USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania. With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 91
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The life of Mr. Say has been comparatively unevent- ful. He stayed with his father until he was twenty-five years of age, at which time he was married to Miss Sarah Fletcher. She was born in Parker Township, and
was two years his junior. She died in 1852. She was the mother of six children. only two of whom are living -Hamilton. in Armstrong County, and Perry. of Mer- cer County. In 1855, Mr. Say was again married to the widow of Isaac E. Martin, ner Hannah Flemming. She was born in Parker Township June 10, 1827. Hugh Flemming, her father, was one of the pioneers of the county. Ile was a man of local prominence. and highly respected.
By this union. there have been four children- - Matilda F., now Mrs. W. J. Butler . Edgar F., George M. and Belle S. Mr. Say is considered to be one of the success- ful progressive farmers of the county. His farm now comprises 200 acres of productive land. being within the oil belt. Twenty-four wells have been drilled on his farm. some of which are producing at this time.
In his religious and political proclivities, he is a Presbyterian and a Republican, and a gentleman whose identification with any community is always productive of good.
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JUSTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
When he went to Connoquenessing Township. his worldly possessions consisted of a total of one horse, one cow. sis sheep and 52 cents He moved his wife and child into a log house on the farm of Israel Gibson and began farming on shares. His first year's erops were a failure. By dint of much perseverance and hard labor, he had succeeded in sowing thirty acres of wheat; and on account of the ravages of the fly, the entire field did not yield a single bushel. In the succeeding winter, Mr. Bra- ham engaged in threshing with a flail. for every tenth bushel: also in day labor, for which he received 31 cents per day. In the spring of 1517, he moved to a log cabin on the farm of Alexander Gra ham, where he remained two years. During the three years which he spent in Connoquenessing Town ship, notwithstanding various disadvantages, Mr. Braham managed to save about $200. This sum he had earned principally by making rails at 40 cents per hundred, by clearing and other kinds of day la- bor, at from 30 to 50 cents per day. The road from poverty to success is beset with difficulties, but the man who has business ability, sound judgment and persistence rarely falls. Mr. Braham's career is a striking exemplification of this truth. In the spring of 1849, he invested his small capital in land, pur- chasing the first farm he over owned from Ebenezer Beatty, in Mercer Township. Removing to the farm the same spring, he engaged in farming and dealing in cattle. He continued in this business until 1572. driving cattle to New York State in the spring and to Eastern Pennsylvania in the fall of each year. Dur- ing the war. he dealt quite extensively in wool and horses, and contributed largely of his means to the war in suppressing the rebellion. Finding the stock business dull, in 1872 he closed it up and began , dealing in oil and coal lands, which he continued for several years. His real estate now consists of 1.000 acres of land. In 1850, Mr. Braham was elected a Representative to the State Legislature and served during the sessions of 1881-82. That independence of character for which he is noted was strikingly evinced in the election of United States Senator in ISSI. While the Senator from his distriet and his colleague in the House went into can- cus with the majority. he being of opinion that. under the then existing condition of things, it was not for the best interests of the Republican party or welfare of the State, and that he might more effectnally carry out the will of his constituents in electing the best man for the office. he, with fifty five others. Senators and members, declined to go into caucus on the elec- tion of a candidate for United States Senator. This action was heartily indtorsed by a large majority of his constituents, and gainel him many warm friends.
In politics he is a strong Republican, and has been identified with the party from its origin. A rigid abolitionit, his first vote for President was cast for Martin Van Buren. In 1552. he voted for Hale, and in 1856. for John C. Fremont. Mr. Braham was brought up in the Reformed Presbyterian Church and connected himself with that organization in 1515, under the pastorate of Rev. Josiah Intelman. He continued a member of that church until 1870. when he united with the Presbyterian Church of Harris. ville, of which he was soon afterward elected an Elder. He has always contributed largely toward the support of the Gospel, and all other branches of church work. Mr. Braham is a publie-spirited progressive man, and a friend to every good work His family consists of his wife. Nancy Rebecca, born July 29. 1525. and olevon children:
Philip Melanethon, born 1846. died 1555; Mary Anne, born 1847, married W. H. Orr, IS71: Debo rah Jane, born 1849, married John Orr, 1570: Sam uel Luther, born 1851, married Martha Louise Coch ran. 1872: Sarah Jemima, born 1853, married D. J. Washabaugh. M. D., 1875; Hannah Isabelle, born 18:5. married A. M. Davis, M. D., 1875; Nancy Re- becca. born IS58, married W. E. Brown. IS77; Mar- garet Angenetta, born 1860, died 1963: William Pat- ton, born 1863. died 1865: Charles Summer, born 1866. died 1866: Ida May, born 1867, resides with her parents in Harrisville.
