USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 77
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Probably no one family were more prominent in the early settlement of the township than that of David McJunkin. who settled here in the autumn of 1796. David McJunkin served as a soldier during the war of 1812-14. He was born in Ireland in 1778. and came to America when six years of age. with his father, William McJunkin, who located in Plum Township, Allegheny Co., Penn. William MeJunkin reared a family of three sons- - William. James and David and six daughters. Only one of the family. David. made this county his home.
When eighteen years of age, David, accompanied by his brother William, came to Contre Township and each located 100 acres of land, and moved into their little cabins, and commeneed the life of pioneers. Tho succeeding spring. William was so dissatisfied with his pioneer experiences that he returned home and remained there, but succeeded, through the assist ance of David. in getting some one to represent him on his lands until he came in possession by right of settlement.
David was a man of great physical strength and resolute will, therefore not easily discouraged. and setting manfully about the laborious task of clearing and tilling his farm, he became one of the largest and most extensive farmers in the township and county.
In the carly days many prosperons farmers en- gaged in the business of distilling whisky. and David built a distillery for this purpose, but being a man of strong religious convictions, and becoming convinced that the business was prejudicial to the best interests of the people. he abandoned the enterprise. He, however, engaged very extensively in tanning leather and saddlery, and erected one of the early and most extensive tanneries on his farm in the county, and conducted this enterprise very successfully for many years. its immediate supervision ultimately falling under the control of his son William.
About 1821. Dr. John Thompson came from New Lisbon, Ohio, purchased an extensive tract of land in Slippery Rock Township, and engaged very exten- sively in manufacturing enterprises. He erected a saw and grist mill. iron furnace, foundry and carding machine. (A more extended description of these en- terprises will be found in the history of Slippery Rock.) About 1829. Thompson became seriously in- volved, and his property, which was sold at Sheriff sale, was purchased by David MeJunkin for about one. fourth its original cost. The business was immedi- ately placed on a paying basis, and the furnace con- ducted until scarcity of iron ore and timber for char- coal, with which it was run. rendered it unprofitable. The year following his location in Centre Township. Mr. MeJunkin wended his way on foot. following a bridle path to the cabin of Aaron Moore, and was there married to his danghter. Elizabeth. and to). gether they walkel back to their future home. Their simple marriage supper. which consisted principally of corn bread baked on astone heate I by the fire-place, was prepared by Mr. MeJunkin, who desired to show his bride his skill in the enlinary art. acquired while keeping bachelor's hall. They were blessed with children as follows: William, who died in infancy. and another son named William, who resided as a farmer on the old farm until hi death. He was at
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
one time a Colonel in the State Militia. Alexander M .. who graduated at Jefferson College, and then studied theology at the Western Theological Seminary, and after graduating preached in various places. including Butler. He ultimately removed to Fi. Wayne. Ind., where he started an academy, and died in 1852: Josiah, who is a farmer and miller in Mercer County: Isaiah, another son, graduated at Jefferson College, also at a medical college in Lonis- ville, Ky .. and practiced in Butler Borough from ISE to 1560, but finally left an extensive and Incrative practice for a broader field in Chicago. III .. where he died in 1581 or 1865: Ebenezer, the present Presi- dent Judge of the county. was also a graduate of Jefferson College. They also had throp danghters - Sarah A .. now the wife of Rev. William MeMichael, who is a prominent Presbyterian minister in Clarion County: Mary E .. now the widow of Dr. O. D. Palmer. who formerly practiced at Zelionople, and afterward moved to Jackson County. Il .. and died: Susan. now the widow of David MeCandless, who resides in Kan- sas with her children.
David MeJunkin died in April. 1Stk. and his widow in October of the year following. He was a most exemplary and highly respected man and a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church.
In 1796, John Thompson, the progenitor of the Thompson family in this county. came from Chartiers Creek. Allegheny County, and settled on a 500-aere tract. one mile north of Muddy Creek. on what is now known as the Erie pike. With him came his family. consisting of his wife (Martha Immes) and eleven children William H .. John H .. Robert W., Thomas C .. Humes. James. Jane. Margaret. Eliza- beth. Martha and Mary. He was a typical pioneer, of powerful physique. hardy and resolute, and of more than ordinary intelligence. He berani one of the prominent characters in the history of the town- ship, where he resided until his decease, which oc- curred in 1845. His wife survived him several years. William H . the oldest of the family. married Jano MeCandless in 1528. Her father was one of the five MeCandless brothers who were so prominently iden- tified with the history of Contre. He was the first Sheriff of Butler County, and deceased about 1-12. He reared three sons John M .. William G. and So]. omon R. William G. and John M. studied law. the former with William Tremblin, the latter with Samuel A. Porviance. William G. removed to Marion, Iowa. He served his country as Colonel of the Twentieth Regiment Iowa Infantry. Afterward. he represented his district in the Forty sixth and Forty-seventh C'on- gresses. Solomon R. resides on a part of the farm arquired by his grandfather.
