USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 80
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351
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
smith shops and a livery stable. There are also an Odd Fellows Lodge and three churches-United Presbyterian, Presbyterian and Covenanter.
PORTERSVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church was organized October 13. 1820. The settlement at that time wasentirely now and very sparse, and being made up mostly of speeders, the Presbyterian families wore consequently few. There was preaching occasionally among them in private bouses for something like six years before this time The first preaching was in the cabinet shop of Mr. Thompson McCosh. This was in the year 1814 or 1815. The services were conducted by Rev. Reid Bracken. One of the bearers-now a very aged man-referring to this first service. said: "I do not ro. member much of his sermon now. but I have not for- gotton how his son William then but a boy, folded his hands in a peculiarly reverent manner, closed his eyes, and stood perfectly erect and still during the delivery of the prayer." At the organization the fol lowing persons were received on certificate: John and Sarah Walker, Robert and Margaret Stewart. Samuel and Nancy Stewart. Ephraim and Martha Hunter. Thompson und Naney MeCosh, and Elizabeth and Barbara Stewart, making twelve in all. John Walker and Samuel Stewart were chosen Ruling Elders. Mr. Stewart continued to serve until 1829. when death ended his career. Mr. Walker continued to serve until 1842 -- twenty-two years- when he was gathered home to his Fathers. Other persons elected to the session were John Stewart, Thompson McCosh and Alexander Morrison. Minutes of the session bears this testimony with reference to them: "Mr. Mor- rison continued to meet with the session regularly until 1837, when it is probable his death occurred. It was sudden. and in the morning of his manhood. and it was much lamented by all." Messrs. Stewart and MeCosh both ceased to act about the year 1845, on account of increasing infirmities, and both died soon after their retirement. Father Bracken, as he was called, continued to supply this congregation from 1820 to 1841. Rev. Newton Bracken. his son. was ordained and installed October 15, 1841. He ministered to this people until 1559. Rev. William P. Harvison settled in 1863, and was dismissed in 1867. on account of failing health. Rev. Samuel L. Johnson sneceeded him, and was ordained and in- stalled in 1870. He remained until 1572, when Rev. R. B. Walker succeeded him, and has served as stated supply since July. 1572. The present session of the church are James Morrison, George Oliver, John Cheesman. William Humphrey, Guyan Mor rison and Horatio Payne. The present membership of the church is 100. The Church edifice was prob-
ably erected in 1524. It was a frame structure and small in size. Ten years later it was remodled. ro. ceiving an addition of ten or twelve feet. It wasro- placed by a brick building in 1841. The present Trustees of the church are William Humphrey, Esq., Milton Kennedy and Joseph Morrison
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The United Presbyterian denomination came into existence in 1558. It was the result of a union of the Associate Reformed and Associate congregations. The first services were held in the same church build- ing which the Associate Reformed congregation had nsed. The sermon was preached by Rev. Andrew Irons, of Michigan, who was installed regular pastor in IS59, and who ministered to this charge until the outbreak of the rebellion. Rev. John M. Donald- son, a graduate of Jefferson College, succeeded to the pastorate, being ordained and installed in 1865. Mr. Donaldson labored with great zeal and profit for five years, when he resigned his charge and removed to New Wilmington, where he assumed a charge, and where he labored until a short time before his death, which occarred in 1871. In 1873. Rev. William Galbraith accepted a call, and remained pastor of the congregation until 1876. Rev. James A. Clark. the present pastor, succeeded Rov. Galbraith. accepting a call for one-half of his time in 1879.
The church building was erected in 1840 and 1841. It is a brick structure, forty-five feet front and fifty-five feet deep. It is well finished in the interior and its seating capacity is about 300 : the numerical strength of the congregation is about 120: the origi- nal number was seventy five. The first members of session were Jolm Cowden. Thomas Christy, James MeClymonds, James Gardner, George Frazier. John McClelland. The Trustees were David Cleeland, Jonathan MeClymonds and James Gardner. The present members of session are George MeGee, James Frazier. Robert Glenn. John McClymonds and Will- iam B. Dodds. The present Trustees are Robert Frazier, Robert Walters. William Medlymonds and Orrin Stewart. The cost of the church building was $3.000.
