20th century history of Butler and Butler County, Pa., and respresentative citizens

Preface

I HE aim of the publishers nf this volume and of the author of the history lias been to secure for the historical portion thereof full and accurate data respecting the history of the county from the time of its early settlement, and to condense it into a clear • -™,,_.™, find interesting narrative. All topics and occurrences have been

^ ^^^^1 included that were essential to this object.

The reviews of resolute and strenuous lives which make up the biographical part of tills volume, and whose authorship is for the most part independent of that of the iiistoi-y, are admirably ciilrulated to foster local ties, to inculcate patriotism, and to emphasize the rewards of industry dominated by intelligent purpose. They constitute a most appropriate medium for perpetuating personal annals, and will be of incalculable value to the descendants of those commemorated. Tliese sketches, replete with stirring incidents and intense experiences, are flavoied with a strong human interest that will naturally prove to a large portion of the readers of the book its most attractive feature. In the aggregate of personal memoirs thus collated M'ill be found a vivid epitome of the growth of Butler County, which will fitly supplement the historical statement, for its development is identified with that of the men and women to whom it is attributable.

Tlie publishers have endeavored to pass over no feature of the work slightingly. Init to fittingly supplement the editor's labors by exercising care over the minutest details of publication, and thus give to the volume the three-fold value of a readable narrative, a useful work of reference, and a tasteful ornament to the. library. We believe the result has justified the care thus exercised.

Special prominence has been given to the portraits of representative citizens which appear throughout tlie volume, and we believe that they will prove not its least interesting feature. We have sought in this department to illustrate the different spheres of industrial and professional achievement as conspicuously as possible. To all those who have kindly interested themselves in the preparation of tills work, and who have voluntarily contributed most useful information, or rendered other assistance, we hereby tender our grateful acknowledgements.

THE PUBLISHERS.

Chicago, Marcli. 190!).

NOTE

All the biographical sketches published in this volume were submitted to their respective subjects or to the subscribers, from whom the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or correction before going to press ; and a reasonable time was allowed in each case for the return of the typewritten copies. Most of them were returned to us within the time allotted, or before the work was printed, after being corrected or revised; and these may be regarded therefore as reasonably accurate.

A few, however, were not returned to us ; and, as we have no means of knowing whether they contain errors or not, we cannot vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render this work more valuable for reference purposes, we have indicated these uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed immediately after the name of the subject. They will all be found on the last pages of the book.

THE PUBLISHERS.

CHAPTER I. Page

TOPOGEAPHICAL FISATURES AND illXEK^U- DEPOSITS 21

Advance of Civilization Along the Waterways — The County Created, Named, and Surveyed — Organization of Counties — Topography — The Soil, Valley and High Land — Elevations Above Tide Water — Thomas Collins' Salt Well— Webster Wilson's Well— John Negley Well— Eccentricities of the Oil Fields— Coal Fields — Other Mineral Deposits — Lead Mines — Forests — Archeology — Epidemics, Floods, and Storms.

CHAPTER II. Settlement or Western Pexxsylvaxia 41

Indian Occupation — Early Maps — The Original People — The First White Men — Washington's Journey — England Takes Action — Cause of Indian Dissatisfaction — Cliristopher Gist — Frederick Post — Post Returns to the Delawares — Kaskaskunk — Pakanke — Glikkikin — Rev. John Rothe — Settlements up to 1804 — Pioneer Settlers — Pioneer Anecdotes and Adventures — Destruction of Kittanning — The Story of Massy Harbison — Gen. Richard Butler.

CHAPTER III. Land Titles . 80

Naming of Pennsylvania — Extinguishment of the Indian Title — The Erie Triangle — Boundary Line Disputes — Ferguson's Wanton Act — The Depreciation Lands — The Donation Lands — Drawn by Lottery — The "Struck" District — The Settlement Law of 1792 — Robert Morris — Agrarian Troubles — The Shooting of Maxwell— The End of the Laud Jobbers— The JlcKee and Varnum Case.

