USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. IX > Part 110
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386
SKETCHES OF BUTLER COUNTY.
[JUNE
the one-half. They planted a vineyard, as much for ornament as any real advantage they could expect to derive from it.
The country has not sustained any loss by the change of owners. The present proprietor, A. Zeigler, from the eastern part of Pennsylvania is a man of great en- terprize, of indefatigable industry, and a practical farmer. It was but a short time after Mr. Zeigler pur- chased, until he sold out a number of lots in the town of Harmony, and also a number of farms, generally, to Pennsylvania Germans, who were equal in industry and skill in farming with their predecessors; and much bet- ter citizens, inasmuch, as they enjoy the right of judg- ing and acting for themselves, in all matters both of a religious and political nature. The present condition of all those farms is, a state of the best improvement and cultivation. The raising of wool has been a busi- ness with them of considerable extent, and meets with much encouragement. The climate, situation, and soil of Butler county were ascertained, from experience, to be well adapted to the raising of sheep. The land gene- rally, in the neighborhood of Harmony and Zelianople is very good, and in that township generally. This part of the county seems to have been more highly favored with settlers than most of the counties. A number of Scotch families settled in 1796-7, who came from the island of Lewis, in the northern part of Scotland. They settled between Butler and Harmony, Conncquenes- sing township, midway between those places. The old stock have mostly been consigned to the grave. Their descendants are numerous, and are now enjoying the fruits of their labor in peace and plenty. A house of public worship has been erected of brick, called the " White oak spring meeting house," on the Butler and Harmony road, where a large congregation attend wor- ship. They are of the Associate Presbyterian Reform- ed, or Unionists.
The provisions for the support of religion in Butler county, would not be considered by the people in the eastern parts of Pennsylvania, where large salaries are given, very good. The population somewhat scatter- ed; most of ministers of the gospel have the care of two or three congregations-from each of which they re- ceive an annual compensation by subscription, in all not amounting to more than 500 dollars-the highest, from that down to 300 dollars. Many of the clergy reside in the country, on farms, from which they receive part of their support. From the cheapness of all kinds of pro- visions in Butler county-large salaries are not so neces- sary as in other parts of the state, where rents and all" kinds of produce are much higher. Business, general- ly, in Butler county, is not yet reduced to that kind of system, that the pursuit of any one particular branch is sufficiently lucrative, without connecting others with it. Such is generally the case in all new countries.
Education is not supported with the liberality which the importance of the subject merits. The price of tui- tion for each scholar per year, is from 5 to 6 dollars. At this sum schoolmasters are not scarce; but not of the best kind. In the country, farmers generally, in every neighborhood, have erected a school house, where they employ a teacher during the winter; during the summer there are few schools-excepting in the towns, where they have them during summer and winter. The En- glish language, writing and arithmetic, are generally taught.
The means of education are quite limited.
The Presbyterian may be considered the prevailing religion. The Presbyterians, Associate Presbyterians, Reformed church, or Unionists, Seceders and Cove- nanters. The Methodists are becoming very numerous; within a few years they have increased very rapidly. Some Baptists, and a considerable number of Roman Catholics, who are principally settled in Buffaloe, Clear- field and Donegal townships.
Iron ore is found in abundance in several townships, Parker, Venango, Slipperyrock and Connequenessing.
A few feet under ground, extensive beds of bog ore are not uncommon. Bituminous stone coal abounds in eve- ry part of the county, in strata, from two feet to five feet; generally found convenient to streams, by digging in the hills. It is always found to lie horizontal, cover- ed over with slate. Anthracite coal has never been discovered in Butler county, and I believe not west of the mountains. The benefits to all classes of citizens, the poor, the rich and the manufacturers, are incalcula- ble from this source. Coal is delivered to the citizens of Butler, at 4 cents per bushel the year round.
Salt water has been obtained in every instance by bo- ring from 300 to 500 feet. There are several works in active operation. One at Harmony, and near it, and also, one near Butler, ready to commence the manufac- ture of salt.
Limestone is found in Slipperyrock, and Mercer townships, on the surface of the ground in very large rocks, generally thought to be of a very good quality. It is also found in Connequenessing township, Buffaloe, and partially in other parts of the county-but gener- ally under ground. Large sand rock is abundant, which is well adapted to building; being easily split in square lengths from ten to fifteen feet. They are light colored, and very handsome for building, and for which they are very much used.
Although Butler county is well adapted to the raising ofwool, and posseses great advantages in water power, or the most essential article for steam power, that of coal, there are no woollen nor cotton manufactories.
