History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 89

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

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W. A. FORQUER, attorney at law, was born in Washington township, But- ler county, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1845. son of William and Margaret ( Murrin) Forquer. Ili- paternal grandfather. John Forquer, was a native of Donegal county, Ireland, and one of the early settlers of Donegal township, and his maternal grandfather. Squire John Murtin, was the founder of Murrinsville, and for many years one of the representative men of Butler county. The subject of this sketch spent his early life upon his father's farm, attended the common schools of that locality, subsequently entered West Sunbury Academy, and later Emlenton Academy, at Emlenton, Venango county. In 1872 he commenced reading law in the office of Col. John M. Thompson, was admitted to the bar in 1876. gradually acquired a prominent position as an attorney, and to day enjoys a lucrative practice. A Democrat in politics, he soon won a leading place in the councils of his party, and in 1875 he was elected chairman of the Democratic county committee. In 1877 he was nominated and elected district attorney, which position he filled for three years. In Isss he was a delegate from this district to the National Democratic Convention at St. Louis, Missouri, which nominated Cleveland and Thurman. Mr. Forquer is president of the Demo- cratic Club of Butler. served in the borough council from 1889 to 1892. and has always taken a very active interest in upholding the principles and measures of his party. He is chancellor commander of Butler Lodge, Number 211, K. of P. In 1881 he married Martha M. Livingstone, a daughter of Robert R. Living- stone, of Mahoning county, Ohio. Both he and wife are adherents of the Catholic church.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

F. J. FORQUER, attorney at law, was born February 27. 1857, son of William and Margaret Forquer. He received a common school education and subse- quently attended Sunbury Academy. and Duff's Commercial College of Pitts- burg. Ile read law with his brother, was admitted to practice in 1879, and has since been engaged in the active duties of his profession. Politically, he is a Dem- ocrat, and has served as chairman of the Democratic county committee. Mr. Forquer is a member of the Catholic church.

ALEXANDER MITCHELL, attorney at law. is the eldest son of James and Sarah ( Marks) Mitchell, and was born November 22. 1842, upon the homestead farm in Summit township. Butler county. Ile received a common school educa- tion, and afterwards attended the Witherspoon Institute. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A. Sixth Pennsylvania Artillery, and served until the close of the war. Before entering the service he was employed in the United States revenue depart- ment. After his discharge he entered the office of Charles McCandless, under whom be read law, and was admitted to the bar in 1869. He then accepted the position of cashier of the First National Bank of Butler, which he filled until July, 1879, when he formed his present law partnership with Andrew G. Will- iams, and resumed the practice of his profession. The firm of Williams & Mitchell is well known throughout this section of the State. Mr. Mitchell is an ardent Republican, and takes a deep interest in the success of his party. He is a member of A. G. Reed Post. Number 105, G. A. R., also of the I. O. O. F. and .1. O. U. W. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and a liberal supporter of that organization. In Ists he was married to Annie E .. a daughter of George 1. Rodgers, of Plain Grove. Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, by which union they are the parents of six children : Frank E., Charles M., Clara O., Mary B., Myra L., and George A.

ANDREW G. WILLIAMS, attorney at law, was born in Richmond, Virginia, September 8, 1840, son of John G. and Caroline (Snyder ) Williams, the former a native of Wales and the latter of Maryland. His parents removed to Etna. Allegheny county, in Ists, having resided in Pittsburg for one year previous. Our subject had meagre advantages for an education, as he entered the rolling mill at Etna when ten years old and learned the trade of nail maker. In 1861 he became interested in the war movement, and by his personal effort raised three companies in Etna for the service. He was elected captain of the last company. but refused to accept that position, preferring to enter the ranks as a private soldier. His command was mustered into the service as Company E., Sixty-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and at Second Bull Run he was commissioned second lieutenant. In the spring of 1863 he was placed in command of Company F. and subsequently at the head of his old company, where he remained until the close of his term of service. He was twice wounded, first at Fredericksburg. Decem- ber 13, 1862, in the head and hand, and at the Wilderness, Angust 6, 1861. in the left temple, by a minie-ball. Mr. Williams participated in the following engagements: Yorktown, Williamsburg. Seven Days' Fight before Richmond, Harrison's Landing, Second Bull Run, Groveton, Chantilly, Fredericksburg, Mud March, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Culpepper Court House, Kelly's Ford, Mine Run and the Wilderness. AAfter his return home, on