COVENANTERS OR REFORMRD PRESBYTERIANS
The united charges of Rose Point and Porters- ville are a part of Camp Rnn congregation. which was presided over by Dr. Guthrie about the year IS33. The first settled minister was Rev. Thomas Hanna. who was installed in IS5S. He was of Scotch parentage, and received his education in Scotland. His pastorate lasted about four years when he became a United Presbyterian. He was succeeded by Rev. J. C. Smith. the present pastor, who was ordained and installed in 1963. The first session of this con-
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
gregation was composed of Mr. Thomas Spear, John Love, Mathew Stewart. Thomas Wilson. Joseph Ken- nedy and Thomas Blair. The Covenanters have no Trustees, the Ellership attending to the secular of- tices of the church : present Elders are Fullerton Kennedy, Thomas Young, Robert MeCaslin, Robert Wylie and James MeElwain. A Sabbath school num- bering sixty- five pupils, is connected with the church, the Superintendent of which is Dr. James M. Balph.
SOCIETY OF ODD FELLOWS.
This association was organized in May. 1875, with twenty charter members. There is at present forty-one members. The lodge held its first meeting in the hall above the Brenneman Hotel, and its present meetings are held in a hall owned by the lodge in the southern part of the town : the building is fifty-five by twenty-two feet. and cost when finished about $1,100. The original officers of the lodge were -Noble Grand, James Porter: Vier Grand, Levi Beighley: Secretary, Caleb Covert ; Assistant Secre- tary, Fred Bander. From the organization to the present time. the officers have been: Fast Grand, James Porter. Levi Beighley, Fred Bander. Caleb Covert. John Scheidemantle, George Nye, N. W. Ken- nedy, S. J. Musselman, C. W. Porter, Thomas Book, S. T. Okeson, Sammel Bander. John Bander, JJames Humphrey. The present officers are Jomm Dunbar. N. G .; William Bander. V. G .; Caleb Covert, Seere. tary; William Young. Assistant. Representatives to Grand Lodge, P. G. George Nye. The lodge is at present represented to be in a very flourishing condi dition.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Borough of Portersville .- 1815. James Hall : 1845, John W. Riddle: 1547, Francis Findley : 1850, James Hall : 1852. Jacob Wimer : 1555, Will- iam H. Patterson: 1859. William W. Roberts : 1560, Thomas H. White : 1868, William Humphrey ; 1965, W. W. Roberts ; ISSS. William Humphrey : 1565. William Williams : 1873, William Humphrey : 1573, William Williams : 1876, Samuel T. Okeson : 1578, William Humphrey.
EARLY SCHOOLS,
The first school was in all probability held in an old log dwelling house which stood on the Johnson MeKnight farm, now known as the MeDannels farm, in the winter of 1821. The teacher was Johnson McKnight. Even at that early day pupils were not ignorant of the custom which prevailed some years later, of "barring" the teacher ont until he would promise to give them a " treat." This was attempted on Mr. Johnson about the close of his three months' term. Not the least bit nonplused. he quietly re- turned home and concluded to use stratagem to defeat
their ends. He dressed himself up in his wife's best garments and repaired to the schoolroom. The door he found still closed. He rapped at the window very gently, and in a moment a dozen heads pre- sented themselves. They, of course, were all sur- prised to see a lady standing without. and. no doubt. felt somewhat mortified that the door was found closed and barred against her. At all events, they hurriedly opened the door to admit the stranger. Mr. Johnson asked his pupils, in a feigned female voice, where their teacher was. They answered he was not in just then; whereupon he walked in and, throwing off his disguise. he called them to order. It is not necessary to say that they were somewhat surprised, and. no doubt. chagrined. John Lewis succeeded Mr. Johnson the following year. Some of the early pupils were David and William Cleeland. John and Isaac Cleeland. John Cheeseman. William and George Christy, John L. Knight. Sarah Knight. now Mrs. Sarah Stewart, Mary Cleeland, now Mrs. Limber, Robert Walker, Simon Fletcher Robert and Annie McCosh. R. J. Walker. subsequently Rev. Walker, John Collins and Andrew Spear, afterward Dr. Spear.
