History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 149

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 149

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

owner with Mr. Carruthers of the Harmony Oil Company, is a member of the firm of Dale, Hovi- & Company, and is largely interested in the Ohio oil field. In October, 1894, Mr. Peters was married to Miss Eliza Courtright, of Hone-dale, Wayne county, Pennsylvania. In politics, he is a Republican, and is a member of the Golden Chain and other secret secieties. On November 20, 1893. he became a member of the firm of Carruthers, Peters & Company, who have since carried on business at Callery. He is a thorough business man, and has been quite successful in the different undertakings in which he has been engaged.

DR. THOMAS C. WALLACE, son of William Wallace, was born at Glade Mills. Middlesex township, Butler county, in 1835. He was reared upon the farm, obtained a common school education. and afterward- attended Duff's Com- mercial College, at Pittsburg. He subsequently commenced the study of medi- cine. and attended lectures at the Homeopathic Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio. He practiced at Rochester, Pennsylvania, for three years, thence removed to Allegheny, where he has been in continuous practice for the past twenty-five years. In 1862 Dr. Wallace married Elizabeth Hamilton, a daughter of William Hamilton, of Forward township, to which union were born the following chil- dren : William H .; Edwin S., United States Consul at Jerusalem : Frank M. : Thomas C. J .; Charles F. : John H., deceased. and Grace II. Dr. Wallace is an elder in the Presbyterian church.

WILLIAM H. WALLACE, physician and surgeon, was born in the borough of Butler, May 10, 1863, eldest child of Dr. Thomas C. Wallace. After receiv- ing a common school education, he attended Western University, at Allegheny, and later the Polytechnic Institute of the same city. In the meantime he had commenced to read medicine with his father, and attended lectures at the Cleve- land Medical College, from which institution he graduated. He practiced with his father until October, 1890, when he located at Callery. where he has since been engaged in the duties of his profession. Dr Wallace was married Feb- ruary 12, 1859, to Rachel Donnell, a daughter of James Donnell, of Allegheny. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Democrat. He is connected with the K. O. T. M .. and the Jr. O. U. A. M.

MATTHEW GRAHAM, SR., was born in Scotland. came to America when a young man and located in Philadelphia, where he followed the shoemaker's trade. After coming to Philadelphia he married a native of London, England. and later located on a tract of 200 acres of land which he purchased, on the Monongahela river, where the City of Mckeesport now stand -. The family were the first set- tlers at that point, and many times were driven into Pittsburg by hostile Indians. Matthew Graham died in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, Sep- tember 29, 1786, while returning home from Philadelphia. He was the father of two sons, both born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, viz. : Matthew, born March 22, 1780, and William, born January 27, 17-3. After the death of the father, the family continued to reside upon their land in Allegheny county until 1795. when they were di-possessed by reason of a defective title, by a Mr. Mc- Kee, after whom the city was named. In 1796 the two sons, Matthew and William, came to Butler county, and entered a tract of 100 acres of government land in what is now Cranberry township, and began clearing and improving the

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same. They erected a log cabin thereon, and in the spring of 1797 their mother joined them in their new home. She had married John Long, who accompanied her, and died soon after coming to Cranberry township. She resided here until her death, in 1817.

MATTHEW GRAHAM, JR., married Mary Freeman, December 17, 1801. She was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1783, and became the mother of the following children : lletty, born March 9. 1801, married John Vandivort, and died November 4. IS49; Ann, born December 29, 1806, married John Kelly, and is now deceased ; William, deceased, born May 7, 1809 ; Harvey, born March 2, 1813, died in infancy: Mary, deceased, born November 29, 1515, married John Love, and later W. M. Meredith ; James 11., deceased, born Jan- uary 22, 1819; Thomas, born September 17, 1821 ; Matthew, born September 2. 1824, and Samuel, born July 27, 1827. The three last mentioned are residents of Cranberry township. In 1818 Mr. Graham built a tavern on the Pittsburg and Harmony road, known as the Black Bear, and this he conducted for many years. It became a famous stopping place and general headquarters for the pioneers of that locality, who would gather about the huge fire-place and relate many a thrilling tale of adventure. Matthew Graham was a successful man and became the owner of over 1,000 acres of land in Cranberry township. In 1831 he erected on Bear run, on land owned by himself, the first saw mill in the township, and in 1833 he erected on Brush creek, the first grist mill in the township. The decay- ing remains of these mills may still be seen near the residence of Samuel Graham. He died November 3, 1858; his widow survived until June 10, 1866. Mr. Graham was an energetic, generous, and public-spirited man, and took a promi- nent part in the development of this county. lle was especially active in the introduction of the public school system into Cranberry township. He was a member of the Plains Presbyterian church, and one of its most liberal supporters. In early life a Whig, he afterwards became a Republican, wielded a strong influence in the local councils of his party, and filled various township offices.

