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: Pat Collins.

JOHN BLACK was born in Donegal county, Ireland, son of John BLACK, a native of the same county, where he died in 1783. His grandfather, James BLACK, born near Letterkenny, Ireland, was a son of James BLACK, a native of Scotland, who removed to Ireland towards the close of the Seventeenth century. The subject of this sketch came to the United States in 1793, and settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he married Jane CRISWELL, a native of Derry county, Ireland, in 1795. In 1797 they removed to Westmoreland county (now Armstrong), and in 1799 settled in what is now Marion township, Butler county, upon the land where William and Joshua T. BLACK reside. He subsequently purchased [p. 1305] another farm of 400 acres on the Middle Branch of Slippery Rock creek, where he built a saw mill in1825 and later a grist mill, the only mill in this section for many years. It was known as BLACK's mill, and was a familiar landmark in pioneer times. Here he died on October 3, 1832, and his wife, in January, 1864. He was one of the founders of West Unity United Presbyterian church, and a leading Democrat of his day. The children of John and Jane BLACK are as follows: Martha, who married Robert BREADEN; Matthew, who died in 1850; Jane, who married John KERR; Robert C., who died in 1850; John, who died in Butler, in 1889; James, a resident of San Jose, California; William, who died in 1891; Alexander M., who died in 1834; Rebecca, who married David VANCE, and Julia A., who married John PORTER. Several of the sons became leading citizens of Butler county, and were prominent factors in its social and material development. During the Rebellion thirteen grandsons of John BLACK, Sr., served in the Union armies, and four of the number laid down their lives in defence [sic] of the flag. No other family in Butler county exhibited a greater devotion to the Union cause than the descendants of this Irish pioneer of Marion township.

MATTHEW BLACK, eldest son of John and Jane BLACK, was born in Marion township, Butler county, in October, 1800, was reared in the old log cabin erected by his father in the primitive forest of Marion township, and received a meager education in the pioneer schools of that period. He made farming his life vocation, and owned a portion of the original tract entered by his father, to which he added thirty-three acres, owning at his death a farm of 110 acres of well improved land. He died on June 8, 1850, in his fiftieth year. Mr. BLACK was twice married. His first wife was Eliza CURRY, of Marion township, who bore him three children, viz.: John A., deceased; James C., a resident of Iowa, who served in the Thirty-fifth Illinois Volunteers, in the Rebellion, and Matthew I., deceased. His second wife was Charlotte TINKER, a daughter of Joshua TINKER, of Cherry township, but a native of England. Six children were the fruits of this union, as follows: Uriah J., who enlisted in Company C, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve, and died in the service; Jarvis W., deceased; Abigail, wife of W.F. MAXWELL, of Kansas; Robert W.; Silas T., deceased, and Joshua T. Mr. BLACK was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, was a supporter of the Whig party.

JOSHUA T. BLACK, youngest son of Matthew and Charlotte BLACK, was born upon the homestead farm in Marion township, March 17, 1845. He was educated in the common schools, and soon after attaining his majority he purchased the old homestead, upon which he has resided since his birth. On July 24, 1873, he married Annetta M. BYERS, a daughter of Resa and Ellen (PATTERSON) BYERS, of Waterloo, Venango county. They are the parents of four children, viz.: Ira E.; Frank B.; Alda M., and Charles E. Mr. BLACK is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and politically, he is a Republican. He is now serving his second term as justice of the peace, and is recognized as one of the representative citizens of his community.

JAMES BLACK, fourth son of John and Jane (CRISWELL) BLACK, was born in Marion township, Butler county, August 31, 1808, and was reared upon the old [p. 1306] homestead. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade and followed that business in connection with farming until 1865. Removing to Franklin in that year he engaged in the furniture and carpenter business, which he followed until September, 1874, and then removed to San Jose, California, where he now resides at the ripe old age of eighty-six years. During his residence in Butler county he took a deep interest in educational matters, and was a director in the public schools for several years. He has been an elder in the United Presbyterian church since arriving at the age of twenty-five, and a liberal supporter of that organization. In politics, he was originally a Democrat, but afterwards united with the Republican party. Mr. BLACK married Nancy A., daughter of David RUSSELL of Marion township, Butler county, June 20, 1833, to whom were born the following children: John C., a lawyer, residing in San Jose, California; David A., a farmer of Santa Clara county, California; William M., a resident of Illinois, who served in Company K, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers, from June, 1861, to July, 1865; James H., of Leavenworth, Kansas, who served in Company H., Seventeenth Illinois volunteers; Isaiah, of Franklin, Pennsylvania, who was fife major in the Sixteenth Illinois Volunteers; Newton, Attorney at law, Butler; Josiah B., an oil producer of Butler; Perry N., of Bradford, Pennsylvania; Jennie M., who died March 3, 1893; Lysander, a physician of Butler, and Alfred P., assistant district attorney of San Francisco, California.

