USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 72
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Millerstown was incorporated as a borough in 1555. and until the discovery of oil in 1973 was a qniet, rural town, each day and year succeeding one another with hardly a ripple of excitement. At that stage of agricultural development. it had nearly reached the maximum of business the country woukd support, and but few changes or improvements took place. It then numbered about thirty-two voters, and contained four mercantile houses conducted by H. L. Westermann. Barnhart Frederick, Andrew Barnhart and Michael Dieter; two hotels, the Hoch and Schreiber Houses: two churches; one furniture store; two blacksmith shops and a few minor estab- lishments.
In 1873, E. Shreve put down a 250-barrel oil well on the farm of Adam Stewart, and immediately the seene changes from one of comparative apathy to one of the most astonishing activity. People became al- most wild with excitement. and everything immedi- ately advanced to most extravagant prices, while thousands visited the new oil field with the expecta- tion of becoming wealthy. Land that had been worth from 830 to $10 per acre was leased at the extrava- gant figures of from $100 to $200 per acre, and the land-holders retained a one-eighth royalty of the production. At this time the railroad was not built to this place, and all kinds of vehicles were used to convey anxious speculators to the new field of opera- tions. Buildings went up as if by magic, stores and business houses sprang up almost in a night, and be. fore one year had elapsed a population of over 3,000 people claimed this place as their temporary home. The streets were filled with teams laden with oil well apparatus, merchandise, etc., so as to fairly blockade the way, while the sidewalks swarmed with an excited
populace. The land where the Central House now stands was leased for a term of ten years by Martin Hoch to Dr. W. P. Book at an animal rental of $1.200, and he built a three-story hotel on the ground, and still could not begin to accommodate the people, who lived in any place where they could find covering for their heads. Hundreds of rongh board shanties were built and occupied by those accustomed to aris- tocratie homes.
1 twelve-foot front where Barnhart Frederick's store now stands was rented for $60 per month. The rental for land usually ran from $12 to $28 per foot according to location, the latter price generally ob- taining. The post office from a small country office soon became a prize worth contending for. the Post- master's salary being 82,800. Farmers on whose land oil was found ceased to cultivate it, and mer- chants were pushed to their utmost capacity to fur- nish supplies for oil prodneers, and so neglected the farmer's trade that the attachment to plows and other farm implements frequently could not be obtained in the borough. Everybody was impressed with the in- portance of oil in all its bearings and ramifications.
Everything was at the flood tide of prosperity when a terrible calamity befel the place, which prac- tically swept the business portion out of existence. On the night of April 1, 1874, a fire broke out in the Book House, which originated from natural gas used for heating and lighting purposes that was not prop- erly protected. The flames spread with fearful rapidity, and the borough being destitute of fire pro- tection, the people could only stand and see their property devoured by the fierce destroyer, utterly im potent to stay its ravages. The people became panic- stricken, especially those whose tennre of citizenship was dependent upon the result of speculation, and who had hazarded their all upon the single cast of the die. The mere mention of fire sent them rushing through the streets, and as they saw their property disappear through the lurid flames and murky smoke, their very impotence to stay the flames destroyed their self-possession so needful at such times, and as a re- sult eight persons perished in the flames.
The property destroyed extended to the Frederick blacksmith shop and Reiber Hotel on the north; to Buffalo Creek on the south. It also destroyed nearly all the buikli gs on the west side of the street. it extending to the building now ocenpied by Mary Logan. The destruction of property was enormous. and the loss placed at $229,000 in the local pa- pers, with only $64,000 insurance,
Hardly had the ashes cooled, however, before new buildings began to be erected, and in a few months. the evidences of the fire had largely disappeared, and m a majority of instances the new buiklings were
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
superior to those destroyed. Such was the recupera- tive powers of the place, under the large production and high price of oil, that very largely those who had lost their all in the flames immediately rebuilt and commenced life again with redoubled energy. and the population continued to increase.
On the night of April 11, 1875, another fire destroyed $100,000 worth of property. The fire started between two stores, located about where the Herald office now stands, and swept down the west side of Main street, to the German National Bank, where its progress was stayed, but it swept westward destroying about forty houses, A local paper says: "The most important losses were those sustained by McKinney Bros., and Galey's building, oil producers, the German National Bank, S. McBride's store, A. Talmo's paint store, and the Hogan Opera House, " the other structures "boing principally saloons and small tenement buildings." The lots laid bare were soon covered with buildings, and business was again rosnmed as actively as ever before. But fate seemed against the business men, for Millerstown was again visited by tho dread destroyer, on the night of December 6. 1877, which laid waste over two blocks of the business portion of the borough, entailing a loss of abont $125,000. As the insurance covered only about one-fifth this amount, the business interest received a severe but not death-like shock.
