History of Butler County Pennsylvania, 1895

Link to plat maps of Butler townships and boroughs from the Atlas of Butler County, G.M. Hopkins & Co., 1874. Please read the explanation and caution about this transcription. Use your browser's "search" or "find" capability to look for surnames in the chapter that are not included as biographical sketches. Transcribed by: Cindy Baughman.

HENRY GELBACH was born in Bavaria, Germany, and immigrated to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1830. He subsequently removed to what is now Forward township, Butler county, and purchased 100 acres of land, now know as the Markel farm. This he cleared and improved, and resided upon it down to within a few year of his death, which occurred at Zelienople, whither he had removed from his farm. He married in Germany, and was the father of one son, Philip, and three daughters, as follows: Margaret, who married Philip BLIMM; Elizabeth, who married Martin BEHM, and Louisa, who married Charles KATZ.

PHILIP GELBACH, only son of Henry GELBACH, was born in Bavaria, Germany, March 15, 1817, and came with his parents to the United States in 1830. He grew to manhood upon the homestead in Forward township, and received a meager education in the pioneer log schools of that locality. He afterwards purchased a farm adjoining his father's farm, consisting of 160 acres, where his son, Philip D., now lives. He continued to farm until he arrived at old age, when he retired to Evans City, where he died October 3, 1884. The first frame barn built in the neighborhood he erected upon his farm. He was a very industrious man and was know as a good, honest citizen. Mr. GELBACH was married in 1846, to Sophia, daughter of Christian DAMBACH, to which union were born five sons and two daughters, as follows: Jacob, of Zelienople; Philip D., of Forward township; Louisa, deceased wife of William J. BLAKELEY; William H., of Zelienople; Julia, wife of Peter SCHENCK, of Butler; Christian, of Forward township, and John A., of Zelienople. Mrs. GELBACH resides in the last mentioned borough. Politically, Mr. GELBACH was a Democrat, and filled many of the township offices. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical church of Evans City, and gave liberally of his means towards the erection of the present church building. He was an elder and trustee of that church for many years, and in all the relations of life he was recognized as a worthy citizen.

PHILIP D. GELBACH, second son of Philip and Sophia GELBACH, was born upon the homestead in Forward township, in 1848, and was reared and educated in his native township. In 1874 he located upon the farm where his brother Christian now lives, where he remained until 1886, and then purchased the old GELBACH homestead, which he has improved a great deal since that time. It contains 247 acres, and is one of the best oil producing farms in this locality. In 1874 he was married to Catherine, daughter of Martin BEHM, and is the father of seven children, as follows: Daniel L.; Emma M.; Henry F.; Elmer M.; Ida L.; Clara E., and Edna A. Mr. GELBACH is one of the progressive citizens of the county, an active member of the Democratic party, and takes a decided interest in public affairs. He has filled the offices of school director and county audi- [pg. 1131]tor. He is a member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City, and a trustee in that organization.

WILLIAM H. GELBACH was born in Forward township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, December 10, 1854, and is the third son of Philip and Sophia GELBACH. He received his education in the district schools, and in Greentown Academy, Perrysville, Ohio. In 1873 he embarked in merchandising at Petersville, Butler county, where he carried on business for three years. He then taught school in Ohio for three years, and in 1880 he entered into a partnership with William H. IFFT, and engaged in the mercantile business at Zelienople. This firm continued in business for six years, when the partnership was dissolved, and the firm of Gelbach Brothers was established. He sold his interest in the store in 1893, and has since been engaged in Gelbach Brothers bank. Mr. GELBACH was married in 1880, to Elizabeth, a daughter of Dr. William IRVINE, of Evans City, by which union five children have been born to them: Josephine Eugenia; Julia Edith; Flora Isabella; Lillian Irvine; and Norman Earl, who died August 10, 1893. The family are connected with the Presbyterian church, in which body Mr. GELBACH fills the office of elder. In politics, he is a Democrat, has served in the borough council, and has been a continuous member, since 1883, of the school board of Zelienople, and in 1891 he was a delegate to the State Convention.

JOHN A. GELBACH, of the banking firm of Gelbach Brothers, was born in Forward township, Butler county, March 28, 1862, and is the youngest son of Philip and Sophia GELBACH. He was educated in the public schools of his native township, and completed his education at Zelienople Academy. In 1885 he engaged in the feed business at Beaver Falls, where he remained until 1887, and then became a member of the mercantile firm of Gelbach Brothers. In 1892, he sold his interest in the store and joined his brother Jacob, and Amos M. Lusk in the banking business in Zelienople, which is still continued by Gelbach Brothers. He was married in 1891, to Mary LUSK, daughter of the late Dr. Amos LUSK of Zelienople, and both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church of that borough. He is a Democrat, in politics, and has served two terms in the borough council. He is a member of Harmony Lodge, Number 429, F. & A. M., also of Lancaster Lodge, I. O. O. F.

NICHOLAS BEHM, SR., a native of Coner-Hesse, Germany, immigrated to Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, whence he came to what is now Forward township, Butler County, in 1830, and settled near Breakneck upon a rented farm. He had then a family of three sons and two daughters, as follows: John; Nicholas; George; Margaret, who married George BARKLEY, and Eva, who married John METZ. In 1834 he located at Zelienople, subsequently purchased a farm in Jackson township, and died at the home of his son Nicholas, in 1871, aged ninety-two years.

NICHOLAS BEHM, second son of Nicholas BEHM, Sr., was born August 22, 1817, in Germany. He came with his father to Butler county, and purchased a farm of 100 acres in Forward township, where his son Augustus H. now resides. Here he spent the balance of his days, dying August 11, 1883. He married Louisa REHNICK, and they were the parents of thirteen children, as follows: Maggie, wife of Henry LENTZ; Mary, wife of Fred SWARTZ; Ann, wife of Earnest [p. 1132] NEBAUCH; Caroline, wife of George HEIST; Amelia D., wife of Charles MEUHLBRUNNER; Louisa, wife of Isaac BLAKELEY; Hanna, wife of Daniel BEHM; Christina, deceased; Lena, deceased; William, of Adams township; John, of Allegheny county; Augustus H., and George R. Mr. BEHM filled the offices of overseer of the poor and school director for many years; in politics he was a Democrat, and was a member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City.

AUGUSTUS H. BEHM, third son of Nicholas BEHM, Jr., was born upon his present farm February 23, 1854. He received a common school education, and has followed farming up to the present, owning a well improved farm of 189 acres. Upon his place are two oil wells, which produce at one time 180 barrels, and 150 barrels, per hour, respectively. Mr. BEHM has recently erected one of the finest private residences in the county, and is recognized as an enterprising, substantial business man. He was married in 1882, to Matilda, daughter of William GOEHRING, of Forward township, and they have a family of six children: Clyde H.; Leah F.; Cleveland Charley; Harry M.; Etta L., and Jay N. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has filled the office of township auditor. He is a member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City, is an elder in that body, and is also connected with the I. O. O. F.

GEORGE R. BEHM, youngest son of Nicholas BEHM, was born February 15, 1865, upon his present homestead in Forward township, where he has resided throughout his life. In 1891 he married Maggie MAHOOD, daughter of James MAHOOD, of Renfrew, Penn township. He is a member of St. John's Reformed church, and politically, is a Democrat. Upon his farm he has eight producing wells, one ninety barrel well, and one of 100 barrels per hour.

WILLIAM HUNTER, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, immigrated to Pennsylvania about 1835, and settled upon the land in Forward township, Butler county, where his grandsons, W. W. and A. D. HUNTER, now live. He was accompanied by his family, consisting of two sons and five daughters. Joseph, one of the sons died soon after the settlement was made. The other children were named as follows: Alexander; Fannie, who married Carson COULTER; Ann, who married Samuel DEAN; Jane, who became the wife of Andrew DUNN; Mary, who married Samuel DOUTHETT, and Rosanna, who married Scott WHITE. Mr. HUNTER died April 18, 1861, aged seventy-seven years. His widow survived him until August 11, 1869, and both are buried in the cemetery near the Presbyterian church, in Middlesex township. All of the children are dead except Mrs. WHITE, who is a resident of Allegheny. Mr. HUNTER and wife were members of the Presbyterian church.

ALEXANDER HUNTER, eldest son of William HUNTER, was born in Ireland in 1818, and grew to manhood in his native land. He came with his parents to the United States, and after the death of his father he succeeded to the homestead farm in Froward township. He made improvements in the property, in clearing off the timber and erecting buildings. He married Elizabeth, daughter of David DIXON, of Penn township, and they were the parents of two sons: William W., and Alexander D. In politics, Mr. HUNTER was originally a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, and filled the office of school director in Forward township. His wife died November 22, 1875; he survived her until October [p. 1133] 19,1888. In early life they belonged to the Presbyterian church, but later became members of the United Presbyterian church of Adams township.

WILLIAM W. HUNTER, eldest son of Alexander HUNTER, was born July 27, 1861, upon the homestead in Forward township, and has never resided at any other point. He married Susie, daughter of Jacob HUTCHMAN, and has two children: Maggie E., and Laura W. In politics, he is a Republican, and is a member of the Union United Presbyterian church.

ALEXANDER D. HUNTER, youngest son of Alexander HUNTER, was born upon the homestead in Forward township, October 1, 1866, received a common school education, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married Mary, daughter of Jacob HUTCHMAN, and has one son, Howard A. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a member of the Union United Presbyterian church.

DANIEL STAMM and his father settled in Franklin township, Beaver county, close to the Butler county line, where the latter died and was interred upon the homestead. Daniel grew up on the farm settled by his father, and remained with his parents until his marriage to Elizabeth SHEARER, to which union were born the following children: Conrad; Jacob; John; Daniel; Mary, who married Henry SHANOR; Susan, wife of Zeno MARKEL, of Evans City, and Eliza, who became the wife of a Eli HARTZELL. The parents died upon the homestead farm, where the greater portion of their lives was passed.

JACOB STAMM, Sr., son of Daniel STAMM, was born in November, 1811, upon the old homestead, learned the tanner's trade, and followed that occupation for several years. In 1887 he purchased the farm in Forward township, consisting of 212 acres, to which he afterwards added seventy-eight acres, upon which his sons, Solomon and Jacob now live. Mr. STAMM cleared and improved this farm. In early life he was a Democrat, but upon the formation of the Republican party he joined that organization. He was one of the pioneer member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City. He married Susan, daughter of Christopher ZIEGLER, of Beaver county, who became the mother of eight children: Deborah, wife of George WISE; Abraham; Kesiah, wife of Casper BEHM; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph PEFFER; Solomon; Mary, wife of John Milton WHITE; Susan, wife of Jonathan WILSON, and Jacob. Mr. STAMM died May 27, 1892; his widow resides upon the homestead farm. She is a member of the Mennonite church.

SOLOMON STAMM, second son of Jacob STAMM, was born upon the homestead in Forward township, Butler county, October 13, 1844, and was reared to manhood beneath the parental roof. In May, 1872, he married Euphemia, daughter of Nicol ALLEN, of Cranberry township, and has four children: Mary; Bruce B.; Guy H., and Inez. In politics, Mr. STAMM was a Republican down to recent years, but is now an adherent of the Prohibition party. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, of Evans City.

JACOB STAMM, youngest son of Jacob and Susan STAMM, was born January 12, 1851, upon the homestead farm in Forward township. He received a common school education, and has always been engaged in farming, carrying on the farm in partnership with his brother Solomon. HE is a mem- [p. 1134] ber of the Baptist church, and in politics, he is a Prohibitionist. Mr. STAMM is one of the leading citizens of Forward township, and, like his brother, takes an active interest in the growth and development of the community.

WILLIAM H. STAMM, son of Daniel and Sophia (WOSTER) STAMM, was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1853. He is a grandson of Daniel STAMM, whose father settled in Franklin township, Beaver county, close to the line of Jackson township, at an early date. His father was born in 1817, and settled upon a part of the old homestead, in Beaver county, where he died in July, 1880. His family were as follows: Eliza, wife of David MORRISON; Lena, wife of David ZEIGLER; Frank; Alice D., wife of Frank STAMM; William H., and Edward W., who resides upon the homestead with his mother. The subject of this sketch was reared in Beaver county, and grew to manhood upon the homestead farm. He then purchased a farm close at hand, upon which he lived four years. In the spring of 1891 he bought his present farm in Jackson township, containing 103 acres, and has since resided upon it engaged in general farming. Mr. STAMM was married in 1887, to Lizzie, daughter of George L. BEHM, of Jackson township, and is the father of one son, Harold Byron. He is a deacon in Grace Reformed church of Harmony. Politically, he is a Prohibitionist, is a member of Columbia Alliance, of Harmony, and is one of the progressive young farmers of the community.

OSWALD A. RADER was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, grew to manhood in his native place, and in 1834 immigrated to the United States and settled in Kentucky. In 1838 he located in Forward township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he purchased what is now know as the Marshall Brinton farm, and lived upon it for ten years. He then purchased his present homestead in Forward township, containing 200 acres, which he has cleared and brought under cultivation. In 1887 oil was discovered upon his farm, and it now contains several wells, some of which have produced as high as 200 barrels per day. Mr. RADER is one of the progressive farmers of his township, and takes an interest in everything calculated to benefit the community. In politics, he is a Democrat, and in religious faith, is an adherent to St. John's Lutheran church, of Petersville. He married Margaret, a daughter of John FLINNER, of Jackson township, to which union have been born thirteen children: John; Henry; Adam; Peter; Frederick; William M.; Annie, wife of L. C. GOEHRING; Kate, wife of James ESTERLING; Lizzie; Tillie, wife of H. E. DRUSHELL; Benjamin; Phillip, and Ida. Mr. RADAR is retired from active business, his farm now being carried on by his sons. He has filled the offices of overseer of the poor, school director and auditor.

WILLIAM M. RADER, sixth son of Oswald A. RADER, was born on the homestead in Forward township, in 1864, and was reared beneath the parental roof. In 1887 he built his present residence on the home farm, and engaged in general farming. Politically, he is one of the leading young Democrats of Forward township, and is at present township assessor. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran church, of Petersville, and is a trustee and secretary of that organization. Mr. RADER married Emma, a daughter of Elias GOEHRING, in 1887, and has two children, Nora and Elmer.

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WILLIAM M. MARSHALL, was a native of Derry county, Ireland, born in 1814, and was brought to the United States when a boy of eight years of age. He learned the hatter's trade in Pittsburg, followed that business for some years, and subsequently engaged in merchandising at Allegheny City, where he filled the office of tax collector. About 1844 he removed to Evans City, Butler county, and opened a general store, which he carried on for two years, and then returned to Allegheny City. One year afterward he again came to Butler county, and located in Whitestown, Connoquenessing township, opened a store and carried on business at that point some four years. He next settled upon a portion of the McLeod farm, in Forward township, having married Jane, daughter of Enos McLEOD, April 3, 1845. He resided upon this farm down to his death, April 27, 1885. He followed farming and coal mining the greater portion of his time. By his marriage to Jane McLEOD, he was the father of eleven children, as follows: Samuel J.; Robert J.; Henry; George; and Mary, all of whom are dead; Charley, deceased, who married Mary MILLER; Tillie; Lavina, and three that died in infancy. Mrs. MARSHALL resides upon the homestead in Forward township. She is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of the county. In early life Mr. MARSHALL was a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, in which party he was quite a leading member. He was a warm friend of education and a school director for several years. He was a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, and gave liberally of his means towards the support of that denomination.

SAMUEL J. MARSHALL, eldest son of William M. MARSHALL, was born at Whitestown, Butler county, January 13, 1849, and received a common school education. From 1873 to 1885 he conducted an extensive coal business, mining the coal on his father's farm. Since the latter year he has been engaged in oil producing, farming and coal mining. He is an adherent of the Republican party, has filled the office of school director, and also that of roadmaster. In religious belief, he is connected with the United Presbyterian church. He is a member of the Jr., O. U. A. M., and is recognized as one of the enterprising farmers of the community.

ROBERT J. MARSHALL, second son of William M. MARSHALL, was born upon the homestead farm at Whitestown, Butler county, May 31, 1854. He received a good public school education, and has taught considerable in the township schools in connection with cultivating the old homestead farm. He is a Republican, in politics, and is a member of the United Presbyterian church.

GEORGE MARSHALL, fourth son of William M. MARSHALL, was born in Forward township, Butler county, April 3, 1857, received a common school education, was reared a farmer, and is engaged in farming and oil producing. They had eleven producing wells upon the homestead farm, which was one of the most valuable in the township. Mr. MARSHALL is a Republican, in politics, and is a member of the United Presbyterian church.

