History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 103

Author: Brown, Robert C., ed; Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Meagher, John, jt. comp; Meginness, John Franklin, 1827-1899, jt. comp
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago : R. C. Brown
Number of Pages: 1658

USA > Pennsylvania > Butler County > History of Butler County, Pennsylvania > Part 103

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Mr. Phillips came prominently into public life in 1880, during the Garfield campaign. Being an ardent Republican and a warm personal friend of General Garfield, he laid aside his business and devoted his time and energies to the suc- cess of his friend and party. He conceived and planned the Republican text- book of that campaign, the first ever published, assisted in its compilation and became its financial backer. By his efforts in that campaign, he was brought into political prominence, and during the subsequent contest in the Pennsylvania legislature for the United States Senatorship, he repeatedly received votes in the open convention of both Houses. In the fall of 1890 great dissatisfaction existed in the party at the means claimed to have been used by the friends of the suc- cessful candidate in obtaining the nomination for Congress in the Twenty-fifth district at the New Castle convention, and Mr. Phillips was afterwards prevailed upon to be a candidate. He was nominated at Harmony, Butler county, made the race, and, though it was impossible to elect a Republican with two candi- dates in the field, he polled such a large vote as to clearly demonstrate that he was the strongest Republican in the district. Two years passed away, and in the fall of 1892 he was the choice of his party, and was elected by over 4,000 major- ity. In 1894 he was re-elected by 11,741 majority, the largest ever given in the district, and is now serving his second term. He is a member of the committee on labor, and also that on merchant marine and fisheries. In the extra session of the Fifty-third Congress. he introduced a bill for the coinage of silver, based upon the natural law of supply and demand, believing there has been no sensible silver legislation since the Rebellion. This bill was favorably commented on by the press and a number of men of recognized financial ability.

At the second session of the Fifty-third Congress, Mr. Phillips introduced a bill, "Authorizing the appointment of a non-partisan commission to collate information and to consider and recommend legislation to meet the problems pre- sented by labor, agriculture and capital." This bill was introduced late in the 52

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second session and referred to the committee on labor, and its author looks for- ward to its favorable consideration in some future session. It is a broad, com- prehensive measure, and has been very favorably received by leading men, labor leaders, and newspapers of the country. Its importance may be judged from the fact that it deals with industrial and social problems now pressing for solution, which are the greatest political problems of the age. His many years of experience in the commercial and financial world have thoroughly fitted Mr. Phillips for the duties of legislation, while his rigid industry and sterling integ- rity leaves no doubt that the interests of the district are safe in his hands.

Mr. Phillips is prominently identified with many of the leading interests of his home. Ile is president of the Citizens National Bank, of New Castle. holds the same position with the New Castle Street Electric Railway Company, is a trustee of Bethany College, in West Virginia, and also of Iliram College, in Ohio. He is a member of the State executive board of the Y. M. C. A., and few men have contributed so generously to religions, educational and charitable institutions. In 1862 he married Clarinda Hardman, of Lowellville, Ohio, who died in November, 1866. leaving two sons, Herbert C., and Norman A. Four years later he married Pamphylia Hardman, a younger sister of his first wife, and has three sons and one daughter by this union. viz. : Victor K., who is general and financial manager of his father's oil business; Thomas W. ; Clarinda G., and Benjamin Dwight.

VICTOR K. Philips was born in New Castle, Lawrence county. Pennsyl- vania, February 7. 1872, and is a son of Hon. Thomas W. Phillips, member of Congress from this district, and one of the most prominent oil operators in the United States. After receiving a public school education, and graduating at the High School, in New Castle, he studied under private tutors, but was compelled to give up his studies on account of weakness of the eyes. le came to the oil country when eighteen years of age, has been connected with his father ever since, and is now the general and financial manager of his father's extensive oil business in Butler county. Politically, he is a Republican.

