History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 145

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 145

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ROBERT IE. BROWN, eldest son of Adam and Sarah Brown, was born Sep- tember 12, 1824, in Middlesex township, Butler county. He was reared on the homestead farm, and received his education in the district schools. He learned the milling business with his father, and purchased the mill and farm from the latter, which he conducted until 1880. In that year he bought a farm in Cran- berry township, resided npon it until Is91, and then returned to his original homestead, where he engaged in farming and operating hi- flour and saw mill. In 1863 the old mill was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt by himself ; his farm contains some five producing oil wells, and is thus quite profitable. In 1850 he married Margaret E .. daughter of George Wilson. His second wife was Cynthia F., daugliter of Jesse Miller, of Forward township, to which union have been born six children, four of whom are living, as follows: Sarah E. ; Mary L. ; Robert L .. and Nora B. Politically, Mr. Brown is a Republican, and in religiou- faith, he is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church.

JOHN CROWE, son of Francis Crowe, came with his parents from Ireland some time in the last century, and settled upon the Susquehanna river in eastern Pennsylvania. He was one of three brothers, two of whom settled in Indiana and Kentucky. He had four sisters, as follows: Ellen, who married a man named Anderson; Margaret : Mary, who married Alexander Douthett, and one whose name is not remembered. About 1812 John Crowe located on the site of Petersville, Butler county, removing later to Breakneck, in Forward township. and soon afterwards he settled upon a 200-acre tract of land where John and David Crowe now live. Here he spent the remaining years of his life. He was married three times. His first wife was Jane Pollock, and their children were as follows : Mary, who married David Douthett : Grizella, who married Nathan- iel Walker ; Samuel : William, and John, all of whom are dead except the last mentioned. Ilis second wife was Nancy Boyles, who bore him one son. David B., who resides upon a part of the homestead farm. His third wife was Eliza- beth Robb, but no children were born to this union. John Crowe resided in Forward township until his death, and was one of the leading members of the old Covenanter church in this locality. His father. Francis Crowe. also came to Butler county, where be resided with his son John until his death.

WILLIAM P. CROWE. second son of John and Jane ( Pollock ) Crowe. was born in 1813, upon the old homestead in Forward township, and received his edu- cation in the pioneer log school house of the neighborhood. He learned the tanner's trade in Pittsburg, but later took up the bricklayer's trade, which he followed through life. Ile settled upon the farm where his son, George W., now resides, which he purchased some years before retiring from active business, and died there in 1871. Ile married Sarah J., daughter of John Hays, of

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Middlesex township, which union was blessed with cleven children : William J .. of Butler; George W .: Benjamin F., of Beaver' county: Ellen ; Milton ; Nelson M .. a minister of De Haven. Allegheny county; Mary, wife of John Tress : James M .. deceased : Lizzie, wife of R. O. Knox ; Calvin. and Albert. Mr. Crowe was one of the leading Republicans of Forward township, and took a deep interest in political affair -. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and died in that faith. His widow resides in Beaver county.

HENRY GELBACH was born in Bavaria. Germany, and immigrated to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1930. He subsequently removed to what is now For- ward township, Butler county, and purchased 100 acresof land. now known as the Markel farm. This he cleared and improved, and resided upon it down to within a few years of his death, which occurred at Zelienople, whither he had removed from his farm. He married in Germany, and was the father of one son, Philip, and three daughters, as follows: Margaret, who married Philip Blimm : Elizabeth, who married Martin Behm, and Louisa, who married Charles Katz.

PHILIP GELBACH, only son of Henry Gelbach, was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, March 15, 1817, and came with his parents to the United States in 1830. Hle grew to manhood upon the homestead in Forward township, and received a meager education in the pioneer log schools of that locality. He afterwards pur- chased a farm adjoining his father's farm, consisting of 160 acres, where his son, Philip D. now lives. He continued to farm until he arrived at old age. when he retired to Evans City. where he died October 3. Ist. The first frame barn built in the neighborhood he erected upon his farm. He was a very industrious man and was known as a good, honest citizen. Mr. Gelbach was married in 1846. to Sophia. daughter of Christian Dambach, to which union were born five sons and two daughters, as follows: Jacob, of Zelienople : Philip D., of Forward town- ship: Louisa, deceased wife of William J. Blakeley : William II., of Zelienople : Julia, wife of Peter Schenck. of Butler; Christian, of Forward township, and John A., of Zelienople. Mrs. Gelbach resides in the last mentioned borough. Politically, Mr. Gelbach was a Democrat, and filled many of the township offices. Ile was a member of St. John's Evangelical church of Evans City, and gave lib- erally of his means towards the erection of the present church building. He was an elder and trustee of that church for many years, and in all the relations of life he was recognized as a worthy citizen.

