USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 86
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The hall in which the various lodges meet is owned by the Odd Fellows. It is tastily and well furnished.
, BUENA VISTA,
This village was laid out about 1S17. by John McKisson upon land which he bought from Michael Andrew. Thomas Jackson, an Irishman, was the first ; settler on the land where the village now is, and Mr. Andrew, the subsequent owner of the property.
McKisson started a store and a tavern which he kept for some years. Mr. Isaac Kepple. who has resided in Buena Vista since ISal, says that when he came, the " town " consisted of five or six houses, a store, tavern and a blacksmith shop.
N. Pontius came to Buena Vista in 1863, and en- gaged in the mercantile business. His store remained the only one in the place until 1872, when the effects of the oil excitement soon converted Buena Vista into a lively and flourishing town. Mr. Pontius still resides in the place, but discontinued his mercantile business four years ago. There are now two general stores, kept by Paul Troutman and Enos Ellenberger. J. J. Sutton keeps a grocery and the post office. The latter was established in 1872. with Mr. Sutton Post- master. The office is known as Peachville.
Buena Vista was formerly quite an important oil town. and contained six stores, two drug stores, machine shops, hotels, etc., all of which have disap peared. A large hotel, erected by Alexander Storey soon after the oil excitement commenced, was de- stroved by fire in August. IS75. At the same time thirty-seven buildings were destroyed. including four stores and the heart of the business portion of the place. Numerous buildings have since been torn down and removed, so that now but little remains to tell what the village once was.
HAYSVILLE.
This little village, on the farm of Thomas Hays. was built by the oil developments in its vicinity. At one time the place consisted of fifty or more houses. two hotels, stores, shops, machine shops, etc.
The first store in the place was conducted on a small scale by John MeCorkle, W. G. Hays is at present the only merchant in the place. He began business in 1875.
N. W. Krouse's machine shop and store for oil- well supplies is the most important business estab- lishment in the place. Mr. Krouse came to Hays- ville in 1876. The village was then at its best. Since 1879, it has declined considerably, though there is still considerable business transacted here.
ST. JOHN'S REFORMED CHURCH,
The house of worship of this congregation was built in 1869. It is situated near Millerstown. The congregation was organized June 26, 1870, with seventy- four members. The pastors have been Rev. A. Dale and Rov. J. W. Alspach. At present this church has a membership of 110.
THALIA GRANGE.
Thalia Grange, No. 636. P. of H .. Fairview Town- ship. was organized December 20. 1865, with sixteen charter members. Present membership, twenty.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
THE BARNHART FAMILY.
Rudolph Barnhart. of German descent. came from Westmoreland County about the year 1797, and located upon the farm now ocenpied by his descend- ants. There were then no settlers in the neighbor- hood, excepting the Hemphills and a man named Spangler. After commencing work upon his land, Mr. Barnhart returned to Westmoreland County for his wife. Her maiden name was Christina Rice. She was the mother of eleven children. all of whom were born in Butler County: William, Philip, Susan- na (wife of Jonathan Andre), Christina (wife of Jo- seph Vensil), Frederick, Elizabeth (married John Andre). Rudolph. Simon, Andrew, Mary (wife of Nicholas King), and Catharine ( wife of John Eber- hart). Of this family the following are still living: Simon and Mrs. Eberhart, Fairview Township: Mrs. Vensil. Donegal Township: Mrs. Elizabeth Andre and Mrs. King. Concord Township.
Philip Barnhart was born on the old homestead in 1501. He was brought up to hard work and lived the life of a sober, upright and industrious farinor In 1825, he married Mary Wiles, a native of this county and a daughter of Frederick Wiles, who emi- grated from Eastern Pennsylvania to this county and settled in Donegal Township about the year 1799. Mrs. Barnhart is still living. Mr. Barnhart died in 1872. He was a member of the Roformed Church. to which denomination all of his family adhere. Of his family of eleven children. six are living. The names of the children are Susan, William. Samuel, Christina. Elizabeth, Magdalena. Catherine, Eli R.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Webster. Sarah A. and Nancy C. The survivors are Samuel and Webster, each of whom lives upon por- tions of the old homestead; Susan, wife of David Shakely. Armstrong County: Catharine, wife of dolin S. Murtland. Concord Township: Sarah 1 .. wife of William A. Smith. Parker Township; and Nancy C .. wife of William F Murtland. Concord Township.
