History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 113

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288

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ANDREW J. NICKLE, superintendent of Sharpsville Furnace, is a son of Andrew and Sarah A. (Hoffman) Nickle, of Philadelphia, Penn. Our subject was born in 1835, in Venango County, Penn. ; was reared and educated in Clar- ion County, and when a young man found employment at different furnaces, where he learned the business of manufacturing iron. In 1862 he was em- ployed by the late Gen. James Pierce, and in 1875 engaged with Pierce, Kelly & Co., as foundryman, where he remained until 1887, when he took charge of the Sharpsville Furnace. Our subject was married in 1857 to Miss Nancy J. Barnacle, of Venango County, Penn., and by this union they have seven children: Philip H., Sarah, Ann, Mrs. Henry Myers (of Sharpsville, Penn), Andrew Jackson, William A. (died in 1871), Martin V., Stanceless C. and Charles C. Our subject is a member of the United Brethren Church of Sharpsville, and politically is a Democrat.

GEN. JAMES PIERCE (deceased). - The history of those who, under adverse · circumstances, have, by their own unaided efforts and native force of charac- ter, achieved success in any department of human enterprise, is always inter- esting, and should be especially so to young men about to engage in the active duties of life, as examples for their imitation. No man has ever lived in the Shenango Valley who is more worthy of a place in the pages of history than he whose name stands at the head of this biography. James Pierce was born

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

in Swanzey, Cheshire Co., N. H., on the 24th day of September, 1810, and remained with his father, whose name also was James, working on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, receiving in the meantime such limited education as country schools of that period afforded. He then left the paren- tal roof and began working by the month at the lumber business, at which employment he continued about two years, and then commenced the same business on his own account, in the manufacture of shooks for sugar hogsheads, conveying them to market down the Connecticut River. He was married Jan- uary 1, 1839, to Miss Chloe Holbrook, a native of New Hampshire, born March 20, 1816. Immediately after his marriage, in connection with the lumber business he added the occupation of a farmer. He and a cousin, Jervis Bates, came to Erie County, Penn., in 1844, bringing with them cotton and woolen cloth, which they disposed of and turned the proceeds into horses, which they took back with them when they returned home. They made the journey out with wagons and sleighs. Mr. Pierce came to Erie County again, in De- cember of the same year, and stayed all winter. This time he was engaged in selling clocks through Erie and Crawford Counties. There being very little money in this section at that time, his accumulations, which were about $1,000, consisted wholly of Beaver & Erie Canal Bonds. Being unable to ob- tain the interest on the bonds at Erie, he disposed of them for a lot of stoves. Possessing an enterprising spirit, and desiring a wider field for the display of his energies, he sold his property in New Hampshire, and in the year 1845 removed with his young family to Cranesville, Erie Co., Penn., where he re- mained until the spring of 1847, when he located at Clarksville, Mercer County.

The first business enterprise in which be engaged here was mining and shipping coal in the vicinity of Clarksville, in the year 1847. Coal then found its market in Erie, and was transported to that point via the Beaver & Erie Canal, the business being then in its infancy in the Shenango Valley. This first adventure was only moderately successful; the mine being limited in extent, soon became exhausted. He then opened new mines near to his late residence, Mount Hickory, in Hickory Township. These proved very valuable, and here was laid the foundation of his subsequent eminently successful busi- ness career. To convey the coal from these mines he constructed a tram-road, operated by horse-power, which was regarded at that time as a wonderful achievement of individual enterprise, and which answered a most valuable purpose until it was superseded by the Erie & Pittsburgh and the Sharpsville & Oakland Railroads. In the construction of both these roads he took a most active interest. In the former he was a large stockholder and a director; in the latter the principal stockholder and its president and general manager from the beginning to his death. These roads have performed an indispensa- ble part in the development of iron, coal and other industries of the country through which they pass, and to the energy and public spirit of Mr. Pierce is the community indebted for the existence and beneficial results of these im- provements. Among the first to engage in the coal business in Mercer County, so did he continue until the day of his death to be among the most prominent and successful operators, being connected with extensive mines both in Mercer and Lawrence Counties.