JOHN Q. A. KENNEDY, oil operator, was born in Winfield township. But- ler county, June 8, 1823, and is the eldest son of John and Ann C. Kennedy, pioneers of that township. He was reared upon the farm. and was educated in the common schools and at Butler Academy. Ile followed school teaching for several years, and during the war was assistant provost marshal of this district. In 1860 he went into the oil business, in which he has been quite successful, is now one of the leading producers and operators in the county , and owns valuable production. On June 4, 1846, he married Hannah Maharg, a daughter of John Maharg, of Penn township, and is the father of two children, viz. : John G., and Newton, deceased. Politically, Mr. Kennedy is a Republican, and has filled the office of justice of the peace, and also burgess of Butler. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and one of the well known, enterprising citizens of the borough. In 1854 be purchased the Clint Wiser property in Butler, where he has since resided. lle is recognized as one of the solid and substantial busi- ness men of his native county.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ANDREW WHITE MCCOLLOUGH was born on the old White homestead, in Franklin township, Butler county, AApril 15, 1840. son of Matthew and Jane (White ) McCollough. Ilis paternal and maternal grandparents were pioneers of Franklin township, and among the leading farmers of early days. His mother died when Andrew W. was only four years old, and he then went to make his home with his grandparents. Andrew S. and Angelina White. with whom he remained until he arrived at manhood. Ile was educated in the common and normal schools, and in Connoquenessing Academy, at Zelienople, and taught in Connoquenessing, Jackson and Franklin townships four terms. He then embarked in merchandising at Prospect, which he followed from 1861 to 1-71. In the latter year he engaged in oil operations at Parker, Bear Creek, Millers- town, and Greece City, which he followed for several years with varied success. He was afterwards connected with the oil business in all its departments, and for the past thirty-three years he has been interested in oil and gas production, in the latter of which he has been eminently successful, having developed six of the largest gas fields in Pennsylvania. Mr. MeCollough is one of the best known and most widely informed gas and oil men in the State, is a recognized authority on the geological structure of the gas and oil regions, and possesses the largest private collection of standard works on geology in western Pennsylvania. His sound judgment and gratifying success in that line is admitted by all leading operators.

When at the height of a prosperous career, Mr. MeCollough met with unlooked for reverses that swept away the earnings of many years and left him deeply involved on his own account and as an endorser for others. With inspired energy he went bravely to work to rebuild his shattered fortunes, and with abid- ing faith in the great gas belt of western Pennsylvania, he turned hi- attention to its exploration and development. Ilis wonderful success in this direction soon built up his financial condition. and, with rare honesty, he has since paid off his entire indebtedness, besides tens of thousands of dollars for which he was but an endorser, in spite of the fact that he had gone through bankruptcy, and was not compelled, legally; to pay one cent. This exhibition of moral integrity has stamped him as a man of sterling honesty, who values his good name far more than riches. Mr. McCollough was married on October 17. 1867, to Miss Mary Bredin, a daughter of Edward M. and Adelia (Purviance) Bredin, both well- known pioneer families of Butler. Three children have blessed this union, viz. : Marian : Kelt, and Harry Ford. Mrs. McCollough and daughters are members of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal church, while Mr. McCollough is a member of the Presbyterian church. Ile has always been a stanch Republican, and has been connected with Butler Lodge, F. & A. M., since early manhood. Ile has given liberally of his means towards the advancement of education and religion, and enjoys the respect and confidence of the community.

THOMAS DONAGHY was born in County AAntrim, Ireland, April 11. 1828. and is the eldest son of Joseph Donaghy. He received a public school education in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, and spent his early manhood on the homestead in Brady township. In 1854 he embarked in the mercantile business at Adams- ville, Crawford county. where he remained some four years, then sold out and

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

removed to Washington, Iowa, where he taught school for one winter. Returning to Centerville, Butler county, he spent two years, working on the homestead in Brady township most of the time, and then went to Venango county and worked in the oil fields up to 1565. In that year he was elected justice of the peace in Cornplanter township, Venango county, and served five years. In 1870 he removed to Greenville, Mercer county, bought a farm and resided upon it two years, operating in oil.' In 1872 he sold the farm and located in Butler, where he worked for the United Pipe Line Company two years. He then entered the pro- thonotary's office under Dr. Conu, and also served under his successor, II. Tebay. when he was made deputy sheriff by George Walter, and filled the same position under John Mitchell and W. H. Hoffman. In 1852 he was elected sheriff of But- ler county. and after serving his full term of three years, he continued as deputy sheriff under Peter Kramer. After leaving this position he embarked in the oil business in the Harmony field, where he is still operating. Mr. Donaghy was united in marriage November 9. 1854. to Miss Rebecca Lyon, of Mercer county, to whom have been born seven children : Joseph MI., deceased : Harry J .; Emma F .: Rosa .A., widow of George W. Ziegler, and three who died in infancy. Mr. Donaghy is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, and both he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.