HARTMAN KNAUFF, a native of Hess-Darmstadt, Germany, settled in Cranberry township, Butler county, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres, upon which he resided until his death. His family consisted of five sons and three daughters, as follows: Martin, and Michael, both deceased; Henry, of Cran- [p. 1136] berry township; John; Hartman, who died on the trip to America; Catherine, wife of Jacob WIHING; Gertrude, wife died in Cranberry township. They were adherents of the Lutheran church, and were among the early members of the Zelienople congregation.

JOHN KNAUFF, fourth son of Hartman KNAUFF, was born in Germany in 1824, and at the age of fourteen came with his parents to Butler county. He worked on the homestead farm until his marriage, in 1845, to Sophia, daughter of Michael FOX, when he settled upon a farm owned by his father-in-law. He afterwards located on a 200-acre tract of land in Forward township, where his son A. H. now resides. His wife died three years after their marriage, and he subsequently married Sophia, daughter of Christian RAPE, of Jackson township. Six children were born of this union, three of whom are living, as follows: Mary, wife of George DAMBACH; Sophia, wife of George MEEDER, and Adam Henry. Mr. KNAUFF has retired from active business, and resides with his son upon the homestead farm. Politically, a Democrat, he has filled the office of school director and other minor positions in his township. He is a trustee and elder in the Lutheran church, at Zelienople.

ADAM HENRY KNAUFF, only son of John and Sophia (RAPE) KNAUFF, was born upon the homestead farm, in Forward township, September 19, 1861, and received a common school education. In 1883 he purchased a farm of 200 acres, where he has since resided. He had upon his farm thirty-six producing wells, drilled since 1890, one of which produced ninety barrels per hour, and another 100 barrels per hour. He now has five producing wells. Mr. KNAUFF married Mary, daughter of George KNAUFF, of Jackson township, and has four children: William; Henry; Lena, and Frank. IN 1893, he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, township auditor. He is an adherent of the Lutheran church, to which denomination his father belongs.

JACOB MILLER was born about 1773, in Alsace, Germany, where he grew to manhood. He settled first in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, about 1830, whence he removed to Butler county about 1832, and settled upon a rented farm near Prospect, in Franklin township. After a few years he removed to Beaver county, and died there in 1848. He was married in Germany, and his children were as follows: Nicholas; Adam; John; Jacob, who went to South America; Mrs. Mary NICKLAS; Mrs. Lizzie BOSS, and Mrs. BRUNNER.

JOHN B. MILLER, third son of Jacob MILLER, was born in Alsace, Germany, in 1807. He learned the mason's trade, immigrated to the United States with his parents, came with them to Butler county, and purchased a small farm near Harmony, in Jackson township, where he resided until 1843. He then bought fifty acres, now owned by his son John M., in Forward township, upon which he resided until within two years of his death, when he retired, and lived with his son John M., until he died, in April 1890. He married Christina MARTZ, a native of France, who died in February, 1869. Their children were as follows: Jacob M., a resident of Forward township, who married Margaret CASHDOLLAR, and is the father of eight children: John M.; Elias M.; Catherine, deceased, who was twice married, first to Wheeler HENRY, and after his death to Adam BEAL; Mar- [p. 1137] garet, who married William IRION, and subsequently John HALFICKER; Sadie, wife of John HORD, and three that died in infancy. Mr. MILLER and wife were members of the Evans City Reformed church, in which organization he filled the office of elder. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat.

JOHN M. MILLER, second son of Jacob B. and Christina MILLER, was born January 19,1846, in Forward township, Butler county. At the age of twenty-eight he took charge of the homestead farm, which he conducted until 1883, and then purchased his present farm, know as the Nicklas place, containing fifty-six acres, and now cultivates both farms, but resides upon his own. He has one producing well upon his own property, and ten upon the old homestead. He married Caroline BURR, who died in the spring of 1885, leaving four children, three of whom are living: Annie, wife of Frank THOMAS; Tillie; Lena, and Peter, deceased. Mr. MILLER is a member of the Reformed church, and politically, he is a Democrat.

GEORGE MARBURGER SR., was born in Hesse-Hingelhoff, Kreischluter, Germany, November 3, 1813, and was a son of George MARBURGER, born in the same place, in 1781. His parents came to Zelienople, Butler county, in 1838, accompanied by their sons George and Henry, removing one year afterwards to the vicinity of Evans City. Three sons and two daughters had preceded them to this country. His father resided with our subject until his death, which occurred December 7, 1870. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and was buried in the Evans City cemetery. The subject of this sketch came to the United States with his father, and lived with him until 1843, when he purchased a farm of 100 acres, to which he later added forty acres, in what is now Forward township, Butler county, upon which he still resides. Prior to immigrating to the United States he learned the wheelwright's trade, and also served five years in the German army. He was a member of the Lutheran church, was an elder in that denomination for a number of years, and also a trustee and treasurer. In politics, he is a Democrat. Mr. MARBURGER married Kunigunda MARBURGER, of his native town, who bore him a family of six children, as follows: Catherine, who married John KAUFFMAN; Margaret, who married John TWENTIER; Mary, deceased; George; Eva, wife of Alexander SCHILLING, and John.

GEORGE MARBURGER was born upon the old homestead in Forward township, Butler county, January 12, 1845, and was reared in his native township. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company E, Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Capt. R. I. Boggs, and was honorably discharged from the service September 11, 1865. He married Magdalene, a daughter of Casper KAUFFMAN, of Jackson township, and is the father of the following children: William L,; John A., deceased; Emma C; George A., deceased; Daniel; Catherine K.; Anna M., and Henry, both deceased; Charles; Maggie L., and Flora M. Mr. MARBURGER is a member of the Lutheran church, and has been president of the church council. He is one of the active and influential Democrats of Adams township, has filled the office of school director and overseer of the poor for a number of years, and was the Democratic nominee for treasurer of Butler county in 1893.

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JOHN MARBURGER, youngest son of George MARBURGER, Sr., was born upon the homestead farm in Forward township, August 28, 1854, where he also grew to manhood. He is now the owner of 170 acres of land in Forward township, which he cultivates in connection with his father's farm. He married Mary M., daughter of Martin WAHL, of Evans City, and the are the parents of eight children: Martin; Katie; Andrew; John; Wallace; Ausmus; Adam, and Minnie. Besides his farming operation, Mr. MARBURGER is also engaged in oil producing, and has eight oil wells and two gas wells. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.

JAMES HAZLETT was born in 1800, upon the old homestead farm in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, was reared a farmer, and learned the tanner's trade in Butler county, after which he embarked in that business in Allegheny county. He carried it on for eight years, and then settled upon a farm in Forward township, Butler county, where the remainder of his life was spent. In 1830 he married Margaret HAMILTON, a daughter of James HAMILTON, of Allegheny county. Her father was a son of James HAMILTON, a native of Ireland, who immigrated to West Deer township, Allegheny county, in 1819, where he reared a family of six children, and was prominent in the Presbyterian church of that locality, dying about 1848. Her father was the third in the family. Ten children were born to James and Margaret HAZLETT, as follows: Robert, now a resident of Canada; John, who died at Andersonville prison during the Rebellion; William, deceased; James, a resident of Wyoming; George, who resides in Boston; Alexander, who is now in McDonald; Leslie P., of Forward township; Martha, who married Hillary WILSON; Mary, a resident of Grove City, and Margaret, wife of Alonzo SHORTS. Mr. HAZETT died in 1873, and his wife in 1887. They were members of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a Republican. During his residence in Forward township he filled the offices of school director and supervisor, and was on of the warmest supporters of the public school system.

LESLIE P. HAZLETT was born in 1843, upon the homestead farm in Allegheny county, son of James and Margaret HAZLETT, and came with his parents to Butler county, where he purchased fifty acres of land adjoining his father's farm, on the line of Connoquenessing and Forward townships, and afterwards bought his father's homestead. In 1870 he was married to Barbara ZIEGLER, a daughter of Jonas and Elizabeth ZIEGLER, of Harmony, Butler county, to which union have been born five children, viz.: Letitia, wife of Clinton HENSHEW, of Allegheny county; George W.; Lizzie; Frank L. and Maggie. Mrs. HAZLETT died in 1887. Politically, he has been one of the active Republicans of his locality for many years, has been school director in his township for twenty-two years, and has filled the office of justice of the peace for five years. He was re-elected to the last mentioned office, but refused to serve. He was originally a member of the Presbyterian church, but is now a Methodist. He is connected with Harmony Lodge, Number 429, F. & A. M., and has been a member of the Masonic order for nearly thirty years. Mr. HAZLETT is one of the prosperous farmers of Butler county, his farm being in the Hundred Foot field, and now containing twelve producing wells, operated by the Forest Oil Company, the Columbia Oil Company, Abrams & Company, and Elias Barnhart.

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ISAAC RILEY, a native of Armagh county, Ireland, grew to manhood in his native land, and afterwards immigrated to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he found employment in an iron mill. He followed the occupation of heater for some years, but about 1854 he purchased a farm in Forward township, upon which his son Samuel now lives, which he cleared and improved. He died here August 3, 1864, aged fifty-eight years. He was twice married, his first wife being a native of Ireland and dying before he came to the United States. She was the mother of the following children: John; Joseph, deceased; William; Robert; Mary J., who married John E. SMALL, and Eliza, who married Martin McBRIDE. These children came with their father to Pittsburg. His second wife was Mrs. Margaret BECK, nee SPEAR. She survived him some years, and is buried in the United Presbyterian cemetery at Brownsdale. Two children were the fruits of this union: Samuel, and Thomas, the latter deceased. In early life Mr. RILEY was a Presbyterian, but after coming to this country he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of Forward township, and was a trustee in that body. He was first a Whig, and later a Republican.

SAMUEL RILEY, only living son of Isaac and Margaret (BECK) RILEY, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, February 14, 1845, and came with his parents to Forward township, where he was reared and educated. After his father's death he purchased the homestead, and has since made all the improvements now upon it. Mr. RILEY married Sarah J., daughter of John McELROY; she was born in Pittsburg, and died May 14, 1864, leaving no children. Mr. RILEY married for his second wife, Mary J., daughter of John THOMPSON, of Middlesex township, and they are the parents of nine children: John; Harry; Langdon; William; Wylie; Charley; Josie; Maggie, and Lizzie. Mr. RILEY is one of the leading farmers of his township, and is recognized as an enterprising citizen. In politics, he is a Republican, and has filled the office of school director for one term.

HENRY PHILIP CONRAD WAGNER, son of John Jacob and Eva Catherine (MASONHOLT) WAGNER, was born in the City of Worms, Germany, May 21, 1834. His father emigrated from Germany in 1839, and settled with his family in New Sewickley township, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he is yet living. His family consists of the following children: Henry Philip Conrad; Eva, wife of Joseph GOEHRING; John; Jacob; Laura, wife of Charles CHENEY; Caroline, wife of George STINECKER; Margaret, wife of John BEHM; George P., and Elizabeth, wife of Adam RAPE. The subject of this sketch was reared to farm life, and in 1860 he purchased a portion of his present homestead in Forward township, and has added thereto, until he has now a farm of nearly 170 acres. Mr. WAGNER learned the carpenter's trade, and for a time followed that business in connection with farming. He has always manifested commendable interest in the public schools, has served as school director, and has also filled the office of township auditor. In politics, he is a Democrat, and in religion, adheres to the German Reformed church. He has been an elder in the Evans City congregation for many years. In 1863 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Peter MARSHING, of Penn township, and has four children: George H.; Charley P.; Sarah M., and Paulina E.

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ADAM WEBER, a native of Baden, Germany, came to the United States about 1830, and lived in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, about one year. He was a miller, and operated a mill in Pittsburg, whence he removed to Butler county about 1832. He purchased about 100 acres of land in Penn township, where his son John now resides, and this he cleared and improved. He was married in Germany to Fanny DOUP, and was the father of the following children: Peter, of Butler township; Samuel, of Forward township; George, a resident of New York state; Adam, of Butler; Susannah, and John, of Penn township. Mr. WEBER died in March, 1865; his wife survived until 1883. He filled the offices of constable, and collector of this township. In religious belief, he was a Lutheran, and was a trustee in the Lutheran church at Butler.

SAMUEL WEBER, second son of Adam WEBER, was born in Germany, January 26, 1826, and was educated in the German schools. He learned the stone-mason's trade, and followed that business until 1883, when he retired to his farm in Forward township, which he had purchased in 1852. He cleared and improved this place and erected all of the present buildings. Mr. WEBER was married in 1855, to Anna WELT, a native of Germany, who died in 1874. The following children were born to this union: Margaret, widow of Hugh STROWICK; John, of Beaver Falls; Adam, of Pittsburg; Kate, wife of Jacob STROWICK; George, deceased; Samuel; Fannie, and Louisa, wife of F. BROWN. His second wife was Lucinda, daughter of George SHAFFER. Politically, Mr. WEBER is a Democrat, and both he and wife are members of the Lutheran church of Butler.

HENRY MAY was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1834, and came to Butler county when sixteen years of age, settling in Cranberry township. He followed farming, and after reaching manhood he bought the Hartman farm, but subsequently sold it and bought a farm in Forward township, where he died, February 12, 1880. IN 1854 he married Annie, a daughter of Peter SCHEIDEMANTLE, of Lancaster township, who bore him a family of seven children: William H.; Eli, of Butler; Annie K., wife of John HARTZELL, of Penn township; George; Eva, wife of John SCHEIDEMANTLE, of Pittsburg; Mary E., and Matilda. Mrs. MAY resides at Evans City, and is a member of the Reformed church, to which denomination her husband belonged. In politics, he was a Democrat, and filled the office of school director for one term.

DAVID C. JOHNSTON was born on the Johnston homestead, in Pine township, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1844, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (CRAWFORD) JOHNSTON, who married in 1837. His father was a native of Pine township, Mercer county, born in 1815, and by his marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander CRAWFORD, he was the father of ten children, as follows: Albert G. C.; Elizabeth; Jane; Catherine; David C.; Ruth; Margaret; Hannah; Kennedy K., and John N. The father died in the spring of 1864; his widow resides with her daughter, Catherine, at Grove City. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the homestead in Mercer county, and received a common school education. He enlisted in Company H, Two Hundred and Twelfth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was mustered into service at Camp Copeland. His company proceeded to Washington, D. C., and then went into service on the Alexandria railroad, where they remained eight months, then [p. 1141] returned to the forts at Washington, thence to Camp Copeland, where Mr. JOHNSTON was mustered out of service June 22, 1865. Returning to Mercer county he was engaged in the lumber business until 1869, when he embarked in oil producing at Parker City. From there he came to Butler and operated in the Thorn Creek field, and has continued the business up to the present. Mr. JOHNSTON married Mary M., daughter of James McCONNELL, of Mercer county, June 4, 1868, to which union were born six children: Edwin E., deceased; Lester E.; Willna W.; Celia A.; Lizzie C., and John N. Mr. JOHNSTON is a member of A. G. Reed Post, G. A. R., ; is a Republican in politics, and was one of the confreres that nominated John M. Greer for State Senator in 1876. In 1875 he was a candidate for treasurer in Armstrong county, and received every vote but three in Hovey township, were he lived, and every vote in his precinct. Though he had been a resident of Armstrong county only five years, he was fourth in the contest for nomination.

JOSEPH BLAKELEY was born in Ireland about 1773, received a fair English education, and after arriving at manhood he immigrated to the United States and settled in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, whence he removed to Allegheny county. He came to Butler county in 1796, purchased a farm of eighty acres in what is now Forward township, where he died in 1858. He was married in Ireland to a Miss HARVEY, who came to America, and died in Butler county, about 1838. They were the parents of six children, as follows: Jane, who married William MELLIS; Delilah, who married Alexander STEEL; Mary, who married Jesse ROLLS; Lewis; Harvey, and Joseph. Mr. BLAKELEY was a Quaker, and died in that faith.