His connection with the furnace business commenced in the year 1859. Becoming the proprietor of the Sharpsville Furnace, he put the same in blast that year, and started to work on the Jackson iron ore of Lake Superior, and it was then that the principal revival of the blast furnaces of the Shenango and Mahoning Valleys took place, the successful working of the Jackson ore in the Sharpsville furnace calling the attention of the furnace men to Lake

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

Superior ores for the manufacture of a distinctive red short iron, In 1868, in connection with William L. Scott, of Erie, the Mount Hickory Furnaces (two stacks) were erected, and more recently, in company with two of his sons (Jonas J. and Wallace) and George D. Kelly, the Douglas Furnaces (two stacks) were built. Another son, Walter, is also a partner in the Spearman Iron Works, consisting of two blast furnaces. He was thus identified with seven out of nine furnaces located at Sharpsville, all of which are first-class establishments of their kind. He had also large investments in iron mines at Lake Superior, which, however, are only partially developed. These com- prise the mining, manufacturing and railroad enterprises with which he was connected, but do not by any means include the whole of his business opera- tions. He was president and principal owner of the Iron Banking Company, of Sharpsville, and a stockholder in the Sharon Banking Company. His farming operations were conducted on a very extensive scale, and with more science and system than is generally employed. Mount Hickory is a model farm. The mansion and out-buildings are equal to any in the county, and perhaps not surpassed by any of their kind in Western Pennsylvania. The land is in the highest state of cultivation, abounding in all the fruits suitable to this latitude, and, in short, with everything to make it a most pleasant and desirable residence. His extensive herd of thoroughbred cattle was greatly admired by farmers and stock breeders, That he had very superior stock is evidenced by the many premiums awarded him at the North Western Penn- sylvania Fair and elsewhere.

To design and successfully accomplish these varied and extensive opera- tions suggests the possession of no ordinary business capacity. Nature had, indeed, been kind, endowing him with large mental powers, but with a physi- cal organization fitted for the endurance of almost any amount of labor. It might be supposed that, in the midst of these numerous and pressing business cares, he would be indifferent to the welfare of the community in which he dwelt. The contrary was the case, however, and every object designed to benefit society met his cordial approbation and co-operation. He always manifested a deep interest in the cause of education, devoting much personal attention, as a director for a number of years, to the common schools, and in liberal contributions in lands and money for the erection of school-houses, aside from the large amount of taxes paid by him annually for their support. A noted instance of his liberality is seen in the contribution of $10,000, made in the name of his wife, toward endowing the female professorship in Buch- tel College, Akron, Ohio, to be called the "Chloe Pierce " professorship. This is a new institution of learning, of which he was one of the trustees, and is in a very prosperous condition. Several of the churches in Sharpsville also received generous donations from his hands, while public and private enter- prises have been greatly aided and fostered through his liberality.

Gen. Pierce died at his residence, Mount Hickory Farm, on Wednesday morning, December 2, 1874, after an illness of only a few days' duration, caused by a fall a week previous, from the effects of which he gradually sank into the sleep of death. He was a Universalist in religious belief, and it was through his influence the first Universalist organization was effected in the county at Sharpsville. His wife also was a Universalist, and the present financial prosperity of the Sharpsville Society is largely due to her liberality. Gen. Pierce left a widow and five grown sons to mourn his unexpected decease. The former survived him nearly twelve years, and died August 16, 1886, aged seventy years. Jonas J., the eldest son, was born September 23, 1839, and was married April 6, 1865, to Miss Kate Pritzl, of Baltimore, Md.,

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

who has borne him five children: Scott, James A., Chloe H., Jonas and Fred- erick P. Walter and Wallace (twins) were born October 19, 1842; the former was married June 28, 1871, to Miss Alice Mower, of Greenville, Penn., who died October 11, 1884, leaving three daughters: Alice, Mary and Kate; Wal- lace is unmarried. Frank was born November 10, 1852, and married, October 21, 1880, Miss Minnie Andrews, of Sharpsville, Penn., who has borne him two sons: Frank W. and Thomas A. James B. was born September 2, 1856, and married,. June 17, 1880, Miss Albertine Pomplitz, of Baltimore, Md., and has two daughters: Louesa and Pauline. These gentlemen are all engaged in large business enterprises, and are among the most prominent and best known citizens of this portion of the State.

Gen. Pierce was one of the leading members of the Democratic party in Northwestern Pennsylvania, and always took a deep interest in its success, favoring legislation for the advancement of the general interests of the State. He was once the Democratic candidate for the Legislature, and, though defeated, polled a much larger vote than the full strength of his party. Few men in the Shenango Valley were so widely known and respected by the people in every walk of life, and his death was a severe loss to the community in which he had spent so many years of a successful business career. His kindnesses passed from his hand not as credits to be returned with use, but as souvenirs sacred to his memory, and as such will be cherised in perpetual remembrance. His memory will long be retained in the hearts of those whom he has befriended and assisted by counsel, advice and pecuniary aid, and among them can be numbered many poor men who have been brought to a prosperous condition, if not to affluence and wealth. The strict rule of rectitude was the magnet by which he moved, and the guide-star of his business life, while indomitable will, enterprise and perseverance were the three leading traits of his character.

