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.

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JOHN HALL was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, February 27, 1806, son of Joseph and Phoebe (COVERT) HALL, who belonged to one of the pioneer families of Lycoming county. He came with his parents to Pittsburg, and [p. 1176] later to Zelienople. His parents died in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, whither they had removed. John HALL purchased a farm in Cranberry township, Butler county, and went bravely to work clearing and improving it. In 1830 he married Priscilla, daughter of Morris and Annie COVERT, to which union where [sic] born eight children: Hulda J, of Cranberry township; Algernon C., who died in 1854; Cyrus W., of Adams township; Joseph, who died June 10, 1870; Annie, wife of Andrew DUNN; Isaac, who died August 25, 1877; Minerva, and Enoch, of Cranberry township. Mr. HALL and wife were members of the Plains Presbyterian church. He died April 13, 1880; his widow survived until March 10, 1887. He was a quiet, unassuming man, and always took an interest in the development and progress of the county.

ENOCH HALL, youngest child of John and Priscilla HALL, was born upon the homestead farm in Cranberry township, September 6, 1849. He remained with his parents until arriving at his majority, assisting them in the duties of the farm and later taking charge of the same. Upon the death of his parents he succeeded to the homestead, which he has since carried on. He is a member of the Plains Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Democrat. The Hall family are among the most respected in the township.

DAVID BARTO was a son of David BARTO, who came from eastern Pennsylvania to Beaver county, and later settled in Cranberry township, Butler county, where he died. David, Jr., was on of a family of six children, and after arriving at manhood he married Mary Ann McMAHON, of Beaver county, who born him a family of nine children, seven of whom are living, as follows: Margaret A., wife of James FLENDER; Permelia, wife of Thomas JAMISON; Jesse, of Cranberry township; Isabella, wife of Joseph SUTHERLAND; Agnes, of Cranberry township; John, a resident of Jackson township, and William, who resides at Evans City. Mr. BARTO died in Jackson township in 1859. His widow survived until July, 1890.

JESSE BARTO, eldest son of David and Mary Ann BARTO, was born in Butler county, July 22, 1846, here grew to manhood, and in March, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and served in the Ninth Army Corps under General Burnside. He participated in the battles of Cold Harbor, Mine Explosion, and others, and was taken prisoner at Mine Explosion. He was confined in Danville for five months, was then taken to Libby prison, were he spent nearly three months, and was then exchanged and returned to his home. In 1865 he purchased his present homestead in Cranberry township. He is a stanch Republican, and gives an earnest support to the candidates and measures of his party.

JOHN BUHLER, son of John and Catherine BUHLER, was born in Jackson township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, October 9, 1854, and grew to manhood engaged in farm labor. In 1881 he purchased his present home in Cranberry township. On October 31, 1885, he married Caroline KNAUFF, a daughter of Henry and Margaret KNAUFF, to which union have been born three children, as follows: Ella; Amanda, and Maggie. Mr. BUHLER and wife are members of the Lutheran church at Zelienople.

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HENRY KNAUFF was born in Prussia, July 20, 1817, son of Hartman and Elizabeth KNAUFF. In 1834, when in his seventeenth year, he came to the United States, being on the voyage fifty-eight days, and landed at Baltimore, Maryland. From Baltimore he came to Butler county, as he had an uncle, Michael KNAUFF, living near Zelienople. His parents came from Germany in 1836, and lived in Cranberry township, Butler county, where they purchased the tract of land upon which Henry now resides. Both died in this township, and Henry then purchased the interest of the other heirs. In 1841 Henry married Margaret SCHEEBER, a native of Germany, who came to this country with her father. He first rented a farm in Cranberry township, and continued to rent for twelve years. Three children were born to Henry and Margaret KNAUFF, as follows: Jacob, who resides in this county; Elizabeth, wife of George LEONBERG, and Caroline, wife of John BUHLER. Mrs. KNAUFF died in 1890. She was a member of the Zelienople Presbyterian church, to which body her husband also belongs. In politics, he is a Democrat.

JOHN EHRMAN, SR., is one of the leading farmers of Cranberry township. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, November 28, 1821, son of Bastian and Annie (KAUGH) EHRMAN. When but a lad his parents died, and at the age of fourteen years he was thrown upon his own resources. He became a valet to a gentleman of wealth, and traveled with him through Europe and a portion of Asia, spending some time in India. In 1848 he came to the United States, arriving at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in June of that year. He found employment in carrying bricks to the builders, and being imbued with the principles of economy, he saved his earnings carefully and was thus enabled to embark in the grocery business in that city. In 1852 he married Annie OBLE, a native of Germany, and the following year they came to Cranberry township, Butler county, and established a grocery store at Ogle. Owing to losses sustained by reason of the dishonesty of a former partner in Pittsburg, he was compelled to make a new start in Cranberry, where he commenced life on a capital of thirty dollars and a team of horses. He afterwards rented a farm, and resided thereon until he finally became its owner. By industry and economy they kept accumulating their means through the passing years, until he is now the owner of over 300 acres of land in Cranberry township. Four children have been born to John and Annie EHRMAN, as follows: John, of Cranberry township; Peter, born November 24, 1854, married Hannah HARTZELL, and has two children, Arthur and Annie; George, a resident of Cranberry township, and Sadie, deceased. Mr. EHRMAN and wife are members of the German Lutheran church at Evans City. He is one of the substantial and enterprising farmers of Butler county, where he has resided more than forty years.

JOHN EHRMAN, eldest son of John and Annie EHRMAN, was born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1853, and grew to maturity on his father's farm. He received a common school education in the district school of his neighborhood, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. In 1878 he married Mary KNAUFF, a daughter of Casper KNAUFF, of Zelienople. The young couple settled on a farm in Cranberry township, where they have since resided. They are the parents of four children: Annie L.; Henry William; John E., and Emma M. [p. 1178] Mr. EHRMAN is one of the active and influential Democrats of his township, and has served as assessor and collector, and has been a member of the school board for three years. Both he and wife are members of the German Lutheran church at Evans City.

GEORGE EHRMAN, youngest son of John and Annie EHRMAN, was born in Cranberry township, Butler county, April 7, 1858. His boyhood days were spent upon his father's farm, and he received a common school education at the district school of the neighborhood. On June 15, 1882, he married Sophia SHOUP, a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (KNAUFF) SHOUP. They settled on a farm in Cranberry township, which they have since made their home, and erected in 1890 a substantial residence. Five children have been born to them, three of whom survive, as follows: Annie Flora; Laura Adelina, and Amos Oscar. Mr. and Mrs. EHRMAN are members of the German Lutheran church of Evans City, and in politics, he is a Democrat. He is one of the leading and progressive citizens of his native township.

ANDREW G. THOMPSON was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1812, son of James and Isabella THOMPSON, natives of Ireland, who immigrated to Allegheny county, and resided there down to their death. Andrew G. THOMPSON married Mary English, a native of Ireland, born in 1809, who came to America with her parents in childhood. They spent their lives in Allegheny county. Mrs. THOMPSON died May 23, 1880, and her husband, August 17, 1883. They were consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Six children were born to them, four of whom grew to maturity: James of Cranberry township; Mary, wife of James JACKSON; Andrew, a resident of Allegheny county, and Samuel, who resides on the old homestead in the same county.

JAMES THOMPSON, was born on the homestead farm in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, January 16, 1835, and is the eldest living child of Andrew G. THOMPSON. His boyhood days were spent in the usual routine of farm life, and he obtained a common school education at the district school of his neighborhood. On March 21, 1861, he married Mary THORN, a native of Butler county, and a daughter of John M. and Martha (CAMPBELL) THORN, who came from Westmoreland county to Butler county at quite an early day and settled in Oakland township. Here Mr. THORN, who was one of the first teachers of the county, died, June, 1840. Soon after his marriage Mr. THOMPSON located on his present farm in Cranberry township. Their first home was a log cabin, and the land was comparatively uncleared, but the young couple had been reared in pioneer surroundings, and bravely set to work to make themselves a permanent home. The farm now consists of ninety-five acres of highly improved land, and the humble cabin has been replaced by a handsome and commodious dwelling. They are the parents of seven children, viz.: Andrew H., of Braddock; Martha A., wife of R. W. GARVIN; Lida M.; Alvin T.; Eva P.; Samuel A., and Cora, deceased. Mr. THOMPSON is an elder in the Plains Presbyterian church, to which society both he and wife belong, and in which the latter takes a prominent part in woman's work as president of the Ladies Missionary Society. In politics, he is a Republican, and is active in the promotion of the public school system. He [p. 1179] is a member of Cranberry Grange, and is one of the progressive farmers of his township.

FREDERICK LEISE was a native of Hesse, Germany, born in 1816, and immigrated to the United States with his father, John LEISE, in 1842. His mother and three brothers, John, George and Henry, came at the same time. The last mentioned is living in Lawrence county, but John and George are dead. The parents located in what is now Brady township, Butler county, where the father purchased a tract of seventy-five acres, now owned by John Stein, and resided there until their death, in 1854. Frederick grew to manhood in his native land, and married Susannah KEINE, a native of Germany, who came to America with her parents. Four sons and three daughters were the fruits of this union, as follows: John, of Cranberry township; Henry, deceased; Caroline, wife of George HELWIG, of Iowa; Margaret, wife of Philip BURR; Christina, wife of Isaac BURR; Jacob deceased, and William J., who died in infancy. At his father's death Mr. LEISE purchased the old homestead, lived there until 1855, and then located in Jackson township. His wife died September 24, 1856, and he married for his second wife Barbara KLEINFELTER, a native of Germany. Five children were born to this union, four of whom are living, as follows; Katherine, wife of William FEHL; George; Frederick, of Cranberry township, and Mary, wife of Benjamin JOHNSON of the same township. Mr. LEISE moved into Cranberry township in 1869, and died there in 1871. His widow is still a resident of that township. He was a member of the Reformed church, and a very worthy man.

