USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 73
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board: G. F. Fetzer. H. L. Westermann, M. S. Small. In 1875. it was established as a graded school, and now employs three teachers, and has a school popula- tion of 300. Present value of school property, $9,000.
ST. JOE.
The existence of this place is due wholly to the discovery of oil, in the surrounding country in 1871. The first well completed July S, of that year, on the farm of Joseph Graham, produced 200 barrels of oil, and brought a large number of oil speculators and producers to this section, and many wells were drilled. Such a large influx of population necessitated the erection of stores and hotels to accommodate them, and from a quiet rural community, far removed from the busy scenes of commercial life, it was trans- formed within the space of a few months, almost as if by magie, into a busy little mart of 1,000 inhabit- ants, with nearly all the necessary adjunets of a place of this size, including three large hotels, grocery and dry good stores, restaurants, etc., etc.
All was life, activity and bustle in this village, and people were full of bright anticipations; for oil, upon which this wonderful prosperity was based. was found in large quantities, and was bringing a remu- nerative price. but suddenly the seene changes, for nearly the whole village was blotted out of existence by fire one night in November of 1874. It can be said that the entire property was practically unin- sured, and the loss a total one. This, however, did not discourage some of the owners from rebuilding, and in an almost incredible short space of time it was rebuilt. A telegraph office was opened in November, 1874, but not until May, 1877, was a post office established, with William Durham as Post- master, which office he still retains. also the telegraph office, he being the first operator.
For about five years. St. Joe was at the floodtide of prosperity. and many fortunes were here made and lost. About this time. many "dry holes " were " struck," and the product of those producing having materially decreased. and in some instances failed en- tirely, the people began leaving for the new fields of operation. From this time on. the village rapidly melted away until to-day it contains but two stores. one kept by William Durham and the other by the Reisner Bros., and one hotel. The land onee covered with stores and houses is now used for agricultural purposes. Still, considerable oil is produced in this locality.
Capt. F. C. Flanegan, a well-known citizen of this township. is a native of Allegheny County. In early life. he worked in a wecken will ard in a win- dow glass manufactory. Ile married Abigail Me Donald in 1-46. and is the father of three sons and
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three daughters. all of whom are living except one.
May 4. 1861. he enlisted in Company K, Ninth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves (or Thirty-eighth Regiment of the line). He afterward raised Com- pany F'. Two Hundred and Fourth Regiment Penn- sylvania Volunteers, and commanded the same until the close of the war. Ho forwarded and had in charge the greater portion of the ammunition and guns that Gen. Grant used to reduce Vicksburg. . Since the war. Capt Flanegan has been Transcribing Clerk of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, also Chief Messenger of the same body. He settled in Butler County in 1875; was elected Justice of the Peace, 1879, and appointed Consus-Taker in 1850.
WONDERFUL GAS WEL.L.
There are, and have been. many gas wells in the county. but none of them could compare with the Delemater and Duffy well. in close proximity to St. Joe, which was " struck " in 1575, and the noise of the escaping gas could be heard for many miles. It is estimated that the volume of gas per hour was suf- ticient to supply the city of Philadelphia two days and nights with all the gas needed. By accident or design, it was set on fire, and the flame, which from, the force of the gas was tifty feet from the ground. extended upward some 300 feet. The heat was so in- tense that the grass for several aeres surrounding it was kept green and grew through an unnsu- ally severe winter, and afforded pasturage for several calves. Visiting parties came here in sleighs. and picked dandelions and violets during the winter months, while the grasshoppers and other insects found a paradise here, and could be found in very considerable numbers. After a time the gas was utilized in drilling and operating other wells for domestic and lighting purposes in 'St. Joe: for the pump station at Carbon-Center. etc. It is estimated that from 300 to 500 miles of piping, including main and lateral lines extended from this truly wonderful well. Owing to the failure of gas, it was @practically abandoned in 1881.
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH,
The above-mentioned church is located in Sugar Creek Township, Armstrong County, but its congre- gation has always been composed principally of Butler County people. The Catholic settlers of 1706 mainly located in this county. The first priest who visited the settlement was Father Lanigan who performed baptisms here in 1801. The next visit was made by Rev. P. Heilbron: in 1803, who also per- formed baptismal services at Sugar Creek and Slip- pery Rock. In 1805*, Rev. Lawrence Sylvester *Others say 1506 of 1507 ; but the date abave given is believed to be correct.
