History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 76

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 76

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).

611

WORTH TOWNSHIP.

EARLY INDUSTRIES.

The credit of establishing the first industry in this township is variously given. Thomas Coulter had a saw mill here in 1803, and this, undoubtedly, was the first of its class. Many believe that Alexander McBride, who came in 1820, from Ireland, erected the first log building for the purposes of a grist mill, in 1527, while others are equally certain that Franklin Elliott was the first grist miller. Mc Bride subsequently added a saw mill to his original industry, and carried on both concerns until 1:50. Prior to the inauguration of the McBride and the Elliott mills, hand mills and horse power mills were known here, but as a rule, the early settlers took their grain to the old concerns on the Slippery Rock and their logs to Tom Coulter's mill.

Charles Coulter, one of the pioneers, established a carding mill here after the War of 1812, which is now known as the Sutliff mill at Jacksville. In 1-54 Ilenry C. Sutliff purchased the concern from John Balph, fitted it with 100 spindles and did an extensive trade in blankets and flannel during the war. Ilenry Sutliff now operates the mill, which is the property of John Humphrey.

To enumerate the early manufacturers of good whisky, would simply be a repetition of the names of the greater number of pioneers. Hugh Henderson, however, was the leading distiller of the township, and old settlers who loved good whisky, as well as old friends, looked upon the product of Henderson's still as very fine indeed. Jonathan Dean established a distillery on what is known as the Marshall Cooper farm, and William Vogan on the Dombaugh farm-entering into lively competition with the pioneer Henderson ; but all found a market for the product of their stills, down to the "thirties," when the tem- perance movement checked their trade.

James Coulter established a tannery here as early as ISO3. It was subse- quently owned by Alexander Balph and did a good business. Its last owner, James Maxwell, ran it until a few years ago.

CHURCHES.

The United Presbyterian Church, known as the " Slippery Rock Church" since 1842, was organized in 1809 as the " Mouth of Wolf Creek Church." with the following named members : David Armstrong, D. MeCommons, David Robinson, Robert Cochran, Smith Neal, Hugh McKee, James George, Hugh Gaily, John Moore and Hugh Giltillan, all pioneers of the vicinity and all natives of northern Ireland. Prior to 1809 Rev. John Anderson, also a native of that island, preached from a platform under the spreading branches of an oak tree, near the present bridge. The time is stated to have been in May. 1807. Subse- quently Associate Presbyterian preachers would address the people at John Moore's house, and this continued until 1811, when Alexander Murray was or- dained pastor, and a house of worship was completed. The elders when he arrived were John Moore, David Cross, John Cornelius and William Brandon, The old log church was burned in 1839, a short time after the present building was commenced by the contractors-John Dickey, of Slippery Rock, and 1. Henry, of Kittanning. In June, 1846, Mr. Murray died, and in ISIS Rev.

612

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Joseph D. Wolf took charge and held the position until 1855. Rey. Alexander Rankin came in 1857 and remained until 1861. In June, 1866, Rev. N. E. Brown was installed. Rev. Matthew B. Patterson succeeded him in 1887. and Rev. James B. Whitten succeeded Mr. Patterson in 1889. In 1882 there were eighty-four members : now there are about sixty.

Zion Baptist Church was organized November 15, 1841, by Elders Thomas Daniels, Reese Davis and Daniel Daniels, with Brothers Hazen and Hocken- berry, of Muddy Creek township, and Vaughn and Barnes, of Muddy Creek Baptist church. The first members were John and Margaret Oelton, William and Annie Book, Robert and Mary Hampson, and Phoebe Cooper. On the same day thirteen were admitied by baptism, namely : William Emery, Ruth Brant, John Book, Thomas and Sarah Josephs, Burton and Margaret Josephs, Samuel and James Book, Harlan and Mary Vogan, Barnard Stoughton and Nancy Uptegraft. Services were held in the school-house until 1843, when the present brick building was erected on land donated by Jacob Fisher. In 1881 $1,100 were expended in improving the building. The first pastor was Rev. Daniel Daniels, followed by Rey Samuel Furman in 1844, who remained until 1848. Rev. George T. Dinsmore was supply for six months. In 1550 Rev. Samuel Stoughton was appointed, and served until 1:52. Rev. David Phillips was pastor from 1853 to 1 54. Rev. John Trevitt then served until 1863, and was followed by Rev. D. L. Clouse, who was pastor until 1870. Rev. Gabriel llueston then came and remained until 1877, when Rev. Joseph Gallagher arrived. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph MI. Ray, who preached until 1883. Rev. W. 11. Willahan is the present pastor.