ROBERT SEATON was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, of Irish parentage, in 1763, and came to Butler county in 1800. He settled in what is now Marion township, and at once set to work and erected a log cabin, in which his daughter, Eliza, was born the fourth day after the family arrived at their destination. Mr. SEATON was a millwright, and built nearly all the mills in this section of the country in his day, furnishing the lumber for the same, in payment of which he received a certain share of the profits of each mill for seven years. About 1815 he built a fulling mill on the South Branch of Slippery Rock creek, and subsequently a tannery. These he carried on until his death, in 1852. He married Mary DAVIS, of Huntingdon county, and their children were as follows: Polly, who married Robert SHAW; Alexander; Eliza, who married Stephen VANDERLIN; Ann, who married Robert HUTCHISON; Margaret; Thomas; Robert; William; James, and John.

ALEXANDER SEATON, eldest son of Robert and Mary SEATON, was born in Huntingdon county, in 1790, and came to Butler county with his parents when about ten years old. On attaining his majority he purchased a farm on the line of what is now Mercer and Marion townships, his residence being in the former. He was a millwright and farmer, and erected a saw, grist and cloth mill, which he operated for many years. Mr. SEATON married Isabella DONALDSON, a daughter of Andrew DONALDSON, and reared a family of eight children, viz.: Margaret, who married James BAILEY; Robert F.; Andrew; Mary A., who married John BUCHANAN; John; Thomas; William A., and Abner. Mr. SEATON was a member of the United Presbyterian church. In politics, he was a Democrat, and held the office of justice of the peace many years.

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ROBERT F. SEATON, eldest son of Alexander SEATON, was born upon the SEATON homestead in Marion township, in 1821. He learned the stonemason's trade and subsequently engaged in farming. He married Mary, a daughter of Alexander McMURRAY, and their children were as follows: Samuel M.; Eva J., wife of John RAY; Matilda, deceased; Samantha; Seretta, wife of John MURRIN, and Scott A.

WILLIAM A. SEATON, fifth son of Alexander and Isabella SEATON, was born in Mercer township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1831, was reared on the homestead farm, and acquired a common school education. When eighteen years of age he began learning the blacksmith's trade with James McDOWELL, of Harrisville, Butler county, and served an apprenticeship of two years, for which he received fifty dollars in store goods. He next worked one year at Clintonville, Venango county, for which he was paid seventy-five dollars. In 1851-52 he followed lumbering at Irwinsburg, on the Conowango river, and in the spring of 1853 he located at Mercer, Pennsylvania, where he worked at his trade until the summer of 1854. He then entered Westminster College, at New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, where he spent the fall term of 1854, and the winter and summer term of 1855. In the fall of the latter year he went to California and worked at his trade in the mining region until the spring of 1857. He then purchased a claim and embarked in mining, which he followed two years. In the spring of 1859 he sold his claim and engaged in farming in Feather river valley, which he continued until April, 1861, and then started for his old home in Butler county, where he arrived in safety. On September 16, 1861, Mr. SEATON enlisted in Company L, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and participated with his command in the Seven Days Fight before Richmond, Gaines Hill, Mechanicsville, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Shepherdstown, and many other engagements, and was honorably discharged September 17, 1864. After his return from the army, he worked at his trade in Grove City for eight years, and then purchased his present farm, upon which he has since resided. Mr. SEATON married Ann E., a daughter of Robert HUTCHISON, of Marion township, August 6, 1863, and has two daughters: Anna B., and Ella M. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, also of the G.A.R., and is a man of upright character and strict integrity.

SAMUEL M. SEATON, eldest son of Robert F. and Mary SEATON, was born March 9, 1847, on the SEATON homestead in Marion township. He received a common school education, and was reared upon his father's farm. In 1864 he enlisted in Company G, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served with his regiment until the battle of Amelia Springs, where he was taken prisoner and held until the surrender of Lee. When the war closed he returned to his home and engaged in the lumber business, but subsequently located upon the homestead, where he remained engaged in farming until 1888. In that year he removed to his father-in-law's farm, but in 1892 settled upon his present farm in Marion township, which he had purchased some years previous. In 1893 Mr. SEATON was elected, on the Republican ticket, prothonotary of Butler county, and began his official duties in January, 1894. He has been always an active participant in local politics, and has filled the offices of collector and secretary of the school board [p. 1308] of Marion township. He was married in 1872, to Juliann, a daughter of William BLACK, of Marion township. Five children have been born of this marriage, as follows: Cora B.; Tillie; Robert W., and two that died in infancy. Both he and wife are members of West Unity United Presbyterian church, in which he fills the office of elder. He is a member of Z.C. McQUILLEN Post, G.A.R., and Mylert Lodge, I.O.O.F., of Centreville.

