History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 98

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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Joux D. BROWN was born at Monroeville. Buffalo township. Butler county, October 7. 1858, son of Thomas and Sarah ( Hoover) Brown, and grandson of John Brown, an early settler of Butler township. He obtained a good education in the public schools of his native township and at Freeport. and in 1878 entered

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the employ of George W. Campbell, as hotel clerk. He remained with Mr. Campbell until 1887, when he engaged in the torpedo business and later in oil producing. which he continued until 1890. In that year he formed a part- nership with Howard Thompson, and purchased the Hotel Lowry, which the firm of Thompson & Brown conducted very successfully until July 31, 1594. when they leased the property and took charge of the MeChire House, at Wheeling, West Virginia. In 1879 Mr. Brown married Zilla Campbell, a daughter of George W. Campbell. She died February 11, 1887, leaving five children, viz. : Carrie ; Blanche ; Nellie; Claude, and Charley. In politics, Mr. Brown is a Republican. Ile is a member of the Masonic order, and is connected with the Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He is also a member of Connoquenessing Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the R. A.

WILLIAM HENRY REINING was born in the borough of Butler, Pennsylvania, in March, 1861, son of Jacob and Ann ( Korn) Reihing. His father was a native of Germany and his mother of Pittsburg. He was reared in Butler until his eighteenth year, and then went to Pittsburg. where he remained several years. He there met Miss Mattie C. Golden, a daughter of Timothy Golden, of that city, whom he married in September, 1882. Three children were born to this union, viz. : Ilarry ; George, and Edna. Soon after his marriage he returned to Butler and entered the employ of George W. Campbell of the Willard Hotel. A year later he leased the property, carried on the business a couple of years successfully, and then purchased it. In IS91 he rebuilt the old structure and fitted it up in first class style, spending $30,000 on the improvements. The new hotel at once took rank with the leading houses of western Pennsylvania, a position it still retains. After reaching this prosperous and successful stage in his career, Mr. Reihing was taken ill, and died February 22, 1892. He was born and reared a Catholic, and died in that faith, to which he had ever given a generous support. Whole-souled and charitable to a fault. he possessed hosts of friends, while his enterprise and public spirit were unbounded. He was connected with the B. P. O. E., and one of the most popular members of Butler Lodge. Mr. Reihing was a good husband, a kind father, a warm friend and a generous supporter of everything calculated to benefit his home.

FRANK S. CLARK was born in New Wilmington, Lawrence county, Penn- sylvania, December 1, 1845, and is a son of George II. and Mary E. Clark, both of whom died in that town, in 1867 and 1893, respectively. His father was born in York, Pennsylvania, in IS11, and was a tailor by trade. He settled at New Wilmington, Lawrence county, at quite an early day and engaged in merchant tailoring, and afterwards in general merchandising. He there married, in 1834, Mary E., daughter of Francis Scott, of New Wilmington, to whom were born five children : Mary L. ; William A. ; Frank S. ; Elizabeth, and George P., the last two of whom are dead. Mr. Clark was a Whig, and afterwards a Republi- can, and was at one time postmaster of New Wilmington. He was a member and steward of the Methodist Episcopal church of that borough. The subject of this sketch learned the carriage blacksmith's trade, at which he worked eighteen years : he subsequently embarked in the agricultural implement trade in lowa, and went on the road as a traveling salesman. In April, 1891, he located in But-

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HISTORY OF BUTLER COUNTY.

ler, as a member of the firm of Loveless & Clark. oil well contractors, subse- quently purchased Mr. Loveless's interest, and carried on the business alone until March. 1993. At that time he purchased the Diamond Hotel changed the name to the Park Hotel, and fitted it up with modern improvements. Mr. Clark mar- ried Jemima Thompson December 20, 1865, who died in 1578. On September 8, 1880, he married Louie, daughter of John Locke, of lowa. In politics, he is a Republican, is a member of the Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery in the Masonic order, and is also connected with 1. O. O. F., and B. P. O. E.

