History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 128

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 128

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

ISAAC ELLENBERGER, a son of John and Elizabeth Ellenberger, was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, August 12, 1821, and grew to maturity beneath the parental roof. In 1846 he married Elizabeth Reep, a native of Fairview township, born June 21, 1821. Her father, Henry Reep, married Fannie Utter- man, and both he and wife died in Fairview township. The subject of this sketch located in Fairview township, near Buena Vista, after his marriage, but settled upon the farin where his widow now resides in 1853. Here he died on February 1, 1861. He was the father of six children, as follows : John Henry; Fanny, wife of Frederick Kamerer; Isaac, and Mary, both deceased; Amos W .. and Walter J., deceased.

AMos W. ELLENBERGER, son of Isaac and Elizabeth Ellenberger, was born in Fairview township, June 16, 1856, and has spent his entire life in this com- munity. He resides upon the old homestead farm and devotes his attention to agriculture, though he has also some oil production. Mr. Ellenberger was married June 15, 1882, to Emma D., a daughter of William and Rosa Lange, of Oakland township, to which union have been born five children. viz. : Mary E. ; Walter ; Blanche, deceased ; Rosa C., and Minnie F. Politically, he is a stanch Republican.

CHARLES SWARTZLANDER Was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in June, 1822, son of Abraham and Elizabeth Swartzlander. When Charles was seven years old his parents removed to Armstrong county, making the trip in a covered wagon drawn by three horses, our subject walking much of the distance. His father purchased a claim in Armstrong county, upon which he subsequently set- tled, and both he and wife died there. Charles grew to maturity in that county amid the scenes and hardships of pioneer days, attending school in a little log building with the rudest furnishings of the period. When fourteen years of age he worked six months for fifty dollars. In 1843 he came to Butler county and worked at the carpenter's trade, having served an apprenticeship of two year- at that business. On May 6, 1847. he married Phoebe Pontius, a daughter of Gabriel and Mary Pontius. She was born on the Pontius homestead in Donegal township. September 23, 1828, and is the mother of the following children : Harvey O .; Amos G., deceased ; Samuel M. ; William J .. and Mary A. M .. deceased. In politics, Mr. Swartzlander is a Republican. His wife is a mem- ber of the English Lutheran church, and the family are adherent- of that faith. Their son, Harvey O., was born April 10, 1548, in Fairview township, and has

1004

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

always followed the vocation of a farmer. He is a member of Karns City Lodge, I. O. O. F., which he joined September 9, 1876. Politically, he is an ardent Republican.

ISAAC KEPPLE was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. December 22, 1817. His father, Lewis Kepple, removed from eastern Pennsylvania to Westmoreland county, in early manhood, and there married Christina Kline. Eleven children were born to this union, five of whom survive, viz. : John, a resident of Armstrong county ; Isaac, of Butler county ; Daniel, of Iowa ; Jona- than, who resides in this county, and Mrs. Margaret Barnhart, of Oakland town- ship. The subject of this sketch grew to maturity in his native county, assisting in the farm duties, wearing home-made clothing, and helping his mother to prepare the flax and wool from which the clothing for the family was made upon the home loom. He attended the subscription schools of his period, and shared the trials and hardships of pioneer days. When eighteen years of age his father died, and Isaac started out for himself, as a farm hand, receiving for his labor from forty to fifty cents per day. Hle later found employment upon the Pennsylvania canal, afterwards rented the old homestead in Westmoreland county, which he tilled for a number of years, and then purchased a farm of his own in that county. In 1848 Mr. Kepple sold his property, came to Butler county, and located upon his present farm in Fairview township, near Buena Vista. Here he has since resided, but has greatly improved the place during the passing years. Oil was found upon his farm in paying quantities, and at . one time there were eleven producing wells upon it. He still has a good pro- duction from two independent wells. Mr. Kepple was married October 16, 1850, to Mary, a daughter of George and Catherine ( Barnhart) Thorn, early settlers of Butler county. She was born in Fairview township. September 3. 1828, and is the mother of five children, viz. : AAngeline: William : Winfield ; Addison, and one who died in infancy. The family are members of the Reformed church. and in politics, Mr. Kepple is an ardent Republican.

