History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics, Part 43

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1320

USA > Pennsylvania > McKean County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Potter County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Elk County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 43
USA > Pennsylvania > Cameron County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 43

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).

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recover his lost fortunes. He had often viewed the hills and vales of Mckean county, Penn., with a strong suspicion that they held beneath them a vast lake of petroleum, only waiting to yield up its wealth to the pioneer who should tap it. Now, in a spirit of desperation, almost, he determined to test his ideas with the drill. He had leased and purchased about 14.000 acres of territory, without a cent of money. The people had confidence in him, trusted in his ability to pay, and never questioned his honor. He commenced operations in this field July 28, 1875, his first well being at Toad Hollow, on what was known as the Tibbets farm, about two miles south of the city of Bradford. This well opened up at a rate of forty barrels per day. and not only proved of vast financial importance to him, enabling him to wipe out every cent of debt, and accumulate a handsome fortune, but it virtually opened up the greatest oil territory the world has ever seen. His wealth piled up, and each year saw acres of territory falling into his possession, until over 500 wells were pouring their wealth into his store-house. In thus entering such a vast under- taking without money, the firm of Eaton, Cole Burnham Company, of New York, proved great friends to him. They gave him unlimited credit, though he was a bankrupt. They realized that a man who had gone down two or three times, and as often come out of the ordeal with honor unstained. would not long remain down, and so it proved. In 1878 he was elected by the peo- ple of Mckean county to represent them in the general assembly, where, in the session of 1879, he took such a warm and untiring interest in the wants of the oil country, that the people returned him to the legislature, in 1880, with credentials of a senatorship. During his sitting in the lower house of the legislature, he manifested an independence of spirit in political labor similar to that which had always characterized his action elsewhere. While he did not object to the party caucus, he would follow no leader whom he suspected of packing the caucus, either by purchase or the party lash. He ever advocated the most frank and honest dealing where the rights of the people came into the question; and never could reconcile the mandates of packed caucuses with either frankness, honesty or honor. It was for this reason that he refused to go into the senatorial caucus of 1879. At that time the Republican party was being wielded by and for the interests of a few individuals, and the "gag" rule and caucus packing were two of their favorite instruments to carry on their plans. The continuation of these practices led to the memorable sena- torial dead-lock in the legislature in 1881, when fifty-six Republicans remained out of the party caucus, many refusing to be tied to Galusha A. Grow for the United States senatorship, and this action ultimately resulted in the election of Hon. John I. Mitchell, and was followed a year later by the three-cornered fight for the gubernatorial chair, by Hon. John Stewart, Robert E. Pattison and James A. Beaver. He was re-elected to the State senate from the Twenty- fifth district, in 1884. by a largely increased majority. In the same year he was chosen delegate-at large to represent the State of Pennsylvania in the National Republican Convention, that convened at Chicago, June 19, and was in attendance during the memorable contest which ended in the nomination of James G. Blaine and John A. Logan. He was a warm advocate of Mr. Blaine's nomination, and an ardent supporter of him in the election that fol- lowed. In 1886 he was a candidate for congress from the Sixteenth district, and again in'1888 from the Twenty-fourth district, but both times was compelled to yield his claim, because of the rotation system so determinedly clung to in that part of the State. During his ten years of public service he was unflag- ging in his opposition to the tendency of corporate monopolies and trusts to prostitute their rights to private purposes, and the crushing out of fair compe-

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tition. In this direction he was the recognized leader of the anti-monopolists, and, though tempted to withdraw his opposition to the monopolists, by pros- pects of ample financial returns in the way of business facilities, he consist- ently stuck to his principles, and refused to be cajoled in any manner. In 1879 he went to Europe, and made a thorough investigation of the oil fields of the Baku region in Russia, to learn, if possible, what its competition with American oil would ever attain. In 1881 he made a second visit to Europe, this time traveling through France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Greece, and up the Nile 1,000 miles, as far as the second cataract. He has also traveled ex- tensively in this country, and in the Canadian provinces, and has equipped himself with a vast store of general information as to the needs and capability of the country. While traveling he was always a keen observer and a pains- taking student of the men and things he met. He is a man of broad views, a ready reasoner and most determined in execution. His philanthropic work, while it has been very extensive, has been directed in a modest and unostenta- tions manner, and many are the institutions and private personages who have felt the influence of his quiet beneficence. In his personal habits, as in his public actions, he is plain and unpretentious. His home life is one of domestic peace and happiness, and furnishes him a harbor from the labors of business and public service, to which he always hies with pleasure unfeigned. His public spirit, coupled with a firm conviction that the rights of the common people must be sustained against the encroachment of individual or corporate gain, has made him an object of admiration among the people, and one to whom they have always shown a readiness to entrust their welfare. He is now engaged in the production and refining of petroleum on a very extensive scale in Bradford, McKean Co., Penn. ; merchant flour-milling in Three Rivers. Mich. ; has large wheat land interests in Northern Dakota, and is lumber mill- ing in Farmers, Rowan Co., Ky., and is owner of a large oil well and general supply store in Bradford, MeKean Co., Penn.