R. W. Barnhart, who is well known as a promi- nent and influential citizen of this township. was born in 184H and has lived upon the farm, devoting himself to agriculture, and of late years paying con. siderable attention to oil production. His farm has proved quite prolific oil territory, Since 1873. nine wells have been drilled, three of which are still pro- ducing. Mr. Barnhart has now exempted his larm from leases, so that the prodnet of future wells will be entirely his own Mr. Barnhart is a Republican in politics. He has never aspired to office, but in his capacity of private citizen he is recognized a man of liberality-publie spirited and ready to encourage every good work.
He was married in 1865 to Mary A. Shakely, daughter of Henry Shakely. of Fairview Township. They have three children -Presly A .. Eda A. and Maria S.
HON A. L. CAMPBELL
One of the earliest pioneers of Butler County was John Campbell, who moved from Polk Run, West- moreland County, in 1798. While in Westmoreland County, Indians were so numerous and troublesome that the minister, Rov. Porter, was accustomed to keep his gun by his side in the pulpit. John Camp- bell was the father of eight sous and one daughter. all of whom are dead -Robert, Jolm. Andrew. James, William, Joseph, Jane, Thomas and Sammel. I 1SOS, Andrew Campbell, son of John. Sr., moved from Clarion County to the farm that is now A. L. Camp. bell's. His wife was Jane Lewis. Their son Robert. born in 1505. is still living in good health. At his home are living the representatives of four genera- tions --- Robert, A. L., F. M. and Charles L. Campbell.
Andrew Lewis Campbell, the son of Robert and Elizabeth ((ibson) Campbell. was born March 9. 1827, on the farm where he now resides. August 3. IS4S, he married Nancy Jane Knox. Eight children of this union are living, viz., Findley M., Salina J. ( Boyd). Asa J. S .. John H. F., Stella F. (Byers), Rob- ert S. G., Mary Anne and William Washington. Mir. Campbell received such education as the common schools afforded. and became a teacher when a young man, engaging in this employment winters and farm- ing during the summers, for nine years, On the 19th of September. 1861, he enlisted in Company L, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was discharged
in June. 1865. In 1872. he was elected Justice of the Peace, and in 1873, he received an election to the General Assembly of the State. from the connties of Butler, Beaver and Washington. In 1874, he was re-elected a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from Butler County, and served dur- ing 1575 76, discharging his duties faithfully, and winning the esteem and confidence of his constituents
Mr. Campbell has been largely interested in oil production, and at one time held an interest as pro- Incer in seventy two wells, among them the follow. ing: Two Argyle wells, one Duke of Argyle, two Bly and Rowley, two Ivanhoe, three Goodenough. two Replenisher, one Waverly (Scott l'art), five Emery, one Orchard, one Peach Orchard. one Waverly (Scott farm). one Lupher (ditto), one Sendder, three Bronson & Perrin, two MeEleer, one Roed. one Moorhead & Tack. two Tack Brothers & Co., one Centennial, four Fletcher, two Parsonage, one Hiawatha. one Osceola. one Old Settler, one Old Mortality, one Armstrong. and three Argyle wells. Eight of the above wells were owned and controlled by Mr. Campbell. On his farm (formerly the Robert Campbell farm) was drilled the first well that called attention to Butler County as an important oil field. The town of Argyle, which became incorporated in Petrolia Borough in 1573, was built upon this farm.
THE MCCULLOUGH FAMILY.
Capt John MeCullough. a native of Scotland, was one of the pioneer settlers of Fairview Township, and located on the farm now ocenpied by his grand- son. R. J. MeCallongh. He was a soldier of 1812. After his sons were large enough to attend to the management of the farm. he went to Butler, where he engaged in the manufacture of pottery. He after- ward lived in Millerstown and died there. His chil- dren wero David, Willlam. John. James, Phebe (Deets). Sarah ( Wiek ). Susan (Trusel). Polly ((ridler), Elizabeth (Crawford), and Catharine (Miller). Seven members of this family are living John. in Butler; James and Phobe, Fairview Township: Sarah and Elizabeth, Concord Township; and Susan and Cathe- rine, Butler.
