History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 134

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 1314

USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 134

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).

Frame, William.

Mc Williams, John.

Flough, Casper.

Messmore, John.

Franks, Jacob.

Meets, Jacob.

Franks, Michael.

May, George.

Fast, Nicholas.

Myers, Frederick.

Gilmore, James.

Myers, Henry.

1 By partition the township is much less in area than when organized. In 1821 a large portion was annexed to Luzerne, and again in 1845 to form Nicholson. In both instances German lost some of the most pro- ductive territory in the county, in addition to a loss in wealth and pop- ulation.

591

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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Myers, Andrew.

Mitter, David.

Meets, Leonard.

Myers, William.

Mason, Philip, Jr.

Myers, John.

Mason, Martan.

Mason, George.

Mason, John.

Shumaker, Adam. Snare, Michael.

Myers, Hannah.

Thompson, James.

Nicholas, llostaler.

Teefilbough, Conrad.

Nixon, Jonathan.

Shaley, Adam.

Owl, David.

Snodgrass, Charles.

Overturf, John.

Vidman, Christian.

Vernor, John.

Vert, Jacob.

Provance, Sarah.

Vernor, Leonard.

Peters, Catharine.

Vandeman, Henry.

Pitman, Jonathan.

Wilson, David.

Provance, Joseph.

Walser, Frederick.

Parker, Samnel. Riffle, George.

Wilson, Alexander.

Ross, Joseph.

Wilson, James.

Remley, Henry.

Work, Henry.

Rich, Jacob.

Whealing, George.

Rubb, Andrew.

Watson, John.

Remly, Ilicronomus.

Walser, Peter.

Robb, Samuel.

Walter, Ephraim.

Robb, William.

Webb, Jobn.

Ross, Robert.

Wolf, George.

Rndisil, Michael.

Wolf, Adam.

Weaver, Henry.

Riffle, Matthias. Rittle, Jacob. Shiplar, Jobn.

Write, Benjamin.

Isaac, Newman.

Freemen.

Joseph Sproat. John Work.

George Wolf.

Adam Wolf.

Benjamin Kindle. George Hoffman. Godfrey Smith.

Matthew Gilmore.

Black Will.

George Hoover. John Mc Williams.

Jeremiah Brooks.

Tuhn Gallagher.

Austin Moore.

Frederick Walser.

Alexander, the Scotch- man.

llenry Franks.

George Delenger. John Corns.

Nicholas Hostaler. John Lasly.

Tavern-keepers are always persons of importance in new settlements. The first individual recom- mended to court as a suitable person to cater to the wants of the traveling public was John Boltenhouse, at June sessions, 1787. Licenses were subsequently issued as follows : Philip Lawrence, Elijah Moore, Jeremiah Davidson, September sessions, 1796 ; Zaeh- ariah Wheat, June sessions, 1797 ; William MeClel- land, September sessions, 1798; David Schroyer, September sessions, 1804; Henry Balsinger, Septem- ber sessions, 1812; Aaron Maple, June sessions, 1805; Michael Kline, September sessions, 1805; Frederick Struble, September sessions, 1806; James Sangston, August sessions, 1807; John Grove, Angu-t sessions, 1810; Elias Parshall, November

sessions, 1810; George Balsinger, April sessions, 1812; David Auld, January sessions, 1813.

William McClelland kept in what is now MeClel- landtown for many years, as did also Frederick Struble. David Schroyer, Zachariah Wheat, Aaron Maple, James Sangston, John Grove in Germantown. Sang- ston entertained travelers and sold whisky for the long period of forty years. Messrs. Balsingers owned the stand near where now stands Balsinger's school- house, between MeClellandtown and Uniontown. David Auld's is now the residence of Mrs. Catharine Hoover, on the Uniontown and Little Whitely Creek road, south of Rabb's mill.