ALFRED WICK, eldest son of Andrew and Sarah ( Shryock ) Wick, was born in West Sunbury, Butler county, August 31. 1837. He clerked in his father's store for some years, and subsequently became a member of the firm of Wick & Son, of West Sunbury. In 1862 he located at Rouseville. Venango county, and engaged in the hotel businesss, removing the following year to a farm in Wash- ington township, Butler county, where he continued in agricultural pursuits until 1876. Hle then located in Butler, purchased the old Finley Hotel. changed the name to the Wick House, and carried it on until 1884. In 1885 he embarked in oil producing, has continued in that business up to the present, and is one of the leading operators of the county. In politics, he was a Republican until two years ago, since which time he has been a Prohibitionist. He is an elder in the Pres- byterian church of Butler, and a liberal contributor to that church. Mr. Wick was married, September 15, 1859, to Sarah A. Mechling, a daughter of Joseph Mechling, of Washington township. Seven children have been born to this imion, viz. : Alice ; Ilarry, deceased ; Mary, wife of David E. Dale : Stella A., wife of A. E. Russell : Sarah Blanche ; Frances G., and George B.

Joux HI. Surrox was born in Clay township, Butler county, Pennsyl- vania, November 11, 1838. His father, Jeremiah Sutton, was born in Fair- view township, Butler county, in ISOs, where his parents settled at an early day. Jeremiah was a shoemaker by trade, and also followed farming. Ile married Mrs. Margaret Harper, nee Shryock, of Butler county, in 1835. She died in 1842, leaving two children : Chambers S., and John II. The father died July 14, 1:52. Both were members of the Presbyterian church. The subject of this sketch was educated in the district school. and, in 1553. commenced clerking in the store of Harper Brothers, at North Washington, where he remained until 185%. He spent the following three years in Towa and Colorado, and then return- ing to Butler county, enlisted in Company C, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve,

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

and was sworn in at Camp Wright, June 10, 1861. His regiment joined the Army of the Potomac, and he participated in the following battles : Gaines Mill. Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg. He was cap- tured at Gaines Mill, and taken to Belle Isle, where he was kept a prisoner forty days and then exchanged. He returned to his regiment in September, 1862, and was promoted to second lieutenant. He was wounded at the battle of Fredericks- burg, was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison for two months, being paroled February 14, 1863, and sent to Annapolis Hospital, Maryland. He was honorably discharged July 3, 1863. and returning to Butler county, became a member of the firm of Harper Brothers, at North Washington. in 1864. In 1865 he sold out his interest and settled on a farm, where he remained until his elec- tion as clerk of courts in 1872. On the expiration of his term he embarked in the oil business, in which he is still engaged. Mr. Sutton was married March 1. 1864, to Marie M., a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Mechling. of Washington township, to which union have been born seven children : Emma L., wife of II. W. Christie, of Butler ; Frank M. ; Agne> E., wife of W. E. MeClung, of But- ler ; Maud H .: William D .; Angie \., and John C. Mr. Sutton was originally a Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist, and is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Butler.

MAJ. ROBERT J. PHIPPS, one of the division superintendents of the Forest Oil Company, is a well known and popular citizen of Butler, which has been his headquarters for several years. He was born in Clinton township. Venango county, Pennsylvania, January 24, 1839, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth Lowtic ( Whann) Phipps, both pioneer families of that county. He was reared in his native township, enlisted in Company HI, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, October 14, 1861, and served until the close of the war, participating in fifty-six engage- ments and skirmishes, including every important battle in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged. Ile filled every grade in his regiment from private to major, served a year and a half as inspector general of the Second brigade, Sec- ond division, Cavalry corps, Army of the Potomac, and was breveted lieutenant colonel near the close of the war upon the recommendation of General Sheridan, " for gallant, efficient and meritorious services in action." Major Phipps was one of the most efficient soldiers from Venango county, and his comrades gladly accord him that honor. After the war he followed merchandising for a considerable period, and was also a justice of the peace at Clintonville twelve years. In 1875 he entered the employ of the Phillips Brothers, then operating in the Bullion oil field, and contined as one of their most valuable and trusted men throughout their operations in Venango and Butler counties until 1890, when he became associated with the Forest Oil Company, and has since occupied his present responsible position. Major Phipps was married January 16, 1865, to llattie . 1. Cross, a daughter of Judge Robert Cross, of Clintonville. Of their two children, Marshall 1. survives, and is a member of the Venango bar. Major Phipps is a Republican, but takes no active interest in public affairs. He was one of the organizers of Encampment, Number 15. U. V. L., of Butler, of which he has been colonel commander, and is also a member of the G. A. R., the F. & A. M .. and other fraternal societies.

