History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 165

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280

USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > History of Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc > Part 165

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).

CLARENCE G. HOLLISTER, physician, Union City, was born in Garrettsville, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1857, son of Washington and Abby G. (Gray) Hollister, the former a native of N. T., a clergyman of the M. E. Church, well known in Crawford and Erie Cos .; the latter a native of Mass. Our subject hegan the study of medicine in 1875 with Dr. S. H. Benton. of Oil City, where he remained 2 years. He went to Cleveland in 1877, and for 2 years was a private student under Dr. A. C. Miller, Professor of Medical Department Wooster University, that city, and graduated from there in 1879. Dr. Hollister then followed his profession for a year in Sharpsville, Mercer Co., Penn .; in 1881, locating at Cambridge, Crawford Co., where, with the exception of 8 months, which he spent in traveling, visit- ing California and other resorts for the benefit of his health. He was in active practice until the spring of 1884, when he located in Union City. Dr. Hollister is a gentleman of culture and refinement, and, though a young man, has an extensive and lucrative prac- tice. He was married, Dec. 28, 1882, to Mrs. Frances S. Gill, widow of W. R. Gill, and

174

BIOGRAPHICAL SKDIUNLO:

daughter of Evans W. and Catherine Y. (McElwee) Shippen, a prominent family of Mead- ville, Penn.

DAVID HUBBELL, farmer, P. O. Union City, was born in Otsego Co., N. Y .. in 1827, son of Jabus and Maria (Benedict) Hubbell, both natives of Otsego Co., where they were married. Jabus came to Erie in 1830 and settled upon 250 acres of land in Amity Township, where they lived till the close of their lives. They reared a family of 3. children, all now living, viz., Hiram, David and Eliza (sbe married Maj. Geo. H. Clark, of Mankato, Minn). The second wife of Jabus was Maria Peck, who bore him 3 children, all now liv- ing-Mary, Burtis and Eva. Our subject was married in Amity Township in 1851 to Phebe C., daughter of James Mccullough, a pioneer family. Charles A. and Willis N. are the living issue of this union. Mr. Hubbell settled in 1856 on his present farm in Union Township, consisting of 125 acres. He also owns a farm of 50 acres in this township. Mr. Hubbell comes of pioneer stock, and for many years has been an officer and supporter of the M. E. Church, of which he is also one of the Trustees, and is widely and favorably known.

GARRETT B. JOHNSON, proprietor of the Johnson House, Union City, was born in Federal Hill, Madison Co., N. Y., Dec. 24, 1822. His father, a native of Holland, en- tered the navy as a cabin boy when fifteen years old, rose to the rank of Captain and fought in the war of 1812. He subsequently became agent for an East India tobacco house. He married Sally Bingham in Madison Co., N. Y., who bore him 8 children, of whom are now living-Catherine, widow of Chas. Clark; Garrett B .; John; and Sarah M., wife of Thomas Woods. They removed to Oneida Co., N. Y., where they both died. Our subject was married in 1847 to Charlotte E., daughter of Orange Hopkins; their surviving children arc Garrett W. and C. Edith. Mr. Johnson was Postmaster 12 years, and in mercantile trade 9 ycars at Prospect, N. Y. Thence he came to Union City in 1863, and established himself in business. He was succeeded in his store by his son Garrett W. and Smiley. In 1881, Charles E. Hunter was admitted as a partner in the concern, which is one of the most active in this city. In 1870, Mr. Johnson purchased the lots and erected the Johnson House, at a cost of $25,000. This hotel, the largest in the county, outside of Erie, has 4 stories and a basement, with modern improvements, and has 30 rooms, finely furnished throughout. As a landlord, Mr. Johnson bears an enviable reputation. He has served many years as a member of the Council of Union City.