WILLIAM SEATON, son of Robert SEATON, was born in Butler county, in February, 1804. He was reared on the old SEATON homestead, and resided there until his death, in 1886. He married Rebecca VANDERLIN, a daughter of John VANDERLIN, of Venango township, to whom were born the following children: Kate; Margaret, who married Thomas HOVIS; Caroline, who married James JACK; John; William G.; Hettie, who married Stephen COOPER; Amos; Elias, and Lewis.

AMOS SEATON, third son of William and Rebecca SEATON, was born in Venango township, Butler county, August 23, 1838. He was educated in the common schools, and learned the blacksmith trade, which he followed four years. In May, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, Eleventh Pennsylvania Reserve, and participated in the first battles before Richmond, Malvern Hill, Charles City Cross Roads, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, and other engagements, and was wounded in the battle of Charles City Cross Roads. He was honorably discharged on June 20, 1864, and re-enlisted on August 24, following, in Company D, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was mustered out of service June 20, 1865, and returned to his home, where he resumed his life upon the farm. He has devoted his entire attention to agriculture, with the exception of four years residence in Butler. Mr. SEATON married Mary LAUGHLIN, a daughter of Samuel LAUGHLIN, of Marion township, who has borne him seven children, viz.: Hettie; Delphine; Ada; Ersie; Fannie; Homer, and Darley M. Politically, Mr. SEATON is a Republican, and has served one term as treasurer of Butler county. He is a member of the G.A.R., and the U.V.L., and is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church.

ALEXANDER MORTLAND, a native of Ireland, came from Juniata county, Pennsylvania, to what is now Marion township, Butler county, in 1806. He settled on a farm near the site of Murrinsville, which he continued to clear and improve until his death, in 1818. He was twice married, his first wife bearing him a family of six children, viz.: John, who served in the War of 1812; William; James; Ann, who married Hugh ORLTON; Mary, who married John SNYDER, and Sally, who became the wife of William WHITE. Mr. MORTLAND was a Democrat, in politics, and a Presbyterian, in religious faith.

WILLIAM MORTLAND, son of Alexander MORTLAND, was born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, in 1796, and was ten years of age when his parents came to Butler county. On attaining his majority, he settled on the farm now occupied by his son Newton, in Marion township, cleared and improved it, and resided there the balance of his days, dying March 19, 1856. He married Tamar ORLTON, a daughter of John ORLTON, of Marion township, to whom were born four children, viz.: Harvey; Newton; Jerusha, wife of W.H. GILCHRIST, and Alvin. Mr. MORTLAND was a member of the Presbyterian church, was a Demo- [p. 1309] crat in politics, and held various township offices during his residence in this county.

NEWTON MORTLAND was born in what is now Marion township, Butler county, December 24, 1835, son of William and Tamar MORTLAND. He was reared in his native township, received a common school education, and has made farming his life vocation, succeeding to the old homestead at his father's death. On November 12, 1857, he married Ellen GILMER, a daughter of John and Margaret (KILGORE) GILMER, of Marion township, and has five children, viz.: Sarah E.; Maggie A.; William H.; John G., and James C. Mr. MORTLAND is a veteran of the late war. He enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, August 13, 1862, and participated in the battles of South Mountain, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, assisted in burying the dead at Antietam, and was honorably discharged after nine months' service. On March 31, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer in Company F, Second Pennsylvania Artillery, and was engaged in the battles of the Wilderness, North Anna, and Cold Harbor. At the last mentioned engagement, June 2, 1864, he was taken prisoner. After eight days spent in Libby prison, he was transferred to Andersonville, where he remained four months. He was then sent to Savannah, Georgia, soon afterwards to Millen, same State, and after six weeks at that point, with many other sick and wounded, he was brought back to Savannah, was there paroled and sent to the hospital at Annapolis, Maryland. In December, 1864, he was sent home on furlough, rejoined his regiment on June 2, 1865, at Petersburg, and on July 14, following, was honorably discharged. Mr. MORTLAND is a member of the G.A.R. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and has held most of the local offices in Marion township, being at present justice of the peace.

GEORGE RAY, SR., was born in Fairview township, Butler county, in 1802, and in 1810 removed to what is now Marion township, where he found a home with his uncle, George Ward, at that period one of the largest land-holders in the township. He was reared by his uncle, and spent seventy-four years of his life on the WARD homestead, a large portion of which he owned at the time of his death. He was recognized as one of the leading farmers of the township. He married Elizabeth GILMORE, a daughter of Hugh GILMORE, a native of Ireland, who settled in what is now Marion township in 1796. To this union were born eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, viz.: William, deceased; Mrs. James BUCHANAN; Hugh; Mrs. J.S. NEELY; John; Jane, who married William JOHNSON; Isabel, who became the wife of J.E. MILLER, and George. Mr. RAY died in 1884, at the age of eighty-two.

