History of the County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 154

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But little skill or judgment-truly no judgment at all-was shown in the laying out of the place and in making provision for the comfort and convenience of the subsequent inhabitants. The lots were measured and numbered for an equal frontage along the turn- pike, and a place left for two roads to cross the main street. There was no provision for streets to run parallel with the main street, nor for alleys either to run at angles or parallel with the street. The result was that when it began to be built up it speedily bore

The borough of Youngstown was incorporated by the Assembly by act of 2d of April, 1831. The in -. habitants entitled to vote there were empowered to vote for the borough officers at an election to be held at the house of John Gibson, on or before the first | the appearance of one of those peculiar American

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villages which were erected only for the exigencies of the turnpike travel. The street was wide and long, and at convenient distances were large spaces belong- ing to the tavern, and which was a part of the "tav- ern stand," called the "stand" or "yard," for the convenience of the road wagons or coaches.

Of the citizens of a later date were Alexander Johnston, Esq., James Keenan, Esq., Judah Case, John Coulter, John Head, Daniel Bonbright, Dr. John McGirr, Sr., Dr. George Felix, James Mehan, George Lehmar, and others, the most of whom have descendants whose names are familiar in all the active walks of life, in both local and metropoli- tan circles. Notice has been elsewhere taken of many of these personages or of their families. One family name, however, has not been adverted to, namely, that of Bonbright, but the celebrity of the firms of Hood, Bonbright & Co., and of Buhler, Bonbright & Co., wholesale merchants of Philadel- phia, is so wide and pre-eminent in the commercial centres of the United States that we need not more than make mention of it as we recall the fact that the active heads of these respective firms-the Bon- brights, James and George-are two of the sons of this Daniel, one of the earliest of the country mer- chants in this old-time village, where they them- selves received their early schooling and business training.

At that time Youngstown was the centre for busi- ness of certain kinds for a radius of ten miles round. There was then no Latrobe, no railroad; there were no country stores at convenient distances, besides mills and blacksmith-shops, as now. No comparison can justly be made between any point of its size and the corresponding amount of business done, for no com- parison can aptly be made. The number of those dependent upon the interests of the place, the nature of this dependence, the relative volume of traffic and the relative value of money are elements that go to make up the disparity to which we have adverted.

The present Youngstown, although not in numbers so great as the former Youngstown, has no remote idea of going backward. Its situation is everything to be desired. The country surrounding is improving and getting yearly a higher standard of refinement and comfort. It is within convenient distance of the railroad, and as its citizens work harmoniously with the people of the surrounding section, whose interests and wants are mutual, we may reasonably expect far more solid and durable evidence of material pros- perity evidenced.

PLEASANT UNITY.

The village of Pleasant Unity was formerly called Buzzard's Town, taking its name from a family of Buzzards descended from John Buzzard, an old settler who owned the land upon which most of the vil- lage is built. The name is now written Bossart. The place differs not much from other country villages,

but lying in the midst of a fine agricultural region, which is also underlaid with coal, its prospects are good. Coal is being mined for coking purposes within a mile of the place, and several projected railroads pass within easy distance. Its inhabitants are favor- ably known for their morals, thrift, and material pros- perity. Good schools have always abounded in this section. It has several churches, and the sentiment of the people is decidedly in favor of temperance.

UNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Unity Church is situated a mile and a half west of Latrobe and eight miles east of Greensburg, only a few perches from the Pennsylvania Railroad, on the north side. It is among the oldest church organiza- tion in Western Pennsylvania. There is no record of its formal organization so far as is known. It is probable that it was gathered by the Rev. James Powers during his first visit to Western Pennsylvania, in 1774. The original warrant for the land held by the trustees is dated March 1, 1774, and was taken in the name of Robert Hanna, Andrew Allison, and John Sloan "for the erection of a meeting-house and for a burying-ground for the Presbyterian congregation of Unity, under the care of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia." Thus it is now one hundred and eight years since a congregation was gathered on this ground and named Unity, and placed on the list of churches in connection with the Eastern Synod. On the strength of the date found in the land-warrant its centennial anniversary was duly celebrated in the year 1874, in connection with the dedication of the present house of worship.