CHAPTER XLIV.
PARKER
John Parker, John Martin, The Danbenspecks, Gibsons, Storys. and Others-Archibald Kelly, the Pioneer Schoolmaster-Indnimis -Hunting Adventures-Anecdotes-Ihistory of Martinsburg
PARKER TOWNSHIP' was named for John Parker, the surveyor of the northern part of the county. Mr. Parker came here about 1791. in the employ of a man named Moore, and surveyed a large section of the land in the immediate vicinity of Parker City.
The surface of the township is uneven, being greatly broken by the valleys of Bear creek and trib utary streams. The township contains valuable coal deposits, which are as yet but little developed. The prodnetion of oil has long been an important factor among the industries of the township. John Parker was from Washington County. He settled on a traet of 600 acres. Some time after he made the survey. his father came, bringing his family and householdl goods up the river in canoes. One of the sons, George, was drowned while running Parker Falls. There were eight brothers in the family and one sis- ter. viz .: James, John. Juliette 'Mrs. John Gil-
*
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
christ ), William. Fullerton. Washington. George. Thomas and Wilson. All lived in this county except ing William and James, who died in Armstrong County, at Parker's Landing. and Mrs. Gilchrist. who died in Wheeling. W. Va. Thomas died in Oil City: Washington died in Harrisville, where for sev eral years he was a merchant and a prominent citizen. Wilson died in Parker City.
John Parker. familiarly known as Judge Parker. was an active and energetic business man. an influen- tial and useful citizen. He was a farmer and owned all the land on which Parker City is now situated. In 1815. he laid out the village of Lawrenceburg (now the Second Ward of Parker City), and the sale of lots was made that year or the year following. He was one of the first Associate Judges of Butler Coun- ty. receiving his appointment from the Governor. He died in 1842. at the age of seventy six.
Of his family, there are now living but two sons - George and Fullerton -- well- known citizens of Parker. Settlement began in 1796. The first settlers were Scotch-Irish, from Westmoreland County, and native Pennsylvanians from the western part of the State. The hardships which the pioneers were obliged to undergo were great. and only men and women pos- sessed of heroic fortitude and determination were capable of enduring them. Almost withont exception, the early settlers were poor in worldly possessions, and came into the wilderness solely for the purpose of making homes for themselves and their posterity. Some of them lived to witness the dawning of an era of prosperity, while others died before much change in their condition became apparent. All deserve to he gratefully remembered.
John Martin, in 1796, settled two 400-acre tracts. He was a native of the North of Ireland, and had re. sided some years in Westmoreland County. In the year mentioned. he came into this township with his son Thomas, who was then about ten years of age. The two walked from Westmoreland County, carrying axes and guns. After they arrived here, they ate up all the provisions they had, and were three days with- ont food. They hunted for game. but unsuccessfully. and were near despair and starvation, when a son of Mr. Martin arrived bringing supplies.
A village of Indians was then located above Mar. tinsburg. on the Fletcher meadow. They did some planting, but subsisted mainly by hunting. They were peaceable and well-disposed. and the boy. Thomas Martin. often played with the young Indians.
In the spring of 1797, John Martin moved his family to the cabin which he had erected on the farm adjoining the present Capt. Martin farm. For the first year or two, the family depended largely on game for their food. John Martin. Sr . died in 1535.
aged over ninety years. The children of John and Fannie Martin were John. Joseph. Robert. Thomas. William and Sarah. All live in this county but John He married Mary Crispin, and settled in Clarion County. Robert and Thomas were in the war of 1512. Joseph married Christina Say: William's wife was Mary Evans; Thomas married Martha Kelley : Robert remained single: and Sarah became the wife of John Say. J. C. Martin. a grandson of John Martin. is one of the old residents of the township. He is well known as Capt. Martin. having been elected Captain of a volunteer company in 1845.
