easily followed. The Indians crossed the Alle- gheny River near Freeport, and followed the stream npward. On the evening of the third day. they were overtakon, at a bend in the river, which has since been known as Brady's Bond from the ensuing incident. The Indians were found to be envamped, and the horses tethered anl feeding near by. During the day. the Indians had killed a deer and a bear, and they were drying and preparing the meat by a small fire. Brady aud his mou waited until all the Indians save one were asleep before beginning their attack.
Poter Henry and his sister lay covered by an old quilt with a hole in it, and through the hole the boy watched the Indians, and occasionally heard the sounds made by the pursuers as they reconnoitered about the camp. but thought the noise was made by the horses. The Indian on guard was drying meat by the fire. Suddenly, while Peter was attentively watching him. he saw a flash and heard the sharp re- port of a rifle. The Indian jumped up. gave a loud whoop, and fell over dying. Justantly the blankets flew off the sleeping forms of the savages, and every Judian was on his feet, taken completely by surprise. Every indian but one was shot and wounded, and all
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
rushed down the bank into the river. Whether they drowned or whether they died of their wounds it is not known: but it is certain that only one Indian escaped to tell the tale, as was learned from the statement of a young man named Hoover, who was seven years in Indian captivity. Hoover was present when the sur- viving Indian returned to his tribe and narrated the fate of his companions. Hoover afterward returned to Westmoreland County. and related the circumstance. After the children were resened, the horses and the other booty of the Indians were taken by Brady's men, who, proceeding down the river, found a eanoe, and put the children and a part of the provision into it. They took the children to Fort Pitt. and after- ward returned them to the settlement and to their father .*
Richard Martin settled east of where Herman Slater now is, and lived many years on the farm. He died in Penn Township. His children were Mary, Thomas. Anna, William, Samuel, John, Jane, Mar. garet, Elizabeth, Richard and Sarah. Thomas, William, Elizabeth and Sarah are still living. Sam- uel settled on the farm where his widow now lives. He served in the army. and was a gallant soldier and a good officer. He raised in this county a company of volunteers, which was recruited in October, 1861. and was mustered into service December 7. 1561, as Company E, One Hundred and Third Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, Samuel Martin, Captain. Capt. Martin died of fever at White House Landing. Va., June S. 1862, aged forty-two years.
John Gilliland. a native of County Monahan Ireland. eame to America in 1817, and in 1820 settled npon the farm now occupied by his son. Robert Gilli- land, Esq. He worked at weaving a number of years, making cloth for the neighbors. who in exchange as- sisted him in clearing his land. He married Mary Frazier in 1820. They had a family of four sons and six daughters-Mary J. (Murdock). Elizabeth (Allen), Isabella (Frazier), Maria. Robert, James, Margaret (Boren). William, George F. and Rachel N. (Allison). Of these, Mary J., Maria. Robert, James and Rachel are living. Robert Gilliland has been School Direct or twenty-four consecutive years, and now holds his fifth commission as Justice of the Peace.
Germans have been an important element in devel. oping the agricultural resources of Summit Township. Until the German immigration, the settlers of this part of the county were few. and improvement went forward slowly. But with the arrival of the Germans in large numbers, everything changed. Farms of 200 or 400 acres were each converted into farms of from forty to sixty aeres in estent. Many tracts now occupied by seven or eight farmers each. were once
the property of one individual farmer, and, it must be acknowledged, our German-American farmers thrive and get ahead faster than did the owners of these comparatively large farms.
The first Germans arrived about 1830. They had no easy task before them, but a year or two of con- tinned effort convinced them that the land was good, and farming could be successfully carried on. There fore they began to write to their friends in the old country, and encourage them to come and settle. The years 1831-32-33 brought several families to this township. In 1834-35, the immigration was most rapid, and thenceforth it continued until nearly all of the first settled farms, as well as tracts hitherto mnoccupied, were in the hands of the new comers. An exception to this statement should be noted. Along Bonnybrook, in the northern part of the township, several descendants of the original settlers continue to remain.
