History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 60

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 60


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The Clinton Normal and Classical Academy was chartered September 8, 1890, with thirty-seven stock-holders : A board of fifteen trustees was elected to manage the affairs of the Academy, comprised of J. C. Norris, William Heckert, William Thompson, John Hepler, Dr. William McCafferty, Rev. P. E. Simpson, J. S. Love, James Watson, George P. Harvey, James M. Riddle, John B. Cunning- ham, John Halstead, John P. Kirkpatrick, T. A. Bartley and Thomas Hays. The Academy gives promise of becoming an important addition to the educa- tional institutions of the county.


The justices of the peace elected since the township was established, are as follows: Cyrus E. Anderson, 1854; William Harvey, 1855-60-75-80-85; Sam- uel B. McNeal, 1860; Samuel Anderson, 1865-70; James Criswell, 1865-70; W. A. Walker, 1875; John B. Davis, 1880-85; J. B. Cunningham, 1886; Frederick Ebert, 1889; John B. Cunningham, 1891, and Frederick Ebert, 1894. William Harvey served at least five terms as justice of the peace in this township, and during that long period never had an appeal from his decision to the higher courts.


CHURCHES.


Westminster Presbyterian Church of Clinton township was organized June 12, 1835, with nineteen members, by Rev. Newton Bracken. The first elders were James Boyd and William McGarry. Rev. Abraham Boyd was pas- tor until 1845, in which year a small log church was erected. Rev. James M. Smith was stated supply in 1847; Rev. Ephraim Ogden pastor from 1848 to 1858; Rev. John V. Miller from 1859 to 1863; Rev. Josiah McPherrin from 1865 to 1873; Rev. James T. Patterson from 1874 to 1879, and Rev. John S. Atkinson from 1881 to April 24, 1888. Rev. L. E. Keith was installed pastor in 1889 and remained until October, 1890. On February 8, 1894, Rev. W. J. Haz- lett was installed as pastor, the pulpit having been previously supplied for over


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CLINTON TOWNSHIP.


three years. The elders in 1888 were William Norris, Robert Brewer, Jacob B. Flick, John S. Love and James McCafferty. A new church building was begun in 1852, completed in February, 1853, and was dedicated, March 6, 1853. On December 15, 1857, the church recorded articles of association, Adam Reed, James Hemphill, James McCafferty, William Woods and George Gibson being then trustees. In 1894 there were about seventy-five members in this church.


The United Presbyterian Church of Clinton was organized April 20, 1845, as the Associated Reformed church, and incorporated December 7, 1863, under its present name. The elders were Matthew Bickett, Joseph Logan and William Harvey ; the original members being William Logan and wife, Jane Sefton, Mary A. Cox, John McGahey and wife, Daniel Beery, Minnamy Quinn and wife, John Brownlow and wife, Joseph Bartley, John Davis and wife, Joseph Harper and wife, Matilda Davis, Margaret Davis, Levi Logan and wife, Joseph Quigg and wife, James Carson and wife, William Harvey and wife. The sign- ers to the petition asking that the society be incorporated were David Logan, Henry Sefton, John Anderson, Stephen Brewer, James Hay, Robert Trimble, J. W. Monks, W. M. Ilay, J. H. Love, D. S. McElwain, Joseph Davis, John Brown, Obed Sefton, W. H. Bickett, Thompson Love, B. Logan, Thomas Frazier, David Hay, C. J. Anderson, S. H. Matheson, S. M. Love and J. C. Norris. The trustees were Joseph Logan, Sr., John Brown, Robert Trimble, John Ander- son and Thomas Frazier.


The following pastors have served the church since its organization : Rev. Isaiah Niblock from April, 1845, to June, 1854; Rev. John Jamison, October, 1855, to October, 1859; Rev. W. R. Hutchinson, 1861 to 1878; Rev. J. M. Imbrie, 1875 to 1877; Rev. S. B. Stewart, 1881 to 1887, and Rev. W. J. Cooper, the present pastor, who came in 1888. In 1845 a log house, twenty-two by twenty- five feet in size, was erected on land donated by James M. Hay. It was first furnished with split log seats, but within a few years the pew was introduced. In 1854 a large frame building was erected at a cost of $1,600. It is the present house of worship of the congregation, which numbers 120 members. The mem- bers of the session are Matthew Bickett, Archibald Montgomery, Robert Trim- ble, Richard Smalley, Thomas A. Hay and J. B. Mahan. The trustees are William Logan, Ross Mahan, Thompson Love, William Monks and Harvey Bickett.