The origin of the fire is to this day clouded in mystery, and the only solution to the enigma is the theory advanced that it resulted from the explosion of a lamp left burning in the store of C. F. Aldinger. situated on the east side of Main street. The fire was first discovered by G. B. MeCalmont, whose office was located in the second story of the Aldlinger building.
The alarm was promptly given, but the flames had made too much progress to be easily stayed. and they swept southward from the store of C. F. Aldinger, to the drug store of C. D. Aldinger, adjoining, and soon it was enveloped in flames, and totally destroyed. The Book Honse, a large three-storied building, was also fated, and the place where it once stood was marked by a pile of ashes. By the utmost persis- tency, the fire was stayed from crossing the street and laying waste the property on the south of the Book House, and the west side of Main street It however, extended northward, and in addition to other buildings destroyed F. Schweiger's shoe store. Among the heavy losers could be mentioned Barney Forst, who lost some $10.000, and B. Frederick, whose hardware and dry goods store fell a prey to the flames, his loss being some $14,000, only a part of which was covered by insurance. The flames were not stayed until the Schreiber House and the dwell-
ing house of A. Henshaw, and blacksmith shop of H. Myers beyond had been destroyed.
The energy and pluek that marked the business men of this place, was again brought into requisition, and soon the burned and blackened traces of the fire was hid from view by buildings erected to replace those so recently burned.
In 1874, after the destructive fire, the absolute necessity of providing some adequate means of fire protection presented itself to all, and at an informal meeting held by the business men, they decided to raise money by subscription for the purpose of build- ing water works. A subscription paper was started and some $6,000 was pledged. Two brick res- ervoirs, with a capacity of about 20,000 barrels, were built on the old John Schackley farm, and, as the supply from wells dug beside them was inade- quate, water was pumped into them from Buffalo Creek and this was used until abont two years ago. Recognizing the fact that the public would be bene- fited by the water works, the borough Common Conn- cil had in the meantime ass imod the indebtedness in- curred by private individuals and issued bonds to meet the obligations incurred. In the meantime (1871), Hugh MeGratton started a private enterprise by drilling a well and putting up a tank on the property of H. L. Westermann. He also laid water mains and supplied many private parties with water. About two years ago, Mr. A. Sutton purchased these water works and now supplies the borough with water, the other works now being abandoned. The water works, like many other municipal enterprises, were a failure as far as extinguishing fires were concerned, hence the destructiveness of the fires of 1875 and 1877.
MILLERSTOWN TO-DAY.
Some three years since, Millerstown began to de- cline, as the oil supply became exhausted, and from a population variously estimated from 5,000 to 6,000, it had at the last census but 1,250. exclusive of Iron City, a suburban placa, which consisted almost ex - clusively of board shanties, built during the excite- ment. Deserted buildings are seen on every hand, and a fine residence, costing about $4,000, was sold for $450. which gives an idea of the deprecia- tion of property. A large number of buildings have been torn down and taken to other places. At pros- ent, among the business firms can be mentioned C. D. Aldinger, who established himself in the boot and shoe business in 1872 and one year later in the drug business. Although he has been burned ont four times, sometimes losing his entire property, with an indomitable spirit worthy of emulation, he com- menced again and is now doing a tine business. The drug business is also represented by W. P.
JOSEPH H. GRAHAM.
Joseph H. Graham was born in Donegal Township. Butler County. in 1845, and is a son of John and Se cunda (Knapp) Graham. His father, a native of Pris- sia, emigrated to this country in 1837, and settled on : farm in Donegal Township, where he lived until 1865. and thenceforth until his death made his home with Joseph. John Graham died in 1874. aged seventy- three His wife died in 1861. He was twice married -first to Miss Elizabeth Kramer. By this union, there were seven children-three sons and four daughters- Nicholas, now a resident of Portsmouth, Ohio : JJohn. living in Sugar Creek Township. Armstrong County ; Jacob, in Clearfield. Butler County : Mrs. Elizabeth Hanlen, in Donegal : Mrs. Barbara Gieble, of Summit Township. Two daughters-Gertrude and Margaret- are deceased. Five children of his second wife (Secunda Knapp), are living-Susan ( Boll), Oakland Township . Joseph H .. Donegal Township : Peter. Penn Township : Helena (Hildebrand). Donegal Township, and Christian, Allegheny County. Two are dead-Stephen and Susan.