J. B. FARREL, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Erie county, N. Y., April 8, 1844, a son of Robert and Mary (Wells) Farrel, natives also of the Empire State, and of Scotch-Irish descent. He remained at home until after the breaking out of the Rebellion, when, in 1861, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Sixteenth New York Volunteer Infantry. He was dis- charged in 1863 on account of wounds received in battle, which incapacitated him for active service. Soon after his return home he came to the lower oil fields of Pennsylvania, and drilled wells at Petroleum Centre, remaining in that vicinity until 1876, when he removed to Bradford, where he has since lived, owning a number of wells near the city. He has been a successful business man, is one of the leading citizens of Bradford, and has served as a member of the select council. He is a Republican in politics.

JOSEPH FISCHER, of the firm of L. A. Fischer & Co., wholesale and re- tail grocers, Bradford, is a native of Alsace, Germany, born February IS. 1857, the youngest of seven children of Anthony and Catherine Fischer, for- mer of whom died in 1869; latter still living on the old homestead in Germany. Joseph was reared in his native country, and there received a good common- school edneation. After coming to America he took a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College, Buffalo, N. Y. In 1880 he came to Bradford and clerked for his brother in a wholesale and retail grocery busi- ness, continning in that capacity until 1884, when he was admitted to the firm as a partner. This firm have a large retail trade, giving employment to thir- teen men and three delivery wagons. Mr. Fischer was married in Buffalo, April 11, 1888, to Miss Lucy A. Diebolt, daughter of George A. Diebolt, a

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prominent boot and shoe merchant of Buffalo. In politics Mr. Fischer is a Re- publican. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church, and he is treas- urer of the Catholic Benevolent Legion.

JOHN FLANAGAN, dealer in oil well supplies, Bradford, Penn., was born in Ireland, in 1850, a son of John and Bridget (Kelly) Flanagan. His parents came to the United States in 1851, and settled in Armstrong county, Penn., where the father died April 7, 1864, and where the mother still lives. Left fatherless at an early age, the subject of our sketch was obliged to rely on his own exertions, and began working in the mines, which he continued until 1883. He then came to Bradford, where for a few months he worked at plumbing; then opened a junk shop, and has been successful in that line of trade, also handling a full line of oil well supplies. Mr. Flanagan was mar- ried April 24, 1873, at Brady's Bend, Penn., to Anna, daughter of Manasseh Boyle, and they have eight children: Anna, Mary, John, James, M. J., Rosella, Stephen and William. Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan are members of the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Republican.

LEONARD SAMPSON FOSTER, deceased, was a native of Townsend, Mass., born March 25, 1792. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and he a soldier in the war of 1812. He was one of a family of twelve children, who were noted for their longevity. His mother lived to be over one hundred years old, and two brothers lived to be ninety, and one sister to the age of eighty-three years. Mr. Foster moved with his family to MeKean county, Penn., in 1827, and settled in what was afterward Foster township, the same having been named in his honor. He first embarked in the lumber business, but afterward devoted his attention to agriculture. He died at his residence at Foster Brook, June 13, 1882, in the ninety first year of his age. March 27, 1817, he married, at Watertown, N. Y., Miss Betsy Hinds. and they spent together a happy married life of over sixty five years. They had a family of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy. One son, A. G., laid down his life for his country during the war of the Rebellion. Seven of their children and over thirty grandchildren are now living.