David McCullough was born in 1811, and went to Butler with his parents. He returned to the farm when twenty-six years of age. and resided upon it until his death. He was a man of industry and in- tegrity, straightforward and honest. He was success- ful in business and acquired a good property. He was a member of the English Lutheran Church: in polities. a Whig. then a Republican. He died De- comber 12. 1850, in lus seventieth year. His wife was Mary M. King, daughter of George King, of Armstrong County. She died July 22, 1568, in her
381
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
fifty-first year: Mr. and Mrs. McCullongh reared seven children, nive of whom are living. Their names are Richard J .. John C., William H., Sarah A. (Pon- tions), Mary (deceased). Phpbe D. (deceased), and Mag- gie M. (Yeager). William H. is a physician. and resides in Tarentam The others all live in this county
R. J. MeCollough was born on the farm he now occupies, in 1537. He was married iu 1558 to Eliz- abeth Kamerer, daughter of Daniel Kamerer, of Fair- view Township. They have had two children, Alvin A., and Elmer S. Alvin died in 1861 at the age of six months. Elmer resides at home with his parents. Mr. McCullongh is a Republican. He and his family belong to the English Lutheran Church. Mr. Mc- Cullough devotes himself to farming and stock-rais. ing. Ile is a quiet, prosperous and worthy citizen. His home is a beautiful one. pleasantly situated.
ing oil pumps at work, can be seen from almost any point of view.
Greece City. another defunet oil town, contains Jamisou's grist mill. the building once occupied by the Concord Savings Bank. a Methodist Episcopal Church edifice, the store of Frank Markwell, dealer in general merchandise, some small mechanical shops. and several oil wells in operation.
EARLY RESIDENTS, ETC.
During the years from 1795 to 1800. the territory now embraced by the boundaries of Concord Town ship received its first settlers in the persons of the Campbells. the Cumberlands. Christys, Conways, Fleegers. Grahams, Meals, and others, whose names will be mentioned in succeeding pages.
The Campbell family, now so largely represented in this and adjoining township, originated in Scot- land, from whence members of it fled to the North of Ireland during religious wars, and finally representa - tives of the same family found themselves domiciled CHAPTER XLI. in the county of Westmoreland, Penn. John Camp- bell. the grandfather of Robert W .. Andrew and CONCORD. Josiah Campbell. and the great-grandfather of many Petrolemn - Villages-Karly Settlers -The Taxable Inhabitants of 1×4-Concord Presbyterian Church -Zion's Lutheran Church Springdale Lutheran Church Methodist Episcopal Church-Con- cord Grange. other heads of families of the same name. if not a native, was certainly one of the very earliest to settle in Westmoreland County. There he raised a family PHIS township is noted as embracing within its limits a petroleum field which, some eight or nine years ago. produced thousands of barrels of oil of eight sons and one daughter-Robert (who was born in 1777 ). John. James. Andrew. William. Joseph. Thomas. Samnel and Jane. the latter of daily, and consequently created a perfect furor among | whom married James Cumberland. As soon as this owners of real estate in the vicinity, as well as part of Butler County was thrown open to settlement (about 1796). John Campbell, Sr., and several of his older sons visited this region, and selected a large tract in the vicinity of the present town of Petrolia: also a tract of several hundred acres in the present township of Concord. A removal of all the family tto the locality first mentioned) was made soon after, and finally. in dividing the land recently acquired here. the tract in this township (now owned by Andrew and Josiah Campbell. sons of Robert, fell. by " drawing ents " among the brothers, to the lot of Robert, the oldest son. This tract was then considered the least valuable among all, containing as it did so much lovel. wet land. But time has proved it to be of the greatest worth, compared with the Petrolia neighbor hood. for agricultural purposes. among oil operators and speenlators generally. But the oil excitement has long since subsided. and though creakings and squeakings of steam oil pumps are still heard from various hillsides and wild. wooded ravines, yet a large proportion of the inhabi- tants of the township are chiefly engaged in agricult- ural pursuits. Cannel coal is found in the north part. and the ordinary bituminous coal in various parts of the township. The villages of Concord are Middletown (Hooker Post Office). There is here a Covenanter house of worship, a public school bnikdl- ing. post office, a store containing general merchan- dise, black smith shop, shoe shop. one physician (Dr. O. P. Pisori, one minister of the Gospel (Roy. J. H. Marshall. of the Concord Presbyterian Church, and some fifteen dwelling houses. A short distance to About the year 1797. Robert Campbell settled npon the tract just described. and his father (John and mother also came to his house, where they rosided then until decease. He married Miss Jane Cumber land (sister of James). and thus the Campbell and Cumberland families were bound together by another tie. The children of Robert Campbell and Jane. hi- wife, were Ann. who married her cousin. John Camp. the westward. however. is the historie Concord Church. At Modoc City and Trouteman's are two or three stores, a hotel, boiler repairing shop, a church odi- fice. built and occupied jointly by the Methodists and Winebrennarians, a considerable mumber of small dwelling houses scattered about the ravines and hill- sides, and from twenty to thirty derricks, re; resent-
342
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
bell. but is now deceased; Thomas, deceased; Martha. living: John. deceased; Robert W., living, James, deceased; and Andrew and Josiah, living. We have thus shown that from John Campbell, of Westmore- land County, are decended nearly all of the Campbells of this portion of Butler County. For generations they have been members of the Concord Presbyterian Church. They have ever been known as good eiti- zens, good farmers and good neighbors.