CHAPTER IV. Organizatiox of Butlek CorxTY 90

Accounts with Allegheny County — Location of County Seat — Original Townships — A New County Proposed — Present Division of Townships — Another New County Proposition — Transactions of the County Commissioners — Tax on Bachelors — The Northwestern Railroad — Dispute of Bounty Claims — 1804 and 1908 Compared — Commissioners' Clerks — Conscience Money — Public Buildings — The Court House of 1884 — Court House of 1908— County Jails— The First Stone Jail— Recent Jail Escapes— Capture and Death of the Biddle Brothers — The County Home — The Temperance Cause — W. C. T. U. — Non-partisan Temperance Union — Loyal Temperance Legion — Population Statistics.

CHAPTER V. Political History 143

Senatorial and Representative Districts Established — First Elections — A New Judicial District — ^Fourteentii Congressional District Established — Campaign of 1828 — Case of Hugh Lee — Constitutional Amendments — Twenty-fifth Congressional District — Anti-slavery Movement — The Know Nothing Party — Anti-Administration Party — The Republican Party — The New Representative District — Apportionment of 1871 — The Constitutional Convention — Changes in 1874 — Vote on Prohibition Amendment — Campaign of 1890 — Judicial Campaigns of 1892-1902 — The Union Party — Vote for President Roosevelt— New Primary Election Law — Congressional Districts — Senatorial Districts — Representative Districts — Judicial Districts — Public Officials — Appointment of Court Officials.

12 CONTENTS

CHAPTEK VI.

The Oil and Gas Industries K'9

Early Oil Discoveries — Petroleum Used as Medicine — its Commercial Possibilities Eealized — Oil Company Formed — First Shipment to Europe — Early Oil Wells — The Parker's Landing Field — Petrolia, Karns City and Fairview — Greece City — Troutman Farm — Millerstown Field — The Bald Ridge District — Thorn Creek — Thorn Creek Extension — Reibald Field — The Hundred-foot District — Brownsdale and Cooperstown — Speechley Field — The Pipe Lines — Producers and Refiners — Natural Gas as a Fuel — Deepest Well in the County — Nitro-glycerine — Flannegan's Well-cleaner — Accidents and Tragedies of the Business — Death of Holland — Butler County Woman Killed — Miscellaneous Incidents and Sketches — -A Loaded Porker — William Smith —The Montcalm Letter — Dune Karns — Richard Jennings — Taylor & Satterfield — Plummer's Ride — The Producers' Protective Association — Beating the Railroad Company — Parker City — The Devil's Half-acre — The Wickedest Man in the World — The Agrarian Trouble at Renfrew — Wilson's Iron Derrick — Fortunes That Were Missed — The Lawyer Pumper — The "Spotty " McBride Well — Hoffman's Luck — Oil Country Honor — Oil Men's Outing Association— Prices of Crude Oil — A Disastrous Fire — Thomas W. Phillips.

e

CHAPTER VII. Bench and Bar 221

Early Court Officials — Early Courts — Origin of "Buckwheat County"- — First Quarter Sessions Court — Civil Gases and Other Court Business — Division of Townships — Cattle Marks — The Court in 1805-06 — Contempt of Court Case — Probate Court Created — MeJunkin-Halleek Tragedy— Court Dockets Written Up— Bredin Appointed Judge — Mohawk Murder Trial — Election of Judges — The Nellis Murder — Duff Trial — Constable Ferguson Killed— Court of 1853— Election of McGuffin — Cooper Murder Trial — Addlington Murder Trial — Hoekenbury Trial — Sehugart-Martin Trials — Constitution of 1873 — Judicial Contest of 1884 — Arrest of Counterfeiters — Harbison-Monks Baby Case — Lee Murder Trial — Hasler Murder — Judicial Contest of 1893 — Election of 1902— Catherine Miller Case— McGrady Tiial— The Hoffman Case— Ground Hog Case— The Kreditch Murder— McLaughlin-Hemphill Tragedv— The Schmidt Murder— The Bennett Riot— The Bench; Biographical Notice— The Bar- Biographical Notice^The Butler Bar in 1908.

Chapter VIII

Transportation Facilities . . . Public Roads — Stage Lines-

CH AFTER IX.