A few years later. another school was taught on the Thomas Christy farm by George Greer. He was an old man, and is said to have been a good teacher for his time. He was kept two or three years in suc- cession. About 1823, a log building was put up ou the Dan Kennedy farm. now owned by George Me Gee, and it was denominated Concord School. The teacher was Charles Philips. Other early teachers were David Fisher. William Beighley and a Yankee named Marshall. Those teachers taught at various times from the period when the first school was es- tablished or put into operation until the Legislature, in its wisdom and benevolence, established the pub- lie schools " the poor man's friend and the glory of the commonwealth."
We have already seen that before the present school law came into offeet. schools in this township were few and not well distributed. The books used were few: the Bible as a text book in reading: for higher classes the spelling book and arithmetic. Yet the teachers, generally, who taught these pioneer schools were gentlemen of liberal culture and exeon- tive ability, and the pupils made much progress. But the buildings were poor and the appliances very meager.
The common school system was accepted in the vear 1536. but it was not passively established. The law was at first obnoxions and very generally de- nounced by a large class of people who then enter- tained some very absurd notions concerning "free schools." Through the powerful appeals, however,
353
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
of those who had a deep insight into the true rela- tions of things, the grand system which educates the children of the homeless and indigent, as well as the sons and daughters of the nabob and opulent, be- came tirily established and grow in strength and favor from that day to this.
In the same year that the public schools went in- to operation, eight school buildings were erected with larger conveniences than the primeval schools and in every respect more comfortable. Two houses were built in the western part of the township, and were known as the Frazier School and Double School. The Whippoiwill. Albert, Kiester and Webb in the southern portion, and the Snyder School in the north- ern part of the township. The Directors of these schools were William Forester, who was also Treas- urer: Johnston Knight, Robert Hampton, Secretary; John White, Joseph Forester and George A. Kirkpat- rick. The early common-school teachers were John L. Knight, Samuel Armstrong. John Supple, Robert Walker, now Rev. R. B. Walker, Joseph McGowan. John Sterrett, John B Campbell, still living at a good old age, and Johnston Knight. Since the re- districting of the township in 1554, there have been six schools in operation.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
WORTH.
Organization-Origm of the Name-Topography Initial Events- First Settlers' Reminiscences-Indians-Pioneer Hardships-Edu- rational and Religious.
THIS township came into existence twenty eight years ago. Up to the time of its organization. the greater portion of it belonged to Muddy Crock. and a small fractional part to Slippery Rock. It was named as a tribute of respect to the gallant Gen. Worth, who distinguished himself in the Mexican war. The southern half of Worth is comparatively hilly, and is underlaid with heavy veins of coal and limestone, but for agricultural purposes the northern part of the township is the most productive, the soil being more fertile, and the surface of the land gent- ly undulating or rolling. Like the southern portion, it is also underlaid with rich deposits of coal and limestone. Throughout the whole township, there are numerous excellent springs of water, the best be- ing along Slippery Rock. The agricultural products are principally wheat, oats and corn, but special at. tention is given to the production of wheat. It is estimated that this township raises twice as inneh of this cereal as any other in the county. and it is as- serted also by good farmers that it is of a superior quality. The only village in this township is Mechan-
iesburg. It contains probably over a dozen houses, among which are a general store, post o fice, two smith shops, tannery, town hall, wagon shop and a woolen mill. This woolen mill was at one time -many years since -an extensive enterprise. It was estab. lished by one Charles Coulter soon after 1512, and was operated by him for many years. John Balph purchased it from him and condneted the business in all its branches until his death. The building is still standing in a dilapidated condition. The village re. ceived its name from the fact that a cluster of mechan - ies located there about the same time. The tannery formerly owned by Alexander Balph. now a resident of Neweastle, and now owned and conducted by James Maxwell, still does a good business.
The first marriage which occurred within the bounds of this township was that of David Stude- baker and Catharine Michaels.
The first frame house built in this township was erected by a minister - Rev. William Woods-who preached just across the line in Lawrence County, but resided in this township. It was raised on the farm settled by John Pisor, son of Jacob Pisor, one of the early explorers of this portion of the county.
William Jack built the first brick house in 1827. The bricks were burned on the farm now owned by George C. Drake. Benjamin Jack planted the first orchard in this township in 1798. Some of the trees are yet standing and bear fruit.