Among the first settlers of Northumberland County. Penn .. was a Scotch family by the name of Graham, sufferers with others during Indian ineur- sions. In that county, Edward Graham was born: there he married Miss Sarah Quigley, and reared a family of children named Mary, Nancy, Thomas, William, Lonisa (who died in Northumberland), and Edward. About 1793, the entire family removed to Westmoreland County. In the summer of 1795, Ed. ward Graham, Sr., visited this part of the county of Butler, and made choice of the traet now occupied chiefly by his grandsons. William M. Graham, son of William, and Thomas and Edward Graham, sons of Edward. Jr. The settlement of the family. in this. the northern part of Concord Township. was finally effected in the spring of - 1796 Then, other than many friendly Indians. William Dickey was their nearest neighbor. Subsequently, a suit contesting the Grahams' right to these lands was instituted, and continued for a period of fifteen years, but at last terminated in their favor.
Of the sons of Edward Graham. Sr., Thomas, married Mary Ann Weems, of Gettysburg: William, married Jane MeElvain; and Edward. married Lydia Wilson.# Mary, the oldest danghter. married Hugh Conway ( who came from Westmoreland County. and was one of the earliest settlers of this township). while Nancy became the wife of David Stewart. Ed- ward Graham. Sr .. and his wife were both buried in the cemetery near Concord Church.
William Stoops was born in Sinking Valley, Hunt. ingdon (now Blair) County, Poun., and in 1798 set- tied near Franklin. Venango County. where he followed shoe-making. He was married twice: had a large fam- ily. One of the sons of William Stoops was Philip. a blacksmith, who married Elizabeth Vanderlin, and settled soon after that event near what is now known as Annandah Station, on the Shenango & Alleghany Railroad. The iron used by him at an early day was brought over the Alleghany Mountains on horseback. He had twelve children -John, William, Stephen. James, Josiah, Philip, Jr., Henry. Mary, Catharine, Sarah, Elizabeth and Nancy. all of whom arrived at
years of maturity and married, except Josiah. who died when eight years old. The family located on the premises in Washington Township lately owned by John Stoops, about the year 1540.
Big James Russell (so termed because there was another James Russell of less size in the neighboring vicinity) was born in Ireland. After coming to Amer- ica he resided for some years in Westmoreland, after- ward in Armstrong County (so now formed), where he married Jane Russell, his second cousin. About the year 1797, he purchasel 200 acres of land lying just north of the present borough of West Sunbury, which he soon after sold to the pioneer Presbyterian preacher. Rev. John McPherrin. He thon purchase:1 of Hugh Conway the premises in Concord Township now occupied by his son (David J. Russell), and the latter's son-in-law, I. H. Christy, and about the year 1804 settled upon and began the first improvements there. The children of Big James Russell wore Isa- bella and Caleb, born in Armstrong County: Margaret and David J., born on the MePherrin farm (the latter in August. 1503): John, Catharine, Andrew and James, Jr., who were born on the present homestead. Of those childlien, David, James and Mrs. Hindman (widow of John Hindman*) alone survive. Accord- ing to the recollections of the venerable David J. Rus- soll, their nearest neighbors in his boyhood days were Robert Campbell and Hugh Conway on the south, William Conway on the east, Edward and William Graham on the northeast. Jacob Shira on the north. and James Russell, an uncle, on the west. James Russell. the father of David J .. died in November. ISIS, at the age of nearly ninety -three years. James Russell (mele of David J)., settled upon the farm now occupied by his son. Samuel. as early as 1795.
William and Andrew Christy, brothers, came from Westmoreland County and settled in the southern part of what is now termed Concord Township about the year 1797. When a small boy. William had been captured by the Indians-during one of their hostile incursions into Westmoreland County and was held by them for many months, His children were John, Robert. William, and a daughter named Betsy, who married John Mcbain, of Freeport, Penn .. and died there at a great age in the fall of ISS1.
