History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 121

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

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Abraham Barnhart : Hannah, deceased wife of Henry Wiles, and Phoebe, wife of Charles Schwartzlander. a resident of Fairview township. Mr. Pontius was a prominent Democrat, and held various township offices, such as assessor, super- visor, collector and school director. He took an active interest in educational matters and labored zealously to secure the introduction of the public schools in his township.

SOLOMON PONTIUS, fifth child of Gabriel and Mary ( Barnhart) Pontius, was born in Donegal township, Butler county, December 13, 1819. He spent his boy- hood days upon the farm, assisting his father in clearing the land, and working in the pottery. Dressed in the home-made clothing of the period, he would often pull the flax and break and scutch the same, and then assist his mother in spin- ning and weaving it into clothing and blankets upon the home loom. The usual mode of going to mill was on horseback, with a pack saddle, across which he would place the sack of grain. He attended for a few weeks during the winter season the early subscription schools, when the little log school house with pun- cheon floors, and benches split from logs, was the best the times afforded. Mr. Pontius remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age, when he took charge of the homestead farm, his parents making their home with him until their death. In 1842 he married Mary King, a native of Armstrong county. She died in 1848, leaving no children. On April 27, 1845, be married Margaret Myers, a native of Westmoreland county, born August 22, 1822. Her parents, Frederick and Susannah Myers, came from Westmoreland county to Sugar Creek in 1826, and resided here the remainder of their lives. She, too, was reared amidst pioneer surroundings, and experienced the usual trials and hardships of that period. Five children are the fruits of this union, viz. : John W., born August 14, 1846, now pastor of the German Reformed church, at Martinsburg, Blair county : Susannab, born June 4, 1848, died in December, 1861 : Caroline, born August 23. 1851, died July 29, 1882; Mary Catherine, born May 19, 1856. wife of Dr. C. F. Daubenspeck, of Crawford county, and Solomon Isaiah, born October 7, 1861, married Sarah Catherine Sommerville, of Armstrong county, and has five children. He resides with his parents upon the old homestead. Mr. Pontius and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Millers- town, in which he has filled several official positions, and for twenty years was superintendent of the Sabbath school. He was formerly a member of the Ger- man Reformed church, and was an elder in that society for a long period. Polit- ically, a Democrat, he has been active in local polities the greater part of his life. For nearly forty years he has served as justice of the peace, and is still holding that office. He has also filled the offices of supervisor. assessor, and school direc- tor, the last mentioned for eighteen years, seventeen of which he was secretary of the board. 'Squire Pontius owns the old homesterd of 200 acres, also another farm in the same township of sixty-two acres, besides 111 acres in Trumbull county, Ohio. He is one of the successful farmers of the county, and is an extensive oil producer. Few men in the community have won and retained to a greater degree the esteem and confidence of the people, and throughout his long residence in Donegal township, he has been recognized as a public-spirited and progressive citizen.

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JouN PONTIUS, eldest son of Gabriel and Mary ( Barnhart) Pontius, was born in Donegal township, Butler county, December 25, 1812. He was reared upon the old homestead, and married Mary M. Wiles, a daughter of Frederick Wiles, who came from eastern Pennsylvania at an early day and settled in Don- egal township, Butler county, afterwards serving as a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Pontius settled in Armstrong county after his marriage, resided there eight years, and then returned to Donegal township, where he died January 22, 1892. Ilis widow still survives him. She was born July 14, 1820, and reared a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living, as follows : Gabriel, of Done- gal township : Susan, wife of John Kaylor, of Fairview township : Caroline, wife of J. J. Crawford, of Millerstown ; Phoebe, wife of William Kepple. of Armstrong county ; William, a resident of Donegal township ; Mary, wife of Robert Taylor, of Clearfield county ; Samuel W., who resides in Pittsburg : John Henry, and George W., both residents af Donegal township.

JOHN HENRY PONTIUS, son of John and Mary M. Pontius, was born in Donegal township Butler county, February 5, 1859, was reared upon the farm and received his education in the public schools. On September 1, ISst. he married Ada Burford, a daughter of Reuben Burford, of Armstrong county They resided in Beaver Falls for some time, where Mr. Pontius worked in an iron mill, and later located on their present homestead in Donegal township. Hle owns a well improved farm of 100 acres, with oil and gas production. They are the parents of two children : Sidney Easton, and Myrell Reid. Mr. Pontius is an active Republican, and, though living in a township strongly Democratic. has been elected to various offices, all of which he filled in a highly creditable manner. Mr. Pontius and wife are members of Mt. Pleasant English Lutheran church, and liberal contributors towards that organization. He is a member of Millerstown Lodge, Number 457, K. of P., also of the K. O. T. M.