JOHN LEISE, eldest son of Frederick and Susannah LEISE, remained with his parents until his majority, enjoying but limited advantages for an education. In 1871 he married Dora PFLUGH, a native of Beaver county, and located on his present homestead, buying out the other heirs. Since it came into his possession he has made many improvements, has erected a handsome residence and substantial barn, and is now the owner of 165 acres of well improved land. They are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living, as follows: William F., who died in childhood; John C., Laura B.; Mary E.; Josephine A.; Clarence E., and Myrtland L. Mr. LEISE and wife are members of the Reformed church at Evans City. He is a Democrat, and has filled the offices of township collector and assessor. He is a member of Cranberry Grange, and represented it at the convention of the State Grange at Harrisburg, in December, 1892.

GEORGE MEEDER was born July 19, 1851, son of Frederick and Caroline (HAINE) MEEDER, of Cranberry township. He spent his boyhood days upon the homestead farm, and attended the common school of the district. In 1879 he married Dena FRANTZ, born September 3, 1857, in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John FRANTZ, a native of Zelienople, Butler county, Pennsylvania. Immediately following their marriage the young couple settled on a farm in Cranberry township, where they now reside. They are the parents of three children: Charles Frederick, born November 18, 1879; Elmer, born August 6, 1887, and Edward B., born June 15, 1891. Mr. MEEDER is a Democrat, and takes a decided interest in the political questions of the day. Both he and wife are members of the Presbyterian church at Zelienople.

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JOSEPH WEST came from Beaver county, Pennsylvania, with his family in 1861, and settled in Cranberry township, Butler county. He was born in Franklin township, Beaver county, in 1815, married Maria POWELL, of Beaver county, and followed farming as an occupation. He reared a family of three sons and three daughters, viz.; Mary Ann, wife of T. S. WILSON, of Allegheny county; Fleming, of Cranberry township; Calvin J., of Evans City; S. J., wife of Addison RAMSEY, of Cranberry; Andrew J., also a resident of Cranberry, and Maria A., wife of James CROFT, of the same township. Mr. WEST died February 9, 1892; his widow survives him.

FLEMING WEST was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1843, and is the eldest son of Joseph WEST. He came with his parents to Cranberry township in 1861, and remained with them assisting in the duties of the farm, and attending the common school of the district. In 1867 he married Mary M. WILSON, a native of Cranberry township, Butler county, and a daughter of William and Margaret (BRYAN) WILSON, early settlers of that township. Soon after their marriage they located upon their present farm, a part of the original homestead, which he has since improved in many ways. Five children are the fruits of this union, as follows: Ida A., wife of Edwin RAMSEY; Charles L., who died June 10, 1890, aged nineteen years; Mary M., Joseph V., and Murtland R. The family worship at Crestview Presbyterian church, in which Mr. WEST is an elder. He has held various offices in the township, and is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party.

ANDREW J. WEST was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1849, and is the youngest son of Joseph and Maria (POWELL) WEST, who came to Cranberry township, Butler county, in 1861. He spent his boyhood days upon the farm with his parents, and received a common school education. In 1880 he married Annie M., a daughter of Michael and Sarah A. KNOX, whose family were early settlers of Jackson township, where Mr. KNOX and wife were born and reared. Mrs. WEST is a native of Butler county. Immediately following their marriage Mr. WEST settled upon a part of the old homestead, where they have since resided. They have two children, Eury Iona and Beulah. He and wife are members of Crestview Presbyterian church, at Callery, and in politics, he is a Democrat. He has served as a member of the school board, has always been a warm friend of the public schools, and is one of the well known citizens of Cranberry township.

JOHN SMITH was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, October 8, 1820, and came to the United States with his brother Henry, in April, 1846. They located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where John worked as a roller in an iron mill. He was married in 1847, to Miss Elizabeth HELSEL, a native of Alsace, Germany, born March 23, 1817. She came to this country with a brother in 1846, landing in New York on Christmas day. In 1860 Mr. SMITH and wife removed to a farm in Beaver county, lived there until 1864, and then located on a farm in Cranberry township, Butler county. In 1868 they removed to another farm in the same township, where he died, December 4, 1885. His widow resides with her son on the old homestead. Mr. SMITH was a member of the German Reformed church, and was a public-spirited citizen. He possessed a good education, took [p. 1181] a deep interest in school matters and was highly respected and esteemed. Of their family of seven children, three are now living: Elizabeth, wife of H. J. GIBSON; John H., of Cranberry township, and Mary, wife of Andrew KECK.

JOHN H. SMITH was born in the City of Pittsburg, January 25, 1857, and is the only living son of John SMITH. He was three years old when his parents removed to Beaver county, and seven when they settled in Cranberry township, Butler county. Here he grew to maturity, engaged in the usual routine duties of a farmer's life, and attended the public school of his district during the winter seasons. He was married March 20, 1884, to Amelia DEEMER, a native of Cranberry township, and a daughter of Andrew and Catherine DEEMER. One child was born to them, Emma Amelia, who died August 24, 1885. Mrs. SMITH died February 16, 1885. She was a consistent member of the Reformed church, to which denomination her husband also belongs. Mr. SMITH purchased the homestead where he now resides, containing ninety-four acres of well improved land, upon which he has erected substantial buildings. Politically, he is a Democrat, and is well known as one of the energetic and progressive citizens of the community.

WILLIAM WRIGHT was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, May 6, 1791, son of Robert and Betsey WRIGHT, who came from Ireland to Allegheny county at an early day. William WRIGHT married Sarah SMITH, a native of Allegheny county, born in May, 1792, and a daughter of John SMITH, who was killed in the War of 1812. Mr. WRIGHT and wife lived and died in Allegheny county, the former dying July 5, 1870, and the latter October 13, 1881, in the ninetieth year of her age. They were the parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity.

ISAAC N. WRIGHT, youngest son of William and Sarah WRIGHT, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1842, and spent his boyhood days in his native county. He was married November 28, 1865, to Susan KILLIAN, born January 11, 1845. She is a daughter of Henry and Mary KILLIAN, natives of Germany and Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, respectively. Her father died in Allegheny county, December 21, 1877, aged seventy-one years, but her mother is still living at the advanced age of eighty-three years. In January, 1885, Mr. WRIGHT located on his present farm in Cranberry township, Butler county. He is the father of six children, as follows: Ida M., wife of John STEELE, of Rochester, Pennsylvania; Henry C.; Clark H.; Earle E.; Gilbert W., and Albert R. Mr. and Mrs. WRIGHT are members of Dutillh Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has been superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is a Republican in politics, and was elected justice of the peace in 1887 and re-elected in 1892.

GEORGE GAERTNER, a prominent German citizen of Cranberry township, Butler county, was born in Hesse-Cassel, Germany, September 22, 1822, and is a son of Christian and Catherine GAERTNER. He came to the United States with his parents in 1826. They settled in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, subsequently removed to Beaver county, and later resided near Zelienople, in Butler county, whence they returned to Beaver county and there died. At the age of sixteen the subject of this sketch hired out for three years, at the rate of fifty dollars per year, and thus commenced life for himself. He followed various occupations [p. 1182] until 1846, in which year he married Christina METZ, a native of Alsace-Loraine, Germany, whence she came with her parents to America. The young couple resided in Beaver county until 1865, when they purchased their homestead in Cranberry township, upon which Mr. GAERTNER has resided for nearly thirty years. Six children were born to this union, as follows: Caroline, wife of Andrew VOERKER; Lizzie, deceased; Henry, of Cranberry township; Margaret, wfie of Andrew KIRSHLER; George, of Cranberry township, and Sophia, deceased. Mrs. GAERTNER died in 1886, in the Lutheran faith, to which denomination her husband also belongs, being an elder in that church. He is a Republican, in politics, and has been supervisor in his township for three years.

JOHN BARNET REICHLE was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, in 1837, grew to manhood in his native land, and served six years in the Royal Cavalry. In 1866 he immigrated to New York, possessing no capital but pluck, determination and energy, thence came to Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the mines, and later located at Pittsburg and found employment in an iron mill. He afterwards engaged as a teamster, and during his residence in Pittsburg he married Maggie BERGMAN. In the meantime he had saved some money, and, in 1881, purchased his present farm in Cranberry township, Butler county, paying cash for the same from his accumulated earnings. His farm contains sixty acres, is well improved and has a number of good oil wells upon it. Mr. and Mrs. REICHLE are the parents of ten children. Politically, he is a Democrat, and is a worthy, prosperous farmer.

MATTHEW WHITE, son of Alexander WHITE, was a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and removed with his family from the site of Wilkinsburg, Allegheny county, to Connoquenessing township, Butler county, in May, 1799. He was then the "fullest handed" settler in that locality, and a man above the average in education and intelligence. The village of Whitestown was founded by him and named in his honor. He died on his farm in 1813. His wife was Frances SPEAR, who survived him many years, and was known among the pioneers as "Aunt Fanny." Their infant son, John, was the first interment in Mt. Nebo graveyard, in August, 1801. Three sons, Alexander, Andrew Spear and Edward, grew to manhood. Alexander WHITE, Sr., was a slaveholder, and divided his slaves among his children. Eleanor TROY, better known as "Black Nell," he gave to his daughter Annie, wife of Alexander GALBRAITH, of Centre township; one "Pomp," a mulatto, he gave to his son James, who settled at Waterford, Erie county, and "George MITCHELL," a mulatto, became the property of his son Matthew. Alexander WHITE, eldest son of Matthew WHITE, spent his life at Whitestown. His son Robert A., resides in Butler. The second son of Matthew WHITE, Andrew Spear WHITE, married Angelina FORD, who bore him one daughter, Jane. She married Matthew McCOLLOUGH, and was the mother of A. W. McCOLLOUGH, of Butler. Edward WHITE married Elizabeth SULLIVAN, a daughter of Charles SULLIVAN, a pioneer of Franklin township. She bore him eight children, six of whom are living. Matthew WHITE and wife were among the founders of Mt. Nebo Presbyterian church. They and many of their descendants have been sleeping the years away in Mr. Nebo burial [p. 1183] ground, where long rows of little mounds, whose green curtains never outward swing, mark the resting place of the family.