The only highways known to the primal inhabit- ants were the eardinal points of the compass. The geometrical roads were unobstructed by anything of which they knew, and the traveler pursued the course he desired to without asking. The earliest road ordered by the court to pass through German was the one from Uniontown to Rabb's mill, on Brown's Run ; from thence to the Monongahela River, at the mouth of said run. The following is the order, dated 4th Tuesday of December, 1783:

"On the petition of divers inhabitants of the County of Fayette, representing to the Court the great inconveniences they labor under for want of a road from Uniontown to Andrew Rabb's Mill upon Brown's Run, and from thenee to the Mo- nongahela River at the mouth of said Run, and praying that the Court would appoint six suitable men to view the ground over which the said road is desired to pass, therefore considered and ordered that Robert Harrison, Jobn Huffman, Andrew Rabb, Esq., Jacob Rich, John Messmore, and Daniel Culp do view the ground over which the said road is desired to pass, and if they, or any four of them, see it necessary, that they lay out a road the nearest and best way the ground will admit of, and make report of their proceedings therein by course and dis- tance to the next Court."

At the same court an order was issued for laying out a road to connect with Hyde's Ferry road. Mr. Veech, in writing of this road, says, " It came from the Ten-Mile settlement through Greene County, crossing the ereek at Hyde's Ferry or the mouth of Big Whitely Creek, passing by the south side of Masontown through Haydentown, or by David John's mill, up Laurel Hill, through Sandy Creek settle- ment, to Daniel McPeak's and into Virginia." The road from John Gilliland's to Rabb's mill was ordered to be laid out at September sessions, 1788, and Abra- ham Stewart, John Allison, John Work, Hugh Gil- more, Andrew Rabb, and John Gallaher appointed viewers. This road is the one known as the McClel- landtown road at this day. Mr. Abraham Stewart, appointed one of the viewers, was very greatly inter- ested in this road, as it crossed his farm from east to west, he residing at that time and owning the farm now in possession of James Parshall, just out of McClellandtown to the east. The road from Ger- mantown to the mouth of Catt's Run was also or- dered, and Andrew Long, James Thompson, William Rabb, James Wilson, Andrew Work, and John Leckey

Smith, Godfrey. Sellers, Christian. Sprote, Joseph.

Stock well, James. Stokely, Thomas. Shelby, Joshua. Shumaker, John.

Overturf, Martin. Overturf, Valentine. Pitzar, Chrisly.

Vernor, Martin.

Work, Jobn.

Joseph Gween.

Samuel Hutcheson.

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GERMAN TOWNSHIP.

appointed viewers. There are now ninety miles of road in the township, according to the survey of the supervisors. "The Luzerne Road Law" was ex- tended by the State Legislature so as to apply to Ger- man in 1871-72.

There are no macadamized roads nor railroads in the township. The " big roads" are used by all classes for reaching markets or traveling. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad had a route surveyed by Jonathan Knight nearly fifty years ago, down the main branch of Brown's Run to a point on the Monongahela River opposite the mouth of Little Whitely Creek, in Greene County. Short-sighted people and politicians refused the right of way, and forced the road through the wilds of West Virginia. Upon a vote taken for and against granting the right of way through Fay- ette County there were but two votes in favor of it cast in German (cast by Jacob Newcomer and John Haney). Two other routes have been surveyed in the past few years, viz., the Uniontown and Catt's Run, and Pittsburgh, Virginia and Charleston Rail- roads.

The Monongahela has been the great natural out- let for the Western country from a very early date, and since the era of steamboats and slack-water navi- gation has become still more important. Three ferries connect German with Greene County,-Brown's, at Middle Run; MeCann's, at or near Little Whitely Creek ; and McLain's, west of Masontown.

The earliest saw- and grist-mills were built by Messrs. Gilmore, Work, and Rabb. They were taxed on this class of property as early as 1785, but had been engaged in distilling several years previons. Their whisky, " Monongahela, Pure Rye," had even then gained for itself lasting fame. The flour made at their mills was of two kinds, wheat and rye. The practice of eating rye bread prevailed until within the last few years, and does even yet in some localities. There was no home market for flour, and to reach the New Orleans market (the only paying one) caused Rabb to engage in keel-boat building in connection with others. The boats were annually loaded with whisky and flour and sent down the Ohio and Mis- sissippi. The early mills were generally upon ereeks, but after a few years several were built upon the river, and to distinguish them from those upon the creeks were denominated " river mills." This class of mills have been superseded by steam-mills, except far up the Monongahela and on its Virginia tributaries.