M. W. THOMPSON, publisher of the Sharpsville Times, is a son of Samuel Thompson, of Pymatuning Township. Our subject was born in 1862 in Hick- ory Township. He received his education in the public schools of Sharpsville, in which place he was reared. Mr. Thompson began the printing business in 1877, serving his time in the office of the Sharpsville Advertiser. Our subject has been employed upon many of the leading journals of the present day, in- cluding the New York World, Cincinnati Enquirer, Cleveland Leader and Erie Dispatch. In 1887, in connection with Samuel W. Hazen, he established the Sharpsville Times. In politics he is an ardent supporter of the Republican party.

DR. JOHN H. TWITMYER, son of Emanuel and Lucy (Gebhart) Twitmyer, was born April 26, 1844, at Zion, Centre Co., Penn. He received his early educa- tion at the common schools of his native town, subsequently entered Dicken- son Seminary at Williamsport, and was graduated from the University of Penn- sylvania, at Philadelphia, March 12, 1872. His first location in Mercer County was at Transfer in 1872. In the spring of 1873 he located at Sharpsville, where he has since continued the practice of his profession. Our subject was married, June 1, 1875, to Miss Donna, daughter of Lewis Hull, and by this marriage they have one daughter, Alma. The Doctor is a member of the A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 27, of Sharpsville, also a member of the R. T. of T., of Sharon, and a member of the Reformed Church of Sharpsville.

DR. CHARLES L. WILLIAMS was born in 1851, at Sharon, Penn., a son of Lester and Ann E. (Moore) Williams. His early education was received in the public schools of Sharon. He commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Hoyt, of Sharon, and Dr. Hurlbert, of Youngstown, Ohio, and was grad-

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

uated from the Homoeopathic Hospital College of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1879. He then commenced the practice of medicine with Dr. Hoyt, of Sharon, Penn. In 1880 he located at Sharpsville, Penn., where he has continued in practice. He married, November 17, 1881, Miss Chlo, daughter of David and Jane D. Stewart, of Sharpsville, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of this borough.

MATTHIAS R. ZAHNISER is a son of David and Rachel (Tice) Zahniser. The grandfather, Matthias Zahniser, was one of Mercer County's early settlers. Our subject was born May 12, 1844, in Jefferson Township. His early life was spent on the home farm, receiving such education as the township schools afforded. At the age of eighteen he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Reserves, and participated in all the engagements from the battle of the Wilderness to Spottsylvania, where he suffered the loss of his right leg from a gun-shot wound. After returning from the army he engaged in the mercantile business at Big Bend, Jefferson Township, where he remained for three years. In 1871 he located in Sharpsville, was elected constable for that borough and served three years. In 1877, in connection with his brother, H. N. Zahniser, he engaged in the boot and shoe business. In 1880 his brother sold his interest to J. L. Filman, and in 1882 our subject sold his interest, also, to Mr. Filman, and until May of the present year, was in his employ. Our subject is now in charge of the boot and shoe department of J. P. Hughes' mercantile business. Mr. Zahniser was married in 1871 to Miss Lottie, daughter of James Hunter, of Pymatuning Township, and by this union they have two children: Charley W. and Nellie D. Our subject was the Democratic candidate for member of the Legislature in 1884. He is a member of the G. A. R., Sharpsville Post No. 234, and one of the past commanders. He also belongs to the K. of L. Politically he is a Democrat, but voted for Harrison and Morton.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

BIOGRAPHIES OF SHENANGO AND HICKORY.

SHENANGO TOWNSHIP.