During its one hundred and eight years of existence this church has had seven pastors and two stated sup- plies. Rev. James Powers preached as stated supply for more or less of the time during the first fifteen years. In 1790, Mr. John McPherrin was ordained and installed as the first pastor, from which relation he was released in 1800. Rev. John Black preached as stated supply for two years following, when death ended his labors. Rev. William Speer became pastor in 1803, and continued in this relation till 1829, when he was released on account of failing health only nineteen days before his death. Mr. Robert Henry was ordained and installed pastor in 1830, and con- tinued in that relation until his death, in 1889. Rev. Peter Hassinger was pastor from 1839 till 1844. In 1846, Mr. George Morton was ordained and installed pastor, and in 1848 was released. Rev. Noah Hal- leck Gillett was installed in 1849 and continued pas- tor till 1868, when, on account of failing health, he was released, only three months before his death. The present pastor, Rev. Daniel W. Townsend, was installed in 1869.

Until the year 1839 Unity and Greensburg were united in one pastoral charge, each occupying one- half time. Since then Unity has supported a minis- ter for the whole of his time. With the exception of

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& period of about fifteen years this church has en- joyed mainterrupted peace and prosperity. During the unhappy agitation which led to the division of the Presbyterian Church into Old and New School, the spirit of controversy arose here and spread and waxed hotter and hotter until it culminated in di- vision. About thirteen families withdrew from the church and erected a house of worship within hear- ing distance of the old house, where they maintained separate worship under different pastors and supplies for the space of twelve or fifteen years. But gradu- ally the diesension was healed and preaching in the New School Church was discontinued. Then the members returned to their old connection, and all marks of a second church were obliterated and Unity was naited again.

The immediate author of this division was one William Norman McLeod, a licentiate of the Re- formed Presbyterian Presbytery of Pittsburg, but of doubtful ecclesiastical standing and of suspicious morals. He was an eloquent and persuasive public speaker, and for a while held his followers spell- bound; but not long, for as soon as his real character as a man was known he was compelled to leave the field.

The agent called of God to restore harmony and good feeling among the people was Rev. Mr. Gillett. He "came to the kingdom for such a time as this." Dr. Donaldson, in his "History of the Churches of Blairsville Presbytery," says, "Brother Gillett was a man of ardent temperament, large heart, tongue touched with fire from the altar of God, and whole soul alive to his office work. He could not only preach warmly and pray fervently, but, what is of no small account, could even sing religion into the melt- ing souls of his people. God created, endowed, and enabled him to quiet commotions, soothe sensitive- pees, oil wounds, and heal divisions at Unity."

Four houses of worship have been successively built by this congregation. The first was a mere shel- ter for the preacher, called "Proctor's Tent." The second was a log building, square-shaped at first, but afterwards enlarged by the addition of the length of a log to two sides. The third was a large brick edifice erected about 1830. The fourth and present is a brick edifice, erected in 1874, and is substantial, neat, complete in its finish, and " beautiful for situ- ation." Together with the ground on which it stands, and which is included within the picket-fence, it is estimated at $12,000. The congregation owns the farmn, first taken by warrant in 1775, containing seventy acres and in good condition, the land being well cultivated, and having on it an elegant house of worship, a par- ponage and stable, sexton's house and barn, both new, a large and flourishing orchard, and cemetery of eight acres. The church and cemetery are held and man- aged by the same board of trustees under special charter.

Most of the families now connected with this church

are descendants of the original settlers in this com- munity, and of those who were united with it in its organization and early history. In 1768, Wm. Greer, an Irish Presbyterian, settled on a farm one mile from the location of the church. The farm has been owned by his descendants ever since, and is now owned and occupied by a great-grandson, Samuel H. Miller. The date of Mr. Greer's settlement is perhaps the earliest in the immediate community. Then we have the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the Hunters, Georges, Baldridges, Mullons, Larimers, Sloans, Fletchers, Allisons, Smiths, Tittles, all of whom were among the first gathered into the church. Some names of prominence in the formative period of the church have disappeared altogether. Both name and kin are gone. Col. John Proctor, Judge Robert Hanna, the venerable William Findley, John Morrison, and Archibald Lochry were active and useful members and supporters there, but have no representatives among us now.