The first to apply steam motive-power to mills was the venerable John Debolt, who still lives to see the wonderful progress of the age. The engine cost 8900 in Brownsville, and was bought of Cuthbertson & Roe, in 1833. Flour, except for home consumption, is no longer made by the country mills. For the purpose of supplying the people of the township with flour the following-named persons have mills : Jacob John- son, on Middle Run, steam-mill, with saw attached ;

Joseph Mack, on Brown's Run, steam-mill, saw at- tached; Joseph Galley, on Brown's Run, water-mill, saw attached; Gilmore Brothers, on Brown's Run, water-mill, saw-mill attached. The ruins of old mills and still-houses are found in many localities. Of saw- mills there are in the township those of John D. Rider, Brown's Run, water-power ; Isaac N. Hague, portable, Catt's Run; Ephraim Sterling, saw- and planing-mill on Monongahela River, do considerable business. On Catt's Run John Mason had a mill built at an early day. He sold to Simon Yandes. The Yandeses built a still-house, and in turn sold to David Johnson, better known as "Davy Yawnse, or Yonts." He added an oil- and carding-mill. Nothing remains but the crushers of the oil-mill.

A Mr. Groot started a tannery in Germantown, at or near the beginning of the present century. For many years an excellent quality of leather was man- nfactured. The yard passing through many hands has finally become the property of Josiah S. Alle- baugh. A Mr. Johu MeKean, of McClellandtown, also manufactured some forty years ago. The only person engaged in the business now is Mr. Leonard Sapper, and he only in a small way.

John Debolt started a pottery in Masontown in 1823. The ware made was of an inferior quality in comparison with that made now, but answered every purpose in its day. Salt was made by the "Silver Oil Company" at their works east of Masontown in 1866-69, but bad management or other causes ruined the enterprise. The year 18SI has found German where it started in manufacturing whisky first. Dun- levy, Rabb's distiller, succeeded in getting a yield of two and three-eighths gallons per bushel, and refused to impart his secret. This made Rabb a fortune. At one time twenty-seven stills were running in Ger- man. The mash was from three to twenty-five bush- els, or according to the capacity of the still or wealth of distiller. Sylvanus T. Gray, the only manufacturer in German, now produces daily more than all these old distillers combined. His works are on Catt's Run. In conversation with the proprietor, in presence of United States officials, he said, " The yearly consump- tion of grain was thirty thousand bushels ;" average yield per bushel, three and one-half gallons. Ac- cording to the above data, there are produced per year 105,000 gallons, amounting to $141,750.

A new enterprise is being developed in German. Mr. Enoch F. Brown has erected the necessary works for the manufacture of cement on his premises near the mouth of Brown's Run. The first kiln burnt was drawn July 16, 1879, and the enterprise promises success.

Many years back in the history of Fayette County a Mr. Baker manufactured guns, making all the dit- ferent parts from the raw material. His shop and premises are now in possession of Philip Kefover's heirs in Nicholson township, formerly German.

Many of the early adventurers who crossed the Al-

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HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