Phelan -also known as Father Whelen or Whalen came to Sugar Creek, and located where the church was subsequently built. The Catholic people were greatly pleased with the thought of having a priest among them, and, soon affer Father Phelan's arrival, hold a meeting to dovise measures for securing him a home and building a church It was decided to send men among all the Catholics to solicit donations. The territory to be canvassed was at least fifteen miles square. Four collectors were chosen, and dis- triets assigned them as follows: Casper W. Easly took the southern district, near Slate Lick; James Shori- dan, the southwestern or Clearfield Township; Neil Sweeny. Butler and vicinity, and C. Rodgers MeCue, the north and northwestern or Donegal Township. These solicitors were successful in their mission. al- though they received no subscription larger than the suun of 82.
The present farm consisting of nearly 200 acres was purchased, and a small log cabin was built for the priest. Then. upon a certain day, each of the four who had solicited subscriptions was required to meet at the farm, bringing with him as many men as would be required to ent and hew logs enough for one side of the church, Patrick MeElroy was assigned the work of making shingles and obtaining and driving the nails. The building was erected the fall after Father Phelan's arrival, but as nails could not be se- enred, it was not roofed until the next spring. It was then put under the invocation of the Apostle of Ireland. The building is still standing. It is 22x 35 feet, with a gallery and altar standing against the end wall. Each side contains three small windows. and each end of the gallery one. This is the oldest Catholic Church now standing in the entire western part of the State. It was attended by people from all the surrounding country for ten miles or more. People often walked ten or twelve miles. fasting. to be present at the services. The stations which the priest was obliged to visit, were so numerous, and so far apart, that mass was not offered np more than once a month, and in some instances, once in two months. There was then but one priest in the whole district west of the Allegheny River from Erie to Beaver.
Father Phelan withdrew in 1510. From 1810 to 1920, the congregation was visited occasionally by Fathers O'Brien and MeGuire, from Pittsburgh. and by Father MeGirr, from Sportsman's Hill. In 1821, Rev. Charles Ferry came to the church and resided here. He visited all the surrounding district, a ter- ritory at least thirty miles square, which was then estimated to contain about 140 families. He re- mained until 1827, when he was succeeded by Rev. Patrick ('Neil, the first resident priest at St. Pat- rick's, who also performed missionary work in But-
ANDREW BARNHART.
ANDREW BARNHART.
Andrew Barnhart was born on the Barnhart home- stead, one mile west of Millerstown, December 12, 1821. Ile was the son of Rudolph and Christina (Rice) Barn- hart. who reared a family of eleven children-William. Philip, Frederick, Simon, Rudolph, Andrew, Christiana, Susannah, Elizabeth. Polly and Catharine. The elder Barnhart was a native of Westmoreland County, born in the year 1775. He came to Butler County in the spring of 1799 in company with two of his younger brothers who were among the first settlers. Each of the brothers purchased about 400 acres of land in the vicinity of Millerstown. He resided on the farm where he first settled until his death, on the 21st of March. 1851, aged seventy-six years. He was a farmer and an estimable man, greatly respected for his integ- rity and worth. He left to his descendants the price- less legacy of a spotless reputation.
Andrew Barnhart. his youngest child but one, was reared on the farm, and remained at home until 1843, when he engaged in business at Millerstown, starting a bakery and confectionery store. Subsequently. he dealt in dry goods and general merchandise, and conducted a large and profitable business. For thirty years he contin- ued one of the most substantial and successful business men of Millerstown. He was energetic and active, and his sterling honesty and diligence rendered his business career a most prosperous one.
MRS. ANDREW BARNHART.
Mr. Barnhart was married, in 1844. to Priscilla Eber- hardt. She was born in Hickory Township, Mercer County, Penn., April 25. 1825. Her parents. Joseph and Catharine (Kistler) Eberhardt. are still living and now reside in Douglas County. Kan .. where they were among the first settlers. Although deprived of an education in books. Mr. Barnhart was an apt pupil in that other school in which the teachers are obser- vation and experience. He was a great reader, and well posted on all topies of general interest. His strong sense of right and justice made him an abo- litionist of the most ultra type, and during the later years of his life he was active in the temperance cause. In the spring of 1873. he disposed of his mercantile business, desiring to pass the remain- der of his days in peace and quiet. The following winter, he was attacked with pleurisy, which caused his decease on the 26th of December of that year. During his lifetime. Mr. Barnhart was a zealous and active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He did much in the furtherance of all church enterprises, espe cially the Sabbath school. He was a prominent citi zen and stood high both socially and morally. He had a family of nine children, four of whom -- Paul 1. Aaron E., Sadio C. and Obadiah F. - are still living : the re mainder, with the exception of his first-born. Elias. who died when aged eighteen, having died in their infancy.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ler. Armstrong and adjacent counties. He remained until 1831, and subsequently was engaged in mission ary labors in the West. He died in 1879, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, and the fifty-eighth of his ministry.