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

account of his severe wounds, he was unable to work at his trade. He entered Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg, and also read law at home. In 1867 he resumed work at his trade, and continued the same until 1873, keeping up his law studies during this period. In 1875 he came to Butler, read law with John M. Greer, and was admitted to the bar the same year. He at once formed a partner- ship with Alexander Mitchell, and the firm of Williams & Mitchell has since taken rank as one of the leading legal firms at the bar. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and has taken an active and prominent part in public affairs. He filled the office of notary public from January, 1876, to 1891, was elected to the legislature in November, 1890, and served in that body two years. Ile has repre- sented his party in both county and State conventions, and has been active in its interests during political campaigns. Mr. Williams has been twice married. Ilis first wife was Miss Lucy A. Lee, who died in August, 1870, leaving three chil- dren : Carrie L., wife of A. S. Graham ; Jessie A., wife of Lester C. Patterson, and Anna S., wife of Proctor V. Smith, His second wife was Miss Emma S. Ramage, whom he married in November, 1876. Their children are : John G .. Benjamin R., Andrew G., Jr., and Mary E. Mr. Williams has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for over forty-five years, and steward and trustee of this church in Butler for about twenty years. He is a member of the Masonic order, and P. M. of Zeredatha Lodge ; is also connected with Allegheny Chapter, and is P. E. C. of AAllegheny Commandery, Number 35, K. T., and a member of Syria Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He is a member of Butler Encamp- ment, Number 45, U. V. L., and of A. G. Reed Post, Number 105, G. A. R., of Butler.

IL. H. GOUCHER, attorney at law, was born at Richmond, Trumbull county, Ohio, May 9, 1847. He is a son of 11. B. and Eliza J. Goucher. Itis mother was a daughter of John Ramsey of Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish extraction, and his father of English descent. He was reared on a farm in Scrub- grass township, Venango county, Pennsylvania, where his parents settled when he was quite young. He assisted his father on the farm, and in manufacturing and shipping lumber to Pittsburg. by the old mode of rafting, until he reached the age of about eighteen years. Up to this time he attended common school dur- ing the winter terms, took an active part in literary and debating societies, and devoted himself to reading such literary and historical works as his limited means and opportunities afforded. At this age he became ambitious to attain a higher degree of education, with a view of fitting himself for the profession of the law. His parents being in moderate circumstances, he was compelled to resort to some business as a means to accomplish his cherished purpose in life. Ile turned his attention to the carpenter trade as the most available means of securing money to carry out his purpose. Ile worked at this trade for six years, during which time he attended school in the winter seasons, and otherwise improved himself by the reading and study of such books as he could com- mand. Ile started to complete his education by taking a collegiate course in New Wilmington College, but owing to limited means and the lateness in life he abandoned his plans, and commenced the study of law with J. II. Donly. Esq., of Franklin, Pennsylvania, in 1871, and pursuing his studies for

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the required time, was admitted to the Venango county bar in January, 1873, under the late Judge Trunkey, and in the month of April of the same year he located in Butler, where he has since practiced his profession, with the excep- tion of an absence of five years, from 1883 to 1888, owing to ill health. During his absence he was located at Warren, Pennsylvania, and in the City of Seat- tle, State of Washington, and a portion of the time was engaged in the lumber business in connection with the practice of his profession. Since his admission to the Venango county bar he has been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, United States district court, in many of the courts of the surrounding counties, and the courts of the State of Washington, in all of which he has practiced. He was appointed United States register in bank- ruptcy in 1875, which office he filled up to 1883. He has been in the active practice of his profession for upwards of twenty-one years. After his return to Butler in 1885, he purchased a tract of land in the east end of the borough, which he laid out in lots and which is now built up with fine residences, and known as " Goucherville." He is prominently identified with the Citizens' Gas Company, which successfully compelled a reduction of gas rates in the borough, and one of the prime movers in the effort to free the borough from the grasp of foreign corporations, and lends his energy to every enterprise for the improve- ment of the town. He tilled the office of school director of the borough for over four years, three years of which time he served as secretary of the board. Mr. Goucher was married to Bertha A. Kehn, of Hamburg, New York, August I, 1876, and by this union has three children living: Edwin L .; Laura Dee, and Mabel E., and one, Edith May, deceased. Politically, he is a Republican, and has taken an active interest in political affairs. He is recognized as a sound lawyer and a safe advocate, and stands well in the community, both as a citizen and as an attorney.