John H. (son of John) married Miss Jane MeC'and.
less . Ho died many years ago. He had one son and tive daughters. Thomas C. married Miss Sarah Me- Kinney, and resides in Sunbury, and is the only son now living. Robert W. married Miss Francos Black and reared a family of six children. Humes married Catherine Snyder. James, Miss Sarah Ann Patter- Son. Ile died abont IS62.
The name, MeCandless, has been prominent on Butler County records from the organization of the county. The progenitor of the MeCandlesses was John MeCandless, who emigrated from Ireland and located at a very early date m what is now Phim Township, Allegheny County. Four of his sons . - John. George. James and William -were pioneer settlers of Contre Township, and their names are closely linked with its history, while their docend- ants, numerous and respectable, play a prominent part in the affairs of to-day. John, the oldest of the four brothers, was the first Sheriff of Butler County. HIP die t in IS10, and his farm is now owned by John M. Brown, Jr. His wife was Mary A. Smith, who bore six children Mary (Turner), still living; Jane (Thompson), the mother of Col. Thompson, of But- ler: Elizabeth; Nancy (Patterson); John S. and George.
George MeCandless, son of John. Sr .. came to America before his father. and followed up an Indian trail to this township before the advent of his broth- ers. Having cleared a small piece of land and find- ing himself ont of provisions, he was obliged to walk back to Westmoreland (now Allegheny County) to obtain supplies. He married Mary Fish, and as the two were coming to their new home they found their camp surrounded by wolves. This so frightened Mrs. MeCandless that she prayed for death rather than endure a life in the woods with such surround- ings. Three daughters of George Mccandless sur- vive Mary A. ( Porter), now living with her son-in-law, Rov. S. Williams: Elizabeth ( Porter) who resides in West Virginia: Keziah. now Mis, Aaron MeCandless, Centre Township. John. the oldest son of George and Mary MeCandless, was born in Centre Township, Angust 21, 1795, and was the first white male child born in the township .* Ile died in 1560. His wife was Jemima Sullivan, who died in ISSI. Of their living children, George S. is a merchant in New castle; Susannah (MeCandless) resides in Parkers- burg, W. Va ; Polly (Mrs. George McCandles). Cherry Township: Mary A. ( MeKissick). Clay Township: Charles, a prominent attorney in But- ler: Keziah. the widow of R. M. Russel. Centre Township: and Elizabeth C., in Iowa. One son, Samuel K., was a private in the Sixth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. and died in the service in October. Mrs Elizabeth Turk, daughter of the John McCandles previously men- tivued, was the first female child born in the township,
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
1864. James, the third son of John McCandless. was married to Margaret Moore. He died in 1810, she in 1817. Four of their children are living -- J. M., who occupies a part of the old homestead; Aaron M., a farmer in this township; Elizabeth. in Illinois; and George, in Butler. J. M. MeCandless is now seventy eight years of age, and possesses a vivid rec ollection of early events. To him the historian is indebted for much valuable information. Mr. Me. Candless was a Justice of the Peace ton years. The barn on his farm, erected in 1525, was the first frame building in the township.
William, the fourth son of John MeCandless, was born in Ireland in 1777. He died in 1550. In 1801, he married Nancy Fish. She was born in 1753 and died in 1871. To them were born eleven children, five of whom are dead. Dr. Josiah MeCandless, ono of the sous, died in 1875. (Seo medical chapter.) Of the survivors, Nathan F., born in 1803, is one of the oldest residents. He resides upon a farm which was settled very early, and christened " The Garden." Jane (Thompson). Brady Township; Nancy is Mrs. J. M. MeCandless: Anderson and William C. reside in this township: Jemima (Rodgers), in Lawrence County.
Benjamin Wallace, who was of Scotch-Irish de- scent, caine from Ireland in 1793, when a young man, and settled in Franklin County and was there engaged in distilling whisky at the time of the his- torie whisky insurrection. He, however, submitted to the tax and did not flee the country, as did many.