WILLIAM SPEAR, a Revolutionary soldier, who married Barbara WHITE, familiarly known as "Aunt Babby," came to Butler county in 1799, with Matthew WHITE and family. He settled in what is now Franklin township, not far from the site of Prospect, where the remaining years of his life were passed. He and wife were among the organizers of Mt. Nebo Presbyterian church, and when death came they were laid at rest in the old graveyard near by, where many of their descendants sleep in peace. Two of their sons, Andrew and Matthew, were prominent physicians of pioneer days. Another son, Edward, settled at Warren, Ohio, to which place his brother William afterwards removed. The former, who died at Warren a few years ago at a ripe old age, was the father of Judge William SPEAR, the present chief justice of Ohio.

LEONARD SHANNON was born on the Atlantic, during the passage of his parents from Ireland to America. They settled in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where Leonard grew to maturity. He learned the wagon-maker's trade in Philadelphia, subsequently located in Cumberland county, where he filled the office of sheriff for one term. In 1799 he came to Butler county, and settled in Franklin township, where he took up a tract of 400 acres of land, and engaged in farming and wagon-making. He married Jane WALKER, a daughter of Robert WALKER, of Washington, D. C., to which union the following children were born: David; Rachel; Sarah; Joseph; John; Mary, who married William GIBSON; Betsey; Jane, who married a Mr. BERGER; Hannah, who married Robert McGINNISS, and Samuel W., all of whom are deceased. Mr. SHANNON was a man of great physical strength and undaunted courage, and was well fitted by nature for the trials and hardships of pioneer life. He resided upon his farm in Connoquenessing township until his death, in 1843. In early life he was an adherent of the Democratic party, but afterwards became a Whig. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order, and in religious belief, was a member of the Presbyterian church, in which denomination he filled several offices at different periods.

DAVID SHANNON, eldest son of Leonard and Jane SHANNON, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1794, and came with his parents to Franklin township, Butler county, in 1799. He attended the pioneer subscription schools in early boyhood, and subsequently learned the blacksmith's trade in Pittsburg. Returning to Butler county he followed his trade at Whitestown, purchased 350 acres of land in Connoquenessing township, and followed farming in connection with his trade. In 1818 he married Ann WHITE, a daughter of Matthew and Fanny WHITE. They became the parents of eight children, viz.: John L.; Matthew W.; Fanny, who married Matthew McCOLLOUGH; Rachel, who became the wife of Alfred HINES; Betsy, deceased; David; Mary, deceased wife of Robert LEMMON, and Samuel, deceased. Mr. SHANNON was a stanch Democrat, served as justice of the peace for several years, and also filled the office of coroner. He was at one time connected with the Butler Repository, as editor. He died in 1876, and his wife in 1875.

JOHN L. SHANNON, eldest son of David and Ann SHANNON, was born in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, in 1819, attended the pioneer schools [p. 1184] of his neighborhood, and was reared a farmer, which business has been his life vocation. He married Margaret CABEL, a daughter of Daniel and Catherine CABEL, who became the mother of seven children, viz.: Henderson, who was killed in the Rebellion; David, deceased; Emmeline, deceased wife of J. W. GIBSON; Jane, wife of John BARR; Maggie, deceased; Charles, and Quincy Gilmore. Mrs. SHANNON died in 1891. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which denomination her husband belongs. He held the offices of steward and trustee in the church for a great number of years, and is one of the pioneer members of that church in Connoquenessing township. Mr. SHANNON is one of the substantial citizens of his native county, in which his entire life has been passed.

WILLIAM BRANDON was born in New Jersey, January 19, 1756, and was a son of Thomas BRANDON, a native of Ireland, who settled in that State and was the father of two sons and one daughter. Thomas was a great-grandson of Col. William BRANDON, who came from Holland to Fermanagh county, Ireland, in 1600. On April 1, 1776, William BRANDON enlisted in the Continental army, and served one year and nine months. He participated in the battles of White Plains, Trenton, Princeton and Brandywine, and in 1824 he was granted a pension by the Pennsylvania legislature as a reward for his services in the Revolution. In 1781 he married Sarah LIVINGSTON, born in New Jersey, June 8, 1753, and in 1798 came from Adams county, to Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and located on Wolf creek. Here the parents spent the remaining years of their lives, dying in March, 1826, and June, 1842, respectively. Their children were as follows: John; William; Henry; James; Thomas, and Sally.

JOHN BRANDON, eldest son of William and Sarah BRANDON, was born near Gettysburg, York county (now Adams), Pennsylvania, July 4, 1782, and came with his parents to Mercer county in 1798, where he grew to manhood. Early in the present century he settled in what is now Forward township, Butler county, purchasing 140 acres of land where his son, James BRANDON, now lives. He died at the home of his son, John W., in Connoquenessing township, June 13, 1873, at the remarkable age of ninety-one years. Mr. BRANDON was one of the early members of Mt. Nebo Presbyterian church. Although his name does not appear in the roster of Butler county pioneers who went out in the War of 1812, it is claimed by his descendents that he served in that war. He was originally a Whig and afterwards a Republican, and served as county commissioner one term. In 1804 he married Susan WELSH, and they were the parents of five children: William; John W.; Thomas: Sarah, who married Jacob CLEFFER, and after his death Rudolph KELKER, and Mary, who became the wife of George MARVIN.

JOHN W. BRANDON, second son of John and Sarah BRANDON, was born upon the homestead in Forward township, Butler county, September 6, 1814. He grew to manhood beneath the parental roof, and settled close to Petersville, in Connoquenessing township, where he spent his life in the peaceful calling of agriculture. He died September 9, 1890. His farm is the celebrated Brandon oil farm. In early life he was a Whig and afterwards a Republican, but in later years he was an ardent Prohibitionist, and chairman of the county commit- [p. 1185] tee. He served one term as county commissioner, and for many years filled the office of justice of the peace, and took an active part in public affairs. Mr. BRANDON was one of the leading member of Mt. Nebo Presbyterian church, and filled the office of elder in that organization. He married Ruth A., a daughter of John BIEGHLEY, of Lancaster township, who survives him. Their children are as follows: William W.; Sarah J., wife of Peter H. HECKERT; Jacob C.; John C., deceased; Washington D.; Susan C., wife of John A. BRANDON; Quincy A., deceased; Martha E., wife of S. O. WRIGHT; James E., and Junius H., deceased.

DANIEL GRAHAM was born on the Isle of Lewis, near the west coast of Scotland, about 1749, grew to maturity in his native land, and immigrated to America in 1770. He served in the Revolution, was married in Philadelphia to Margaret J. McKENZIE, and settled in the vicinity of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1783. In 1794 he removed to Allegheny county, lived there two years, and in 1796 he came to what is now Butler county, and located upon a tract of 400 acres in Connoquenessing township, a portion of which is owned by Henry BRUNERMER. He resided here down to his death, in 1839, aged ninety years. He was the father of five children, as follows: John, who was born near Carlisle in 1784, and married Mary McLEOD; Alexander; Nancy, who married Robert McKEE; Catherine, who married Carhart WALLING, and Margaret, who married Capt. Alexander GRAHAM, all of whom are dead. Mr. GRAHAM was a member of the Union, now the United Presbyterian, church, and died in that faith.

ALEXANDER GRAHAM, youngest son of Daniel and Margaret J. GRAHAM, was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in 1791, and was about five years old when his parents came to Butler county. He was reared upon the homestead in Connoquenessing township, and followed farming all his life. He married Elizabeth RAINEY, a daughter of Thomas and Catherine C. RAINEY, to which union were born seven children, as follows: Jane, wife of Henry BRUNERMER; Hiram, who married Elizabeth E. STEEN; Sydney, who married Robert LEMMON; Daniel, who died at Wilmington, North Carolina, through long confinement at Libby and Andersonville prisons; Thomas, who married Jane PURVIANCE; John A., who married Mary Ann WADE, and Theophilus, who married Mertilla FAIR. Mr. GRAHAM was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he was a stanch Whig. He died in 1855; his wife survived him two years.

THOMAS GRAHAM, son of Alexander and Elizabeth GRAHAM, was born upon his father's farm in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, November 13, 1837, was educated in the public schools, and settled upon a portion of the old homestead. In 1861 he married Jane PURVIANCE. Politically, he is a Republican, and was elected justice of the peace in 1886. He is quite active in public affairs, and is recognized as one of the progressive farmers of his township. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and an elder in that body.

HENRY BRUNERMER, whose parents were natives of Germany, from which country they immigrated to Canada in 1826, was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, about ten miles from Niagara Falls, in the year 1830. His parents subsequently moved to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, and settled in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, in 1840, purchasing sixty-two acres of land, which they cleared and improved. He learned the carpenter's trade with James [p. 1186] GRAY, of Connoquenessing township, and followed it for forty-six years in connection with farming. In 1852 he married Jane GRAHAM, a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth GRAHAM, of Connoquenessing township, to which union were born twelve children, as follows: George Alexander, who married Cora COLLINS; Mary E., who married Hans ANDERSON; Sydney A., who married Rev. Samuel KROHN; Hiram Clayton, and Margaret O., both deceased, Laura J.; Margaret Ann; Daniel G.; Agnes R.; Willa Blanche; Mertilla, deceased, and Henrietta. Politically, Mr. BRUNERMER is a Republican, and has served in several minor township offices. Himself and family are members of White Oak Spring Presbyterian congregation.