WV. Il. LUSK, attorney at law, is a son of Dr. Amos and Agnes S. Lusk, and was born in Harmony, Pennsylvania. His father was for many years one of the leading physicians of Butler county. Our subject was educated in the public schools and at a local academy, read law with W. D. Brandon, of Butler, and was admitted to the bar in the fall of 1877. Ile at once commenced practice, and has since grown into a lucrative business. Ile is a Republican, but takes no active interest in political matters. Mr. Lusk was married in 1852. to Matilda, a daughter of Adam Endres, of Jackson township, Butler county, and has three children : Arthur H., Amy M., and James L. The family are connected with the Presbyterian church.

ALEXANDER M. CORNELIUS was born in Worth township, Butler county, December 6, 1844, and spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm. Ile received his primary education in the public schools, subsequently attended West Sunbury Academy, and completed his studies at Witherspoon Institute. He afterward engaged in business in a music house in Pittsburg, then became clerk in the prothonotary's office at Butler, read law with W. D. Brandon, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. Since his admission to the bar he has continued in the active duties of his profession, and enjoys a good practice. Mr. Cornelius was married in June, 1869, to Mary M. Kelly, a daughter of Amaziah Kelly, of

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

Worth township. Six children have blessed this union, as follows : Clara E. : Raymond S .; Margaret J .: Florence; Lawrence K., and Jesse. Mr. Cornelius i- a member of the United Presbyterian church of Butler, and a trustee in that body. In politics, he has always been a Democrat, but has never taken any active interest in political affairs, preferring to devote his attention to the prac- tice of his profession.

OLIVER D. THOMPSON, attorney at law, was born in the borough of Butler. September 24, 1855, son of Col. John M. and Anna L. Thompson. After receiv- ing a common school education, he attended Witherspoon Institute, and graduated at Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts, in 1875, and at Yale College in 1879. He read law with his father in Butler, and was admitted to the bar in, June, 1880. The following November he was admitted to the Pittsburg bar, where he is now engaged in practice. Mr. Thompson married Kate W. Dresser. a daughter of John W. Dresser, of Castine, Maine, January 26, 1881, and has one child, Donald. In politics he is a Republican. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1883, and to the United States Court in 1893.

JAMES M. GALBREATH, attorney at law, is the second son of Robert Gal- breath, and was born upon the homestead in Winfield township, Butler county, September 27, 1852. He is a grandson of William Galbreath, and great-grand- son of Robert Galbreath, the pioneer. He received a common school education, and subsequently attended Slate Lick Academy, Armstrong county, and Wither- spoon Institute, of Butler. He then entered Princeton College, where he was graduated in 1880, and commenced reading law with W. D. Brandon, of Butler. In 1882 he was admitted to the bar, began practice in Butler, and in 1884 formed a partnership with J. B. Mc Junkin, which is still in existence. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as school director for six years. In 1882 he mar- ried Sallie E., daughter of John Mitchell, of Butler, and has the following chil- dren : Edith, Irene and John. Mr. Galbreath is a member of the United Presby- terian church of Butler, and one of the trustees of that society.

JAMES N. MOORE, attorney at law, was born on the old Moore homestead in Worth township, Butler county, August 23, 1859, son of Thomas and Mary Moore. After receiving a common school education he entered Grove City Col- lege, where he graduated in 1880. He taught school for four terms, read law under the late Charles McCandless, and was admitted to the bar in September. 1882. Since that time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession, his office being now in the Huselton block. Mr. Moore has always been a stanch supporter of the Republican party ; has represented the party as a delegate in State and county conventions, and has been secretary of the county committe a number of times. In 1894 he was one of the Republican nominees for the legis- lature, and was elected by an overwhelming majority. He is a member of Con- noquenessing Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Butler Lodge, K. of P.