Mount Union Church of God was organized late in 1871 by Elder Joseph Grimm, with the following members: Mrs. Nancy Uptegraft. Archibald Bryan and wife, Retta Bryan, Robert Davis and wife. Mrs. Mary Mackey. Henry Dill- man and wife, HI. W. MeClure and wife, Mrs. Viola McClure. Joseph Alexan- der, Mary Sinclair, J. P. Gallagher, Alexander Gallagher, M. II. Davis, Isaac Fields and James Fields. Service was first held in Rocky Springs school house. In ISTB the present church was erected, the land being donated by John Upte- graft and the money by the members to the extent of $1.300, the total cost. Following are the names of the preachers in charge since its organization : Revs. Joseph Grimm, J. W. Davis. M. S. Pritts. Richard Vanamm, O. R. McKahan, W. 11. 11. MeKloeene, D. G. Leach. S. Woods, S. G. Gaghn, W. J. U'mpstead and George W. Davis,

SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.

The first school was established in 1810 or 1811 in a log house on the old Pisor farm, by Robert Marcus, who succeeded in gathering a class of twenty-five children, the consideration being six dollars for each pupil. Marcus died here during his first term, and John Mitchell, a friend from Mercer, came here to take up the work. Prior to the War of Is12, a second school was opened on the Mc.Nees farm. After that war a school was organized on what is known as John Book's farm, being the original Henry Stinetorf tract, while Thomas Gormley established one near Jacob McCracken's house, in which William Coulter and

613

WORTH TOWNSHIP.

Samuel Campbell subsequently taught. In 1824 a school was opened on the Marshall Cooper farm with Alexander Mc Bride as teacher. In 1835 the common school law was adopted here. There are now eight districts, each with its school. The teachers in 1893-94 included Effie Russel, Edith Moore, Laura McCollough, Mary F. MeNees, Minnie Dight. Lissa Pisor and Alice Studebaker.

MECHANICSBURG.

Mechanicsburg, also known as Jacksville postoffice,-the only village in the township,-is said to have received its name from the fact that a number of mechanics located there about the same time. The original postoffice of Jacks- ville, the first in the township, was established in William Jack's store. on his farm, a short distance east of the present village. His son, Cochran Jack, was the first postmaster. Ilis successors have been as follows: Samuel Hazlett, John Boyle, Nicholas Gardner, Marcus Reichert and Hannah Boyle. The vil- lage contains about a dozen houses, consisting, besides private residences, of : general store, harness shop, postoffice, blacksmith shop, town hall, wagon shop and a woolen mill. A tannery, referred to under the heading of " Early Indus- tries," was operated here until a few years ago.

Facksville Tent, Number 159, K. O. T. J., was organized April 1, 1893, and the charter was granted December 16, 1893, to the following members : J. W. Studebaker, J. A. Brandon, J. B. Pisor, J. A. Pisor, R. II. Book, C. C. Book, S. C. Humphrey, W. F. Gardner, J. C. Patterson, W. J. Cooper, W. H. Willahan, J. A McCormick, J. W. Grossman, J. W. Stillwagon, HI. Cooper, J. C. Boyd, W. P. Stickel. W. E. Patterson, A. W. Van Horne and James Rutter. The first officers were J. B. Pisor, P. C .; J. W. Studebaker, C. ; S. C. Humph- rey, R. K., and W. Gardner, F. K.

PRIVATE CORPORATIONS.