Oak Grove United Presbyterian Church was organized August 27. 1878, with James Hemphill and Stephen Brewer, elders; J. B. Cunningham, J. C. Morris and Thompson Love, trustees. Under the supervision of the trustees, and Edward Sefton, J. B. Sefton and Stephen Brewer, a frame building was erected in 1878, at a cost of $1,800, which was dedicaled March 28, 1879. The formal meeting to organize was held June 1, 1878. On June 11, the Presbytery met at West Union church and granted permission to organize, and by August 27, that year, the following names were enrolled : James, Sarah and Susannah Hemphill, Samuel and Ella Hemphill, John C. Norris, and Jane, his wife, Stephen and Jane Brewer, James and Margaret Harvey, Samuel and Melissa E. Marshall, John B. and Catherine Cunningham, Jane Cunningham, Margaret


HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.


and Jeannette Cunningham, Elizabeth Cunningham, James and Sarah T. Love, Thompson and Margaret E. Love, Rachel Love, and Mary A. Smith. In 1894 there were 107 members enrolled. Eight death- were reported from August, 1876. to February, 1894. The elder- elected since the organization are J. B. Sef- ton, who organized the Sabbath school in April, 1979; James B. Cunningham and John C. Norris, 1880, and William HI. Sefton, the new member of the session. Robert Sefton is superintendent of the Sabbath school. The pulpit was supplied from ISTS to April, 1855, when Rev. J. M. Duncan was called as pastor. In May, 1890, Rev. P. E. Simpson took charge, the pulpit being vacant from the summer of 1888 to that period.


CEMETERIES.


Oak Grove Cemetery is a donation from J. B. Cunningham, made in May, 1880. Robert Clendenning, who was killed accidently, was the first person buried therein. One of the rules for the government of this little burial ground provides, that all who are able to pay for a lot must buy one, while those not blessed with means shall be entitled to a free lot for the burial of their dead.


Clinton Cemetery adjoins the Presbyterian church. In its grave- many of the old members have found a resting place, among whom may be mentioned the following : James Bartley, Sr., who died in 1-52; Nancy Hay, in 1853; Lydia Hay, in 1855; Margaret Bartley, in 1856; Elizabeth Logan, in 1856; Catherine Gold, in 1858; Wilson Wigfield, in 1863; Susan Yeakel, in 1866; Elizabeth Wareham, in 1867; Levi Logan, in 1871; John Griner, in 1-71 ; Nancy Griner, in 1872; Joseph Harper, in 1873; John Wareham, in 1874; Samuel Griner. Sr., in 1876; David Logan, in 1878; James Hay, in 1s>3; James Bartley, in 1884; Betty Ann Harvey, in 1886, and Jane Harper, in 18$7.


Westminster Cemetery .- The first grave in the Westminster Cemetery is said to be that of one Anderson, who was buried about 1832. One or more of the Riddle family were interred there at an early date. The oldest headstone is that which commemorates Sarah Ann, a daughter of Daniel Lardin, who died in 1>34. Among others, whose names appear on the monuments, may be men- tioned :- IIenry Flick, who died in 1553; Joseph Brewer, in 1846; Thomas Wat- son in I845; R. M. Carson, in 1844; Sarah Gibson, in 1847; Thomas Calender, in 1852; Rebecca Kirkpatrick, in 1852; Susanna Norris, in 1-59, and James Wood, in 1563.


VILLAGES.


Lardintown, about one-half mile east of Riddle's Cross Roads was not founded by the pioneer Thomas Lardin, but rather by his son, Daniel. The lat- ter erected the first grist mill in the township, during the winter of 1849-50, where the head waters of Bull creek meet. After operating it as a water mill for some years, he introduced steam power and did a large milling business. William Lar- din, son of Thomas, also owned the mill for some years, until fire destroyed it. James Kier and Adam Ekas purchased the property and built the present mill. It was operated by them and by Renough until the seventies when Christian Heller b came owner. After his death, John and William Heller acquired it by inheri-


48 1


BUFFALO TOWNSHIP.


tance. It is the only industry of the kind in the township, and to the old settlers is a precious reminder of "going to mill " forty years ago.


Long prior to 1849-50, the Francis Anderson saw mill on the Riddle farm was an industry which played an important part in the development of the town- ship, although the first frame house was not erected until 1840.


The Kirk carding and woolen mill was established in 1848 and was carried on successfully until the days of the Civil War. The mercantile interests of the township are represented by R. J. Anderson at Flick ; Daniel Ekas at Ekastown, and S. S. Snyder at Riddle's Cross Roads.


Flick and Riddle's Cross Roads, are the post-offices of the township. The old hamlet of Pughtown is unrecognized by the post-office department.


Harvey Post, Number 514, G. A. R., was organized March 25, 1886, at school house Number 2, with the following named charter members : William Harvey, John S. Love, J. B. Cunningham, J. P. Kirkpatrick, William Thomp- son, M. Thompson, G. P. Harvey, John Halstead, Martin Gibson, H. H. Halstead, E. Sefton, Adam Ekas, D. Huey, J. Jones, John E. Burtner and H. J. Burns. The following commanders have been elected since the organization : Adam Ekas, John S. Love, two terms, John B. Cunningham, William Carson, A. B. Katz, Joseph Jones and W. J. Gillespie. The adjutants are as follows : John Halstead, 1886 ; H. H. Halstead, 1887-91; John S. Love, 1892-94. In the fall of 1887 John S. Love donated ground for an armory building and the present hall was erected.


CHAPTER XXXVIII.


BUFFALO TOWNSHIP.


ORGANIZATION-PHYSICAL FEATURES-COAL DEPOSITS-PIONEERS-A GAME STORY- FIRST ELECTION-MILLS AND DISTILLERIES-SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES-CHURCHES- VILLAGES.


B UFFALO township is one of the four townships into which Butler county was divided prior to 1803. Up to 1854, when the last re-subdivis- ion of the county took place, it was one of the largest townships in the county. In that year its area was reduced to its present limits. It is the southeast town- ship in the county, and is the dividing line between the oak and pine hills, the latter beginning near Sarversville and predominating toward the south and east lines of the township. Big Buffalo creek enters the Allegheny river at the south- east corner of this township. About two miles north of this confluence it receives the waters of the Little Buffalo and Sarver's run, and all drain the north half and 31


482


HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.


southeast quarter ; while Little Bull creek and the feeders of the center head of Bull creek drain the southwest quarter of the township. The elevations are 766.4 feet above ocean level at Buffalo station ; 801.6 at Harbison ; 840 at Mon- roe, and 1,026.8 at Sarvers, the railroad track being the point of measurement.


In the southeast corner, the Upper Freeport coal is 140 feet above the mean water in the Allegheny river, while above Monroeville, on Sarver's run, it disap- pears under the bed of that stream, and does not reappear until the Clinton line is approached, where Miller's drift occurs, and the old Walker banks of Reeth, Wilson and Krumpe, now operated by Yaehnig, Fredley and Joseph Reeth. The Buffalo sandstone is seen at 120 feet above the coal. Along Bull creek the cliffs form an interesting feature. At Monroeville, a knob rises 450 feet above the line of the coal bed opposite Monroe station, where Michael Stepp's coal bank is loca- ted. Freeport limestone and the green crinoidal limestone appear down the creek from Monroeville and west of that village, some distance above the W. HI. Sarver coal banks. On the Fleming farm, on little Bull creek, the Elk Lick coal is found thirty-five feet above the crinoidal rock, and the latter on the Rich- ard's farm north of the south line.


PIONEERS.


The honors of being the first settler have been given to George Bell, a native of Ireland, who located here in 1795, and after whom a hill and creek are named ; but they were shared by Robert Elliott, another Irishman, who came from West- moreland county the same year. Elliott revisited his first American home that fall, and early in 1796 brought hither his large family and a quantity of young fruit trees. His wife died here in 1844 and himself in 1845. Benjamin Sarver, who came up from Tarentum every Monday and worked on the pioneer mill until noon every Saturday, located at Sarversville about 1796, and later estab- lished the mill, the remains of which may yet be seen near the bridge at the village. Mary Steele and her children, John and Mary, came from Westmore- land county the same year, and located on the site of an old Indian camp ground. John Harbison and his wife Massy, the heroine of the Indian story related in a previous chapter, had been residents of the district, opposite the month of Buffalo creek, since 1792, but were pioneers of this township as early as 1807. One of the Smith family, referred to in the history of Winfield township ; John Brooks, who moved away within a few years ; William Kiskaddon, an Irish veteran of the Revolution, and Joseph Simmers, who married Mary Steele, were all located within the present boundaries of the township prior to the close of 1796. In 1797-98 the Carson family, of whom Robert was the head ; John Barker's family, and the Fleming family, of whom Thomas, a native of Scotland, was the founder in this township, arrived. In 1798 Andrew Easley settled not far from the county line, but ultimately the Easley family located in this township, and also the Kirk- patricks.


The broken character of the township deterred the immigrants who came to the county from the close of 1797 to the close of the War of 1812 from locating here. Of course many men, such as Hugh McKee, came in, remained some time, and then sought other neighborhoods for a home. The settlement at Ekastown


483


BUFFALO TOWNSHIP.


in 1818 by John Ekas, and the opening of " Disappointment Farm" by John Weir the same year, were the beginnings of a new era in this township. The Weir and Roney families ventured into the wilderness in 1819; Jacob Byerly and wife came in 1828, Thomas Harbison in 1824, the Doyles in 1832, Henry Halstead in 1838, while the Blacks, Sedwicks, McKees, Wilsons, Walkers, Mor- tons, Walters and a few others made their homes in the forest over sixty years ago. William Painter, who was a tailor in Freeport in 1817, was a farmer here in 1839; James McCafferty came in ISHI, David L. Hoover in 1842, and George Gardner in 1843. Other families, representatives of the pioneers of Westmore- land and Armstrong counties, came in subsequently, and laid the foundations on which the society of Buffalo is built.


As the township was a favorite hunting ground for the Indians prior to 1792, so it continued to be for the Caucasians for fully forty years after. Large game abounded and droves of deer offered themselves as easy prey to the hunt- ers. A story is related by J. E. Muder of Saxonburg, which bears out this state- ment. The Rev. Schweitzerbarth sent Mr. Sarver a message, saying he would be on hand the next Sabbath to preach. Sarver knew that there was little in the house to entertain his old friend, and announced to his wife, Betsy. that he would go out and kill a deer. Ile went forth, shot a deer and returned jubilant. Next, he told his wife that he would go to Jacob Staley's for a quart of whisky, which he did ; and returning, exclaimed in jubilant tones, " Now, Schweitzerbarth, you can come; Betsy has got the meat and I have got the whisky." Wild honey, corn- whisky and venison made very good fare, which no one enjoyed better than some of the visiting evangelists of early days.


The first election held in Buffalo township, October 8, 1805, after the organ- ization of the original thirteen divisions of the county, resulted in nine votes for Simon Snyder, and seven for Thomas Mckean, for Governor; James O'Hara five, Samuel Smith seven, and N. Irish, four for Congress ; James Martin and Sam- uel Ewalt, eight each for Senator ; Jacob Mechling, Abner Lacock and Francis McLure nine each, James Corothers seven, Jacob Ferree three, John Mc Bride six and George Robison five for Assembly ; William B. Young seven, William Brown eight, and Abner Coats one for county commissioner.


MILLS AND DISTILLERIES.


The early industries were Benjamin Sarver's grist mill, the stone foundations, the log dam and wheel of which may yet be seen in the bed of the creek at Sarversville; Thomas Fleming's distillery of 1799, a very primitive concern compared with the present big Guckenheimer distillery in the southeast corner of the township; and John Harbison's saw mill, of 1807, on the Buffalo, car- ried on by him until his death, in 1822. About the same time, or a little later, one of Jeremiah Smith's sons, with Caleb Jones, established a mill at Sarver's station, the same which Alexander Donthett operated in 1834. There David Kelly erected a large mill in 1866, which, two years later, became the property of Jacob Ehrman and is now known as " Ehrman's mill." Water and steam power are used, but the old process machinery has been retained. William Col- mer, who settled on the old Brook's farm, and Jacob Weaver, erected the mill


484


HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.


afterward known as " Cratty's mill," and which, with Hill's mill on Big Buffalo, were great aids to the pioneer -.


In the extreme southeastern corner of Buffalo township, adjoining Freeport. is the Guckenheimer & Company, or rather the Pennsylvania Company's distillery. comprising three large brick buildings, including the two bonded warehouses. The property is assessed at $27,000. The buildings were erected in 1869 for P. Me- Gonigle & Son, and the industry inaugurated in 1570, the capacity then being eighteen barrels a day. In 1875 the present company, composed of A. Gucken- heimer, Samuel Wertheimer, Emil Wertheimer and Isaac Wertheimer, purchased the plant and carried on the industry until the fire of July, 1859, wiped it out. On the ruins, it may be said, of the old buildings was raised the present large concern, with a capacity of fifty barrels a day.


SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.


The early school teachers included Robert Cunningham, Michael Herron, Robert Hamilton, William McGarry, Thomas Watson and others, who would leave Clinton township occasionally to " keep school " in Buffalo. In 1836 the first common school was established in District Number 2. with George C. Sedwick teacher. J. C. Watt and John A. Watson were also well known teachers in the common schools. The schools of the township will compare favorably with those of adjoining townships, and every child has the opportunity of obtaining an education.


The justices of the peace, elected since 1840, are named as follows :- Will- iam Walker, J840, 1815 and 1550: Emil Maurhoff, Is10; George C. Sedwick, 1845-50-59 and 64; William Barker, 1851-83-88; David Kelly, 1855-60-69-74; Jonathan Hazlett appears to have been elected in 1865; A. H. Morse, 1870; George W. Cramer, 1875-80 (for short term), JssE; Thomas Douglass, 1877- 82 ; G. F. Easley, 1886; M. C. Sarver. 1890; J. C. Redick, 1890; John Thomas and A. A. Kohlmeyer appear to have been elected the same year; J. F. Martin, 1891, elected county treasurer in 1893, and resigned office of justice of the peace ; J. S. Glenn, 1892: J. W. Smith, 1893, and George W. Cramer, 1894.


CHURCHES.


Buffalo Presbyterian Church, one and one-half miles east of Sarversville, was organized August 3, 1843, by Revs. Abraham Boyd, Thomas W. Kerr and Elder Hill. Mr. Boyd preached there for some time before he could gather the original thirteen members, and continued as pastor until 1516. Rev. David D. McKee came in 1847 ; Rev. Newton Bracken in IS19; Rev. George Cairns in 1851: Rev. Newton Bracken, as stated supply, in 1858; Rev. John V. Miller in 1859: Rev. Josiah MePherrin in 1865; Rev. James T. Patterson in 1874. and Rev. John S. Atkinson, June 11, ISS1. Mr. Atkinson was released in April, IS88. Rev. L. E. Keith succeeded him and remained one year. The pulpit was supplied from 1889 to February, 1894. Rev. J. W. Hazlett was ordained pastor in February, 1894. The membership in 1894 was 120. The first elders were Andrew McCaskey and William Cruikshank. Among the latter day elders may be named Thomas Beckett, W. HI. McCafferty, William Galbreath, Wilson Todd.


485


BUFFALO TOWNSHIP.


James Bricker, Thomas Elliott and J. P. Hepler. In 1843-44 a very primitive house of worship was erected, which was used until after the war, when a new frame edifice was built, and dedicated in 1867. It was repaired about two years ago. The church stands in the two-acre cemetery lot.