Alexander McBride is credited with having ereet- ed the first flouring mill in this section in the year 1827. It was a frame structure, and had two run of common stone. It is authoritatively stated that this mill did a flourishing business for twenty-five years before it was abandoned.
The first road laid out through this township was the Pittsburgh, leading from the pike near North Liberty, and intersecting the Mereer road at Porters- ville. A later road was opened up, leading from Newcastle to the month of Serubgrass, and passing through the northern part of the township. The Newcastle & Great Western road passes through the central part of the township.
When Worth became a township. her first impor- tant duty was to put into operation legislative pro. visions. with reference to the establishment of schools and their successful operation, and election of officers for the maintenance of good government.
To this end an election was held at the house of William Humphrey, which was a central location. The officers elected were: William Moore and Isaae Double for Justices of the Peace; School Direetors, John Tebay. B. F. Elliott. John Wimer, John C. MeNees. George Book and William Humphrey. The present officers are S. H. Moore and John Humphrey,
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Justices: School Directors. W. P. Elliott, James Moore. Milo Elder. James Pisor, Vaneourt Vosler and John Reichert; Constable and Assessor, James Mc. Clymonds: Road Commissioners, Thomas Clark. Zeb- ulon Cooper and John S. Brown: Township Auditors, James Maxwell and Joseph Barron: Overseers of the Poor. David Studebaker and J. N. Glenn.
The class of people who first penetrated the wills of this section of the county, and settled within the present boundaries of this township, were men of robust constitution, principally of Scotch- Irish extrac. tion, and nearly all hailed either from the eastern part of the State, or what is now Westmoreland County. We have authentic data showing that cer- tain individuals explored the territory comprised within the limits of this township, and male settle- ment, or rather "squatted." on lands as early 1790.
Those persons who came in nearly at the same time and made settlements soon after the country west of the Alleghanies was thrown open for settle- ment, were Benjamin Jack. James, John and William MeNees, brothers; Thomas Humphrey, Charles Mar- tin and Charles Coulter. Some few came in a few years previous. The Cornplanter Indians (a band of Delawares) occupied this territory, and. besides grati- fying their proclivities for hunting and fishing, they cultivated large fields of corn. This is evident from the fact that when the first settlers came in, they were amazed to find something like twenty acres of land cleared, and the corn rows were plainly discern- ible. This field borders on Slippery Rock, and now forms a part of B. F. Elliott's farm. It is to this day called the " Indian field."
Arrow-heads, darts and steel tomahawks were found in great abundance, and presenting the appear- ance of having been used only a short time prior to their discovery. These tomahawks are represented to have been hatchet-shaped- very similar to hatchets of the present day, with the exception of the blade being narrower. Contiguous to the field referred to. and originally belonging to the same tract of land, is another field in the possession of William Pisor, which, from time immemorial, has been known as the Indian graveyard. It is believed that here the red men buried their dead, and there is very strong evi. dence to support this theory. There are trees in close proximity to this field of a great age. which bear the same peculiar marks, and some of the olilest descendants of early settlers say that their ancestors frequently alluded to the fact of trees, which led to this place from all directions, being blazed in a sig- nificant manner. and that they observed this field marked in various places with piles of stone in the shape of mounds. In later years excavations have been ma le and bones found.