J. HI. FAUBEL was born in Monroe county, Ohio, November 15, 1858, son of George H., and Anna ( Baker) Faubel, natives of Bremen Hesse, Germany. whence they immigrated to Ohio. His parents removed to West Virgina in 1864, where our subject was reared and educated. He then went to Pittsburg, Penn- sylvania, and took a clerkship in the Red Lion Hotel, in 1879, and the following year leased the house and carried it on for two years. He then leased the Hamil- ton Hotel in the same city, and conducted it for seven years. In 1888 he came to Butler and leased the Vogeley House, carried it on for three years, and then sold his interest and went to Wheeling, West Virginia, near where he located on a stock farm of 500 acres, known as the Virginia Stock Farm, which he had purchased in 1885. He is still engaged in the breeding of standard trotting horses, imported and American and Clydesdale horses, and Holstein and Friesian cattle. In 1892 he purchased the Eitenmiller Hotel, which he remodeled, and changed the name to the Hotel Butler, and is its present landlord. Mr. Faubel is a member of the Butler Land and Mining Company, of the Marshall County Oil and Coal Company. of West Virginia, and of the Sportsman Association of Cheat mountain, the latter State. He has been interested in the development of the oil fields and owns valuable interests in that industry. He is a member of the Masonic order, also of the I. O. O. F .. K. of P., and B. P. O. E. In politics, he is a Republican. He was married in 1879, to Alice E .. daughter of William Fitz Patrick, of Bellaire, Ohio, and has two children : Zuleika L., and Charlotte i.

WILLIAM J. MCCAFFERTY, youngest son of John and Mary A. (Murrin) McCafferty, was born on the old homestead in Parker township, Butler county, March 16, 1862. Ile received a common school education, and lived with his parents until reaching the age of nineteen years, when he embarked in the oil business in Bradford county. He subsequently returned to Butler, Pennsylvania, and engaged in the livery business, also conducted the bus-line, in which he con- tinned four years. Selling out his stock he engaged in oil producing and later opened a restaurant. In 1891 he formed a partnership with D. F. McCrea, under the firm name of McCafferty & McCrea, and established a wholesale liquor house, and in August, 1894, they became proprietors of the Hotel Lowry. Mr. McCafferty has always been an active Democrat, and while a resident of Parker township was chairman of the township committee. Although he has never sought public office, he has always contributed liberally in time and money toward the success of his party. He was married June 16, 1886, to Anna J., daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Collins) Conway, of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and both he and wife are members of St. Paul's'Catholic church. He is a mem-

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ber of Branch, Number 56, C. M. B. A., and is also connected with Butler Lodge. Number 170, B. P. O. E.

ALEXANDER WILLIAMS Was born at Kittanning, Armstrong county, Penn- sylvania, May 19, 1861. His father, Wilson Williams, was a native of the same place, born in 1834, and a molder by trade. He was also a pilot on the river for many years. Ile married Henrietta, daughter of Alexander McKinley of Indiana, Pennsylvania, in 1860, who bore him a son, Alexander. Wilson Williams enlisted in Company A. Eighth Pennsylvania Reserve, in which he served as orderly sergeant to the close of the war, taking part in all the battles fought by the Army of the Potomac. After his discharge from the service he returned home and continued his previous business as pilot on the river up to his death in 1870; his widow resides at Indiana, Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch learned the trade of tinner, gas and steam fitter. and also that of jeweler. In 1881 he went into the music business, handling piano-, organs, and sewing machines, at Blairsville, Punxsutawney, Leechburg. Clarion, Titusville, Warren and North Clarendon. In 1885 he came to Butler and carried on the same business until October, 1893, when he embarked in the hotel business in a block which he erected in 1891, on South Main street. He was married February 18, 1890, to Mary Aba, daughter of Martin V. Moore, of Middlesex township, Butler county, and has one son. James G. Blaine. Mr. Williams is a Republican, in politics, and a member of the Protestant Episcopal church.

JOSEPH CRILEY was born in Alsace, Germany, in 1818, and was but five years of age when his father immigrated to Butler county, and located on a farm in Butler township. He grew to manhood in this county, and received a public school education. In 1849 he married Catherine Lavery, of Penn township. Fourteen children were born to this union, nine of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, as follows: Joseph, deceased : Nicholas; Francis : Mary, wife of Peter Schiler, of Clearfield township: Catherine. deceased ; John ; Andrew ; Jacob, and Jane. Mrs. Criley was a member of St. Peter's Catholic church, and died in that faith in 1877. Mr. Criley was a Democrat, and filled the offices of school director and other minor positions in his township.