On Slipperyrock, where the turnpike from Butler to Mercer crosses that creek, fourteen miles from the former place, there are erected a furnace and forge for the manufacture of iron and castings. The castings which they make are very good, and the iron as good as any made west of the mountains. There are two other furnaces, -Bassenhiem furnace, immediately west of the county line, part of the land from which they receive their wood and ore, is situated in But- ler county. The other furnace is situated east of Butler county, within a few rods of the line, and in the neighborhood of Lawrenceburg on the Alle- gheny river; nearly all the lands attached to this fur- nace from which they receive their woodand ore, lies in Butler county. Bassenhiem furnace is propelled by water power. The other, Bear creek furnace, as it is called, being situated on that creek, is propelled by stcam power. The quantity of castings made at each of these furnaces, or rather pig metal, might safely be estimated at two or three ton per day, when in good order.
Pittsburg is the market for the disposal of all their metal.
Wheat, rye, corn, buckwheat and oats, are raised in Butler county. The soil and climate appear to be well adapted to wheat, rye and oats, and corn is raised in considerable quantities. The average weight of wheat about 60 lbs. to the bushel. Butter, beeswax, wool, beef and pork, and miner articles, common to other parts of the state, compose her exports. All kinds of grass seem to do very well; timothy, however, is most commonly raised; clover has been tried with flattering success, but to no great extent. All the surplus pro- duce goes to Pittsburg, where there is generally an ex- cellent market: of the amount of which no adequate idea could be formed, as it is taken in various ways, by wagons and on horses. Considerable flour is manu- factured, and sometimes taken in barrels to market, but most usually in bags. There are but two turnpikes which passes through Butler county. Qne from Kit- tanning, the other from Pittshurg, through the county - town to Mercer, and Meadville to Erie. This one may be considered the great thoroughfare from Pittsburg to the great lakes. Stages arrive and depart daily at Butler. Another turnpike is about making from Rose- burg, Armstrong county, to Mercer, through Murrins- ville and Harrisville, Butler county. The county of But-
1832.]
SKETCHES OF BUTLER COUNTY.
387
ler has generally bridged such streams as were consid- ered dangerous, where great leading roads cross. In this respect she has been very liberal.
In the town of Butler, there are two weekly news- papers printed. The Western Sentinel and Democratic Press, and the Butler Repository. The former is oppo- sed to the United States and state administrations, the latter in favor. The former anti-masonic, the latter op- posed.
Butler has a Court-house two stories high, built of brick, rather handsome and capacious; with offices at- tached, built of brick. The Court-house and offices are situated in the centre of the town, on the public square, on elevated ground, commanding a handsome view of the surrounding country, which is somewhat diversified with meadow lands and hills. The Conne- quenessing here running partly round the town, form- ing a horse shoe, adds much to the beauty, and even con- venience of the place, with respect to water and meadow lands.
The Jail has two stories, built of stone, (sand stone, ) with a wall around the back part of it, as is usual in the western country. The Academy, built in 1810, is of stone, two stories. The English and Latin languages are taught in it.
Churches in Butler are asfollows :- Presbyterian one; Associate Reformed or Unionists one; Methodist one; Roman Catholic one; and are now about building a splendid Episcopal church, and another Presbyterian church. The churches now built, are of brick, except- ing the present Presbyterian, which is of stone. Those others are to be built of brick.
Churches in the townships as near as can be recol- lected.
Centre township, one Presbyterian.
Slipperyrock, one do. .
Mercer, two
do. and one Seceder.
Parker, one do.
Venango one
do.
Middlesex, one Presbyterian, one Covenanter, and one Seceder. Connequenessing seven. At Cranberry, one Presbyterian church.
Muddycreek, one Presbyterian, and one Union or As- sociate Reformed.
Grist, saw, and other mills are as follows:
Townships.
Grist. Sav.
Fulling. OIl. Powder.
Middlesex, 3
3
0
0
0
Cranbury,
2
2
0
0
0
Connequenessing,7
7
1
1
0
Muddycreek, 1
2
0
0
0
Slipperyrock,
5
5
2
0
0
Mercer,
4
4
2
1
0
Venango,
3
2
1
0
0
Parker,
3
2
0
0
0
Donegal,
1
0
0
0
Clearfield,
3
2
0
0
1
Buffaloe,
3
3
0
0
0
Butler,
3
8
1
1
2
Centre,
2
G
0
0
0
40
48
7
3
3
Land, unimproved, sells at various prices, from two dollars per acre, to four dollars.