Archibald Kelly, a native of Ireland, moved out from Westmoreland County with his family in 1796 He first made a shanty in Washington Township. proposing to settle there: but while away from it, a man named Hindman took possession. Hindman had previously erected a hut on the Storey farm, but Mr. Storey arrived in his absence and took up his abode there. The cabin into which Kelly moved his family was situated northwest of the site of the village of Martinsburg. Mr. Kelly brought his fam- ily and his goods in a wagon. cutting a road before him a great part of the way. When they arrived. they found the cabin already occupied. It appeared that Jolm Jamison, who had settled one tract and located one of his sons on another. had concluded that he wanted Kelly's tract. and accordingly had placed his wife and a son in the cabin to hold possession. MEr. Kelly was a resolute man, and did not propose to be deprived of his rights in this way: therefore, halting his wagon with his wife and baby sitting in it. before the cabin. he took his ax and proceedel to a large tree that stood near by, threatening to ent it down at once and thus annihilate the cabin and the Jamisons if they did not leave. At tirst they made no stir. Kelly wielded his ax vigorously and soon had made an incision all around the tree. His wife pleaded with him: "Archie, stop: you'll kill the people!" "Don't care! let 'em get out then." And the Jamisons got ont. Afterward the two families became very inti- mate.
Archibald Kelly was the first school teacher in this part of the county. He taught in many neighbor hoods, and is still remembered by many who were his pupils. Julgo Brolin. Morris Brodin, and other prominent citizens received some of their school train- ing under the rigid discipline of Mastor Kelly. He used an instrument known as the "cat-o'-nine-tails." and was severe but well-intention of in his treatment of refractory pupils. Ile was married in this State, and was the father of a large family, viz .: James. Thomas. Hannah (Jamison), Martha (Martin). John, Sarah (Cannon). David, Esther ( Fleming), Margaret (Fleming). Betsey, William and Andrew: all are dead
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
but Andrew, who lives near Emlenton. James, Thomas and John lived on the old homestead. William remained single and lived with his brother David. The latter lived in Westmoreland County for a time, and worked on the canal some years. In 1833. he bought a farm near Martinsburg, on which his son, D P. Kelly, Esq., now lives. Another of his sons, John Kelly. Esq., lives in Martinsburg. The father was a Justice of the Peace seventeen years.
As late as 1835, bears were still seen in this town- ship. Two of David Kelly's sons, John and Archi- bald. were going to school one morning when they saw a large black object lying in a nest of branches in a cherry tree which stood on the creek bottom. They did not know what it was and called it a nigger. Reporting what they had seen. they were laughed at. But a few days afterward William Martin came along one morning early and told the Kelly boys he had just killed the "nigger. " and that it was a large black bear.
The settlers had great opportunities for hunting. James Kelly, oldest son of Archibald, once stated that for twenty-eight years he was never out of venison. Perhaps the most daring and successful hunters in this township were the Parker boys. They kept a number of dogs and devoted much time to the sport. It is stated that they once chased a panther into a den. Washington went into the den, stirred up the panther and drove him out. His broth- er. William stood by, and as soon as the panther emerged, stepped up and grasped his tail. The sur- prised animal leaped into the air, but William did not loose his hold. until Washington came to his assist. ance and killed the animal with a hatchet. *
John Jamison. above mentioned, is said to have been a good neighbor, though rather impetuous. It is stated that when engaged in ordinary conversation. he could be heard for nearly a mile: and when he be- came excited, his voice, which was hoarse and husky. produced sounds that were indeed terrific.
These pioneers were obliged to pack their provis- ions and salt from east of the mountains and from Westmoreland County for a number of years. When- ever one of the settlers made a trip of this kind. he went literally " loaded with errands" for the whole neighborhood.
Among the settlers of 1796 was Robert Storey. who came here from Wesmoreland County, but originally from Ireland. He settled on the farm now owned by his son. Robert, of Butler, and lived there until his death. in 1850. He was a Captain in the war of 1812. His wife was Jane, danghter of William Moore, a pioneer of Oakland Township. The oldest daughter,
Elizabeth (Adams), is now a resident of Washington Township: Alexander is in Parker Township; Jane, in Allegheny County: Ann (Campbell) in the same county: William, in Parker Township: Robert, in Butler, where he has resided since 1878: and John is in Jefferson County.
About the same time, with the settlers already men- tioned. William Fleming located, with his sons -- Ed- ward and Hugh -- where Dickson Bartley now lives. The old gentleman was an esteemed citizen. Some of his descendants still live in the county.