In the spring of 1802, he disposed of his property and emigrated to Butler County, and settled on the farm now owned by W. P. Smith, 100 acres of which were purchased of Stephen Lowrey at $3 per aere. With William eame his brother Robert. who settled in 1797 on the farm now owned by George Black. He carried four apple trees on his back from Westmoreland County and planted them on his farm. They were probably the first fruit trees in the township: two of them are still standing. Ben- jamin Wallace died in 1852. having reached the ad- vanced age of eighty years. He was a man of stor. ling worth, and of more than ordinary ability. He took an active interest in educational affairs, and the first schoolhouse in the township was ereeted on his farm in 1803. He doubtless erected the first frame dwelling in the township. He was a prominent Epis- copalian, and assisted in establishing the church of this denomination in the borough of Butler. He was the father of nine children, none of whom are now living. One of his daughters (Agnes) married Adam C. Smith, and it is their son (W. P.) above mentioned who occupies the farm Adam C. Smith was born in Rockingham County. Va., in 1792. and came with
his father (Thomas) in 1796, and settled in Bonnie Brook, Summit Township, which at that time con. tained but three other families. In ISIS, he removed to Indiana and thore died. Adam C. returned in 1830, and located on the Wallace farm, and lived here until his death in 1867, his wife's death ocenr- ring in 1864. Of their family, John and Harvey are in Missouri. W. P., J. Boon and a sister Margaret reside on the old homestead. Benjamin is in Illinois, and Milton is dead. For twenty-three years, W. P. was the successful foundry manager for the Brady Bend Iron Works, in Armstrong County.
James Allison, one of the original settlers, located on the farm now owned by Oliver Thompson. Of his tive children, ouly one. Robert, is living. He is in his eighty third year, and resides on a portion of his father's farm with his son, John N. His other chil- dren are Nancy M. and Mary E .. in Concord Township; Lydia E .. in Clay; William and Sarah E., in Centre: while James, Martha J., Permelia and Thomas C. are deceased, the latter dying in the army. Mr. Allison reealls the time when wooden plows were exclusively used. At first. they were very rude affairs, and a man skilled in their manufacture could make our in four days. He split 400 rails for a neighbor to manufacture one for him, which was destroyed by a tree falling on it, thus necessitating the splitting of 400 additional rails for another. About forty-five years ago, the iron mold board was brought into use, and later the iron plow. Grain was reaped with a siekle, a long, laborious task, and the first innova- tion he remembers on this time-honored instrument was made by William Allison. He attached a scythe and some fingers to a crooked stiek. He left the other workmen far in the rear, and soon thereafter the more modern eradle supplanted the sickle. Rob. ert Allison erected the first frame barn in his neigh borhood, which is still standing. Aaron Moore, a na tive of Scotland, settled in Butler County in 1796 with three sons-David, James and William. The latter lived here until his death. He had quite a family of girls, and their advent was gladly wel- comed by the young men who desired wives, and there was quite a rivalry between them as to who should become the favored suitors. Margaret mar- ried James McCandless; Sarah, John Turk: Nancy, Matthew Thompson: and Elizabeth. David MeJunkin.
At this time wild game of all kinds, and wolves and bears were numerous. The latter were especially troublesome, necessitating the inclosure of sheep each night Many of the necessaries of life. incluid- ing salt, were brought ou pack horses. The costume of the men at this time, made them appear more like brigands than a peaceful people engaged in agri culture. for the loose- fitting blouse was encircled at
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IHISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
at the waste with a belt, in which was sticking a knife in a mat suspicious looking manner. His feet were encased in moccasins; over his shoulder was sluing the long barreled flint lock musket, while by his side dangled his powder horn, which completed an outfit as striking as it was convenient and neces. sary. Pone teorn bread, baked on a stone heated in the open fire place, and venison, with palatable flesh of the wild turkey, comprised in a large measure the bill of fare of the pioneers: but as they labored hard, it was eaten with a relish, and the simple fare was prodnetive of good health and longevity.
Among the settlers of 1797 were Nathaniel and Mary (Allen) Stevenson, who came from Westmore- land County. Mr. Stevenson had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His wife was a great spin- ner. and noted through the settlement for the great quantity and fine quality of her work. Mr. Steven- son lived to be eighty six years of age, and his wife attained the age of one hundred years six months and seven days, dying in 1952. Their two oldest children aro deceased: Nathaniel lives in Franklin Township; James, in Indiana: Mary. widow of John Rose, with her son in-law, William Stoops. in Butler Township; and Sarah. in Wampun.