The Worth Township Gas Company was organized in October, 1892, to operate the gas well on the Glenn farm, and that on the McClymonds farm. The rock pressure is about 300 pounds, and the depth is about 1,300 feet each, gas being found at two or more levels.

The Worth Mutual Fire Insurance Company was chartered January 13, 1875, with Amaziah Kelly. A. Stickel, Hampson Dean, J. A. Kelly, W. McBride, R. A. Kelly, James M. Maxwell and J. G. Cornelius, members and stockholders. John Humphrey was president. and James M. Marshall, secretary. The presi- dents in order of service since the first election are as follows :- John Humphrey, 1875-82 ; Robert Barron 1883-86, and James Humphrey, 1887-94. Mr. Marshall served as secretary down to January, 1882, when William E. Taylor was elected to succeed him. This office has been held by Mr. Taylor since that time. Among the directors who have served for a number of years, may be named William Dick, of Franklin township: John Humphrey, James Humphrey and Robert Barron, of Worth ; S. W. Moore, of Brady; Amos Hall and Il. M. Gill. of Slip- pery Rock ; Fred Bauder, of Muddy Creek ; W. I. Scott, of Lancaster, and S. Seaton, of Marion. The management of the company at all times has settled losses promptly, so that it can be said no claim was ever brought before a jury or

614

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

judge. The risks carried in Worth, Muddy Creek, Slippery Rock, Lancaster, Brady, Franklin, Connoquenessing, Mercer, Marion, Cherry, Clay and Centre townships, amount to $1,000,000. The company insures farm buildings and products, but does not take risks in villages, the population of which exceed one hundred persons.

CHAPTER LIX.

BRADY TOWNSHIP.

ORIGIN OF NAME-ORGANIZATION -- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS -- MINERAL WEALTH- COAL, DEPOSITS -PIONEERS -- POPULATION AND STATISTICS-EARLY INDUSTRIES- SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES OF THE PEACE-CHURCHES -VILLAGES AND POSTOFFICES- THE STONE HOUSE COUNTERFEITERS.

T IHIS township derives its name from Captain Brady, a hero of the Indian wars, who did not make the celebrated leap over the Slippery Rock creek attributed to him, but rather at the site of Kent, Ohio, where a monument marks the scene of his narrow escape from the Indians. The captain, however, must have often crossed the Slippery Rock, and the men who suggested the title for the new township of 1854, did right in remembering the old Indian fighter and perpetuating his name.

The greatest measured elevation in the township is 1, 170 feet above ocean level, and is found about two and a quarter miles south of West Liberty, the next being 1,375 feet, east of the pike road, where the road from West Liberty joins it, or about the center of the township. In the northeastern section the summits seldom exceed 125 feet above the waters of Slippery Rock, being from 225 to 250 feet lower than those on the divide between the north and south boundary creeks. Potter's clay is found in the Hallston neighborhood and iron ore is not wanting. The Mahoning sandstone caps the high lands, while great boulders lying around like sentinels offer easy work to the quarrymen. Kittanning coals and ferriferous limestone show developed deposits in the northern and eastern sections. . In the coal banks the Kittanning middle coal is found in excellent form, while the Upper Kittanning rules in the vicinity of Stone House, on the Turk, Wigton, Graham, Weber, Grossman, Glenn and other farms. The development of coal deposits at Coaltown, begun some years ago under the super- intendence of George (. Stage, has shown very clearly what capital, directed intelligently, may do here. The coal banks on the Hines, Boyd and Douglass, William Badger, William Stoughton and Louis Martsolf lands, and the okdl Cornelius, D. K. Graham and James Martin banks, now abandoned, are well known as fuel suppliers of the past and present.

615

BRADY TOWNSHIP.

The well on the John Smith farm, in this township, one mile and a quarter northeast of Muddy creek, on the Prospect road, was drilled in 1877, for the Phillips Brothers, to a depth of 1,453 feet, but proved a " duster." The strata found here explains the structure of a large section of the township.