PETER HENRY was a son of Frederick HENRY, a native of Germany, and was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1764. When Peter was fourteen years of age, their home, six miles from Greensburg, was attached by a band of marauding Indians, and his mother and the two youngest children were killed. Peter and two younger children were taken prisoners by the savages, but they had proceeded only a short distance when the youngest child began to cry and was immediately tomahawked. The Indians carried Peter and his sister to the point since known as Brady's Bend, where they went into camp. The redoubtable Captain Brady, at the head of a party of scouts, has followed the savages, attacked them in the night while asleep, and only one of the band escaped to tell the tale. Brady took the children to Fort Pitt, and subsequently delivered them safely to their father. Peter grew to manhood in his native county, and in 1798 came to what is now Summit township, Butler county, entered a tract of 320 acres of land, and erected a cabin in the midst of the forest. This land is still in possession of his descendents. He brought his family to his new home in 1800, and resided upon this farm down to his death, in 1852, aged eighty-eight years. His wife Margaret died in 1832. They were the parents of the following children: Mary A., who married H. J. COYLE; Elizabeth, who married John BRINKER; John; Adam; Peter; Frederick; Joseph; Jefferson, and William, all of whom are dead. Mr. HENRY and wife were members of the Lutheran church. He was a leading spirit in the Federal party in Butler county, and afterwards a local leader in the Whig party.

JOSEPH HENRY, son of Peter and Margaret HENRY, was born upon the homestead farm in Summit township, Butler county, September 13, 1812, and grew to manhood in his native township. In October, 1837, he married Mary N. SCOTT, a daughter of Robert SCOTT, and settled upon a farm in Clearfield township, upon which he resided until 1857. He then purchased a farm in Connoquenessing township, now in possession of his son Robert S., upon which he lived for thirty years, dying May 5, 1887. He was the father of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Sarah B., deceased wife of N. N. STEVENSON; Margaret, who married Benjamin POWELL; Mary A., deceased; Elizabeth J., wife of E. G. DUNCAN, of Iowa; Caroline, deceased; Robert S.; Jane, deceased wife of J. C. CRUIKSHANK; Mary A., deceased wife of J. A. CROFT; Melissa E., who married John GREENE; Harriet F., wife of Charles SHANNON, and Minnie M., deceased. Mr. HENRY was a justice of the peace for twenty-five years, was a local leader in the Republican party, and was quite prominent in [p. 1187] public affairs. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and filled the offices of trustee and steward in that organization.

ROBERT S. HENRY, merchant, was born in Clearfield township, Butler county, March 1, 1845, son of Joseph and Mary N. HENRY. He received a common school education and followed farming until 1889, then retired from agriculture, and was appointed agent of the Cumberland Fertilizer Company, also of the Standard Fertilizer Company, of Syracuse, New York. In 1892 he established a general store at Buttercup, Connoquenessing township, and was appointed postmaster of that office July 1, of the same year. Mr. HENRY married Sarah L. SHANNON, a daughter of Thompson SHANNON, to which union have been born nine children, viz.: Levingston S.; Earnest L.; Joseph D.; Peter, deceased; Dallas D.; Nettie; Tyne; Frank, and Rosso N. He is an ardent Republican, and is a member of the Jr. O. U. A. M., and Eureka Grange, Number 244, Patrons of Husbandry.

J. L. CHRISTIE, physician and druggist, was born in Concord township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1852, son of William A. and Sarah J. (McJUNKIN) CHRISTIE, pioneer families of this county. He was reared in Centre township, upon the homestead farm, obtained his primary education in the common schools, and subsequently attended Witherspoon Institute and Grove City College. He read medicine with Dr. A. M. Neyman, of Butler, and graduated from Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in the spring of 1877. In April of that year he located at Petersville, where he has since continued to practice his profession. In 1887 he established a drug store, which he has since conducted in connection with his professional duties. Dr. CHRISTIE has been a member of the Butler County Medical Association for sixteen years, and has filled the office of secretary for five years. He has also been a member of the State Medical Society for fifteen years, and is one of the well known physicians of Butler county. Since locating at Petersville he has built up a lucrative practice, and has won the respect and confidence of the people of his community. Dr. CHRISTIE was married in 1881, to Sarah RICHARDSON, a daughter of William RICHARDSON of Connoquenessing township. She died January 1, 1888, leaving two children, viz.: Frank, and Karl. He was again married, to Tyne S. JAMISON, a daughter of Rev. William H. JAMISON, by which union he is the father of two children, viz.: Ralph, and Mildred. In politics, Dr. CHRISTIE is an ardent Republican, and has always taken an active interest in the success of his party. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and has filled the office of trustee for eleven years.

JOHN RICHARDSON was a native of Ireland, and immigrated to Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, settling on a farm in Connoquenessing township, now in possession of his grandson, William RICHARDSON. He learned the weaver's trade in his native land, and followed that business in this county for a number of years. He took up 400 acres of unimproved land, built his cabin in the midst of a forest, and resided there the remainder of his life. He married Ellen PILLOW, also a native of Ireland, who became the mother of six children, viz.: William; Moses, killed in boyhood by a falling tree; Elizabeth, who married John FRAZIER; Eleanor; Jane, who married James COCHRAN, and Polly, who became the [p. 1188] wife of Daniel GRAHAM, all of who are deceased. Mr. RICHARDSON was a member of the German Reformed church, and quite prominent in that denomination. In politics, he was a Whig.

WILLIAM RICHARDSON, SR., eldest son of John and Ann RICHARDSON, was born in Ireland, and came with his parents to Butler county. In 1808 he settled upon a portion of his father's farm, and assisted him in clearing the land. He married Elizabeth McCLEARY, a daughter of William McCLEARY, in 1812, which union was blessed with the following children: John, deceased; William; Ellen, deceased wife of Augustus CUTHBERT; Eliza J., wife of Alexander BRYSON; Samuel, who was killed on a steamboat near Yankton, Dakota; Sarah Ann, who married Peter RAY; Newton M., a physician of Prospect; Caroline, who married Jacob RAY; Milton, deceased, and one that died in early youth. Politically, Mr. RICHARDSON was a Republican, and filled the office of tax collector for three years. He died in 1870, aged eighty-nine years; his wife survived him three years, dying in 1873.

WILLIAM RICHARDSON, second son of William and Elizabeth RICHARDSON, was born upon the homestead farm in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, in 1817, was reared to farm life, and after attaining his maturity inherited the property upon which he resides. In 1850 he married Eliza FRAZIER, a daughter of Arthur and Martha FRAZIER, of Connoquenessing township, and has four children, viz.: Ellen, who married Thompson PURVIANCE; Samuel; Sarah, who married Dr. J. L. CHRISTIE, of Petersville, and Mary, wife of Dr. McCONNELL, of Prospect. The last mentioned is the only survivor of the family. Mr. RICHARDSON has always been an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and has filled the office of school director for a number of years. He is a member of the German Reform church, and has filled the offices of trustee and elder in that denomination.

THOMAS ALEXANDER was a native of Ireland, immigrated at an early day to the United States, and finally settled in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, in the first decade of this century. He married Nancy BAILEY, also a native of Ireland, who became the mother of seven children, viz.: Sarah, who first married John McCAULEY, and afterwards Samuel GALLAGHER; Andrew, and Robert, both deceased; Nancy, who married Jacob CRATTY; Eliza, who married a Mr. KELLY, and Lucinda who married a Mr. LEVIERE. The parents died upon the old homestead, the father in 1876, and the mother in 1886.

ROBERT ALEXANDER, second son of Thomas and Nancy ALEXANDER, was born in 1825, upon the old homestead in Connoquenessing township, now the residence of Joseph Allen. He grew to manhood upon his father's farm, and in 1851 was married to Martha FERGUSON. Ten children were the fruits of this union, as follows: Orville; Nelson; Thomas; Benton; Nettie, who married George ROSS; John; William H.; Boyd; Nannie, and Dora, who married Ford WEIGLE. The survivors of this family are Thomas, William H. and Nannie. Mr. ALEXANDER was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and was quite prominent in local church matters. A Republican, in politics, he held the offices of school director, supervisor and overseer of the poor for a number of years, and was always active in promoting the good of the community. He purchased [p. 1189] a farm of 111 acres, from David Marshall, of Prospect, located in Muddy Creek township, upon which he resided down to his death, in 1878. His wife survived him three years, dying in 1881. Mr. ALEXANDER was one of the thrifty and progressive farmers of his township, a good citizen and a worthy man.

WILLIAM H. ALEXANDER was born in Muddy Creek township, Butler county, in 1862, received his primary education in the district school, afterwards attended Grove City College for one year and graduated at Duff's Mercantile College at Pittsburg. Upon attaining his majority he engaged in teaching, and followed that vocation for seven years. He then went to California, where he remained only a brief time, when he returned to Butler county and purchased an interest in a general store at Whitestown, where he is now engaged in merchandising, under the firm name of Alexander & Doutt. In 1884 he married Edith McGOWAN, a daughter of James and Sarah McGOWAN of Prospect. She is the mother of two children: James H., and Grace B. Both he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, in which society he has served as trustee and superintendent of the Sabbath school. Politically, he is quite an influential worker in the Republican party, and gives an unswerving support to its measures and principles. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Order of the Iron Hall.

JOHN C. SHANOR was born June 17, 1817, is a son of Henry and Susan (BIEGHLEY) SHANOR, and a grandson of Henry SHANOR, the first settler of the family in this county. He was reared upon his father's farm, and learned the shoemaker's trade at Butler, which business he followed for ten years and then engaged in farming. In 1846 Mr. SHANOR married Catherine CRATTY, a daughter of James and Jane CRATTY, of Muddy Creek township. They had one daughter, Mary Jane, who died in 1863. They adopted Susan M. SHEIVER when she was four years old, and she is now the wife of W. A. SHANOR, of Beaver Falls. Both he and wife are members of St. Johns Lutheran church, in which he holds the office of elder. Mr. SHANOR attended school at the old Stone church, which was one of the early school houses of Lancaster township. Politically, he is a Republican, and has served as tax collector of his township.

SAMUEL STEWART was one of the early settlers of Lancaster township, Butler county. He was the eldest son of Robert STEWART, who settled on the site of Portersville in 1796, was born in Cumberland county, but came from Westmoreland county, whither his parents had removed from Cumberland. Samuel had a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, as follows, Robert; William; John; Samuel; Archibald; Joseph; Betsey; Sarah; Margaret; James; Ann, and Nancy, all of whom are dead. The father served in the War of 1812, and was a well know hunter of pioneer days. His wife was one of those courageous, resolute women, fitted by nature to bear the hardships and overcome the obstacles of a new country. The were members of the Presbyterian church, and died upon their farm in Lancaster township.

WILLIAM STEWART was born upon his father's farm in Lancaster township, Butler county, in 1805, and was the last surviving son of Samuel STEWART. He died in Connoquenessing township, in March, 1878, aged seventy-three years. He was reared upon the farm, and in 1827 was married to Eliza FREW, a daughter [p. 1190] of John and Margaret FREW. She was born in Lawrence county, in 1806, and by her marriage to William STEWART became the mother of eight children, viz.; Alexander; Nancy J., a resident of Michigan; Margaret, wife of William LUTZ; J. Frew, a resident of Washington, D. C.; Rose, deceased wife of Samuel WHITE; Archibald; Lydia H., who resides at Rochester, and Emeline, deceased wife of Benjamin HYDENBERK. Mr. STEWART was a Whig prior to the formation of the Republican party, and afterwards a Republican. Both he and wife were members of the United Presbyterian church. The latter died in 1876.

ALEXANDER STEWART, eldest in the family of William and Eliza STEWART, was born upon the homestead farm in Lancaster township, Butler county, in 1828, attended the district school of his neighborhood, and afterwards learned the carpenter's trade, which, however, he only followed for a short period. He purchased a farm of 150 acres, from D. C. Roth, in Connoquenessing township, and has been engaged in farming for more than forty years. In 1851 he married Marian, a daughter of William SCOTT, of Butler county, to which union have been born four children, as follows: Elizabeth A., wife of M. J. HUMPHREY; Will S.; Ada, wife of William MOORE, and Nettie, wife of Stewart WILSON. Mr. STEWART is an ardent Republican, and has served as justice of the peace for fifteen years. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian church of Prospect, and was one of the principal contributors towards the erection of the church building in that borough. He is a progressive, enterprising farmer, and is highly respected by the community in which his life has been passed.

FREDERICK BARNHART was born upon the homestead farm in Fairview township, Butler county, in 1809, son of Rudolph BARNHART, and his early life was spent in assisting his father in the usual duties that fall to the lot of a farmer's boy. He attended school in the log school house of the neighborhood, and endured the usual trials of pioneer life. He married Catherine, a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth THORN, who bore him a family of six children, viz.: Rudolph; Elizabeth, who married J. J. BARNHART; Susan; Caroline; Sarah L., and Andrew J., all of whom are dead except Rudolph and Elizabeth. Mr. BARNHART was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, held the offices of deacon and elder in that denomination, and was a prominent factor in the erection of the first church building of that society near Millerstown. Politically, he was a Republican, and served as school director for a number of years. He died in 1879, and his widow resides with her son Rudolph, at Petersville.

RUDOLPH BARNHART, son of Frederick and Catherine BARNHART, and grandson of Rudolph BARNHART, the pioneer, was born upon his father's farm near Millerstown, Butler county, in 1842, and was educated in the public schools and at Clarion Academy. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and participated in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and several minor engagements, during his term of nine months, which expired in 1863. He was married in that year to Mary SHAKELY, a daughter of John and Susan SHAKELY, of Millerstown, and has two children, William and Frederick. The Barnhart farm near Millerstown, is one of the pioneer oil farms of the county, the first well being drilled in 1873, and commenced flowing at the rate of 1400 barrels per day. A year after this [p. 1191] event, Mr. BARNHART located near Harmony, where he resided on a farm for twelve years, and then removed to Petersville, where he has since carried on a general store in partnership with his son. He is a member of the Reformed Presbyterian church, has held the office of deacon and elder, and is quite active in church affairs. He is a member of the G. A. R., also of the P. of H., and the Jr., O. U. A. M. Politically, he is an unswerving Republican, and always gives his earnest support to that party.

ROBERT HAYS came from eastern Pennsylvania to Pittsburg early in the present century, where he was offered 150 acres of land, upon which Allegheny now stands, for a sorrel horse and sixty dollars, but not considering the land worth what was asked for it, he rejected the offer. He then came to Butler county with his family, and located in Connoquenessing township, upon a tract of 400 acres of land, but soon returned to Pittsburg. He afterwards returned to Butler county, settled upon his farm, and spent the remainder of his life thereon. He married Nancy PLUMMER, to which union were born the following children, all of whom are dead: William; Jonathan; Alexander; Anna; Sarah; Matilda; Rebecca, and Samuel. Both he and wife were members of the Presbyterian church. He was a Whig, in politics, and served a number of years as justice of the peace.

SAMUEL HAYS, third son of Robert and Nancy HAYS, was born upon the homestead farm in Connoquenessing township, Butler county, in 1805, and remained with his parents until 1822, when he started a small store in one room of the house. He carried on merchandising in connection with farming for twenty years, and this was the pioneer store of that vicinity. Mr. HAYS married Harriet HENDERSON, a daughter of Hugh HENDERSON, about 1827, and they became the parents of the following children: Elizabeth; Robert S.; Nancy; Caroline; Rebecca; Louisa, who married Harvey COLBERT, of Butler; Henderson; James S., and one that died in early youth. The only survivors of the family are Robert S., and James S., Samuel HAYS was a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Republican. He died in 1873, and his wife in 1881.

ROBERT S. HAYS, eldest son of Samuel and Harriet HAYS, and grandson of Robert HAYS, was born in 1830, upon his father's farm in Connoquenessing township, and resided there until 1864, when he purchased a farm of 150 acres in the same township, where he has since resided. In 1865 he bought a flour mill from Joseph McKINNEY, of Allegheny county, which he has since carried on in connection with agriculture. The mill has a capacity of twenty-five barrels per day. Mr. HAYS married Mary J., a daughter of John and Elizabeth COOPER, of Lawrence county, and six children are the fruits of this union, viz.: Orrie W.; Herschel; Mina, wife of William RADER; Lionel; Bertie, deceased, and Troy. Mr. HAYS has been an elder for three years, and a trustee in the Presbyterian church for twelve years. In politics, he is Republican, and has filled the offices of collector and auditor for six years each. He is one of the energetic, enterprising and successful farmers of his township.

ADAM YOUNG was born in Alsace, Germany, and there grew to maturity. In 1840, at the age of twenty-seven, having served seven years in the army, he came to the United States, landing at New Orleans. He was there during the [p. 1192] yellow fever plague, and was employed with a horse and dray in hauling the dead to the trenches. He took the fever, but, through the efforts of a trained nurse, survived. In 1846 he came to Cranberry township, Butler county, and married Mrs. Catharine NOSS, nee ZEHNER, widow of George NOSS, who then had two children: Catharine, since deceased, and Frederick, a carpenter and mill owner of Unionville, Beaver county. Mr. YOUNG and wife were acquaintances in the Fatherland. In 1853, after residing near Zelienople for a few years, he bought 110 acres in Connoquenessing township, to which he later added forty acres. By hard work and persistent industry he brought this land to a high state of cultivation. In 1890 oil was found on this farm, the production of which has since been valuable. Neither Mr. YOUNG nor his wife lived to see what the earth beneath them contained. He died died (sic) May 28, 1878, in the sixty-sixth year of his age. His wife died April 1, 1884, in her sixty-ninth year. Their children consisted of four boys and three girls, viz.: Mary, who died in early youth; Adam, who was accidentally strangled to death while swinging in the barn, during the absence from home of his parents; Caroline, wife of John FLINNER; Henry, who married Louisa, a daughter of Martin BEAM; Sophia; Charles, who married Mary, a daughter of Casper FRISHKORN, and Edwin. Mr. YOUNG was an elder in the United Presbyterian church for several years, and in politics, as adherent of the Democratic party.

EDWIN YOUNG, youngest in the family of Adam and Catharine YOUNG, was born upon his present farm in Connoquenessing township, October 17, 1860. By his parents will the old homestead was divided between himself and his brother Charles. He afterwards purchased his brother's interest and is now the sole owner. Mr. YOUNG married Caroline FRISHKORN, a daughter of Casper FRISHKORN, of Lancaster township, a sister of his brother Charles' wife, and has four children, viz.: William G.; Norman C.; Clara E., and Ida Mary. He is an elder in the German Reformed church of Zelienople, and in politics, a Democrat. Mr. YOUNG is a successful and progressive farmer, and has his farm well supplies with the latest improved machinery.

IRWIN ANDERSON, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, October 11, 1820, the eighth son in a family of ten children. He was a son of Robert ANDERSON, a soldier of the Revolution, descended from a pioneer family of Lancaster county, whither they had emigrated from Ireland prior to the Revolution. After the war had ended, Robert settled in Allegheny county, about seven miles from Allegheny, where he followed farming until his death. Irwin was reared upon his father's farm until he was seventeen years of age, and then went to Pittsburg, where he learned the blacksmith's trade. He followed this trade in that city until 1843, afterwards engaged in farming, and in 1853 purchased a farm in Forward township, Butler county, upon which he lived twelve years. In 1865 he bought a farm of 107 acres in Connoquenessing township, now owned by his son William, upon which he died, October 12, 1892. He married Mary, daughter of Andrew WIBLE, of Allegheny county, and was the father of five children: Edward; Mary J., who died in infancy; William; Joseph, who removed to Michigan in 1869, married Lydia M. WILLIAMS the same year, and died in 1874, leaving a widow and two sons, William I., and John G.; and [p. 1193] Catherine W., who married Aaron SHONTZ, of Harmony, December 1, 1870, and is the mother of five children, viz.: Mary E.; Clara S.; Luella B.; Catherine A., and Myrtle M. Mrs. ANDERSON resides with her son William in Connoquenessing township. Politically, Mr. ANDERSON was an ardent Republican, and always manifested an interest in public affairs.

WILLIAM ANDERSON was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, December 5, 1847, received a common school education, and has been engaged in farming since boyhood. He is the owner of two farms, one containing 107 acres, and another of sixty-two acres, and also owns a tract of fifteen acres near Petersville, all of which he cultivates. He has ten producing wells upon the first mentioned place, which are operated by the Forest Oil Company. Politically, he is a Republican, and has served as school director, and collector in his township. He is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian church, and a liberal contributor toward that denomination. He married Sarah DAMBACHER, a daughter of Frederick DAMBACHER, October 14, 1869, and to this union have been born the following children: Bertha E., wife of Mead EYMAN; Laura; John H.; Presley C.; Joseph H.; Ann M., and Rose E.

PETER RADER, son of John and Margaret (GLEINHENTZ) RADER, was born in Germany, in the year 1823. His parents had three children, viz.: Elizabeth; Peter, and Adam. The last mentioned lives in Germany, where the parents lived and died. The father died in 1882, and the mother in 1884. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native land, there married Catherine HARTMAN, and immigrated to Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1851, settling near Middle Lancaster. He purchased a farm of fifty acres, lived upon it for five years, then sold it and bought 160 acres in Connoquenessing township, near Petersville, were he has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is also interested in oil producing, having twenty-four wells upon his farm. They were formerly operated by W. A. Clark & Company of Butler, but are now controlled by Standard Oil Company. Mr. RADER and wife are members of the Germany Reformed church of Petersville, in which he has filled the office of elder. Politically, he is a Democrat, and gives his earnest support to the principles and measures of that party.

MATTHIAS RASELY, son of Henry RASELY, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, was born in the eastern part of this State, January 12, 1817, there grew to maturity and learned the tailor's trade, which he followed for nearly twenty years. He was married to Priscilla FAIRCHILD, February 22, 1840. She was born August 31, 1821, and became the mother of the following children by this union: William H., who married Caroline T. PURVIANCE, January 5, 1864, and died June 29, 1865; Anna A., wife of Robert W. STEWART; Laura Jane, who first married Calvin DIETRICH, and is now the wife of Henry DERSHEIMER; Solomon Fairchild, who died June 22, 1858; George J., who married Priscilla A. MILLER; Margaret E., wife of Alfred SARVER; Presley R., who died June 9, 1858; John R., who died January 21, 1864, and Harvey W. The last mentioned was born upon the homestead October 17, 1861, and has always resided thereon. Since his father's death he has had charge of the farm, his mother residing with him. Politically, he is a Democrat, and in religious belief, a Presbyterian. Matthias RASELY set- [p. 1194] tled upon a farm in Connoquenessing township, upon which he resided until his death, February 12, 1892, aged seventy-five years.

MICHAEL BIEGHLEY was born in Lancaster township, Butler county, in 1814, son of George BIEGHLEY, who settled in what is now Lancaster township, Butler county, near the site of Middle Lancaster, prior to 1800. He was reared upon his father's farm, and received a meager education in a pioneer subscription school near his home. In 1838 he married Catherine SHANOR, a daughter of Abraham SHANOR, of Muddy Creek township, and is the father of nine children, as follows: Susannah, wife of Samuel MOYER; Abraham; Christina, wife of J. G. McKINLEY; Aaron; Levi, deceased; Harriet, wife of Joseph RODENBAUGH; Amos; Lydia, deceased, and Mary, wife of Andrew WIER. Mr. BIEGHLEY is living upon the farm settled by his father, and is one of the oldest residents of Lancaster township. He is a member of the English Lutheran church, and in politics, is an adherent of the Republican party. He has filled the office of township supervisor, and in his early manhood was a member of the State Militia.

WILLIAM BEIGHLE was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, spent his early life upon his father's farm, and received a good common school education. He was an apt scholar, and devoted himself assiduously to his studies, with the intention of becoming a teacher, in which ambition he succeeded. He came to Muddy Creek township, Butler county, in 1811, and taught school for eleven years. He married Magdalena MYERS, whose parents lived in Butler county, and soon after returned to his early home in Westmoreland county, where he resided about one year. He again came to Muddy Creek township, and settled upon his father-in-law's farm, following agriculture in summer and teaching school in winter. In 1925 he purchased a farm in Lancaster township, now the property of his son, Cornelius S., and resided upon it until his removal to Middle Lancaster, where he served as postmaster for a number of years, being the first incumbent of that office. His wife died in 1854, and in 1856 he removed to Adams county, Ohio, where he died in 1868, aged seventy-eight years. He was the father of eleven children, as follows: Joseph, deceased; Sarah, who married Samuel MOORE, and subsequently Jacob SAVAGE; Daniel; Rebecca, deceased wife of James MATTHEWS; William; Conrad, deceased; Jemima, wife of J. D. BAUMGARDNER; Cornelius S.,; Rosanna; Miriam, and Lafayette, the last three of whom are dead. Mr. BEIGHLE and wife were members of the Lutheran church, in which denomination he filled the office of deacon. Politically, he was first a Whig, and afterwards a Republican.

CORNELIUS S. BEIGHLE, son of William and Magdalena BEIGHLE, was born in Muddy Creek township, Butler county, in 1825, was reared upon his father's farm, and remained at home until 1844, when he went to Prospect to learn the wagon-maker's trade, with J. D. BAUMGARDNER, and remained there until 1848. He then located at Middle Lancaster, where he followed his trade until the spring of 1855, when he settled upon the homestead farm, of 116 acres, and for the past thirty-nine years has followed agriculture. In 1849 he married Elizabeth BERKEL, and they are the parents of the following children: Agnes, deceased; Edmund L.; Mary L., wife of Lome SHANER; Clara C., wife of Campfield [p. 1195] SHANER; John A. C.; Austin C., and Willie B., deceased. Mrs. BEIGHLE died May 17, 1873, and January 21, 1875, he married Mrs. Sarah KIRKER. Mr. BEIGHLE and family are members of the English Lutheran church, in which he has filled the offices of deacon and elder, and has been superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty years. In politics, he is a Republican.

SAMUEL MYERS, son of John MYERS, was born in Virginia, in 1793, was reared upon his father's farm, and then came to Butler county, where he married Mary M. BIEGHLEY, a daughter of John and Catherine BIEGHLEY, of Connoquenessing township. He resided for a time in Lancaster township, upon a farm of 100 acres of land given him by his father-in-law, and afterwards purchased 150 acres in Connoquenessing township. Here he engaged in farming to the time of his death, which occurred in 1882. His wife died in 1886, They reared a family of six children, as follows: Easter, deceased wife of Adam ROSEBAUGH; Rebecca, deceased wife of Slemens MORRISON; Conrad; Sarah; Rachel, and Luther. Mr. MYERS and wife were members of the Lutheran church, in which denomination he filled the offices of deacon and elder. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. Politically, he was a Republican.

CONRAD MYERS was born in Lancaster township, Butler county, in 1820, son of Samuel and Mary M. MYERS. He lived with his parents, engaged in the duties of the farm, until his marriage to Emeline PEFFER, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine PEFFER. After his marriage he resided with his parents for one year, then settled on his present homestead of sixty acres in Lancaster township, upon which he has since lived. He is the father of three children, viz.: Anna L., deceased wife of William REED; Isaac Newton, and Samuel F. Mr. MYERS and wife are members of the Lutheran church and he has served as deacon and elder for a number of years. Politically, he is a Republican.

WILLIAM BELLIS was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, was reared upon his father's farm in that county, and at the age of twenty-two came to Butler county, and settled upon a farm in Jackson township. He married Mary WALDRON, and two years afterwards removed to Lancaster township, where he resided until his death, in 1851. His wife survived him twenty five years, and died in 1876. He cleared and improved his farm in Lancaster township, and at his death it became the property of his son Isaac. William and Mary BELLIS, were the parents of seven children, as follows: Mary, widow of Philip BLINN; Sarah, deceased wife of George SHAFFER; Rebecca, deceased wife of Jacob BURRY; Isaac; Magdalene, wife of Henry RICE; Deborah, and Elizabeth, wife of Joseph STAUFFER. The parents were members of the German Reformed church, in which body Mr. BELLIS filled the offices of deacon and trustee. He was one of the organizers of the old Economite church, at Harmony. Politically, he was a Democrat, and a stanch adherent to the principles of that party.

ISAAC BELLIS, only son of William and Mary BELLIS, was born upon the homestead in Jackson township, Butler county, in 1824, removed with his parents to Lancaster township, and lived with them down to his father's death, when the homestead of fifty acres was inherited by him. To this he has added fifty acres, and has resided upon this farm ever since. In 1850 he was married to Sarah STAUFFER, a daughter of Henry and Susan STAUFFER, to which union have [p. 1196] been born the following children: Henry; Calvin; John; Sarah; Susan, (the last three of whom are dead); Maria, wife of Edward MOYER; Isaac; Edward; Zelia, and Nettie. Mr. BELLIS and wife are members of the German Reformed church, in which he is a deacon. He is a Democrat, in politics, and has filled the offices of school director, assessor and supervisor in his township.

HENRY D. ZEIGLER was born in Lancaster township, Butler county, in 1847, son of Andrew and Deborah (MOYER) ZIEGLER. His father was born in Jackson township in 1827, learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed for ten years, and afterwards engaged at the carpenter's trade. Andrew ZIEGLER married Deborah MOYER, who became the mother of four children, viz.: Henry D.; John C., deceased; Samuel, and Julia A., wife of Andrew WIER. The family were connected with the German Reformed church. The subject of this sketch learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and has followed that business the greater part of his life. In 1869 he married Louisa MORITZ, and they are the parents of the following children: Harry A., who is in the furniture and under-taking business at Portersville; Pierce W.; Oliver W.; Howard E., deceased; Pearl L,; Clarence L, and Blanche V., deceased. In 1880 he engaged in the undertaking business at Middle Lancaster, which he still carries on, and has also a similar establishment, with furniture, at Harmony. Politically, he is a Democrat, and is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Royal Arcanum, and the Jr. O. U. A. M. He is a deacon in the English Lutheran church, to which society his family also belong.