John MeCleary was one of the early settlers, and is believed to have arrived in 1997. He brought with him his wife and family. and they made their home in the southern part of the town-hip. ou land now owned by J. G. and W. Campbell. of Butler. A son. Squire Thomas MeCleary. a prominent munn in the northern part of the county, died within the last few years. One of the daughters of John Mc- Cleary married Abraham Markle Neyman, and was the mother of Dr. Neyman. of Butler.
John Rose was a settler of the year 1800. Ho em igrated from New Jersey when a young man, and, oh- taining land in this township. followed farming the remainder of his life. He married Mary Stevenson. who survives him. His death occurred in 1566. at the age of eighty-six years. A daughter resides in Butler Township. the wife of William Stoops.
Archibald St. Clair. of Irish birth, settled opp mile west of Cuionville, abont the year 1501. His children were John. Robert. Joseph. Archibald, Mar- garet (Hoag), Jane (MeDavitt). Mary (Thompson). Rachel (Matthews). Elizabeth t McMichael ). Mr -. Hoag is the only survivor. Robert St. Clair married Eleanor Wright, and lived on the old Wright home -tead.
About 1503. David Wright. a native of Ireland. moved from the vicinity of Baltimore, and settled where Robert St. Clair now lives. He was the father of the following children: Samuel. Margaret Steven-
som. Nancy and Sarah. None are now living. Sam nel was an 1812 soldier.
James and Catherine (Double) Gordon settled in this township quite early. Names of their children
Isabel (Hamilton). Jane, deceased: Betsey (Aggas). deceased: Nancy (Brown). Margaret ( Wasson). Mary ( Ryder), Rebecca (MeCalb. Maria (Perry), William and James.
Andrew Dunn and family settled in this township in 1529. There were five children in the family, Four of whom are living - Catherine (Smith), dead. Martha M. (Jones), Elizabeth (Brackney). Sarah J. (Albert) and damos 3 .: Andrew Dun died in Franklin Township in ISSI, aged eighty. Hle camo to this county from Huntingdon County.
William Christie, who was born in Ireland in 1765. came to this country when a boy, and on reach- ing maturity left Westmoreland County in 1800, and settled at the head waters of the Connoquenessing Creek, in what is now Concord Township: about twenty years later, he returned to the county from whence he came, but subsequently returned to Butler County. and lived with his son (John) on the old farm until his death in ISIS. His family consisted of Betsey, John, Robert and William.
Some time during the Revolutionary war, Will- iam, accompanied by an okler brother. had their horses shot from under them by the Indians, while taking them to pasture. William was captured, and his life spared. and was finally sold to the British: his brother essayed to escape, but was caught in the woods and scalped. Jolm Christie, who died in IS61, in his sixty sixth year, and his wife Margaret (Guth- rie). who died in 1972. were the parents of nine chil- dren Mary. John G .. Eliza, Nancy. Eleanor, Oliver J., and William A .. who now lives on a tract of land purchased of John Kirk. He, and his wife, Sarah .1. (MeJunkin, have a family of four children now liv- ing. Although devoting the major portion of his at- tention to farming. Mr. Christie has served as County Commissioner three yours.
As has been noticed. John Galbraith was among the early settlers. He was a man of liberal educa tion, but had the misfortune to lose his eyesight ho- fore coming hore. Ho. was accompanied by three sons Alexander. James and John. Jr. The latter son was largely educated by his father. He studied law in Butler Borough, and there established the first newspaper in the county called the Butter I'll- ludium and Republican Star. He sold out to Morris and John Bredin. He then went to Venango County. and established a paper, but ultimately removed to Erie, became Andge of the Court of Common Pleas, and was twice sent to Congress. A female slave
DANIEL SHANER .
MRS. SOPHIA SHANER.
R. M. RUSSEL.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
brought in by the family was liberated by the eman cipation act of that early period, and upon the death of his brother, Alexander, the Judge took her to Erie and provided for her until her death.
The name of David Wright appeared among the first settlers. His death occurred in 1523 ; the farm is now owned by his grandson, Robert St. Clair, with whom his sister Margaret resides. Robert's father. also named Robert, purchased it of his father-in-law. David Wright, so the property has been in the family ever since its purchase. in 1504. of Philip and Poter Fryer, at what then seemed an extravagant price SS per acre.