Pintar D. GELBACH, second son of Philip and Sophia Gelbach, was born upon the homestead in Forward township, in Ists, and was reared and educated in his native township. In Isit be located upon the farm where his brother Christian now lives, where he remained until 1886, and then purchased the old Gelbach homestead, which he has improved a great deal since that time. It con- tains 247 acres, and is one of the best off producing farms in this locality. In IS71 he was married to Catherine, daughter of Martin Behm, and is the father of seven children, as follows: Daniel L. : Emma M. ; Henry F. : Elmer M. ; Ida L. ; Clara E., and Edna A. Mr. Gelbach is one of the progressive citizens of the county, an active member of the Democratic party, and takes a decided inter- est in public affairs, He has filled the offices of school director and county audi-

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

tor. He is a member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City, and a trustee in that organization.

WILLIAM H. GELBACH was born in Forward township, Butler county, Penn- sylvania. December 10, 1854, and is the third son of Philip and Sophia Gelbach. He received his education in the district schools, and in Greentown Academy, Perrysville. Ohio. In 1878 he embarked in merchandising at Petersville, Butler county, where he carried on business for three years. Ile then taught school in Ohio for three years, and in Isso he entered into a partnership with William II. Ifft, and engaged in the mercantile business at Zelienople. This firm continued in business for six year-, when the partnership was dissolved, and the firm of Gelbach Brothers was established. He sold his interest in the store in 1893, and has since been engaged in Gelbach Brother- bank. Mr. Gelbach was married in 1×80, to Elizabeth, a daughter of Dr. William Irvine, of Evans City, by which union five children have been born to them : Josephine Eugenia : Julia Edith ; Flora Isabella ; Lillian Irvine, and Norman Earl, who died August 10. 1893. The family are connected with the Presbyterian church, in which body Mr. Gel- bach fills the office of elder. In politics, he is a Democrat, has served in the borough council, and has been a continuous member. since [SS3, of the school board of Zelienople, and in 1891 he was a delegate to the State Convention.

JOHN A. GELBACH, of the banking firm of Gelbach Brothers, was born in Forward township, Butler county. March 28, 1962, and is the youngest son of Philip and Sophia Gelbach. He was educated in the public schools of his native township, and completed his education at Zelienople Academy. In 1885 Le en- gaged in the feed business at Beaver Falls, where he remained until 1887, and then became a member of the mercantile firm of Gelbach Brothers, In 1892 he sold his interest in the store and joined his brother Jacob, and Amos M. Lusk in the banking business in Zelienople, which is still continued by Gelbach Brothers. Ile was married in 1591. to Mary Lusk, daughter of the late Dr. Amos Lusk of Zelienople, and both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church of that borough. He is a Democrat, in politics, and has served two terms in the borough council. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, Number 429, F. &. A. M., also of Lancaster Lodge. 1. O. O. F.

NICHOLAS BEIM. SR., a native of Coner-Hesse, Germany. immigrated to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, whence he came to what is now Forward town- ship, Butler county, in 1830, and settled near Breakneck upon a rented farm. Hle had then a family of three sons and two daughters, as follows : John; Nich- olas : George : Margaret, who married George Barkley, and Eva, who married John Metz. In 1834 he located at Zelienople, subsequently purchased a farm in Jackson township, and died at the home of his son Nicholas, in 1>71, aged ninety-two years.

NICHOLAS BEIM. Second son of Nicholas Behin, Sr., was born August 22. 1817, in Germany. He came with his father to Butler county, and purchased a farm of 100 acres in Forward township, where his son Augustus 11. now reside -. Here he spent the balance of his days, dying August 11. 1883. He married Louisa Rehnick, and they were the parents of thirteen children, as follows : Mag- gie, wife of llenry Lentz; Mary, wife of Fred Swartz: Ann, wife of Ernest

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Nebauch : Caroline, wife of George Heist ; Amelia D., wife of Charles Meuhl- brunner ; Louisa, wife of Isaac Blakeley ; Hannah, wife of Daniel Behm ; Chris- tina, deceased ; Lena, deceased ; William, of Adams township ; John, of All- gheny county : Augustus II., and George R. Mr. Behm filled the offices of overseer of the poor and school director for many years: in politics he was a Dem- ocrat. and was a member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City.