PIONEERS.

When the pioneers looked in upon the two valleys of Slippery Rock-the Piscataqua of the Indians-and Muddy Creek, they hesitated not in settling here. The advance was led by Luke Covert in 1796. A native of Holland, he varied from ancestral tastes for lowlands and made his home west of where the Stone House was built in 1822. Ifis son, John, the last of his family, died in 1873. Old Luke, it is thought, was a Hessian who became attached to the American cause, and by some means found his way into the New Jersey Line, during the Revolution, by being made prisoner or otherwise. Afterward settling in Northumberland county, he resided there until 1796, when he brought his family into the wilderness of Covert's run. James Campbell, Alexander Irvine and Bar- tol Laffer entered the township later in 1796, and, with the Covert's, formed the vanguard of the pioneers.

The MeDeavitts, Daniel, born in Ireland in 1756, Elizabeth, his wife and three children,-Catherine, Henry and James-arrived in the township in April, 1797. Eight members of the Montooth family accompanied them, but the Mon- tooths selected lands in what is now Franklin township, preferring the Muddy Creek country. MeDeavitt built a little cabin at once, made a clearing and planted corn and potatoes. He left his family later that year, to earn money in Maryland. On returning, his brave pioneer wife related stories of adventures with wild animals and also told of kind Indians who camped near her cabin. He died in 1805. His widow died in 1835.

In 1798 Edward, James and Andrew Douglass, natives of Pennsylvania, cleared the land on which the Stone House was erected in 1822 ; but in 1799 they moved to a point,south of the present Croll mill. Edward brought with him a complete hunting outfit and a grindstone for sharpening scalping knives ; for he was a bitter enemy of the aborigines. He died here in 1858, almost a half cen- tury after his brother James moved away. John McClymonds, with his wife and eight children, settled above the forks of McDeavitt's run in 1798. where is now the brick residence erected by Thomas MeClymonds, above the old saw mill.

The pioneers of 1799 included John Thompson, born in Ireland in 1752, who moved into this township from Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1799, and located a mile or so south of the Douglass cabin. He mar- ried Martha Ilumes, who died in 1861, surviving her husband fifteen years. James, William and John Mc Junkin, also natives of Ireland, arrived in 1799. Daniel Carter came the same year. John Wigton, though coming here in 1799, waited until 1803 to purchase John Morrow's squatter claim. As early as 1-30 this pioneer taught a writing school where West Liberty now is. He was born to write a " good hand," though in all other branches of education very deficient.

In 1800 the arrival of Conrad Snyder, Sr., a native of Switzerland, his son, Conrad, and Andrew Ellsworth, a soldier of the Revolution, and their settlement

616

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

northeast of the Douglass cabin, was an occasion of gladness. John Morrow came in 1801, and located near the Wigton settlement of 1799, but sold to Wig- ton a few years later. Conrad Snyder became a tavern keeper on the Franklin road. John Hockenberry arrived with his family in 1803, but after some years removed to Cherry township. About this time John Ralston erected a log-mill where is now the Croll mill, and the pioneer circle of what is now Brady town- ship was completed. In Is10 Robert Ilockenberry settled near West Liberty, and then moved to the site of Coaltown. Others came in within the succeeding decade to share in the work of the first settlers.

The population in 1560 was 701; in 1870, 600: in 1880, 772, and in 1890, 729. The assessed valuation on January 1. 1891. was $210.704, the tax levy for county purposes $842.82, and the State tax $127.77.

EARLY INDUSTRIES.

The Snow Flake mill, operated for years by the Crolls, stands on the site of the Ralston log mill built in 1808 or 1809. It stands on the north bank of Slip- pery Rock creek, north of West Liberty, and is considered to be an institution of that village.

The Idding- grist mill, built in ISOs or 1809, south of the Douglass cabin, was subsequently operated by Henry Evans and John Wick. Caleb Jones was the owner in the forties, when Jonathan Clutton visited the mill, and succeeding him was Samuel Turk. The miller's house was burned many years ago, and the mill was destroyed by old Father Time.