CASPER RITZERT was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, in 1795, grew to. maturity in his native land, and there married Margaret Reisler. In 1832 he came to the United States, accompanied by his wife and four children : Harmon. Conrad, Katharine and John. They landed in Baltimore, after a voyage of fortytwo days, and, after a short stay in that city, went to Chambersburg, Penn- sylvania, whence they came to Butler county, the journey being made overland in wagons, camping at night in the forest along the road. Mr. Ritzert pur- chased a tract of wild land in what is now Oakland township. erected a log cabin and set about clearing off the primitive forest. Ile resided in Oakland township until his death, in 1860. His wife survived him twenty-four years, dying October 23, 1884. in the eighty-first year of her age. They were the parents of seven sons and five daughters, and the whole family were members. of St. Peter's Catholic church, at Butler.

CONRAD RITZERT, the second son of Casper and Margaret Ritzert, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, June 24, 1825, and was seven years old when his parents immigrated to Pennsylvania. He was reared amidst the priva- tions and dangers of pioneer days, and his first home in Butter county was a small log cabin, built of round logs, and even while he was still a boy he assisted his father in clearing the farm, by piling and burning the brush. His clothes

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were made of the home-made cloth, and his education was acquired in the sub- scription school of the neighborhood, held in a small log building, with puncheon floor and benches, and a huge fireplace in one end. The plowing was done with oxen. the grain sown by hand. reaped with a sickle, and threshed with a flail. At the age of fourteen, Conrad went to work in a tannery, grinding bark, and when he reached his eighteenth year he commenced learning the tanner's trade, with Conrad Roessing, at Butler. with whom he served an apprenticeship, and afterwards worked for Mr. Roessing for five years. He subsequently went to Brady's Bend. and worked in the iron mills there in various capacities, saving enough from his wages to start himself in the tannery business at Worthington. Hle sold out the tannery and in 1854 settled on his present farm in Donegal town- ship. Butler county, which he had purchased some time previously while he was following his trade in Kittanning. Mr. Ritzert was married July 15, 1847. to Elizabeth Windishee a native of Austria, born June 8, 1828. She came to the United States with her sister, when eighteen years of age, and was married the following year. When Mr. Ritzert and wife settled on their farm in Donegal township. the place was comparatively unimproved, their first dwelling being a small log cabin. The times were hard, and they enjoyed but few advantages. Mrs. Ritzert spun the wool and flax used in weaving clothing and blankets for the use of her family, and with the aid of her children conducted the farm while her husband would be away working at his trade. By such industry and rigid economy they accumulated through the passing years a comfortable competence, and now own over 400 acres of fine land containing good oil production, with substantial buildings, and other necessary improvements. They are the parents of six children, viz. : Harmon, and John, both residents of Donegal township; Mary E .. wife of Joseph Graham ; Joseph G., of Oakland township : Adam, who resides with his parents, and Maggie, wife of Jacob Cramer. The family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church. at North Oakland, and politically, Mr. Ritzert is an ardent Democrat. Mr. Ritzert is one of the leading farmers of the county, and the family are respected and esteemed by the community. When he commenced farming in Donegal township, his capital was small, but he possessed plenty of energy, a robust constitution, and a rugged determination to succeed. Both he and wife endured many of the privations of pioneer days, but they have lived to see their family grown up, and are now surrounded by the comforts and enjoyments of life.

JOHN RITZERT, son of Conrad and Elizabeth Ritzert, was born in Kittan- ning, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1850. He was only four years old when his parents settled in Donegal township, where he grew to manhood, assisting his father in the farm duties. Ile received a common school education, and at the age of twenty years became an apprentice with Mr. Kemper, at the harness maker's trade, and served three years. Hle afterwards followed his trade at Miller-town as a journeyman, and continued at the same business until [879, when he located on his present homestead in Donegal township, and has since been engaged in general farming. In 1878 he married Catherine Cramer, a daughter of Jacob Cramer, to which union have been born the following children : Annie ; Albert ; Daniel; Barbara : Catherine ; Norbert, and Edward. The family are members

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of St. Joseph's Catholic church, at North Oakland. Mr. Ritzert is a stanch Democrat, and in 1887 he was elected constable, assessor and collector, and still holds the two last mentioned offices.