AUGUSTUS H. BEIM, third son of Nicholas Behin, Jr., was born upon his present farm February 23, 1851. He received a common school education, and has followed farming up to the present, owning a well improved farm of 189 acres Upon his place are two oil wells, which produced at one time 180 barrels, and 150 barrels, per hour, respectively. Mr. Behm has recently erected one of the finest private residences in the county, and is recognized as an enterpris- ing. substantial business man. He was married in 1882, to Matilda, daughter of William Gochring, of Forward township, and they have a family of six children : Clyde 11. : Leah F .: Cleveland Charley ; Harry M. ; Etta L., and Jay N. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has filled the office of township auditor. He is a member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City, is an elder in that body, and is also connected with the 1. O. O. F.

GEORGE R. BEIM, Youngest son of Nicholas Behm, was born February 15, 1565. upon his present homestead in Forward township, where he has resided throughout his life. In 1891 he married Maggie Mahood, daughter of James Mahood, of Renfrew, Penn township. He is a member of St. John's Reformed church, and politically, is a Democrat. Upon his farm he has eight producing wells, one ninety barrel well, and one of 100 barrels per hour.

WILLIAM HUNTER, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, immigrated to Peni- sylvania about 1835, and settled upon the land in Forward township, Butler county, where his grandsons. W. W. and A. D. Hunter, now live. He was accompanied by his family, consisting of two sons and five daughters. Joseph. one of the sons, died soon after the settlement was made. The other children were named as follows: Alexander: Fannie, who married Carson Coulter; Ann, who married Samuel Dean : Jane, who became the wife of Andrew Dunn ; Mary, who married Samuel Douthett, and Rosanna, who married Scott White. Mr. Hunter died April 18, 1861, aged seventy-seven years. His widow survived him until August 11, 1869, and both are buried in the cemetery near the Preshy- terian church, in Middlesex township. All of the children are dead except Mrs. White, who is a resident of Allegheny. Mr. Hunter and wife were members of the Presbyterian church.

ALEXANDER HI VIER, eldest son of William Hunter, was born in Ireland in 1818, and grew to manhood in his native land. He came with his parents to the United States, and after the death of his father he succeeded to the homestead farm in Forward township. He made many improvements in the property. in clearing off the timber and erecting buildings. He married Elizabeth, daughter of David Dixon, of Penn township, and they were the parents of two sons : William W., and Alexander D. In politics, Mr. Hunter was originally a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, and filled the office of school director in Forward township. His wife died November 22, 1875: he survived her until October

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

19, 1888. In early life they belonged to the Presbyterian church. but later became members of the United Presbyterian church of Adams township.

WILLIAM W. HUNTER. eldest son of Alexander Hunter, was born July 27. 1861, upon the homestead farm in Forward township, and has never resided at any other point. He married Susie, daughter of Jacob Hutchman, and has two children : Maggie E., and Laura W. In politics, he is a Republican, and is a member of Union United Presbyterian church.

ALEXANDER D. HUNTER, youngest son of Alexander Ilunter. was born upon the homestead in Forward township. October 1, 1866, received a common school education, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuit -. Ile married Mary, daughter of Jacob Hutchman, and has one son. Howard A. Politically. he is a Republican, and is a member of Union United Presbyterian church.

DANIEL STAMM and his father settled in Franklin township, Beaver county, close to the Butler county line, where the latter died and was interred upon the homestead. Daniel grew up on the farm settled by his father, and remained with his parents until his marriage to Elizabeth Shearer, to which union were born the following children : Conrad ; Jacob ; John : Daniel ; Mary, who married Henry Shanor; Susan, wife of Zeno Markel, of Evans City, and Eliza, who became the wife of a Eli llartzell. The parents died upon the homestead farm, where the greater portion of their lives was passed.