In the summer of 1834, Rev. Patrick Rafferty was placed in charge of the mission and resided at Free- port, visiting St. Patrick's one Sunday in a month. He remained in charge about two years, then with- drew. He was pastor of St. Francis Church, Fair- mount, Philadelphia, and died in that position in 1863. He was a man of great learning and ability. St. Patrick's remained without a pastor until the summer of 1837, when Rev. Joseph Cody was ap- pointed to the pastorate and took up his residence at the church. Mass was celebrated here two Sundays in the month, the remainder of the pastor's time be ing given to Freeport and Butler. By IS10. the congregation had become so large that a larger church was needed. A briek edifice, 45x80 feet, with a saeristy, a separate building against the rear of the church, was erected. It was dedicated July 29, 1812. by Very Rev. M. O'Connor. V. G. In 1St1. the pas- tor's field of labor was rendered somewhat smaller by the appointment of a pastor at Butler, who also had charge of Murrinsville and Mercer. Father Cody, however, visited Brady's Bend occasionally, and a little later officiated at the newly established church at Donegal (now North Oakland). In 1847, Free- port and Brady's Bend were assigned to another priest, and theneeforth Father Cody gave three- fourths of his time to St. Patrick's and the remainder to North Oakland. In 1854, the log parsonage was replaced by a brick residence. After about the year 1861, Father Cody, on account of age and failing health, ministered only to St. Patrick's congregation. At length he was obliged to cease from labor, and at the end of the year 1865, Rev. J. O. G. Scanlon was transferred from Kittanning to St. Patrick's. Father Cody soon afterward went to the Mercy Hospital, Pittsburgh, where he died August 7. 1871, in the seventieth year of his age. He was buried from St. Patrick's and his remains repose in front of the church.
Father Scanlon set about improving the interior of the elmurch, but before the work could be aecom- plished he was transferred to another congregation, and Rev. James P. Tahany became pastor in Octo- ber, 1568. He collected means and carried out the proposed improvements and the church became one of the most beautiful in the diocese. In November, 1871, Father Tahany was succeeded by Rev. S. P. Herman. On the night of the Ist of January, 1872. the church was destroyed by an ineendiary fire. It was a severe loss, as there was still a small debt and
no insurance. The congregation then returned to the old log church as a place of worship. Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald became pastor and remained about a year. He was succeeded by Rev. P. M. Doyle, who remained in charge until the fall of 1875, when he was obliged to retire on account of ill health. He died in July, 1876, in the forty-seventh year of his age and the twenty-second of his min istry.
On the 9th of Jannary, 1876. Rev. P. J. Quilter became the pastor. He at onee took measures to re- place the church which had been destroyed and suc- eeeded well. The corner-stone of the structure was laid August 5, 1876, with ceremonies by the Bishop. The elinreh was finished the next summer and dedi- eated by Very Rev. R. Phelan, administrator of Al- legheny, on the 3d of July. The building is of Gothic style, brick, 45x90 feet, with a basement. It is furnished with three altars and beautifully tin- ished. Butts, of Pittsburgh, was the architect, and William Foigel, of Butler, contractor. There was perfeet harmony between Father Quilter and all con- cerned in builling the church. It was only by a a great effort that the congregation was able to ereet so large and costly an edifice. The debt is now re- dueed to $1,800. The membership is about one hun- dred families at present. Oil developments gave the church a temporary inerease. Millerstown, a new parish, is under the care of the pastor of St. Pat- riek's.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JOSEPH HARTMAN.