HON. C. H. FOSTER, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., September 5, 1826, a son of L. S. and Betsy (Hinds) Foster, his father a native of Massachusetts and his mother of Vermont, of English de- scent. In 1827 his parents moved to McKean county and made this their home the rest of their lives. The father died June 13, 1882. He was a prominent man in the county, and Foster Brook and Foster township were named in his honor. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. C. H. Foster was the third born in his parents' family. He was reared on his father's farm, attending the dis- trict school, and early in life embarked in the lumber business on his own ac- count, which he continued until 1872, and since then has been largely engaged in the oil producing business. In 1845 Mr. Foster married Miss Euphemia Sni- der, daughter of William Snider. She died in 1867, leaving five children: Charles C., C. M. (of Michigan), C. H. (of Findlay, Ohio). Effie (wife of Otis Kingsbury) and Emma E. (wife of L. A. Smith. ) In 1870 he married Evaline A., daughter of John F. Melvin, Mr. Foster is a Republican in politics and

has held different positions of trust. He has served his town as school director and treasurer, his county as treasurer one term of three years, and as auditor one term of three years, and in 1877 and 1878 was a member of the State legis- lature. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity. His brother, Capt. A. G. Foster, was a member of the Pennsylvania Bucktail Regiment dur- ing the war of the Rebellion, and after a service of three years and three days was killed at the battle of the Wilderness.

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A. T. FOSTER, farmer, P. O. Custer City, was born in Bradford township, McKean Co., Penn., February 28, 1841. His father, Ephraim Foster, was a na- tive of Onondaga county, N. Y., and married Miss Lydia Bliss, who was born in the State of Vermont. Orange county, but moved to New York State with her parents when a child. About 1836 they came to MeKean county and purchased a farm in Bradford township and engaged in farming and lumbering. The father and mother are still residing in Bradford township, although retired from active life. Ten children were reared by them, eight of whom are still living: David B. (of California). Mary Etta (wife of Patrick Shady, of Panama, N. Y. ). Noah (of Chautauqua county, N. Y.), A. T., Ulissa (wife of A. J. Brooks, of Guf- fey, Penn.), Willard G. (of Bradford township), Augustus (of Michigan) and Eugene (of Bradford township). A. T. Foster received a common-school edu- cation, and has principally followed farming and lumbering. In 1861 he mar- ried Miss Ellen R., daughter of G. W. Watrous, of Lafayette township, and to them have been born eight children: Elvira (wife of G. W. Dieter, of Cat- taraugus county, N. Y.), Alice (wife of Donald Kidd, of Potter county, Penn.), Alida, Elmer. Lulu. Laura. Charles and Olive. Mr. Foster has always been identified with the Republican party. He and family are members of the United Brethren Church.

NELSON M. FRANCIS, oil producer, Custer City, was born in Chautau- qua county, N. Y., February 8, 1836. His father, Paul Francis, was a native of England and a currier by trade. He immigrated to America in 1830 and married, in Chautauqua county, N. Y., Mrs. Polly Willoughby, formerly Miss Polly Boss; he was married three times. He died in 1887. Nelson was the only child reared to maturity. He was educated in Chautauqua county, N. Y., and remained there until eighteen years of age. In 1854 he went to Belle- vue, Wis., where he taught school during the winter and worked on a farm during the summer, until 1861, when he enlisted in the Eighth Wisconsin, Company H, served thirteen months, and on account of sickness was honorably discharged. He then located near Forestville, Chautauqua Co., N. Y .. where he engaged in farming and dairying until 1869, and then for one and one- half years followed the butter and cheese business at the same place. In 1871 he went to Petroleum Centre, and in partnership with Mr. J. Hurlbert pur- chased the Mcclintock House, which they conducted for about two years. Since that time Mr. Francis has been engaged in oil producing in Venango county, Penn. In 1877 he came to McKean county and has since resided at Custer City, operating from twelve to thirty-five wells most of the time. Since 1882 he has been a member of the Bradford Rock Glycerine Com- pany. is a member of the Ohio Rock Glycerine Company, of Lima, Ohio, and is also a member of the firm known as the Western Drilling Company. In 1858 he married Miss Tyrella M., daughter of Edward and Tyrella (Blair) Durand, of Ohio, and they have four children: Edward Paul. Nelson Thornton, Egbert Earl and Grace Louise. Mr. Francis is a member of Hanover Lodge, No. 152, F. & A. M., and of the A. O. U. W. of Custer City, also of Post 141, G. A. R., and Iron Hall of Custer City; politically he is a Democrat, and for nine years has been school director of Bradford township.