LEWIS BLAKELEY was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1794, came to Butler county with his parents when but two years of age, and grew to manhood in Forward township. In 1815 he married Jane McALLISTER. She was born in Washington county, March 7, 1797, a daughter of Archibald McALLASTER, a native of Ireland, who settled in Forward township, Butler county, in 1801. Mr. BLAKELEY established a distillery on the farm subsequently owned by his son Andrew, and carried on that business in connection with agriculture for many years. Lewis and Jane BLAKELEY were the parents of the following children: John; Andrew; Jesse; Isaac; Joseph; Archibald; Lewis; Harvey; William; Hannah J.; Thomas G., and Mordecia G. Archibald and William were members of the Butler county bar for several years, and are well known in this county. Encouraged by their mother's patriotic devotion and loyalty, five of the sons entered the Union army, and one laid down his life in defence of the flag. The father died September 3, 1845, leaving to his widow the care of a large family. She was, however, a women of keen discretion, strong will power, and great industry, and possessed both moral and physical courage. She performed well the duties that fell to her lot and gave her children every advantage which the times afforded. She and husband joined the Union church, which was organized in the neighborhood, and both remained consistent members the balance of their lives. Mrs. BLAKELEY survived her husband nearly thirty-seven years, dying June 15, 1882, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward COOKSON, of Cranberry township, in the eighty-sixth year of her age.

[p. 1142]

ANDREW BLAKELEY, second son of Lewis and Jane BLAKELEY, was born in Forward township, Butler county, June 8, 1818, grew to manhood in his native township, and married Sarah Jane HARRIS, to which union were born six children, viz.: Lewis, a resident of Missouri; William J., of Adams township; Margaret J., wife of John COOPER; Isaac E., also a resident of Adams; Harriet E., deceased, and Joseph L., of Jefferson township. Mr. BLAKELEY is a member of the Union church, of Adams township, where he now resides, and hauled the brick used in the erection of the building. In politics, he is a Republican. He has followed farming all his life, and is to-day one of the oldest native born citizens of Butler county, in which he has lived for more than three quarters of a century.

ISAAC E. BLAKELEY, son of Andrew BLAKELEY, was born on the old homestead, in Forward township, Butler county, June 7, 1851, received a common school education, and learned the marble cutter's trade in Butler. He has worked at that business ever since, and is now carrying on marble cutting upon his farm in Adams township. He married Louisa BEHM, a daughter of Nicholas BEHM, of Forward township, and has seven children, as follows: Henry A.; Amelia M.; Walter G.; Gertrude A.; Sarah L.; Charles J., and John B. Mr. BLAKELEY is one of the active workers in the Republican party, and gives an unswerving support to the principles and measures of that organization.

WILLIAM CRISWELL was born in Down county, Ireland, in 1774, and came to Philadelphia in 1791, where he began selling goods through the country districts surrounding that city. He followed peddling for about seven years, and in 1798 he crossed the Allegheny mountains on foot, and settled upon a tract of 200 acres of land in what is now Adams township, Butler county. He was then a single man, and kept bachelor's hall for two years in a log cabin which he had built in the midst of the primitive forest. Often the wolves would surround his cabin as soon as darkness came on and make night hideous with their howling, until driven away by a shot from his trusty rifle. For some time after making his settlement, he engaged in packing salt, ammunition, etc., from Pittsburg, Carlisle, and Philadelphia, for the use of the pioneers, and thus earned a little surplus money. In June, 1800, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Robert CRISWELL, of Cumberland county, and the young couple began their married life in the rude cabin erected two years before. Eleven children were born to this union, two of whom, John and Isabella, died in early youth. The names of those who grew to maturity are as follows: Mary, who married William HUTCHMAN; Martha, who married James KIDD; Robert, who died unmarried, in 1856; Nancy, who died single, in 1868; Margaret, who married Robert McKINNEY; Elizabeth, who became the wife of James PLUMMER; Jane, who married Samuel PURVIS, of Beaver county; Susanna, who married Samuel KIDD, and James. The parents were members of the Covenanter church, in which Mr. CRISWELL was an elder. They spent their whole life in this county, and died upon the farm where they settled.

JAMES CRISWELL was born in Adams township, Butler county, February 7, 1820, and was the youngest son of William and Margaret CRISWELL. He grew to manhood on the old Criswell homestead, and was married November 24, 1842 [p. 1143] to Elizabeth, daughter of David SPEAR, of Adams township. They are the parents of seven children as follows: William, deceased; David; Robert, deceased; Margaret, wife of Professor MITCHELL, of New Wilmington; John A.; James P., and Mary E., wife of T. L. DONALDSON, of Glade Mills. Mr. CRISWELL was formerly a Republican, but is now a Prohibitionist. He has filled several of the offices in his township, but aside from local matters has taken little interest in public affairs, devoting his life to agricultural pursuits.

JOHN A. CRISWELL, fourth son of James CRISWELL, was born May 13, 1853, and was reared upon his father's farm. He followed agriculture for some years, then went into the undertaking and livery business, and is now located at Mars in that business. He married Jennie, a daughter of James McKIBBEN, of Ohio, and has five children: Imo V.; Nettie E., deceased; John R.; David C., and Lulu B. Mr. CRISWELL is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.

ANDREW BARR, SR., was a native of Derry county, Ireland, and there married Jane McKEE, about 1794. In 1813, accompanied by his wife and three children, John, James, and Jane, he immigrated to the United States, and purchased a tract of land called "Camperdown" from William Roseboro, located in what is now Adams township, Butler county, Pennsylvania. Here Andrew and wife spent the remainder of their lives, and did their full share towards the improvement of the township. John married Jane DICKEY; James, married Jane SPEAR, and was killed while assisting in the erection of a barn on the Ross farm; while Jane remained unmarried, and died in 1878, aged seventy-eight years. The parents were members of the Covenanter church.

JOHN BARR was born in Ireland, in 1795, was the eldest son of Andrew and Jane BARR, and came to Butler county with his parents, where he grew to manhood. In 1821 he was married to Jane DICKEY, daughter of David DICKEY, of Deer Creek township, Allegheny county, to which union were born seven children: Mary J., deceased wife of Jacob STOUP; Andrew, and David, both deceased; James; Margaret E., deceased; Margaret E., named for her deceased sister, and John. The parents were members of the Covenanter church, and died upon their farm in Adams township, which is now the property of their son, James. They were worthy people, and won the respect and confidence of the community in which they resided.

JAMES BARR was born April 5, 1828, upon the homestead in Adams township, Butler county, and is the oldest living son of John and Jane BARR. He received a good common school education, and has been a farmer all his life. Mr. BARR has been twice married, his first wife being Mary Ann, daughter of Isaac STERRETT, of Lawrence county, who became the mother of one son John C., born January 26, 1854. His second wife was Matilda, daughter of Archibald S. McCORD, of Allegheny county. Both he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, in which denomination he has been trustee for a number of years, and is now filling the office of deacon. In politics, he is a stanch Republican, has filled the office of justice of the peace for ten years, and has been school director for the same length of time. He is one of the leading farmers of his township, and takes an active part in the public affairs of the county.

[p. 1144]

ANDREW BARR was born about 1825, upon the Barr homestead, in Adams township, Butler county, son of John and Jane (DICKEY) BARR. He was reared upon his father's farm, and was educated in a subscription school of his neighborhood. He married Nancy G., daughter of Judge Samuel MARSHALL, of Butler county, to which union nine children were born, as follows: Samuel J.; Ester B.; Mary, and Nancy O., all of whom are dead; two who died in infancy; Emma J.; John C., and Andrew M. The parents were members of the United Presbyterian church, in which Mr. BARR was an elder for thirty years. He was a Republican, in politics, and filled several of the township offices at different periods. Mrs. BARR died July 20, 1880, and her husband July 5, 1892.

JOHN C. BARR, physician and surgeon, was born April 28, 1859, upon the homestead farm in Cranberry township, son of Andrew and Nancy G. BARR. After receiving a common school education, he spent three years at Sharpsburg Academy, preparing for a college course, taught school for two years, and then entered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, in 1883, where he was graduated April 2, 1885. He was resident physician at the Woman's Hospital, West Philadelphia, for six months, and then located at Mars, Butler county, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He is surgeon for the Pittsburg and Western Railway Company. Dr. BARR was married September 26, 1888, to Lulu C., daughter of Abraham CAMPBELL, of Pittsburg, and has one daughter, Helen C. He is a trustee in Mars United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican. He was elected a delegate to the Republican State Convention of 1894, having the largest vote in the county. Dr. BARR is an ex-president of the Butler County Medical Society, and is one of its active and most useful members. He is a member of the State Medical Society, also of the National Association of Railway Surgeons, and since locating at Mars he has built up a gratifying practice.

ANDREW M. BARR, youngest son of Andrew and Nancy G. BARR, was born upon the old homestead in Cranberry township, Butler county, April 18, 1867, received a good common school education, and also graduated at Duff's Commercial College. He studied medicine and graduated from the Medical Department of the Western University in the spring of 1894, and is now practicing his profession in Pittsburg. In 1892 he married Bessie CAMPBELL, of that city, and has one child, DeWitt C.

WILLIAM McMARLIN was born near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in October, 1798, son of William McMARLIN, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, born in 1753. His father came to the United States and settled on the Susquehanna, near the site of Harrisburg, where he died in 1843. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father's farm, and was educated in the pioneer subscription schools. He married Magdalena BURKHART, a daughter of Jacob BURKHART, of Allegheny county. In 1822 he purchased a farm of 133 acres in Adams township, which he cleared and improved; it is now the home of his son, James A. Mr. McMARLIN was the father of eight children, as follows: Jacob B.; William D.; John, and David, the last three of whom are dead; Mary; David, and Martha J., both deceased, and James A. In early life he was a member of the Covenanter church, but later joined the United Presbyterian faith and was an elder in that [p. 1145] church for thirty years. In politics, he was originally a Whig, and afterwards a Republican, and seldom voted any other ticket. He died at Tally Cavey in October, 1883.

JAMES A. McMARLIN, youngest son of William and Magdalena McMARLIN, was born upon his present farm, March 17, 1837, and was reared and educated in Adams township. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, First Pennsylvania Cavalry, under Capt. William Williams, and served six months on scouting duty. He was then honorably discharged, and soon after re-enlisted in Battery L, Second Pennsylvania Artillery, under Capt. Paul T. Jones. He participated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, North Anna, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Weldon Railroad, Siege of Petersburg, Mine Explosion, Fort Harrison, and the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. He was discharged from the service February 11, 1866, and then returned to his home in Butler county. Mr. McMARLIN was married October 3, 1864, to Emma, daughter of Samuel DUNCAN, and is the father of six children: Grant, deceased; John G.; William J.; Harry S., deceased; Jacob S., and Bertha P. He is stanch Republican, has filled several of the township offices, and was elected treasurer of Butler county in 1884, which position he creditably filled for a full term. Both he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church. He is a prominent and influential citizen, and one of the progressive and enterprising farmers of the county.

HON. SAMUEL MARSHALL was born in Antrim county, Ireland, April 6, 1800, came to Pennsylvania, with his parents, James and Jean (PEEBLES) MARSHALL, in 1822, remained two years in Pittsburg, and in 1824 located in what is now Penn township, Butler county. After coming to this county he worked at various occupations until his marriage, in 1825, to Mary GILLILAND, a daughter of Barnet GILLILAND, of Connoquenessing township, when he settled on a farm belonging to his father-in-law in what is now Adams township. He soon began to take an active part in political affairs, was elected a justice of the peace and to other minor positions in his township, and in 1848 was appointed associate judge of Butler county, was elected to the same position in 1851, again in 1870, and re-elected in 1875. He was serving on the bench at the time of his death, November 1, 1880. His wife died several years before, after a married life of more than half a century. Judge Marshall was extensively engaged in farming and stock raising, and was one of the largest real estate owners in the county. He was the father of the following children: James, and Atherton, both deceased; Mary G., wife of Andrew BOGGS; Jane, widow of William GOEHRING, Ester, deceased wife of David BOYD; Kennedy, of Butler township; Daniel G., and Thomas M., both residents of Adams township; Sarah J., wife of James BOYLE; Elizabeth B., deceased wife of Adam English, and Samuel J., of Adams township. In early life Judge Marshall was a Whig, but upon the formation of the Know Nothing party he became a Democrat, being bitterly opposed to proscription of any kind. He was an active anti-slavery advocate, and before the war his house was a station on the underground railroad for many years. He was a delegate to the Cincinnati convention that nominated Buchanan for the presidency, also to that of 1864 which nominated McClellan to the same office. He [p. 1146] was often a delegate to the State conventions and was a leading member of the Democratic party in this section of the State. In 1832 he joined the New School Presbyterian church, which later merged into the United Presbyterian denomination, and was a member of Union, and Mount Pleasant churches, of Adams township.

THOMAS KENNEDY was born in Derry county, Ireland, about 1776, and came to the United States in 1812, coming direct to Butler county, Pennsylvania. He settled upon a farm of 250 acres in Adams township, which he purchased from John Dunn. He learned the carpenter's trade in his native land, was a well educated man, and taught school for several years, but after settling in Butler county he devoted his attention to farming. He was a member of the Covenanter church down to within six years of his death, when he joined the United Presbyterian church. He died June 11, 1877. His wife survived him until February, 1883. Her maiden name as Anna PURVIS, and she was a daughter of William PURVIS of Pine township, Allegheny county. She was the mother of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Samuel A.; Robert; Alexander; Thomas W.; John, and Mary J., deceased.

JOHN KENNEDY, son of Thomas and Anna KENNEDY, was born upon the homestead farm in Adams township, Butler county, May 6, 1834, received a common school education, and was reared a farmer. In politics, he has always been a Republican, and has been township assessor, collector and overseer of the poor. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and has been church auditor for several years. He married Mary D., a daughter of David DOUTHETT, of Indiana, and has had nine children, as follows: Alexander R., who died January 31, 1893; Mamie J., wife of William GRAHAM, of Allegheny; Thomas C.; William C.; Leonard; Theora N.; Florence G.; Eva G., and James F. Mr. KENNEDY has several producing oil wells on his farm, and is one of the prosperous farmers of the township.

ROBERT DUNCAN was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, in February, 1813, and was a son of Samuel DUNCAN, who came to this county in 1796. He grew up amidst the scenes of pioneer days, and obtained a few months schooling in the subscription schools of that period. He followed agricultural pursuits until his death. He married Julia Anna GRAHAM, whose father was a resident of Connoquenessing township, to which union were born nine children: William; Nancy, who married James McCAW; Enos C.; Isaac N.; Beriah M.; Alexander C.; Presley; Robert B., and Mrs. Julia WILSON. Mr. DUNCAN and wife were members of Mr. Pleasant United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a Republican. He filled most of the township offices, and was one of the respected farmers of his community.

PRESLEY DUNCAN was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, April 21, 1848, son of Robert DUNCAN, and grandson of Samuel DUNCAN. He was reared upon the homestead farm, and learned the plasterer's trade, which business he is now carrying on at Mars, Butler county. He was married April 15, 1875, to Christina, a daughter of Edward LIST, of Adams township. She died October 25,1876. He was again married, to Grace E. S. CLOW, a daughter of Samuel C. CLOW, of North Sewickley, Beaver county. The are the parents of [p. 1147] five children: Walter R.; Clarence J.; Anna L.; Zelia C., and Presley E. Mr. DUNCAN is an elder in the United Presbyterian church, and is a stanch Republican.

JAMES MAGEE, SR., was born in Derry county, Ireland, in 1769, grew to manhood in his native land, and immigrated to the United States at the age of twenty-four years. In the last decade of the Eighteenth century he settled on 100 acres of land in what is now Jackson township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, and afterwards purchased 230 acres additional. He later removed to Allegheny county, but returned to Butler county in 1821. He had learned the cooper's trade in Ireland, and followed that business after coming to America, but after locating in Butler county he devoted his principal attention to farming. To James and Jane MAGEE were born thirteen children, as follows: Isabella, deceased wife of Rody MILLER, of Allegheny county; Mary A., deceased wife of John FLANAGAN, of Westmoreland county; Robert; Elizabeth, who married Thomas McCALL, of Allegheny county; Rebecca, who married Joseph DOUTHETT, of Butler county; William; George; Jane, who married Herman DEHAVEN, of Allegheny City; Susan; Lucinda; Margaret, who became the wife of James ANDERSON; James, and John, all of whom are dead. Mr. MAGEE was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church. He died in 1846, in the seventy-seventh year of his life.

JAMES MAGEE was born in Pine Creek township, Allegheny county, in 1814, son of James MAGEE, Sr., the pioneer of Jackson township, Butler county. He was reared upon his father's farm, and in 1839 he married Mary DOUTHETT, a daughter of Benjamin DOUTHETT, of this county, who bore him a family of ten children: William B.; Jane E.; Sarah M., wife of Dr. Thomas J. BLACKWOOD, of New Castle; Martha, deceased wife of Cunningham DICKEY; Rebecca, who married Thompson McKINNEY; Rosanna, deceased; Lucinda; James D.; Alzina J., wife of James CARPENTER, and Leonidas W. Mr. MAGEE died September 10, 1864, and his wife September 20 of the same year. They were members of the Reformed Presbyterian church in early life, but afterwards joined the United Presbyterian church, and died in that faith. In politics, he was a Republican, but took little interest in public affairs.