JOHN LANDSRATH, hardware. Union City, was born in 1822 in Wiesbaden, Ger- many, and in 1847, with his brother, Henry, emigrated to America. During the Mexican war, John enlisted at Philadelphia, under Lieut. Pleaston, seeing active service under Gen. Taylor. Returning in 1848, he worked at his trade, tinner, at Dunkirk, N. Y .; there, in 1852, he married Lydia H. Burnham, of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. He then went to James- town, where he remained until 1853, when he came to Union City; of their children, E. B. only survives, and is with his father in business. The deceased are John A., the eldest son who died Feb. 24, 1880, a promising young man. married only a few months to Mary Hill; Clement and Grace. Mr. Landsrath worked at his trade till 1860, when he opened the first hardware store here, and by perseverance and frugality, he has increased in wealth with the growth of the city. In 1861, he aided in raising, and was made Captain of, Co. H, McLane's Reg. V. I., which went to Pittsburgh, and remained inactive till the- expiration of its time. Our subject purchased half an acre of land on Main street, from which he sold 2 lots, retaining the remainder on which he built. In 1868, he erected his present commodious place of business, the largest store of the kind in Union City. He carries a stock valued at $10,000, and is doing a large trade. Mr. L. was one of the build- ing committee and raised funds to build the Presbyterian Church in 1873. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic order.

F. H. LAWRENCE, dentist, Union City, was born in Greene Township, Erie Co., Penn., in 1851; son of Erastus and Jane R. (Hilborn) Lawrence, residents of this county. His grandfather, Joseph Lawrence, was one of the distinguished pioneers of the county and lived to be ninety-eight years of age. Our subject began the study of dentistry in 1871, under the instructions of Dr. C. H. Hawey, of Erie; two years later he entered the Phila- delphia Dental College and there completed his studies. He then took charge of Dr. Fisher's dental office, of Warren, Penn., and in 1874 opened dental rooms at Albion, Erie Co. Dr. Lawrence came to this city in 1881, where he has since conducted a large and lucrative business. From a long study of dentistry, he has attained a thorough knowledge. of his profession and has the reputation of being a skillful and superior operator. Our subject was married at Albion, Feb. 25, 1874, to Clara Belle Palmer, of this county. This union has been blessed by the birth of Lille M. and Gena M.

A. J. LILLEY, farmer, P. O. Union City, is of Scotch descent. The first of the family to settle in this country was his grandfather Phenias, a native of Scotland, and a soldier- in the war of 1812, who settled in Sandy Creek, Oswego Co., N. Y., where he died. The family have since become numerous there. His children who survive are Abner, Alford, Olive and Diantha. Abner was among the pioneers of 1838 to locate in Concord Town- ship, Erie Co., where he erected the Lilley Mill, which he successfully conducted 35 years. In 1859, he sold bis farm and moved to Va., but returned at the breaking-

175

UNION TOWNSHIP.

out of the rebellion, as he was a strong Union man. His wife, Lorene Porter, died in 1849,, the mother of 8 children, 5 now living-Jane, Polly, William, Cynthia and our subject. Mr. Lilley then married Mrs. Olive Pratt, who bore him the following children: Abner, Viney, Henry, Fred, Walter, Morris and Charles. He subsequently moved to near Westfield, N. Y. and is in the seventy-eight year of his ag ?. A. J. Lilley was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., in 1833. He married in this county, in 1858, Cynthia Reynolds, who died in 1877, leav- ing 3 children-Volley, Minnie and Morris. He then married Mary Perry. Iu 1868, he settled on his present farm, consisting or 1024 acres. Mr. Lilley has held various town- ship offices; he is a descendant of pioneer stock.

GEORGE McLEAN, one of Erie Co.'s most respected pioneers, was born in Lancaster Co., Penn., March 7, 1793; at an early age. he removed to Prattsburg, Steuben Co., N. Y., and after a residence there for a number of years, he came to Waterford, this county, and passed here the remainder of his life, his demise occurring March 17, 1872. By earnest toil and unremitting industry he accumulated quite a competency. He was ever a man of sound, upright principle, and one of Erie's best citizens. His family consisted of Joan Whitney, D. S. McLean, W. E. McLean, George McLean, Jr., L. H. McLean, J. S. Mc- Lean, C. N. McLean, A. P. McLean, Deborah Moore, Drusilla Fullerton and Jane Boyd.

F. E. & J. C. McLEAN, proprietors of Union City Times. and sons of Lewis McLean, are natives of Erie Co., and although, owing to the circumstances of their family, they were not able to secure educational advantages over the common school, they have made such use of their opportunities that they take a high rank with men of education. They early selected the printing business as their life vocation, acquiring a knowledge of the trade in Union City. In 1878, F. E., the senior member of the firm, undertook the duties of editor and business manager of the Times. In the following year, he purchased an in- terest in the paper, and in 1882, in association with his brother J. C., he purchased the office, and they have conducted the business since under the firm name of McLean Bros. Politically, F. E. McLean is a Democrat, and has taken a leading and active part in the party progress and workings since he arrived at his majority. He was once the party nominee for the Prothonotary's office, and in 1882 was one of the candidates for the As- sembly, but the county being strongly Republican, he was defeated, but made a strong run. J. C. McLean, the junior member of the firm, is a Republicau, takes a leading part in the workings of the party, and, although a young man, has bright prospects before him.

C. N. McLEAN, Union City, is a native of Steuben Co., N. Y., born In 1833, son of George and Elizabeth (Sebring) McLean, natives of N. Y. State and Tioga Co., Penn., respectively, and who settled on a farm in Le Bœuf Township in 1848, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of 11 children, 8 now living. Our subject resided on the homestead until 1859, when he came to this city, establishing him- self in the grocery trade, which he pursued successfully 20 years. In 1875, Mr. Mc- Lean opened his present place of business on Main street, and has realized a fair and pros- perous trade. He served as Constable 4 years and 1 term in the City Council. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the I. O. O. F., and is a reliable business man of this city. Mr. McLean was united in marriage, in 1867, in this county, with Demarias Wescott, a native of Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Newman C. is the only issue of this union now living.

F. M. MCCLINTOCK, attorney, Union City, was born at Beaver Dam, Erie Co., Penn., in 1853; son of James and Mary (Hays) Mcclintock, natives of Penn .; of their children, 7 are living-Annie, Henry C., John H., Milton H., William L., Charles and Frank M. Our subject's great-grandfather, Hays, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; one of his sons served in the war of 1812, and his widow still lives in Venango Township, Erie Co. Frank M. acquired his education at the State Normal School at Edinboro, Erie Co .; taught school 3 years in Crawford Co .; then read law in the office of J. W. Sproul, of Union City. He was admitted to the Erie Co. bar, May 11, 1878; to the Superior Court at Pittsburgh, in 1880; to the U. S. Courts in 1881. Our subject was united in marriage in 1881, in Venango Co., Penn., with Ada C., daughter of Samuel Cross, of Venango Co. One child, Jessie I., now living, was born to this union. Mr. McClintock began to practice in this city, where he has since been very successful. His only living sister, Annie, was a most successful teacher in the county of Crawford for 8 years. Henry C. Mcclintock is a very prominent physician in the city of Cumberland, Md. J. H. studied law but has continued. the practice of teaching for 11 years, and is now the Principal of Schools of Columbus, Warren Co., Penn. The minds of the children like the parents run to education and literary attainments. The grandfather on the father's side was from Ireland, and the grandparents on the side of the mother were natives of Penn.

ERASTUS D. MATTESON, farmer. P. O. Union City, was born at Edmeston, Otsego Co., N. Y., in 1827. His parents were Abel and Keziah (Rudd) Matteson, former a native of the State of N. Y., latter of Vt .; they were among the pioneers of 1836, who settled in Amity Township, Erie Co., Penn. Abel purchased 64 acres of land, upon which he lived 7 years, when he moved on the farm now occupied by our subject. The last purchase was 125 acres, mostly cleared hy Wm. Bracken. Mrs. Matteson died in 1844, leaving 1 son, E. D. Abel again married, this time to Melvina Blodget, who bore him 1 daughter,

176

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Keziah, now wife of Seth Rowley, of Youngsville. Erastus D. was married in Union Township, in 1853, to Miranda Davis, a native of Vt. Flora is the only child born to this union, and resides at home. Mr. Matteson purchased 50 acres more, and, in 1875, erected a large and commodious dwelling, where he lives a quiet, unostentatious life, respected by all. The family are members of the M. E. Church.