GEORGE RAY, youngest son of George and Elizabeth RAY, was born on the homestead farm in Marion township, February 15, 1850. He was reared and educated in his native township, and has made farming his life vocation. He married Cynthia McCOY, a daughter of James M. McCOY, of Pine township, Mercer county, and has four children: Mame R.; Ettie G.; Laura B., and George N. Mr. RAY is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a supporter of the Democratic party. He resides upon the old homestead, and is one of the progressive farmers of the community.

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ROBERT ATWELL, a native of Ireland, came to Pennsylvania towards the close of the Eighteenth century, and settled in what is now Scrubgrass township, Venango county, prior to 1800. By survey of October 24, 1801, he became the owner of 190 acres of land, by virtue of settlement and improvement. About 1816 he removed to Marion township, Butler county, where he cleared and improved a farm, on which he resided down to his death, in 1840. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and a man of quiet manners and unobtrusive character. He was a member of the Associate Reformed church, known at that time as the Seceder church. Mr. ATWELL was twice married. His first wife was Mary DIXON, who bore him one son, Dixon. His second wife was Margaret RUSSELL, to whom were born seven children, as follows: Ellen, who married William BRANDON; William; George; John; James; Robert, and Mary, who became the wife of Alexander WATT.

GEORGE ATWELL, second son of Robert and Margaret ATWELL, was born in Venango county, in 1808, and removed with his parents to Marion township, Butler county, where he grew to manhood and resided until his death, in 1877. He married Mary McKISSICK, a daughter of David McKISSICK, a pioneer of Mercer township, Butler county, to which union were born eleven children, viz.: Sarah, who married William VOGUS; Margaret, who married Robert DONALDSON; Nancy, who became the wife of Samuel VANDERLIN; David M.; Julia A., who married Samuel EAKIN; Maria, who married John KIMES; Thomas J.; John; Mary E., who married Samuel KRAMER; Elizabeth, and Jane, who married Martin HOFFMAN. Mr. ATWELL was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and died in that faith.

DAVID M. ATWELL, eldest son of George and Mary ATWELL, was born in Marion township, Butler county, December 8, 1837, received a common school education, and was reared upon the farm. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed as an occupation for twenty-five years, a portion of the time in the various oil fields of Pennsylvania, where he also operated as a producer to some extent. He has been a resident of Marion township since 1874, where he owns and occupies what is known as the James BLACK homestead, and devotes his attention to farming. In September, 1869, he married Nannie DAUBENSPECK, a daughter of Jacob and Catherine (HOOVER) DAUBENSPECK, of Washington township, Butler county. Nine children have been born to this union, as follows: Harry P.; Catherine, wife of A.P. PAINTER; Jacob C.; George C.; Samuel S.; David F.; Mary M.; Margaret M., and Olive N. Mr. ATWELL is one of the best known and most highly respected citizens of the community, and has an extensive acquaintance throughout the oil region. Politically, he is a Democrat, and in religion, is an adherent of the United Presbyterian church.

ALEXANDER PORTER was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, about 1761, a son of Samuel PORTER, a native of Ireland, whose father was born in Scotland, and whose grandfather was a native of Holland, from which country he was driven on account of religious persecution. Alexander had five brothers who were soldiers in the Revolution, three of whom never returned. He settled in Clinton township, Venango county, in 1794, and was the first blacksmith in that locality, carrying on his trade under great difficulties. It is related that an [p. 1311] iron wedge driven into a stump did service as an anvil, a piece of an old axe was used as a hammer, and the bark of trees utilized for fuel. Iron was brought from the furnaces in Huntingdon county, on pack-horses, through the trackless-forests. Mr. PORTER settled on 400 acres of land, where his grandsons, Samuel and Thomas V. PORTER, now reside, which has been the property of the family for over 100 years. He carried on his trade in connection with farming, and died September 26, 1847. His widow survived him until 1850, and both are buried on the old homestead. Her maiden name was Margaret BRADEN, and she was the mother of twelve children, viz.: Joseph; Mary; Elizabeth; Isabel, who married William COULTER; Nancy, who married William Osborn; James; Annabel, who married James KERR; Samuel; John, whose first wife was Juliann BLACK, and second wife Rachel BARR; Margaret, who married Benjamin YARD; Lucy, and Alexander, whose first wife was Margaret McKINLEY, and second wife Levina MITCHELL.