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

ISAINHI J. MCCANDLESS, oil operator, is a son of Nathan F. and Elizabeth ( Thompson ) McCandless, and was born on the homestead in Centre township, Butler county, August 24, 1843. He received his primary education in the com- mon schools, and afterwards attended West Sunbury Academy, Prospect Acad- emy, and Witherspoon Institute, and taught in the public schools of the county for several years. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A, Two Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. In 1865 he went into the oil fields of Venango county, and subsequently operated in But- ler, Armstrong and MeKean counties. From IS78 to 1878 he was engaged in oil producing at Greece City, and in Concord town-hip, and in 1852 he located in Butler. His pre-ent production is in Connoquenessing and Washing- ton townships, and he is also engaged in farming the old McCandless homestead, which he owns. Ile was secretary of the Soldiers' Monument Society, and took an active interest in the erection of the monument in Butler, lle is a member of A. G. Reed Post, G. A. R., and also of Butler Lodge, Num- ber 272, F. & A. M. He has always taken a deep interest in the progress of edu- cation, and has served as a school director for several years. He has been a life- long member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, is a stanch Republican. Mr. McCandless was married in 1869, to Elizabeth. daughter of Samuel Kelly, of Butler township. They are the parents of three children : Aden B. ; Rosa- mond, and Lillian. He has erected many of the private dwellings in the bor- ough, is one of the successful oil producer- of Butler county, and is a stockholder, director. and treasurer of the Citizens Gas Company, of which he was one of the incorporators. Ile is recognized as an enterprising, liberal and progressive busi- ne-s man.

HARVEY S. GIBSON was born on the Gibson homestead in Parker township, Butler county, September 2, 1814, son of James and Jane Gibson. He was. reared on a farm, received a common school education, and learned the carpen- ter's trade. In 1869 he went to Petroleum Centre. where he engaged in rig building, which he followed through the extension of the oil field- down to Par- ker. where he commenced as an operator. He has continued in the oil industry in connection with contracting down to the present, removing to Butler in 1880, where he had purchased a property in 1873. Mr. Gibson was married on March 21. 1866. to Margaret Gahegan, of Washington township. Armstrong county. They are the parents of five children, viz. : Anna I., wife of Barnhardt E. Roes- sing ; Mary A. : Cora B., wife of William J. Rice ; Minnie E., and Stella A. Ile is a member of the Methodist Episcopal chinch, and is a trustee in the Butler congregation. In politics, he is independent, has served in the borough council, and is now president of the board of health. Mr. Gibson is a member of Camp Number 14, W. of W.

HENDERSON W. CHRISTIE was born in Portersville, Butler county, March 11. 1845, eldest son of Thomas G. and Nancy R. Christie, and grandson of Thomas Christie. a pioneer of Is12. After receiving a common school educa- tion he attended a select school at Centreville, and also Witherspoon Institute. In 1870 he was severely injured by a fall, which resulted in necrosis, and he was bedfast for ten years. In 1882 he was nominated and elected, on the Repub-

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can ticket, register and recorder of Butler county, and served a full term. He went into the oil business in. 1886 at Renfrew, his first well producing twenty- five barrels per day. He put down his second well on the Williamson Bartley farm at Thorn Creek, which came in at 7,000 barrels per day. Since that time he has operated in the Evans City, the Amberson and Little Creek fields in But- ler county, and also in West Virginia, but is at present confining his operations to the Amberson, Callery and Garvin fields. On December 9, 1884, he married Emma L. Sutton, a daughter of John HI. Sutton, of Butler, and has five children. viz. : Georgia M .; Catherine ; Jean ; Charles Il., and HI. W .. Jr. Mr. Christie is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and is recognized as one of the most energetic business men of the county.