leghenies in 1767, '68, '69, and '70 located perma- nently in what was afterwards erected into the town- ship of German. Among the number were the Provances, Gilmores, McLains, Fasts, Yeagers, and Walters in the southern portion of the township, near the Monongahela River, and north of Jacob's Creek ; in the central part, Waltzers, Messmores, Rabbs, and Antils, on the waters of Brown's Run; in the cx- treme northwest were the Mckibbins, Moores, Craw- fords, Sprotes, and a few families of less note. These pioneer citizens of original German were nearly all included in the portions annexed to Luzerne in 1820 and 1821, and still later by the act organizing Nichol- son township in 1845. The few remaining of the first settlers were the Moores, Rabbs, and Gilmores, after the partitions mentioned. The tide of emigration was almost entirely checked by the Indian troubles between 1774 and 1780, and it was not until 1780 that it again set in. In 1783 one hundred and seventy- eight taxables were returned by the assessor. Of this very great number a few have risen to a prominence which entitles them to notice, viz. : the Wilsons, Hos- tetlers, Kendalls, Franks, Messmores, Riffles, Sprotes, and Eberlies (now written Everly).

The Franks (or Frankes now) were of French ori- gin. The Frank mentioned (Jacob) was born in 1743. He came to Baltimore, Md., when eighteen years of age, with his father, Michael Frank, Sr. After serving his apprenticeship he married a Miss Barbara Brande- berry, emigrated to Western Pennsylvania, and pur- chased a large tract of land near High House village, which is called "Frankston." He was prominent in organizing the "Old Dutch Church" in 1785 and 1793. In 1802 he died, leaving a large family. The descend- ants are scattered over the Western States, and a large branch in West Virginia. The most prominent rep- resentative of the family in Fayette County is the present honest and efficient treasurer, Michael Franks, formerly of Nicholson township, but now of Union- town. In Ohio they have a regular family convention or reunion annually in August.

Of the early life of Nicholas Hostetler little is known except that he was of German descent. He and his descendants were and are hard-working men and women, and embrace many of the best citizens of German township. In addition to their love of hard labor, their fondness for music is characteristic. The celebrated Hostetler blind family are descendants of Nicholas, and children of Daniel Hostetler and Mary Gibbons, who were married nearly sixty years ago. There was nothing unusual in their marriage, except their being first cousins. Their future was as yet unraveled, and time brought them eight children, -five girls and three boys. Of these, two boys and a girl were born absolutely eyeless, and a boy and a girl with but one eye each. Nature, to compensate for her parsimoniousness in withholding sight, gave great musical talents, and from tender infancy these afflicted ones have been the wonder of the land. They

are first-class composers as well as excellent perform- ers on the organ, violin, and other instruments. Their names are John, born Jan. 25, 1829; Catharine, Feb. 15, 1835; Bartholomew, April 21, 1845 (these three were born eyeless) ; Samuel, born Nov. 12, 1842, was born with one eye, but he has since become totally blind.

James Wilson was born in Lancaster County, Pa., 1764, and came to Fayette County when twelve years of age. He was married twice, his first wife being a Miss Mary Rabb, born 1777; the second Miss Elizabeth Lowrie, or Lowry. He was a large landholder, living upon his estate near McClellandtown, on the Morgan- town and Brownsville road, until the day of his death. The family he had by his two wives are many of them living, some in their native township, German, some in Indiana, and other western States. James Wilson was one of the early justices of German, succeeding his father-in-law, Andrew Rabb. He served from 1807 till near 1840, when he became paralyzed. He was unable to articulate for nearly four years before his death. Several of his first wife's children-Dr. William Wilson, Andrew Wilson, and Sarah Yandes- reside in Indiana. John Wilson, Esq., of German, is a son by the second marriage. He has served as jus- tice of the peace, and is one of the most upright and useful citizens of the township. Mrs. Eleazer Robin- son, of Uniontown, is also a daughter of James Wil- son. Rev. Alexander Wilson and Dr. William L. S. Wilson, of Washington County, are grandsons.

John Messmore was a Swiss by birth, but emigrated to the British colonies at an early day. During the war for independence he was a teamster in the Con- tinental army under Washington. After the time of his service had expired he came West, not with the intention of remaining, but meeting many Germans here he was induced to stay. He raised a large family of children, many of whom became in later years use- ful and solid citizens. Squire George Messmore, born in 1791, was an honored citizen of German town- ship. He served one term as justice while residing where Joseph Mack now does on Brown's Run. He then sold and moved to the State of Ohio, and located in Wayne County, where he continued to reside until his death, March 28, 1878. His son is now sheriff of the county in which his father died. From the same forefather is ex-Sheriff Isaac Messmore, of Union- town. He was elected from Luzerne, but was born and reared in German township. He removed to Luzerne in 1854. Ex-Justice of the Peace John Messmore, also of Uniontown, is his brother. While a citizen of Germau he was twice elected justice of the peace.