At first the territorial extent of Unity was without boundary, except that of distance, which placed it beyond access to the inhabitants of the county. But in course of time other organizations of a like order narrowed the field. Still the population of the com- munity increasing rapidly furnished additional ma- terial, and the church grew until its membership exceeded three hundred.

In these latter days it has suffered a very consider- able curtailment. The railroad drew from the turn- pike its prestige and patronage, and stunted the growth and crippled the business interests of the villages which had sprung up and flourished beside it. Youngstown has lost most of its Presbyterian families, and is still losing more, whilst Latrobe has increased in population, having become the busi- ness centre of the community. In 1852, Unity built a branch chapel for the accommodation of the Pres- byterian people residing there and in her communion, in which the pastor preached regularly. But in 1869 a separate organization was granted them, which in a few months took from the roll of Unity one hundred and fifty or more members.

Besides these geographical and ecclesiastical changes the Protestant portion of the population has greatly decreased until it does not include more than one- half of the families, a fact which limits the congre- gation. But this church is substantial and vigorous notwithstanding, and keeps on her way harmoniously. Her families are mostly well-to-do farmers, owning their farms and having considerable money besides. All the equipments necessary for her use are provided and in good condition, so that, whilst the materials for her increase in numerical strength are limited, no flag of distress is held out.

During the past thirteen years there has been an addition to the membership of one hundred and thirty, mostly on profession of faith, an average of ten per year. $30,000 have been expended for house

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and $6000 for benevolent purposes. "But," in the language of her present worthy pastor, "there are other marks of prosperity. We may count the mem- bers brought into the church and add up the figures that tell of the amount contributed to the spread of the gospel, but this is but a meagre reckoning of her real character and usefulness, since there are so many influences unseen and outside of all statistics which have gone forth from her midst to make glad the city of our God. It may be justly claimed for Unity that her families have been appre- ciative patrons of education, perhaps to a degree not excelled by any other farming community in West- ern Pennsylvania. Many of her sons have creditable standing in the various learned professions, whilst others are educated farmers and business men, and not a few of her daughters are educated mothers or teachers. The example of the fathers has not been lost upon their children, for the creditable custom of giving their sons and daughters an academic or colle- giate education is still kept up.

" A history of a Presbyterian Church that would omit to mention the eldership would be very imper- fect. It is not the place in a brief historical sketch to insert extended biographies, but the elder's office in this church has been held by a succession of noble, godly, efficient men, of whom she is justly proud, and whose names belong to. her history as patrons and pillars of the truth. The names of the first alders, elected some time before 1782, are John Moore, William Waddell, Andrew Allison, and Bamuel Coulter. The time appointed for their or- dination was July 18, 1782, but news of the burning of Hannastown broke up the meeting, and no record can be found of their induction into office.

" The next elders were elected during the pastorate of Rev. John McPherrin. They were Andrew Larimer, William Barnes, William B. Findley, Robert Marshall, John Morrison, and James Mont- gomery. Findley was a talented and leading public man, being for many years a representative, and for a while a senator in the Congress of the United States. He was a good man and a faithful elder. Andrew Larimer and John Morrison were pre-emi- Dent among their brethren for faith and prayer.

"In the time of Rev. William Speer, Joseph Bald- ridge, David Larimer (son of Andrew), Walter Fer- gason, John Sloan, John Taylor, and Edward Smith were ordained elders. In the time of Rev. Robert Henry, Hamilton Beatty, Elias Peterson, James Ful- ton, and Charles Mclaughlin came into office. Of two of these the writer can speak from personal knowledge. Hamilton Beatty and Charles Mc- Laughlin were active, humble, firm, and efficient elders. In the time of Rev. Peter Hassinger, James Bell, Samuel Miller, and John McRight were or- dained. They were all worthy and spiritual men. Mr. Miller was a man of strong character, active and · Acient in his office work up to the last. Consci-

entious and judicious, his counsel was sought and prised by his associates 'in office, and mostly decided any doubtful or debated question. During the pas- torate of Rev. Mr. Gillett, Alexander B. Gilmore, James Nichols, and James Douglass were ordained. Mr. Gilmore was a good man and a good elder. Mr. Nichols and Mr. Douglass have been elders in Latrobe Church since its organization.