About the year 1790, a party of twelve persons, buoyant with life and exhuberant health, left West- morefand County, in the neighborhood of Greens- burg. on a hunting expedition, and for the purpose of exploring the extreme western part of the county (for Westmoreland at that time extended as far as Eric). When they arrived at Logan's Ferry, which was between Freeport and Pittsburgh, they were ad- vised of the hostilities of the Indians against pale- faced invaders in the northern sections of the county, and great depredations which it was alleged they wore committing, and they at once became terrified, and all of the party, with two exceptions, refused to proceed further. Of course the story was a canard, for at that time no white men had ventured into their midsi. and at this particular epoch in their history they were quiet and disposed to be peaceable. David Studebaker and Abraham Schneider -- for these were the two exeoptions came on and passed through where Butler now stands. It was almost dark when they arrived at what is known as the "old fair ground." about one mile west of town. There they built a tire, cooked some venison which they procured on the way, and after partaking of their frugal meal. they wrapped about them their blankets and laid clown to sleep. The following morning they pushed on through the bewildering forests, until they finally reached the territory included within the bounds of this township. They had walked that day a distance of twenty miles, and when they reached the banks of Slippery Rock it was again almost night, and they found themselves completely exhausted from hunger and travel. They were not dissatisfied. however. with what their companions thought a perilous under- taking, but they coneluded they had reached a country plentifully supplied with game. and were highly elated over their successful adventure. They could see wolves prowling around at not a great distance, and could hear the distant bark of others. As for bears and deer. the forests wore alive with them. They began at once to make preparations for supper. simple as it might be, for their stock of provisions, very limited at first. was already about exhausted. Hardly had they kindled their fire, when a company of redskins came suddenly upon them. They had been out upon the chase, and were returning to their wigwam with their -poils. They expressed their sur prise at seeing these pale-faced adventurers, by indis- cribable sounds. Dropping their game, which was deer dissected into quarters, they at once entered into conversation with the hunters, asking them various imnestions as to where they came from and what their business was. When they were informed by Schneider and Studebaker, that their mission was simply to see the country and to shoot the deer and bear, they be-
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
came very social and friendly toward them, inviting them to go with them to their encampment, which was just one mile and a half north of what is now Mechanicsburg. They accepted the hospitality and repaired to their wigwams, where they met at least a dozen more of their race. It need scarcely be ob- served. that they, too, were greatly surprised to see white men At first, they imagined they were cap- tives, but when it was explained by one who seemed to be a recognized leader, that the white mon were hunters, and friendly to thom, they soomed pleased, and shook hands with them. The squaws prepared them a supper. which consisted of baked corn-meal, venison and wild honey. Soon after their supper was ended, the Indian who seemed to be the spokes- man, took them to another wigwam near by. and pointed them to a place where they could retire to sleep. Schneider was fearful that something might befall them while they slept, but young Studebaker felt assured by their kindly disposition and treatment that all was right. Moreover, he knew something of the nature of the Indians, from his father who had been a captive for nine years. The simple record of his experience is this: He with his sister-a young lady-was captured by the Indians in Cumberland County in 1755, when eleven years of age. They both were with them for nine years, roving around over Western Pennsylvania and the eastern part of Ohio. Miss Studebaker became quite a favorite with them, and was treated with all the courtesy and civility possible. She was said to be a fine looking young woman, and by her gentle deportment won the high regard of the entire tribe. She, in turn, grew to like her manner of life, and after a time, began to like this primitive mode of life and the society of the aborigines. Shortly before her brother's release, when riding through the wools upon her Indian pony, she was thrown suddenly from him, and strik- ing her head against a log, she was killed instantly. Her brother was liberated at a place called by the Indians Moosh-king-oong. which in our vernacular is Muskingum. a river in the southeastern part of Ohio. This liberation took place in 1764. When thirty-four years of age, he did valiant service as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. It is said by him --- and truthfully, we believe-that he not only fre- quently conversed with Washington, but was an inti- mate friend of his. He knew nothing of the death of his little sister until he obtained his liberation. and his sorrow for her early demise was no ordinary grief.
David, his son, with his companion, Schneider. built a cabin where George Armstrong now lives. on the very spot which serves as his garden. They spent all of their time from September to Christmas with
the Indians, hunting and exploring the country. They then went back to Greensburg to meet their kindred, and relate to them their interesting encoun - ters and a lventures. Three years later, David Stade- baker returned to this place, bringing with him a lit. tle sister to keep house. They at once sought out the cabin which he and his friend Schneider had erected. and there they took up their abode. David liked the country, and determined to make his future home here, but his little sister became very inneh dissatis- tied with her position-lonely indeed it must have been -- and was constantly in fear of the Indians, for the first stories related to her were about their treachery and cold-blooded murders. No wonder, then. in this mental condition, she pleaded to be taken to her home. Her brother cheerfully yielded to her request, and brought back with him an older sister. They squat- ted upon the land referred to, and proceeded at once to level the forests and cultivate the soil. Thirty years after his first visit to this part of the country, when he was fifty years of age, David Studebaker came to his son David's place, and settled with him. Here he spent the remainder of his life. David. married Catharine Michaels, of Harlansburg; Joseph, died in 1815, aged seventy years. Henry Studebaker, son of David and grandson of Joseph, is still living in this township with his son JJohn, who was born here.
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