Joseph Sprote was an old Revolutionary soldier, entering the service at the age of seventeen, as he said, " without much reflection, but afterwards repented at leisure." He resided southwest of New Salem until the year of his decease. His daughter Ann married Asbury Struble, Esq., of German; Margaret married

593

GERMAN TOWNSHIP.

a Mr. Thompson ; another married Mr. John Huston, of Greene County. Joseph S. Struble and Mrs. Sarah J. Hellen, of Uniontown, are grandchildren of Joseph Sprote.

Jacob Eberly, or Everly, was an honest Dutchman, very piously inclined. He was a consistent member of the " Dutch Church" in German township, the pat- ent for the glebe having been granted to him and others.

Jacob Riffle was a quiet, peaceable man. His tal- ents were not showy but solid. His house was the polling-place where three townships met for many years. His descendants have inherited his estate, with much of his character. They are honest, hard- working, and economical, and several of them have filled township offices with credit to themselves.

Daniel Yandes, Jr. was a son of Daniel Yandes, who owned the property of the late Nicholas Johnson, and called by John Mason "East Abington." Daniel Yandes, Jr., married Sarah Wilson, a daughter of James Wilson, Esq. He sold his farm to David Johnson (known to Fayette County people as "Davy Yawnse") and moved to Indiana, near Indianapolis, in 1823. He became very wealthy, and during the Kansas-Nebraska excitement organized a company in the interest of the Free State party. The Yandes are now prominent citizens of Indiana.

Jeremiah Kendall, a justice of the peace for German township, was a son of William Kendall, who emi- grated to Fanquier County, Va., from England. Young Kendall was Washington's secretary during the Revolutionary war, and received a wound at the Brandywine battle. After the war he married a Miss Rhoda McIntyre and came to Fayette County. He moved into a house belonging to Hugh Gilmore, the elder, north of Middle Run. After a short time had elapsed he purchased a large tract of land on Brown's Run, southeast of where McClellandtown now stands. He engaged in agriculture and distilling, in which he succeeded financially. He left a large family of children to inherit his estate. Jeremiah, Jr., took the home-place, and at his death left it to his sons and daughters. Isaac P. and John C. Kendall own the homestead, and are the only descendants of the male line in German. Mrs. Jane Deffenbaugh, Mrs. Rhoda Reppert, and Mrs. Jacob Dawson are grand- danghters. The oldest son of Jeremiah Kendall, Sr., emigrated to Ohio about 1820. The " White Sewing- Machine Company," of Cleveland, Ohio, is largely owned by members of this branch of his descendants.

Hon. David Gilmore was born near the Mononga- hela River, in German township, in 1786. He was a representative in the State Legislature and a member of the convention to amend the State Constitution in 1838. In the war of 1812 he was a member of Capt. James A. Abrams' company, and saw hard service in the Northwest under Harrison. His brother Hugh was a lientenant in the same company. He died April 30, 1847.

The Hon. Andrew Stewart was born near McClel- landtown, in German township, in 1791. His life and public services are of national fame. He died near Uniontown, July 16, 1872.

Hon. Henry Clay Dean was born in McClelland- town, Oct. 27, 1822; attended Madison College ; clerked for George Hogg, Esq., of Brownsville ; tanght school, and finally entered the law-office of Hon. Andrew Stewart ; was chaplain of the United States Senate in 1855-56, and candidate for elector on the Stephen A. Donglas ticket in 1860. He refuses all office, and says he "considers office-seekers the most detestable spaniels that lick the dust from the feet of power." He lives in Missouri, on a farm of eighteen hundred acres on Chariton River. When not engaged in the courts he employs his time in studying philosophy, history, and literature; admitted to the bar of Fayette County Sept. 11, 1863.

