History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 40

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 40

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).

1582-Chief Burgess, George W. Ziegler ; Assistant Burgess, Harry Kearns; Council, George Walter, George Schaffner, Jacob Ziegler, John N. Muntz, John Frazier, Casper Rockenstein.

1883-Chief Burgess, John C. Manny ; Assistant Burgess, Alexander Bax- ter ; Council, Jacob Keck, Alexander Russell, John Frazier, Casper Rockenstein, George Walter, John N. Muntz.

1884-Chief Burgess, John S. Campbell ; Assistant Burgess, B. Kemper ; Council, I1. J. Klingler, Casper Rockenstein, Jacob Keck, Alexander Russell, George Schaffner, George Walter.

1885-Chief Burgess, A. L. Reiber ; Assistant Burgess, B. Kemper ; Council, George Walter, M. Riesenman, HI. J. Klingler, Alexander Russell, Jacob Keck, Casper Rockenstein.

1886-Chief Burgess, A. L. Reiber ; AAssistant Burgess, B. Kemper; Council, George D. Harvey, W. T. Mechling. H. J. Klingler, Alexander Russell, Jacob Keck, Casper Rockenstein.

1887-Chief Burgess. A. L. Reiber ; Assistant Burgess, B. Kemper ; Council, George Walter, M. Riesenman, W. T. Mechling, G. D. Harvey, D. . \. Heck, Peter Schenck, H. J. Klingler, Alexander Russell.

IsSS-Chief Burgess, A. L. Reiber ; Assistant Burgess, James B. Mitchell ; Council, Harvey Gibson, E. W. Kirk, Philip Crou-e, G. D. Harvey, Joseph Rock- enstein. Adam Hoffner, W. T. Mechling. Peter Schenck, D. A. Heck.

1889-Chief Burgess, 1. L. Reiber ; Assistant Burgess, James Mitchell ; Council, Thomas Alexander, Philip Crouse. E. W. Kirk, W. A. Forquer, R. S. Nichols, Charles Duffy, George Walter. George Schenck, Peter Schenck. John S. Campbell, AAdam Hoffner, Joseph Rockenstein, W. T. Mechling. . A. P. Stewart. D. A. Ileck. This year the borough was divided into five wards, and three council- men were elected from each ward.

1890-Chief Burgess, John N. Patterson ; Assistant Burgess, D). L. Aiken ; Council, W. A. Forquer, Philip Crouse, J. E. Byers, A. P. Stewart, Peter Schenck, W. G. Hays, J. B. Black, Thomas Alexander, George Schenck. R. S. Nichols, George Walter, James Borland.

1891-Chief Burgess, J. Q. A. Kennedy ; Assistant Burgess, D. L. Aiken ; Council, J. II. Harper, L. D. Perrine, J. George Stamm, J. B. Me Junkin. Adam Iloffner, George W. Ziegler, James Borland, John W. Vogel. Peter Schenck, J. S. Campbell, W. T. Mechling, J. E. Byers, W. A. Forquer, Thomas Alexander.

1892-Chief Burgess, R. C. McAboy ; Assistant Burgess, D. L. Aiken; Coun- cil, E. E. Kirk, L. D. Perrine, J. H. Harper, C. A. Hite, John E. Byers, John

320

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

W. Vogel, J. N. Patterson, Peter Schenck, J. George Stamm, Robert Storey, J. B. Black, Adam Hoffner, John Lefevre. James Borland, George W. Ziegler.

1:3-Chief Burgess, George W. Ziegler: Assistant Burgess. John Me Cleary ; Council, Stephen Markham. J. 11. Harper. D. Il. Sutton, John W. Vogel, C. A. Ilite, Harry Grieb, J. George Stamm, J. N. Patterson, John Lawall, Adam Hoffner, Robert Storey, J. B. Me Junkin, John Lefevre, Wilson E. Reed, David Sypher. Mr. Reed having died, W. 11. Morris was elected by council to fill the vacancy.