WILLIAM HERON. a farmer and producer, was born in Toronto, Ontario, May 17, 1837, son of AAdam and Hannah ( Ashberry ) Heron. natives of Scotland and England, respectively. They were married in England, thence went to Canada and later came to Pennsylvania, where the father died and where the mother still resides. William began life for himself working upon a farm when twelve years of age. In 1861 he came to Titusville, Venango county, where he engaged as a pumper in the oil fields. In 1878 he located at Karns City, where he followed the oil industry, and afterwards purchased an interest in a well on the J. B. Campbell farm. He followed producing for some years, and in the spring of ISS3 purchased the Campbell farm, consisting of 136 acres, upon which he has since resided. Mr. Heron was married in 1866. to Emma Hobbs , anative of Canada, to which union were born six children, viz. : Minnie, deceased : Charles E. ; Archie J .; James A. : Cora E., and Belle, deceased. Mrs. Heron died in 1844, and he was again married, February 15, 1887. to Mrs. Ada E. Campbell, widow of James R. Campbell, by whom she had the following children : Nancy Jane, deceased ; Cora J., deceased, and Lulu M. Mrs. Heron is a daughter of John and Mary Graham, and a native of Allegheny township. Butler county.

1005

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

By her marriage to Mr. Heron she is the mother of one daughter. Emma, deceased. In politics, Mr. Heron is a Republican. He is a member of Argyle Lodge, Number 510, F. & A. M.

NICHOLAS PONTIUS, one of the well known and prominent citizens of Fair- view township, was born in Prussia, Germany, April Is, 1832, son of Charles and Elizabeth (Hartwick) Pontius, natives of Prussia. Charles Pontius was a shoemaker, and came to the United States, with his wife and six children, in 1845, landing at Baltimore, and thence proceeding to Pittsburg, where he fol- lowed his trade. Later he settled on a farm in Washington county, Ohio, where both he and wife died. They were the parents of six children, three of whom are living, viz. : Charles, a merchant of Cameron, Ohio; Nicholas, and Caroline, wife of Gottlieb Fox, of Virginia. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days in his native land, where he received a common school education. Ile was thirteen years of age when his parents came to the United States, the voyage across the Atlantic in a sailing vessel consuming fifty six days. After arriving at Pittsburg he entered a furniture manufactory, and served an apprenticeship of three years as a finisher, receiving three dollars per week and later four dollars per week during his apprenticeship. Ile afterwards worked as a journeyman until 1862, in which year he located at Millerstown, Butler county, and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1864 he removed to Buena Vista, where he continued in business until I878, in which year he retired. In the meantime he had embarked in the oil industry, and now owns 140 acres of good land with a profitable production. He is also interested in the eastern belt, is one of the leading producers of his locality, and at one time owned an interest in fifty-six wells in the Millerstown field. Ile is a stockholder in the Producers Pipe Line Company, and was one of the original stockholders in the German Oil Refinery at Brady's Bend, which was afterwards purchased by the Standard Oil Company. In 1852 Mr. Pontius was married, in Pittsburg, to Christina Wolfe, a native of Saxony, Germany, who came to Butler county with her parents when five years of age. To this union has been born one son. Edward, who died in infancy. Politically. Mr. Pontius is a Republican, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. In 1878 he and his wife spent the summer on a visit to their native land, enjoying a portion of the fruits which his industry and economy accumulated. He has been a very successful business man, and is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of the county.

ROBERT O. SHIRA was born in Washington township, Butler county. June 10, 1839, son of David and Maria Shira. He was reared upon the homestead farm, and enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Second Penn- sylvania Volunteers, in September, 1861. He served with his regiment in the Ar ny of the Potomac, and participated in the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks. He was wounded in the latter fight, by a gun shot through the right thigh, and was taken prisoner, but when the rebels were driven back he was left upon the field for dead. He was sent to the hospital at Davis Island, and when sufficiently recovered was granted a furlough. He returned to the hospital and was sent to Bedloe's Island, and honorably discharged, on a surgeon's certificate, for disability. In February, 1864, he re-enlisted in his old company and regiment, was soon promoted to second lieutenant of Company B, Sixth Heavy Artillery,

1006

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

and did good service until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865, and participated in the grand review at Washington. In IS68 Mr. Shira married Clara E. Graham; they resided in Washington township until her death. November 6, 1879. She was the mother of four children, viz. : Flora E., deceased ; Victor E. ; Edith E., and one that died in infancy. Mr. Shira was again married, October 5, 1888, to Margaret Hays. They removed to Fair- view borough in the fall of 1893, where they have since resided. They are mem- bers of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican, and a member of the G. A. R.