JOHN MAGEE was born in Allegheny township, November 4, 1818, and is the youngest son of James MAGEE, Sr. In 1850 he married Margaret A. ALEXANDER, a daughter of William ALEXANDER, of Beaver county. She died in 1887. They were the parents of six children, three of whom grew to maturity, as follows: William J., deceased; Mary J., wife of George WELSH, of Jackson township, and Martha S., deceased wife of George McGAW, of Mars. Mr. MAGEE is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, and has held the office of elder in that denomination. He is one of the oldest citizens of Jackson township.

JAMES D. MAGEE, son of James and Mary (DOUTHETT) MAGEE, was born upon the homestead near Brownsdale, Butler county, January 19, 1854, and grew to maturity in his native township. He has been twice married; first to Elizabeth J. DODDS, daughter of David DODDS of Adams township, September 22, 1872 who bore him a family of five children: Mary J.; David D.; Rebecca M., deceased; Bertha B., and Edith M. Mrs. MAGEE died February 4, 1884. He [p. 1148] was again married April 8, 1887, to Sarah U. CRAWFORD, a daughter of Sample CRAWFORD, of Allegheny county, who is the mother of two children: Marian C., and Anna M. Mr. MAGEE is a Republican, in politics, and has been assessor in his township three terms, and school director for seven years. He has always taken an active interest in educational matters, and is also trustee and treasurer in the United Presbyterian church.

JOHN IRVINE was born in what is now Adams township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, May 1, 1824, and died March 22, 1864. He received a good education and taught for some years in connection with agricultural pursuits. He married Angeline JOHNSON, a daughter of Joseph JOHNSON, of Adams township, to which union were born seven children: John Q. A.; Samuel B.; Josephine, deceased; Cameron B.; Joseph C.; Wellington A., and Alpheus C. Mr. IRVINE was a surveyor, and ran the lines dividing old Cranberry township into the several new ones. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, was a trustee in that denomination for a number of years, and in politics, he supported the Republican party.

WELLINGTON A. IRVINE, son of John and Angeline IRVINE, was born upon the homestead in Adams township, Butler county, September 21, 1860. After receiving a common school education, he attended Grove City College for two terms, and subsequently engaged in teaching. He also learned the painter's trade, which he followed in connection with teaching for some time, afterwards engaging in agricultural pursuits. Mr. IRVINE married Amelia GILLILAND, a daughter of William H. GILLILAND, of Adams township, and has three children: Rachel E.; Lulu A., and Chauncey C. Politically, he is a Republican, and in religion, is an adherent of the United Presbyterian church.

JAMES DAVISON was born in Down county, Ireland, and came to America in 1775, where he soon afterwards joined the Continental army and served in the Revolutionary war. He was captured by the Indians in one of the battles, and was kept a prisoner by the savages for some time. He was twice married. By his first wife he was the father of five children: Samuel; John; William; Mary, who married a Mr. WILLIAMS, and Margaret, who married a Mr. ROSE. His first wife died in 1843, and he was again married, but had no children by this union. Early in the present century he settled in Adams township, Butler county, where the remaining years of his life were spent.

WILLIAM DAVISON, SR., was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of James DAVISON. He came with his parents to this county, and spent his life upon the homestead farm in Adams township. He married Margaret HOUGHTON, who bore him a family of six children, as follows: Mary A., deceased; James K.; William; Margaret, who married L. WILSON; Lavina, deceased, and one that died in early youth. In politics, Mr. DAVISON was a Democrat, but took very little interest in political matters. His wife died August 2, 1858; he survived her until April, 1880.

JAMES K. DAVISON, eldest son of William DAVISON, was born in 1844, upon the homestead farm, in Adams township. He has always been engaged in farming. He married Martha J., daughter of Roger McDONALD, of Allegheny county, and is the father of five children: Eliza L.; William R.; Lawrence C., [p. 1149] deceased; Thomas F., and Darwin W. Mr. DAVISON and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Republican.

WILLIAM DAVISON was born in Adams township, Butler county, in 1857, and was reared upon the old homestead, receiving a common school education at the district school. He married Rosilla WILSON, to which union have been born six children, as follows: Clinton R.; Edward B., deceased; Cynthia A.; Theodora B.; Nora L., and Nancy B., deceased. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and politically, he has always voted the Republican ticket.

HUGH KIDD was born in Pine township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, about 1813, was reared a farmer, and received a limited education in the pioneer schools of his neighborhood. He married Margaret SPEAR, a daughter of David SPEAR, one of the first settlers of Adams township, Butler county, in 1830, and purchased the Spear farm, containing 150 acres, upon with he and wife settled. They became the parents of nine children, as follows: David S., and Sarah E., both deceased; Robert; Hugh Mc., deceased. Mary J., wife of Fred FLEISNER, of Butler county, and James, Margaret E., and William, all of whom are dead, and Elizabeth, deceased wife of Anderson PURVIS, of Beaver county. Hugh Mc and James enlisted in Company C, Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and were killed at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, and buried upon the battlefield. Mr. KIDD and wife were members of the United Presbyterian church, and died upon the homestead in Adams township. He was a Whig in early life, and afterwards a Republican, and was connected with the State Militia.

ROBERT KIDD was born December 6, 1833, upon his present farm in Adams township, and is the eldest living child of Hugh and Margaret KIDD. He was reared to farm life, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served nine months, being honorably discharged in June, 1863. He was married in February, 1864, to Rosanna DOUTHETT, a daughter of John DOUTHETT, of Adams township, and is the father of nine children, seven of whom are living, as follows: James L.; Maggie E.; Ulysses Roscoe; John H.; Elvira E.; Ordillah I., and Blanche E. Mr. KIDD is a trustee in the United Presbyterian church, is a Prohibitionist in politics, and has filled most of the township offices at different periods.

WILLIAM CASHDOLLAR was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1801, came to Butler county in boyhood, and was reared by Joseph PARKS, of Middlesex township. After reaching manhood he married Margaret RICHARDSON, a daughter of Joseph RICHARDSON, of Adams township, to which union were born twelve children: Catherine, who married Robert HOON; John F.; William S.; Joseph; James; Margaret A., who married Jacob M. MILLER; George W., deceased; Mary E., wife of Samuel STAPLES; Rosanna, wife of John A PURVIS; Samuel B.; Thomas D., and Matilda, wife of Samuel RAMSEY. Mr. CASHDOLLAR died July 4, 1882, at the age of eighty-one years. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and filled the office of elder in that denomination. He was a stanch Democrat, and was tax collector of Cranberry township, and supervisor [p. 1150] of Adams township. Mr. CASHDOLLAR was one of the substantial and respected citizens of Butler county.

JOHN F. CASHDOLLAR was born in Cranberry township, now Adams township, Butler county, January 19, 1835, and was reared and educated in his native township. He was married December 16, 1858, to Catherine BEERS, a daughter of James BEERS, of Adams township. They are the parents of eleven children, as follows: Jane, wife of Frederick McNEAL; Samuel J., deceased; Margaret E., wife of John B. HILL; James M.; William O., deceased; Elizabeth B., wife of Harvey MILLER; Robert F., deceased; Charles A.; Albert C.; David R., and Walter F. Mr. CASHDOLLAR and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, in which he is a trustee. In politics, he is a Democrat; was elected county auditor in 1878, and filled that office for three years. He takes and active interest in educational matters, and has served as school director.

JOSEPH CASHDOLLAR, was born in what is now Adams township, Butler county, upon the old homestead near Myoma, December 6, 1837, and is the third son of William CASHDOLLAR. He grew to manhood engaged in the usual routine of a farmer's life, and was engaged in that vocation when he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer's, August 7, 1862. He served in the battles of Antietam and Fredricksburg, and was honorably discharged from the service June 3, 1863. Returning to his home, he was married to Sophia STAPLES, daughter of Job STAPLES, of Adams township, in September, 1864. Mrs. CASHDOLLAR died in 1871, and the following year he married Elizabeth P., a daughter of Anthony RAMSEY, of Cranberry township, to which union were born five children: Lawrence B.; Walter; Anthony S.; Edith E.; and Elizabeth, deceased. The mother died in 1881, and he married Miss MARBURGER, a daughter of Milton MARBURGER, of Adams township, in 1882. Three children are the fruits of this marriage, as follows: Milton; William, and George. Mr. CASHDOLLAR is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and is a deacon in that denomination. He is filling the office of notary public at the present time, and has also been a justice of the peace.

WILLIAM STERRETT, physician and surgeon, was born September 25, 1824, and settled at Evans City, Butler county, in 1848, where he practiced his profession for several years. He married Sarah A., daughter of Maj. John FIFE, of Allegheny county, who bore him a family of four children: Samuel O.; William H., deceased; Anna B., wife of William FIFE, and Evadna M., who is engaged in missionary work near Tarsus, Asia. Dr. STERRETT died in 1857, and his wife in March, 1858

SAMUEL O. STERRETT, physician and surgeon, was born at Evans City, Butler county, March 7, 1851, and is the eldest in the family of Dr. William STERRETT. He received a common school education, then attended Bethel Academy, and subsequently entered Western University. He taught school for nine years and was recognized as a successful teacher. In the meantime he commenced the study of medicine, attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, was graduated from that institution in the class of 1880, and located in practice at Pittsburg with his uncle, Dr. S. A. STERRETT. In 1881 he moved to Valencia station, Butler county, where he has since been engaged in the duties of his pro- [p. 1151] fession. He married Sarah A., daughter of William BROWN, of Pittsburg, and is the father of eight children, as follows: William L.; James M.; Samuel A.; Norman Mc.; Wilson B.; David M.; Evadna I, and Carl F. Dr. STERRETT is one of the well known members of his profession in Butler county, enjoys a lucrative practice, and has won the esteem and confidence of the community in which he has resided for the past fourteen years.

DAVID SHANNON, SR., was born in Down county, Ireland, in 1788, and came with his parents to Butler county in childhood. They settled in Muddy Creek township, where David grew to maturity. He learned the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked for many years, and afterwards purchased the Allen mill property, where he erected a grist, woolen and saw mill. He sold this property and bought 400 acres of land in Connoquenessing township, upon which his descendants still reside. Mr. SHANNON was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth WHITE, and his second, Anna WHITE, her sister. He was the father of eight children, as follows: John L.; Matthew W.; Rachel, who married Alfred HINES; Fannie, who married Matthew McCOLLOUGH; Mary, who married Robert LEMMON; Elizabeth; David, and Samuel. Mr. SHANNON died in 1880, and his wife in 1879. They were members of the United Presbyterian church, in which he filled the office of elder. Mr. SHANNON was a Republican, and served as a justice of the peace for several years.

MATTHEW W. SHANNON was born on the homestead farm in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, December 5, 1821, second son of David SHANNON. He was reared a farmer, and is now a resident of Mt. Chestnut. In 1845 he married Mary STEPHENSON, a daughter of Nathaniel STEPHENSON, of Franklin township, to which union were born nine children, viz.: David, and Stephenson, both deceased; Jennie, who married Abraham HEMPHILL; Alfred, deceased; John F.; Annie, wife of W. J. MOORE; Sophronia H., wife of Clarence DOUBLE; Matthew W., and Benjamin F. Mr. SHANNON is an adherent of the Republican party, has filled the offices of school director, assessor, collector, and supervisor, and has been constable of the township for thirteen years. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church.

JOHN F. SHANNON, son of Matthew W. and Mary SHANNON, was born in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, December 22, 1854. He received a good education and taught school for eight years. In 1882 he became a sales-man for W. H. Walters, was railroad agent and assistant postmaster, and sales-man for Thomas Marshall at Mars, and subsequently clerked for Frank Eichholtz, at Saxon Station. In 1888 he purchased the store of A. M. Beers, at Callery, where he has since carried on the mercantile business. Since 1894 the firm has been Shannon Brothers. He was appointed postmaster at Callery in 1888, and served until August 15, 1894. Mr. Shannon was married June 5, 1884, to Bessie A. RICE, daughter of Henry B. RICE, of Cranberry township. They are the parents of five children, named as follows: Franklin W., deceased; Harry W.; Orian F., deceased; Myrna M., and Cleo B.

ISAAC COVERT was born in Jackson township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, and grew to manhood in this county, receiving a limited education in the pioneer subscription schools. Like the majority of the pioneers he engaged in farm- [p. 1152] ing and followed that vocation. About 1819 he married Kate A. ROSEBORO, who became the mother of three children, as follows: Harriet, who married William PARK, of Allegheny City; Charlotte, who married Robert SPEAR, of Adams township, and Mary A., who married Joseph FOWLER, and after his death Curtis FOX. Mrs. COVERT died in 1844, and he was married to Mrs. Louisa CROWE in 1845. One son, Miles, was the fruit of this union. Mr. COVERT died in 1870; his widow survived until January, 1893. They were members of the Baptist church. In politics, he was first a Whig and afterwards a Republican. Mr. COVERT settled on a tract of 100 acres of land in Adams township, and through the passing years he accumulated a large estate, and at his death was the owner of 500 acres. He was one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of the township, and enjoyed the confidence of the community wherein his life was passed.

MILES COVERT was born upon the homestead in Adams township, Butler county, March 19, 1846, received a common school education, and was reared a practical farmer. On August 21, 1869, he married Maggie S. BOGGS, a daughter of William BOGGS, of Covington, Kentucky. Ten children were the fruits of this union, whose names are as follows: Leonard S.; Charles H.; Lily L., wife of George DODDS, of Butler; John W.; Andrew J.; Albert M.; Lida E,; Louisa S.; Isaac, and Maggie S. Mr. COVERT was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and a trustee in that denomination for many years. Politically, he was a Republican, filled the office of school director, and always took a prominent part in public affairs. He was one of the most influential and enterprising men in his native township, and was highly respected by all who knew him. He died September 11, 1893, in his forty-eighth year, after a long illness and much suffering, which he bore with christian (sic) fortitude. Mrs. COVERT was marred November 28, 1894, to V. K. MORRISON, of Butler, but still resides on the homestead farm.

JOHN HALL was born in eastern Pennsylvania, in February, 1806, son of Joseph E. HALL, who was born in that part of the State about 1779. His father was a farmer and lumberman, and married Phoebe COVERT about 1802. They were the parents of eight children: Ruhama, who married Samuel FREEMAN; John; Hall; Enoch; Mary A., who married William McGAREY; Patience who married William KENNEDY; Priscilla, who married John RANDOLPH, and Kerdilla, who married John S. LUCAS. The subject of this sketch was a stonemason, came to Butler county in 1830, where he followed his trade for several years, and purchased a farm in 1839. He married Priscilla COVERT, a daughter of Morris COVERT, of Butler county, and was the father of the following children: Hulda; Algernon, deceased; Cyrus W.; Annie, who married Andrew DUNN; Joseph, and Isaac, both deceased; Minerva, and Enoch. Mr. HALL was a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a Democrat. He died upon his homestead in this county, in 1880, his wife died in 1885.

CYRUS W. HALL was born at Harmony, Butler county, October 13, 1836, and was the second son of John and Priscilla HALL. He received a common school education, and was reared a farmer, which vocation he has always followed. He was married three times; first to Lydia MOREHEAD, a daughter of James MOREHEAD of Jefferson county, October 16, 1862, and had one child by this union, Rose E. [p. 1153] Mrs. HALL died April 30, 1866, and he was again married April 30, 1868, to Mrs. LIKEN, a daughter of John COVERT, who died April 16, 1872. His third wife was Lena J., daughter of George BEST, of Armstrong county, whom he married September 20, 1875. Four children were born to this union, as follows: Lester C.; John M.; Wilbert, and Lizzie E. Mr. HALL is an elder in the Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Prohibitionist.

PETER NICKLAS was born in France, in 1777, grew to maturity in his native land, and served in the French army under Napoleon the Great. He married in France, Margaret FIRESTINE, and was the father of four children, as follows: Margaret, who married a Mr. OBERT; Jacob; George H., and Charles, all of whom are dead. In 1833 Mr. NICKLAS and family immigrated to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, but afterwards removed to Adams township, Butler county, where he died in 1854. His wife died in 1859. They were members of the Lutheran church, and followed farming as a vocation.