Agriculture 280

Pioneer Methods — Primitive Appliances — Butler County Farmers Progressive — Agricultural Societies — The Butler Driving Park and Fair Association — Millerstown Fair Association — Chicora Dairy Park and Fair Association — North Washington Agricultural Society.

CHAPTER X. Military History 290

Early Militia Organizations — Butler Invincibles — War of the Revolution — Butler County's Line of Descent — Military Organizations to which the First^ Settlers Belonged — Revolt of the Pennsylvania Line — A Hero of Stony Point — The Critchlow Brothers and Thomas Scott at Saratoga — War of 1812 — ^Butler Volunteers at Erie — Organization of the Second Infantry — The 13Sth Infantry — Rough Treatment of a Tory — Mexican War — Civil War — The Various Commands — ^Bounty Act — Balaam Association — Jubilee Meeting — Soldiers' Monuments — Spanish-American War — Departure of Mth Regiment — Death of Private Watters — Patriotic Societies — Roster of Company E, 15th Regiment — Names of VoIunteer^s — National Guard — Roster of Company L, 16th Regiment — Company G, 21st Regiment.

CHAPTER XI. The Medical Profession 3.,3

The Old Doctor — Some Borough and County Physicians — Homeopaths — Osteopathy — Registered Physicians- Butler Medical Association — Typhoid Fever Epidemic — Relief Society Organized— Ladies' Auxiliary Committees — Dr. Batt's Work— Hospital Established — Supply Rooms — Diet Kitchen — Clara Barton's Visit Relief

Fund — History of the Water Supply — Financial Report— Butler County General Hospital— Nurses' Trainins School. *

CONTENTS 13

CHAPTER XII. Banks .wcd Baxkinc 359

First Banking Institution — First National Bank — John Berg & Co. — Butler Savings Bank — Butler Savings and Trust Co. — Butler County Kational Bank — Farmers' National Bank of Butler — Guaranty Safe Deposit & Trust Co.— Standard Trust Co.— First National Bank of Harrisville— First National Bank of Zelienople— Citizens" National Bank of Slippery Eock — First National, Slippery Rock — Mars National Bank — First National Bank of Bruin — Citizens' National Bank of Evans City — Lyndorn National Bank — Harmony Savings Bank — Commercial Bank of Harmony — Prospect Savings Bank — Millerstown Savings Bank Association — MillerstOTvn Deposit Bank — Butler County Bank — Fairvjew Banks — Argyle Savings Bank, Petrolia.

CHAPTER XIII. The Press 370

Newspapers and Eilitors of the Past and of tlie Present.

CHAPTER XIV. Educatiox 385

The First Sdiools— Progi'ess of Education— Important Legislation— Teachers' Associations, Etc.

CHAPTER XV. Public Utilities 393

Roads and Bridges — Electric Railways — Telephone and Telegraph — Bell Telephone — Postal Telegraph Comjiany — People's Telephone Co. — Speechley Telephone Co. — Butler and Coylesville Telephone Co. — Burton Telephone Co. — Slipperv Rock Telephone Co. — Saxonburg Telephone Co. — Butler County Telephone Co. — Harrisville Teleplione Co.— Pittsburg ami Butler Telephone Co.— Portersville Telephone Co.

CHAPTER XVI. Butler Borough 400

Founders of Butler — Ti;e County Seat — First Sale of Lots — Original Maps — Dispute about Title — First Settlers — Incorporation of the Town — First Public School Tax — Fire Department Considered — Extension of Borough and Street Lights — Light and Fuel Companies — Fire Insurance Companies — Water Companies — Railroads — Telegraph Lines — Board of Trade — Business Men's Association — Grocers' Association — Chamber of Commerce — Public Buildings — Taverns and Hotels — ilanufaetures — Machine Shops — Brickyards — Building and Loan Associations — Churches — Schools — Religious and Charitable Societies — Graveyards and Cemeteries — Postmasters.

CHAP'?ER XVII.