"During the present pastorate the following persons have been ordained, viz., William Larimer, George Smith, John T. Mclaughlin, Archibald Fletcher, Faq., and more recently Robert Sloan and James Crawford, all of whom, except Mr. Smith, now a resi- dent of Kansas, constitute the present board of elders. If a full and correct personal history of the men who have held spiritual rule in this congregation could be written, it would be seen that the great majority of them have been intelligent, wise, and efficient office- bearers in God's house and holy men of God.

"It is not appropriate nor possible in a condensed sketch to present anything but simple facts and accu- rate data. There is no room to moralize or philoso- phize. Details must be withheld. Therefore the history of Unity Church, covering a period of one hundred and eight years, is written."

REFORMED CHURCH.

In the latter part of the eighteenth century the tide of emigration carried a large number of Reformed families over the Alleghenies into Westmoreland County, many of whom settled along the Loyal- hanna and its tributaries in the direction of Greens- burg and Mount Pleasant. These were visited by Rev. John William Weber in his missionary travels, who preached in different settlements, and organized congregations wherever it was thought advisable. He prepared the way for Rev. William Weinel, who served this church prior to 1820. When Rev. N. P. Hacke, D.D., came here, May 13, 1821, he found a church and a congregation of worshipers. At his first communion in that month the following mem- bers partook : Jacob Eiserman, John Brindle, John George Brindle, Jacob Biegfriet, Joseph Smith, Dan- iel Bonbright, Veronica Brindle, Magdalena Siedler, Philip Shiry, John Knight, Jacob Bott, Catherine Bott, Christena Smith, Elizabeth Kuhns, Eliza Pol- lins, Esther Nicely. The first child he baptized was Christena Bott, now the wife of Jacob Brinker, of Latrobe. Dr. Hacke was succeeded in 1881 by Rev. Adam Boyer, who held but one communion, Novem- ber 13th. Then followed several years without a reg- ular pastor. Rev. H. E. F. Voight took charge in the spring of 1833, and continued until 1859. In this year Rev. Christian C. Russell began his labors, siding Mr. Voight, but gradually he assumed entire charge of the work. He remained until 1863, and during his pastorate confirmed fifty-five catechumens. Rev. E. D. Shoemaker was the next pastor, and held his first communion May 29, 1864. On his resigna-

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JOHN W. JOHNSTON.

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tion, Rev. C. C. Russell was called the second time, and entered upon his work Ang. 1, 1867. He labored until a reconstruction of charges made it desirable for him to resign, and J. I. Swander, June 1, 1870, entered upon the pestorate of the Latrobe charge, of which Youngstown then became a part. In 1874 a lot on Main Street was purchased, on which a neat and substantial frame edifice was erected. The building committee consisted of George Frits, Jacob Brindle, and Jacob Smith. On May 16th of same year the corner-stone was laid, the pastor being assisted by Beva. Townsend and Spargrove, of the Presbyterian Church. On September 19th following it was dedi- cated, when Rev. George B. Russell, D.D., preached the sermon and assisted the pastor in the ceremonies. The first edifice, a log structure, stood for nearly sixty years. When Rev. J. I. Swander entered upon his pastorate the Consistory was: Elders, George Frita, Jacob Brindle; deacons, Joseph Smith, Zach- ary Fritz, Benjamin Showers. During Mr. Swander's first six years he confirmed forty-five persons, and by his carnest labors secured the erection of its tasteful edifice.

ST. LUKE'S CHURCH.

The following petition, with the names of the male signers attached thereto, will explain the origin of St. Luke's congregation at Pleasant Unity :

"XovEMBER 17, 1800.

"We, the waderiigard members of St. Paul's congregation, feeling camelves aggrieved by the decision of its Conelstory, which decision was confrased by s congregational meeting, beid on the 13th of November, 1800, bereby give notice that we intend to complain to the Classis of Westmereinad of the German Reformed Church of said decision, and cubusit as the grenad of car complaint, that some of the members of the Ceeststory did not understand the nature of our request, which was for Jeglich Barviens every fourth Sunday. We are fully satisfied that what we regessted is demanded by the interests of religion and the welfare of our Beloved Zien. And we farther give notice that if our request in denied, we will seek for permission to organise a congregation in Piees- est Unity, with a view of having it stand in connection with Mount Pleasant charge.