JOHN BOYER was a son of John BOYER of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, who came to Butler county with his family in 1814, and settled one mile north of Harmony. He purchased several hundred acres of land, most of which he divided between his sons, John, George, Jacob and Henry, all of whom sold out and moved away except the eldest. The subject of this sketch was married before he came to Butler county, and received two hundred acres of the lands purchased by his father, upon which he settled and lived for many years. He finally removed to Harmony, where he died in 1860, aged seventy-four years. His wife survived him sixteen years, and died in 1876. They were the parents of the following children: Lydia, wife of Joseph LUTZ; Sarah, deceased; Isaac L.; Henry; Susan; Samuel; Daniel, and Jacob, the last three of whom are dead. The parents were members of the Mennonite church, and in politics, Mr. BOYER was a Republican.

ISAAC L. BOYER, eldest son of John BOYER, was born in Jackson township, Butler county, in 1818, worked upon a farm with his father in boyhood, and afterwards learned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed all his life. He settled upon a farm in Lancaster township in 1841, and is still a resident of the same subdivision. Mr. BOYER married Mary RICE, and they are the parents of fourteen children, as follows: John R.; Henry, deceased; Elias; Isaac; Levi; Susan, deceased; Agnes; Ranius; Josephine; Jessie; Abraham L.; Sydney; Ira, and Elizabeth. Mr. BOYER and wife are members of the German Reformed church. Politically, he is a Republican, and has filled the office of justice of the peace.

[p. 1197]

JOHN R. BOYER, eldest son of Isaac L., and Mary BOYER, was born upon his father's farm in Lancaster township, in 1838, and resided with his parents until 1859, in which year he married Sophia DAMBACH. Soon after his marriage he purchased a farm of sixty-five acres in Connoquenessing township, lived upon it for seven or eight years, then removed to Harmony and engaged in the hotel business for a short time. He next purchased 140 acres of land in Jackson township, upon which he resided for six years, then sold out and bought his present homestead in Lancaster township, consisting of 218 acres. Mr. BOYER is one of the leading farmers of his township; his farm lays in the oil belt, and some developments have taken place thereon. By his marriage to Sophia DAMBACH, he is the father of the following children: Austin; Lizetta, wife of Edward SHALI; William; Adam; Mary A., wife of Jesse RICE; Sarah; Aggie, deceased; Nettie, and George W., deceased. Mr. BOYER and wife are members of the German Reformed church, and in politics, he is an adherent of the Republican party. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.

JOHN SCOTT was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1782, son of William SCOTT, a native of the same city, and by trade a shoemaker, who immigrated with his family to Philadelphia in 1783, worked at his trade in that city for fifteen years, and then removed to a farm in Lawrence county. William SCOTT purchased 200 acres, and was among the pioneers of western Pennsylvania. He died upon his farm in Lawrence county at an advanced age. He was a ruling elder of the Seceder church, and one of the founders of that society at Moundville, Lawrence county. He was the father of the following children: John; Jane, who married Robert WHITE; Nancy, who married Samuel STEWART; Elizabeth, who married Thomas MOORE; Annie, who married Alexander MORRISON; Margaret, who became the wife of James YOUNG, and William. All of the foregoing are dead. The subject of this sketch was only one year old when his parents settled in Philadelphia. He learned the shoemaker's trade with his father and removed with him to Lawrence county, where he assisted him to clear the homestead farm. In 1805 he married Rachel MORRISON, who became the mother of nine children, viz.; William; Mrs. Nancy MOORE; Mrs. Elizabeth MORRISON; Mrs. Rosa KIRKER; Mrs. Jane MORRISON; John; Mary; Francis M., and Mrs. Margaret WRIGHT. About 1820 John SCOTT and family removed to Lancaster township, Butler county, and settled upon the farm where his son Francis M. now lives. Here his wife died in 1841, and himself in 1865. They were members of the Seceder church, and in politics, he was a Democrat, and an ardent Abolitionist. He served at Erie during the War of 1812.

FRANCIS M. SCOTT, son of John and Rachel SCOTT, was born in Lancaster township, Butler county, in 1821. He was reared on the homestead farm, and lived with his parents until 1844, when he married Mary LUEBBEN, of Lancaster township, purchased the homestead from his father, and has since resided upon it. Five children were the fruits of this union, as follows: Elizabeth C., deceased; Theodore, a missionary in India; Walter; Mary, and John. Mr. SCOTT is a Republican, in politics, but takes no active interest in political matters. He is an elder in the United Presbyterian church, also superintendent of the Sabbath school.

[p. 1198]

FREDERICK PEFFER was born in Germany, there married, and in 1817, soon after his marriage, immigrated to the United States, and settled near Harmony, Butler county, Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1819. He died in 1866, and his wife in 1846. He was a tailor, and followed that business at Harmony down to his death. He was the father of three children, as follows: Frederick; Mary, who married Jacob SWAIN, and John Gottlieb, all of whom are dead.

JOHN GOTTLIEB PEFFER, son of Frederick PEFFER, was born in Dettingen, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Germany, August 8, 1801, and came to the United States with his parents in the fall of 1817. Two years later the family came to Butler county and settled near Harmony, where he followed tailoring with his father. In 1825 he married Rebecca REISS, of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, and about eight years later removed to a farm which he purchased in what is now Lancaster township. He continued in agricultural pursuits to the close of his life, dying on his farm in 1865. His widow survived until 1888. They were members of the German Lutheran church and assisted in the erection of the stone church at Zelienople. Ten children were born to them, as follows: Frederick, a resident of Oregon; William, of Lancaster township; John R., of Jackson township; Gottlieb, who resides at Tarentum; Mary, wife of Christian TEXTER; Rebecca, wife of Michael ZIEGLER; Joseph, a resident of Lancaster township; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob FLEMING; Emeline, wife of Peter SCHEIDEMANTLE, and Frank, of Beaver Falls.

JOHN R. PEFFER was born in Connoquenessing, now Jackson, township, Butler county, August 31, 1830, and is the third son of John Gottlieb and Rebecca PEFFER. After receiving a common school education, he engaged in farming, which he followed up to the present time. In 1855 he married Catherine, a daughter of Andrew ZIEGLER, of Jackson township, and in 1859 he located on his present farm in that township. He is the father of three children: Alfred Z., born July 11, 1856, married Adelia, daughter of Frederick DAMBACH, in 1886, and has two children; Howard F., and John L.; Mary, wife of Israel WISE, of Harmony, who has one child, John L.; and Elmer Z., a contractor of Wilkinsburg. Politically, Mr. PEFFER is a Republican. The family are members of the Reformed church at Harmony, in which Mr. PEFFER has served as deacon and elder.

JOSEPH PEFFER, son of John Gottlieb and Rebecca PEFFER, was born in 1840 in Lancaster township, Butler county. He worked upon his father's farm until 1862, when he married Elizabeth, a daughter of Jacob and Susan STAMM, of Evans City. He then bought a farm of 190 acres in Jackson township, lived there five years, when he purchased his present homestead in Lancaster township. He also owns another farm of 160 acres in Lancaster, which is operated on shares by Samuel MOYER. There are five wells upon his farm, from which he derives a handsome income. To Joseph and Elizabeth PEFFER have been born the following children: Austin; Mary; Naomi; Delmar; Laura, (the last four mentioned are dead); Susan; Rebecca; Titus; Findley; Jacob, and Judith. The family are connected with the Reformed church, and in politics, Mr. PEFFER is a stanch Republican.

[p. 1199]

JOSEPH POWELL, SR., was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1793, learned the blacksmith's trade in his native county, and before reaching his majority removed with his parents to Beaver county. He there married Sophia BONZO, of that county, and continued working at his trade for some five years after his marriage. He then purchased a farm of seventy-five acres in Beaver county, where he resided for a period of thirty years. At the end of this time he bought a farm in Lancaster township, Butler county, now the home of his son Joseph, settled upon it and lived there until his death, in 1870. His wife died in 1879. They were the parents of the following children: Peter; Joseph; Margaret, deceased wife of George TEETS; Charley, who died in the army; Mary; Jane; John; Edward; Lizzie, and Bell, deceased. Mr. POWELL and wife were members of the Baptist church, and in politics, he was an adherent of the Republican party.

JOSEPH POWELL, son of Joseph and Sophia POWELL, was born in Beaver county, in 1827. His youthful days were spent upon his father's farm, and he came with his parents to Lancaster township. When his father died he inherited the old homestead, consisting of 120 acres of land, near the village of Middle Lancaster, where he has since been engaged in farming. In 1856 he married Susan MOYER, and they are the parents of fourteen children, as follows: Tillie, wife of James MERCER; Agnes, wife of John WIER; William; James; Julia A., deceased; Samuel; Bell, wife of Charles CRAWFORD; Nettie, wife of Samuel BAUDER; Celia; Curtis; Joseph; Sophia, deceased, and two that died in infancy. Mr. POWELL is a member of the German Reformed church, and politically, he is a Republican.

JACOB STAUFFER was born in Germany, there grew to manhood and married Mary HOCH, and immigrated to Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, They were the parents of six children, as follows: Henry, deceased; David; Maria, wife of Jacob LATSHAW; Jacob; Nancy, deceased wife of Moses SHONTZ, and Sarah, wife of Isaac SHONTZ. Mr. STAUFFER removed with his family to the vicinity of Harmony, Butler county, where he purchased 200 acres of land, and resided upon it until his death. He lived to a very advanced age. He was a member of the Mennonite church, and in politics, an adherent of the Republican party.

HENRY STAUFFER, eldest in the family of Jacob and Mary STAUFFER, was born in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, worked at farming until he was of age, and subsequently engaged in droving cattle, which business he followed the remainder of his life. He came with his parents to Butler county, and settled near Harmony, where he died in 1874. His widow married Abraham STAUFFER, now a resident of Harmony. Henry STAUFFER and wife were the parents of ten children, as follows: Rosa, who married Rev. C. F. HARTUNG; Mary, deceased wife of L. M. COVERT; Ira; Elizabeth, wife of D. M. ZEIGLER; Lydia, wife of Andrew BACHMAN, of Ogle county, Illinois; Eranius, a resident of North Dakota; Levi; Sarah, and Emma, the last three of whom are dead; Henry, a Methodist minister residing in Ohio, and Birdie, wife of Daniel ROSENBERG.