Improved land, from 3 dollars to 10 dollars per acre. 70 dwelling-houses in Butler.
35 to 40
in Harmony. 2 Conequenessing
35 to 40
in Zelianople S township.
8 to 10
in Portersville, Muddycreek.
6 to 8
in Prospect, do.
Centreville, Slipperyrock township, from 40 to 50 buildings. It is only a few years, since this town was laid out, and as if by enchantment, it has sprung up, into a handsome village, being situated 14 miles from Butler, on the Butler and Mercer turnpike road. A number of the buildings are brick.
Harrisville, is situated on the old Pittsburg and
Franklin road, on an extensive prarie in Mercer town- ship, 20 miles from Butler, and same distance from Franklin; 8 or 10 houses, built of wood, excepting one brick building. The turnpike from Roseburg to Mer- cer, passes through this place. It is but a few years since this place was laid out.
Murrinsville, situated on the Butler and Franklin state road, where the Ruseburg and Mercer turnpike cross the same, distant 18 miles from Butler. It was laid out a few years ago, has but a few buildings; tavern, store, &c.
Unionville, in Centre township, lately laid out on the turnpike from Butler to Mercer, five miles from the former; 8 or 10 log buildings-in it; two taverns, &c.
Sunbury, laid out lately in Centre township, has only a few buildings of wood. It is situated on the state road, from Butler to Franklin, 10 miles from the for- mer place. ‘
Evansburgh, laid out last fall, in October, situated in Cranberry township, on the old Franklin road, twen- ty-three miles of Pittsburg, 4 miles east of Harmony, and 12 miles west of Butler-have only commenced building. Break neck river, runs immediately south of it.
Hannahstown, in Buffaloe township, on the Freeport road, from Butler 8 miles; and was laid out two years ago; has a few houses in it.
Stores and taverns in each town, as near as can be recollected.
Stores.
Taverns.
Butler,
7
7
Harmony,
3
2
Zelianople,
-
2
2
Portersville,
1
1
Prospect,
Centreville,
5
4
Unionville,
0
2
Harrisville,
2
2
Fairview,
1
2
Murrinsville,
.
1
1
Hannahsburg,
1
1
Country Stores in the Townships.
Connequenessing township,
Cranbury,
1
Middlesex,
3
Donegal,
1
Parker,
Venango,
Slipperyrock,
1
1
.
Agriculture, is improving within a few years, since the titles uf land have been firmly settled; however, much roum is yet left to improve. The farmers gene. rally, are too much disposed to farm too much ground. They have not yet turned their attention to till the ground with so much neatness, and to sow in due season, as the farmers of an old county. Considerable surplus produce is raised and taken to market. They have not yet turned their attention to improve the breed of cat- tle.
The title of emigration has commenced to flow in upon Butler county; which in a few years will take up all the vacant lands for settlement; many sales were made during the year 1831, to Germans lately from Ger- many. They have made considerable purchases in Buffa- loe and Connequenessing townships. They seem to pre- fer land not very heavily timbered. Such as is generally clenominated "glade," having been injured by fire, pre- vious to, and since the settlement of the country : It is a remarkable fact, that this kind of land is amongst the most productive, although to the eye, before it is cultivated, it has rather a sterile appearance, or barren waste, for the want of large timber. Experiments gene- rally, test the truth of facts. Last year, in 1831, there were raised on this description of land in Buffaloe township, by the Messrs. Walkers, 3200 bushels of po-
1
0
-
388
SKETCHES OF BUTLER COUNTY.
[JUKE
tatoes, on five acres of ground. In other parts- of the county, where it is well timbered, land does not produce any better. The glade land is covered over with thick under-brush, such as pin-oak, and white-oak, growing out from large stools, or stumps; hickory also, and willow. Those stools in many instances are found to he 3 or 4 feet over in diameter, which proves most incontrovertibly, that at one time not many years back, all this kind of land was thickly and heavily timbered.
Shortly after the first settlement of Butler county, and all those counties north and west of the Ohio and Alle- gheny rivers, and Conewango creek, the seasons seemed to be more changeable and frosty, than they have been for ten or fifteen years back. This, together with the uncertainty of land, operated prejudicially to the settlement and further improvement of the coun- try, and at the same time, an advantage to the state of Ohio, to which the most fickle, and those most easily dis- couraged, removed. If such a population could be considered an acquisition to any country, Ohio has some of this kind. The most steady and determined ones remained. Of this kind of population does it now, to- gether with many who have removed to it since 1800-3, consist. It was not surprising then, that so many concurrent circumstances, as inhospitable climate, sea- sons unfriendly to vegetation, and devastations made by fire; the want of provisions, and above all, the uncer- tainty, and undetermined situation of the land titles, between settler and land-jobber, should operate to the character of the country in the most prejudicial man- ner. There is a trait common to human nature, to be found every where, and in every situation. Prosperity in a country endears us to it; the reverse, alienates the affections from it.