SAMUEL GRAHAM, youngest son of Matthew and Mary ( Freeman ) Graham, was born on the homestead in Cranberry township, July 27, 1827. He grew to maturity beneath the parental roof, and received his education in the primitive log school house of pioneer days. He was married October 7, 1856, to Matilda Duncan, eldest daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth ( Caldwell) Duncan. She was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, February 28, 1832, They settled on their present farm on Brush creek, where they have ever since resided. They are the parents of three children, as follows. Charles W. born July 30, 1857, died May 16, 1883; Findley, a resident of San Francisco, born March 29, 1859, and Carrie E., born October 18, 1871, married William J. Leonberg, and has three children: Mabel M., Gladys, and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are members of Plains Presbyterian church. He is an ardent Republican, and is one of the progressive and public-spirited farmers of the township.

JAMES II. GRAHAM, SR., son of Matthew and Mary ( Freeman) Graham, was born in Cranberry township. Butler county, January 22. 1819, and spent his entire life in this county. He was married January 2. 1&15. to Elizabeth Oakley, born in Beaver county, August 17. 1525, and a daughter of Jesse R. and Nancy

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

(Steele) Oakley, natives of Connecticut and Beaver county, respectively. They became the parents of six children : Mary, born April 6, 1816. wife of Beriah Duncan, of Connoquenessing township; AAlbert G., born May 7, 1848; John Newton, born March 26, 1550; Sarah M., deceased, born November 9, 1:52: Ilerman Westley, born July 22, 1858, and Lizzie Maude, born May 28, 1867. wife of Frank P. Carroll. Mr. Graham died December 2, 1880; his widow sur- vives him. He was a Republican, in politics, and filled many of the township offices during his vigorous manhood.

ALBERT G, GRAHAM, eldest son of James H. and Elizabeth Graham, was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, May 7, 1848. He received a com- mon school education, and was reared to farm life. On March 30, 1870, he mar- ried Savilla, a daughter of Daniel and Ruth Emerick, of Cranberry township. and located upon his present farm of 210 acres. It is one of the best improved places in the neighborhood, possessing good buildings and other valuable improve- ments. Three children have been born to this union, as follows: Clifford. boru May 30, 1871; Beryl, born February 2, 1875, and Harvey A., born December 13, 1884. Mr. Graham is a Republican, has held various township offices, and is one of the enterprising farmers of the township. Both he and wife are member- of Dutillh Methodist Episcopal church.

JOHN NEWTON GRAHAM is a son of James HI. and Elizabeth (Oakley ) Gra- ham, and was born on the homestead farm in Cranberry township, Butler county. March 26, 1850. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, assisting them in the duties of the farm. In June, 1875, he was united in marriage with Margaret, a daughter of AAndrew and Catherine Keck, who are now residing in Livingston county, Illinois. Soon after their marriage the young couple located on their present farm. where Mr. Graham had previously erected a home. This farm was comparatively unimproved, but he has erected substan- tial buildings upon it and brought it under a high state of cultivation. Seven children have heen born of his marriage to Margaret Keck, as follows : Harry G. ; William Howard ; Viola 1. ; Chester Earle ; John Floyd ; Homer Ezra. and Clare Newton. Mr. Graham and wife are members of Oak Grove church. Politically, Mr. Graham has always been an advocate of the principles and mea -- ures of the Republican party, and has served as a member of the school board in Cranberry township.

WILLIAM GRAHAM Was born in AAllegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1783, and was the youngest son of Matthew Graham, Sr. Hle came with his brother to what is now Cranberry township, Butler county, in 1796, and assisted in clearing up a homestead in this township. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and one of the well known pioneers of the county. He married Susan McDonald, who was born in Bedford county, but resided in Mercer county at the time of their marriage. She bore him a family of eleven children, as fol- lows : William ; David, and John, all of whom are dead : Oliver HI. P., of Cran- berry township ; Eliza, deceased wife of Jacob Hartzell : Susan. deceased wife of Dr. Thomas Stewart ; Joseph, a resident of Iowa ; Samuel, deceased ; Minerva, deceased wife of J. M. McKee ; James H., of Penn township, and Harvey, who resides in Colorado. Mrs. Graham died in 1831. In 1856 Mr. Graham removed

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to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where his son, James Il., was then living, and died in that county in 186t. He was an elder in Plains Presbyterian church for many years, and in politics, was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican.