KENNETH MCINTOSH was born in Inverness, Scotland, June 10, 1534, son of William and Isabel McIntosh. In [>49 he came with his parents to Chautauqua county, New York. and at the age of sixteen years began working on a farm as a laborer. a position affording him much hard work but little pay. About 1857 he went west, and for several years dealt successfully in real estate in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Returning to New York he engaged in farming and the dairy business until 1873, in which year he settled in Butler county, and engaged with the Angell Oil Company, as farm superintendent. In the spring of 1879 be purchased and located upon his present farm of 130 acres, at Fairmont, which he has greatly improved in every way. In 1861 Mr. McIn- tosh married Rose A. Belding, of Stockton, New York, and has three chil- dren, viz. : Lizzie M .. wife of M. A. Lee; Edward E., and Addie. Mrs. Mc- Intosh died in ISSS. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Karns City. Politically, he is a Republican, and is one of the leading farmers of his township.

PATRICK R. BURKE was born in Brooklyn, New York, March 17, 1845, son of James and Mary Ryan ( Ryan) Burke, natives of Ireland. His father came to Brooklyn in early manhood, where he followed contracting and building, was married in that city to Mary Ryan, and spent the remaining years of his life there. ITis widow lives in Cleveland, Ohio. They were the parents of two children, Patrick R. being the only survivor. He lived in Brooklyn until four- teen years of age, and attended a private school in that city. In 1862 he removed with his mother to Cleveland, and there entered St. Mary's College, where he remained until the spring of 1866. In June of that year he located at Franklin, Venango county, and engaged as a pumper at Coal City. In the spring of IS7B he settled at Karns City, where he accepted the position of book- keeper with the lumber firm of Rogers & Allen, with whom he remained until May 14, 1875, when he embarked in the mercantile business in that borough, as a partner with II. P. Meclimans. In September, IS75, Mr. Burke became sole proprietor and conducted the business until 1888, in which year he retired be- cause of ill health. He afterwards devoted his entire attention to his oil inter- ests in Butler and Mckean counties, and is now the owner of two producing farms in Fairview township. Mr. Burke was married November 4. 1874, to Ada Z., a daughter of Ilugh P. and Margaret (Campbell) Meclimans, and of the eight children born to this union, six survive : Franklin K .: Carrie Maude ; Cleveland R .; Ellen J. ; Eliza, and Eugene. Politically, he has always been an ardent Democrat ; was twice a delegate to State conventions; filled the office

1007

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

of burgess of Karns City, and is now serving his fourteenth consecutive year as a member of the school board. He is a Past D. D. G. M. in the 1. O. U. W., and was the prime mover in establishing Karns City Lodge, of which he was elected first officer and is at present treasurer. He was also one of the organizers and first N. G. in Karns City Lodge, Number 931, 1. O. O. F., in which he is past D. D. G. M., and treasurer of the lodge for ten year -. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and is connected with Parker Lodge, also with the chapter, commandery, and consistory, in which he has taken the 32nd degree. Mr. Burke is a prominent citizen of the community, in which he has extensive business interests, and has done his full share toward- building up the social and material prosperity of the borough.

GEORGE E. MCGILL, oil producer of Karns City, was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, October 1, 1845, son of George and Sarah McGill. When our subject was five years old his mother died, and his father removed to Chautauqua county, New York, where he died in 1857. At the age of thirteen years, George E. was thrown upon his own resources, but by industry and economy he soon acquired sufficient funds to enable him to enter the academy at Westfield. New York, and graduated from that institution three years later. AAfter a short time spent upon a farm, he found employment in the oil fields of Venango county, as an engineer, but soon acquired some leases and began drilling. Ilis efforts proved unsuccessful, the first seven wells he put down coming in dry, and at the age of twenty years he found himself a bankrupt and $3,000 in debt. This would have discouraged a man of less determination, but with indomitable energy he per- severed, and securing a small lease on the Foster farm, soon had a well producing 200 barrels a day. This was the turn of the tide in his fortune, and he subse- quently became one of the well known operators in that famous field. lle also conducted extensive operations in Warren county, and established the Commer- cial Club Livery, at Titusville, at an outlay of $22,000. In July, 1872, he came to Butler county and put down the second well on the MeClymond's farm, at Karns City, which came in at 125 barrels a day, and he has ever since been prominently identified with the oil industry of Butler county. He is a Republican in politics. and has served as a member of the Karns City council. Mr. McGill is proud of the fact that he was one of the originators and charter members of the Titusville Oil Exchange, the first established in this country.