D. U. FRASER, watchman for the Erie Railroad at the Elm street cross- ing. Bradford, is the oldest railroad man in the employ of the Erie Road at Bradford. He carried the chain in the survey of the road, then worked on its construction, and when the road was completed was appointed baggage mas- ter at Bradford, holding that position until 1887, when he resigned and was appointed watchman at Elm street. This is a post of great responsibility, and one that few could fill, even if they desired it. Mr. Fraser has been in the

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employ of the Erie Company for over a quarter of a century, and is one of their most reliable men. He was born in Scotland in 1832, a son of Alexan- der B. and Margaret Fraser, being the eldest of six children. When twenty- four years old (in 1856) he left his native country, and as the ship that brought them across the ocean was leaving port, the bells were ringing in the town and the people were rejoicing at the glad tidings of the close of the Crimean war, and the proclamation of peace. He landed in New York City, where he re- mained a few months, and in 1857 came to Bradford. Mr. Fraser was married at Forestville, N. Y., in 1858, to Ann Mckenzie, a native of Scotland, and they have one child, Margaret. Mr. Fraser is a Republican in his political views.

F. F. FRENCH, dealer in nitro-glycerine and torpedoes, Bradford, was born in Allegany county, N. Y., September 4, 1854, a son of Sanford and Usley (Holdridge) French, natives of New York and Vermont, respectively. He remained in his native county until 1876, when he came to Bradford and was here employed in the oil fields. Later he bought a lease and began to op- erate for himself. In 1878 he became associated with Mr. Gormley, and has since been engaged in his present business. In politics he votes with the Democratic party, but is in no sense a politician, devoting his entire attention to his business interests.

G. GARDELLA, restaurateur, Bradford, is the proprieter of a first-class fruit and confectionery establishment. He started in business in Bradford in 1878 in a small way, has been successful and now carries a good stock, and well merits the patronage he receives. Mr. Gardella was born in sunny Italy, March 10, 1849, a son of Stephen Gardella, and on his father's farm he spent his youth. On coming to the United States he located in New York City, and the same year went to Cincinnati, Ohio, but remained there only a short time. Returning to New York City, he was employed for a time on the Brooklyn bridge, and then began business for himself by keeping a fruit stand. In 1873 he went to Middletown, Conn., where he continued in the fruit business until his removal to Bradford. Mr. Gardella was married in Italy to Mary Gar- della, and they have five children: Rosa Ella, Amelia, Anna, Andrew and Lewis. In politics Mr. Gardella is a Republican. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.

CHAUNCEY W. GARDNER, chief train dispatcher for the Erie Railroad at Bradford, was born in Otsego County, N. Y., March 13, 1838, a son of War- ren and Clarissa (Cooley) Gardner, who were of Scotch and English descent, respectively. His father, who was a contractor and bridge builder, lost his life on the Erie Railroad in 1859, leaving a family of two sons and one daughter. Chauncey W. Gardner was reared in his native county, and was given a good education. Early in life he learned telegraphy, and then went into a railroad office as telegraph operator and clerk, and by the faithful performance of his duties was steadily promoted until he became superintendent of the Susque- hanna, Buffalo & Rochester Divisions of the Erie Railroad. He later became interested in the oil business, and in 1877 removed to Bradford, where he in- vested in property, to which he devoted his attention until 1888, when he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Gardner was married in June, 1859, in Delaware county, N. Y., to Miss Thelinda V. Lord, daughter of John Lord, and they have two children, Charles H. and Chauncey W., Jr., both employed by the Erie Railroad Company at Bradford. Mr. Gardner in his political af- filiations is a Democrat. He is a Knight Templar, and Consistory Mason, and an attendant of the Presbyterian Church, being a member of the choir. His son Chauncey is a member of the Methodist Church.

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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.

T. M. GRIFFITH, of the firm of T. M. Griffith & Son, dealers in hardware, Bradford, was born in Monroe county, N. Y., May 22, 1841, a son of Richard and Caroline (Lewis) Griffith, former a native of Wales, and latter of New York, of Dutch and English descent, respectively. He remained at home un- til 1870, when he came to Pennsylvania and located at Petroleum Centre, where he was employed at drilling oil wells for some time, and then removed to Bradford. In 1878 he embarked in the livery business, which he followed two years, and in 1880 went to Cattaraugus county, N. Y., where for four years he was in the hardware trade, and in 1884 moved his business to Brad- ford, where he also does considerable business as an oil contractor. Mr Grif- fith was married January 14, 1869, at Petroleum Centre, to Alveretta Smawley, boru in Peoria, Ill., June 7, 1852, and a daughter of Ausbury and Mary L. Smawley, of English and Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith have four children: W. H., E. M., R. A. and C. E. In politics Mr. Griffith is a Repub- lican. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W.