JAMES PORTER, second son of Alexander and Margaret PORTER, was born in Clinton township, Venango county, December 21, 1801, and resided upon the old homestead until 1828. In that year he purchased a farm in Marion township, Butler county, now occupied by his son Levi, where he lived until 1857, when he purchased the old homestead in Venango county, upon which he resided down to his death. While a resident of Butler county, he filled the office of justice of the peace. He was an ardent supporter of the temperance cause, and quite prominent in temperance circles. He was twice married; first to Sibellah, a daughter of Patrick COULTER, of Clinton township, Venango county, who died, leaving two sons, Levi, and James C. His second wife was Harriet VINCENT, a daughter of James VINCENT, of Marion township, Butler county, who bore him two sons, Samuel and Thomas V. Mr. PORTER died on June 18, 1887, in his eighty-sixth year.

LEVI PORTER, eldest son of James and Sibellah PORTER, was born upon his present homestead in Marion township, Butler county, July 11, 1829, where nearly all his life has been spent. He received a good common school education, and is a surveyor by profession, which he has followed for many years in connection with farming. His farm was purchased by his father in 1828, and was originally settled by Edward CANAAN, about 1799. He erected a water-power sash saw mill on his place in 1852, and built his present frame residence in 1877. On November 20, 1882, his barn, built in 1839, was burned, with horses, etc., the loss amounting to $2,300. He rebuilt it in 1883. Mr. PORTER enlisted in Company K, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry, September 13, 1864, and participated in the Seven Days Fight before Richmond, the battles of Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Trevellian Station, Haws Shop, Hanover Court House, St. Mary's Church, Petersburg, and many other engagements, and was honorably discharged from the service, October 18, 1864. Being refused re-enlistment on account of disability, he returned home and resumed farming and surveying. On November 4, 1869, he married Charity VINCENT, a daughter of James and Nancy (KERR) VINCENT, of Marion township. Mr. PORTER and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and stanch advocates of prohibition principles.

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JOSEPH PORTER, eldest son of Alexander and Margaret PORTER, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1792, and removed with this parents to Clinton township, Venango county, when two years old. He there grew to manhood, and in 1817 married Martha VANDYKE, a daughter of John VANDYKE, of Marion township, Butler county. The following year they located in Cherry township, where he cleared and improved the farm now occupied by his son Alexander, and resided thereon the remainder of his life. To Joseph and Martha PORTER were born the following children: Lucy, who married Robert SEATON; John; Isabel, who married Cyrus KERR; Braden; Polly, who married Abner McCALLEN; Martha, who married David DUNN; Sarah, who became the wife of Robert SANKEY, and Alexander. Mr. PORTER was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died February 25, 1886, in his ninety-fourth year. He was always known as a most worthy citizen, strictly honorable in all his dealings, and was never sued or brought a suit during his long and eventful life. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he was a Republican.

JOHN PORTER, eldest son of Joseph and Martha PORTER, was born on the homestead in Cherry township, Butler county, February 13, 1823. He received a common school education, and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years. In June, 1852, he settled in Marion township, on the farm where he now resides, on which he has made all the improvements. Mr. PORTER was married October 21, 1847, to Martha C. TURNER, a daughter of William and Mollie (McCANDLESS) TURNER, of Parker township, who has had a family of eleven children, six of whom are living, viz.: Mary A.; Maggie I., wife of John H. CRAWFORD; Jennie J., wife of Abner BUCHANAN; Joseph T.; Ada E., wife of Martin McGILL, and Laura H., wife of Lewis SANKEY. Mr. PORTER is a member of the Presbyterian church, is an ardent advocate of prohibition, and votes the Republican ticket. He served in the Union army ten months during the Civil war.

JOSEPH T. PORTER, only son of John and Martha C. PORTER, was born in Marion township, Butler county, February 2, 1859, was reared on the old homestead, and was educated in the common schools and at Grove City College. He was married September 24, 1884, to Melda E. CARSON, a daughter of William and Prudence (CALVIN) CARSON, of Marion township, and has four children, viz.: James C.; John R.; Grace M.P., and William H. Mr. PORTER has always followed agricultural pursuits, and resides upon the farm where he was born. Politically, he is a Republican, an advocate of prohibition, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.

JAMES MILFORD was born in Antrim county, Ireland, and immigrated to the United States in 1807. After a varied career he located in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, removed to Clay township, Butler county, about 1824, and in 1827 settled in Marion township, on the farm now owned by his son Samuel F. He cleared and improved this property, and resided upon it until his death, in 1859, aged about seventy years. He married Martha FINDLEY, a daughter of Judge Samuel FINDLEY, a pioneer of Butler county, and one of its first associate judges. Four children were born to this union, viz.: Mary J., who married J. J. DUNN; Samuel F.; James, and David. Mr. MILFORD was a member of the [p. 1313] Associate Reformed church, afterwards the United Presbyterian, and in politics, he was a Republican. He was one of the honored and respected citizens of the community during his residence therein.