IRA STAUFFER, eldest son of Henry STAUFFER, was born in Harmony, Butler county, December 27, 1844, and has been engaged in farming all his life. He served in Company H, Fifth Pennsylvania Artillery, and participated in the [p. 1200] battles of Piedmont, Manassas Junction, and other engagements, and was honorably discharged in 1865. He was married September 20, 1868, to Barbara STAUFFER, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth STAUFFER, who resided upon the farm now owned by our subject. After his marriage he purchased 200 acres of land in Lancaster township, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Ten children were born by his marriage to Barbara STAUFFER, seven of whom are living, as follows: Henry, Eliza, wife of Elmer H. SLOAN; Samuel; Charles; Barbara; Ira, and Birdie. The deceased are Abraham, Sarah and John. Mrs. STAUFFER died July 20, 1886, and he was again married June 19, 1887, to Mrs. Jennie McBRIDE, nee BROWN. Both he and wife are members of the German Reformed church, in which he fills the offices of elder and deacon. He is also a member of the G. A. R., the Royal Arcanum, and the Farmers' Alliance, and in politics, he is a stanch Republican. Mr. STAUFFER makes dairy farming and stock-raising a specialty, and is one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of Lancaster township.

JOHN WARNER was born in Germany in the year 1800, was apprenticed to the stonecutter's trade, and after learning it followed that business in his native land. He married Mary C. WELLS, also a native of Germany, and soon after his marriage immigrated to Allegheny, Pennsylvania, where he found employment at his trade. He remained there but a short time, the purchased a small farm near where Braddock now stands, lived upon it for several years, then moved to Butcher's Run and later Pine Creek. In 1854 he settled on a farm near Millerstown, Butler county, where he died, July 27, 1861. His wife died January 29, 1861. They were the parents of six children, viz.: Mary, who married Henry MUHLENBERG, and afterwards a Mr. WISE; John; Charles; Catherine, widow of Samuel STEWART; Peter, and William. In religious belief, Mr. WARNER was a Presbyterian, and in politics, a Democrat.

CHARLES WARNER, second son of John and Mary C. WARNER, was born in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, in 1836, and was reared upon is his father's farm near Braddock, and on the homestead near Millerstown. He worked at farming until 1862, and then enlisted in Company F, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. The most important engagements in which he participated were Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and Petersburg. In 1865 he returned to Butler county, then went to Pithole, Venango county, remained there only a short time, and then located in Millerstown. In 1866 he married Mary HEMPHILL, and resided in Millerstown until 1875, when he settled upon his present farm of 250 acres, in Lancaster township, where he has since been engaged in general farming. Mr. WARNER is the father of four children, viz.: Mary, wife of Frank NEELY; Emma J., wife of Andrew EILER; William J., and Jacob F. The family are connected with the German Reformed church, in which Mr. WARNER has held most of the important offices. He is a stanch Democrat, has been a school director of Lancaster township for eleven years, and is one of the representative farmers of Butler county.

JOHN SCHEIDEMANTLE was born in Germany, in 1817, there learned the shoemaker's trade, and subsequently served five years in the German army. After leaving the service he married Elizabeth MOYER, and immigrated to Butler [p. 1201] county, Pennsylvania, in 1848, where he settled upon a farm in Lancaster township. He afterwards purchased a farm of seventy-five acres in Muddy Creek township, resided upon it for nineteen years, and then removed to a farm of 120 acres in Lancaster township, which has ever since been his home. He is the father of nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity, as follows: John; Elizabeth, widow of Conrad SHULER; George; Mary, wife of William BARKLEY; William; Maggie, wife of Lewis EICHHOLTZ, and Caroline, wife of Philip KOCH. The family are connected with the German Reformed church, in which Mr. SCHEIDEMANTLE has filled the offices of elder and treasurer. Politically, he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM SCHEIDEMANTLE, son of John and Elizabeth SCHEIDEMANTLE, was born in Muddy Creek township, Butler county, in 1853, grew to manhood upon his father's farm, and married Lena GARWIG. He removed with his parents to Lancaster township, and now resides upon the homestead farm with his father. William and Lena SCHEIDEMANTLE are the parents of six children, viz.: Charley E.; William H.: Sadie E; Ida May; Birdie, and Annie L. They are members of the German Reformed church, and in politics, he is a Republican.

GEORGE SCHEIDEMANTLE, Sr., was born in Germany, son of John and Elizabeth SCHEIDEMANTLE, and was twelve years of age when his parents settled in Lancaster township, Butler county. He was reared beneath the parental roof, and worked upon the homestead farm until his marriage to Margaret FLINNER, in 1858. She was a daughter of John and Annie (RADER) FLINNER, and came with her parents from Germany to Lancaster township, Butler county. Soon after his marriage Mr. SEHEIDEMANTLE purchased a farm in Muddy Creek township, upon which he resided some three years, and then removed to the farm in Lancaster township now owned by his son George, where he died in 1877. He was a member of the German Reformed church, and an elder in that body for many years. In politics, he was a Democrat. His widow resides with her son upon the homestead farm. They were the parents of ten children, viz.: George; Mary S., wife of Paul ALLEN; Conrad; John, and John Jr. both deceased; Annie; Edward; Albert; Andrew, and Peter, the last deceased.

GEORGE SCHEIDEMANTLE, eldest son of George and Margaret SCHEIDEMANTLE, was born in Lancaster township, Butler county, in 1859, and grew to manhood upon the homestead farm. In 1886 he married Emma SCHEEL, of Lancaster township, to which union have been born four children, viz.: Annie; Clyde A.; Earl, and Ralph E. Mr. SCHEIDEMANTLE inherited the homestead at his father's death, and his mother and grandmother reside with him. He is a member of the German Reformed church, and is quite an active worker in the Republican party.

JOHN FLINNER, SR., was born in Germany, in 1802, and worked upon his father's farm until his marriage to Annie RADER, also a native of Germany. For fifteen years after his marriage he was engaged in a distillery near his home, at the end of which time he immigrated to Pennsylvania and settled upon a tract of 400 acres of land in Lancaster township, Butler county. He made many improvements upon this property, and resided there until his death, in 1861. Thirteen children were born of John and Annie FLINNER, ten of whom grew to maturity, [p. 1202] as follows: Elizabeth, wife of Casper FRISHKORN; Catherine, wife of Fred MILLER; Margaret, widow of George SCHEIDEMANTLE, Sr.; John; Michael; George; Philip; Mary, wife of Peter MILLER; Venie, and Henry. Mr. FLINNER was a prominent member of the German Lutheran church, and served as an elder in that organization for a number of years. In early days he was a Democrat, and subsequently a Republican. His aged widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. George SCHEIDEMANTLE.

PHILLIP FLINNER, fourth son of John and Annie FLINNER, was born in Lancaster township, Butler county, in 1858. He was reared upon his father's farm, and lived with his parents until his marriage to Amelia KRISTOPHEL, when he located on a part of the homestead, consisting of ninety acres, given him by his father. He subsequently purchased 110 acres adjoining, and is now the owner of a well improved farm of 200 acres, laying about half a mile from Middle Lancaster. He is the father of the following children: Elizabeth; Frederick; Ida; Jacob; Della, and Charley, the last deceased. The family are connected with the German Reformed church. Politically, he is a Democrat, has served as auditor for two terms, and also filled the office, of collector and assessor. He is a member of the Middle Lancaster Lodge, Number 648, I. O. O. F., of which he was one of the organizers. Mr. FLINNER gives particular attention to stock-raising, having now upon is farm 200 head of sheep, which have proved a profitable investment.

JOHN FLINNER, eldest son of John and Annie FLINNER, was born in Germany, in 1833, came to the United States with his parents, who settled in Lancaster township, Butler county, where John grew to manhood. He attended the common schools of Lancaster township and worked upon his father's farm until the death of the latter, when he inherited a portion of the original homestead. In 1858 he married Catherine HEYL, a daughter of Martin and Christina HEYL, to which union have been born the following children: Annie; Mary, wife of Walter BOYER; John; Catherine, deceased; Willie H., deceased; Albert; David; Samuel A.; and Lydia C. Mr. FLINNER cultivates the farm of 100 acres upon which he lives, and also owns another farm of 108 acres in Muddy Creek township. Politically, he is a Democrat, has filled the office of supervisor, and has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs. He is one of the prosperous and enterprising farmers of his township.

LEWIS SHIEVER was born in Germany, in 1825, son of George and Mary (GALLAGHER) SHIEVER, also natives of that country. His parents immigrated to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, in 1831, settled upon a farm and died there in 1861, and 1859, respectively. They were members of the Lutheran church, and had a family of six children, as follows: Andrew; Lewis; Michael; Henry, deceased; Margaret, deceased, and Caroline. Lewis resided with his parents in Beaver county, and worked upon the farm until he arrived at maturity. He then purchased sixty-two acres of land in Beaver county, and married Elizabeth NIPP, of the same county, to which union four children were born, as follows: Sidney; Sarah, wife of Calvin BELLIS; Annie, and Venie. Mrs. SHIEVER died in 1873, and in 1882 he married Elizabeth ZIEGLER. After his first married he purchased a [p. 1203] farm of 127 acres of land in Lancaster township, Butler county, upon which he settled and has since resided. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and an elder in that denomination. In politics, Mr. SHIEVER is a Republican, and one of the progressive farmers of his township.

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[End of Chapter 73-3 (pgs.1175-1203) - 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 73-2 (pgs.1130-1175) - Biographical Sketches: Zelienople, Harmony and Evans City Boroughs; Jackson, Forward, Adams, Cranberry, Connoquenessing and Lancaster Townships
Next Chapter 74-1 (pgs.1203-1243) - Biographical Sketches: Slippery Rock Twp and Centreville Boro; Mercer Twp and Harrisville Boro; Worth and Brady Twps; Franklin Twp and Prospect Boro; Muddy Creek Twp and Portersville Boro
Table of Contents

Updated: 28 Feb 2001, 14:28