1891-Burgess, C. E. Anderson (by act of 1893 the term of burgess was extended to three years, and the office of assistant was abolished. Mr. Anderson, therefore, was the first burgess to be benefited by the new law) ; Council, D. Il. Sutton, Stephen Markham. John S. Jack. C. A. Hite, Harry Grieb, Thomas J. Shufflin, J. George Stamm, J. N. Patterson, John Lawall, Robert Storey, Daniel Younkins, George W. Miles. John Lefevre. David Sypher. John F. Lowry.

JUSTICES AND POSTMASTERS.

The first justice of the peace for the town of Butler was Samuel Cunning- ham. The records show that in 1808 he united Walter Lowrie and Miss Amelia McPherrin in marriage. In 1809, one year after his marriage, Mr. Lowrie was appointed a justice. After him came Abraham Brinker, Reuben Ayres and Robert Scott. The latter died carly, and was succeeded by Hugh McKee. About this time John Duffy became a justice. Ile was followed by John Sweeney and Patrick Kelly, Jr. These justices were appointed by the respective governors. After the adoption of the Constitution of 1838-39 the office became elective. From 18IO to 1894, the following have served : Patrick Kelly, 1840: Robert Carna- ban, 1& 11-15-50-55; Samuel C. Stewart, 1 : Samuel G. Purvis, 1845-50-55-60- 65; James Glenn, 18 46-51 : George C. Roessing. 1856-61 : James McNair, 1865; William S, Ziegler. 1866: Jacob Keck, 1869-71-79-80-81-86.91 ; Robert McLure, 1×69: J. G. Muntz. 1 71-76: John B. Butler, 175; Henry Pillow, ISTS-79; Lewis P. Walker, 15-0-56; John Black, ISSI : Samuel P. Irvine, 1842; John W. Brown. ISS5: J. P. MeQuistion, 1886: R. C. Me Aboy. 1888-91 ; Cyrus E. Anderson, 1891.

The first mail route from Erie to Pittsburg was established in 1801. Four years later the mail carrier visited Butler every two weeks, and subsequently once a week. The mail was carried on horseback for many years, and it is said the mail was often so small as to be easily stowed away in the pockets of the carrier. The mail pouch was thrown across the back of the carrier's horse, but later two horses were needed, and finally a horse and wagon became necessary to transport the increasing correspondence. In ISISa semi-weekly mail was estab- lished through Butler, from Pittsburg to Erie: a tri-weekly in 1824, and a daily in 1827. The stage coach came in 1521. and the mail was carried by the stage lines until the advent of the first railroad in 1971.

The following list of postmasters of Butler, with dates of appointment, was obtained from the postoffice department, Washington. D. C., and is therefore authentic : William B. Young, October 1, 1805; John Potts, July 1. 1507; Will-

yours

Larmet Great

321

BUTLER BOROUGH.

iam Gibson. December &, IS13; Jacob Mechling, Jr .. April 1, 1816; James P. Howard, February 10, 1817; John Gilchrist, January 24, 1824; Peter Duffy, December 10, 1530; James Potts, December 1, 1832; William B. Lemmon, July 10, 1841 ; David A. Agnew, May 16, 1845; Joshua J. Sedwick, March 26, 1819; Daniel Coll, April 28, 1853; Joshua J. Sedwick, June 5, 1861, re-appointed March 2, 1867; Frank M. Eastman, April 21, 1869; Thomas B. White, April 3, 1871, re-appointed March 15, 1875; Sallie A. Robinson, March 27, 1879, re-appointed June 26, 1883; Frank M. Eastman, May 10, ISSS; John T. Kelly, May 20, 1892.

The letter carrier system was introduced in 1890, by the appointment of five carriers and one substitute, and it is still in successful operation.

PIONEER MERCHANTS.