W ILLIAM ANDERSON, farmer, post-office New Bedford, Penn., is a son of John and grandson of William Anderson, a pioneer of Mercer County, who immigrated to this county in company with his wife, Betsey (Adams) Anderson, and one child, the father of our subject. About 1796 John Ander- son, a brother, followed and located a short distance from his brother William. He was known as "Agent John Anderson," acting in that capacity for Dr. Nathaniel Bedford, of Pittsburgh, who owned large tracts of land in this and Lawrence Counties. He married Jane McFarland, and had six children, all of whom are dead, the last survivor, William R., dying on the old homestead June 27, 1888, aged seventy. He died in 1826, leaving an estate of 800 acres. William Anderson, the grandfather of our subject, and his son John, were pro- gressive men of their day. They erected on their farm one of the first grist- mills built in this county, and were also extensively engaged in the distilling business. John served with the army in the War of 1812. He married Ellen,

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

daughter of William Crawford, of Mercer County, and by this marriage was the father of eleven children: William, Adam, deceased; James, deceased; David, Hiram, Robert, deceased; Alexander, of Fairview Township, Mercer County; Samuel, deceased; Betsey, wife of Frederick Breede, of Crawford County, Penn. ; Ellen J., deceased, and Mary E., deceased. He married for his second wife Eliza, daughter of John and Jane (McFarland) Anderson, by whom he had four children: Lemuel, deceased; Julia, wife of James Keer, of Crawford County, Penn. ; John, and Louisa, deceased. He died in 1860 at the age of sixty-three. His father died in 1859 at the age of ninety-three. William was the eldest son, and was born in 1817 on the old homestead, and was educated in the common schools. He was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, which business he followed for some ten years, then engaged in farming upon a part of the homestead, and has since followed farming. He married, in 1851, Miss Mary A., daughter of David and Kate (Gundy) Crawford, and they have one child, David W.

DAVID C. ANDERSON, farmer, post-office New Bedford, Penn., is the third son of John and Ellen (Crawford) Anderson. His father's family is mentioned in the sketch of William Anderson. He was born on the homestead May 4, 1825, where he resided until 1851, when he purchased his present home. He married, March 20, 1851, Miss Rebecca J. Robinson, daughter of Andrew and Betsy (Maxwell) Robinson, of Ohio. She died May 4, 1874, leaving four chil- dren: John A., Lizzie, Mrs. Irwin Caldwell; William F. and David Law- rence. Mr. Anderson married for his second wife Eletha Gundy, daughter of John P. and Sarah (Marstler) Gundy, April 7, 1877. He has always been engaged in 'farming, and excepting four years' residence in Ohio has resided upon his place since 1851. He has been connected with the schools of his township as director. He is a member of the New Bedford Presbyterian Church, which was built in 1801, his grandfather and father having aided largely by their means and influence in its erection.

SAMUEL G. BELL, farmer, post-office West Middlesex, Penn., is a descend- ant of William Bell, who settled upon the place now owned by our subject. His son Samuel was the grandfather of our subject, and was a prominent business man of his day. He was born in Washington County, Penn., in 1795, and moved from there with his parents while yet a child. He was engaged in the insurance business, and represented the North American Insur- rance Company, of Philadelphia, for forty-four years. He married Nancy Ewing, a daughter of Irish parents, and died in 1884 at the age of eighty-eight years. He was the father of six children: William, Woods, Margaret, Mrs. Clark; Eliza, Mrs. Clinger; Rebecca, Mrs. Miles, and Jane, Mrs. Crossman. William, the father of our subject, was born in 1816, and married Mary Shirk, of German and Irish descent. Her parents immigrated to this country and settled in Centre County, Penn. She had eight children: Walter J., Thomas W., Theressa, Mrs. William Riblet; Nancy E., Mrs. Dr. Stevenson, of Hub- bard, Ohio; Mattie A., Florence M., Mrs. John E. Phillips; Nettie J., Mrs. Marcus Miller, and our subject, Samuel G., who was born in 1848. He was educated in the public schools of the township, and has been engaged in farming since he arrived at manhood. He has filled the office of tax collector for his township.

JOHN C. BELL, farmer and agent for the American Road Machine, is a son of William S. and Margaret (Irwin) Bell. The mother of our subject was a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., and the father a native of Cumber- land County, who settled where Mr. Bell now resides in 1826. He was born in 1805, and died in 1879, his wife having died in 1873. They had six chil-

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dren, two of whom are living: Eliza J., Mrs. Benjamin Love, of Lackawan- nock Township, and our subject, who was born January 29, 1843, and received his education at the common schools of his township. Our subject early engaged in farming in connection with his father, and is now largely engaged in the raising of farm products. In 1886 Mr. Bell connected himself with the American Road Machine Company as its agent, and represents them in Mercer and Lawrence Counties. Our subject has always been active in public mat- ters connected with his township, having filled the position of justice of the peace and all the principal offices of the township. In politics he is a Repub- lican, and for several years he has been an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Neshannock. He married, October 16, 1866, Miss Susan, daughter of Robert and Rebecca Thompson, of Mercer County, and by this union they have four children: Robert Thompson, William Stephenson, Rebecca, Mary and John Mealy.