"Adam Bair, John Weaver, John Welty, George Barnhart, Dr. Thomas H. Misker, Jacob Huffman, Henry Gress, Henry Herr, John Helam.

"George Bair, Henry Smith, George Fisher, Jacob Porking, John Fiscus, John P. Fisons, Charles Ficous, John A. Fisher, descons."

The Classis, in February, 1861, finding it impossible to supply the want, granted the privilege of a new congregation, which was organized June 5, 1862, with about forty members. Adam Bair and John Weaver were elected elders, and Dr. Thomas H. Brinker, George Bair, Henry Grees, and Henry Smith deacons.

. The new church edifice was completed in 1861, and dedicated Jan. 1, 1862, by services conducted by Revs. G. B. Russell, D.D., H. E. F. Voight, and C. C. Rus- sell. It was made a part of Latrobe charge. Rev. C. C. Russell was pastor until May 1, 1864, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. E. D. Shoe- .maker. He remained until 1867, when it was asso- ciated with itself only, and Rev. C. C. Russell became pastor again. He remained until Latrobe became-a

part of the charge, and then (1869) resigned. In 1870, Rev. J. I. Swander became pastor. George Welty gave a lot for a parsonage adjoining the church. This congregation has sent forth two Reformed ministers, Revs. T. F .. Stauffer and J. B. Welty. Among the original members deceased are George Barnhart, John Fiscus, John Welty, Henry Herr, John Helam, and Charles Fiscus. All the first off- cers are yet living, except Henry Smith. Joseph C. Stauffer wasa long-time Sunday-school superintendent. Among the late elders were Adam Bair, Dr. Thomas H. Brinker, and George A. Bair; and deacons, George Fisher, Michael Fisher, and J. Cressinger. The mem- bership is over one hundred communicants, and about an equal number of baptized children.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

COL. JOHN WILLIAMS JOHNSTON.

John W. Johnston, the ninth son of Alexander Johnston, Esq., deceased, of Kingston House, on the Loyalhanna, in Unity township, whose biography is given in another department of this work preceding this, was born at the homestead of his father on the, 22d of May, 1820. His father removing to Greens- burg in a few years thereafter, the first schooling he received was in the county town, which at that time offered superior advantages for a good and substantial education. About the time he attained his majority he entered into the mercantile business in Clarion County, Pa., in which he continued about one year, when he came back to Kingston. He remained here on the farm a short time, when, being appointed deputy sheriff under Michael Hays, he removed again to Greensburg. He continued in this capacity from 1848 to 1846. In 1846, the war with Mexico occur- ring, he volunteered in the company raised in the county for service, called the " Westmoreland Guards," and was unanimously elected its captain. As its com- manding officer, his public services in that campaign are so identified with the services of the company that to give one would be to give the other from ne- cessity. In the chapter on the Mexican war in this work will be found an extended and detailed account of the services of the "Guards" in the campaign under Scott.

After the close of the war Capt. Johnston engaged in the wholesale grocery business in Pittsburgh, but not continuing any length of time in this calling he left it, when he became a contractor in the construc- tion of the Allegheny Valley Railroad. On this road he continued for some two years, when he took a more extensive contract in the construction of the Iron Mountain Railroad in Missouri. On this road he was engaged for five years.

Returning to Pennsylvania in 1858, he remained at

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Kingston House until the breaking out of the civil war. On the first call for volunteers he enlisted with his neighbors in the company raised about Youngs- town for three months' service. He asked for no office, but the outspoken choice of his comrades, with whom he was personally acquainted, for their cap- tain was for him. As captain of Company G, Four- teenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, he took the command to Harrisburg, where they were sworn into service, and where the regimental officers were elected. On the organization of the regiment he was made its colonel.

This regiment was attached to Gen. Patterson's command, which had control of the Shenandoah Val- ley. The only place in which this army was engaged in this campaign was at Falling Waters, and here the Fourteenth first manifested that soldierly bearing which they afterwards sustained on many hard-fought fields in various commande.

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History of the County of Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, with Biographical Sketches of Many of its Pioneers and Prominent Men, Part 154

Author: George Dallas Albert, editor Publication date: Publisher: Number of Pages:

Author: George Dallas Albert, editor
Publication date:
Publisher:
Number of Pages: