History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 44

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 44

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Bethany Reformed Church was formed of members of St. Paul's congregation who were unwilling to remove to Springdale with the parent congregation. It was organized in 1890 by Rev. II. E. Snyder, the pastor now in charge. He is gradually building up a good congregation and the future outlook is promising.

The Church of God is located on Second street, Institute Hill. It is a frame structure, forty by fifty feet in size. On the west corner a tower sur- mounts the building, seventy feet in height. The total cost of the house was $3,000. The audience room will seat about. 400 people, and is nicely furnished, making a pleasant room for worship. The history of the church is necessarily brief. In October, 1892, Elder J. W. Davis and his son, George W. Davis, rented the Institute building on First street, and began a series of meetings. Much success attended their labors, and as new converts demanded a church home, an organization was effected January 1, 1893. The rapid growth demanded a church house. In March a building committee was selected to plan and build. The names of the committee are : F. M. Hewit, T. N. Gahagan, A. J. Avey. T. Dickey, R. M. Thompson, H. Greenawalt, J. Q. Bailey, Theodore Leibert, John Starr, H. V. Winterstein, J. W. Davis, Richard Boles and Breaden Gil-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

christ. A board of trustees was chosen, resulting in the election of J. W. Davis, F. M. Ilewit and A. J. Avey. The building committee gave the building into the hands of trustees and it was dedicated September 17, 1893. Rev. George W. Davis has been pastor up to the present. The official board consists of the elders, F. M. Hewit. A. J. Avey and II. V. Winterstein ; the deacons, R. M. Thompson, H. Greenawalt, T. N. Gahagan, Theodore Leibert, J. Q. Bailey, and the trustees. The membership is now 125, with a large congregation and an interesting Sabbath school.

The Free Methodist is one of the youngest church organizations in the borough. It was founded in [893, and the Rev. R. II. Freshwater is the pastor in charge. Their place of worship is on Spring avenue. Good progress is being made in building up a congregation.

BIBLE AND OTHER SOCIETIES,

The Bible Society of Butler county was organized August 12, 1828, by Rev. Mr. Joice, agent of the Philadelphia society. John Potts and Rev. Reid Bracken were elected presidents ; Revs. Isaiah Niblock, John France, Robert Greer, S. Stoughton, John Coulter, J. C. G. Schweitzerbarth, Thomas McClintock and Rob- ert Brown, vice-presidents : John Bredin, secretary. and Robert Scott, treasurer. The board of managers comprised John Sullivan, Hugh McKee, Hugh Gilliland, Robert Martin, Barnet Gilliland, Ilenry Muntz, David Mc Junkin, William McMichael, John Christy and James McCurdy. In each of the thirteen town- ships, two agents were appointed and two also for Butler borough, who were to assist in the circulation of the Bible without note or comment. Walter Lowrie presided over the meeting, while John Bredin acted as secretary.

The Butler County Sabbath School Association adopted a constitution May 7, 1867, and elected Rev. Loyal Young, president ; Rev. J. H. Fritz and William R. Hutchison, vice-presidents ; C. E. Anderson, secretary ; H. J. Klingler, treas- urer ; Dr. A. M. Neyman, George A. Black, I. J. Cummings, George Vogeley and Theo. Huselton, executive committee.

The Christian Endeavor Union of this county was organized in 1892 with Rev. Mr. Miller, president. The second annual convention was held at Centre- ville in September, 1893, when thefollowing officers were elected for the ensuing vear : President, P. W. Lowry, Butler; vice-president, Prof. M. A. Sutton, Evans City ; recording secretary, Miss Vina McCollough, Millerstown ; correspond- ing secretary, Miss Lotta B. White, Butler; treasurer, C. Il. Maybury, Centre- ville. Reports were given by the local societies which showed advancement had been made during the year. Miss White, district secretary, gave a retrospective and prospective view of county work, showing twenty-eight societies with a mem- bership of about, 1.000, representing seven denominations.

The Butler County Sabbath Association was organized in February, 1893, with Rev. S. M. Bell, president ; Revs. P. C. Prugh, N. B. Tannehill, W. E. Oller, J. R. Coulter and Mrs. D. B. Campbell, vide-presidents ; Rev. D. N. Har- nish, secretary ; Rev. John S. McKee, corresponding secretary, and J. A. Clark, treasurer. The object was to oppose the publication of Sunday papers and Sun- day work in general. This is practically a continuation of the " Lord's Day Union,"

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BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED).

organized in December, 1891, of which D. N. Harnish was president. W. E. Oller, secretary, W. D. Brandon, J. M. Galbreath and E. Mackey, vice- presidents.

The Butler County Children's Aid Society was organized in November, 1886, as an auxiliary society of the western branch, formed at Pittsburg in November, 1855. The president of the new branch was Mrs. J. N. Bolard; vice- presidents, Miss Mary E. Sullivan and Mrs. S. M. McKee; secretary, Mrs. M. S. Templeton, and treasurer, Miss Etta P'rugh. The board of managers comprised- Madams Dr. Neyman, B. C. Huselton, J. L. Purvis, C. D. Greenlee, John Lowry, A. E. Cratty, M. H. Negley, J. F. Balph, C. G. Christie, John MI. Greer, W. A. Stein, Dr. Johnston. M. E. Nicholls, Belle Purvis and Levi O. Purvis. The ladies named were assigned to a committee on decision of cases, home relief and finance It is a charitable organization to take charge of children from the ages of two to sixteen years, who were removed from the almshouses under the law of ISS3. In 1887 the president and secretary were re-elected, with Mis. B. C. ITuselton. assistant secretary and Miss Belle Purvis, treasurer, Madam- J. L. Pur- vis and C. D. Greenlee being chosen vice-presidents. These ladies were re-elected in ISSS, and in June, 1889, Mrs. J. D. Me Junkin was elected secretary, vice Mrs. Templeton, resigned. In December, 1889, the officers were re-elected ; but Mrs. Templeton was subsequently chosen secretary vice Mrs. Mc Junkin, trans- ferred to the advisory board. The elections since 1889 have generally resulted in the choice of the officers named in 1887. The work of the society is carried on zealously and many children have been cared for.

1. M. C. A. of Butler .- At a meeting held in the Presbyterian church in June, Iss6, under the auspices of the Y. W. C. T. U., for the purpose of con- sidering the most effective means for doing Christian work. W. D. Mc Junkin suggested the plan of instituting a special line of work for young men. The ng- gestion was at once taken up by the speakers as an excellent one, and a time was set to hold a meeting for the consideration of the proposition. In the meantime announcements were made from the pulpits, and when the meeting assembled it was found that there was a good attendance, and that much interest was mani- fested. It was conducted by Col. George Woodford, and a committee, con- sisting of A. J. Henny. W. D. Mc Junkin, Gilbert Walker, W. H. Miller, and Ira Mc Junkin, was appointed to take steps looking towards permanent organization. After due consideration a constitution was adopted under the title of the " Y. M. C. A. of Butler," and a board of fifteen directors chosen, when the following tem- porary officers were elected : Dr. E. W. Leake, president ; Ira Mc Junkin, sec- retary : Prof. E. Mackey, treasurer.

At a subsequent meeting. held August 16, 1886, the directors resigned, and the following board was elected : Capt. Jacob Ziegler, Col. Jol.n M. Sullivan, H. C. Heineman, John Il. Negley, Joseph L. Purvis, William Campbell, Jr., Dr. E. W. Leake. W. D. Brandon, Charles S. Bailey, James M. Gallreath, Eli D. Robinson, Prof. E. Mackey, Fred J. Klingler, Aaron E, Reiber and William G. Krug. The directors then chose the following officers from among their number : Dr. E. W. Leake, president ; Capt. Jacob Ziegler and John II. Negley, first and second vice-presidents, respectively : Ira Me Junkin, general and recording secre-

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tary. An organization having been effected, the association was incorporated in November. Is86, and effective work has been steadily going on up to this time. Many changes in officer- have taken place during the eight years of its existence, but there has been no abatement of zeal. While a lot has been purchased on the northeast corner of the Diamond, and means are being raised to erect a permanent building thereon, the association occupies temporary rooms in the Reiber block. The officers for 1891 are: Prof. E. Mackey, president : William Cooper, first vice-president ; A. E. Reiber, second vice-president ; C. N. Boyd, treasurer; W. J. Heineman, secretary ; J. B. Carruthers, general secretary. The active mem- bership is about 150.

ST. PAUL'S ORPHAN HOME.

This Home is situated on a beautiful hill, on the east side of Butler, and within the borough limits. The main building, three stories high, is large. and contains parlors, library, boys and girls' reading rooms, rooms for superin- tendent and other officers, teachers and help, rooms for the girls, sleeping apartments and bath rooms, dining rooms and kitchen. The other buildings are : Boys' play room and dormitories, printing office and a large school house, with three well-furnished school rooms. With but two exceptions, these buildings are substantially built of brick, well arranged, and stand in the midst of a beautiful lawn, surrounded by thirty acres of land, with a capacity to accommodate well 165 children. The home was dedicated December 10, 1867. Rev. George B. Russell, D. D., presided, and performed the act of dedication. The addresses were delivered by Rev. T. J. Barkley, F. K. Levan and William M. Landis.

It was chartered by the State March 23, 1868. This charter grants the privilege of receiving orphan children of all denominations of christians, and also the children of deceased soldiers and sailors who were citizens of the State of Penn- sylvania, and served in the war of the Rebellion. The Home was founded by St. Paul's Classi- of the Reformed church, but the purchased title was subse- quently transferred to the Pittsburg Synod of the Reformed church in the United States, and is under the general management of a board of sixteen direct- ors, four of which are elected annually by said Synod.

The Rev. C. A. Limburg was elected its first superintendent, and held the position until 1871, when he resigned. During his term of office, the entire pur- chase indebtedness was paid and the institution brought to a good degree of usefulness and prosperity. After his resignation Rev. J. B. Thompson was elected superintendent, and entered upon the duties of his office June 1, 1871, continuing therein until the year 1876, when he resigned, his resignation taking effect April 1, 1877. At a meeting of the board of directors, hell Nobember 21, 1876, Rev. T. F. Stauffer was elected to the office of superintendent and entered upon his duties April 5, 1877. During his term of office a new north wing was added to the main building so as to make it sufficient for the accommodation of a larger number of children. Ile resigned his position at the annual meeting of the board in June, which resignation was to take effect September 5, 1882.

At the same meeting of the board, Rev. P. C. Prugh, D. D., of Xenia, Ohio, wis elected superintendent, and took charge of the Home September 5, 1882, and

Truly yours 16.16. Toucher

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BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED).

remains in office at the present time. During his term, large additions and improve- ments have been made. A full third story was placed upon the main building, addi- tional dining rooms, dormitories, store houses, bath rooms, and a large brick chapel and school house were erected, and all at a cost of $13,000. The present value of the Home is $50,000. The largest number of children at any one time during this period was 190, 165 of which were soldiers orphans. During this time the school became noted for its efficiency, having received the highest commendation by the State Board of Soldiers and Sailors Orphan Schools.

The object of the founders of this institution was to provide for the main- tenance and christian training of orphan children, principally of the Reformed church ; and also for others for whose support payment is made by guardians and friends. Applications for admittance are made through the superintendent to the board of directors, and children are received by indenture. This enables the authority of the llome to again indenture them, when su table christian homes can be found, and retain the guardianship over them until of age. The govern- ment of the Home is mild and parental. The importance of self-government is earnestly impressed upon the minds of the children, with encouraging success. One leading thought is to help the children build up for themselves a true manly and womanly character. The Home is in a most prosperous condition, and will long continue to bring comfort to many fatherless and motherless children.

