USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Memoirs of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, personal and genealogical with portraits, Volume I > Part 36
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DAVID REEL, Jr., a prominent citi- zen of Ross township, is a descendant of Casper Reel, one of the pioneers of Alle- gheny county. It is worthy of remark that the first settlers of Ross township were generally men of sterling worth. They were just the men best fitted to hew their way through the forests of the new country, and were morally, physi- cally and intellectually endowed to suc- cessfully lay the solid foundations for the future generations to permanently rest upon, as well as for the greatness of our country. Physically, they were stalwarts, capable of enduring the hardships that confronted them in the gigantic labors that lay before them. Being energetic, they persevered, and the giant oaks fell before them, to be replaced by beautiful green fields of grain and vegetation. Orchards and vineyards were planted, and thus was agriculture and horticulture firmly established. Morally, they were Christians, and the same energetic spirit was manifested by them in the establishment of churches or places of worship, as well as in worldly affairs. Intellectually, the needs of education were not lost sight of, and school-houses were built of such rude material
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as the forests furnished for their construction. Yet, rude as they were, the principles taught in those log-cabin school-houses, were the good seeds sown that were destined to crop out in the present and future greatness of our country. Such were the toils and labors of our ancestors. What of the generations that have de- scended from these nobilities of the young republic? Have they taken up the work where the fathers laid it down? Has the same sterling and progressive spirit animated the children along the lines of demarkations? Have the moral and the intellectual qualifica- tions established by the patriot fathers been fostered and cultured? the answer most emphatically is "Yes." The children have taken it up where the fathers laid it down, and have placed it upon a higher plane. The succeeding generations, upon their advent, have taken it up, and are pressing firmly forward and upward, bearing aloft the standard of this mighty republic, until it is honored and feared by all the nations of the earth. All honor and love is due these dear, brave, old patriot fathers. Peaceful be their silent slumber. Memory of them will ever be cherished and honored by succeeding generations, who will live and flourish upon the fruits of their labor.
Casper Reel (great-grandsire), the first settler of Ross town- ship, was born in Frankfort, Germany, May 11, 1742. He first located in Lancaster county, Pa., where he became a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and served under the command of General Washington. He participated in many of the varied engagements of the war, among which was the battle of Brandywine. A few of his old relics are still in the possession of some of his grandchil- dren, among which is his old watch, now in the possession of his granddaughter, Almatia L. Reel, and his Bible-which he carried through the war, and which was not only a saviour of the soul, but of the body as well, for it warded off a bullet that otherwise would have killed him-is still in the possession of his grandson, Jacob G. Reel. He came to Allegheny county in 1783, and when the assembly (legislature) passed the land grant act, giving to settlers large tracts of land upon which to settle, he took up a large square tract of land, containing about 1,000 acres, which afterwards proved to be the choicest land in Ross township. It is authoritatively stated that he measured it with a grape vine. In making a selection of land he had the choice of the site upon which Allegheny city is built, but deeming the land unfit for agri- cultural purposes on account of its low, swampy nature, he pro- ceeded northward about eight miles from Fort Pitt and located the
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present Reel farm, which has become famous as the choicest farm in the township. Recently a large portion of this farm was sold to a wealthy land company, who intended laying it out in large town lots, the object being to establish a wealthy suburban town and to connect it by electric railway with the city. In the spring of 1792 he built a log cabin upon his tract and planted some peach and apple seeds, but the Indians became troublesome, having come in large numbers from the Ohio territory, so he was compelled to abandon his cabin and return to Fort Pitt. About this time General Wayne, with 3,000 troops, was sent out against the Indians, and so completely routed and defeated them that they never gave the settlers any further trouble. In the year 1795 Mr. Reel returned to his land and was delighted to find his fruit seeds had produced fine young trees. Some of the peach trees were producing fruit. He at once built a log house and moved his family into it, and this became his permanent abode. The road cut through the forest to reach his land was continued by other settlers, and afterwards became the Franklin road. Previous to his location here he had been an extensive trapper. and was an expert fur-dresser, from which occupation he had made a consider- able sum of money. Fur-bearing animals were plentiful, especially along the Beaver river, where he had many traps set. He fre- quently visited these traps by a canoe down the Ohio river. Once, upon returning from his traps in company with his brother-in-law, John Wise, he was hailed by a white man, who, in a pleading man- ner, wanted to be taken on board; but instead of heeding the appeals of the white man, he gradually headed his canoe to the opposite shore, and at the same time kept up an evasive conversa- tion about the Indians. . His brother-in-law insisted that they should go to his relief, but was ordered to lie down in the canoe. Scarcely had he done so, when the Indians rose from their ambush and fired upon the canoe. Fortunately for the occupants, they escaped unharmed, although the canoe was hit in several places. This man with whom he had the conversation was Simon Girty, the Indian renegade.
Previous to 1795 it was the custom of the settlers to assist each other in the raising of their log houses, and for this purpose there was a gathering of the settlers at the Winebiddle farm. Among the number was an Indian, who professed to be friendly with the whites, but when he finally came under the influence of the fire- water, drunk on such occasions, his Indian propensities became obvious. His bragging about the number of white scalps he had
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taken so enraged Casper Reel that he sprang upon the Indian, and with one slash of his knife cut off his ear so quickly that the Indian scarcely knew who did it.
Casper Reel was the first collector north of the Allegheny river, his territory extending to the lakes. He was married, March 2, 1784, to Elizabeth Wise, who was born Oct. 2, 1760, in Lancaster, Pa., and died Aug. 20, 1843. They had ten children, naniely : Mary, Jacob, John, Daniel, Conrad, David and Casper, Jr. (twins), William and a twin sister, who died in infancy, and Elizabeth (Mrs. George Quaill). In giving the order of births of this family to a former historian of the county, Casper, Jr., was mentioned before David, when, in fact, David was born several hours before Casper. This correction places David, instead of Casper, as the first white child born north of the Allegheny river. The order of their deaths is as follows: In their younger ages, Daniel, Jacob and John-the latter, while serving as a soldier in the War of 1812, died at Fort Maumee Rapids, April 6, 1813, aged twenty-three years- and William, who was thrown from a fractious horse. The more recent deaths have been those of David, in his seventieth year; Conrad, in his seventy-sixth year; Mary (Mrs. Johnson), in her ninety-sixth year, and Casper, Jr., in his eighty-ninth year.
After Casper Reel had moved his family to his new home, he turned his attention to clearing off the land. Gradually he became thoroughly established upon the farm, though not without the pri- vations and inconveniences that are always connected with the set- tlement of new portions of the country. Happily, they were not of long duration. Fur animals becoming scarce, trapping was aban- doned, and consequently the settlement of the country became more rapid. Isaac Ritche came next, taking up a large tract of land upon the west side of Casper Reel's farm. Others followed in rapid suc- cession, among whom were the Morrows, the Goods, the Hilands, the McKnights and many others. The town (Pittsburg) was much more rapidly settled; in fact, the settlement of the town was so rapid that it actually became a market for much of the surplus products of the land that had now become cultivated by these early settlers. Thus were they all brought into the channels of success- ful progression. Casper Reel was considered the wealthiest settler in Ross township, and was a man of great influence among the early settlers, to whom he often loaned money. He was a most successful farmer and fruit culturist. Through his influence and foresight the Highland Presbyterian church was established and located upon its present site. In after years the location of this
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church proved to be a most central one, and by the continuous accessions of settlers it became a numerous body, although it passed through many of the vicissitudes that follow in the wake of religious institutions, and it is still a stanch old church, and at present bids fair to be a church for generations to come. The large burial ground attached to the church was the free, common burial ground for all, and in it lie the bodies of many of the former worshipers, but of late years the ground has been greatly improved and a better system adopted. The oldest person buried here is John McKnight, aged 101 years. In 1795, at the farm residence of Casper Reel, occurred the first marriage in Ross township. It was the union of Christopher Rineman and Charlotte Zimmerman. The ceremony was performed by Squire Robinson, father of the late Gen. William Robinson, of Allegheny city, and the wedding present was a pailful of cherries. The death of Casper Reel occurred Oct. 10, 1824. He was buried in a selected plot of ground upon the farm where, in after years, his wife and sister-in-law and a part of the family were also buried. His grave is still pointed out to succeeding generations.