The first merchant was John Potts, who continued in business until his death, in 1838, except when representing his constituents in the General Assembly. His store was located on the southeast corner of Main and Cunningham streets. Maurice and John Bredin kept store on the south side of the Diamond about 1820. David Dougal had a small store on a lot which he purchased at the first sale in 1803. Then there were William Purviance and Samuel Hill, on the south side of the Diamond, which seems to have been the center around which the business houses of early times clustered. Adam Funk was also a pioneer mer- chant. Walter Lowrie did business at the west end of the square. He was suc- ceeded by John Sullivan about 1827, who carried on a business until 1531, when Clark McPherrin succeeded him. Robert and James Cunningham appeared about 1832. Their store stood on what is now the site of the Butler County National Bank.

John and Peter Duffy were also among the merchants on the Diamond, hav- ing commenced business as early as 1823. In 1840, when John Duffy became an associate judge, he retired from the mercantile business. The store was carried on by his brother Peter till 1863. when his eldest son, Charles, succeeded him. and is still a prominent merchant.

Oliver David opened a store about 1828, on the Diamond, and subsequently on South Main street, and it was continued in succession through the firms of David & Lane, David & Campbell, and others, when it ceased. Daniel Coll, another old time store-keeper, carried on business on the corner of Cunningham and Main streets from about 1830. William Hagerty was an early merchant on Main street, as were also Harry Mitchell and Parker & Donnelly, whose place of business was on the site of Stein's dry goods store. James Frazier and Jonathan Plummer conducted a store opposite the Lowry house at quite an early day.

In 1835 William Campbell, Esq., engaged in general merchandise, going in partnership with his sons, James Gilmore and William, under the firm name of William Campbell & Sons. At the end of ten years the father retired, leaving his sons in control of the business. They continued as J. G. & W. Campbell, when some years later they changed the general character of the business to farm- ing implements and hardware. This store is still carried on by the grandsons of its founder.

322

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

James Campbell. who married a daughter of Oliver David. one of the old- time merchants, became his partner, and the firm was known as David & Camp- bell. When the senior member retired the firm was changed to Campbell & Yet- ter. Finally Campbell retired and went to Allegheny, whence, after being engaged in business several years, he returned to Butler and died. He bore no relation to the family of William Campbell. Sr. Mr. Campbell accumulated a handsome competence through the mercantile business.

In early days the hatting business was regarded as very important. The first hatters were John and Robert Gilchrist, who carried on the business on Main street for many years, commencing early in the twenties. Isaac Colbert began the manufacture of hats in Butler township in 1835, and the following year moved into the borough, where he carried on the business until his death, in 1872. 1 lis sons. William R. and Harvey, followed the same business.

Thomas Stehle and John Berg, Sr., may also be classed among the early merchants. The former came to Butler in 1832, and for more than fifty years was successfully connected with the mercantile growth of the town. Mr. Berg came here in 1835, and was one of the prominent business men of the borough until his death, in 1844, and the founder of the banking house of John Berg & Company. His brother, Ilerman J. Berg, who is yet a resident, was associated with him in business for several years.

Louis Stein and Bernard Roe-sing opened a general store in the spring of 1810, and the firm of Roessing & Stein carried on business for more than thirty years.

Anthony Rockenstein came in 1841, and opened a merchant tailoring estab- lishment. The tailors prior to him were John Welsh, James Glenn, Mark McCandless and David A. Agnew.

Another successful merchant of this period was William S. Boyd, afterwards the founder of Springdale. IIe first commenced business as a druggist, on the Diamond, but early in the forties started a dry goods store on the corner of Jef- ferson and Main streets, which he carried on for a quarter of a century. Ile erected the first three-story brick block in Butler, laid out Springdale, and pos- sessed commendable enterprise and public spirit.

Joseph McQuistion was one of the pioneer shoemakers of the town, and in 1840 Philip Bickel and Adam Schenck opened a shoe shop on Jefferson street.