W. V. HARDMAN was born at Minerva, Stark county, Ohio, September 20, 1840, and was a son of David W. and Nancy ( Arter) Hardman. After reaching manhood he was employed in his father's grist mill at Lowellville, Ohio, for some years. He was afterwards appointed by William Pitt Fessenden, secretary of the United States treasury, supervisor of the port at Cairo, Illinois, which posi- tion he filled until the close of the war. Ile then engaged in the grocery business at Centralia, Illinois, and there married Mary M., daughter of Andrew Scott. July 28, 1865. After his marriage he removed to Lawrence county, Pennsyl- vania, and soon after entered the employ of Phillips Brothers, Boyles & Company as a pumper, subsequently took charge of the steam pump for supplying the water in their oil operations in the Petroleum Centre field, Venango county, and later was promoted to superintendent of the Petroleum Centre and Pithole fields, which position he filled until the dissolution of the company. He was then appointed general manager for the Phillips Brothers in their Butler county oper- ations, and from 1878 to 1875 was engaged in leasing oil lands in Butler and Clarion counties. In connection with Maj. R. J. Phipps, he leased all the lands now operated by the Forest Oil Company in the Glade Run field, and was after- wards engaged in leasing and disposing of gas and oil properties for Thomas W. Phillips. Mr. Hardman was in confidential business relations with Mr. Phillips from his first oil operations to the time of his death, July 23, 1894. His family consists of two sons and one daughter, as follows: Charles S., a lawyer of the Pittsburg bar ; William, a photographer, and Edith, wife of Il. MI. Wertz. Politically, Mr. Hardman was a Republican, and was one of the well-known citi- zens of Butler, where he resided for twelve years. The family were members of the Protestant Episcopal church of Butler, and liberal supporters of that organization during their residence here.

WILSON E. REED was a son of Wilson E. and Sarah S. Reed, and grand- son of Colonel Robert Reed, a pioneer of Harrisville, Butler county. lle was born at Whitestown, in Connoquenessing township, June 10, 1546, and was reared on the homestead farm, assisting in the farm duties and attending school during the intervals, when not engaged in his labors at home. While still a youth, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundreth Pennsylvania Volunteer-, bet- ter known as the ' Roundheads," and served with that command until the mus- ter out, July 24, 1865. Returning to Butler county, he found, in a few years, a new line of labor opened to him, and going into the Parker oil field engaged in

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

rig building. Becoming a contractor, he drilled many of the early wells in the Parker field, thence went into the Bradford field, and in 1880 followed the devel- opments southward until he again found himself in his native county. From that period down to the close of 1891 he was largely interested in oil production and controlled many wells. He also became interested in other enterprises, and was identified with the general progress of the community. Late in 1891, or early in 1892. he began to experience the existence of financial stringency. His invest- ments depreciated and the rewards of almost a quarter century's labor and judic- ious speculation were threatened with ruin. His nature could not brook such a radical reversal of fortune, and his death was recorded October 18, 1893. He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church of Butler. also of the school board and council. Mr. Reed married Miss Susan Mook, of New Lebanon, Pennsyl- vania, April 11, 1867. To this marriage six children were born, namely : Elsie O .; Delmar F. ; Lucy E. ; Nora ; Raymond E., and Daisy E., deceased. During the spring of 1893, Mr. Reed was exposed to repeated attacks of sickness, which recurred at intervals until the close of his life. He was a member of the I. O. (. F., K. of P., A. O. U. W., K. O. T. M., B. P. O. E., and other kindred associa- tions, and was highly respected by the people of this community.

AARON BIEGHLEY, second son of Michael and Catherine Bieghley, was born in Lancaster township, Butler county, February 25, 1844, was reared upon his father's farm, and received a common school education. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volun- teers, was mustered into the service at Pittsburg, and served until June 1, 1863. when he was honorably discharged. On February 15, 1864, he re-enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteer-, went with his regiment to Georgetown Camp. thence to Fort Ethan Allan, Coll Harbor, City Point, Weldon Railroad Chapman's farm, and Petersburg, and was discharged at Philadelphia. January 29, 1866. Returning to his home in Butler county, he afterwards learned the carpenter's trade, and worked in New Castle, Lawrence county, until 1876. In that year he located in the Bullion oil field, and has since been connected with the oil producing interests of western Pennsylvania. In 1880 he came to Butler, and is now superintendent of rig building for Thomas W. Phillips. Mr. Bieghley was married in May, 1872, to Matilda Mover, a daughter of Samuel Moyer, of Lancaster township, to which union have been born nine children, viz. : Ada E. : Elsie Il. ; Samuel E. ; Howard P .; Julian C., deceased ; Ilosea W. ; Plummer M. ; Nora L .. and Darley M. lle is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.

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History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 103

Author: Brown, Robert C., ed; Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Meagher, John, jt. comp; Meginness, John Franklin, 1827-1899, jt. comp Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Chicago : R. C. Brown Number of Pages: 1658

Author: Brown, Robert C., ed; Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.); Meagher, John, jt. comp; Meginness, John Franklin, 1827-1899, jt. comp
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago : R. C. Brown
Number of Pages: 1658