NICHOLAS J. CRILEY was born in Summit township, Butler county, Septem- ber 1. 1851, and was reared upon his father's farm. After receiving a common school education, he attended Witherspoon Institute, and graduated in 1868. He taught school in Evans City and in Summit township, was subsequently a sales- man for Charles Duffy, and then purchased the Melntire photograph gallery, which business he has since followed. He was burned out in the fire of 1878, but soon repaired his losses and continued in business. Mr. Criley was married May 15, 1883: to Miss Annie Aland, of the East End, Pittsburg, and has one child, Annie. Mrs. Criley was a member of the Catholic church, and died November 15, 1864. In 1885 he went into the oil business, and is still engaged in oil pro- ducing. He is a member of the Catholic church, and in politics, a Democrat.

GEBHARDT WAGNER was born in Deggingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, August 7. 1830, son of John and Francisca (Spaeth) Wagner, natives of the same place. Ile was reared in Binsdorf, and received a parish school educa- tion. He afterwards learned the painter's and plasterer's trades, which he followed

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in his native land until June. 1851. when he immigrated to Butler, Pennsylvania. Here he has continued in the same line of business for more than forty years. Mr. Wagner was married. August 4, 1856, to Josephine Fisher, a daughter of Martin and Helena (Stehle) Fisher, also a native of Germany. Seven children have blessed this marriage, all of whom are living, viz. : John A. ; Helena V. : Martin C., a leading photographer of Butler ; Joseph C. ; Mary E. ; Julia, wife of Will- iam Lanz, and Bertha E. The family are members of St. Peter's Catholic church, and in politics, Democratic. Mr. Wagner has been fairly successful during the passing years, and is now enjoying the fruits of his industry. He is one of the oldest and most respected members of the German Catholic population of Butler.

JOHN MARTIN RIESENMAN was born in Frichtingen, Wurtemberg, Germany, December 3, 1831, son of John M. and Barbara ( Burker ) Riesenman, natives of Germany. His father was born in 1786. and was a shepherd the greater part of his life. He was twice married. By his first marriage he was the father of five children, viz. : Jacob; Michael; Mary ; Christina, and Catharine. His second wife was the mother of two children, as follows: John Martin, and Barbara, deceased wife of George Verger. The father died in 1866, and the mother in 1874. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native land, and there learned the weaver's trade. In 1854 he immigrated to Pennsylvania and settled in But- ler borough. He worked at gardening for a time and then entered the store of John Berg & Company, and later engaged in hauling goods from Pittsburg. He was afterwards employed for Roessing & Stein for two years and a half, and then purchased a team and hauled freight from Pittsburg for seven years. In 1878 he engaged in the wholesale grocery and feed business, as a member of the firm of Roessing & Riesenman, but after six years he sold out and again engaged in the teaming business, which he has followed down to the present. Mr. Riesenman was married in Butler. Butler county. by Rev. Father Killian, January 3, 1855, to Dorothea Kohler, a daughter of Joseph Kohler. Six children have been born to this union, as follows: Joseph C., of Franklin ; Belle B., deceased wife of Her- man Berg, of Butler ; Annie C., wife of William Liebler ; John M., of Franklin ; Mary M., and Josephine. Mr. Riesenman and family are members of St. Peter's Catholic church. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has served in the borough council.

DANIEL HI. Surrox was born in Penn township, Butler county, October 27, 1852, eldest son of John R. and Elizabeth Sutton. He remained with his parents until 1868, when he accepted a position with the Citizens Traction Company, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, which position he held until 1877, and then embarked in merchandising at Maharg, where he continued in business until 1890. In that year he located in Butler and engaged in the ice business, which he followed up to the year 1895. On September 80, 1875, Mr. Sutton was married to Lizzie Elder, of Pittsburg. He has been quite active in political affairs, and is a lead- ing member of the Democratic party. He is an adherent of the Presbyterian church, and is a member of Ziegler Lodge, Number 1089, 1. O. O. F. Mr. Sut- ton is one of the public-spirited business men of the community.

MARTIN EISLER was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, March 12, 1843, and grew to manhood in his native land. He learned the gardener's trade and fol-

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lowed that business in Germany until 1869. in which year he immigrated to But- ler, Pennsylvania, where he has since made his home. Ile established the first greenhouse in the borough, and still continues the same business. In September, 1869, he married Emma Knoes, of Wurtemburg, who came with him to Butler. Ten children are the fruits of this union, viz .: Edward W .; Carl M .; Emma : Paul; Bertha ; Mary : Albert : Margaret : Ernest, and Walter J. Mr. Eisler was a soldier in the German army for six years, and served in the war between Prussia and Austria. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and is secretary of the church council. Politically, he is an ardent Democrat.