SAMUEL F. MILFORD, eldest son of James and Martha MILFORD, was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, July 11, 1822, came with his parents to Butler county, and has lived in Marion township since 1827. He assisted in clearing and improving the old homestead, which he inherited upon the death of his father, and has always resided upon this farm. Mr. MILFORD enlisted in Company H, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, September 20, 1864, and served until honorably discharged, June 2, 1865. In 1873 he married Mrs. Margaret REA, a daughter of John and Margaret (SCOTT) MORTON, of Antrim county, Ireland. Both he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, and politically, he is a Republican. Mr. MILFORD is a successful farmer, and is one of the progressive citizens of the township.

JOSEPH KERR was a native of eastern Pennsylvania, a son of John KERR, grandson of Thomas KERR, Jr., and a great grandson of Thomas KERR, Sr., who was born in Ireland in 1721, and came to America about the middle of the last century. In early life Joseph KERR removed to Ashtabula county, Ohio, served in the War of 1812 from that county, and soon afterwards settled in Venango township, Butler county, Pennsylvania. He cleared and improved a farm, upon which he resided down to his death. His wife was Margaret BRADEN, to whom were born the following children: James; Thomas; John; Zachariah; Joseph; Harvey; Lucy, who married Samuel BRIGGS; Amanda, who married Calvin GRAHAM, and Eliza.

JOHN KERR, third son of Joseph and Margaret KERR, was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, February 21, 1805, and removed to Venango township, Butler county, with his parents after the close of the War of 1812. He grew to manhood in this township, and soon after his marriage, in 1834, he settled in Marion township, where he cleared and improved the farm now owned and occupied by his sons, Joseph, James H., and William. He died upon this farm on March 21, 1872. He married Jane BLACK, a daughter of John and Jane (CRISWELL) Black, of Marion township, who bore him a family of eight children, viz.: Joseph; Alexander P.; Nancy J., who married James VANDERLIN; John B.; James H.; Rebecca A., who married Samuel McMURRAY; William, and Carlisle, deceased. Mr. KERR was a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics, he was a Democrat, and served three terms as justice of the peace in Marion township.

JAMES H. KERR, fourth son of John and Jane KERR, was born in Marion township, Butler county, on the farm where he now resides, January 12, 1836. He received a limited education in the common schools of his district, and has followed farming as an occupation since childhood. He has always resided on the old homestead, a portion of which he now owns and occupies. In July, 1863, he married Eliza J. VANDERLIN, a daughter of Stephen and Eliza (SEATON) VANDERLIN, of Venango township, Butler county. Eleven children have been the fruits of this union, viz.: Lodusky J., wife of Marion KOHLMEYER; Ida; Ella; Louisa; Stephen; Nannie; James; Maud; John A.; Samuel A., and Lottie. [p. 1314] Mr. KERR is one of the leading farmers of Marion township, is a Democrat, in politics, and has filled the offices of assessor and school director.

WILLIAM KERR, fifth son of John and Jane KERR, and grandson of Joseph KERR, was born in Marion township, Butler county, October 9, 1840, and was reared on the homestead farm, on a portion of which he now resides. He received a common school education, and learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed for fifteen years, having also been engaged in farming more or less for the past twenty-five years. In 1864 he married Matilda VANDERLIN, a daughter of Stephen and Eliza (SEATON( [sic] VANDERLIN, of Venango township, Butler county. They are the parents of six children, named as follows: Eli V.; William F.; Lida J.; Etta M.; Lewis B., and Hulbert S. Politically, Mr. KERR is a stanch Democrat.

CORNELIUS GORMLEY, a native of Tyrone county, Ireland, came to Philadelphia in 1840, and settled in Marion township, Butler county, the same year, locating on the farm now owned by his son Cornelius, where he resided down to his death. He married Mary McCULLOUGH, who bore him ten children, viz.: James; Patrick; Kate, who married Michael Conway; Sally, who married Hugh McCOLLOUGH; Henry; Michael; Mary; Jane, who married Hugh MURRIN; Cornelius, and Francis. Mr. GORMLEY and wife were members of the Catholic church, to which denomination the family also belong.

MICHAEL GORMLEY, fourth son of Cornelius and Mary GORMLEY, was borne in Tyrone county, Ireland, in 1827, and came to Butler county, Pennsylvania, with his parents in 1840. After attaining his majority he engaged in farming in Venango county, and later was proprietor of a hotel in Franklin, Pennsylvania, for three years. For over thirty years he has been engaged in farming in Venango township, Butler county, and cleared a part of the farm whereon he now resides. He married Matilda MURRIN, a daughter of Squire John MURRIN, of Venango township, of which union ten children survive, viz.: John H.; James; Mary L., wife of Michael McBRIDE; Michael; William; Elizabeth; Francis; Kate; Birtilla, and Charles. Mr. GORMLEY and family are members of the Catholic church, and in politics, he is a stanch Democrat.