MRS. JOSEPH H. GRAHAM.
Joseph H Graham was reared on a farm, and edu- cated in the common schools By industry and economy. he was able to make for himself a fair start in life : close attention to business rendered him successful. Mr Gra ham has followed farming principally. though he kept hotel for two years in the village of St. Joe This oil town, once quite a stirring place but now nearly extinet. was built upon Mr Graham's farm. Since 1875. Mr Graham has been engaged in oil production. in addition to the management of his farm. le is a progressive farmer, and is making improvements constantly. Since he became the owner of the farm on which he lives, he has erected a tine large barn, which good judges pro- nounce the best in the township ; and, in 1>81. he built the large and elegant residence which is now his home. Mr. Graham is a man of integrity, and enjoys the respect of his fellow-citizens. He was married. in 1870, to Mary Ritzart. daughter of Conrad and Elizabeth Ritzart. of Donegal Township. and is the father of five children, viz. . Anna. Harman, Emma, Mary and Stella.
RES. OF JOSEPH GRAHAM, ST. JOE., BUTLER CO., PA.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Turner, a native of Parker Township, who came to one shoe store and two shoo shops, two furniture Millerstown in 1879 and purchased of H. E. Sanderson & Co. their stock and business. which was established during the oil excitement. C. F. Aldinger established himself in the boot and shoe business in 1872, which was abandoned for the eigar and tobacco trade, to which was added gents' furnishing goods. Like all other merchants. he suffered severely by reason of the destructive fires that scourged the town. He is now engaged in the business he first started.
F. Schweiger. originally from Philadelphia, lo- cated in Millerstown some eight years since, and is engaged in the boot and shoe trade. C. F. Picreo came from Titusville in 1871 and became one of the firm of Conant & Pieren, which firm was one year subsequently changed to Pierce & Co., and in 1876 Mr. Pierce succeeded to the business. During the oil exeitement their monthly sales aggregated 87.000.
E. H. Brady came from Cortland County, N. Y., in 1874. and has since then been one of the business men of this place. The wagon-making trade is represented by Rouben Seibert, son of James Seibert, one of the old settlers, and John Reiger who, for about eight years, has been associated with Jacob Frederick. The hardware business, is represented by the Hayes Bros .. composed of E. F. and G. W. Hayes, who in January, 1882, purchased the business of A. H. Simpson. Prior to this E. F. was engaged as an oil prodneer, while E. W. was engaged in the same business in Freeport.
In 1877, D. S Wakenight came from Donnelsville, Ohio, and engaged as reporter for the Parker City Daily, but soon established a news and stationery store, in which he is now engaged.
The Central House which occupies the same site occupied by the first "tavern" in Millerstown, which has so often been the scene of conflagration, now has as its landlord H. Lockhart, while the Campbell House, which has been erected about eight years, has as mine host Dean Campbell. He formerly kept the Schreiber House, elsewhere mentioned, for about four years prior to 1882.
Millerstown was legally incorporated in 1855, and the following borough officials were appointed by the court: John Byers. Christian Gumper, S. Fleeger and Andrew Barnhart. At the first election held in June of the following year, the following officers were elected: H. L. Westermann, John Frederick, Jacob Frederick, J. Byers, C. Gumper and John J. Miller.
H. J. Hoyt, Cashier of the Butler County Bank. a former resident of Cleveland. Ohio, came to the oil field many years since. but has been more promi- nently identitied with the banking than oil production. three hotels. two dry goods houses, seven groceries, - though he still operates in petroleum to a considerable extent.
Millerstown. in brief, contains three churches, two banks, one jeweler. two merchant tailors, one grist mill, two hardware stores, one hardware and oil- well supplies, one news and stationery store, two machinists and four boiler makers, two harness shops,
warerooms, one tea and sewing machine store, one tin shop, three wagon shops, two livery stables, two blacksmith shops, two meat markets, two oil offices, an opera house, two public halls, one English and one German school. one pump station. four junk shops, two barber and three milliner shops. two billiard rooms, and among the last. but not least, one printing offieo (the Herald office) six dress-making establishments, three carpen- ters and builders, one surveyor, three music teachers. one dentist, one representative of the legal fraternity, M. B. McBride, who located here in 1874, while four doctors. viz .. S. D. Bell. R. S. Patterson and J. W. Hopkins, are now engaged in practice.