JOSEPH G. RITZERT, third son of Conrad and Elizabeth Ritzert, was born upon the homestead farm in Donegal township, June 10. 1856. Ile there grew to manhood, and attended the common schools of his district during the winter seasons. Ile remained with his parents until his marriage to Philomena Cramer, February 13. 1877. She is a daughter of Jacob and Barbara Cramer, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and came in infancy to Clearfield township with her parents, where her father still resides. Soon after his mar- riage, Mr. Ritzert settled on his present homestead in Oakland township, which is a well improved farm of 209 acres. He is the father of seven children, named as follows : Mary Margaret ; Barbara Elizabeth : Emma C .; Louis Joseph : Clara Philomena : William L., deceased. and Esther Ann. The family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic church. of North Oakland, and in politics, Mr. Ritzert is a Democrat. He is one of the substantial, enterprising and progressive farmers of the community.

JOHN VENSEL'S biography finds a fitting place among the records of Donegal township. Butler county, for he was one of the most honored and progressive citi- zens of the community throughout his residence therein. He was endowed by nature with a powerful frame, a strong intellect, undaunted courage, and a spirit of enterprise that fitted him to encounter the perils and hardships of pioneer day -. John was the fifth child in a family of twelve children, born to Barney and Han- nah Vensel, of Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, where he was born October 26, 1823. The family were early settlers of that locality, and our sub- ject was schooled in the privations of the times. His boyhood days were spent upon the farm in assisting his parents with the home duties, wearing his coarse, homespun clothing. the cloth for which he would oft times assist his mother to weave upon the little home loom. His educational advantage- were limited to a few weeks attendance at a subscription school of his neighborhood, when the log school house, with its rude furnishings of puncheon flooring, slab benches, and huge fireplace. was the only academy the times afforded. Among the incidents of his early days is the fact that he assisted his father in hauling the timber used in the construction of the first iron mill at Brady's Bend. These early struggles of the pioneers made a lasting impression upon their after lives. It was the schooling of nature. the fire that separated the gold from the dross, and it may truly be said, that in the privations endured in his youth by John Vensel, and in the obstacles he fearlessly met and surmounted, was laid the foundations for the resolute determination, the tireless energy, and the rugged integrity, which marked his after life. On January 17, 1847, he was united in marriage with Catherine Daubenspeck, a daughter of John and Mary ( Kissenger ) Danbenspeck, born October 24, 1824. To this union were born the following children : AAlfred ; Richard : Mary J., wife of J. J. Porterfield ; Charles Finley; Washington Il. ; Sarah A., wife of A. H1. Christy; William M .; Isaiah, deceased, and George. Mr. Vensel resided in Armstrong county until 1853, in which year he purchased a farm in Fairview township, Butler county, and resided thereon down to 1568,

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when he bought and located on a farm in Donegal township, which he at once commenced to improve. His efforts were crowned with success, and the little log cabin in which they first resided was replaced by a more commodious and handsome residence. Here he was spending the sunset of his days, surrounded by comfort and enjoyment when death entered the happy home, and on August 3, 1893, Mr. Vensel was called to a higher and better home. Ile had long been a faithful member of St. Paul's Reformed church, at Oak Grove, and his life was a good example of christian manhood. Hle possessed a generous, genial dispo- sition, and won friends wherever he went. As a citizen he was public-spirited. and a champion of every public improvement for the benefit of his county and community. Although denied the advantages of a thorough education, he was a careful reader and a man of sound judgment, and in public affairs his counsel was invited and accepted upon important occasions. He was a man of pro- nounced opinions, and possessed the courage of his convictions, although towards those differing from him he was considerate, treating them with deference and respect. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat, and served in various positions of trust and honor in his township, all of which he filled to the satisfaction of the community. In his home he was a model father, and as a neighbor, kind and obliging. Ile left his children the bright legacy of an untarnished name, and died regretted and esteemed by all who knew him.