David Reel, Sr., was born Jan. 22, 1795, upon the first farm that was settled in Ross township, north of Fort Pitt. Notwith- standing the very meager facilities and the limited means for edu- cation, Casper Reel provided his children with an education sufficient for the transaction of business in the times in which they lived. When David had grown to manhood, he engaged in the shipping of merchandise from Philadelphia by wagon. He became one of the most successful men in the business, being entrusted with large sums of money to pay for goods bought in Philadelphia. The business of shipping goods to and from Philadelphia by wagons became immense, but when the canal was built it ceased altogether. The next business to engage his attention was delivering mail between Pittsburg and Butler by stage-coach After continuing the business successfully for some years, he married Isabella Wiley, the daughter of sterling parents, and after the death of his father he returned to the old homestead, to improve and cultivate that portion of it received from his father, nearly all of which was heavily timbered. He built a log house in the midst of the forest, and, like his father, began life in the woods. As charcoal was in great demand at that time in Pittsburg, he manufactured much of his timber into it. By this he was enabled not only to clear off the ground for cultivation, but to make some money besides.
Four children were born in this forest home. They were:
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George Washington, David, Jr., Mary (who died in infancy), and Wiley. The oldest son, William, was born previous to the return to the farm. It is worthy of note here that in the latter years in which he lived in this log house it became famous for the establish- ment of Methodism in that part of the county. About the first Methodist camp-meetings held in western Pennsylvania were on a portion of this and the adjoining farm, belonging to George Quaill. As a result of these camp-meetings, there was established a society of worshipers upon a more secure foundation, the outgrowth of which is the Methodist Episcopal church of Bellevue. The society formerly worshiped in the little old school-house in Jack's Run. Ministers were annually sent by the conference of the Methodist Episcopal church to take charge of the circuit, which included Jack's Run. Usually two were sent, one being a single man, who sought his home among the membership. Among the number of single men who were sent to this circuit, who made their home principally at David Reel's, were John J. Jackson, Hiram Miller and Joseph Horner, D. D. The latter remained two years, and made his home entirely with David Reel. He became as one of the family circle, and was loved as a son and brother. At present he is still living, and with pleasure refers back to those days as being the most pleasant and happiest years in his life.
David Reel, being successful in his labors upon the farm, built a more modern house upon another part of it. This house is noted for the superior quality of lumber from which it is built, it having been selected from the choicest lumber of the yards, which, in those days, contained lumber of a better quality than that of the present day. In July, 1852, he moved into the new house, accom- panied by Joseph Horner, who remained with them the balance of his second conference year. After having lived in the new house for a few years, he purchased a house and lot in the town of Perrys- ville. This he greatly improved and moved into, having retired from actual labor upon the farm. After spending some years of peaceful rest from toil and care, he died, and was buried in the old Highland church cemetery. His wife, who survived him some six years, was buried by his side.
William Valentine, the oldest son, was a soldier in the 136th regiment, commanded by Col. Thomas M. Bayne, and participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Antietam and Chancellorsville. At the expiration of the term of service, which was nine months, he returned, and was afterwards married to Elizabeth Spence, to whom was born a son, Wiley Graham. After the death of David
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Reel, Sr., William moved to the farm upon which the new house was built. Shortly after moving to the farm, his wife died. His second marriage to Elizabeth Jackman, daughter of Andrew Jackman, a highly-respected farmer of Ohio township, occurred a few years later, and by this second marriage there were born five children, namely, John J., Mary E., Isabella E., Myrtle E. and Matilda Jane. Mary, the oldest daughter, was married to Marion Taylor, of Ohio, on Jan. 1, 1902, and to them a daughter was born. William Reel is still living upon the farm, and is highly respected as being one of the oldest settlers in Ross township. Religiously, he is a Methodist, being for many years a worthy trustee in the Methodist Episcopal church of Bellevue. Politically, he is a republican. George W., the second son, and Wiley, the youngest son, enlisted in Company E, 10Ist regiment, and participated in the various engagements about Newbern. They were finally captured and sent to Andersonville prison, where George died. Wiley, who survived the inhuman treatment of the prison, was accidentally drowned near Fortress Monroe, on his way home. David, Jr., was born Jan. 1, 1837, and was educated in the public schools, after which he took a commercial course in the Iron City college, of Pittsburg. When the Civil war broke out, and the first call for troops was made, he enlisted in a company commanded by Thomas M. Bayne. They were sent to camp at Wheeling, but the quota being filled, the company was ordered to return to Pittsburg, where it disbanded. Returning home, he lived with his parents, who were then residing in Perrysville. On Sept. 13, 1866, he mar- ried Annie Redpath, the oldest daughter of John Redpath, one of the most successful and influential farmers of McCandless town- ship. After his marriage he moved to Allegheny city. His stay there was of short duration. According to the urgent request of his parents, that he should live with or near them, he returned to Perrysville. After the birth of his oldest son, Ellis, which occurred on Aug. 29, 1867, he moved into the old log house in which he was born, and lived there until the new house, which was then being erected, was finished. At the death of his father, David, Sr., this portion of the estate fell to him, and here he has since resided. There were subsequently born to him two sons, Watson, on Dec. 7, 1869, and Casper, in October, 1875. David Reel, Jr., became one of the most extensive and successful fruit culturists in the township. Many articles were written by him and published in the various publications of the county. Among the most noted articles written by him is one entitled "The Cause, the Effect and
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the Suggested Remedy for the Pear Blight," published in the National Stockman and Farmer, of Pittsburg. It attracted the attention of many of the principal agricultural writers of the country, who spoke very highly of the article.