The Smith Neil grist mill on MeDeavitt's run was erected about 1810. Nicholas Klingensmith purchased or leased the property from Neil, and the Hoge Brothers ultimately became owners. It ceased operations many years ago, so that only the oldest residents remember it.

SCHOOLS AND JUSTICES.

A school taught by Henry Evans in 1808, is said to have been the first in the township. Later, Mr. Fletcher presided over a school. near where the Franklin road crosses Muddy creek; then a subscription school was organized in the Stone- House neighborhood, and next a writing school was taught by John Wigton at his home, and at West Liberty and other places, where he could gather a few pupils. Thomas Gorley, an Irishman, who became the autocrat of the log school-house at West Liberty, and ultimately of the settlement, is well remembered. There are, now, six schools in the township. In June. 1893, there were ninety-eight male and eight-five Female pupils of school age registered. The total receipts for school purposes (the State appropriation being $$49.93) amounted $1,679.81 for the year ending June 5, 1893.

The justices of the peace of this township. elected from its erection to 1891, are as follows :- Benjamin Grossman, 1854. 1859. 1961 and 1870; Ambrose Alex- ander, 1854: Daniel Graham, 1860; John G. MeClymonds, 1865; Robert Dick- son, 1868; Josiah M. Thompson, 1868; Matthias Mayer, 1878 and 1878; J. C. Snyder, 1876: John Allen, 1881: Thomas Badger, 1882; Matthias Mayer and

617

BRADY TOWNSHIP.

Josiah M. Thompson, 1882; N. H. Thompson, 1887; Matthias Mayer, 1858; N. HI. Thompson, 1892; W. E. Taylor, 1 93.

CHURCHES.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church of West Liberty. was organized over half a century ago, and a house of worship built in 1815. That house was erected by the people of various Protestant denominations, as a Union church ; but the progress of the Cumberland Presbyterians warranted them in becoming sole owners. John and Jacob Covert, Jese Cornelius and John Wick, with their wives, were the first members, and met in a barn on John Wick's farm to listen to Rev. A. M. Bryan or Mr. Gallagher preach the gospel. Later, a log- house. now the property of Nicholas Weitzel, was built in the village, and there services were held on stormy Sabbaths. it being devoted to school purposes on week days. Among the old members now living are, Mrs. Mary Grossman, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Ruth Covert and James Mc Nees. The organization is practically dead : but may at any time be revivified by some evangelist of the denomination.

The United Presbyterian Church of West Liberty, was organized June 15. 1875, with the following named members :- William and Jane Badger, David and Martha Mc Junkin, T. B. and Mary McClymonds, Sarah, Ann and Mary Perry, Mary Covert, Martha Moore, Ambrose and Jane Alexander, Sophia Mc- Connell, Jane MeDeavitt and Joseph and Mary McClymond -. Rev. W. P. Shaw preached here from 1876 to 1589, when the late Rev. James A. Clark suc- ceeded him. In 1875-76 this society and the Methodists built a frame house for worship, thirty-two by forty-six feet in size. The church embraces ninety-six members.

The Covenanter and the Scceder Churches, established at Ryefield in IS57 and 1859, respectively, are noticed in the history of Slippery Rock township.

St. John's Methodist Episcopal Church, better known as " Hall's Church," was organized about the time the Civil war closed, to succeed the disbanded soci- ety of Hickory Mills. Jesse Hall was one of the leading spirits in its establish - ment, and to him much credit is given for his aid in building a meeting house in 1868. The church is in the Centreville charge. In 1882 it claimed a member- ship of 184, but during the last decade that number has been very greatly reduced.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of West Liberty, was established in 1873. Two years later the members joined the United Presbyterians in erecting a church building, which was completed in 1876. Among the members now resi- ding in the village and vicinity are Solomon Fisher, Daniel Koffer, Perry Hines, and their wives, with Milton and James Myers. Solomon Fisher was class leader for some years and was instrumental in bringing the membership up to thirty in number. John Fisher is superintendent of the Sunday school.