JOHN H. GORMLEY, eldest son of Michael and Matilda GORMLEY, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1850. He was reared upon the homestead farm, received a common school education, and was engaged in farming until thirty years of age. In 1880 he embarked in merchandising at Murrinsville, in which he has since successfully continued. In February, 1875, he married Catherine McBRIDE, a daughter of Patrick and Catherine (FRIEL) McBRIDE, of Venango township, Butler county, and has four children, viz.: Matilda M.; John A.; Patrick M, and Mary G. Mr. GORMLEY and family are members of the Catholic church. He is one of the influential citizens of Marion township, is a stanch Democrat, and has been postmaster of Murrinsville since 1893.

JOHN WALTER was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, eldest son of John WALTER, a native of Germany. His father and uncle Peter settled in Irwin township, Venango county, about 1800, where the former resided down to his death. His children were as follows: John; Peter: Jacob, and Philip. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native township, and [p. 1315] followed milling in connection with farming. He married Elizabeth WALTER, a daughter of Peter WALTER, of Venango county, to whom were born eight children, viz.: David; Craft; John; Peter; Mary A., who married David AYERS; Ann, who married Jacob HOFFMAN; Ellen, who married Michael McFADDEN, and Sarah C., wife of Ghost HOFFMAN. Mr. WALTER died at the age of sixty-two years.

CRAFT WALTER, son of John and Elizabeth WALTER, was born in Irwin township, Venango county, April 9, 1826, and was there reared to manhood. He received a limited education in the public schools, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1848 he located upon his present homestead in Marion township, Butler county, most of which he has cleared and improved. Mr. WALTER has been twice married, first to Martha McMURDY, a daughter of George McMURDY, of Irwin township, Venango county, who bore him two children: Melissa, wife of John KIMES, and Martha, wife of Craft HOFFMAN. His second wife was Lucy A. GILMORE, a daughter of John GILMORE, of Irwin township, to whom have been born the following children: Carlisle; John G.; Louisa, wife of James McFADDEN; William J.; Emma; James, and Alice. Mr. WALTER is a member of the Church of God, and in politics, he is a Democrat. He has held the offices of constable and collector, and is one of the substantial farmers of his township.

JOHN McFADDEN was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1799, and was a son of Edward McFADDEN, a native of Ireland, who located in that county in 1797, whence he removed to Irwin township, Venango county, in 1803. He subsequently removed to Somerset, Perry county, Ohio, where he resided until his death. His children were: William; John; Michael; Charles; Sarah, who married George GREEN; Anna, who married Ed MEGARGIL, and Mary, who married George SHEFFLER. John was reared in Venango county, Pennsylvania, and Perry county, Ohio. From thirteen years of age he lived in Irwin township, Venango county. He was a natural mechanic, and followed the trades of a carpenter and a millwright. It is said he built nearly all the blasts for furnaces, and the saw and grist mills in his locality. He owned a farm of 160 acres of land in Irwin township, which he cleared and improved, and there died in 1881. His wife was Barbara HOFFMAN, born in 1801, a daughter of James HOFFMAN, of Clinton township, Venango county, who bore him twelve children, as follows: James; Sarah, who married John LAYTON; Michael; John; Daniel; Mary A., wife of A.J. MORROW; Philip G.; Perry; Margery, wife of James FARREN; Jacob; Carlisle, and Barbara. Mr. McFADDEN was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, a Democrat.

CARLISLE McFADDEN, youngest son of John and Barbara McFADDEN, was born in Irwin township, Venango county, April 10, 1841, and received a common school education. He learned the wagonmaker's trade, which he followed ten years, but since 1871 he has been engaged in farming, in Marion township, on the farm where he now resides. In June, 1864, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteers, and was honorably discharged on March 17, 1865. In 1870 Mr. McFADDEN married Elizabeth FARREN, a daughter of William FARREN, of Marion township, and has three children: Sarah J., wife of E. SUTHERLAND; Lafayette T., and Anna D. Politically, he is [p. 1316] a Democrat, is a member of the G.A.R., and is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church.