J. K. HAFFEY, deceased, was born in County Armagh, Ireland, April 27, 1830, and moved to Canada with his parents in 1844. He attended the colleges of Ireland, and afterward his own efforts procured him a fine educa- tion. At an early age he came to the United States, and for a time taught in the public schools of New York State. He afterward was ordained a min- ister, and in 1851 was given charge of the Bradford Baptist Church. He soon resigned the charge, and accepted the agency of the American Bible Union Society, which position he held for many years. In 1852 he was united in marriage with Miss Diantha E. DeGolier, and took up his resi- dence on a farm in Bradford township, following the occupation of a sur- veyor, geologist, clerk, etc. In 1861 he enlisted under Col. Kane in the Forty-second "Bucktail" Regiment, Company I, and held the position of sergeant. After serving two years his health failed, during the Seven Days' fight near Richmond, and he was honorably discharged. He was afterward appointed major by Gov. Hartranft, and later promoted to colonel and aid-de- camp. After the close of the war he spent ten years in Philadelphia and New Jersey. He was a stanch Republican; was a notary for many years. He died November 7, 1881. His widow still survives him and lives on the home- stead farm in Bradford township; also three children, viz .: George M. (of Colorado, who married Miss Maggie Higgins), John Nathan (brakeman on the Erie Railroad), and Zillah (now teaching). Mrs. Haffey's parents were Nathan DeGolier, who was born near Saratoga, N. Y., March 25, 1801, and Rhoda Ackley, who was born in Addison county, Vt., January 8, 1801. About 1831 they came to McKean county, Penn., and took up a tract of land in Bradford township. He was a millwright by trade, and erected the first saw and grist-mill at DeGolier, which was named in honor of him. He was also the first postmaster of the place. He was a supporter of the Republican party, and a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church. He died Decem- ber 2, 1871, and his wife July 11, 1874. Three children were born to their union: Hannah Maria (wife of Truman Sherman, of Bradford township), Diantha E. (now Mrs. Haffey), and James Nelson (who died February 14, 1878).

L. E. HAMSHER, oil producer, Bradford, was born in Livingston county, N. Y., near the city of Dansville, December 31, 1843, the eldest of four children of Reuben and Martha (White) Hamsher, former a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent, and latter of New York, of English descent. His mother died in 1880, and his father now lives in Elkhart county, Ind. L. E. Hamsher was reared in Elkhart county, where his parents moved when he was a child,

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and in his boyhood began clerking for merchants in Bristol. He enlisted, August 9, 1862, in Company I, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, for three years, but was discharged in about six months. In 1867 he embarked in the hardware business on his own account, which he continued three years, and in 1870 came to Pennsylvania, where he worked at the oil wells two years. In 1872 he bought property in Clarion county, and began drilling for oil, since when he has had the varying fortune of an oil operator, although in the main he has been successful. In 1876 he located in Bradford, and became a mem- ber of the firm of Hamsher & Weaver, which has merged into the Emery Oil Company. Mr. Hamsher was married at Bristol, Ind., to Miss Sarah G. Cald- well, daughter of William Caldwell. In politics Mr. Hamsher is a Republican, and is serving the city of Bradford in the common council. He is a F. & A. MI. of 32º.

JOHN M. HART, contractor and builder, Bradford, was born in Montreal, Canada, April 11, 1846, a son of John and Anorah (Battles) Hart, natives of Ireland, former of whom died in Canada in 1886. . John M. Hart learned the carpenter's trade in Canada, and worked as a journeyman several years. He came to the United States, making Oil City, Penn., his home until 1880, when he removed to Bradford, where he now has a good business, having from six to ten men in his employ the greater part of the time. Mr. Hart enlisted in the defense of the United States Government in 1862, and was assigned to Company I, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was soon trans- ferred to the quartermaster's department, where he served until the close of the war. He was married, May 30, 1875, to Miss B. Gallagher, a native of Ire- land, and they have six children: Gertrude E., Catherine Mary, Charles E., John M., Bertha J. and Theodore Thomas. In politics Mr. Hart is a Demo- crat. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church.

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Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1320

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1320