Andrew Christy was married twice. his first wife being a Miss MeGary; his second Miss Rachel Hughes and his children were William. Polly, Betsey. Priscilla. John HI . Joseph Hughes and Andrew, Jr. Andrew Christy. Sr .. was a prominent citizen in his day. Nearly three-quarters of a century ago he rep resented his district in the State Legislature, and dur-
Mrs. Lydia Graham nee Wilson, was the daughter of William Wilson, who horn on the Conem mgh River, in Westmoreland County ,, with his brother, Lewis Wilson, visited this region in 1795, ntul as early as 1799, settled on tha Marin now owned by Samnel Campbell, in Washington Township. Mrs Graham was born on the premises described April 3, 180
. JJohn Hundman served as a soldier during the war of Is12-14; James Wasson, and some of the Grahams were also members of the same command; but after being ordered to march they only proceeded as faras New Castle, by reason of the wu being over or their services not required.
383
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
ing the war of 1812-14. he served in Capt. Story's company of Pennsylvania volunteers. Ho also built the second grist mill in the county (Neyman's, near Butler. being the first, though erected but a short time previously). He was an Elder of the Presby- terian Church for many years, and died about 1856, at the age of eighty four years. His surviving children are Priseilla.now the widow of William MeJunkin, and a resident of the town of Butler: Joseph, who resides in Clay Township: and Andrew, who occupies the homestead. or part of it, at least. on the southern hor- der of Concord Township The latter being the youngest child of Andrew Christy. Sr., was born in 1814. According to his earliest recollection, among the early residents of the southern part of this town- ship. as now formed, were David Beatty: William Thompson, who lived on the premises now occupied by W. H. Campbell: John Shryock, on the farm now owned by Henry Clark; and John Thompson. a brother of William. who was located where Peter Fleeger now resides. He first attended school at the Concord Church Schoolhouse, about 1822. Dr. Stead man being the teacher. William Christy. Robert McEivain, David Beatty. John Christy and John Wiek ( a brother of William Wick, at present a resi- dent of the township), also taught school at the same place before the adoption of the free school system. about 1834. The Covenanters, during the same early period, held meetings in a tent-during pleasant weather-which was logit.I near Hngh Wasson's house. When inclement weather prevailed. Wasson's house sufficed for a place of worship.
About the year 1800, Samuel Campbell came from the State of New Jersey and settled in what is now Concord Township. He married Rachel. a daughter of William Brown, of Fairview Township, and to them were born children named Witliam, Jolm 1 .. Catharine, Nathan, Jesse, Jane, David and Sanmel, Jr. All attained adult age and married, but none are now living except John A., who was seventy years of age September 30,1852. During the last war with Great Britian, Samuel Campbell. Sr., went out as a substi- tute for Robert Campbell. Sr. John A. Campbell mar- ried Miss Mary Milford. Of nine children born to them, sight are living. one son. John F .. having died of disease while serving as a member of a Pennsyl- vania regiment during the war of the rebellion.
John Byers was born in Westmoreland County. About 1796, he married a Miss Hartman, and set. tled in the region now known as Contre Township. Butler County. Their children were Elizabeth. Daniel, Susanah. John. Jr .. David, Adam, William, Samuel and Mary. Of these, William and Mary, only. are now living. John Byers, a grandson of John Byers. Sr .. now owns the homestead in Centre Township. Will-
iam, son of John Byers. Sr., was born in 1809. His first wife was Sarah Osenbaugh ; his second, Re- becca Hilliard. He settled where now residing in 1850, making the first improvements thereon.
Jacob Rider was a native of Washington County, Penn. After attaining to years of manhood he lo cated in Alleghany County, and married Miss Sarah Bright. Their children who reached adult age, were Michael. Mary, Christopher, Jacob, John, Samnel. Margaret and George. Two others, viz .. Sarah and David, died when very young. Those of the family now surviving are Christopher. Jacob, John, Samnel, George and Margaret, the latter the wife of Peter Whitmire. Jacob Rider, Sr., settled in Contre Town- ship (upon the farm now occupied by his son George) iu 1830. where he made the first improvements upon the premises owned by him until his death. John S. Rider. of Coucord. located where he now resides in 1961. About eighty acres of his purchase had then been eleared by James K. Christy.
Daniel L. Kamerer was born in Brady's Bend Township, Armstrong County, Penn. His wife was Miss Anna H. Danbenspeck. About 185 1, he removed to the premises in Fairview Township, where he still resides. His son, Peter Kamerer, settled in Concord Township in 1858, and two years later John D., another son, also became a resident of the same lo- cality. The latter served in the Fourteenth Pennsyl vania Cavalry during the war of the rebellion, and in the fall of 1878 was elected County Anditor for a term of three years. His brothers. William and Adam, also served in the army during the late war. first in the Sixty-Second Regiment of Pennsylvania Infantry, and afterward in the Fourteenth Pennsyl- vania Cavalry Regiment.
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