H. L. Westermann came from Prussia to America in 1549 to avoid being drafted in the army, in which lie had already served three years. He located at Brady's Bond and engaged in coal mining for a short time and then entered the store of the Brady Iron Manufacturing Company. In 1856, he came to Millerstown and purchased of the Reibers their store and stoek of goods, and suecess immediately crowned his efforts, and he became one of the leading mer- chants of the place and has since been prominently identified with all its business interests, not only in mercantile pursuits, but in banking, oil producing. and has occupied prominent positions in borough municipal affairs. He was first married to Mary Fetzer. who died in 1872, leaving four children -- Charles J., Jaeob J., Cassie and Loretta. Dora (Fetzer), his second wife. still survives, and they are blessed with two children-Harry M. and Richard. G. F. Fetzer came to Millerstown with his uncle, George Reiber, about 1850, for whom he had elerked, and also for his successor. H.L. Westermann, with whom he was afterward associated in business, and retired from the firm to engage in milling. He is one of the substantial business men of the place, and is identified with all its prominent business interests. Thomas Dorsey. President of the Butler County Bank. a native of Hastings County. Canada. commeneed as an oil prodneer with his brother. P. Dorsey, in Pit- hole. in 1866, and has since been largely identified with oil interests, operating in every important field. His first residence in Millerstown dates from 1875.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE FOR THE BOROUGH OF MILLERSTOWN. 1856. John J. Miller: 1559. John Byers: 1861.
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IHISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
John J. Miller; 1863. Henry L. Westermann; 1564. J. MeMichael; 1869, James B. Craig: 1873. Solomon Flieger: 1874. A. Shrove: 1876. F. M. Small: 1878. Isaac Blakely: ISSO, John J. Miller; ISSI, P. 1. Rattigan; ISSI, John J. Miller: 1582. J. C. Guis ford.
GERMAN NATIONAL BANK.
The Millerstown Savings Bank was established in June, 1873, with $50,000 capital stock, with the fol- lowing officers: President. Charles Duffy: Cashier, J. C. Scott: Teller, C. J. Westermann. In January, 1871. John Walker was made Cashier.
May 1. 1875, the bank was converted into a National Bank under the title of The German Na- tional Bank. The present officers are: President, H. L. Westermann: Vice President, G. F. Fetzer; Cash- ier, John Walker: Teller. H. J. Myers. The follow- lowing persons comprise the stockholders: H. L. Westermann. G. F. Fetzer. B. Frederick, Jacob Fred- priek, Henry Frederick. Charles Dufly, W. H. H. Rid- dle, John G. Myers. B. B. Sybert. The bank is now in a flourishing condition with $7.300 surplus and $6,400 undivided profits. Its sworn statement for July, 1882, showed 885,000 in deposits. During the oil excitement their weekly deposits ran from $300 .- 000 upward, one week showing $310,000.
BUTLER COUNTY BANK.
Butler County Bank was established in IS78. by H. L. Taylor & Co. as a private bank, with John Sat- tertield as President, George G. Stiles as Cashier. and H. J. Hoyt as Teller. In 1879. IT. J. Hoyt sue- ceeded Mr. Stiles as Cashier. and the place thus made vacant was filled by E. C. Evans. No other change was made in the management of the bank until August 1, ISSO, when the business was purchased by Dorsey Bros. and H. J. Hoyt & Co. . The officers are: President, Thomas Dorsey; Cashier, H. J Hoyt: Teller, C. A. Bailey. The present stockholders are: Thomas Dorsey, P. Dorsey, H. J. Hoyt. A. H. Simp- son, Joseph Hartmann and Owen Brady. all residents of the county except P. Dorsey, now engaged in bank- ing and mining in Socorro, New Mexico. From the organization of the bank up to 1878, it did an im- mense business, their exchanges running from $100 to $400 per day, and sometimes transactions aggre- gating one-half million dollars. This was during the oil excitement and the existence of the Oil Exchange. at which time actual drafts were made for all transac- tions with oil certificates attached.
SOCIETIES.
Millerstown Lodge, No. 947, I. O. O. F., was or- ganized April 30, 1877, with twenty-one charter mnom bers. The first officers were. N. G .. J. P. Caldwell:
Vier (., William Langhlin; Secretary, F. M. Small; Rep. G. L .. J. B. Showalter.