GABRIEL KOHLER is a native of Binsdorf, Ober- Ampt Sultz, Wurtemberg. Germany, where he was born in 1823. Ile received a common school education. and subsequently learned the brewer's trade. In 1854 he emigrated to the United States, and settled in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in farming. In

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1858 he began operating a brewery in the borough, which he conducted in con- nection with his farm until 1880, and then retired from active business life. Polit - ically, he is a Democrat, and is a member of St. Peter's Catholic church. IIe married in his native place Regenia Schneckenberger, and they are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living, as follows : Lena, wife of Joseph Rockenstein ; Clement ; Frank X., attorney at law : Josephine, wife of John Koppler ; John ; Louis; Mary, and Frances

FRANK X. KOHLER, attorney at law, was born in the borough of Butler, Pennsylvania, and is the second son of Gabriel and Regenia Kohler. He received his primary education at St. Peter's parochial school, and subsequently attended Witherspoon Institute. While a student at the latter institution, he commenced reading law with Hon Charles McCandless, and was admitted to the bar in 1882. He immediately began the practice of his profession, to which he has since given his entire attention. In politics, he is a Democrat, and in religious faith, a mem. ber of St. Peter's Catholic church.

EVERETT L. Rusrov, attorney at law, the eldest son of John and Han- nah (McCoy) Ralston, was born at Centreville, Butler county, Pennsylvania, June 7, 1858, and received his primary education in the common schools of his native township. He subsequently attended Mt. Union College, and was gradu- ated at Grove City College in 1881. He read law with the late Judge MeCand- less, and was admitted to practice in 1883. He began the practice of the law in the fall of 1884, since which time he has been engaged in the active duties of his profession. In October, 1887, he formed a partnership with John M. Greer, under the firm name of Greer & Ralston, which continued until Judge Greer took his seat on the bench, January 1, 1893. Soon after the election of Judge Greer to the bench his son became a member of the firm under the firm name of Ralston & Greer. Politically, Mr. Ralston is a Democrat, and one of the active members of that party. He is an adherent of the United Presbyterian church, and is con- nected with Butler Lodge, K. of P. He married, in 1888, Carrie Helen, daugh- ter of W. P. Smith, of Centre township, Butler county, and has three children : Charles E ; John P., and Robert C.

JAMES B. MATES, youngest son of Amos and Mary A. Mates, was born in Muddy Creek township, Butler county, September 2, 1850, and reared in Penn township, whither his parents removed soon after the birth of our subject. IIe was educated in the public schools and at Witherspoon Institute, and taught school from 1880 to 1885, during which time he read law with Charles McCand- less, and was admitted to the bar in 1883. In 1886 he opened a law office in Butler, where he has since been engaged in the active duties of his profession. Ife is one of the leading Republicans of the county. has served several years on the county committee, was chairman in 1887. and in 1890 was appointed cen- sus supervisor of the Tenth district, the duties of which office he discharged in a satisfactory manner. In November, 1892, he was elected to the legislature, and was known in that body as a useful and hard-working member. Mr. Mates was married August 31, 1887, to Nordena, daughter of 1. C. Wilson of Butler. Three children have blessed this union : Ada C. : Helen, and James. The fam-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

ily are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church of Butler, and Mr. Mates is a member of Connoquenessing Lodge, I. O. O. F.

ALFRED M. CHRISTLEY, attorney at law, was born in Cherry township, But- ler county, January 13, 1860. Ile is a son of Thomas F. and Ann C. (Hill) Christley, and a grandson of John and Elizabeth (Smith) Christley, a sketch of whom appears among the biographical data of Slippery Rock and Cherry town- ships. His primary education was obtained in the common schools, and he after- wards attended West Sunbury Academy and Grove City College. He read Jaw in the office of Col. John M. Thompson, of Butler, and was admitted to the bar in 1888. Ile has since been engaged in the active duties of his profession, and has built up a fair practice. Mr. Christley is one of the active Republicans of the county, has been chairman and secretary of the county committee, and has always given his earnest support to the candidates and measures of his party. He is a member of Connoquenessing Lodge, I. O. O. F. and Butler Lodge, K. of P.