CHAPTER XXIII.

BUTLER BOROUGH (CONTINUED).

THE BUTLER ACADEMY-WITHERSPOON INSTITUTE-PUBLIC SCHOOLS-CATHOLIC SCHOOLS -BANKING INSTITUTIONS -- BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATIONS-INSURANCE COM- PANIES-MANUFACTURERS OF THE PAST AND PRESENT-RAILROADS - TELEGRAPH OFFICES - WATER SUPPLY -- FIRE DEPARTMENT -- LIGHT AND FUEL COMPANIES -- SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES-PUBLIC BUILDINGS -- SOLDIERS' MONUMENT -- GRAVEYARDS AND CEMETERIES -- OLD AND NEW BUTLER.

T HE beginnings of education in Butler go back to the first decade of its his- tory. The Butler Academy was founded under the act of February 6, 1811. which provided for the election of six trustees and appropriated $2,000 toward sustaining such an institution, $1,000 of the amount to be expended on the build- ing and apparatus, and $1,000 to be invested, the interest on which was to be applied toward the payment of teachers and the education of five poor children.

The organization of the trustees of the Academy was effected May 27, 1811. when lots were cast for terms of service. Jacob Mechling and Walter Lowrie were to serve one year, Samuel Williamson and John Gilmore for two years, and 23

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

John McQuistion and Robert Graham for three years. John Gilmore was chosen secretary and signed an order on the State treasurer for $1,000 in favor of Will- iam Purviance, for the purpose of erecting a building and purchasing books for the use of the Academy. Two days later, the board loaned to John Negley, $1,000, from the " productive fund," secured by his house and lot in Butler and his mill near the town. Mr. Negley paid a heavy interest and also donated $150 to the Academy fund. On July 5, 1811, John Purviance was awarded the con- tract for building the Academy, the price being $798. Jacob Mechling was chosen treasurer and Walter Lowrie, librarian. In August, 1812, the building was com- pleted, Mr. Purviance being paid, in additon to his contract, fifty dollars for extras, and Williamson fifty-six dollars and fifty-nine cents for carpenter work. William Campbell was then a member of the board. In May, 1813, donation lot Number 13, consisting of 500 acres, patented to the Academy, March 25, 1813. was sold to Arthur and George Frazier for $750, to be paid in three installments.

In the meantime the Academy had been opened and Samuel Glass employed as teacher, in 1812, at a salary of sixty dollars per annum, besides which he charged each pupil an extra fee for tuition. Mr. Williamson taught about the same period, and later came Adam Kuhn who conducted an English and Latin school. Hamon Smith and and Olney Davidson taught in the Academy in 1821- 22, and in 1823 Joseph Sterrett was the teacher. In 1824 Alexander S. Sherran was employed at a salary of $100 per annum, and the trustees reserved the right to have him instruct five poor children free, in harmony with that provision in the charter. Rev. Moses P. Bennett taught for a short period in 1827, and was suc- ceeded by I. W. Scott, of Jefferson College, who was paid $100 a year, together with whatever amounts he might collect from his patrons. In 1828 Andrew D. Livingstone taught here, and then came Samuel Douthett, then David O. Walker, in 1830, and later Alexander S. Sherran, who resigned in October, 1831.

Rev. Isaiah Niblock and Dr. James Graham were next appointed teachers for the first and second floors of the Academy, respectively. the latter appointment being urged by the people of the borough. The board discussed the qualifica- tions of a classical teacher in October, 1832, and resolved that, " no one should be received as such, who cannot teach, at least, the Latin and Greek languages, and algebra and surveying." Thomas Mehard, who appeared to possess such knowledge, was appointed teacher. In 1834 Rev. Loyal Young was chosen to teach in the Academy, and filled the position several years in a very satisfactory manner and to the lasting benefit of the community. Calvin C. Sackett was an assistant in 1836-37.

In August, 1838, W. G. Candor was engaged at a salary of $400 a year, for teaching twenty-five scholars, and twelve dollars for each additional pupil. Later the annual tuition fee was reduced to eight dollars for the classical department and two dollars for the English department. In 1840 Mr. Hays taught here, and later came John B. Perkins, Ross Stevenson and a Mr. Lewis. In . September, 1843, DeParke Taylor was hired as principal, and a year later his annual salary was placed at $1,000. In 1847 L. F. Leake and John Chambers were employed as teachers, and the price of tuition fixed at four dollars for the course in classics and mathematics, and three dollars for the common English course. Rev. Will-

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iam White and A. M. Neyman were employed to teach in ISIS, and the former served as principal down to April 23, 1860, when he resigned and Rev. A. II. Waters was appointed teacher and librarian. In February, 1862, Dr. Hamilton was in charge, and next came Asa Waters and Rev. J. Q. Waters, which closes the list of teachers who presided in the " Old Stone Academy."

During the existence of the Academy the board of trustees embraced many of the leading pioneers of Butler. As already told, the first trustees were Walter Lowrie, Jacob Mechling, John Gilmore, Samuel Williamson, John McQuistion and Robert Graham, all well remembered names of pioneer days. William Campbell, Sr., Hugh McKee, Dr. George Miller and John Bredin were on the board during the War of 1812, and later William Ayres and John Galbraith. In 1817 Mr. Galbraith was librarian, the library then containing seventy-nine vol- umes. From this time down to 1866 the names of the trustees chosen are as fol- lows : John Potts, 1818; Robert Scott and Moses Sullivan, 1820; Dr. Henry C. De Wolf, 1821 ; John Neyman and William Gibson, 1821; John Coulter and Joseph Buffington, 1825; Alexander Hagerty, 1827; John Sullivan and Dr. George Linn, 1828. In 1833 the board was composed of Rev. Isaiah Niblock, Jacob Brinker, M. S. Lowrie, George W. Smith, S. A. Gilmore and Dr. Henry C. De Wolf. Then came De Wolf, Ayres and Brinker, again; R. Cunningham, David Dougal, Joseph Neygant, Jacob Ziegler and Dr. Haseltine, all prior to 1840: Dr. James Graham, 1843; Dr. Agnew, Rev. T. W. Kerr, David Walker, and Jacob Mechling, 1815-46. Samuel G. Purvis and William Balph were serv- ing on the board in 1850, and took an active part in renovating the building that year. Dr. Josiah McCandless, E. McJunkin, W. S. Boyd, and the Revs. Niblock, Singer, Fritz and Hutchison were the most prominent and active mem- bers of the board from 1860 to 1866.

The question of consolidating the Butler Academy and the Witherspoon Institute was suggested to the board, March 8, 1565, and a committee was appointed to consult with the Presbytery of Allegheny. Among the members were W. S. Boyd and E. Mc Junkin, who signed the articles of consolidation in June, 1865, and in November the conditions presented by the Allegheny Presby- tery were accepted ; and on August 20, 1866, the last act of the Academy trustees was recorded, viz. : The conveyance of the real-estate, buildings and funds of the Academy to the common school directors of the borough of Butler, subject to the restrictions given in the act of April 11, 1562.

From reminiscences of the "Old Stone Academy," contained in a letter, dated July 15, 1887, addressed to Rev. William White, D. D., by J. D. Mc- Junkin, upon the fiftieth anniversary of his pastorate, references are made to his fellow students of 1856, and the following names given : Isaac Ash, of Oil City : John Berg, Elliott, Stewart, Vanhorn and O'Neil ; Foster McBride, George M. Bredin, deceased ; Rev. Robert Edwards, of Philadelphia ; Dr. George Purviance. of Cincinnati, Ohio ; Rev. James Duffy, of Albany, New York, and Hon. John 11. Mitchell, of Portland, Oregon. Many of the leading men of Butler to-day were educated at this old school, and many who honor the professions and trades out- side this county received liberal instruction within its walls.