The country in which we seem to prosper most, where liberty and independence are the least in jeopar- dy, gives to it qualities in our estimation, which in a dif- ferent state of things would be the reverse.
The tedious scenes of litigation, certainly had their effects in producing the misrepresentations of the cha- racter of the country; the quality of the land; the re- sources and every thing else, which were resorted to for the purpose of checking the improvement, the pros- perity, and happiness of the people. All these objec- tions, to Butler county, are now removed. The dis- putes in land titles, have been almost without excep- tion, settled eitlicr amicably, or by a due course of law. The titles to all lands are as good as in any part of the state of Pennsylvania.
And it now seems to be conceded by the traveller, also by the inhabitants of the counties adjoining, that But- ler county, is well situated for agriculture, for manufac- tures, either by steam power, or water. From her con- tiguity to a market, which is probably equal to any in the state, (Pittsburg, ) with her other advantages, she must become one of the most wealthy counties on the north-west side of the Ohio and Allegheny rivers. Her lands generally, are well situated for farming, having a sui table proportion of meadow and arable land, so that every farm may have enough of natural meadow land, which produces the best of timothy, when cleared and cultivated. The upland lies suffi- ciently high and rolling for all kinds of grain, and when properly farmed in due season, produces sound grain, and in sufficient quantities. But there is one important advantage, with which the county of Butler is much bless- ed, and that is, an abundant supply of the best of water, as clear as the pearly dew; its purity bespeaks its wholesomeness, and the general health of the country. No case of fever and ague has ever been known to oc- cur in the county.
The borough of Butler, is situated on an eminence above the level of the Connequenessing creek. The creek runs partly round the town, forming the figure of & horse shoe. On the north, and north-west, the ground gradually descends from the public square, expanding into handsome, and, in soil, first rate meadow land. I
The creek on the east, south, south-west, and west, washes the face of the hill on which the town is erected. Streets and lots are laid out due north and south, east, and west. The situation is generally admired by tra- vellers.
Butler township, the face of which is rolling, between the principal streams, through big and little Conne- quenessing; near the streams hilly and somewhat rocky. Soil of the bottom lands, loam and sand, on the rolling land, loam, gravel, and clay.
White-oak, black-oak, and pin-oak, are the prevail- ing timber; some maple, cherry, and hickory.
Buffaloe township, the face of which is similar to that of Butler, not so well timbered, in consequence of fire. Some glade land which is considered good.
Centre township partakes of that of Butler; gen- erally well timbered, with white-oak, black-oak, and pin- oak.
Clearfield township, is similar to Buffaloe, in soil and face of the country, and has also been much injured by that devastating element fire; what was but a few years ago grown over with brusb, is now becoming well timbered. It is not an uncommon observation with those who first settled the country, that when they first came to the country, they could see a deer, two hun- dred rods, where now the timber has grown so tall, and stands so thick, they could not see one the fourth of that distance. They then looked over it, so small was it.
Connequenessing township, somewhat hilly; the land however, of an excellant quality, loam, sandy, clay, and gravel; extensive bottoms on the big C'onneque- nessing, the soil of which loam, and sand, easily tilled, producing the best of corn and wheat. A number of streams of considerable size, uniting with the main creek Connequenessing, making a considerable quan- tum of the land hilly, but not too much so for cultivation, and is now mostly in a high state of cultivation. The streams which run into Connequennessing, in this town- ship, from the south, first Glade run, and Break-neck, on the north, little Connequenessing, Big and Little Yellow creek. The improvements made on those dif- ferent streams, are extensive and substantial; abounds with timber, oaks of all kinds, and chesnut on the bottoms, cherry, maple, some walnut, and linn.
Connequenessing township, 7 miles square.
The valuation of taxable property, $191,755-num- ber of taxables, 432-whole population, 1891-of which number, 953 are males, and 938 females.