RICHARD VENSEL is one of the well known producers in the Millerstown field. He is a son of John and Catherine Vensel, and was born in Fairview township, Butler county, December 16, 1849. He grew to maturity upon the homestead farm, and received a common school education. Abont 1877 he began as a contractor in the oil region, and has put down and operated many wells in the Millerstown field. He has applied himself diligently to his business, and by energy and shrewd business tact he has acquired a handsome competence. Mr. Vensel was married June 16, 1873, to Miss Martha P. Christy. She was born November 24, 1852, and died May 16, 1877, leaving one child, Edward C. IIe was again married, May 3, 1879, to Miss Eva A. Duff, a native of Winfield town- ship, Butler county, born May 30, 1858. She died November 16, 1884, leaving one son, Howard J. On December 29, 1857, Mr. Vensel married Miss Mollie Morrow, a daughter, of Robert Morrow of Donegal township. This union has been blessed by six children, three of whom survive, viz. : Ross Alfred ; Lena, and Norman Augustus. He and wife are members of St. Paul's Reformed church, at Oak Grove. Politically, Mr. Vensel is an unswerving Republican, and takes an active interest in political affairs.

CHARLES FINLEY VENSEL, son of John and Catherine Vensel, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1853, and came with his parents in early childhood to Fairview township, and later to Donegal township, Butler county, where he grew to maturity upon his father's farm. He afterwards engaged in the oil fields as a rig builder, and later as a driller, and followed this business a number of years. In 1889 he located upon his present farm, which he has greatly improved by the erection of a substantial house and other buildings. Mr. Vensel was for some time engaged in the livery business at Millerstown, and devotes considerable attention to stock raising. In 1875 he married Estella Rum-

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bangh, of Arm-trong county, who died in 1878, leaving one son, Charles Leslie. On June 7, 1880, he married Margaret C. Rumbaugh, to whom have been born six children, viz. : Clarence P., deceased ; Malvina E .; Anita G. ; Everett A. ; Lucillia, and Ivy Irene. The family are connected with St. Paul's Reformed church. Politically, Mr. Vensel is a Democrat, and in 1891, was elected town- ship auditor. He is a member of Millerstown Lodge, K. of P .. in which he is vice chancellor. He is one of the well known and popular citizens of Donegal township.

WASHINGTON II. VENSEL, son of John and Catherine Vensel, was born in Fairview township, Butler county, November 28, 1854, and settled with his par- ents upon the homestead in Donegal township, where he grew to manhood. In the spring of 1876 he went to Champaign county, Illinois, and engaged at farm- ing, but soon returned to Pennsylvania, where he embarked in the oil industry with his brothers, to which he has since devoted his entire attention. In 1882 he married Ada G. Brooks, of Mckean county, daughter of A. J. Brooks, a promi- nent oil producer of that county. They have one son, Harry Ralph. In 1892 Mr. Vensel removed from Bradford to Millerstown, where he has since resided. He is a member of the K. O. T. M .. and one of the enterprising citizens of the borough.

WILLIAM M. VENSEL was born in Fairview township, Butler county, October 27, 1858, son of John and Catherine Vensel, and was ten years old when his parents located in Donegal township. He grew to maturity upon the home- stead farm, received a good common school education, and at the age of twenty- one he embarked in the oil business in McKean county, and has since devoted his attention to contracting and producing, in which he has been quite successful. On December 29, 1887, Mr. Vensel married Minnia A. Barnhart, a daughter of A. W. Barnhart. of Butler township. They are the parents of three children, viz. : Charles F. ; William Arthur, and Nora Florence. In politics, Mr. Vensel is a stanch Democrat. He is a member of Millerstown Lodge, Number 457, K. of P. ; also of Argyle Lodge, Number 540. F. & A. M. He is recognized as one of the progressive, public-spirited and enterprising business men of the com- munity.

BARNEY VENSEL was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, second child of John and Christina ( Rice) Vensel, natives of eastern Pennsylvania, who came to Armstrong county at an early day, where they died at a ripe old age. They were the parents of five sons and three daughters, all of whom are dead. Barney grew to manhood in his native county, and married Hannah Harmon, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who came to Armstrong county with her parents, Peter and Christina Harmon. The young couple settled upon a farm in Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, where both resided until their death. Mr. Vensel died in 1846, aged fifty-nine years, and his wife, in 1867, aged eighty-four years. They were the parents of twelve children, viz. : Christina, deceased wife of Henry Hyle : Polly, wife of Peter Hyle ; Catherine, deceased wife of Michael Myers ; Eliza, who died in childhood : John, deceased : Peter, who resides on the old homestead: Susan, wife of Adam Myers; Joseph, a resident of Donegal township; Sarah, deceased wife of Jacob Troutman ; Barney, of Armstrong

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county : George, who lives upon the homestead farm. and Margaret, also a resi- dent of the old home.