GEORGE BECK, proprietor of the Producers Refinery, Karns City, was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, February >, 1852, son of John George and Anna Maria Beck, natives of Wurtemburg, where his mother still resides at a ripe old age. The subject of this sketch grew to maturity in his native land, and there received a common school education. In 1874 he immigrated to Pennsylvania and located at Modoc, Butler county, where he engaged in the oil business with his brother John, who had settled in this county in 1872. Ile remained at Modoc until 1876, then came to Karns City and operated in that field. In IST they purchased the Producers Refinery, and carried on the business until the death of John Beck, in January, 1894, since which event George has been sole proprietor. The works have a capacity of fifty barrels of distilled petroleum a day, all of which is used in this section of the country. Mr. Beck was married in 1879, to

1008

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Anna Maria Bezler, a native of Wurtemburg, and is the father of five children : Annie M. ; Minnie B .; Clara K. ; John A, and Walter W. He is a stanch Democrat, and is a member of the borough council. He is connected with Der- rick Lodge, K. of P., also with Karns City Lodge, I. O. O. F. Mr. Beck takes an active interest in public movements and is an enterprising and progressive citizen. By close attention to his business affairs he has accumulated through the passing years a handsome competence, the result of his own inherent industry and business ability.

P. D. SHERWIN, proprietor of the Enterprise Coal Works, at Karns City, was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1848. His parents, Samuel and Dinah Sherwin, natives of England, immigrated to Pennsylvania and settled in Schuylkill county, his father engaging in the coal industry. Ilis mother died in 1857, aged thirty-three years. Ilis father died at Karns City in 1sss, aged sixty-six years. The subject of this sketch was the eldest in a family of six children, and gained a practical knowledge of mining in boyhood. In 1866 he went to Richmond, Virginia, and took charge of the Deep Run coal mine in Henrico county, of that State. In 1869, owing to the prevalence of fever and ague, he returned to Elk county, Pennsylvania, and took charge of the King mines under his father. In 1871 he went Monterey, Clarion county, Pennsyl- vania, and with his father leased the Miller Edie mine, and in 1873 they leased the Rattlesnake mine for three years. In 1876 Mr. Sherwin came to Karns City, and with his father embarked in the coal industry. In April, 15SS, he opened the Enterprise Coal Works, the most completely equipped and largest works in this section of the county. In 1891 he leased and remodeled the Standard mine on the Pittsburg, Shenango and Lake Erie railroad. in Clay township. Mr. Sher- win was married June 28, 1871, to Annie Blackett. a native of England and a daughter of John Blackett. who came to the United States with his family when she was an infant. Seven children are the fruits of this union, as follows : Samuel ; John B .; William E. : James G. ; Gracie B. ; Charles P., and Hattie, deceased. Politically, Mr. Sherwin is a Republican, and is one of the enterpris- ing citizens of the community.

GEORGE STRANCE, engineer in charge of the National Transit Company's pump station, at Karns City, was born at Olean, New York. December 19, 1859, son of John and Catherine Strance, natives of Wurtemburg, Germany. John Strance immigrated in early manhood to New York, his wife also coming to the same State in girlhood. They were married and resided in New York for some years, but removed to Warren county, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Strance dicd, and where his widow still resides. George is the fifth child in a family of four sons and two daughters, and commenced in life for himself at the age of sixteen years, coming to Petrolia, Butler county, where he entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company as messenger boy, and devoted his spare moments towards acquiring a knowledge of telegraphy. In August, 1879, he was placed in charge of the Western Union office at Karns City, and on Novem- ber 5 of that year he accepted a situation as operator in the office of the National Transit Company. The following year he was promoted to the position of engineer, which he has occupied for the past fourteen years. He is the architect

1009

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

of his own good fortune, having commenced at the bottom round of the ladder. When a messenger boy at Petrolia his meager earnings would scarcely make ends meet, but by strict attention to business and a due regard for the interests of his employer, he won the promotion he has since enjoyed. Mr. Strance was married November 21. 1893, to Miss Tillie Stone, of Millerstown, and has two children. He is a member of Derrick Lodge, K. of P .. also of Karns City Lodge. I. O. O. F .. and is connected with the Encampment, at Parker. He is independ- ent in his political views, and has been a member of the school board for six years, during five of which he filled the office of secretary of the board.