The Academy stood on the site of the High School building, and faced Jef-

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ferson street. It was built of dressed stone, was two stories high, and had one room on each floor. The door to the lower room was in the center of the build- ing, and two windows on each side of the door lighted the interior. The upper floor was reached from the north side by a wide, massive stone stairway on the outside of the building, leading to a broad landing at the entrance to the school room. This room was well lighted by five windows on the south and four on the north. The broad, substantial steps and landing were favorite resorts for teachers and pupils during the warmer months of the school period. This old, historic pile was removed to make way for a more commodious and modern building, but the memories of many of the older inhabitants of Butler still linger around it, as its history takes them back to childhood's happy days.

WITHERSPOON INSTITUTE.

A convention of Presbyterians assembled at Butler February 6, 1849, to con- sider the project of establishing an academy within the bounds of the con- gregation of Butler. Rev. J. M. Smith presided, with Rev. Newton Bracken, secretary. A resolution in favor of the project was adopted, and the following named appointed a central committee to raise a fund of $5,000 : Charles C. Sulli- van, William Campbell, Jr., Thomas Campbell, James Campbell and Samuel M. Lane. Township, borough and church committees were also appointed at the same time. The project was successful, and December 14, 1849, a literary and religious institution was incorporated by the following named persons : John Coulter, Loyal Young, James M. Smith, L. F. Leake, Robert B. Walker, New- ton Bracken, Ebenezer Henry, Ephraim Ogden, John Redick, William F. Kean, Lewis L. Conrad, William Morrison, Joseph Glenn, Thomas Mifflin, Samuel Jack, Robert Thorn and John Martin.

Other meetings were held at intervals until April 10, 1850, when the Presby- tery of Allegheny established the school at Butler, and gave it the name of "Witherspoon Institute." Rev. Loyal Young was appointed principal, and David Hall assistant. The school was opened May 13, 1850, in the basement of the Presbyterian church. The terms for tuition were one dollar per month for the common English branches and two dollars for the classical branches.

In July, 1851, Rev. Martin Ryerson succeeded Mr. Young as principal ; but in the fall of 1852 Mr. Ryerson resigned because of failing health, and Mr. Young was again elected principal, with J. R. Coulter assistant. The latter succeeded to the principalship in 1853, and filled the position until the autumn of 1855, when Rev. John Smalley became his successor and served until the following year. From 1856 to 1858 Rev. Loyal Young was principal, with Rev. J. S. Boyd and Thomas Balph assistants. Mr. Boyd became principal in April, 1859, with Mrs. Lida S. Boyd assistant : while Mr. Balph presided over the normal department. Mr. Boyd filled the principalship six years. In the fall of 1865 Rev. William 1. Brugh was appointed principal, and served as such until 1877, except for the short period Rev. J. W. llamilton filled the position. Professor Creighton followed Mr. Brugh, and he was succeeded in 1878 by Rev. H. Q. Waters, with Prof. H. K. Shanor assistant. The previous year the old

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Institute property was sold, and the new building on Institute Hill was erected and dedicated to the cause of education.

In April, 1879, Witherspoon Institute was opened as a non-sectarian school. by Prof. P. S. Bancroft, and the following September, J. C. Tinstman became associated with him. Under Prof. Bancroft's direction the school flourished, until in 1882 it boasted of 172 students and a corps of seven teachers. Prof. Ban- croft conducted the Institute until the fall of 1887. when a lack of patronage induced him to close it and open a private school. During the time he had charge the winter terms were held in a leased building nearer the center of the borough, because of the difficulty experienced in properly heating the Institute, and com- plaints of students of its distance from their homes in town. Its loss of patronage, however, was principally due to the higher prices charged students for board in Butler than in other towns where academies were conducted.

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History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 44

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