Francis X. Grieb opened a jeweler's shop in 1849, and three years later pur- chased the property on North Main, now owned by his widow, remodeled the building and established the first regular jewelry store in the borough, which he carried on until his death. in 1865. His son, Henry, has since conducted the business.

J. J. Sedwick was one of the pioneer harness-makers, and later came William Criswell, Maj. George W. Reed and others in different lines of trade who deserve mention among the early business men, but in the absence of records and the lapse of years, their names have faded from the memories of the present gen- eration.

The early stores of Butler bear no comparison with those of to-day, which are magnificent in their internal arrangement and equipment, and well filled with

323

BUTLER BOROUGH.

all kinds of goods in their line. Their show windows, in the taste displayed in their trimming, are bazaars of beauty under the brilliant glare of electricity which attracts the admirationof street pedestrians. The early merchants had to exchange their goods for "country produce" and peltries, as money was rare and seldom seen ; the merchants of to-day would be dumbfounded if they were suddenly transported back to the primitive times of eighty years ago, when cash registers and " change railroads" were unknown in the transaction of business.

OLD TIME INNKEEPERS.

Brackenridge in his reminiscences informs us that when he came to Butler in the winter of 1803-4 there were only two taverns in the village. He does not give us the names of those who kept them, but at the February sessions of the court for 1804, he says that licenses were granted to William Ayres and James Thompson to keep public houses. As he was clerk to the prothonotary his statement should be good authority. We therefore infer that these two were the first regularly authorized landlords.

Evidently the outlook for the tavern business was considered good at that time, for at the May term following licenses were granted to John Moser, Robert Graham, George Bowers, and William Brown, to keep public houses. Thus, in the second year of its existence, Butler had six taverns.

From that time to the present there have been many persons engaged in the business. The names of all have not been preserved, but many have, and it may revive old memories of the past to recall some of them. Among the oldest may be mentioned Adam Funk, who kept a primitive log tavern facing the Diamond, for which he got a license in 1805. In his house, it is said, some of the early sessions of the court were held. Facing the square from the north-near where the Park Hotel is now located-was the famous public house of early times kept by Patrick Kelly. A stately buck. with branching antlers, was conspicuously painted on the sign, and the tavern was known as "The Buck." It was famed for good cheer and superb Irish whiskey. Kelly was a noted host, a gentleman of polished manners, faultless in dress, and unexcelled as an entertainer. Ilis house was a favorite place for the militia-and often while drilling the company would suddenly adjourn to allay their thirst. In him they found a soldier in feel- ing as well as appearance, and always fared well at his bar. Political meetings were held at The Buck, state questions were discussed, and amusing incidents were of frequent occurrence.

David Scott, founder of what is now known as the Arlington, was a noted character in his time. His sign bore a Rising Sun in all the radiance of beauty. Noted for his kindness of heart, his guests sometimes took advantage of him. On the 4th of November, IS20, he suggested to some of his non-paying guests that his patience was exhausted, and if they did not come forward and settle he would be compelled to try the efficacy of Justice Campbell's court. He says :

I will give no longer indulgence to those who have flattered me. They wished to- throw a penny in my road; but alas! they threw my whiskey down their throats and

324

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

have not thrown the penny yet. But it is not too late to do well; if you throw, I will receive; if you will not comply with these terms, I will put costs on from six und one- fourth cents and upwards.

There is nothing to show how this influenced the debtors, beyond a stronger notice, which appeared in 1823-21, reminding those who swallowed his whiskey to come up like men and pay for it.