SAMUEL BUCKWALTER, farmer, is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Witwer) Buckwalter, natives of Lancaster County, Penn. The father of our subject, in the fall of 1843, removed with his family from Lancaster County, and settled upon a large tract of land known as the Hezlip property, in Wilmington Town- ship, Mercer County, and in 1852 he removed from there upon the Paup Mills property, in the same township. In 1853 he removed to Grundy County, Ill., where he died in 1872, at the age of seventy-nine, his wife surviving him until July 7, 1882, when she died, aged eighty-two years. They had six sons and three daughters: John, the eldest, and Elizabeth died in this county; Daniel died in Lancaster County, Penn., and David died in Illinois; Benjamin and Michael reside in Illinois; Mary, Mrs. Isaac Showalter, of Illinois; Ann, Mrs. W. E. Weber, of Indiana. Our subject was born November 23, 1827, in Lancaster County, Penn., where he received his early training. Upon the removal of his father to Illinois he purchased his present home, and has since been engaged in general farming. In 1879 he was elected county commissioner, which position he filled for three years. He has always been identified with public affairs connected with his township, filling nearly all the local offices. He married Miss Mattie, daughter of Jacob Bixler, of Shenango Township, and by this marriage they had four children: Benjamin, who married Mary Mus sellman, and resides in Lancaster County; Abraham, died May 29, 1864; Samuel W. and Nancy J., died in 1864. Samuel W. married Miss Lydia M. Cowden, daughter of I. Cowden, Esq., and resides on the homestead with his father.

JAMES P. BYERS, farmer, post-office Pulaski, Penn., is a son of John and Jane (Porter) Byers, and grandson of William Byers, the first sheriff of Mercer County. The father of our subject was a native of this county, and a farmer by occupation; was active in county affairs; served as commissioner one term, being elected in 1849, and was also justice of the peace for many years. He died in 1851, his wife surviving him till 1871. They had nine children: Isabella, Mrs. Josiah Gibson; William, deceased; J. P., John T., Walter D., Mary J., Mrs. Ebenezer McFarland; Ebenezer, Esther, Ellen, Mrs. Peter West, of Albion, N. Y. Our subject was born in May, 1828, and received his education in the public schools of the township. Mr. Byers enlisted in August, 1861, in Company B, One Hundredth Pennsylvania Volunteers, his regiment being known as the "Roundheads," being so named from the fact that the members were nearly all descendants of Scotch families, who were followers of Cromwell. Mr. Byers followed the fortunes of his regiment for three years, and participated in the following engagements: Port Royal, Port Royal Ferry, James Island, second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fred-

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

ericksburg and Weldon R. R. While in the service Mr. Byers contracted the small-pox, which has resulted in depriving him of his hearing. Our subject is engaged in general farming. He was married February 2, 1857, to Miss Eliza J. McMillin, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Hulse) McMillin, of Beaver County, Penn. By this union they have had eight children, of whom five are living: Ellen F., John P., married Tilla Pomroy, and has two children, Harvey and a daughter; William W., Eliza A. and Hattie B. Mr. Byers is a member of the G. A. R., and a good, enterprising citizen.

WILLIAM BYERS and his wife, Jane (Kincaid) Byers, natives of Adams County, Penn., settled in 1797 near the site of Georgetown, Mercer County. He was born September 6, 1767, and died January 3, 1844, at Pulaski, Law- rence County. He was the first sheriff of Mercer County, and after complet ing his term of office removed to Pulaski, and in 1834 received the appoint ment of postmaster, it being the first for that place. He had ten children, of whom three are, living: James, of Iowa; Mary, Mrs. Andrew Morrison, of this county, and Ebenezer Wiley, who was born at Pulaski in 1816, and sub- sequently removed to his present place of residence in Shenango Township. He married, in 1841, Hannah, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Bebout) Mc- Clain, of Lackawannock Township, and by this marriage they have had ten children, six of whom are living: Sarah A., Mrs. J. D. Porter, of this town- ship; Addie, Esther, John W. and Carrie, at home, and Maggie, Mrs. J. M. McFarland, of Mercer County. John W. was born at Pulaski in 1856, and was educated in the common schools, completing his education at Wilmington College. He subsequently taught school, and afterward engaged in farming. He was elected, in 1883, justice of the peace for his township, which position he now fills. He married, in 1880, Miss Anna, daughter of James Reddle, of Butler County. They have two children: Wiley and Helen A.

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History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 113

Author: Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1288

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288