Generally these German settlers had but little money. After locating their homes and putting some seed into the ground, the usual course was to " strike out " and earn money to pay taxes. Many found employment on the canals Which were then building. It was no unusual thing for a man to walk one hun- dred or two hundred miles, work two or three months, then return to look after the comfort of his family. It was a hard way of getting on in the world, but patience, industry and wise economy at length triumphed; the land was paid for, and the settler had a home. After this result was accomplished, it seemed to result very naturally that the settler should add to his possessions and soon be independent.
John Rimp, one of the first German settlers of this township, is still living in Butler, at the age of ninety-seven. He settled on the farm now owned by his son John in 1830, bringing with him a family of five children. all of whom are still living in this county -- Mary. Catharine, John. Eliza and Christina. Mr. Rimp purchased his land from the Collins estate, paying $3.50 per acre. He had never followed farm- ing until he came here. and. finding only about an aere and a half elcared. the prospect did not seem very cheerful. But no German knows the meaning of the word failure: he soon became accustomed to the work he had undertaken, and made good progress. He brought with him from Germany a wagon -- a rare thing in those days-a wooden harrow. some sickles and other farming implements. His son John, who now lives on the homestead. spent many years boating on the Mississippi River.
John Oesterling was long a leading man among the Germans. and his descendants are still very nu. merous in this township. He emigrated from Ger- many to Butler County in 1531, and theneeforth was
* Narrated to the writer by Mr. Joseph Henry.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
very active in encouraging settlement and pushing forward the work of improvement. He had some money to begin with. and. purchasing about three hundred acres, he soll it out to settlers in lots of from forty to sixty aeres each. His first purchase was near Herman Station. Having sold off this land, he next bought about five hundred aeres, on part of which some of his sons now reside. He died in 1863 at the age of sixty-seven. His family consisted of four sons and four daughters: John died in this town- ship (his widow still resides here): Leonard, Peter and Adam reside in Summit Township: Catharine (Shanek) is dead: Elizabeth (Vogeley) resides in Butler: Eliza (Frederick) and Margaret ( Frederick) are dead.
Matthias Bleichner was one of the first German settlers in the southern part of the township, and located on the farm where he now lives in 1831. Two years later. Michael Hoffman settled where Michael Sang now lives. Mr. Sang settled upon this farm in 1876, having previously lived in Oakland and Win- field Townships. About 1533. John Spahn settled in the same neighborhood. Samuel Robb and Richard Martin had previously opened up farms near by.
The settlers were then very few east of Herman Station. Barney Leech emigrated from Germany and settled in Clearfield Township where he died. His fam- ily are all now removed from the county except David Leech, Esq .. who lives in Summit Township. He settled here in ISSS: His farm was early settled by a MeLaughlin family, and afterward owned by George Sweeney. One of the first orchards in this part of county was on this farm. and another on the neigh- boring farm of Peter Henry. Orchards were scarce and boys were frequently found lurking in the woods in the vieinity of the two above mentioned. Perhaps they were hunting.
Many of the earlier settlers built their cabins in deep valleys near low, moist ground. The low lands were most easily cleared, and eould soonest be con- verted into corn-fields and grass land.
John Johnson was an early settler of this town- ship. His son, Samuel still resides here.
Francis Eichenlaub and his brothers. Michael and William, with their sisters, Barbara and Catherine. and their father, Jacob. arrived from France in 1532. and settled on land which had previously been the Duffy farm. Francis died in 1877: Michael is still living here: William and Barbara are dead. Two sons of Francis Eichenlaub reside here -- William on the old homestead and Matthias, who is engaged in the oil business at Herman Station. William Eich- enlanb s farm is at the summit of Summit Town-hip. and on it are the head- waters of Thorn Creek, Rough Run and Bonnybrook.
Andrew and Christian Knans settled in the north- ern part of the township in 1531. Both are still liv- ing. Andrew has reared three children, all of whom reside in this county: Jacob A., Rachel and Catha- rine. Christian Knaus has ten children living.
About IS35, Martin Koek emigrated from Ger- many and settled in this township where he remained five years. He then went to St. Louis, Mo., and was there thirteen years. He now resides in this town- ship His children are John. Matthias. Catharine, George, Lewis, Christian, Henry and Philip: John. Catharine and George are dead.