OLIVER H. P. GRAHAM is one of the oldest residents of Cranberry town- ship, where he was born May 5, ISH, fourth son of William and Susan (MeDon- add ) Graham, and the oldest survivor of the family. He spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm, and his educational advantages were limited to such as were afforded by the pioneer schools, with the additional instruction of his father, who was one of the early teachers of Butler county. Mr. Graham married Elizabeth Morgan, a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, to which union were born eight children : Ethalinda. who resides in Colorado; Orin Palmer, of Cranberry township; Ilermas, who died at the age of eighteen ; Sabina, deceased : Angie, a resident of Colorado; Robert E., who lives in Beaver county : Leander S., deceased, and O. Il. P., Jr., who resides at Browns- ville, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Graham died in Is5s, aged thirty-eight years. Her husband is one of the oldest living residents of Cranberry township, where he has resided eighty-one year -. lle was originally a Whig, but has been a Repub- lican since the formation of that party. He makes his home with his son Orin P., and is widely respected and esteemed.

ORIN PALMER GRAHAM, second child of Oliver I. P. and Elizabeth Graham, was born July 8, Is12, in Cranberry township, and grew to maturity beneath the parental roof. On January 28, 1869, he married Miss Mary Ann Allan, a native of Cranberry township, and a daughter of Nicol Allan. To this union have been born seven children, as follows: Janet. who died at the age of nine- teen : Allan : Howard K .. who died in childhood: Park F .; Franklin F .; Mary V .. and Stanley P. Mr. and Mrs. Graham are members of the Plains Presby- terian church, in which he fills the office of elder. Politically, he is a Repub- lican, has filled the various township offices, and is one of the most useful and enterprising citizens of his native township.

JOHN VANDIVORE was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, and was the eldest in the family of Paul Vandivort, who came from eastern Pennsylvania with his wife about 1796, and settled on a tract of government land in this township. He spent the remainder of his days here, and reared a large family. John grew to maturity on the homestead farm and married Hetty Graham, of Cranberry township. She became the mother of eight children. as follows : William, of Allegheny county: James, who resides in Tennessee ; Freeman. of Cranberry township : Mary J., wife of Thomas Whipple ; Cyrus, who enlisted in the Rebellion and died in the service: Susan, deceased: Eliza A., wife of William Amshutz, and Martha, wife of Harry Bausman. Mrs. Vandivort died, and her husband was subsequently married to Jane Hutchison, who bore him four sons : John; Thomas: Leland, and Robert. Mr. Vandivort operated the first saw mill in the neighborhood, and carried it on for many years. He was a celebrated marksman, and took great pleasure in attending shooting matches, where he often won the prize.

FREEMAN VANDIVORT, third son of John and Hetty (Graham) Vandi- sort, was born in Cranberry township, July 3. 1832. He grew to maturity in

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his native township, and on December 24. 1857, he married Margaret Deemer, a daughter of John and Fannie Deemer, early settlers of Cranberry, to which union ten children were born, six of whom are now living, as follows : John C. ; Alfred E. ; Mrs. Fannie E. Landis; Annie J., wife of Joseph Davis ; William F., and Clyde D. Following their marriage Mr. Vandivort purchased a small farm, where he began his married life. He afterwards erected a saw mill, which he operated for twenty years, and kept adding to his farm until he now owns 140 acres of good land. He has been the architect of his own fortune, beginning at the bottom round of the ladder. Politically. he is an adherent of the Democratic party, and both he and wife are members of the Plains Presbyterian church.

DAVID GARVIN. SR., a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, with his wife, who was a Miss MeFarland of the same State, came to Butler county in 1500, and located upon a tract of 100 acres of government land in what is now Cranberry township. They were among the first settlers, and with the fortitude of the pioneers set about clearing and improving their purchase. Wild animals roamed at will through the unbroken forest, and eyed with suspicion and distrust this encroachment upon their domain by the sturdy white settlers who had braved the dangers of life in a new country to carve out for themselves and family a home. They were the parents of the following children : Elizabeth ; Alexander; John ; Nancy : David : James : William ; Benjamin : Jefferson, and Margaret. Mr. Garvin opened a tavern at his farm soon after settlement, and conducted it for several year -. He and his wife passed the remainder of their days in Cran- berry township, and bequeathed to their descendants the heritage of an honest name.