JOSEPH EARHART was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, March 10. 1827, son of David and Catherine ( Altman ) Earhart. pioneers of Indiana county. His father was born December 4, 1789, and his mother in 1788. They resided near Blairsville until 1838, whence they removed to near the town of Indiana. In 1845 they removed to Scott county, Iowa, which they made their home the balance of their lives. David Earhart died in Armstrong county, June 3, 1848. while on a visit to his son, Rev. D. Earhart : his wife died in Iowa at the age of eighty-two years. They were the parents of eleven children, nine sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, and seven of the number are still living. Joseph was the ninth child, and spent his boyhood days with his parents. The first school he attended was held in a log building twenty feet square, erected by his father. and furnished in the primitive manner of that period. In 1845 he went to Scott county, lowa. with his parents, who settled on a farm near Daven- port. In 1847 he returned to Armstrong county, served an apprenticeship at the tinner's trade, and followed that business for some years. In 1852 he embarked in merchandising, and in 1856 located at Butler as a member of the firm of A. G. Boyd & Company, general merchants. 1Te sold his interest in IS5s and returned to Armstrong county, and the following year entered the mercantile business at Worthington, where he carried on down to 1883. In that year he established a mercantile business at Karns City, Butler county, which he conducted until 1892. Hle then retired to his present farm. one mile south of Karns. City, upon which he has a good oil production. Mr. Earhart was married March 10, 1853, to Mar- garet J. Boyd, a daughter of John Boyd, Esq., a prominent deceased citizen of Armstrong county. Eleven children were born to this union, as follows : Sarah A., deceased wife of P. M. Graff ; William P., deceased ; Ada F., wife of Rev. C. A. Cummings : Anna M., wife of A. M. McCollough : C. Josephine. wife of R. M. Hunter : Lyda B. ; Mary W. : Charles 11., a practicing physician : Harry B. ; Olive Gertrude, and Frances E. The family are connected with the Presby- terian church, in which Mr. Earhart has filled the office of elder. Politically. he is a Republican, and when Lee invaded Pennsylvania he closed his store and went to Harrisburg as a member of the Home Guards. thus exhibiting his patriot- ism, love of country, and devotion to his native State, of which he is justly proud.

JACOB W. GLOSSNER was born in Eagleville. Centre county. Pennsylvania. March 28, 1849, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Glossner, natives of Gel- many, who immigrated to the United States. They were the parents of six children, of whom the following still survive: George. of Clinton county : Christopher ; Jacob W., and Elizabeth, wife of John Sloan, of Harrisburg. 64

1010

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

When Jacob W. was about six years of age his father died. His mother subse- quently married James Siyers, and died when our subject was a lad of thirteen. He was then thrown upon his own resources, and found employment as a driver upon the Pennsylvania canal. On August 26, 1864, being then only fifteen years of age, he enlisted in Company D. Eighty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, which was assigned to service in the First Brigade, First Division, Second Army Corp. HIe participated in the siege of Petersburg. the battles of Gravelly Run, Hatcher's Run, and the surrender of Lec at Appomattox, and was also with his regiment in the grand review at Washington. He was honorably discharged at Philadelphia, June 8, 1865 His brother Daniel served three years in the Forty-fifth Pennsyl- vania Volunteers, After the war closed Mr. Glossner engaged as a lumberman, and in 1871 embarked in the butcher business. In the fall of 1877 he came to Butler county, located at Millerstown, and engaged in the oil business. In 1886 he established a meat market at Karns City, which he still continues, besides being interested in the oil industry as a producer. Mr. Glossner is a Republican, has been quite active in politics, and was elected burgess of his borough in ISSS. and has filled that position by successive re-elections up to the present. He has also served upon the school board, and is one of the progressive enterprising cit- izens of the town. He is a member of Robert McDermott Post, G. A. R., of Millerstown. and is connected with Derrick Lodge, Number 456. K. of P., of Karns City. Mr. Glossner was married September 19, 1882, to Sarah, a daugh- ter of John and Mary A. (Dickey) White, a native of Butler county. Four children are the fruits of this union, viz. : Harry D. ; Frederick L. ; Mary Alice, and Grace A. Mrs. Glossner is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Karns City.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 128

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