St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized May 14, 1878, but before this began erecting their present church. The members were John J. Croll, Nicholas Weitzel, Martin L. Croll, William Renick, William Staaf, Jacob Koch, Henry Donaldson, W. C. Hlawn, John Staaf, William Kranz, J. B. Smith

618

HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

and Rev. Il. W. Roth, pastor and clerk. M. C. Croll was secretary from 1883 to 1881, when J. D. Weitzel was elected. In ISSS M. C. Croll was chosen; next P. N. Weitzel, who served until 1892, when Nicholas Weitzel was elected. Suc- ceeding Mr. Roth came Rev. George W. Critchlow, Rev. R. R. Durst, and Rev. N. Shaffer, of Prospect. There are now sixty members.

VILLAGE AND POSTOFFICE.

West Liberty was surveyed February 13. 1829, by James J. Hoge, surveyor. The location, at the intersection of the Butler and Mercer, and the Mt. Etna and Bassingheim roads, was then considered a safe place to establish a town. In 1×45. John and Jacob Covert resurrected the village. When the plat was recorded, in 1$17, the lot owners were James Vogan, James J. Hoge, Charles Coulter, Robert Campbell, Conrad Snyder, John Stephenson, John Fagan, John Craig, John Covert, William McCanon, William McClymonds, David Mc- Junkin, John Boyle, Thomas B. Evans, and Isaac Cornelius. The log house opposite the Eicholtz building, was one of the first structures in the village, and John J. Croll's store, the first mercantile institution, if we except Hoevler's store, a mile away. Henry E. Wick, who sold to Jonathan Clutton, in 1864, built the present Clutton store in 1854. John Allen followed Clutton and remained about one year. John Kocker came next and remained until Miss Clutton became owner. W. W. Robinson established himself in business about fifteen years ago, and in 1882. G. W. Eicholtz erected a store building on the northwest corner of the cross roads. The place was at one time known as Bulger, that being the name of the postoffice.

Stone House, the hotel at the crossing of the Butler and Mercer and the Pittsburg and Franklin stage routes, was built in 1822, on the site of the Dong- lass log house, afterward the John Elliott tavern. John Brown was landlord in the old log building until 1822, when he erected the " Stone House," but being unable to pay Mrs. McLure,-one of the heirs of Mrs. Collins,-for the property, it reverted to the estate and was rented to various tavern keepers,-Richard Doncaster being the best known, and one Sutliff the most detested. Ultimately. a rival house was established by Robert Thompson, in 1533, and, twenty years later, certain guests of the Stone House destroyed its popularity. Julius C. Holliday, a young Ohioan, took up his residence near the old hotel, away back in the "Forties." A number of strangers, it is said that sometimes twenty would be here, followed him. Well dressed fellows they were, fond of a good time generally, who held workers at a discount. They boarded at the Stone House, where only their military titles or abbreviated christian names were known. One was " Colonel," another " Major," another " Doc" and so on to the end. They were finally credited with being engaged in making spurious silver coins ; but escaped punishment until after Holliday and his six children were carried off by diphtheria. The gang, without a leader, then became a prey of law and order, and one or more found a resting place in the penitentiary.

William Tink, the oldl stage driver, who disappeared during the celebration of July 1. 1858, was said to have been killed by the counterfeiters. Hle, how- ever, reappeared in August, 18 5, having been absent thirty-two years. Mean-

619

SLIPPERY ROCK TOWNSHIP.

time his wife married and went westward with her husband, while his three children were also scattered.

Forest House-In 1533 Robert Thompson built the Forest House and car- ried it on as a hotel until 1854, when the reports relating to the Stone House hotel caused him to retire, lest his hotel would also fall under the law. Forest House was also known for a time as Forest postoffice, the site of the Eyth store in 1857 or 1858. Twenty-one years after J. C. Murtland opened a store there, being the successor of a long line of merchants, who appeared and disappeared after the Eyths retired from mercantile life.

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 76

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