Religiously, David Reel, Jr., is a Methodist. He was the prin- cipal leader in the removal of the society from Jack's Run to the school hall in Bellevue. In a meeting shortly after the society was located in the school hall, he, in company with six other trustees, decided to build a church, and, to make a beginning at once, they entered into a joint note of $1,000. A building committee was appointed, among whom was David Reel, Jr., and upon him devolved the entire charge and superintendence of the work. How far the enterprise was successful from beginning to finish may be seen by the church of to-day, which is among the most substantial appointments of the Pittsburg conference. He declares the building up of this church to be the best work of his life
Ellis, the first son of David, Jr., was married to Margaret Kercher, a most influential member of the Presbyterian church of Avalon. The wedding took place Feb. 29, 1899. Watson A., the second son, was married to Elizabeth Preston, daughter of D. I. Preston, of Bellevue. This marriage occurred Nov. 15, 1899. To him was born a son, Charles Preston, 011 April 21, 1902. Ellis Reel is at present a house-painter and resides at Bellevue. Watson A. is a florist and fruit culturist on the farm. Casper is an artistic house-painter, and resides with his parents.
In politics, David Reel, Jr., was formerly a republican. He takes great pride in stating that Abraham Lincoln was the first president for whom he voted. Later he became a prohibitionist, and has been nominated by the party for the legislature in the seventh district.
The old log house which was built seventy-five years ago, the only log house in existence in that section of the country, has been substantially repaired, and with a little attention will stand the passage of time for another generation, as a relic of old times.
There is one notable feature of this family extending from Casper Reel, the great-grandfather, down to the fourth generation, including many of its branches, and that is the temperate and sober habits of which all are possessed.
To these grand old patriot fathers and settlers we owe much gratitude for the benefits, the blessings and the comforts we enjoy from the outgrowth of their toils and tribulations, in laying the foundation of this mighty republic.
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JOSEPH P. HILLDORFER, who represents the tenth ward of Allegheny city, Pa., in the common council, is a fine example of a self-made man. He was born in the eighth ward of Allegheny city in 1871, and is the son of P. J. and Burga Hilldorfer, the former of whom died in 1881, and the latter in 1900. Eight months in the common schools comprises all the schooling of Joseph P. Hilldorfer, for upon the death of his father he took up the work of selling papers and black- ing boots about the Allegheny and Pitts- burg markets to assist his mother. He followed this business until he was twelve years old, when the butchers about the market began to employ him as errand boy. Here is where the inherent strength of character of Mr. Hilldorfer first began to be made man- ifest. When he was sent upon an errand he did not tarry by the wayside, and upon his return he always made a truthful report. After two years of this kind of service he found employment in the slaughter-house of one of the leading butchers, where he worked for three years. At the age of seventeen he was placed in charge of the killing and dressing of meats at the Western Pennsylvania hospital, being the youngest man who ever held that responsible position. In 1890 he left the hospital and went to the Pittsburg market as an employe, and three years later formed a partnership with John S. Wilson and went into business for himself. The firm of Wilson & Hilldorfer dissolved in 1899, and was succeeded by that of Hilldorfer & Allman, which still continues. Mr. Hilldorfer was elected, in February, 1903, as one of the republican candidates to represent the tenth ward in the common council, and upon the organization of that body, he was appointed upon the committees of public safety, charities, surveys and police, and was made chairman of the health committee. He is a life member of Allegheny lodge, B. P. O. Elks, and a member of Pittsburg Aerie, No. 76, Fraternal Order of Eagles. In 1890 Mr. Hilldorfer was married to Miss Alice Simpson, of Latrobe, Pa., and they have two children, Marie and Bennie. There is an example in the life of Mr. Hilldorfer that is worthy of the emulation of every young man. From the humble newsboy and bootblack he has risen to be one of the substantial business men of his native city, his only talisman being an untiring energy and a spotless integrity.