Scott was succeeded by Abraham M. Neyman. The latter, with his son Thomas, was killed by the falling of a tree April 12, 1827, and John Gilchrist, the postmaster, succeeded to the tavern in that year. Samuel Marquis followed, and George Derr came next and he made some radical changes in the sign by having his own name painted on it in German letters. In 1828 it appears that there were only seven taverns in the town, a gain of but one since 1504. Derr was succeeded by John Michael Zimmerman about 1838-39, and he by William Vogeley. This was in 1847-45 and the old Rising Sun came to be known as the Vogeley House, and the new proprietor kept it for upwards of twenty years. After his death William II. Ensminger, Jacob Fiedler, George W. Campbell, Beck & Fauble, and C. Snodgrass, were lessees. In July, 1892, the house was purchased from Mrs. William Vogeley by Capt. Herman Liebold, and in the spring of 1893 Mr. Liebold took charge and changed the name to The Arlington.

Returning to the Diamond, we note the Mansion House, which was erected by Abraham Brinker soon after the town was laid out. It was a log building, stood on the site of the Citizen and Record offices, and was a noted landmark for many years. He was granted his first license in 1805. Mr. Brinker kept the Mansion House until 1809, then sold it to Jacob Mechling, and removed to a farm on Bonny Brook, where he erected a grist-mill and carding-mill. Captain Brinker commanded a company in the War of 1812. He was noted for his polite manners and accommodating disposition.

Ilis successor as landlord of the Mansion House, Jacob Mechling, was a representative man of his time, always neatly dressed, very polite, and honest and careful in business. His wife was a favorite with the juveniles of the twen- ties, as she had the kind habit of giving them large pieces of molasses taffy on every recurring Christmas day. Ilis old account book, beginning with the year 1810, which has been preserved, contains charges against many of the pioneers and the leading residents of that time. It is in the handwriting of Mr. Mechling, and is a curious and interesting relic.

It was at the Mansion House where Lafayette tarried during his memorable visit, June 1, 1825, while en route from Pittsburg to Erie and Canada. Here he dined, and met the leading citizens of Butler, who came in large numbers to bid him welcome. The occasion was one long to be remembered, and marked an epoch in the history of the borough. The Butler Sentinel of June 4. 1825, describes the visit and ovation in these words:

On Wednesday last General Lafayette, on his way from Pittsburg to Erie, passed through this borough. On the evening preceding, a meeting of the citizens was held in the court house and preparations made for receiving and accommodating him in a suit- able and respectable manner. A committee of six was appointed, of whom two were to go out to meet him and escort him into town, two to prepare necessary accommodations

325

BUTLER BOROUGH.

for his entertainment while here, and two to accompany him as far as Mercer. On Wednes- day morning two triumphal arches were erected, one in each end of the town, decor- ated with laurel and other evergreens, and on the summit of which were hoisted Ameri- can flags. From the center of each arch was suspended a tablet with " Welcome Lafay- ette " in large and legible letters and encircled with wreaths of flowers and roses. When it was ascertained that the General was near, the citizens of the borough, with a numer- ous concourse of people from the surrounding vicinity, who had assembled to get a sight of the " Nation's Guest," formed in regular order and marched to the southern extremity of the town; here arranging themselves in single file, on each side of the road, they waited his approach and greeted him as he passed; after which they turned in and marched in regular procession after the carriage, up the main street to the public square. The General alighted at Mr. Mechling's inn, where a sumptuous entertainment was prepared for his accommodation. After dinner he walked out among the people, and was introduced to all, indiscriminately, who requested that honor.

The General appeared highly pleased during the short time he remained, and, being introduced to some old Revolutionary soldiers who had shared the toils and perils of the Brandywine battle with him, it is said that he distinctly recollected their features, and conversed familiarly upon subjects that transpired at the battle. On taking his leave, be bid them an affectionate adieu, and exclaimed, " Furcall, my friends, this is the lust time you will see me."

He stayed but a short time, but it is presumed, that during his stay he shook hands with not less than four hundred people. About four o'clock he departed, carrying with him the good wishes of the multitude, and was escorted by the committee of arrangements. He arrived in Mercer about one o'clock next morning.