About 1796. Jarob Danbenspeck, from Luzerne County, settled in the northern part of this township. His wife died here and he removed to Clarion Coun- ty. where he settled and married again. His original farm in this county was sold to his sons. George and Philip, who lived and died there. George was mar- ried in this county to Margaret Meal. of German de- scent. He was a soldier of 1812. He died in IS58. in his eighty-second year. He was the father of eighteen children, of whom ten reached mature years and nine are still living. Of these ten children, one died when about seventy. Their names are Jacob, born in 1805, now a resident of Washington Town- ship; Mary (Hoover); Margaret, deceased: John. Ly- dia Emrick, Elizabeth ( Muhleisen). George. Samuel. Lewis, and William. John, born in 1811, is one of the oldest residents of Parker Township. He remembers his father giving a cow. such as would now be worth $45, for a barrel of salt. William Fleming made a business of bringing supplies over the mountains for the settlers in those days.
Philip Daabenspeck married Mary Freize. They had seven children: Catharine ( Warner), George. John. Mary (Barnhart), Ann (Kamerer). Barbara (Shakely), and Lewis. Two are living -Mrs. Kamerer, Fair. view Township; and Lewis. Parker Township. George died in ISS1, aged eighty-two years.
The following bear story is related by Mr. John Daubenspeck. His father and his uncle, John. who lived with him. were out in the woods one day and saw a bear. A shot was tired and the bear wounded. The dogs immediately attacked the bear. and John went to their assistance, having no weapon but a mattock in Ins hands. As he was attempting to strike the bear. he fell over a rock and was precipitated into the midst of the fight, among the dogs, and close to the paws of the bear. Fortunately he was able to save himself. but it was a narrow escape.
John Gibson and William Ferguson from Indiana County, visited Butler County in 1796. While on their way hither, they saw several Indians in a canoe in the Allegheny River at Brady's bend. Ferguson, whose relatives had been murdered by the savages. fired upon the Indians from a place of concealment,
"I know not how this thing may he,
But tell the tale as 'twas told to me."-Ev.
HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY
wounded one fatally, and continued his way undis covered and unpursued. In 1797. Alexander, John. Hugh and James Gibson came out and made settle ments. Hugh was then a boy fifteen years of age; they saw no signs of habitation after they left Kit tanning until they reached this township. After liv ing alone in the woods for two years, engaged in pioneer work. The boys' father, Levi Gibson, came to this county and settled on the Dutchess farm. now in Allegheny Township. Two of his sons, John and Samuel, were volunteers in the war of 1812. Hugh (fibson, after 1797, lived at home a few years, and about 1806 began improving the farm now owned by A. B Gibson: he lived alone until 1St1. when he married Mrs. James MeLaughlin (née MeCall). He died in 1870, in the eighty-eighth year of his age. His children are William H., born in 1812, living on the old homestead: Esther (Foster), Armstrong County: John. Parker Township: and Sarah. Parker Township. Samuel Gibson, brother of Hugh, was married to Sarah Waddle, of Slippery Rock Township. Their children are Harvey. Mary (Turner), and Lu- cin la (Crawford) -- all living.
Some of Hugh Gibson's experience as a boy pio- neer may be interesting. He brought with him from Indiana County a pack-horse loaded with provisions. There was no blacksmith in the Butler County settle- ment, and so as a substitute for chains for log roll- ing, he twisted hickory withes and used them; when he was living on his first clearing (where Alexander Gibson afterward lived), he was sitting in the door of his cabin one day, when two big Indians appeared- Naturally he felt somewhat timorons, but he knew that to retreat would be useless. The Indians ap- peared friendly and shook hands with him. Seeing some eneumber peelings lying on the ground, one of them pointed to them, made signs and said ". Quash." Mr. Gibson brought some cucumbers and a piece of cake: the Indians ate heartily, and one of them jumping up and smiting his breast, said " Ugh! In. dian strong now." Mr. Harvey Gibson of Martins burg has kindly furnished the historian with the fol lowing statement regarding the original settlers on the farms of this township:
In the northeast corner. the Parker farm; and south of it the farm now owned by John Leonard and others, settled by John Gibson. South of Bear Creek, William Hutchison, and next south Hugh Gibson: east of his fam James Knox. John Martin, west of Hugh Gib- son; James Gibson on the D. Walker farm: Mich ael Shakely, on the Shakely farm, with Samnel Erwin on the west: JJoseph Campbell on the Campbell farm; Capt. Robert Storey on the laud now owned by his sons: Benjamin Fletcher on the land now owned by his heirs; then beginning west of the Campbell farm,
Roep, and across Big Bear Creek. William Col- lins, and next west, Charles MeCafferty, where his son John lives, The next settler north was John Shryock, who erected a grist mill on Silver Creek; then came the farmns of George and Philip Danbenspeck, James Haggerty. " Grabber Jimny " Smith. Samuel West- more. - Burns on the Shira farm. and William D. Allen. Thence going east. William Dickson, and south James Conly. on the MeMahan farm; east. the Thompson and Robinson farms (on the latter is the village of El Dorado; next farm north. James Als- worth: east William Turner. " Little " Jimmy Als- worth. and William Mcbain on the present Owen Thomas farm. Thener going south. Knox, and up the creek. James Turner. John Fowler settled the Stone House Tarm abont 1811; he built the stone house and operated a saw mill and carding machine. Other early settlers were John Jamison, where P. D. Kelly now lives; William Fleming, on land now owned by D. Bartley and others; Henry Sanderson, where John Danbenspeck now lives; and to the north. Master Archibald Kelly, the pioneer school-teacher.