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J. O. BROWN, Recorder, PITTSBURG, PA.
D. M. PITCOCK, MCKEESPORT, PA.
E. A. LAWRENCE, Attorney, SHARPSBURG, PA.
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WILLIAM J. PARKER, a prominent citizen and the leading contractor and builder of the town of Avalon, Pa , was born in Findlay township, Allegheny Co., Pa., Jan. 5, 1855. His parents, Robert and Margaret (Ferguson) Parker, were natives of County Down, Ireland, but came to America in 1845, settling in Pittsburg, Pa. William is one of a family of seven children. His father, Robert Parker, was born in Ireland, and came to America the same year as his parents. He died while on his way back to Ireland on a visit, and his remains rest in the cemetery of Hills- boro, Ireland.
Robert Parker was a shoemaker by trade, but. owing to his failing health, he was advised to engage in farm work for the benefit from the outdoor air and exercise. Following this advice, he removed to Moon township, where he became a success- ful farmer, and afterwards achieved considerable reputation as a stock dealer. Much of the farm work and the responsibilities of the management fell upon William, thus restricting his opportuni- ties to acquire an education, though he managed to attend, for a time, the schools of his native township. The lessons he learned in contact with the actual duties and demands of his father's busi- ness were perhaps more valuable to him in his life-work than mere book-learning would have been. At the age of twenty-one years he began learning the trade of carpenter, and being of a mechanical turn of mind, he soon became one of the best workmen in the county. In 1878 he formed a partnership with Herman Knoppf for the purpose of carrying on the business of contracting and building. This partnership lasted about four years, since which time Mr. Parker has conducted the business alone. His work has been confined mainly to the suburban towns about Pittsburg and Allegheny city. Avalon, the town in which he resides, has a population of over 4,000, yet a majority of the residences have been erected under his personal supervision. Honesty and punctu- ality have been his distinguishing characteristics throughout his entire business career, and his highest aim has been to bring to the town of Avalon a good class of citizens. His unselfish devotion to the public weal won for him the regard of his fellow-townsmen, and he has been called upon to serve as burgess and in the council, and has for several years been a member of the board of education.
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In all matters pertaining to state or national politics, he is an unswerving republican, and he is an influential factor in determin- ing the local policies of his party. Besides his large business as a contractor, Mr. Parker is interested in a number of other enter- prises. He is a stockholder in the Bellevue realty, savings and trust company; the Allegheny fire insurance company, of Alle- gheny city; the Trilby mining company, of Idaho; the Ohio Valley building and loan association, of Avalon; the Frank Vogel company, manufacturers of pickles and preserves, in which he is also a director; the Masonic Hall association, of Allegheny city, and the Crawford County electric railroad company, of which he was one of the chief organizers. Mr. Parker is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member and past master of Allegheny lodge, No. 223, Free and Accepted Masons; a past high priest of Allegheny chap- ter, No. 217, Royal Arch Masons; member of Allegheny command- ery, No. 35, Knights Templars, in which he is also one of the drill corps; Allegheny council; Pittsburg consistory, in which he holds the thirty-second degree, and Syria temple, Ancient and Accepted Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in which he holds a life membership. He is also a life member, as well as a charter member, of Alle- gheny lodge, No. 339, B. P. O. Elks; West Bellevue council, No. 240, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and Clifton lodge, No. 1066, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On Dec. 30, 1886, he was married to Miss Emma J. Dickson, daughter of James Diekson, of Neville island. To this marriage there have been born seven children, viz. : Xenia B., William Jerome, Jr., Margaretta F., James Dickson, David La Verne, Samuel Hugh and Algernon Bell, the two last named being twins. Mrs. Parker has a natural talent in music, and was for a number of years instructor and organist in the Presbyterian church of Neville island.
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