Capt. Cyrus L. Conner, born in 1825, was a soldier of the Mexican war. He was captain of a company in the Pennsylvania Reserves in the civil war of 1861-65; promoted to major and served in Georgia. Died in Masontown, April 5, 1877.

William Parshail, Esq., was born near McClelland- town, Sept. 21, 1822; studied law with Hon. Joshua B. Howell; was educated at Rector, Va., and Washi- ington, Pa.

Seth Ely and George W. Rutter, noted musicians and composers, were both of German township.

Ashbel Fairchild Hill was born near Masontown, Oct. 23, 1842. He was a member of Capt. Conner's company, and lost a limb in the war. During his soldiering he wrote " Our Boys." This was followed by "White Rocks," "Secrets of the Sanctum," and several romances for literary papers. He died at the close of the Presidential contest, Nov. 7, 1876.

Capt. George W. Gilmore was born June 9, 1832. He was a prominent actor during the Kansas troubles, -an aide to Gen. James Lane. He raised a company in Fayette County, and was mustered into the Vir- ginia service at Clarksburg in July, 1861. He resides in Dade County, Mo.

Daniel Yandes was born and raised on the John Mason " East Abington tract," near Masontown. He emigrated to Indiana. His mother was a Rider. He married a half-sister to John Wilson, Esq., and Mrs. Eleaser Robinson, of Uniontown. During the Kan- sas troubles he acted a conspicnons part on the Free State side.

In the Whiskey Insurrection, after the people had heen misled by their leaders, they raised "liberty poles," and proceeded to organize companies for the purpose of forcing the general government to repeal the act of 1791, which imposed a tax on whiskey. The government having raised an army of fifteen thousand men, sent them into the western part of Pennsylvania, where the Whiskey Boys had some seven thousand ill- disciplined men to oppose them. Before this show of force the Whiskey Boys dispersed without firing a

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IIISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

gun. Detachments were sent out to arrest prominent offenders, but generally failed. German had furnished a company of one hundred men under the command of Capt. Robert Ross. A squad of cavalry from Union- town attempted to capture him, but were not suc- cessful.

PHYSICIANS.

Tradition furnishes no clue by which the historian can discover who was the first regular physician to practice the healing art in this section. Indian root and herb doctors were found in almost every family. In 1809, Dr. Joseph Ross was a regular practitioner, having located in Germantown some time previous. His brothers, C. J. and James, were also physicians, having considerable practice in the neighborhood of MeClellandtown. Dr. Lewis Sweitzer followed them in 1822, and Dr. David Rboads in 1825; he had a very large practice, dysentery and putrid sore throat prevailing for a number of years. For several years Dr. John Wilson was in partnership with him. In 1835, Dr. John J. Steel located in Masontown, and soon after Dr. John Fithian. Dr. -- Bloomino was also practicing near McClellandtown, while Drs. Merchant and Campbell, of Uniontown, were called frequently in the northern part of the township. The famous Dr. Braddee was often consulted between 1833 and 1839. Abont 1838-39, Dr. Rhoads took into partnership Dr. George W. Neff, of Uniontown, who was highly recommended by Dr. Hugh Campbell. Neff is said to have been the first dentist in Fayette County, having practiced in Uniontown nearly fifty years ago. Dr. Rhoads dying in 1841, Neff took his practice, which he kept as long as his health re- mained.

In 1843, Dr. Jesse E. Penny settled in McClelland- town, where he resided for several years. Dr. George Ringland bought him out, and in turn sold to Dr. Casper MI. Miller, who, in 1870, sold his property to Dr. H. W. Brashear, and in 1880 was succeeded by Dr. James P. Sangston, who graduated in 1868 at the Charity Hospital Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, now the Medical Department of the University of Wooster.

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History of Fayette County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 134

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : L.H. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 1314