GEORGE H. NICKLAS was born in France in May, 1807, was reared in his native land, and there learned the weaver's trade. He came to the United States before his parents, and located in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he cleared and improved a farm. He was married in that county, in 1831, to Mary E., daughter of Henry LUX, to which union were born ten children: Mary, who married William STALEY; Daniel P.; George; Henry; Gundy; Margaret, who married Barney BARRON; William; Sarah, who married John DATT; Lydia, who married Joseph OTT, and Michael. Mr. NICKLAS moved to Allegheny county, from Beaver, and remained six years, and in 1853 purchased 116 acres of land in Adams township, Butler county. He resided in this township until 1869, and then bought a half section of land in Iowa, located upon it and resided there until his death, in 1879. Mr. NICKLAS was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an ordained minister in that denomination. Politically, he was a Republican, and during his residence in Adams township filled most of the township offices.

DANIEL P. NICKLAS was born in Beaver county, November 26, 1835, and is the eldest son of George H. and Mary E. NICKLAS. He attended the district school of his neighborhood in boyhood and was reared upon his father's farm. He was married October 18, 1857, to Christina, daughter of Jacob FOLTZ, of Forward township, to which union have been born ten children, as follows: Daniel; Mary, and William, both deceased; Wesley J.; Sarah L.; Grant C.; John; Edward; Lydia, and Margaret. Mr. NICKLAS came to Butler county with his father in 1855, purchased twenty-five acres of land in Adams township in 1858, to which he subsequently added fifty acres. This farm he afterwards sold, and bought the old Sproul farm, upon which he now resides. He has since added forty-one acres of the Stoolfire farm. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant church, and an earnest supporter of that denomination. Politically, he is a Republican, and has filled the offices of collector, assessor, and overseer of the poor.

WILLIAM THIELEMAN was born in Westphalia, Germany, July 9, 1824, grew to manhood in his native land, and came to the United States in 1845. He settled in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in steamboating, sub- [p. 1154] sequently going into the hotel business in that city. In December, 1857, he removed to Butler county, where he purchased the Dunn farm on ninety acres, upon which he has since resided. In 1874 he bought the Roger McDonald farm of 108 acres, and is thus the owner of nearly 200 acres of land. Mr. THIELEMAN married Wilhelmina NIEMIER, and they are the parents of the following children: Henry C., and Charles F., both deceased; Christian H.; Conrad F., deceased; Herman H,; Sophia W., wife of Mercer T. MARSHALL, of Mars; Mandana; Louis W.; Mary W., and one that died in youth. Mr. THIELEMAN is an elder in the German Lutheran church, and in politics, he has always supported the Democratic ticket.

CHRISTIAN H. THIELEMAN was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1851, and is the oldest living child of William THIELEMAN. He came with his parents to Butler county, where he was reared upon his father's farm. In 1886 he married Caroline, daughter of Henry THIEKER, of Adams township. She died June 12, 1887. His second wife was Mrs. Mary S. BLACK, a daughter of William HESPENHEIDE, of Adams township, by whom he has two children: Francis W., and Elmer R. Mr. THIELEMAN is a member of the German Lutheran church, is director in the public schools, and in politics, he is a Democrat.

DAVID BALFOUR was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, in 1798, grew to maturity in his native land, and in 1828 married Margaret STEVENSON, a daughter of John STEVENSON, of Wigtonshire. In the spring of 1836 he immigrated to Philadelphia, came to Pittsburg, in the same year, and found employment in a stone quarry. Eighteen months afterwards he settled on a farm in Allegheny county, and followed farming in that county for thirteen years. He then came to Butler county, and purchased the ZORTSMAN farm, in Adams township, from Judge BREDIN, containing 185 acres, and died in the following August. His widow survived until 1878. They were the parents of two children, Samuel and John. Mr. BALFOUR and wife were members of the Established church of Scotland, and on coming to this country they united with the Presbyterian church, and died in that faith.

JOHN BALFOUR was born in Wigtonshire, Scotland, August 4, 1835, and came to Butler county with his parents. He grew to manhood in this county, and has always been engaged in farming. Upon his farm are located five producing wells, one of which is the celebrated "Old Balfour, Number 1," which has been producing oil since 1885, and is the oldest producing Hundred Foot well in the State. It started at sixty barrels per day, and is now producing eighteen barrels per day. Mr. BALFOUR is quite an active Democrat, and is a member of the United Presbyterian church. On August 21, 1873, he married Mary A., daughter of John COCHRANE, of Allegheny county, who died the following October. He was again married October 12, 1875, to Nevie A., daughter of G. W. RICHARDSON of Adams township, to which union have been born eight children: Amelia J.; Stewart B.; James O., deceased; George F.; Margaret B., deceased; Chalmers B.; Olive M., and Dight.

FRANCIS McCRUM was born in Derry county, Ireland, about 1810, grew to manhood in his native land, and immigrated to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1843, where he was employed in teaming and freighting. While there he married, in [p. 1155] 1844, Mary HUNTER, a daughter of William HUNTER of that city. He came to Butler county about 1850, and purchased 100 acres of land in Adams township, upon which he settled and lived for nearly forty years, dying upon the homestead in 1888. His wife died in 1866. Both were members of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, Mr. McCRUM was a Republican. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: William, deceased; Lydia A., who married William COX of Adams township; James, deceased; Annie, deceased wife of Charles COWAN; Alexander; Francis, and Isaac, both deceased.

ALEXANDER McCRUM, son of Francis and Mary McCRUM, was born in Adams township, Butler county, December 11, 1850, and was reared upon the McCrum homestead. He learned the brick and stonemason's trade, and has followed that occupation for many years. He married Elizabeth B. OGDEN, a daughter of Rev. Ephraim OGDEN, of Middlesex township, July 30, 1874. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is an adherent of the Republican party.

CHARLES LANGHORST was born in Prussia, Germany, September 4, 1825, and entered the Prussian army at the age of nineteen years, and was discharged from service in 1847. He immigrated from Germany in September, 1847, and located in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, where he followed shoemaking. He remained there until 1866, and then came to Butler county, purchasing a farm in Adams township, of Judge Samuel Marshall, upon which he has since resided. He married Regina, a daughter of William NIEGENGARD, of Allegheny City, to which union twelve children have been born, as follows: William C.; Henry C.; Mary A., who married James LONGHEAD, of Middlesex township; Tillie E., who married Christian OTTO, of Allegheny City; Charles H.; Annie, wife of Benjamin SKILES, of Allegheny City; Agnes; Menie, wife of Berry COOPER, of Adams township; Regina; James E., and two died in infancy. In August, 1861, Mr. LANGHORST enlisted in Company F, Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and participated in the battles of Cross Keys, Freeman's Ford, Sulphur Springs, Waterloo Bridge, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Seabrook Island, etc., and was in regimental hospital near Stafford Court House with frozen feet, and again at Long Isle, with rheumatism, contracted from exposure in the service. He was furloughed at Stafford Court House in the spring of 1863, rejoined his command at the same point, and was detailed in the spring of 1864 to make leather cases for carrying shells, which he worked at about six weeks on Mare Island. He was honorably discharged from the service near Washington D. C., September 19, 1864. Mr. LONGHORST is an elder in the Lutheran church, and in politics, he is a Republican.

JAMES SLOAN was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 12, 1812, and was educated at a subscription school. He always took an active interest in educational matters, and was a member of the school board for many years. He married Isabella, a daughter of William McMARLAND, of Allegheny county, to which union were born eight children: Martha B., who married Joseph LOGAN; William A.; Margaret J., who married James FORSYTHE; Robert P.; James R.; John D.; who served in the Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and who married Miss Nora TITUS, of McKean county; Catherine, who married Erastus [p. 1156] R. McCANDLESS, and Sarah B. Mr. SLOAN was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was first a Whig, and afterwards a Republican. He died January 30, 1873; his wife survived him until December 21, 1888.

WILLIAM A. SLOAN was born in Pine township, Allegheny county, June 22, 1839, and is the eldest son of James and Isabella SLOAN. He was reared and educated in his native township, and September 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and participated in the battles of Perrysville, Nashville, Tullahoma, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta, and Stoneboro. He was then discharged from the service, his term of enlistment having expired, and returned to his home. He is a Republican, in politics, and is a justice of the peace and school director in his township, and has also filled most of the other township offices. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and fills the office of elder in that organization.

JAMES R. SLOAN, son of James and Isabella SLOAN, was born in Pine township, Allegheny county, July 29, 1848. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and is now carrying on that business at Mt. Olive, Adams township. During the Civil war, he served in the One Hundred and Second Heavy Artillery. He married Anne E., a daughter of Andrew McFERRON, of Allegheny county, September 25, 1892. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and is an adherent of the Republican party.

PATRICK HUMES was born in Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1774, grew to manhood in his native land, and immigrated to Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1804. In 1805 he married Miss Susan MARTIN, of Chester county, and in 1823 the family removed to a tract of land in western Pennsylvania, one of seven tracts for which he had traded a horse some years before, containing in all about 1200 acres. He was the father of nine children, as follows: Ellen; Rebecca; Catherine, who married John DONALDSON; Mary, who married Daniel HAINES; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Samuel HINDS; William; David, and Martin, both deceased, and John. Patrick HUMES died in 1858, and his wife in 1862.

WILLIAM HUMES, eldest son of Patrick and Susan HUMES, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1822, and came with his parents to western Pennsylvania the following year. He received a limited education in the subscription school of his neighborhood, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. In November, 1853, he married Sarah, a daughter of John PIERSOL, of Beaver county, and is the father of five children: Jemina, wife of S. B. IRVINE, of Adams township; Jemella, wife of Thomas HAYS, of the same township; Mary E.; Jeanette, wife of Scott THOMPSON, of Middlesex township, and Joseph A. Mr. HUMES is a member of the Methodist church, is a Democrat, in politics, and has been connected with the State Militia.

JAMES PERRY was born in Down county, Ireland, in 1820, and came to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in 1849. He was employed in teaming and contracting in that city, in which he was fairly successful. After remaining there a few years, he purchased a farm in Adams township, Butler county, upon which he has since resided. He married Miss Annie DUNCAN, a daughter of John DUNCAN, of Allegheny City, which union has been blessed by five children, as follows: Mary, wife of William MARTIN, of Forward township; Maxwell, deceased; [p. 1157] William J.; James D.; Annie J., wife of Harvey COOPER, of Middlesex township. Mr. PERRY is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, and is also one of the influential Democrats of his township.

CHRISTIAN METZ was born in Germany, September 12, 1812, and was reared on his father's farm. He married Catherine REPS, to which union were born four children, as follows: Frederick W.; Annas; Catherine, and Christian, deceased. In 1850 Mr. METZ immigrated to Butler county, Pennsylvania, and purchased a farm in Connoquenessing township. He died April 13, 1888; his widow died May 11, 1891. Both were members of the Lutheran church, good neighbors and worthy people. In politics, he was a Democrat.

ANNAS METZ was born in Jackson township, Butler county, April 7, 1853, and is the second child of Christian and Catherine METZ. He has always resided in this county, engaged in farming. He was married February 17, 1879, to Mary STAPLES, a daughter of Seth STAPLES, of Adams township, and has five children: Nancy E.; Amy B.; Ollie P.; Sarah C., and Mandana S. Mr. METZ is a member of the Presbyterian church, is a Democrat, in politics, and has resided in Adams township for many years.

WILLIAM HESPENHEIDE was born in Germany, in 1828, and immigrated to Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, in 1843, where he followed steamboating for two years. In 1849 he married Sophia NIEMIER, and the following year removed to Forest county, where he purchased a farm. Six children were born of this union, as follows: Henry F.; Mary, wife of William BLACK, of Ohio; William, deceased; John C.; Christopher F., and Jennie, deceased. Mr. HESPENHEIDE died upon his farm in Butler county.

HENRY F. HESPENHEIDE, eldest son of William and Sophia HESPENHEIDE, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, February 5, 1850; received a common school education, and has been a farmer all his life. He married Mary, daughter of John BELL, of Ohio, and has six children: Jennie A.; Ella M.; Sophia A.; William C.; Ralph C., and Herman H. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics he is a Republican.

CHRISTOPHER F. HESPENHEIDE, youngest son of William HESPENHEIDE, was born in Forest county, Pennsylvania, whither his father removed from Allegheny City. He was reared on the homestead farm, and has never been engaged in any other business but farming. He was married March 25, 1891, to Jennie, daughter of James FORSYTHE, of Adams township. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and he is an adherent of the Republican party.

JOHN H. HESPENHEIDE was born in Germany, September 15, 1831, and was educated in his native land. He married Miss Dora CATTLEMAN, and has four children: Henry W.; Frank W.; Margaret D., wife of Alvin HOUSEHOLD, and Amelia, deceased. He came to the United States in 1845, being then but fourteen years old, and located in Allegheny City. He afterwards engaged in the wholesale liquor business in that town, which he carried on down to 1876, and then retired. He is a member of the Lutheran church, is an elder in that body, and has been president of the church council for two terms. In politics, he is a Republican.

[p. 1158]

FRANK W. HESPENHEIDE, second son of John H. and Dora HESPENHEIDE, was born in Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, December 9, 1858, and received a common school education. He engaged in the lumber business in his native city, and followed it for about four years, then sold out and came to Butler county, locating upon a farm in Adams township. He was married April 18, 1881, to Caroline W., daughter of William LUEBBE, of Pittsburg, and has five children: Frank H.; William C.; Maggie C.; Louisa W., and John H. Mr. HESPENHEIDE is a member of the German Lutheran church, and in politics, he is a Republican.

JOHN CARRUTHERS was born in Cleveland, Ohio, January 14, 1855, son of George and Jane (DUNN) CARRUTHERS. His parents are natives of Scotland, and came to the United States about 1849, first locating at Lowell, Massachusetts, thence removing to Cleveland, Ohio. They now reside at Duke Centre, McKean county., During the Rebellion his father served eighteen months as a member of the Sixth Ohio Calvary. The subject of this sketch is the third in a family of six children, and was reared in Cleveland and Ravenna, Ohio, and at Meadville, Warren, and other portions of Pennsylvania. He received a public school education, learned the machinists' trade, and has since been engaged in that business. In 1884 he established a business in the Bradford oil field, as a member of the firm of Carruthers & Wathey, which was dissolved in 1890. He then located at Harmony, where he entered into partnership with M. J. Peters, in the oil well supply business. The firm of Carruthers & Peters carried on business until January 23, 1892, when they sold out to the Oil Well Supply Company, and Mr. CARRUTHERS was appointed superintendent of the Harmony plant. Carruthers & Peters, were among the early oil operators in the Harmony and Zelienople field, are the owners of the Harmony Oil Company, and are connected with Dale, Hovis & Company. In November, 1893, the manufacturing firm of Carruthers, Peters & Company, of Callery, was organized, and have since carried on business at that place. Mr. CARRUTHERS was married in 1880, to Laura J., daughter of Henry WATHEY, of Bradford. He is a Republican, in politics, and is a member of the Masonic order, also of the Knight of the Maccabees.

M. J. PETERS, of Carruthers, Peters & Company, of Callery, was born September 19, 1858, at Stillwater, Saratoga county, New York, a son of Thomas D. and Fannie (MORSE) PETERS. His parents removed to Venango county, Pennsylvania, during the early oil excitement, and our subject attended the public schools at different points where the family was located. In 1883 he went to Randolph Institute, New York, for one term, which completed his education. In 1874 Mr. PETERS entered the employ of John T. Shirley, of Karns City, Butler county, as book-keeper, and in 1876 he accepted a position as entry clerk with Buehler, Bonbright & Company, of Philadelphia, with whom he remained two years. He next became manager of the mercantile house of Mrs. Staples, of Franklin, Pennsylvania. In 1880 he engaged with the Oil Well Supply Company, and was stationed at Bradford, Pennsylvania, until 1890. He next became a member of the firm of Carruthers & Peters, of Harmony, Butler county, who sold their business to the Oil Well Supply Company, January 23, 1892. One of the terms of sale was the Mr. PETERS should remain with them as manager of the plant for one year, which position he filled for the period. He is joint [p. 1159] owner with Mr. Carruthers of the Harmony Oil Company, is a member of the firm of Dale, Hovis & Company, and is largely interested in the Ohio oil field. In October, 1894, Mr. PETERS was married to Miss Eliza COURTRIGHT, of Honesdale, Wayne county, Pennsylvania. In politics, he is a Republican, and is a member of the Golden Chain and other secret secieties. (sic) On November 20, 1893, he became a member of the firm of Carruthers, Peters & Company, who have since carried on business at Callery. He is a thorough business man, and has been quite successful in the different undertakings in which he has been engaged.