JACOB STAMM, SR .. son of Daniel Stamm, was born in November, 1811, upon the old homestead, learned the tanner's trade, and followed that occu- pation for several years. In 1837 he purchased the farm in Forward town- ship, consisting of 212 acres, to which he afterwards added seventy-eight acres, upon which his sons, Solomon and Jacob, now live. Mr. Stamm cleared and improved this farm. In early life he was a Democrat. but upon the for- mation of the Republican party he joined that organization. He was one of the pioneer member of St. John's Reformed church of Evan- City. lle married Susan, daughter of Christopher Ziegler. of Beaver county, who became the mother of eight children : Deborah, wife of George Wise : Abraham ; Kesiah. wife of Casper Behm ; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Peffer ; Solomon; Mary, wife of John Milton White ; Susan, wife of Jonathan Wilson, and Jacob. Mr. Stamm died May 27, 1892 ; his widow resides upon the homestead farm. She is a mem- ber of the Mennonite church.

SOLOMON STAMM, second son of Jacob Stamm. was born upon the home. stead in Forward township, Butler county, October 13. 1844, and was reared to manhood beneath the parental roof. In May, 1872, he married Euphemia, daughter of Nicol Allen, of Cranberry township, and has four children : Mary; Bruce B .: Guy 11., and Inez. In politics, Mr. Stamm was a Republican down to recent years, but is now an adherent of the Prohibition party. Ile is a member of the Presbyterian church, of Evans City.

JACOB STAMM, youngest son of Jacob and Susan Stamm, was born Jan- uary 12, 1851, upon the homestead farm in Forward township. He received a common school education, and has always been engaged in farming, carry- ing on the farm in partnership with his brother Solomon. lle is a mem-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

her of the Baptist church, and in politics. he is a Prohibitionist. Mr. Stamm is one of the leading citizens of Forward township. and, like his brother. takes an active interest in the growth and development of the community.

WILLIAM H. STAMM, Son of Daniel and Sophia ( Woster) Stamm, was born in Beaver county. Pennsylvania. September 28, 158. He is a grandson of Daniel Stamm, whose father settled in Franklin township. Beaver county, close to the line of Jackson township, at an early date. His father was born in 1817. and settled upon a part of the old homestead, in Beaver county, where he died in July, 1880. His family were as follows: Eliza, wife of David Morrison : Lena, wife of David Ziegler : Frank : Alice D., wife of Frank Stamm : William HI., and Edward W., who resides upon the homestead with his mother. The subject of this sketch was reared in Beaver county, and grew to manhood upon the homestead farm. He then purchased a farin close at hand, upon which he lived four years. In the spring of 1>91 he bought his present farm in Jackson township, containing 103 acres, and has since resided upon it engaged in general farming. Mr. Stamm was married in 1587, to Lizzie. daughter of George L. Behin, of Jackson township, and is the father of one son, Harold Byron. He is a deacon in Grace Reformed church of Harmony. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist, is a member of Columbia Alliance, of Harmony, and is one of the progressive young farmers of the community.

OSWALD A. RADER was born in lesse-Darmstadt, Germany, grew to man- hood in his native place, and in IS3| immigrated to the United States and set- tled in Kentucky. In 1838 he located in Forward township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased what is now known as the Marshall Brinton farm, and lived upon it for ten years. He then purchased his present homestead in Forward township. containing 200 acres, which he has cleared and brought under cultivation In Isst oil was discovered upon his farm, and it now con- tain- several wells, some of which have produced as high as 200 barrels per day. Mr. Rader is one of the progressive farmers of his township, and takes an interest in everything calculated to benefit the community. In politics. he is a Democrat. and in religious faith, is an adherent of St. John's Lutheran church. of Petersville. He married Margaret, a daughter of John Flinner. of Jackson township, to which union have been born thirteen children : John ; Henry ; Adam ; Peter ; Frederick : William M. ; Annie, wife of L. C. Goehring ; Kate, wife of James Esterling : Lizzie : Tillie, wife of I. E. Drushell ; Benjamin ; Phillip, and Ida. Mr. Rader is retired from active business, his farm now being carried on by his sons. He has filled the offices of overseer of the poor, school director and auditor.