Among the pioneer families of the Township of Oakland, Butler County, was that of Philip Hartman, of German descent, whose date of emigration is not exactly known by the writer, but was soon after the close of the Revolutionary war. At the time of the war, he resided at or near Greensburg, Westmore- Jand County, where he enlisted and served under Capt. Ogle. His brother Michael was also a Revolutionary soldier, and soon after the war settled in Manor Township. Armstrong County, near Kittan- ning. On July 4. 1796, William Hartman. father of the gentleman whose name heads this biography, was born. He was undoubtedly one of the tirst, if not the first male childl, born in the county. He lived in Oakland Township until he became a young man. when he went to Pittsburgh. where he acquired the trade of a blacksmith. Some time after, he was married to Miss Mary Winters, of German deseent, and settled in Armstrong County; a few years after. the family removed to Pittsburgh, and
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
remained there about two years, and returned to Armstrong County, where he was ongaged farming and working at his trade. There they remained until about the year 1849, when they moved to Done- gal Township. Butler County. Joseph Hartman was horn October IS. A. D. 1827, in Armstrong County. He spent his boyhood with his parents in Armstrong County, and in Pittsburgh where he acquired habits of industry that have remained as leading traits of his character all through life. He received a common school education, and private in- struction, and commenced life for himself under very adverse circumstances. His first earnings were in- vested in a small fract of land in Donegal Township, where his father and mother resided until the time of their deaths. His mother died September 10, A. D. 1864. in the sixty first year of her age, and his father lied February 14, A. D. 1879. in the eighty-fourth year of his age. During the late civil war, the subject of this biography was a strong advocate of the union, and served during the term of his enlistment in Com- pany E. One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Pennsylvania Regiment.
When he returned from the army, he remained on his farm where he now resides. Mr. Hartman is one of the prominent agriculturists of the county, and in every sense a successful business man. He has been extensively and very successfully engaged in the pro- duction of petroleum. He has been an active member of the School Board of his township for many years.
Mr. Hartman is a member of the Catholic Church, and was brought up in the religious faith of that denomination. The principal part of his early education he received from the instruction of his mother, who was a very pious woman. Mr. Hart- man takes a commendable interest in religions matters, and was very active in securing the new church at Sugar Creek. He was one of the members of the building committee chosen to erect it. He has not only given his children a good education in the common schools. but his daughters have also been educated in a convent, and his son in college. His home, one of the best in the county, is the subject of an illustration on another page.
GOTTLOB F. FETZER.
G. F. Fetzer, one of the prominent business inen of Millerstown, was born in the Province of Wurtem- berg February 12. 1838. He was the second son in the family of Jacob and Anna M. (Reiber) Fetzer. who reared a family of nine children. In 1548, the family emigrated to this country, and settled in Butler County: two weeks after their arrival. the mother sickoned and died. and three weeks from her death the father died.
G. F. was reared in the family of his maternal unele, George Reiber, of Butler Borough ; he received a good common school education, and at the age of six- teen commenced his business career as clerk in a Pitts- burgh clothing house. He remained there, however, but a short time, when he came to Millerstown and entered the employ of H. L. Westerman. He soon evidenced more than an ordinary amount of business acumen, and his industry and close attention to the interests of the house won for him a position as partner. In 1866, he sold his interest and purchased the mill property, which he has operated since that time.
In 1862. Mr. Fetzer was married to Miss Harriet, daughter of Solomon Fleoger, of Millerstown, where she was born July 13, 1844. In November of 1881, Mrs Fetzer died, leaving her family and a large circle of Friends to mourn her loss. She was a lady of many noble traits of character, amiable, kind, a devoted wife and a valiant friend: she was the mother of seven children-Einma, Agatha, Clara, William, Charles, Albert and Frank.
Mr. Fetzer has been indentified with the business interests of Millerstown, for about twenty five years, and in that time he has made an enviable reputation for integrity and honorable dealing, and he is in every way worthy of the position he holds among the representative men of the county. Politically, he is a Democrat ; his interest in politics, however, has never been more than that of the citizen desirous of the best welfare of society and the State. He is a mem- ber of the Lutheran Church.
WILLIAM BROWNFIELD.
William Brownfield is the seventh of a family of nine children, seven of whom are now living. He is the son of William and Mary ( Quinn ) Brownfield, and was born in Sugar Creek Township, Armstrong County, in 1533. His father came from Fayette County with his parents, who were among the early settlers of Armstrong County. Ile was a farmer by occupation. He died in 1867 at the age of seventy- Dine. Mrs. Brownfield died in 1574 at about the same age.