Robert St. Clair, Sr., was the second son of Archi ball St. Clair, previously noticed.
Henry Evans, who was a Colonel in the war of 1812, moved into the county about 1800, and was quite a prominent man, filling the office of Sheriff, He died in 1850. in his seventy-fifth year : his chil- dren were John. A. M., George W .. Hiram J .. Per- melia. Margaret A .. Lydia, Jane, and are all dead except Hiram, who lives in Mercer County. Ann Eliza, widow of A. M., lives with her son Walter Evans, on the farm ske and her husband commenced to improve in IS38, when, with the exception of a small garden spot. it was a wilderness. Their worldly possessions then consisted of a horse and cow. Two other children of A. M. are now living Samuel in Venango County, and Valoria. now Mrs. Purvis, in Butler.
The name of Adam Shaner must not be omitted from the list of old settlers. He came to Butler County from Westmoreland County in 1797 or 1798. and settled in Butler Township, but soon moved in what now constitutes Centre, purchased the settler's right of Frank harus to 165 acres of land. which as- signment is acknowledged in the deed given him in 1812, by Stephen Lowrey-consideration. SI. In those early days, almost without exception, everybody drank whisky, and it was considered a breach of etiquette not to offer it to guests. A large num- ber erected small stills on their farms, and among the number Adam Shaner. Of his family of eight children, only one, Mrs. Balph, in Allegheny City. survives; one of his sons, Jacob, purchased the home. stead and lived there until his death in 1873, at the advanced age of eighty-four years. He reared a family of eight children, two of whom-Simon and Jacob, are in Oregon; Catharine, in Allegheny City; Henry, in California; John. Barbara and Adam. deceased. The only representative of the family in the county is Daniel, who owns the homestead, and is a quiet. industrious farmer.
John Irwin, a native of Ireland, when abont fifteen years of age, accompanied his parents to Westmore-
land County In 1837. he came to this county and located in Cherry Township, and there resided until his death in 1513. One of his children, Samuel, is now a farmer in Centre Township, owning land which was settled by George MeCandless. One of the first frame barns was built on this farm, and is still standing.
Enoch Varmum emigrated from England, and dur- ing the Revolutionary war took up arms in behalf of his adopted country, and during the unfortunate battle of Gon. St. Clair against the Indians was seriously wounded in the shoulder, and thus incapitat ed him for manual labor. He settled in Washington Township, where he died in his ninetieth year. His son William occupies the old homestead. Three of his children grow to maturity -Philip, William and Catharine. Philip died in Wisconsin in 1855. He was twice married, first to Mary Lahy, by whom he had sevon children, viz. : William. Hannah, Sarah, Enoch L .. Harriet. Catharine and Mary. One son, Enoch L .. is a prominent farmer of this township. a il the owner of a portion of the David MeJunkin farm. He married Elvina, danghter of William Me- Junkin. As this farin was owned by her grandfather and father. she is one of the third generation to make it her home. They are the parents of six children now living. viz .: Clara (Mrs. C. B. Thompson) : William L (an Ensign in the U. S. Navy). George W. (on the homestead). Edwin H. (in Kansas) and Mary J. and J. Heber at home.
John Eagal came from Allegheny City. and located in Centerville, where he followed his trade that of chair maker -until his death in 196 f: one of his sons, E. D. Eagal, uow lives on the farm settled by Robert Curry. During the rebellion, ho enlisted. Angust 14. 1862. in Company I. One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. and was discharged in 1865 at the end of the war. He was at the surrender of Lee and his army, and helped take the first outpost when they assaulted him.
When about nine years of age. R. M. Russell ae companied his father to Contre Township. He was one of those who valiantly served his country as a soldier during the rebellion. His death, which occurred Inly 8, 1SS2, was a loss to the community. where he was minch esteemed. His widow resides on the farm given her husband by his grandfather, R. M. McCandless.
Samnel N. Moore, in 1524, when about twenty years of age. moved to Washington Township, and purchased. at $1.25 per aore, a tract of wild land, and endured many privations and hardships in clear- ing and developing it. He was one of the early school teachers, and taught winters from 1820 to 1544, at first receiving about $12 per month, which
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
was mostly paid in grain. He died in August, 1571. in his sisty-seventh year. His wife, Mary, (Christie). lives with her son J. R., on the old homestead.
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