EDWARD W EISLER was born in the borough of Butler June 24, 1870, and has spent his entire life in his native town. He attended the common schools, and learned telegraphy in the Western Union office at Butler, in which he is at present an operator. In 1890 he engaged in the oil business, and is quite a suc- cessful producer, his operations being confined to the Glade Mills field. On October 5, 1893, Mr. Eisler married Luella Westerman, of Butler. They are members of the Lutheran church, and he is an adherent of the Democratic party.

JOSEPH HAUCK was born in Bissingen, Hohenzoller, Germany, in 1833, there learned the tailor's trade and when about twenty years of age immigrated to Pennsylvania, and settled in the borough of Butler, where he continued to fol- low his trade. In 1854 he married Barbara Nebel, a daughter of Wendolin Nebel. of Summit township, to which union were born eight children, viz. : John A. ; Frank ; Albert ; William A. ; Mary ; Joseph R. ; George, and Charles 11. Mr. Hauck was a member of St. Peter's Catholic church, and politically, a Democrat. He died February 5, 1885. His widow resides on the old homestead, which they purchased in 1870.

WILLIAM A. HAUCK was born in the borough of Butler, November 19, 1862, was educated in the public schools, and afterwards clerked in a drug store for three years. He then learned telegraphy, and has been manager of the West- ern Union office in Butler since ISS7. one of the most important repeating offices between New York and Chicago. Mr. Hanck is a stanch Democrat, and is a member of St. Peter's Catholic church.

JOHN C. MANNY was born in the borough of Butler. Butler county, Penn- Sylvania, February 18, 1837, and was a son of John J. and Frances ( Mangle) Manny early settlers of the town. He learned the moulder's trade in Pittsburg. and worked in that city for three years afterwards. In 1866 he returned to Penn township. Butler county, and engaged in the huckstering business, subsequently moved to Butler, and in 1875 went into freighting and draying, which he fol- lowed until his death. Mr. Manny was married February IS, 1862, to Mary Laurent, a daughter of Joseph Laurent, of Butler township. Ten children were born to this union, viz. : Joseph F. : Frances B., wife of James Mulholland, of Butler : Rose A., who first married Omer Colinet, and afterwards John Carney; John A .: Mary A .; Sylvester C .: Clara P .; Catherine H .. and Lawrence A., the last six of whom died of diphtheria, within six weeks, and Agnes M. Mr. Manny was a life-long member of the Catholic church, to which denomination the family belong, and was serving on the church committee when he died. Politically, he was a Democrat, and filled the offices of burgess, tax collector, 50

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high constable, and street commissioner of Butler. He died March 5, 1884; his widow is still a resident of the borough.

JOSEPH F. MANNY, eldest in the family of John C. and Mary Manny, was born in Penn township, Butler county, February 24, 1863. Ile received a good common school education, and spent four terms at Witherspoon Institute. Ile was afterwards employed on the Pittsburgh and Western railroad, and next engaged in the freighting business, which he has continued up to the present. He married Annie E. Whiskaman, of Brady's Bend, Armstrong county, October 19, 1887, which union has been blessed by three children, as follows : Kathleen F., George J., deceased, and Anna M. Mr. Manny is a member of St. Paul's Catholic church : is on the church committee, and is president of Branch No. 56. C. M. B. A. In politics, he is a Democrat. and a stanch adherent of Demo- cratie principles.

RICHARD HUGHES, SR., was born in New York city, in 1797, learned the barber's trade in early youth, and in 1585 came to Butler, and engaged in the jewelry, clothing, livery and barber business. He was appointed county auction- ver by the Governor and filled that office for several years. On March 16, 1836. he married Maria Burkhart, and they became the parents of five children, viz. : James C., who served in the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers : Richard ; Cornelius ; Samuel G .. who was a member of the One Hundred and Thirty- fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and Aaron B., who served in the One Hundred and Third regiment. Mr. Hughes was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and in politics, a Republican. He died on October 28, IS73, and his wife, July 11. 1575. They were among the carly business people of this com- munity.

RICHARD HUGHES was born in the borough of Butler, and learned the bar- ber's trade with his father. In September, 1862, he enlisted in Company G. Fourteenth Pennsylvania Militia, and was honorably discharged at the end of his term of service. On March 2, ISSI, he married Ida Martin, a daughter of John Martin, of Forward township, and has three children, viz. : Angenora; Twila J .. and Eugene M. In 1869 he purchased the Dr. De Wolf property on Main street, and erected his present business house and residence in 1872. The family are connected with the Protestant Episcopal church. and in politics, he is a Republican.