DR. THOMAS C. WALLACE, son of William WALLACE, was born at Glade Mills, Middlesex township, Butler county, in 1838. He was reared upon the farm, obtained a common school education, and afterwards attended Duff's Commercial College, at Pittsburg. He subsequently commenced the study of medicine, and attended lectures at the Homeopathic Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio. He practiced at Rochester, Pennsylvania, for three years, thence removed to Allegheny, where he has been in continuous practice for the past twenty-five years. In 1862 Dr. WALLACE married Elizabeth HAMILTON, a daughter of William HAMILTON, of Forward township, to which union were born the following children: William H.; Edwin S., United States Consul at Jerusalem; Frank M.; Thomas C. J.; Charles F.; John H., deceased, and Grace H. Dr. WALLACE is an elder in the Presbyterian church.

WILLIAM H. WALLACE, physician and surgeon, was born in the borough of Butler, May 10, 1863, eldest child of Dr. Thomas C. WALLACE. After receiving a common school education, he attended Western University, at Allegheny, and later the Polytechnic Institute of the same city. In the meantime he had commenced to read medicine with his father, and attended lectures at the Cleveland Medical College, from which institution he graduated. He practiced with his father until October, 1890, when he located at Callery, where he has since been engaged in the duties of his profession. Dr. WALLACE was married February 12, 1889, to Rachel DONNELL, a daughter of James DONNELL, of Allegheny. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Democrat. He is connected with the K. O. T. M. and the Jr. O. U. A. M.

MATTHEW GRAHAM, SR., was born in Scotland, came to America when a young man and located in Philadelphia, where he followed the shoemaker's trade. After coming to Philadelphia he married a native of London, England, and later located on a tract of 200 acres of land which he purchased, on the Monongahela river, where the city of McKeesport now stands. The family were the first settlers at that point, and many times were driven into Pittsburg by hostile Indians. Matthew GRAHAM died in Northunberland county, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1786, while returning home from Philadelphia. He was the father of two sons, both born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, viz: Matthew, born March 22, 1780, and William, born January 27, 1783. After the death of the father, the family continued to reside upon their land in Allegheny county until 1795, when they were dispossessed by reason of a defective title, by a Mr. McKee, after whom the city was named. In 1796 the two sons, Matthew and William, came to Butler county, and entered a tract of 400 acres of government land in what is now Cranberry township, and began clearing and improving the [p. 1160] same. They erected a log cabin thereon, and in the spring of 1797 their mother joined them in their new home. She had married John LONG, who accompanied her, and died soon after coming to Cranberry township. She resided here until her death, in 1817.

MATTHEW GRAHAM, JR., married Mary FREEMAN, December 17, 1801. She was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1783, and became the mother of the following children: Hetty, born March 9, 1804, married John VANDIVORT, and died November 4, 1849; Ann, born December 29, 1806, married John KELLY, and is now deceased; William, deceased, born May 7, 1809; Harvey, born March 2, 1813, died in infancy; Mary, deceased, born November 29, 1815, married John LOVE, and later W. M. MEREDITH; James H., deceased, born January 22, 1819; Thomas, born September 17, 1821; Matthew, born September 2, 1824, and Samuel, born July 27, 1827. The three last mentioned are residents of Cranberry township. In 1813 Mr. GRAHAM built a tavern on the Pittsburg and Harmony road, know as the Black Bear, and this he conducted for many years. It became a famous stopping place and general headquarters for the pioneers of that locality, who would gather about the huge fire-place and relate many a thrilling tale of adventure. Matthew GRAHAM was a successful man and became the owner of over 1,000 acres of land in Cranberry township. In 1831 he erected on Bear run, on land owned by himself, the first saw mill in the township, and in 1833 he erected on Brush creek, the first grist mill in the township. The decaying remains of these mills may still be seen near the residence of Samuel GRAHAM. He died November 3, 1858; his widow survived until June 10, 1866. Mr. GRAHAM was an energetic, generous, and public-spirited man, and took a prominent part in the development of this county. He was especially active in the introduction of the public school system into Cranberry township. He was a member of the Plains Presbyterian church, and one of its most liberal supporters. In early life a Whig, he afterwards became a Republican, wielded a strong influence in the local councils of his party, and filled various township offices.

SAMUEL GRAHAM, youngest son of Matthew and Mary (FREEMAN) GRAHAM, was born on the homestead in Cranberry township, July 27, 1827. He grew to maturity beneath the parental roof, and received his education in the primitive log school house of pioneer days. He was married October 7, 1856, to Matilda DUNCAN, eldest daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (CALDWELL) DUNCAN. She was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, February 28, 1832. They settled on their present farm on Bush creek, where they have ever since resided. They are the parents of three children, as follows. Charles W., born July 30, 1857, died May 16, 1883; Findley, a resident of San Francisco, born March 29, 1859, and Carrie E., born October 18, 1871, married William J. LEONBERG, and has three children: Mabel M., Gladys, and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. GRAHAM are members of Plains Presbyterian church. He is an ardent Republican, and is one of the progressive and public-spirited farmers of the township.

JAMES H. GRAHAM, SR., son of Matthew and Mary (FREEMAN) GRAHAM, was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, January 22, 1819, and spent his entire life in this county. He was married January 2, 1845, to Elizabeth OAKLEY, born in Beaver county, August 17, 1825, and a daughter of Jesse R. and Nancy [p. 1161] (STEELE) OAKLEY, natives of Connecticut and Beaver county, respectively. They became the parents of six children. Mary, born April 6, 1846, wife of Beriah DUNCAN, of Connoquenessing township; Albert G., born May 7, 1848; John Newton, born March 26, 1850; Sarah M., deceased, born November 9, 1852; Herman Wesley, born July 22, 1859, and Lizzie Maude, born May 28, 1867, wife of Frank P. CARROLL. Mr. GRAHAM died December 2, 1880; his widow survives him. He was a Republican, in politics, and filled many of the township offices during his vigorous manhood.

ALBERT G. GRAHAM, eldest son of James H. and Elizabeth GRAHAM, was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, May 7, 1848. He received a common school education, and was reared to farm life. On March 30, 1870, he married Savilla, a daughter of Daniel and Ruth EMERICK, of Cranberry township, and located upon his present farm of 210 acres. It is one of the best improved places in the neighborhood, possessing good buildings and other valuable improvements. Three children have been born to this union, as follows: Clifford, born May 30, 1871; Beryl, born February 2, 1875, and Harvey A., born December 13, 1884. Mr. GRAHAM is a Republican, has held various township offices, and is one of the enterprising farmers of the township. Both he and wife are members of Dutillh Methodist Episcopal church.

JOHN NEWTON GRAHAM is a son of James H. and Elizabeth (OAKLEY) GRAHAM, and was born on the homestead farm in Cranberry township, Butler county, March 26, 1850. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age, assisting them in the duties of the farm. In June, 1875, he was united in marriage with Margaret, a daughter of Andrew and Catherine KECK, who are now residing in Livingston county, Illinois. Soon after their marriage the young couple located on their present farm, where Mr. GRAHAM had previously erected a home. This farm was comparatively improved, but he has erected substantial buildings upon it and brought it under a high state of cultivation. Seven children have been born of his marriage to Margaret KECK, as follows: Harry G.; William Howard; Viola A.; Chester Earle; John Floyd; Homer Ezra, and Clare Newton. Mr. GRAHAM and wife are members of Oak Grove church. Politically, Mr. GRAHAM has always been an advocate of the principles and measures of the Republican party, and has served as a member of the school board in Cranberry township.

WILLIAM GRAHAM was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1783, and was the youngest son of Matthew GRAHAM, Sr. He came with his brother to what is now Cranberry township, Butler county, in 1796, and assisted in clearing up a homestead in this township. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and one of the well know pioneers of the county. He married Susan McDONALD, who was born in Bedford county, but resided in Mercer county at the time of their marriage. She bore him a family of eleven children, as follows: William; David, and John, all of whom are dead; Oliver H. P., of Cranberry township; Eliza, deceased wife of Jacob HARTZELL; Susan, deceased wife of Dr. Thomas STEWART; Joseph, a resident of Iowa; Samuel, deceased; Minerva, deceased wife of J. M. McKee; James H., of Penn township, and Harvey, who resides in Colorado. Mrs. GRAHAM died in 1831. IN 1856 Mr. GRAHAM removed [p. 1162] to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, where his son, James H., was then living, and died in that county in 1861. He was an elder in Plains Presbyterian church for many years, and in politics, was fist a Whig and afterwards a Republican.

OLIVER H. P. GRAHAM is one of the oldest residents of Cranberry township, where he was born May 5, 1814, fourth son of William and Susan (McDONALD) GRAHAM, and the oldest survivor of the family. He spent his boyhood days upon his father's farm, and his educational advantages were limited to such as were afforded by the pioneer schools, with the additional instruction of his father, who was one of the early teachers of Butler county. Mr. GRAHAM married Elizabeth MORGAN, a native of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, to which union were born eight children; Ethalinda, who resides in Colorado; Orin Palmer, of Cranberry township; Hermas, who died at the age of eighteen; Sabina, deceased; Angie, a resident of Colorado; Robert E., who lives in Beaver county; Leander S., deceased, and O. H. P. Jr., who resides at Brownsville, Pennsylvania. Mrs. GRAHAM died in 1858, aged thirty-eight years. Her husband is one of the oldest living residents of Cranberry township, where he has resided eighty-one years. He was originally a Whig, but has been a Republican since the formation of that party. He makes his home with is son Orin P., and is widely respected and esteemed.

ORIN PALMER GRAHAM, second child of Oliver H. P. and Elizabeth GRAHAM, was born July 8, 1842, in Cranberry township, and grew to maturity beneath the parental roof. On January 28, 1869, he married Miss Mary Ann ALLAN, a native of Cranberry township, and a daughter of Nicol ALLAN. To this union have been born seven children, as follows; Janet, who died at the age of nineteen; Allan; Howard K., who died in childhood; Park F.; Franklin F.; Mary V., and Stanley P. Mr. and Mrs. GRAHAM are members of the Plains Presbyterian church, in which he fills the office of elder. Politically, he is a Republican, has filled the various township offices, and is one of the most useful and enterprising citizens of his native township.

JOHN VANDIVORT was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, and was the eldest in the family of Paul VANDIVORT, who came from eastern Pennsylvania with his wife about 1796, and settled on a tract of government land in this township. He spent the remainder of his days here, and reared a large family. John grew to maturity on the homestead farm and married Hetty GRAHAM, of Cranberry township. She became the mother of eight children, as follows: William, of Allegheny county; James, who resides in Tennessee; Freeman, of Cranberry township; Mary J., wife of Thomas WHIPPLE; Cyrus, who enlisted in the Rebellion and died in the service; Susan, deceased; Eliza A., wife of William AMSHUTZ, and Martha, wife of Harry BAUSMAN. Mrs. VANDIVORT died, and her husband was subsequently married to Jane HUTCHISON, who bore him four sons; John; Thomas; Leland, and Robert. Mr. VANDIVORT operated the first saw mill in the neighborhood, and carried it on for many years. He was a celebrated marksman, and took great pleasure in attending shooting matches, where he often won the prize.

FREEMAN VANDIVORT, third son of John and Hetty (GRAHAM) VANDIVORT, was born in Cranberry township, July 3, 1832. He grew to maturity in [p. 1163] his native township, and on December 24, 1857, he married Margaret DEEMER, a daughter of John and Fannie DEEMER, early settlers of Cranberry, to which union ten children were born, six of whom are now living, as follows: John C.; Alfred E.; Mrs. Fannie E. LANDIS; Annie J., wife of Joseph DAVIS; William F., and Clyde D. Following their marriage Mr. VANDIVORT purchased a small farm, where he began his married life. He afterwards erected a saw mill, which he operated for twenty years, and kept adding to his farm until he now owns 140 acres of good land. He has been the architect of his own fortune, beginning at the bottom round of the ladder. Politically, he is an adherent of the Democratic party, and both he and wife are members of the Plains Presbyterian church.

DAVID GARVIN, SR., a native of Rockingham county, Virginia, with his wife, who was a Miss McFARLAND of the same State, came to Butler county in 1800, and located upon a tract of 400 acres of government land in what is now Cranberry township. They were among the first settlers, and with the fortitude of the pioneers set about clearing and improving their purchase. Wild animals roamed at will through the unbroken forest, and eyed with suspicion and distrust this encroachment upon their domain by the sturdy white settlers who had braved the dangers of life in a new country to carve out for themselves and family a home. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth; Alexander; John; Nancy; David; James; William; Benjamin; Jefferson, and Margaret. Mr. GARVIN opened a tavern at his farm soon after settlement, and conducted it for several years. He and his wife passed the remainder of their days in Cranberry township, and bequeathed to their descendents the heritage of an honest name.

ALEXANDER GARVIN came from Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1800, and settled on a tract of government land in Cranberry township, Butler county, containing 400 acres. He was the eldest son of David GARVIN Sr. With him came his wife and family, and the trip to the new country was made by wagon. He resided in Cranberry township the balance of his days, and after death his widow married a Mr. BOWMAN and died in Mercer county.

JAMES WALLACE GARVIN, son of Alexander GARVIN, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, October 1, 1796, and was only four years old when his parents settled in Butler county. His boyhood days were spent in Cranberry township, surrounded by the dangers and trials of pioneer life. He was taken into the home of a Mr. WALLACE, who had come from Virginia with the Garvins. Mr. WALLACE took a strong fancy to the boy, and adopted him as a member of his own family. James resided in the Wallace home until he attained his manhood. He was schooled in the pioneer period, and enjoyed the chase through the primitive forest. He became a fine rifle shot, and was known as one of the best hunters in that locality. Often when going to work in the clearing, he would take his trusty rifle along, and would bring back with him enough game to keep the family in meat for several days. Mr. GARVIN was married October 12, 1823, to Nancy WILSON. She was born in Jackson township, near Evans City, and was a daughter of Andrew and Polly WILSON, natives of Ireland and early settlers of Jackson township. She bore him the following children: William, of Cranberry township; Margaret, wife of Ross BOYLE, a resident of Ogle county, Illinois; Wilson, [p. 1164] of Cranberry township; Benjamin, who resides at Bloomington, Illinois; Elizabeth, deceased wife of James FORSYTHE; Nancy, deceased wife of Hiram COVERT, and Andrew H., who enlisted in 1861 and died in the service. Mrs. GARVIN died in November, 1842, and was interred in the Plains church cemetery. In 1844 Mr. GARVIN married Mrs. Isabella WILSON, a daughter of John WALDRON, of Forward township, and this union was blessed by two children: John B., deceased, and Isabella, wife of Moses JOHNSTON, of Cranberry township. Mr. GARVIN died February 12, 1872, and his widow in August, 1891. He resided in Cranberry township down to his death, and was a leading citizen of the community. He served in the various township offices for many years, was an elder in the Plains Presbyterian church, a conscientious christian, and an earnest worker in the cause, taking an active and leading part in church work. He was universally respected and esteemed by his old friends and neighbors, and his descendants are among the leading people of the county.

WILSON GARVIN, second son of James WALLACE and Nancy (WILSON) GARVIN, was born on his father's farm in Cranberry township, April 17, 1829. He grew up on a farm assisting at the home duties, wearing his home-made clothing, and attending the little district school a few weeks during the winter season. The little log school house was furnished with rude benches, and an old fashioned fireplace, which characterized all of the pioneer school buildings. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age and spent the next two years as a teamster in Allegheny county. In the fall of 1854 he went to Iowa, remaining a few days in Chicago, then a comparatively small place. He resided in the west until 1859, when he started with a party of prospectors for Pike's Peak, but changing their destination he went to California. While crossing the plains the alkali nearly destroyed his eyesight, from which he has never fully recovered. In December, 1859, he returned to Butler county, where he has since resided. On March 19, 1863, he married Elizabeth BOGGS, born in what is now Jackson township, January 27, 1837, a daughter of Robert and Jane Mary BOGGS, pioneers of Butler county. Mr. GARVIN and wife located on the farm where they now reside, in Cranberry township. Nine children have been the fruits of this union, seven of whom are living, as follows: Robert W.; Mary A., wife of Robert ROLL, of Cranberry township; Marian, G.; Emma L.; Harry G.; Russell B., and Lizzie A. Mr. GARVIN is a Republican, in politics, and both he and wife are members of the Plains Presbyterian church.

DAVID GARVIN, son of Alexander GARVIN and grandson of David GARVIN, came from Rockingham county, Virginia, with his parents, to Butler county, when twelve years of age, and grew to manhood in Cranberry township. He married Permelia MALLISON, a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. They resided on the homestead in Cranberry township, where he conducted the hotel established by his grandfather. To David and Permilia GARVIN were born nine children, as follows: Eliza, wife of Jesse PLANKINGTON, of Allegheny county; Emmeline, wife of John HALL, of Kansas City, Missouri; Amy, wife of William BASTIAN, of Zelienople; Permelia, deceased wife of James HALL; Benjamin, of Evans City; Joshua, deceased; Newton, of Cranberry township; David, and Milton. Mr. GARVIN and wife died upon the homestead in Cranberry township.

[p. 1165]

BENJAMIN GARVIN, eldest son of David and Permelia (MALLISON) GARVIN, was born upon the Garvin homestead in Cranberry township, in November, 1827. He grew to maturity amidst the dangers and privations of pioneer times, and attended the little log school house of his neighborhood for a few weeks during the winter season. He married Ellen VANDIVORT, a daughter of William and Nancy VANDIVORT, of Cranberry township, and settled upon a part of the homestead farm. They resided there until 1889, and then retired to Evans City, where they are spending the remaining years of their lives in the enjoyment of the comforts which the fruits of their early industry provide. They are the parents of the following children: Permelia, wife of Oliver STOUGHTON, of Prospect; Amy, deceased; Nancy, wife of Edward LUTZ, of Evans City; David, deceased; Milton, and Brady, both residents of Evans City, and Frankie, wife of Henry MEEDER, of Zelienople. Mr. and Mrs. GARVIN are members of the Presbyterian church and are generous supporters of that denomination. In politics, he was originally an old-line Whig, but since the formation of the Republican party he has been one of its stanch adherents.

NEWTON GARVIN, one of the well know farmers and oil producers of Cranberry township, is the youngest living son of David and Permelia (MALLISON) GARVIN. He was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, May 8, 1831, there grew to maturity, and married Margaret NICHOLAS, a native of Butler county. To this union have been born seven children, as follows: William B., deceased; Mary, wife of Jacob PALMER, of Beaver county; Allie, wife of William CROFT, of Cranberry township; Lewis, who resides with his parents; Maggie, wife of Baxter RAMSEY, of Cranberry township; Permelia, wife of Henry LEONBERG, of the same township, and Charles, who lives at home. Mr. GARVIN and wife are consistent members of Plains Presbyterian church, in which organization he fills the office of elder. He owns 300 acres of land in Cranberry township, upon which are numerous oil wells, and he is recognized as one of the leading, enterprising and prosperous citizens of the community.

WILLIAM GARVIN SR., was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, a son of Alexander GARVIN. He grew to manhood in his native township, and married Martha Jane ROWAN, a native of Butler county. They located in Cranberry township, upon the farm now occupied by their son Benjamin W., where they resided for many years. Seven children were born of them, four of whom are now living, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of John WALTERS, of Jackson township, Benjamin W.; Ann, wife of John LEONBERG, and William, of Ogle. Mr. GARVIN held the position of supervisor, collector and school director for many years, and was one of the respected citizens of his community. Some years after the death of his wife, he married Hannah SPENCER, and later removed to Allegheny City, where he resided until his death, in 1873. One child, Samuel C., was born to his second marriage, who is now a resident of Allegheny.

BENJAMIN W. GARVIN, eldest son of William and Martha Jane (ROWAN) GARVIN, was born upon his present homestead in Cranberry township, November 10, 1835, and was reared a farmer. Being the eldest in the family, much of the labors on the farm fell to his lot, and he was therefore deprived of the advantages of an education. In 1857 he married Ellen P., a daughter of William and Mar- [p. 1166] garet (BRYAN) WILSON, of Westmoreland county, to which union have been born six children, as follows: Emila A., wife of Archie BRYAN, of Franklin township; William H., deceased; Elmer Lynn; Jane, wife of Herman MASER; Hannah Margaret, and Elizabeth A., both of whom are dead. Politically Mr. GARVIN is a stanch Republican, and has served as school director in his district. He and wife are members of Plains Presbyterian church, and are generous contributors towards that organization. He is the owner of 130 acres of highly improved land, containing several oil wells, and has recently erected one of the most substantial residences in this section of the county.

WILLIAM GARVIN, merchant and postmaster of Ogle, is a son of William and Martha Jane (ROWAN) GARVIN and was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, in 1842. He was educated in the public schools of his district and was reared a farmer. In 1862 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, under the command of Capt. Cyrus E. Anderson. His company was mustered into the service at Harrisburg, was attached to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the engagements at Fredricksburg, Chancellorsville, etc. He followed his regiment through the varying vicissitudes of war, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned to his home in Butler county. In 1865 Mr. GARVIN was united in marriage with Miss Catherine McCLAIN, a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, which union has been blessed by five children. Mr. GARVIN began his married life on a rented farm in Cranberry township, which he subsequently purchased and has since resided upon. He is a successful farmer, and for the past twenty years has also conducted a mercantile business at Ogle, and is now serving his second term as postmaster of that office. He is a Republican, takes an active part in the political affairs of his township and county, and has served in the various township offices with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. Mrs. GARVIN is a member of the Dutillh Methodist Episcopal church.

MORRIS COVERT was the progenitor of the Covert family in Butler county. The Coverts came originally from Holland, and settled in eastern Pennsylvania, where Morris was born in 1776. He married there, and one child was born east of the mountains. About 1800 Morris COVERT and family came to western Pennsylvania, and located on a farm ten miles north of Allegheny City. They subsequently removed to Butler county, and settled in what is now Jackson township, not far from the site of Evans City. He became an extensive land owner and quite prominent among the pioneers of that locality. Mr. COVERT served in the War of 1812, and resided in Jackson township until his death, January 13, 1839. His widow survived until April 3, 1841. They were the parents of quite a large family, and were members of the Plains Presbyterian church, in which body he served as elder.

JOHN COVERT was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 15, 1801, and was a son of Morris and Anna COVERT. He came with his parents to Butler county, and grew to maturity on the homestead in Jackson township. In 1827 he married Margaret, a daughter of Issac and Rachel COVERT. She was a native of Butler county, born January 15, 1806. Immediately following their marriage, they settled upon the farm where their son John Milton, now lives, [p. 1167] which he received from his father. They began life in a log cabin, surrounded on every side by an almost unbroken forest. John COVERT was a man of more than ordinary attainments for those days, and was a prominent member of the Plains Presbyterian church. He died January 19, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty years. His wife died January 5, 1870. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom grew to maturity: Hiram H., deceased; George W., who died in childhood; Isaac N., a resident of Illinois; William Henry, who lives in Allegheny; Emma, deceased; George W., of Adams township; John Milton, of Cranberry township, and Margaret Julia, who died in infancy.

JOHN MILTON COVERT, youngest son of John and Margaret COVERT, was born June 5, 1845, upon his present homestead in Cranberry township. He resided with his parents until he arrived at manhood, and received a common school education. Being the youngest in the family, he remained at home looking after the duties of the farm and assisting his father in cultivating the same. On February 20, 1871, he married Ida A., daughter of William and Emma NESBIT, early settlers of Cranberry township, and is the father of four children, as follows: Charles M.; Eva M.; Audley M., and Leola Marie. Mr. COVERT and wife are members of Plains Presbyterian church, and he is an elder in that organization. In politics, he is a Republican, and takes quite an interest in political matters.

WILLIAM HENRY GOEHRING, a native of Alsace, Germany, born about 1750, was one of the early settlers of Butler county, Pennsylvania, where he located about 1801. He purchased 200 acres of land, in what is now Cranberry township, which he cleared and improved, and resided thereon down to his death, in 1831. He married in his native land, Catherine BAER, by whom he had the following children: William, who died in Pittsburg, aged ninety-seven years; Adam, who died in Cranberry township; Charles; Christian, who died upon the homestead; Rebecca, who married John ROSEBORO; Fredericka, who married Christian BUHL; Barbara, who died unmarried; Catherine, who became the wife of John STAMM; Magdalena, who married Jacob WOSTER, and Charlotte, who married Francis BURKHART. Mr. GOEHRING was one of the original members of the Lutheran church of Zelienople. Before immigrating to this country, he was a teacher in the public schools of Germany, and was a man of very good education.

CHARLES GOEHRING, third son of William Henry GOEHRING, was born near the city of Strasburg, Germany, in 1782, and came with his parents to Butler county. He purchased a farm adjoining his father's, in Cranberry township, consisting of 200 acres, and, subsequently, was the owner of about 750 acres of farm lands in Cranberry, Muddy Creek and Worth townships, and was one of the most extensive farmers of his time. His death occurred in Cranberry township, April 25, 1857, dying upon the farm which he first settled. Mr. GOEHRING was twice married, his first wife being Margaret FIRESTONE, who bore him one daughter, Margaret, who married Elias SEAMAN, after whose death she became the wife of George GIESS, and now resides at Zelienople. His second wife was Elizabeth, daughter of George HARTZELL, who survived him many years, and died in 1875. To this union were born the following children: Henry, and George, [p. 1168] both deceased; Catherine, who married Charles BONZO; Caroline, wife of George RANSCHER; Eliza, who married Adam PFEIFER; Charles, deceased; Charlotte, wife of Theophilus FOMBELL; William; Lewis; John; Elias, and Gellert. Mr. GOEHRING was first a Whig, and later a Republican. In religion, he was a Lutheran, and filled the office of elder in that church for many years.

WILLIAM GOEHRING, oldest living son of Charles and Elizabeth GOEHRING, was born upon the homestead in Cranberry township, and received a common school education. At the age of twenty-one he settled in Worth township, upon a tract of land belonging to his father, cleared and improved it, and lived there six years. He then purchased his present farm of 150 acres in Forward township, which he has since cleared and improved. Mr. GOEHRING married Sarah, daughter of Christian RAPE, of Cranberry township, to which union have been born eleven children, as follows: John C; Gellert; Matilda, wife of A. H. BEHM; Sarah, wife of John ENDRES; Sophia, wife of John MILLERMAN; Nettie, wife of Chirstopher MARBURGER; Ella, wife of Martin SPITHALER; Christina, wife of Henry W. LOTZ; Susan, wife of William LOTZ; Charles R., and Abbie. In politics, Mr. GOEHRING is a Republican. He is a member of St. John's Reformed church of Evans City, in which body he has filled the offices of elder and trustee.

HENRY GOEHRING, eldest son of Charles and Elizabeth GOEHRING, was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, in July 1818. After reaching his majority he removed to New Sewickly township, Beaver county, where he purchased a farm of 306 acres, upon which he resided down to his death. He was a very extensive farmer, owned 1,100 acres of land and at his death left to each of his children a farm of 100 acres. He was president of the Harmony Saving Bank, one of the directors of the Rochester Insurance Company, also of the Spar Savings Bank, of Rochester, and a stockholder in the Pittsburg Saving Bank. He was an extensive dealer in stock, and bought and sold cattle for the Pittsburg market. He took an active interest in all public affairs, was one of the directors of the poor farm for twelve years, and one of the leading Republicans of his community. He married Sophia, daughter of Jacob HARTUNG, of New Sweickly township, Beaver county. Their children are as follows: Jacob B.; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph B. ZIEGLER; Charles F.; Lucinda, wife of Casper KNAUFF; Amelia, wife of Abraham WISE; Zeno; Rosina, wife of L. D. BRUENER, and Barbara, who died in youth. Mrs. GOEHRING resides with her daughter Mrs. J. B. ZIEGLER, in Beaver county. Her husband died in August, 1884, and was buried in the Zelienople cemetery. He was a life-long member of the Lutheran church, and for many years was connected with the Zelienople congregation.

CHARLES F. GOEHRING, second son of Henry GOEHRING, was born January 13, 1847, upon the homestead in Beaver county. After reaching his majority he received 100 acres of land from his father, upon which he settled. He resided on this farm down to 1884, then removed to Zelienople, built his present residence, and engaged in the coal business, which he followed for three years. He next established his present business of dealing in flagging and cut stone. Since becoming a resident of Zelienople, he has built five private residences in that bor- [p. 1169] ough. Mr. GOEHRING was married in 1870, to Henrietta, daughter of George GIESS, and has one son, Frank S. He is a Republican, in politics, is a member of the borough council, and also holds the office of treasurer and street commissioner. For the past fourteen years he has been an elder in the Lutheran church of Zelienople.

GEORGE GOEHRING, son of Charles and Elizabeth GOEHRING, was born on the homestead farm in Cranberry township, Butler county, and here grew to manhood. He married Catherine MAY, a native of Germany, who came to Butler county with her parents. They located on a farm on the Franklin road, and died in Cranberry township. Mr. GOEHRING and wife were the parents of five children, as follows: Joseph, of Cranberry township; Charlotte, wife of Henry LEIDABACH; Louis, who died in 1892; Louisa, deceased, and Sydnia, of Cranberry township. Mr. GOEHRING died in 1860. His widow makes her home with her son Joseph, and is now seventy years of age.

JOSEPH GOEHRING was born November 28, 1842, and is the eldest son of George and Catherine GOEHRING. His youth was spent on the homestead farm, and his schooling was obtained by a few weeks attendance during the winter season at the district school house. Upon the death of his father he continued to carry on the farm, and assisted his mother in rearing the family. In 1864 he married Mrs. Catherine DEEMER, a native of Germany, and a daughter of Jacob and Eva Catherine WAGNER. She came to the United States with her parents in early childhood. They settled in Allegheny county, thence removed to Beaver county, where her mother died in January, 1867. Her father is still living at the age of eighty-six years. By her first marriage to Andrew DEEMER, she was the mother of four children; Amelia, deceased; Mrs. Matilda KIRCHNER; Mrs. Catherine YEAGER, and Mrs. Hannah KIRCHNER. After his marriage Mr. GOEHRING settled in Brush creek, resided there until 1884, and then located on his present farm, which contains 100 acres of well improved land, and substantial buildings, all of which he has erected. They are the parents of three children, as follows: Charles Lewis, of Cranberry township; Annie M., deceased, and Amy Virginia. Mr. GOEHRING is a Democrat, is a member of the school board in his township, and is well know as an oil producer and practical farmer.

ELIAS GOEHRING, son of Charles and Elizabeth GOEHRING, was born upon the homestead farm in Cranberry township, Butler county, received a common school education, and was reared a farmer. After he grew to manhood he settled in Jackson township, subsequently removed to Adams township, and lived there for five years. About 1869 he purchased a farm of 200 acres in Forward township, where his sons, Harvey and Edwin E., now reside. Here he was engaged in farming until 1893, when he purchased a farm near New Brighton, Beaver county, where he now resides. He married Sophia, daughter of Michael MICKLEY, of Jackson township, and eleven children were born of this union: Edwin E., of Forward township; Alfred, of Cranberry; Hugh, of Jackson; Levi, a resident of Beaver county; Harvey, of Forward township; Emma, wife of William RADER; Minerva, wife of George BURR; Tillie, wife of William FEHL; Theodore, of Beaver county; Elmer and Bertie.

[p. 1170]

EDWIN E. GOEHRING, eldest son of Elias GOEHRING, was born May 20, 1858, in Jackson township, Butler county, and was reared and educated in his native county. In 1883 he embarked in farming for himself in Jackson township, and later in Connoquenessing, but in 1855 he returned to the homestead farm in Forward township, and purchased eighty acres of the same, upon which he has erected substantial improvements. He is also engaged in oil producing, and is the owner of several good wells. Mr. GOEHRING was married, March 1, 1883, to Caroline, daughter of Peter STAAF, of Connoquenessing township. Politically, he is a Republican, and is a deacon and trustee in the Reformed church.

HARVEY GOEHRING, fifth son of Elias GOEHRING, was born in Adams township, Butler county, October 8, 1865, and has been reared a farmer. In 1889 he purchased the residence and one-half of the homestead farm in Forward township, which he has since cultivated successfully. Politically, he is a Republican, and has filled the offices of overseer of the poor and township assessor. He is a member of the Reformed church, and is one of the trustees in the Evans City congregation. Mr. GOEHRING is one of the progressive young farmers of Forward township, and enjoys the confidence of his neighbors.