Germans, 115 2
Descendants of do. 849 S
964
Irish,
Descendants of Irish, 53 2
454 S
Scotch,
25 }
Descendants of Scotch,
140 S
English, 23 2
129
152
Descendants of Low Dutch, 19
Decendants of' Swedes, 8
Welsh, 7
Unknown,
49
643 professors of religion, consisting of Evangelical Lutherans, 197
Minnomites,
99
Presbyterians,
91
Associate Reformed,
90
German Reformed,
77
Covenanters,
25
Seceders,
18
Methodists,
18
Baptists,
10
Catholics,
10
Quakers,
7
Such as are 16 years old, and have not made any profession of religion, 300
Numbers of families destitute of Bibles, 31
Persons of 15 years old and upwards, who cannot read,
50
-
507
165
Descendants of do,
1832.]
SKETCHES OF PORT CARBON.
389
Number of gallons whiskey con- sumedl last year,
3044
Distilled, 7850
Number of coal-hanks, about
50
Schools during winter,
9
Churches and meeting houses,
7
Cranberry township, partakes of the quality of But- ler township, considerable glade. This township takes its name from an extensive plane, where cranberries are found growing. The soil-loam, clay, and gravel.
Donegal, Parker, and Venango townships, present a similarity of face, somewhat diversified with hills and dales. In those townships are the highest lands in the county, which separates the waters of Bear creek, Scrubgrass, and Buffaloe, which flow into the Alleghe- ny, from those which discharge into the Beaver and Ohio. Those townships are tolerably well timbered, some barren land and glade. The soil rather diversi- fied-loam, clay, gravel, and some limestone.
In the neighborhood of those streams, considerably hilly, stone is found of an excellent quality for building. This section of Butler county, at no distant day, will be distinguished for Iron works, as it abounds with all the materials, of ore and stone-coal of an excellent quality superior to that which is mostly found in other parts of the county.
Mercer township, the north-eastern part of which re- sembles that of Venango, in face, soil, and timber. The middle and western part, rolling, the soil, loamy, clay and, limestone.
Slipperyrock township, the eastern part of which, is similar to Parker and Venangn, somewhat diversified in soil and face of the country, that which lies on, and near the Slipperyrock creek, north and south branches, and particularly between those branches for a few miles above their junction, is of an excellent quality; Joam, clay, and limestone. The middle, and western end of the township, rolling; soil, loam, clay, and lime- stone, which is to be found on the face of the ground, and by digging a few feet. The western part of this township affords many of the best seites for water-pow- er. and those natural advantages are not neglected, Slipperyrock, being one of the most durable streams in the west, several grist-mills are built on it, which in dry seasons, when most of the mills on other streams cannot do any thing, those mills grind for nearly all the county. The land is well timbered generally, of all kinds of oaks, sugar-tree, and chesnut. On the bottom land, elm, linn, alder, sugar, maple, hickory, &c.
Muddycreek, a stream of this name passes through this township, from which it takes its name. On the creek there are extensive meadow lands, of the richest quality. This township will in time be celebrated for its extensive meadows, and for the raising of all kinds of stock. The hills are tolerably good, and producing the best of grain; the soil loam, clay, and gravel. "The dividing ridge between the waters of Muddy creek, and Yellow creek, extends through this township from south-east, to north-west; immediately on either side, rather hilly. Considerable table, or rolling land, on the eastern part of the township. It is generally well tim- bered, &c. with all kinds of oak, some sugar-tree, and maple, chesnut, and some poplar; alder in the bottoms.
pensation. The owners of those lands not residing on them, some of the present inhabitants feel such inter- est as would justify giving such reward, as they might ask. However, be the facts as they may, the circun- stances are strong enough to excite inquiry, and exami- nation, to ascertain the truth of this Indian story, whether it be false or true. The subject is of sufficient magnitude to institute an inquiry and thorough exami- nation, by some person who is an adept in the science of mineralogy.
From the Port Carbon Gazette. SKETCII OF PORT CARBON.
Where the town of Port Carbon now receives the in- valuable treasures of our mines, four years since the soli- tary bittern could rest unmolested, and the noisy king fisher pursue his depredations on the finny tribe, which fill the transparent waters of the Schuylkill, and the full- flowing and pellucid steam of Mill Creek. Now at the confluence of these streams the landings commence, and extend thence about a quarter of a mile down the Schuylkill. From an elevated situation on the north- east part of the town a bird's eye view may be had of the movements and active industry of the place. On the west, descending the Mill Creek rail-road, which winds through this part of the town, may be seen con- tinued trains of rail-cars, moving to their destination at the different chutes and landing-places-some high up on trestles and some under this work, to suit the dif- ferent views of the operators, as to the convenience of loading their boats.
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