WILLIAM M. RADER. Sixth son of O-wald A. Rader, was born on the homestead in Forward township. in 1861. and was reared beneath the parental roof. In ISS7 he built his present residence on the home farm, and is engaged in general farming. Politically. he is one of the leading young Democrats of Forward township, and is at present township assessor. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran church, of Petersville, and is a trustee and secretary of that organization. Mr. Rader married Emma, a daughter of Elias Goehring. in 1887, and has two children, Nora and Eher.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

WILLIAM M. MARSHALL. was a native of Derry county. Ireland, born in 1-14. and was brought to the United States when a boy of eight years of age. He learned the batter's trade in Pitt-burg, followed that business for some years, and subsequently engaged in merchandising at Allegheny City, where he filled the office of tax collector. About Is#1 he removed to Evans City. Butler county, and opened a general store, which he carried on for two years, and then returned to Allegheny City. One year afterward he again came to Butler county, and located at Whitestown. Connoquenesing township, opened a store and carried on business at that point some four years. He next settled upon a portion of the MeLeod farm, in Forward township, having married Jane. daughter of Enos McLeod, April 3, 1845. He resided upon this farm down to his death. April 27. 1885. He followed farming and coal mining the greater portion of his time. By his marriage to Jane MeLeod, he was the father of eleven children, as fol- lows : Samuel J. ; Robert J. ; Henry ; George, and Mary, all of whom are dead : Charley, deceased, who married Mary Miller; Tillie : Lavina, and three that died in infancy. Mrs. Marshall resides upon the homestead in Forward township. She is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of the county. In early life Mr. Marshall was a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, in which party he was (mnite a leading member. He was a warm friend of education and a school director for several years. lle was a prominent member of the United Presby- terian church. and gave liberally of his means toward the support of that denom- ination.

SAMUEL J. MARSHALL, eldest son of William M. Marshall. was born at Whitestown. Butler county, January 13. 1549, and received a common school education. From 1878 to IN85 he conducted an extensive coal business, mining the coal on his father's farm. Since the latter year he has been engaged in oil producing, farming and coal mining. He is an adherent of the Republican party, has filled the office of school director, and also that of roadmaster. In religious belief. he is connected with the United Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M .. and is recognized as one of the enterprising farmers of the community.

ROBERT J. MARSHALL, second son of William M. Marshall, was born upon the homestead farm at Whitestown, Butler county, May 31, 15I. He received a good public school education, and has taught considerable in the township schools in connection with cultivating the old homestead farm. He is a Repub- lican, in politics, and is a member of the United Presbyterian church.

GEORGE MARSHALL. fourth son of William M. Marshall, was born in For- ward township, Butler county, April 3, 1857, received a common school educa- tion, was reared a farmer, and is engaged in farming and oil producing. They had eleven producing wells upon the homestead farm, which was one of the most valuable in the township. Mr. Marshall is a Republican, in politics, and is a member of the United Presbyterian church.

HARTMAN KNAUFF. a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, settled in Cran- berry township, Butler county, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres, upon which he resided until his death. Ilis family consisted of five sons and three daughters, as follows: Martin, and Michael, both deceased : Henry. of Cran-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

berry township: John ; Hartman, who died on the trip to America : Catherine, wife of Jacob Wihing : Gertrude, wife of Mr. Miller, and Lizzie, who died on the passage to the United States. Mr. Knauff and wife died in Cranberry township. They were adherents of the Lutheran church, and were among the early members of the Zelienople congregation.

Joux KNAUFF. fourth son of Hartman Knauff, was born in Germany in 1824, and at the age of fourteen came with his parents to Butler county. He worked on the homestead farm until his marriage, in 1815. to Sophia. daughter of Michael Fox, when he settled upon a farm owned by his father-in-law. le afterwards located on a 200-acre fract of land in Forward township, where his son A. H. now resides. His wife died three years after their marriage, and he subsequently married Sophia. daughter of Christian Rape, of Jackson township. Six children were born of this union. three of whom are living, as follows: Mary, wife of George Dambach : Sophia, wife of George Meeder, and Adam Henry. Mr. Knauff has retired from active business, and resides with his son upon the home- stead farm. Politically, a Democrat, he has tilled the office of school director and other minor positions in his township. He is a trustee and elder in the Lutheran church, at Zelienople.

ADAM HENRY KNAUFF. only son of John and Sophia ( Rape) Knauff, was born upon the homestead farm, in Forward township. September 19, 1861, and received a common school education. In 1883 he purchased a farm of 200 acres, where he has since resided. He had upon his farm thirty-six producing wells. drilled since 1890, one of which produced ninety barrels per hour, and another 100 barrels per hour. He now has five producing wells. Mr. Knauff married Mary, daughter of George Knauff, of Jackson township, and has four children : William : Henry : Lena. and Frank. In 1893, he was elected. on the Democratic ticket. township auditor. He is an adherent of the Lutheran church, to which denomination his father belongs.

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History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 145

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