Jacob Yose came directly from Germany and set- tled in this township about 1534. Only two of his children are living-Andrew and Catharine (Keck), in this township.
About 1535, Philip ('luse came from France and set- tled ou a two hundred-acre tract where George Fisher now lives. The traet was bought by Francis Acker- man, who occupied it after Close. The latter moved to Armstrong County. His son. Philip, lives at Her- man Station. At the time Cluse lived here, money was very scare and farmors frequently went to Pitts- burgh to sell their produce. CInse started one day, on foot, with a knapsack full of butter. Before he reached his destination, it had nearly all melted. and his best coat was ruined.
Prominent among the German pioneers was the Riott family, which is still represented in the town- ship by Squire Francis Riott and others of the vame.
Martin Reiber. a native of Germany, emigrated trom New York, and settled in this township in 1539, being among the earliest residents of his nationality. le carried on a farm and was the landlord of a well- kopt tavern for about seventeen years. Martin and George Reiber, of Butler Borough, are his sons. An- other son. Jacob, resides in Cleveland, Ohio. His daughters are Catharine (Chrishart) and Barbara, wife of Julins Klingler. of Butter.
In 1537. Conrad Horrit settled upon the farm after- ward occupied by his son John, now deceased. His widow became Mrs. Ertel. and now lives on the farm with her sons and husband.
In 1838, Christian Schwartz settled and made the first improvements where his sons now live.
About 1539, John Grunert settled in Oakland Township. Ho afterward moved to Jefferson Town- ship. and died there. His son Henry now resides in Summit. Two daughters are living-Hannah and Caroline.
John Hojm eame from Philadelphia. and was the first settler on the farm where his sons now live. Saeob Riger settled near Saxonburg, but in 1845 located upon the farm where his son Jacob now lives. Twelve of his children are living-six sons and six
RESIDENCE OF S. P. YOUNG.
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IHISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
daughters, Jacob, the youngest, being now thirty-tive years of age.
Wendelin Nebel came from Germany to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1847, and to the farm (now owned by his son, B. Nebel,) where he now lives, in ISIS, Mr. B. Nebel is numbered among the energetic. enter- prising farmers of this township, and takes a promi- nent part in matters of public interest.
Nicholas Hinschberger, a native of France, settled in this county in 1843. In 1850. they went to Cal- ifornia, and remained two years. In 1553, he located on his present farm, where Joseph Franklin had lived previously. His brothers, Christian, Joseph and John Hinschberger, have since settled in the same neighborhood. Quite a number of German-speaking families came to this county from France.
John Portman. deceased. settled in 1819 where his son Joseph now lives. He came here from Pitts- burgh, where he had been engaged in dairying. Only two of the family are now living in this county -- Jo- seph and John, in Butler.
Joseph Miller, deceased, was among the later set tlers of this county. He came from Allegheny County about 1850. His son Jacob now lives near Herman Station.
Thomas Lindsey, a native of County Down. Ire- land, now eighty-two years of age, came from Alle. gheny County to the western part of this township in 1850. Ho bought 212 acres of land at $10 per acre, and subsequently increased his farm to 300 acres, The land bad for years been awaiting a purchaser. A fair estimate of its value at present would not be far from $65 per acre. such changes and improve- ments have been made since Mr. Lindsey eame.
John Forcht, now of Butler, settled in 1850 where his sons now live. His farm is the site of the Carbon Centre oil wells. Five producing wells are now iu operation upon the farm. These wells were put down in 1876, the first being finished in June of that year.
Adam Rettig is a good example of a thrifty Ger- man. He came directly from his native land in 1852. and purchased fifty acres of land at $S per acre. Since then he has made four purchases, and now has over 400 acres.
John W. and Henry Baldauf moved from Pitts. burgh to this township, and settled in 1852.
The farm on which R. D. Stevenson now live- was settled by a man named Gibb, and subsequently owned by Mr. Gould; then by Abraham Steven- son. In 1955. it came into the hands of its present owner, who has erected excellent buildings and made many other improvements.
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