St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Buffalo township was incor- porated June 25, 1868. The articles of association were adopted February 28, 1868, and signed by Rev. J. K. Melhorn, pastor, R. M. Harbison and M. S. Heck- ert, elders, and H. Smith and H. Kelly, deacons, the whole number of members being fifty-seven. Rev. J. H. Fritz seems to have organized this society in December, 1867, in the old Covenanter church near Sarversville, with Henry Smith, Jonathan Hazlett and R. M. Harbison, elders. In 1870 the Lutherans purchased three acres from the Covenanters and thereon built a church, at a cost of about $3,000. In 1873 four acres were added to the church lot for cemetery purposes. Revs. Fritz and Melhorn remained but a short time. At the close of 1870 or early in 1871, Rev. J. A. H. Kitzmiller took charge and was pastor until early in 1882, when a long vacancy begun. Rev. H. K. Shanor was pastor for a year or two ; then Rev. Mr. Sheffer, now of Prospect, came. Rev. Doerr fol- lowed Mr. Sheffer. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Martens of Saxonburg. who is the present pastor.


Emery Chapel, at Ekastown, is the modern name given to the building owned by the Methodist Episcopal church in this township. The society here is a continuation of the old class which was organized at Lardin's mill, in Clinton township, early in the thirties, by Revs. Henderson and Jackson, two of John Wesley's disciples from the Emerald Isle. Out of it grew the class, organized in 1839. by Rev. W. Carl, comprising David Walter, John Morton, and their wives, James Hunter, Henry Halstead. Polly Montgomery, Thomas Roney, Conrad Upperman, John and Adam Ekas, Catherine Lardin, G. C. Sedwick, and Henry Walter. A frame building was erected in Clinton township, in 1841, to which the present name was given, in honor of Bishop Emery. In 1868 the pres- ent brick church was built in Buffalo township at a cost of over $7,000. It is now a circuit church, presided over by Rev. J. J. Davis, with Adam Ekas, steward and trustee.


A Covenanter church existed near Ekastown long before the churches named were organized. but the society disbanded.


The Lutherans were represented in Mr. Schweitzerbarth's time, for it was his custom to visit Sarver's at intervals and preach the Lutheran doctrine to all who would assemble.


VILLAGES.


Sarversville was surveyed by Henry Halstead in 1840, and named Walley in recognition of its muddy main street. The postal department, however, changed its name to Sarversville in January, 1558, and appointed David Kelly postmaster. The first gristmill in the township was built here by Benjamin Sarver. . Thirty-five years later F. D. Schweitering established the first store. David Kelly followed him as merchant, and on his removal to Sarver's station in 1870. J. MI. Fleming opened a store in a new building, which he carried on


486


HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.


until 1889, when M. C. Sarver purchased the store and residence. Jacob J. Smith, born here in 1831, became the next miller and merchant of the district. Two of the old houses are still standing-one just south of the Sarver store, a long, double frame house, is owned by Jacob Kennedy ; the second, a similar building, in which was the first postoffice, is occupied by William Stanfat. The new house of the Junior Order United American Mechanics is occupied above by this society, while the first floor is devoted to common school purposes.


The Sarversville Farmers' Club selected the following named officers for 1879: Thomas Douglass, president ; James McCafferty, vice-president ; G. H. Doerr, secretary ; M. N. Greer, correspondent, and John Doerr, treasurer. It ceased to exist several years ago, and has not been revived.


Sarversville Council, Number 401, fr. O. U. A. MI., was organized Janu- ary 25, 1890, with Thomas Douglass, councilor ; J. E. Wickline, vice-councilor ; M. C. Sarver, recorder ; William McCafferty, assistant secretary; L. C. Ehr- man, financier, and G. B. Fredley, treasurer. The past councilors are Thomas Douglass, M. C. Sarver, Samuel Petsinger, W. E. Barker, William McCafferty and William McGinnis. The recorder in March, 1894, was F. W. Ekas. There were 135 members enrolled. The society's hall is a new building, the first floor of which is rented by the school district.




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