GELLERT GOEHRING, youngest son of Charles and Elizabeth GOEHRING, was born upon the homestead farm in Cranberry township, Butler county, January 30, 1839. He grew to maturity under the parental roof, and received a good common school education. On June 20, 1861, he married Catherine KNAUFF, daughter of Michael KNAUFF, of Jackson township, where she was born in 1841. Immediately after marriage they settled on a part of his father's farm, and he is now the owner of 126 acres there, and of seventy-one acres near Ogle. Mr. GOEHRING followed stock-droving for twelve years. They are the parents of eleven children, as follows: Maria, wife of Frank MOHR; David, deceased; Lovina, wife of Henry RAPE; Malinda, wife of Daniel RAPE; Albert; Andrew; Lewis, and Ida, the last three of whom are dead; Ella; Henry, and Amos. Mr. GOEHRING is a Republican, and has filled the offices of school director and supervisor. Both he and wife are members of the German Protestant church, of Zelienople.

JAMES ROWAN was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1792, and was a son of James ROWAN, a native of Ireland, who immigrated to America prior to the Revolution and settled near Philadelphia, where he purchased a tract of land and engaged in farming. His mother was Rebecca (THOMPSON) ROWAN, also a native of Ireland, who had two children: Martha and James. The parents died in Delaware county. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood near Philadelphia, and married Mary BOYD, a native of Wilmington, Delaware. They located upon the homestead place, which became his property on the death of his father, his mother coming to Butler county and making her home with him until her death. Her remains were interred in the cemetery at Plains Presbyterian church. In 1825 James ROWAN, with his family, consisting of his wife and two children, and his mother, came to Butler county and settled on a tract of land in Cranberry township, for which he had exchanged the old homestead near Philadelphia. He was among the early settlers of his section, the township at that time being very sparsely settled. Mr. ROWAN was a Pres- [p. 1171] byterian, in religious faith, and in politics, he was a stanch Democrat. He died in April, 1845. His widow survived until 1881, dying at the age of nearly eighty-eight years. They were the parents of eleven children, as follows: John, of Cranberry township; William T., and one unnamed, both of whom died in infancy; Matthew B., of Penn township; James, a resident of Missouri; William T., who resides in Illinois; Rebecca A.; Martha J., and Marietta, the last three of whom are dead; Harriet N., and Margaret, both residents of Evans City.

JOHN ROWAN, one of the oldest living residents of Cranberry township, was born in Delaware county, Pennsylvania, January 15, 1820, and is the eldest in a family of James and Mary (BOYD) ROWAN. He was a child of only five years of age when his parents located in Butler county, and he was reared amidst the trials and privations of pioneer days. In the obstacles overcome and bravely surmounted was laid the foundation for the resolute determination and sterling qualities which have characterized his after life. On February 22, 1849, he married Margaret DIXON, a daughter of 'Squire William DIXON, and located upon the farm in Cranberry township where he has since resided. He was by trade a carpenter, and has erected many of the buildings in Cranberry township. Politically, Democratic, he has filled the office of justice of the peace and various other minor positions, and has always taken an active interest in public affairs. Five children are the fruits of his union with Margaret DIXON, daughter of 'Squire William DIXON, as follows: Mary Ellen, wife of Alfred SHANKS, of Franklin township, Allegheny county; William D., professor of commercial law at Park Institute, Allegheny county; an unnamed son, who died in infancy; Isabella, wife of J. G. VAUGHN, and James M., who died in 1891, at the age of twenty-eight years. Mr. ROWAN and wife are members of the Plains Presbyterian church, in which he has been an elder for nearly forty years. He has always been a great reader, possesses a remarkable memory, and although in his seventy-sixty year he is as hearty and active as a man of fifty. Widely know and respected, few men of the community have wielded a wider influence or shown more public enterprise for the general good than this sturdy old pioneer.

ELDER CRAWFORD, physician and surgeon, Hendersonville, is a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, born August 1, 1846, son of Thomas and Mary CRAWFORD, natives of the same county. When but twelve years of age his parents died, and he was taken into the home of an uncle, Dr. G. G. ATKINS, then living at Knoxville, Ohio, with whom he lived until he was sixteen years of age. In 1863, when in his seventeenth year, he enlisted in Company C, Fifth Independent Ohio Cavalry, and was sent into Kentucky on scouting duty. After his term of service had expired; he re-enlisted in Company G, Thirteenth Ohio Cavalry, which belonged to the Army of the Potomac, and served some time in the Ninth Army Corps, as dismounted cavalry, under the command of General Hartranft. Dr. CRAWFORD followed his regiment through all its marches and campaigns, and participated in the battles of White House Landing, Mine Explosion, Reams Station, and Weldon Railroad. In 1865 the regiment was re-mounted and attached to the command of General Sheridan. Then came the heavy fighting at Five Forks, and the continuous nine days' engagements until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. On the morning of Lee's surrender Dr. CRAWFORD was on [p. 1172] the skirmish line, taking part in the last engagement of the broken Confederacy. After the surrender his regiment was detached on provost duty at Weldon, North Carolina, and he was honorably discharged at City Point, Virginia, in August, 1865, after having been in continuous service from the date of his entering the army. Although he was present in many of the hardest fought battles of the war, he was never wounded, taken prisoner, or suffered any sickness. Returning to his home in Jefferson county, Ohio, he resumed his studies, having been in the Academy at Knoxville when he enlisted. In 1866 he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. ATKINS, attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, where he was graduated, and in 1869 he located at Thorn Hill, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where he practiced his profession for nine years. In 1878 he purchased his present residence in Cranberry township, and during the past sixteen years he has built up and now enjoys a large and lucrative practice. Dr. CRAWFORD was married February 19, 1869, to Mattie G., a daughter of Matthew and Harried (GLASS) HAMILTON, of Allegheny county, to which union have been born the following children: Chester; Minnie; Frank, now studying medicine under his father; Grace; Elder; Hope, and Nellie. Dr. CRAWFORD and wife are members of the Dutillh Methodist Episcopal church in which he is a steward and trustee. Politically, he is an ardent Republican, is a member of Wilson Post, G. A. R., of Zelienople, and is also connected with the I. O. O. F., and K. O. T. M.

JACOB DAMBACH, SR., and his wife Barbara, immigrated to the United States in 1832, and located on a tract of land in Butler county, near Zelienople, in what is now Jackson township. They were natives of Alsace-Lorraine, France, and were accompanied by their family of eight children, as follows: Adam; Charles; Fredrick; Christian; Catherine; Sophia; Caroline, and Magdalena, all of whom were born in Germany. The family resided in Jackson township for a few years and then removed to Cranberry township, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. About three years after Jacob DAMBACH came to America, two sons, John Nickolas, and Jacob, whom they had left in Germany, came with their families and joined the Dambach settlement, and both spent their lives in this county.

JOHN NICKOLAS DAMBACH was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, in 1801. He married Catherine ISH, and to them was born one son, Nickolas. In 1835 they immigrated to America, crossing the Atlantic in a three-masted sailing vessel, the voyage lasting forty-two days. They landed in New York, May 5, 1835, there shipped by water to Erie, and thence by wagon to Butler county. John Nickolas purchased the homestead from his father, and engaged in farming. He took the oath of allegiance and became a citizen of the United States, June 14, 1847. His wife died in 1853. He survived her until October, 1882. They were members of the German Reformed church, and lie side by side in the cemetery at Burry church.

NICKOLAS DAMBACH, only child of John Nickolas DAMBACH, is a native of Alsace-Lorraine, France, born March 16, 1828. He was seven years old when his parents came to Butler county, and he grew to manhood here, assisting his father in the labors on the farm. He attended the little log dis- [p. 1173] trict school house for a few weeks in the winter season, and was clothed in homemade goods of the period. In 1850 he married Catherine GROSS, born in Germany, in 1835, a daughter of Charles and Catherine GROSS, who immigrated to Butler county in 1847, and in 1848 bought a farm in Lawrence county, where they afterwards resided. Mr. DAMBACH and wife resided on the homestead, his father making his home with him. In 1858 he purchased his present farm in Cranberry township, and in 1865 he erected his present commodious residence. He is the owner of 230 acres of well improved land, which is regarded as one of the best farms in the township. Three children have been born to Nickolas and Catherine DAMBACH, viz.: Caroline, who died in infancy; Matilda, wife of W. A. GOEHRING, and Charles, a resident of Freedom, Butler county. In 1881 Mr. DAMBACH established a banking business at Zelienople, under the firm name of N. Dambach & Son, which was afterwards sold to Amos Lusk & Son, and is now carried on by the Gelbach Brothers. Mr. DAMBACH and wife are members of Oak Grove Lutheran church, and in his political affiliations, he is a stanch Republican. The family are among the most highly respected in the county, and he is recognized as an enterprising and progressive citizen.

JACOB DAMBACH, JR., was the first member of the Dambach family to locate in Cranberry township, Butler county. He was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, December 12, 1804, and married Magdalena BEAVER, a native of the same place, born January 9, 1806. On the 5th of May, 1835, the family landed in New York, having made the voyage in a three-masted sailing vessel in forty-two days, and for the fist time breathed the air of liberty. Proceeding westward by boat and wagon, the family finally found themselves in Butler county, Pennsylvania. With a fund of $400, Mr. DAMBACH purchased fifty acres of land in Cranberry township, and there living in a little log cabin, surrounded by the dangers and enduring the privations incident to the times, began to make for himself and family a home in the wilderness. He afterwards added to his farm by various purchases, and hired laborers to clear the land, paying two dollars and fifty cents per acre for grubbing. In due time he erected a commodious brick residence, on what is now the F. Meeder farm, the bricks being made on the place, and the highest priced labor employed in the erection of this house was the brickmaker, who received eight dollars per month. Mr. DAMBACH died in 1870. He was a member of the Reformed church, and a liberal supporter of that denomination. His widow is now a resident of Evans City.

JACOB DAMBACH, son of Jacob and Magdalena DAMBACH, was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, November 2, 1828, and was in his seventh year when his parents settled in Butler county. He spent his boyhood days upon the farm, enjoying only such limited advantages as fell to the lot of the average pioneer boy. His educational advantages were confined to a few weeks' training in the little subscription school, and he taught himself how to read by studying the New Testament. In 1849 he married Elizabeth GROSS, a native of Germany, who came with her parents to Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. Three children were born to this union, only one of whom is living, Edward W., of Evans City. Mrs. DAMBACH died in 1857, and in 1859 he married Miss Ruth HUTCHINSON, a native of Ireland, and daughter of Michael and Martha HUTCHINSON, both of [p. 1174] whom are dead. To this union were born three children, one of whom is living, Jacob H., born April 27, 1866. Mr. DAMBACH has been a very successful business man, and is the founder of the bank in Evans City, originally Jacob Dambach & Son, but now The Citizens Bank. He is largely interested in the lumber business with his son at Evans City, and is one of the substantial citizens of the community. He is a member of Oak Grove Lutheran church. Politically, he is a Republican, but takes now active interest in public affairs.

ADAM DAMBACH, SR., was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, and came to the United States with his father Jacob DAMBACH, Sr., when a young man, and settled in Cranberry township, Butler county, Pennsylvania. He married Christina GOEHRING, of Beaver county, settled on a farm in Cranberry township, later moved to Connoquenessing township, and died there in 1872. His wife died in 1880. The were members of the United Presbyterian church. Eight children were born to them, five of whom are living, as follows: Sophia, wife of John R. BOYER, of Lancaster township; Adam, of Zelienople; Catherine, who resides at Petersville; William, a resident of Connoquenessing township, and Jacob, of Zelienople.

ADAM DAMBACH was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, March 13, 1836, and is a son of Adam DAMBACH, Sr., and a grandson of Jacob DAMBACH, Sr. He remained in Cranberry township until seventeen years of age, and then removed with his parents to Connoquenessing township, where he worked on his father's farm for some years. He then engaged in merchandising at Petersville, and afterwards removed to a farm in Forward township. In 1859 he married Miss Dora GARWIG, of Beaver county, to which union have been born nine children: Sidney J., a merchant at Petersville; William G., of Forward township; Henry W., of Zelienople; Louisa, deceased; Adam J., of Evans City; Christina; Frank, a merchant at Petersville; Washington J., and Matilda S. In 1890 Mr. DAMBACH retired from farming, and settled in Zelienople, where he still resides. A Republican, in politics, he has served as assessor and school director of Forward township. He and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church.

HENRY W. DAMBACH, of the firm of Allen & Dambach, of Zelienople, was born in Forward township, Butler county, April 1, 1865, son of Adam and Dora (GARWIG) DAMBACH. He was educated in the public schools, and at the Witherspoon Institute, and afterwards attended the State Normal School at Edinboro. He then taught school in Jackson and Forward townships for three years, and next acted as agent for the Pittsburg Water Elevator and Purifying Company. In April, 1889, he became a member of the firm of Allen & Dambach, merchants of Zelienople. He was also one of the first oil producers in the Harmony Oil field. Mr. DAMBACH was married May 16, 1889, to Nettie, daughter of H. M. ZIEGLER, of Jackson township, and has one son, Loyal Earl. He and wife are members of the Reformed church, and in politics, he is a Republican.

JOHN LOUIS ROLL was born in the Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, July 20, 1790, and was a son of Stephen ROLL. He grew to maturity there, and in 1817 married Jeanne Susanne CHARDOUSSIN, a native of Wurtemberg, born January 24, 1793. Both the Roll and the Chardoussin families were of French [p. 1175] origin, and the ancestors lived in the south of France until the year 1160, when they were driven by religious persecution into Germany. John Louis ROLL served in the French army, under Napoleon the Great, in 1813, 1814, and 1815, and participated in many of the battles and brilliant campaigns of Napoleon, closing with the disastrous battle of Waterloo. In 1828 he immigrated to the United States with his family, consisting of his wife and five children, as follows: Magdalena, who married H. H. BICKER, of Winfield township, Butler county; Margaret Catherine, wife of Christian HOLLAND, of Beaver county; John P., a resident of Cranberry township; Catherine, wife of James ANDERSON, of Allegheny, and Louis, since deceased. After a voyage of ten weeks and three days on the sailing vessel William Penn, the family landed at Baltimore, from whence they journeyed overland by wagon to Pittsburg, where a settlement was was (sic) made. Mr. ROLL followed the trade of stonemason in Pittsburg, until his removal to Cranberry township, Butler county, in 1832, having purchased a tract of land there in 1830. Mr. ROLL and wife resided upon this farm down to their death, which occurred in 1881. One child was born to them after coming to America, viz., Hannah, wife of Peter METZ, of Beaver county. Both he and wife were members of the German Reformed church, and during their residence in this county, were know as quiet, unostentatious people, but nevertheless public-spirited and interested in the advancement and improvement of the community.

JOHN P. ROLL was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 27, 1822, and came with his parents to Pittsburg when a lad of five years old, and was ten years of age when the family settled in Cranberry township, Butler county. He remained at home, assisting in improving the farm, and enjoyed the limited advantages of that period. Pittsburg was the nearest trading point and marketing place, and loading the wagon with grain, he would start with his ox team for that city. After selling his produce, and making a few necessary purchases, he would return home, the trip usually requiring two day or more. Living in a rude log cabin and surrounded by such privations, he passed his days upon the farm, and remained with his parents until their decease, being their mainstay in their declining years. In 1844 he married Miss Eliza NOSS, a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born October 8, 1825. Her parents, John and Elizabeth NOSS, came to Butler county in 1832, and settled in Cranberry township, where the balance of their lives was passed. Mr. ROLL settled on the old homestead which he rented from his father, and after the death of the latter, he purchased the interest of the other heirs. They are the parents of thirteen children: John Louis; Ann Elizabeth, deceased; Simon; Catherine, wife of Walter CAMPBELL; William H.; George C.; James; Margaret A., wife of Ira PORTER; Wilson R.; Robert M.; Lucinda, wife of Christian FREY; Frank E., and Charles, deceased. Mr. ROLL and wife are members of St. John's Reformed church, of Cranberry township. He is a Republican, in politics, has been a member of the school board nine years, tax collector for five years, and is at present overseer of the poor.

[End of Chapter 73-2 (pgs.1130-1175) - Biographical Sketches: Zelienople, Harmony and Evans City Boroughs; Jackson, Forward, Adams, Cranberry, Connoquenessing and Lancaster Townships
History of Butler County Pennsylvania, R. C. Brown Co., Publishers, 1895]

Previous Chapter 73-1 (pgs.1083-1130)

Continued Chapter 73-3 (pgs.1175-1203)

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Updated: 28 Feb 2001, 14:29