One of the first taverns was built by William Brown on the site of Miss Sarah McQuistion's residence, South Main street, her house being the rear part of the original building. Brown was granted a license in May, 1504, and ran the business until succeeded by Samuel Marquis and Rudolph Kelker and John Michael Zimmerman. Bennett Dobbs came later, and converted it into a tem- perance house. the first in the town. His oval sign in front of the tavern bore a hideous hydra-headed serpent, with blood-shot eyes and darting tongues. intended to illustrate the poisonous effects of intoxicants, and the evil tendencies of the toper. The old building was finally purchased by John Negley, and the front portion torn down. The Herald was published in the part yet standing from 1:55 to 1858, by Joseph P'. Patterson, and his successor, John II. Negley.

The site of the Willard Hotel was dedicated to tavern purposes early in the century, when a log building was erected there, and a place of entertainment opened. We have been unable to learn the name of its first landlord, but Jacob Brinker, son of Abraham Brinker, erected the old brick building more than sixty years ago, and carried on the house a long period. He inherited the patriotic spirit of his father, and took a deep interest in military affairs, but was unlike him in personal appearance. being a large, stout man. It was afterwards kept by John Pollock, and in IS4S was purchased by John Michael Zimmerman, and the name changed to Pennsylvania House. The sign was a stage coach drawn by four dashing steed -. The new proprietor conducted it till ISGs, when he sold it to Benjamin Jack, and he carried it on till his death, in IS77. Robert Barron then bought the property and ran the house a short time. It finally came into the possession of W. J. Reihing, who remodeled and rebuilt the structure. using a portion of the old building. His widow still owns it.

326

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

The Black Horse was a noted hostelry at one time. It stood on the corner of Cunningham and Main streets, and was owned by Patrick Hagerty before 1-26. Ilis sons, William and Alexander, were also identified with it. How long they kept it cannot now be determined with accuracy, but in course of time it passed away, and the substantial Reiber block now marks the spot where it stood.

Another of the famous taverns of what might be called the intermediate period, was the Beatty House. founded by William Beatty, also one of the lead- ing men of his day and generation. This house, which stood on the site now occupied by the Troutman Block, was in the full tide of successful operation as early as 1825. The sign was a magnificent American eagle, with extended wings, surrounded by thirteen stars, copied from the device on the silver coins of the period, and emblematic of liberty. In some respects " The Eagle " was the leading public house of its day. The stages stopped there, prominent visitors " put up" there, and it was Democratic headquarters for many years. Count Leon and his retinue of titled dignitaries, when on their way to Economy in 1832, were guests of The Eagle over night. It was a well regulated and well governed house. Mr. Beatty would allow no disorderly characters about. He would stand behind the bar, which was easily seen from the street by all passers by, and wait upon his customers. There were no stained glass windows or doors to hide them from view in those days. He represented the district in Congress, and was noted for his firmness and tenacity of purpose, dignity, and high integrity. He died in 1851.

In 1848 Mr. Beatty sold the hotel to Jacob Reiber, and in 1850 Col. Alex- ander Lowry became the owner and conducted the house until 1863. when he sold it to Benjamin Jack. Previous to coming here Colonel Lowry had kept the American House, Hollidaysburg, for five years. He is now the oldest living representative of the old time landlords of Butler. It is only within the last few years that this famous hostelry was removed and another landmark swept away by the ever rolling wave of progress.

More than seventy years ago a log building, afterwards clapboarded, stood on Jefferson street, near the corner of Main, which was dedicated to tavern purposes as early as 1820 by Col. Francis McBride, and known as the United States. A frame addition was afterwards erected on the corner. In the earliest days of its exis- tence it is related that occasionally two or three deer, pressed by hunger, would come up the path from the thickets in the hollow below, and peer through the small windows at the guests seated at the table. A few scraps were thrown the shy denizens of the forest, which they greatly relished, when they gracefully glided back to their native fastnesses.% This story serves to illustrate the pristine condition of the town at that day, as well as to show that deer had not then learned that man was their most deadly foe.

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 40

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