ALEXANDER GARVIN came from Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1800, and settled on a tract of government land in Cranberry township, Butler county, con- taining 400 acres. He was the eldest son of David Garvin, Sr. With him came his wife and family. and the trip to the new country was made by wagon. He resided in Cranberry township the balance of his days, and after death his widow married a Mr. Bowman and died in Mercer county.

JAMES WALLACE GARVIN, Son of Alexander Garvin, was born in Rocking- ham county, Virgina. October 1, 1796, and was only four years old when his par- ents settled in Butler county. His boyhood days were spent in Cranberry town- ship, surrounded by the dangers and trials of pioncer life. Ile was taken into the home of a Mr. Wallace, who had come from Virginia with the Garvins. Mr. Wallace took a strong fancy to the boy, and adopted him as a member of his own family. James resided in the Wallace home until he attained his manhood. lle wa- schooled in the pioneer period, and enjoyed the chase through the primitive forest. He became a fine rifle shot, and was known as one of the best hunters in that locality. Often when going to work in the clearing. he would take hi- trusty rifle along. and would bring back with him enough game to keep the family in meat for several days. Mr. Garvin was married October 12, 1823, to Nancy Wilson. She was born in Jackson township, near Evans City, and was a daugh- ter of Andrew and Polly Wilson, natives of Ireland and early settlers of Jackson township. She bore him the following children : William, of Cranberry town- ship : Margaret. wife of Ros- Boyle, a resident of Ogle county, Illinois : Wilson,

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of Cranberry township : Benjamin, who resides at Bloomington, Illinois : Eliza- beth, deceased wife of James Forsythe ; Nancy, deceased wife of Hiram Covert. and Andrew H., who enlisted in 18GI and died in the service. Mrs. Garvin died in November, 1812. and was interred in the Plains church cemetery. In 1841 Mr. Garvin married Mrs. Isabella Wilson, a daughter of John Waldron, of For- ward township, and this union was blessed by two children : John B., deceased, and Isabella, wife of Moses Johnston, of Cranberry township. Mr. Garvin died February 12, 1872, and his widow in August. 1891. He resided in Cranberry township down to his death, and was a leading citizen of the community. He served in the various township offices for many years, was an elder in the Plains Presbyterian church, a conscientious christian, and an earnest worker in the cause, taking an active and leading part in church work. He was univer- sally respected and esteemed by his old friends and neighbors, and his descend- ants are among the leading people of the county.

WILSON GARVIN, second son of James Wallace and Nancy ( Wilson ) Gar- vin, was born on his father's farm in Cranberry township, April 17, 1829. Ile grew up on a farm assisting at the home duties, wearing his home-made clothing, and attending the little district school a few weeks during the winter season. The little log school house was furnished with rude benches, and an old fashioned fire- place, which characterized all of the pioneer school buildings. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age and spent the next two years as a teamster in Allegheny county. In the fall of 1854 he went to lowa, remaining a few days in Chicago, then a comparatively small place. lle resided in the west until 1859, when he started with a party of prospectors for Pike's Peak, but changing their destination he went to California. While crossing the plains the alkali nearly destroyed his eyesight, from which he has never fully recovered. In December, 1859, he returned to Butler county, where he has since resided. On March 19, 1863, he married Elizabeth Boggs, born in what is now Jackson township, January 27, 1837, a daughter of Robert and Mary Jane Boggs, pio- neers of Butler county. Mr. Garvin and wife located on the farm where they now reside. in Cranberry township. Nine children have been the fruits of this union, seven of whom are living. as follows: Robert W. ; Mary A., wife of Robert Roll, of Cranberry township ; Marian G .: Emma L. ; Harry G. ; Russell B., and Lizzie A. Mr. Garvin is a Republican, in politics, and both he and wife are members of Plains Presbyterian church.

DAVID GARVIN, son of Alexander Garvin and grandson of David Garvin, came from Rockingham county, Virginia, with his parents, to Butler county. when twelve years of age, and grew to manhood in Cranberry township. Ile married Permelia Mallison, a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. They resided on the homestead in Cranberry township, where he conducted the hotel established by his grandfather. To David and Permelia Garvin were born nine children, as follows : Eliza, wife of Jesse Plankington, of Allegheny county; Emmeline, wife of John Hall, of Kansas City, Missouri ; Amy, wife of William Bastian, of Zelienople ; Permelia, deceased wife of James Hall; Benjamin, of Evans City; Joshua, deceased ; Newton, of Cranberry township; David, and Milton. Mr. Garvin and wife died upon the homestead in Cranberry township.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