The Townships 487

]?ln(iKAPHICAI 605

Biograpbical

Page

Abernethy, Dr 33i

Abrams, Edward E 611

Adams, George 1459

Adams, Josiah 784

Adams, Leander 1281

Addison, Hon. Alexander. . . . 239

Aggas, Warren 607

Agnew, Dr 326

Agnew, Hon. Daniel 240

Akins, Andrew M 900

Albert, Peter W 1473

Alehorn, Dr. James P 337

Aldinger, F. Augustus 1078

Alexander, Thomas 613

Allen, Charles W 958

Allen, Gideon E 1485

Allen, W. L 1097

Allen, William S.' 656

Allison, Robert L., M. D 1347

Altvater, William G 1320

Anderson, John P 691

Anderson, Ora H 1185

Anderson, Robert M 1029

Angell, C. D 172

Angert, Joseph 889

Armbruster, J. George 984

Arner, William C 1411

Arnold, William 1195

Ash, Isaac 249

Ash, Joseph 982

Atwell, J. Clinton, M. D 718

Atwell, Samuel 263

AtweU, William J 1198

Avery, S. S 253

Ayres, Gen. William 243

Bachman, Charles B 1141

Bachman, William 959

Badger, Frank W 895

Badger, Sumner B . . . 975

Bailey, Dr. Raymond W 343

Baker, Everett M., M. D 1073

Baker, James W 667

Baker, Thomas M 255

Baldwin, George 743

Balfour, John 1451

Paye

Ball, Joseph 1450

Bancroft, Prof. P. S 1275

Barber, Dr. Walter 337

Barber, William 1423

Bard, Jackson E 766

Barker, Enos r 1068

Barklev, William J 939

Barnard, Carlton H 831

Barney, H. M 1418

Barnhart, Andrew W 878

Barnhart, Charles H 1134

Barnhart, Rudolph 903

Barnhart, Victor A 1009

Barron, Joseph ■ 1391

Bartlej^, James M 675

Bartley, Naaman F 1241

Hartley, William J 1420

Bastian, David G 1244

Bauer, Charles 983

Bauer, George 1166

Beachem, Charles 1229

Beam, Samuel A 1409

Beattv, George M., M. D 1141

Beattv, Dr. J. W 335

Beck, Frank S 862

Beck, Joseph L 862

Behm, Augustus H 1007

Bell, Hon. Elmer E 954

Bell, Dr. Harrv A 329

Bell, Samuel 1313

Bell, Samuel 943

Bell, Dr. Sylvester D 329

Bennett, David T 804

Bennett, William L 808

Beringer, John 1100

Berry, O. P 1430

Bicker, Herman L 660

Bicker, John F 663

Binsack, Henrv 902

Black, Alfred' J 943

Black, A. T 255

Black, George A 250

Black, John A 722

Black, Newton 254

Black, William H 256

Blair, Marion E 7G0

Page

Blakeley, Col. Archibald 246

Blakeley, Col. William 246

Blaney, Cyrus E 748

Book, Charles H 1266

Book, William F IISO

Boos, Jacob 779

Borland, Charles R 1348

Bovard, J. Chambers 1152

Bovard & Sons, J. C 1152

Bowers, Augustus 1259

Bowser, D. L 629

Bowser, Ross M 1021

Bowser, S. F 257

Boyle, J. C, M. D 1129

Braham, Samuel L 1003

Brandberg, C. J 993

Brandon, Matthew H 643

Brandon, Washington D 257

Brandon, J. Emory 91i)

Brandon, Jacob C". 911

Brandon, William S 907

Braunan, Isaac R 659

Brediu, Edward M 245

Bredin, Hon. James 647

Bredin, Hon. John 240

Bredin, Joseph B. 664

Bredin, Dr. Stephen 329

Brennan, William J 849

Brewster, Alexander 671

Bricker, Hiram C 989

Brieker, Dr. McCurdy 329

Brittain, James F 250

Brown, Charles M 1050

Brown, C. N 204

Brown, Henry J 1140

Brown, Peter P 1282

Brown, Robert H 973

Brown, T. H 995

Brown, William E 989

Brown, Dr. William H 341

Brunermer, George A 857

Buchanan, James C 1423

Buffington, Hon. Joseph 243

Buhning, Henrv 1291

BuUard, Dr. Henry 335

Page

Burc-haid, Dr. H. C 335

Burk, John A 1236

Burke, Richard 826

Burton, William J 994

Butler, Albert E 987

Butler, Gen. Richard 75

Bvers, .Fohn -.1386

Byers, Dr. John E 328

Byers, Josiah 1468

Caldwell, James B 1101

Caldwell, John B 1306 '