F. T. MOSES, proprietor of St. Charles Hotel, Union City, successor to L. Agnew, from whom, in Feb., 1883, he purchased the hotel and livery attached. The following summer he added 26x36 feet, and refurnished it throughout. He made an outlay of about $2,000 The hotel has 20 rooms, is very complete, and he intends making it the leading house in Union City. He runs a free bus to and from the trains, and is a genial, hospitable landlord. Mr. Moses is a native of Cuba, Allegany Co., N. Y., born in 1849, son of Sam- uel and Lucietta Moses, natives of that State, and residents of Cuba. Our subject located in this city in 1880, conducting a billiard room which he sold prior to purchasing the hotel. He married in his native county, in 1870, Lavonia Wilkinson, a native of the same county, where Mr. Moses served as Constable 5 years, Deputy Sheriff 3 years, and was em- ployed by the State as contractor on the canals. He has always been a public character, and has also engaged in railroading; was with the Washington & Philadelphia Railroad and on other shorter lines. He has proven himself to be an active, successful business man.

DANIEL B. NORTHOP, farmer, P. O. Union City. The Northop family are of English descent. The records show that three brothers, emigrated to America, who spelt their names each different from the other-Northrop, Northrup and Northrip. One was Gideon, another Joseph, who subsequently moved to Oneida Co., thence to War- ren Co., Penn., in 1808, where the family became numerous, when Levvitt, the father of our subject, was a young man. They were among that county's earliest pioneers. Lev- vitt was born in 1794 in Conn., and married in Busti Co., N. Y., Lusina Bushnell, of Her- kimer Co., N. Y. Of their family, 4 are living. Daniel B. is a native of Warren Co .. Penn., and married, at Ashville, N. Y., in 1842, Matilda Pierce, a native of that State. Of their children, Niram, the eldest son, enlisted in 1862 in the 145th P. V. I .; was taken prisoner at Chancellorsville, and died in Douglas Hospital, Washington, D. C., Nov. 28, 1863, from the effects of his confinement; Levvitt married Esther Spencer; Perry married Charity Debutts; Darius and Abraham. In 1850, Mr. Northop, our subject, came to Union Township and built his house and barn in the woods, settling on his present farm of 200 acres, to which he has made additional purchases. He has held various offices of trust, and has been a consistent member of the M. E. Church for 47 years.

HUNTINGTON D. PERSONS, Union City, manager for D. Appleton & Co., N. Y., was born in Geauga Co., Ohio, May 26, 1839, the eldest son of Huntington and Theda A. (Dowd) Persons, natives of Berkshire Co., Mass. H. Persons, Sr., was for years engaged in the tanning business at Colebrook River, Conn. In 1846-47, he served a term in the State Legislature. In 1852, he sold his farm near Hartford, Conn., and came to Amity Township, Erie Co. Our subject was reared on a farm, acquiring a common school educa- tion, and attending the Waterford Academy for 3 years. He has taught in the common schools of Amity, Concord, Greenfield, Venango and Waterford Townships, and several terms of select school, and was highly esteemed by his pupilsand their parents. He married, Aug. 12, 1863, Martha M. Dewey, of Waterford, and has 5 children. In 1864, he was elected Principal of the graded schools at Saegertown, Crawford Co., resigning in 1866 to assume the duties of Supt. of Schools in that county. At the close of the term (3 years), he was re-elected by a majority of 3 to 1 over the combined vote of 3 competitors. Feb., 1872, he was seriously injured, and declined to be a candidate for another term. Aug., 1872. he was chosen professor of the Normal department, Buchtel College, Akron, Ohio, but re- signed at the end of the 1st year on account of ill health. Sept., 1873, he purchased, and for nearly 5 years ran the printing office of the Union City Times. His ability as an edi- tor and the popularity of the paper under his administration is well known in this county. In 1878, he engaged in the subscription book business, and has been employed as mana- ger of the American Cyclopedia and other publications of D. Appleton & Co. for Western Penn. and N. Y. since Jan. 1, 1880.

JAMES D. PHILLIPS, retired, Union City, the only living representative of the Phillips family in this county, is a son of James and grandson of Thomas Phillips, Sr. The latter with his family came to Erie Co. in 1797, took up large tracts of land, and per- formed an active part in its history. One of his sons, John, took up 1, 400 acres, served as Pay- master in the war of 1812; was the first Representative sent by Erie Co. to the State Leg- islature at Lancaster; Canal Commissioner and Justice of the Peace several years. He died in the fall of 1846. In 1829, the first post office was established at Phillipsburg, and James, the father of our subject, was appointed Postmaster. He was married to Catha- rine Fink, and died in 1846, aged seventy-five. The living children born to this union are Ann, widow of James Phillips, a resident of La Salle, Ill .; Thomas J., of Kendall Co., Ill., and James D. The latter reared in the wilderness, has cleared land, erected and ran saw- mills, etc., etc. Our subject, in Sept., 1842, was commissioned Captain of a company of volunteers, a part of the 2d Penn. Mil., and the same year was promoted Major of the 2d

177

UNION TOWNSHIP.

Bat., 112th Reg. In Dec., 1846, he was appointed Postmaster of Phillipshurg. which posi- tion he resigned. In 1852, he was elected Justice of the Peace, which he also resigned, and went to Iowa, where he became Captain of the first company raised for the militia in that State, July, 1858. Mr. Phillips was commissioned County Auctioneer in 1868-73; was elected, and served 3 years as Jury Commissioner of Erie Co., and has held other township offices. He married, in Amity Township, in 1846, Fidelia A., daughter of Charles Capron, one of a pioneer family of Erie. Two sons were born to this union-Abner, who en- listed in the 12th Penn. Cav. in 1864, and was accidently shot at Hancock, Md .; and Ar- thur, a resident of Chippewa Falls, who became totally blind when a young man. This family settled in Uuion City in 1869. Mr. Phillips is widely and favorably known as a pioneer. and highly esteemed as a citizen.

WILLIAM PUTMAM, R. R. and express agent and real estate dealer, Union City, whose portrait appears in this work as one of the representative men of Union City, is a descendant of John Putnam, a native of Buckinghamshire, England, born in 1582, who, in 1634, emigrated to America and settled in Salem, Mass., where he died in 1662. The grandfather of our subject, Ezra Putnam, a son of Holyhel, was born in Sutton, Mass., on the 6th of Nov., 1751. He moved to Bethel, Vt., in 1787, and there died in 1842. His son, and father of our subject, was Wm. W. Putnam, a native of Bethel, Vt., born Aug. 3, 1796, and died May 13, 1848. In 1818, he married Philana Buck, a native of Williamstown, Vt., born in 1799. She is the mother of 10 children, of whom 6 are now living. She re- sides now in Iowa. William Putnam, our subject, was born in Bethel, Vt., on the 13th of May, 1822. In 1834, he came with his parents to Erie County, N. Y., and March, 1839, to Union Township, Erie Co., Penn. His early life was spent at home assisting to till the soil of the home farm, learning the carpenter's trade, and receiving a limited common school education. When he was twenty-two years of age, he left his home and embarked upon his career in life, working at his trade. He continued the same until 1859, and be- came an efficient workman. For some time previous to abandoning his trade, he began in- vesting and dealing in real estate, at which he still continues. In 1857, he was elected County Commissioner, and served 3 years. When he was twenty-seven years of age, he was elected Justice of the Peace; he served one year and resigned. In 1859, when the Penn- sylvania R. R. was completed as far as Union, Mr. Putnam was appointed agent of the company, and has since held the position, with the confidence and esteem of the company, and to the general satisfaction of the people. He is also agent of the Adams Express Com- pany, and of the B., N. Y. & P. R. R. since 1876. In connection with the duties of the railroad and real estate business, he has, since 1868, been carrying on a general lime and coal business at Union City, and besides is extensively engaged in farming, having a fine farm of 100 acres, well stocked, etc. On the 13th of Nov., 1845, he was married to Miss Nancy C., daughter of Dr. Alanson C. Burroughs. Dr. Burroughs was a native of Alsted, N. H., came to this county in 1843, and carried on a large and lucrative medical prac- tice to the time of his death, which occurred July 10, 1846. Mrs. Putnam is a native of Windham, Vt., born May 17, 1823. Mr. Putnam is one of the self-made men of Erie Co. Beginning life a poor boy, with a meager education, he has, through perseverance, hon- esty, industry and economy, succeeded in accumulating a good property, and a worthy name and reputation. He has served the people and county in many of its offices, and is often solicited to become a candidate to the higher State offices. Politically, he is a Re- publican, having been so since the organization of the party, and is always active in its management.

L. D. ROCKWELL, physician, Union City. The founder of the Rockwell family in America was Deacon Wm. Rockwell, who emigrated from England in 1630, and was one of the first Selectmen of Dorchester, and one of the 24 freemen who took the oath of fealty May, 1630. Benard Rockwell, grandfather of our subject, moved to Crawford Co., Penn., in 1816, where he cleared his farm and married, Feb. 3, 1819, Rebecca Marcy, by whom he had 6 children. They both died at a good old age. Their eldest son, Orlando, born in Rockdale, Penn., Dec. 16, 1819, married Martha L. Root Oct. 8, 1845, by whom he had the following children: Wilber F. and La-Rue Du-Retz, our subject. The latter was born in Crawford Co., Penn., Aug. 9. 1849, on the homestead farm, where he spent his early life and acquired a primary education in the schools of Cambridge. In Feb., 1864, La-Rue en- listed in Co. E, 83d P. V. I., and served till the close of the war. He participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania and Laurel Hill, where he was wounded May 8, 1864. He was discharged from Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, in Oct., 1865. Mr. Rockwell attended the Waterford Academy one term, then entered the Normal School at Edinboro, and graduated in the class of 1870. During 1871-72, he was Principal of the Ridgeway Public Schools; then entered the Medical Department of the University of Penn., at Philadelphia, graduating in 1874. He began practicing at Cochranton, Penn., in 1874, and in 1875 located in Union City, where he has since been constantly engaged. He married in 1875 Frank A., daughter of Wm. T. Lane, of East Sharon, Penn. Four children, all living, were born to them-Alfred L., Florence O., Mary E. and Paul. The Doctor has been Superintendent of the M. E. Sunday school some years. He is an honored member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R.

178

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

E. N. SACKET, attorney, Union City, is the only son of Horace N. and Harriet (Hall) , Sacket, both natives of N. Y. and residents of St. James, Neb. Our subject received a primary education at Whitestown Seminary, Oneida Co., N. Y., and entered Hamilton College in 1862, from which he graduated in 1866. He read law under H. R. Terry, of Union City, and after admission to the bar in 1875, began to practice his profession in this city. He has attained considerable prominence at the bar, and is well and favorably known. Mr. Sacket was united in marriage in this county in 1868, with Jennie Brown, a native of Onondaga Co., N. Y. He has a sister, Emma, residing with her parents. Mr. Sacket is & member of the I. O. O. F.

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 Erie county, Pennsylvania. Containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, villages schools, churches, industries, etc, Part 165

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.) Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1280

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902; Whitman, Benjamin, 1940-; Russell, N. W. (Nathaniel Willard); Brown, R. C. (Robert C.); Weakley, F. E; Warner, Beers & Co. (Chicago, Ill.)
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Warner, Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1280