When first organized. the members consisted al- most exclusively of oil producers, many of whom have moved away. so that the number of members which onee aggregated one hundred is now redneed to sixty- eight. still the lodge is in a very flourishing condi- tion, and owns the elegant hall where meetings are beld. This ball with the regalia cost some 82.100. It is quite a remarkable fact that since its organiza- tion it has lost no members by death.
Millerstown Lodge No. 157, Knights of Pythias, was organized July 12. 1878, with twenty-one mem- bers. Numerous accessions wore made to its members until its present membership numbers 133. Regular meetings are held in I'nion Hall, in the school build- ing, every Friday evening. Union Hall, a commo- dious and elegantly furnished room. is owned jointly by K of P., Knights of Honor and Grand Army of the Republic.
The K. of P., has an endowment rank -- Section No. 246-which was organized October 22 .; IS78.
In September 1881, Robert MeDermott Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, No. 223, was or- ganized, and the following officers duly installed: Commander, J. J. Miller; Senior Vice C .. J. B. Rum- bangh; Junior Vice C .. S. W. MeCullongh; Chaplain, James Piper; Surgeon, B. B. Seibert; Adp .. A. L. Brenneman: Sergt. Maj .. J. J. Crawford; Q. M .. Joseph Double; Q. M. Sergt., P. A. Rattigan; O. of D .. S B. Gamble; O. of G., George W. Palmer. At this meeting thirty-four members. or reernits, were minstered into service. It now numbers sixty- five members, although so recently organized.
Millerstown Lodge, No. 215. Knights of Honor, was organized December S. 1577. with twenty member-, and the following officers: elected; Dictator, F. M. Small: Vice D .. David Dale; Asst. D., A. L. Craig: Ropt .. C. C. Brett: F. R .. C. O. Smith; Chap., J. P. Coldwell; Gnard. D. F. Barnhart; Sentinel, C. H. Johnson. Although, its numbers have been depleted by removal of members to new oil fields. there are still ninety-tive members.
RELIGIOUS.
The English Evangelical Lutheran Church dates its inception from the time Rev. Eli Fair commenced preaching in school and private houses. Through the instumentality of Solomon Fleeger. the church was erected in Milierstown, instead of in the country, as first proposed in IS49; the first officers as far as could be ascertained wore. Deacons. Solomon Fleoger and Isaac Road; Elders. William McCullongh. Leonard Rambangh. The church membership numbers about eighty, and has a flourishing Sunday school.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
The preachers in order of succession, are as follows: Eli Fair. Clemens Ehrenfelt. Thomas Sticks, J. B. Breckenridge, Dillon, Singer, A. S. Miller, J. W. Reese, J. F. Crester. A. C. Felker and Thomas A Himes.
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The large German element led to the construction of the German Lutheran Church in 1854. with officers as follows: Elders, George Reiber and Martin Hoch: Trustees -- Gottlob Hoch, Leonard Frederick, Michael Deiter: Deacons-John Frederick, Jacob Frederick.
In ISSI, the church having outgrown its former building, a new frame edifice was erected, at an ex- pense of about $4.000. The present number of members are forty-tive. The flourishing Sunday school of sixty scholars has as Superintendent C. F. Aldinger. The ministers in order of succession have been Revs. Hahn, Brush, Fetter, Vogelsang, Krause, Puhl and Schmidt.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
As no records have been preserved of the Methi odist Church, and owing to the floating character of the population of Millerstown (not a member when first organized now lives here), it is impossible to more than state that the Rov. B. F. Dillow, sta- tioned at Buena Vista, commenced preaching here in 1874, and that the conference of Youngstown sent Rev. R. F. Gwin here the succeeding year, and under his ministrations a neat frame building was erected for church purposes. He was succeeded by Rev. R. W. Scott for two years, and he by Rev. W. W. Wythe who preached one year, and he by Rev. C. Peters, who served three years, and he was succeeded by Rev. J. Lusher, the present pastor. Present church member- ship, 200, with a Sunday school equally as largo.
In Iron City in 1869, the Reformed Church erected a brick house of worship.
SCHOOLS.
When the population of Millerstown had become numerous enough to warrant a separate school district, it belonging to a distriet whose school building was located so far distant as to render it extremely incon- venient for scholars to attend, and they were refused their proportion of school money to help sustain a sehool, they therefore erected a log schoolhouse. and maintamed by subscription a separate school until they had enough members on the school board to obtain their proportion of the school money. In 1855, they were set aside as a separate school district, but con- tinued to use the log building until 1874, when the present commodious two-story building was erected. The following gentlemen then constituted the school
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