Caler, Wilbert L 1398

Campbell, Andrew G 1298

Campbell, James 1 755

Campbell, John S ; 1289

Campbell, John Sheppard.... 947 Campbell, Mrs. Josephine. .. .1066

Campbell, N. W 256

Campbell, O. P 1107

Campbell, T. Chalmers 1010

Campbell, Dr. Willard B 1065

Campbell, William 1306

Campbell, William, Sr 1090

Carpenter, John L 1374

Cashdollar, William S 1117

Chandler, George N 797

Christie, .lames L., M. D 869

Christie, Samuel Plummer. . .1442

Christley, Alfred M 260

Christlev, Curtis 1 1012

Christley, Laurell E 378

Christlev, William 1346

Christy,' Alfred W 761

Christy, Dr. J. L 338

Clark," Julian A 1318

Clark, .T. B 255

Clay, S. G 1368

Cleeland, David L 692

Clevis, L. J 253

Clinton, E. DeWitt 1277

Glutton, Frank 1251

Cluxton, Dr. F. C 335

Cochrane, Calvin C 870

Cochran, Joseph H 1058

Colbert, W. H 255

Colestock, .Joseph 671

Collins, Isaiah 668

Collins, .John 1348

Collins, Rev. Patrick K 1134

Conley, Robert J 10o\ |

Cook^M,,. TlM.inlcV r!^';^^!!;i-JS4

Cooper, .lospph B 966

Cooper, Thomas F 1179

Cornelius, Alexander M 259

Cornelius, William M 253

Coulter, Hunter E 930

Coulter, John W 264

Cowden, Dr. John 328

Cowden, Dr. John V 328

Cowden, Dr. William R 32S

Page

Coyle, James, Jr 761

Craig, L. H 848

Cramer, John 926

Cranmer, .John T 1074

Crawford, Dr. Frank 329

Crawford, Joseph A 780

Crawford, Walter G 253

Cress, Milton 1476

Criswell, David S 1463

Criswell, John A 1077

Criswell, Joseph 1310

Critchlow, Henry C 762

Cromling, Henry 1411

Cross, John A . ! 1093 •

Grouse, Philip 843

Crowe, John 840

Cubbins, William H 798

Culberson, W. Clark 1446

Cummings, Paul 256

Cummings, Stephen 738

Cunningham, Dr. Abelard V.. 931

Cunningham, A. M 254

Cunningham, David C 245

Cunningham. Francis W 929

Currie, Wjlliam B 654

Cypher, .John C 737

Cypher, Philip 742

Dale, David E 814

Dambaeh. Adam J 1165

Dambaugh, .Jacob 1026

Dart, D. W 1327

Daubenspeck, G. F 838

Daubenspeck, Philip 870

Daughertv, Joseph S 849

Daughert'v, W. H 1443

Davidson, A. W 1414

Davis, Dr. Harry M 333

Davison. Mrs. Priscilla 1017

Davy, F. H 1004

Dean, Harold E 839

DeColiere, Dr. Henri 328

Delia ven, Robert L 768

Dennison, Dr. B. E 335

Dennv, James M 253

DeWolf. Charles L.. M. D 890

DeWolfe, Dr. EM G 338

DeWolf e. Dr. Henrv C 325

Dickey, David M . ." 844

Dindinger, Hon. John 900

Dipner, Charles 766

Dipner, John L 773

Dipner, William 766

Dittmer, .Joseph J 697

Divener, Charles 847

Dixon, Winfield S 1290

Dodd. Samuel T 1385

Dodds, David B 1003

Dodds, Ernest J 813

Dodds, John S 965

Dodds, Thomas J 643

Dombart. Nicholas A., M. D.. 990

Donaldson Brothers 759

Donaldson. Clifford C 759

Donaldson, Harry A 759

Page

Donaldson, William P 7.59

Donley, Joseph T 255

Double, Henry Perrj' 1254

Double, Joseph ....". 635