BENJAMIN GARVIN, eldest son of David and Permelia ( Mallison ) Garvin, was born upon the Garvin homestead in Cranberry township, in November, 1827. Ile grew to maturity amidst the dangers and privations of pioneer times, and attended the little log school house of his neighborhood for a few weeks during the winter season. Ile married Ellen Vandivort, a daughter of William and Nancy Vandivort, of Cranberry township, and settled upon a part of the homestead farm. They resided there until 1889, and then retired to Evans City, where they are spending the remaining years of their lives in the enjoyment of the comforts which the fruits of their early industry provide. They are the parents of the following children : Permelia, wife of Oliver Stoughton, of Prospect ; Amy, deceased ; Nancy, wife of Edward Lutz, of Evans City; David, deceased ; Milton, and Brady, both residents of Evans City, and Frankie, wife of Henry Meeder, of Zelienople. Mr. and Mrs. Garvin are members of the Presbyterian church and are generous supporters of that denomination. In politics, he was originally an old-line Whig, but since the formation of the Republican party he has been one of its stanch adherents.

NEWTON GARVIN, one of the well known farmers and oil producers of Cranberry township, is the youngest living son of David and Permelia ( Mallison ) Garvin. Ile was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, May 8, 1831, there grew to maturity, and married Margaret Nicholas, a native of Butler county. To this union have been born seven children, as follows : William B., deceased ; Mary, wife of Jacob Palmer, of Beaver county ; Allie, wife of William Croft, of Cranberry township; Lewis, who resides with his parents; Maggie, wife of Baxter Ramsey, of Cranberry township ; Permelia, wife of Henry Leonberg, of the same township, and Charles, who lives at home. Mr. Garvin and wife are consistent members of Plains Presbyterian church, in which organization he tills the office of elder. He owns 300 acres of land in Cranberry township, upon which are numerous oil wells, and he is recognized as one of the leading, enter- prising and prosperous citizens of the community.

WILLIAM GARVIN, SR., was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, a son of Alexander Garvin. He grew to manhood in his native township, and married Martha Jane Rowan, a native of Butler county. They located in Cran- berry township, upon the farm now occupied by their son Benjamin W., where they resided for many years. Seven children were born to them, four of whom are now living, as follows : Elizabeth, wife of John Walters, of Jackson town- ship ; Benjamin W .; Ann, wife of John Leonberg, and William, of Ogle. Mr. Garvin held the positions of supervisor, collector and school director for many years, and was one of the respected citizens of his community. Some years after the death of his first wife, he married Hannah Spencer, and later removed to Allegheny City, where he resided until his death, in 1873. One child, Samuel C., was born to his second marriage, who is now a resident of Allegheny.

BENJAMIN W. GARVIN, eldest son of William and Martha Jane ( Rowan ) Garvin, was born upon his present homestead in Cranberry township, November 10, 1835, and was reared a farmer. Being the eldest in the family, much of the labors on the farm fell to his lot, and he was therefore deprived of the advantages of an education. In 1857 he married Ellen P., a daughter of William and Mar-

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garet ( Bryan ) Wilson, of Westmoreland county, to which union have been born six children, as follows : Emila A., wife of AArchie Bryan, of Franklin township; William H., deceased : Elmer Lynn: Jane, wife of Herman Maser ; Hannah Margaret, and Elizabeth A., both of whom are dead. Politically, Mr. Garvin is a stanch Republican, and has served as school director in his district. He and wife are members of Plains Presbyterian church, and are generous contributors towards that organization. He is the owner of 180 acres of highly improved land, containing several oil wells, and has recently erected one of the most sub- stantial residences in this section of the county.

WILLIAM GARVIN, merchant and postmaster at Ogle, is a son of William and Martha Jane ( Rowan) Garvin and was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, in 1842. He was educated in the public schools of his district and was reared a farmer. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty- fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Capt. Cyrus E. Ander- son. His company was mustered into the service at Harrisburg, was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the engagements at Fredericks- burg, Chancellorsville etc. He followed his regiment through the varying vicissitudes of war, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned to his home in Butler county. In 1865 Mr. Garvin was united in marriage with Miss Catherine MeClain, a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, which union has been blessed by five children. Mr. Garvin began his married life on a rented farm in Cranberry township, which he subsequently purchased and has since resided upon. He is a successful farmer, and for the past twenty years ha- also conducted a mercantile business at Ogle, and is now serving his second term as postmaster of that office. He is a Republican, takes an active part in the political affairs.of his township and county, and has served in the various township offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. Mrs. Gar- vin is a member of the Dutilh Methodist Episcopal church.

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History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 149

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