The early settlers were without mill privileges for some years. John Fowler, of the Stone House, had the first saw mill. About 1833. William Martin preeted a second. Col. Parker built the first grist mill in the neighborhood, near the mouth of Bear Creek. Benjamin Fletcher erected a log grist mill, the first mill in the township about 1819. He bought 100 acres, which included the mill site from Capt. Storey. The mill stood near Martinsburg. The second mill ou the same site is still standing, but is not now in operation. The second mill was erected by John Shryoek. Sr .. on Silver Creek, about 1823. where a mill is still running. About the same time. William Turner. Ar .. erected a mill on the North Branch of Bear Creek. This mill is still in operation. In INST, Harvey Gibson built at Martinsburg the mill which he still owns and runs. Distilleries wore unmerons as soon as grain began to be produced largely. At one time there were nine or ten within a radius of two or three miles. War times put an end their operations. John Allen, from York County, was an early settlor. He first located near Harrisville, but a short time afterward moved to the farm on which his son William now resides. His children were John. Robert, Richard. Washington. William and Martha (Davidson). William is the only survivor.
Benjamin Fletcher came from one of the Eastern States probably Massachusetts about the year IS00, and was married here to Elizabeth Hmmuphill. Their children were Esther. Aun. Martha. Thomas, Sarah, Eliza and Abigail. Of these, only two survive-Ann (Reep) and Abigail (Say). Josiah Pletcher, a nephew, afterward came and tanght school for many years.
2
E
RESIDENCE OF GEORGE W. MEALS.
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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Thomas, Benjamin's only son, lived on the okdl home - stead and died in 1874. He married Anna Camp- bell, who died in 1882. They had a family of five children, all of whom live in this township. Thomas Fletcher was a man of remarkable ingenuity and had great skill in mechanics
William Hutchison, a native of Ireland. settled soon after the Gibsons His children were Sarah ( Wilson), living: David, living: Sumiel, Margaret. Mary. Jane, Martha anl Williva (depois b As soon as the country beguine sufficiently settlel. so that sheep were not in constant danger from wolves. the settlers procured sheep. their daughters spun and wove cloth, which was dressed at the falling mill, and all were well supplied with good warm clothing. Leather was scarce and high, and great economy in the matter of shoes was necessary. The new country produced good wheat and corn, and there was no scarcity of food.
About the year 1804. John Say, originally from Eastern Pennsylvania, came from Slippery Rock Township to this township. He married Sarah Mar- tin and settled on part of the Martin tract. They reared four children. all of whom are living -John, Parker Township: James, Mercer County: Fanny (Jack), New Castle: and William. Armstrong -John Say. Sr .. died in 1869. His son John. born in 1S11. is now one of the oldest residents of the township.
Joseph Campbell, who died in 1876 at the age of eighty-eight, was a son of John Campbell, an early set. tler of Concord Township. Joseph settled the farm where his son Cyrus now lives. He married Mary Storey and had the following children : William. John (deceased). Alexander (deceased). Joseph. James. Andrew (deceased). Thomas (deceased), Mary Ann ( Hanlen) and Cyrus.
Samuel Campbell lived and died on the farm where his son Levi now lives. He married Sidney Gibson, and had the following children : Silas (deceased), Amos. James, Robert S. (deceased), Thomas C. (de- ceased). Samuel (deceased). Levi, Lavina (Campbell) and Mary A. (Dontt). For his second wife he mar ried Jane Wilson (nee Hutchison). Children : Sid- ney J. (McGarvey), Sarah E. (Martin). Samnel Camp- bell died in 1865. His second wife was the widow of Armstrong Wilson, by whom she had three children
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