Douthett, Detmore W.. 1023

Douthett, William 6 801

Dower, John H 730

Drake, Dr. Nannie B 341

Drane, Philip A 1351

Drushel, Henry Edwin 945

Duff, Dr. P. S 341

Duffy, Peter nZG

Dunbar, Charles 1 1002

Dunbar, Daniel L 1091

Dunbar, Solomon II43

Duncan, Gilmore A., D. D. S..1365

Duncan, Nelson B 1292

Duncan, Sample C 1233

Dunlap, Mulvain 1314

DuPanchell, Dr 327

Eagal, Orenzo W 1483

Eakin, Robert 1399

Eastman, Frank il 255

Eberhart, Andrew 681

Eberle, C. P 882

Eberle, H. W 762

Ehmer, J. Andrew 868

Ekas, Chester A 1436

Elliott, .James M 773

Elriek, Dr. J. H 333

Elriek, John M 1040

Elriek, Richard E 1060

Emmerling. Dr. Charles 326

Emrick, William J 964

Endres, Adam 876

Engelhart, Ernst F 895

Evans, J. Bernard. 1150

Evans, Silas H 796

Evans, Walter 798

Everts, J. H 778

Ewing, Mrs. Ellsworth 1468

Eyles, Fred 874

Falkner, Matthew 1442

Falkner, Samuel '. 1434

Fehl, Casper 958

Fennell, Philip S 789

Ferguson, John 988

Ferrero, Eugene 249

Fetzer, Charles A 614

Fiedler, Dr. Daniel W -. . . . 1479

Fiudley, William C 260

Fisher, Robert ' 878

Fleeger, A. F 648

Fleeger. Isaac M 966

Fletcher, E. Jl 698

Flick, John H 721

FoUett. James S 68a

Forcht, George 917

Forquer, Benjamin J 1364

Forquer, Francis J 1222-

I'orquer. William A 254

Forsvthe, Pavi.l 1032

Foster. Dr. J. ( ' 343

Page

Foster, Dr. Julia E 34L'

Foster, William 6S7

Fox, George H 626

Fox, WilUam J 644

Frazier, Thomas A 1131

Frederick, Jacob 820

Freehling, John G 703

Freehling, Theodore H 712

Freehling, William T 1216

Friekenstein, Dr. Theo 326

Frishkorn, Frederick A 768

Galbreath, lion. James M 840

Galbraith. John 243, 373

Galbreth, Samuel W 697

Gallagher, Dennis L 791

Gallagher, Robert E., D.D.S... 92.3

Gallaway, John F 1435

Gamble, W. E l^'l^

Gerard, Claude 1230

Gerlach, Charles 1040

Gerner. Henry 1467

Garroway, J. L 1057

Gillespie, Otho J 1462

(iillgrist, James A 1469

GiUiland. E. L 1344

Gilliland, John A 676

Gilmore, Hon. Alfred: 248

(Jilmore, Hugh 1359

Gilmore, John 243

Gilmore, Jlou. Samuel A 248

Gilmore, W. E 902

Glenn, James S 1133

Glenn, Samuel W 1063

Goehring, Charles E 873

Goehring, W. H 819

Goerman, C. I 1480

Goldthorp, Thomas J 1281

Goucher, Henderson H 259

Gould, Perry E 937

Grabe, William H 1327

Graham, Hon. George H 1458

Graham, Harry L 1257

Graham, Hugh C 250

Graham, Dr, James 325

Graham, John 245

Graham, John A 896

Graham, John C 264

Graham, Matthew 1196

Graham, Orin P 1260

Graham, Dr. Samuel 327

Graham. Thomas J 953

Graham, Walter L 1076

Grav, Carson G 1457

Grei>n, Paul K 642

Greenert. John 749

Greer, John B 2.56

Greer, Hon. John M 1444

Greer, Matthew S 970

Greer, S. W 1038

Greer, Thomas H 256

Gregg, John A...; 1089

Gregg, Ralph 1278

Grenet, Henry F 1332

Grimm, George F 1163