ALBERT T. Scorr was born in Kiskiminetas township. Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, October 21, 1856, son of Samuel and Mary S. Scott. His father, a native of Donmacmay, County Tyrone, Ireland, was born November 11, 1821, came to Pennsylvania with his parents in 1824, and settled in Kiskiminetas township. Armstrong county, where he grew to manhood. He learned the stonecutter's trade, and worked at that business the greater part of his life. He married Mary S. Erwin, a daughter of James S. Erwin, of Steubenville, Ohio, May 5, 1853, and became the father of six children, as follows: Sherman W. ; Albert T .; Henry G. C., deceased : Mary J. : Samuel E., and James F., the two last mentioned being dead. Mr. Scott died on August 24, 1891, and his wife January 23, 1893. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was an adherent of the Republican party. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native township, and received his primary education in the public schools. He afterwards attended Elder's Ridge Academy, Indiana county, and the Ohio Normal University, at Ada, Hardin county, Ohio, leaving the latter institution in [SS4. Ile then taught school. and in April, 1856, com- menced to read law in the office of Mc Junkin & Galbreath, of Butler. He was admitted to the bar in the spring ISSS, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. Scott was married on June 5, 1892, to Jean Covode, a daughter of Henry Taylor, of Indiana county. They are members of the Presby- terian church, and in politics, he is a Republican. In June, 1887, Mr. Scott enlisted in Company E., Fifteenth Regiment, N. G. P., and is now orderly ser- geant of his company. He is a member of the K. O. T. M., and takes an active interest in public affairs.

THOMPSON M. BAKER was born in Beaver township, Beaver county, April 2.1. 1862, son of George K. and Martha Baker. Ile received his primary educa- tion in the public schools, afterwards attended West Sunbury Academy, and Grove City College, and finished his classical course at the former institution, where he received the first diploma granted by that school. In 1885 he com- menced reading law with John M. Russell, was admitted to practice in Sep- tember, 1888, and became a member of the firm of Coulter & Baker. He has

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

since continued in the active duties of his profession. On February 24, 1887. he married Nannie E. Painter, a daughter of Simon P. Painter, of Clay town- ship, and has two children, Clarence D., and Stella G.

JAMES W. HUTCHISON. attorney at law, was born June 17, 1864, in Parker township, Butler county Pennsylvania, son of James G. and Susan ( Dauben- speck) Hutchison. His grandfather, William Hutchison, was one of the early settlers of Parker township, where he cleared a farm upon which he resided until his death. He was the father of three children : Rebecca J. ; William, and James G. The last was born upon the old homestead and grew to manhood under the parental roof. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred Thirty- fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and died in 1864, from injuries received in the service. His family consisted of two children : Emma, deceased, and James W. The latter received a common school education, and, in 1879, entered North Washington Academy. In 1881 he entered Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. where he graduated in 1887. He also took a com- mercial course at Duff's Commercial College. Pittsburg. In September, 1887. he entered the office of S. F. Bowser, with whom he read law, and was admitted to the bar, December 2, 1889. Since that date he has been engaged in the prac- tice of his profession. Politically, he is a Republican ; is a member of Conno- quenessing Lodge, Number 278, I. O. O. F. ; of Butler Lodge, Number 211, K. of P., and is an adherent of the United Presbyterian church. In 1889 he mar- ried Ida M. Campbell, daughter of John II. Campbell of Butler, and has two children.

A. B. C. McFARLAND, attorney at law, was born June 20, 1852. in Bellaire, Ohio, son of Andrew and Margaret ( Marshall) McFarland. His primary educa- tion was obtained in the public schools, and he subsequently attended West- minster College, at New Wilmington. Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, and Monmouth College. Illinois, graduating from the latter in 1575. He then entered Allegheny Theological Seminary, Allegheny City, and graduated from that institution in 1878. He was licensed to preach the gospel in April of that year, and ordained the following September, by the Butler Presbytery of the United Presbyterian church. He was at once called as pastor of the Fairview church, where he remained eleven years, and then entered the law office of the late Judge McCandless. He was admitted to the bar May 25, 1891, and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession in Butler. In politics. he i- a Republican, and takes an active interest in the success of the principles and measures of his party.

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History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 89

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