William was reared upon the farm, but in his twenty-second year went to Wisconsin, and found work in the lumber region. He followed this em- ployment nine years. In 1864. he returned to Penh- sylvania. went to the upper oil region, and was en gaged as a contractor in drilling oil wells. In the fall of 1874, ho purchased the farm on which he now lives, and in April. 1875, moved to it with his family. His farm has since proved to be oil territory, and there are now four producing wells upon it. Mr. Brownfield is an enterprising farmer. and a goodeitizen,
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
In 1867, he married Mrs. Ellen JJ. Griffin, widow of John Griffin, who died in 1863. By her first mar- riage she had four children -- Frances 1 .. Mary L., Elizabeth A. and Catherine E., all living. The chil- dren of Mr. and Mrs. Brownfield are William 1 .. who died when eighteen months old. Martha E., Margaret C., Olive M .. James H. and lohn E. Mrs. Brownfield is a daughter of Thomas llaggerty, whose father. Thomas Haggerty, was one of the first settlers of Donegal Township, and had his full share of the difficult experiences of those who began life in the woods of Butler County previous to the year 1800.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
OAKLAND.
Formation of the Township-Early Settlers-John Neyman. Francis Whitmire and the O'Donnells-Experiences of the Pioneers-Early Schools-Mills, Churches, etc.
AKLAND was formed from Donegal and North Butler in 1854. The township was laid ont by Hugh MeKee and David Scott. both surveyors, and it was also named by these gentlemen, who are still liv- ing, on account of the ample forests of oak trees which were included within its boundaries. A small village called North Oakland, consisting of ten or twelve dwelling houses, two churches, a store and post office. is in the northern part of the township. Boydstown, in the northwestern part of the township, is a cluster of about a half dozen frame houses, with a blacksmith shop, post office and small variety store. At present the township of Oakland is among the most thriving in the county. Good farms are dis- cernible on every hand; the inhabitants are industrions and ambitious.
SETTLEMENT.
John Neyman and his wife Mary (Markle) settled on what is now the Lewis Mellinger farm, about four miles northeast of Butler Borough at a very early day probably in 1797. About 1810, Mr. Neyman moved to Centre Township, and built upon Stony Run. where MeGrath Mill now is, a fulling mill, the first in the county. Subsequently. he moved back to the place of his original settlement, and finally to a farm near by, now owned by the heirs of John H. Neyman. He died in 1847, nearly ninety years of age. He was the father of a large family. The sons are now all deceased, and none of the daughters are living in the county. Dr. A. M. Neyman, of Butler, is a grand- son.
Among the earliest settlers of this township were Francis Whitmire and Connell O'Donnell. The former came from Berks County in 1798, with his wife and family, and settled ou a tract of land in the
neighborhood of Boydstown. which he purchased of Stephen Lowry. Dying in 1932, he left his farm, in a good state of cultivation, to his children. His wife's name was Catherine Rust. She was the mother of nine children, none of whom are now living except John, who is now living with his son Peter, in the northwestern portion of the township on a magniti- cent farm, upon which an elegant frame house and barn were erected, the former in 1878 and the latter in ISSO.
Dennis O'Donnell, one of the early settlers in Oakland, is credited with building the first barn. All the neighbors for miles around were invited to the raising, which occupied three days and was the occasion of a grand frolic, and report says that two hogs and one barrel of whisky were consumed dur- ing the time, and a wonderfully jolly . frolic " en- joyed.
Mr. John Whitmire is seventy-eight years of age. His wife was Catharine Painter, of Westmore- land County. Conspicuous among her good traits were a generous heart, industry and economy. Hav- ing a kind word for those with whom she came in contact, she was consequently respected by all as a kind neighbor and a true woman. Of a family of nine children, sis are living. viz .. Peter, Jacob, John, Eliza. Mary and Susan. Peter married Marga- ret Rider. and. as has been said, is residing on a farm which formerly belonged to his father. Jacob married Isabella Brown and ocenpies the old home- stead. John married Jane Campbell. Eliza, who is now Mrs. Robert Morrow, resides in Donegal Township. Mary became Mrs. Christopher Rider and with her family lives near Boydstown. Susan. now Mrs. Beatty. also lives in this township. Dur- ing his active life. Mr. Jolin Whitmire was known everywhere as an industrious and successful farmer, and he was interested in everything calculated to ele- vate society to a higher plane of existence. llo filled all the offices of the township excepting that of Justice of the Peace.
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