JAMES CRAYTON RAMSEY was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1×12, was educated at a subscription school. and learned the hatter's and mould- er's trades, which he followed for many years. In 1834 he married Susan Grubbs, a daughter of John Grubbs, of Allegheny county, and settled in Butler in 1838. They were the parents of seven children, as follows : John, deceased ; William ; Catherine, wife of William J. Mitchell ; Mary, deceased ; Frances A., wife of James Oliver : Sarah, deceased, and James C. Mr. Ramsey died in 1865. He was a member of the Covenanter church, and in politics, a Democrat. His widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Oliver.

JAMES C. RAMSEY, son of James Crayton and Susan Ramsey, was born in the borough of Butler, February 8, 1854, attended the common schools of the town, and learned the barber's trade. In 1852 he began in business for himself,

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and still carries on the same on West Jefferson street. On March 9, 1881, he married Annie Tinstman, a daughter of Isaac Tinstman, of Butler county, and has two children, Bessie L., and Oliver J. Mr. Ramsey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and politically, an adherent of the Republican party. He is a member of the E. A. U., and the I. O. O. F., also of Company E, Fifteenth regiment. N. G. P. In Iss6 he purchased the Samuel D. Purvis prop- erty, upon which he erected his present residence,

JOHN LAWALL was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, there grew to man- hood, and learned the wagonmaker's trade. He worked at his trade in Germany and France until 1845, in which year he immigrated to Butler, Pennsylvania. Soon after coming he opened a small wagon shop on Cunningham street, and built up through the passing years quite an extensive business. In later years he removed to the corner of Washington and Cunningham streets, and in 1872, began the manufacture of carriages and buggies on quite an extensive scale, which busi- ness he continued until his death, in November, 1877. He married Elizabeth Frederick, daughter of Peter Frederick, of Summit township, and a native of Ger- many. Four children were born to this union : John ; Catharine, wife of George Miller : Jacob F., and William, the last of whom died in childhood. Mr. Lawall was a Democrat, and served in the council several terms. He was a member of the German Lutheran church, to which denomination his widow also belongs. After his death the business was carried on by his sons. John and Jacob F. until 188%. when they embarked in the livery business, which they have since followed.

WILLIAM M. KENNEDY, is a son of John D. and Jane ( Maxwell) Kennedy, the latter a daughter of Abraham Maxwell, one of the first settlers of Butler township. Butler county. Our subject was born June 1. 158, in Jefferson town- ship. Butler county, and received a common school education in the schools of Butler. Ile worked at the livery business until Isso. when he went to Troy, Ohio, and traveled for the fruit tree firm of Wilber MeKnight up to 1852, then returned to Butler and embarked in the livery business, first as Flick & Ken- nedy, then as Starr & Kennedy, and Crawford & Kennedy. In June, 1892, the firm of Bickel & Kennedy was established on West Jefferson street. Mr. Ken- nedy married Ella. daughter of Edward Hay- of Penn township, Butler county, and has had three children : Jean : Belle, and Rachel, the last deceased. In politics. he is a Democrat. but takes no active interest in political matter -. He is a member of the K. of P., K. of M .. and the E. V. U.

ELi MAY was born in Whitestown. Butler county, June 16, 1858, and is the second son of Henry and Annie May. He received an English and German education, and followed farming until 18Ss. In that year he engaged in the livery business at Butler, as senior member of the firm of May & Albert, which he continued until November, 1893. He then sold out and bought the interest of Jean Ford, wholesale fish, oyster and poultry dealer, the firm now being May & Divel. Mr. May was married October 30. INS3. to Phoebe C .. a daughter of Fred Burry, of Butler, and is the father of three children : Gertrude 1 .. , deceased ; Harry L., and Eva C. He is a member of the Lutheran church. is connected with the I. O. O. F., and in politics, he is a Democrat.

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ROBERT J. GREGG was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1501, where he followed farming for many years. In 1- 10 he became weighmaster on the canal at Allegheny, and resided there until 1951, in which year he located in Butler county. He was married in 1828, to Alice Hogan, a daughter of William logan, of Washington county, and was the father of four children, viz .: John and Harriet, both deceased : William S .. and Robert. The mother died in 1838, and the father, January 31, 1893. They were members of the Protestant Episco- pal church, and in politie-, he was a Democrat.

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History of Butler County, Pennsylvania, Part 98

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