JOSEPH VENSEL. eighth child of Barney and Hannah Vensel. was born in Sugar Creek township, AArmstrong county, April 1, 1831. and was reared a farmer. He attended the pioneer subscription schools, in a small log building, with puncheon floor, split log seats, single desk, and a large fireplace in each end of the building. The United States spelling book, and old English reader were two of the books used during this period. AAt the age of twenty-two, Mr. Vensel went to Brady's Bend, and in 1853. married Lydia Myers, a daughter of Freder- ick and Susannah Myers, She was born in Westmoreland county, October 3. 1825. and was only one year old when her parents located in Armstrong county. Mr. Vensel rented a farm in Armstrong county, where he resided until 1858, and then settled upon his present homestead in Donegal township. Butler county. which was partially improved. They are the parents of seven children, viz. : Susannah. wife of Lewis Snyder : Jacob S., of Donegal township; Sarah E. ; Margaret, wife of William David; George, who resides at home : Joseph I., of Millerstown, and John, who lives with his parents. The family are connected with St. Paul's Reformed church of Oak Grove. Mr. Vensel is a Democrat. and has filled the offices of supervisor and director.

JAMES RODGERS, a native of Pittsburg. came to Armstrong county at an early day. He married Nancy MeElroy, a native of Clearfield township, Butler county, and a daughter of Hugh McElroy, who came from Donegal county, Ire- land, and entered 400 acres of land on the line of Butler and Armstrong counties, where he was one of the first settlers. Mr. Rodgers and wife resided succes- sively in Armstrong county, Beaver county, and Harmony, Butler county, until 1840, when he leased a farm in Donegal township, and later purchased a tract of land upon which he resided down to his death, in 1819. His wife died at Harmony, in 1826, and he married for his second wife Bridget Boyle. He was the father of four children by his first marriage, as follows : George, of Donegal township: Margaret, deceased wife of Daniel Boyle : John, and Thomas.

Joux RODGERS was born in Armstrong county, September 25, 1824, son of James and Nancy ( McElroy ) Rodgers. At the age of fifteen he began work- ing in an iron furnace, subsequently chopped cordwood upon a farm, and then went to Clarion county, where he worked in the ore mines. He came to Butler county with his father, whom he assisted in clearing and improving a home. When his father died the farm came into his possession, In 1852 he married Elizabeth Burns, a daughter of Bernard Burns, of Donegal township. Ten chil- dren have been born to this union, eight of whom are living, viz. : Bernard. of Ohio ; John F., of Donegal township : Daniel, a resident of Pittsburg ; Stephen, and Ann E., who reside with their parents; Rosalie, wife of James Rabitt, of Donegal township: Margaret, wife of M. McGarvey, of Noblestown, and Mary Belle, who lives at home. The family are connected with St. Patrick's Catholic church, at Sugar Creek, of which Mr. Rodgers' parents were original members. Politically, he is a Democrat, and one of the enterprising farmers of the town- ship. Ile is the owner of 230 acres of well improved land, upon which there are several producing wells.

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JOHN MORROW was born near Kittanning, Armstrong county, son of Thomas and Susan Morrow, natives of Donegal county, Ireland. He was reared in his native township, and married Isabella Boyd, a native of Monaghan county, Ire- land, who came with her parents to the United States when four years of age. her mother dying on ship-board en voyage. The young couple located on a farm in Armstrong county, where they lived about twenty years, and then removed to Jefferson county. After a short residence in the latter county, they came to Butler county, in 1846, and purchased a farm in what is now Concord township, which they began improving. They spent the remainder of their lives thereon. Mrs. Morrow dying August 8. 1882, aged ninety-four years, and her husband, in November, ISSS, aged ninety years. They were the parents of seven children. as follows : James, of Concord township ; Susan, wife of James Phillips ; Eliza- beth, wife of John Forsythe : John, a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas ; Robert. of Donegal township : Eleanor Jane, and William, the two last mentioned being dead.

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History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 121

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