PATRICK McDOWELL was born upon his father's farm in Venango county, Pennsylvania, and is a son of Patrick McDOWELL, a native of County Down, Ireland, who immigrated to America in 1768, and served in the Continental army five years. Patrick, Sr., married a Miss TURNER, and at an early day settled on a tract of 400 acres of land in Venango county, upon which he died in 1828, aged seventy-six years. He reared a large family, all of whom are dead except the subject of this sketch. When sixteen years of age, Patrick, Jr., went to Mercer county, there learned the blacksmith's trade, and followed that occupation for a period of forty years. After a short time spent in the oil fields of Armstrong county, he settled in Venango township, Butler county, where he is now living in the eighty-first year of his age. He was twice married; first to Lucinda, a daughter of Daniel WALDRON, of Mercer county, who bore him two children, one of whom is living, Patrick. Mr. McDOWELL's second wife was Susan BEACH, a daughter of Stephen W. BEACH, of Venango county, to whom were born three children. Of these, Cynthia married Jacob KELLERMAN and died in 1892, and John resides in Marion township.

JOHN McDOWELL, son of Patrick and Susan McDOWELL, was born in Centretown, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1847, received a common school education, and served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which business he followed about fifteen years. He then engaged in farming in Marion township, Butler county, where he has resided since 1874. During this period he was also an oil producer in the Armstrong, Clarion and Bradford oil fields. He married, on September 9, 1873, Lena, a daughter of Ernest SLICKER, of Clarion County, and has five children, viz.: Susan; Henry; Charley; Minnie, and Ernest. Mr. McDOWELL is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, also of the Epworth League. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the school board, and an enterprising and respected citizen of his township.

ROBERT L. BARNES, son of John and Sarah (McCUNE) BARNES, was born in Mercer township, Butler county, November 13, 1845, was reared on the homestead farm, and received a common school education. He lived in Mercer township until 1884, then removed to Allegheny township, and in 1892 located on his present home in Marion township. For twenty years Mr. BARNES has been engaged in the oil industry, as a producer, driller and contractor, first at Pithole, Venango county, then at Petersburg, Clarion county, and Byrom Centre, and is now operating in the Washington township field. During this period he has also been engaged more or less in farming. Mr. BARNES was married May 9, 1867, to Lucy E. McCOY, a daughter of Thomas McCOY, of Pine township, Mercer county, who bore him three children: Thomas E.; Minnie M., and Sarah H. His second marriage occurred January 1, 1879, to Etta RICHMOND, a daughter of Isaac RICHMOND, of Pine township, to whom has been born one son, Charles R. Mr. BARNES is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.

THOMAS JOLLY, SR., came from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, to Venango township, Butler county, in 1796, purchased a tract of land, erected a [p. 1317] log cabin, and brought his family to his new home in the spring of 1797. His purchase was the farm now owned by his grandson, Thomas JOLLY. He cleared a part of this tract, set out an orchard soon after his coming, and resided here until his death, May 25, 1841, aged eighty-five years. He married Betsey MITCHELL, who bore him the following children: David; John; James; Thomas; Jane, who married Patrick LAYTON, and Mrs. Betsey McDOWELL. Mrs. JOLLY died on May 10, 1840, at the age of eighty-six.

CAPT. THOMAS JOLLY, son of Thomas and Betsey JOLLY, was born in Westmoreland county, February 19, 1793, and came with his parents to Butler county in 1797. He was reared upon the homestead farm in Venango township, and resided upon the same until his death, which occurred December 1, 1885, at the ripe age of ninety-three years. Captain JOLLY was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was afterwards a captain of a militia company for twenty-one years. During early manhood he devoted considerable attention to hunting, and he estimated that his father, himself and brothers, killed over 100 bears in the vicinity of his home during pioneer days. He married Rebecca JOLLY, a daughter of Samuel JOLLY, of Venango county, on December 27, 1824. Four children were the fruits of this union, as follows: Samuel; Sarah, who married Samuel McGINNIS; Jane, who married Eli WILLIAMS, and Thomas. Captain JOLLY and wife were members of the Presbyterian church, and throughout his life he was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party.

THOMAS JOLLY, JR., son of Capt. Thomas and Rebecca JOLLY, was born on the JOLLY homestead in Venango township, Butler county, October 30, 1839. His entire life has been spent upon this farm, and he obtained in the common schools a good English education. On October 27, 1859, he married Marilda A. RUSSELL, a daughter of David and Sarah (SEARLES) RUSSELL, of Venango county, to which union have been born seven children, viz.: S. Calvin, who married Mina RUPPERT; Simeon, deceased; D. Theodore; Sarah E.; John E., deceased; Charles O., and Oliver P. Mr. JOLLY and wife are members of the Seceder church, and like his father, he has always been a Democrat. He is one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of the county, a man of broad views and liberal opinions.

JOHN VANDERLIN was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1760, and was a son of Nicholas VANDERLIN, a native of Holland, who served under Washington in the French and Indian War, and was present with General FORBES in 1758, in the second expedition against Fort Duquense, [sic] Washington leading the Virginia forces. John VANDERLIN was a soldier in the Revolution, and was serving under WASHINGTON during the dark days of Valley Forge. He came with his father to what is now Venango township, Butler county, in 1799, where they settled and purchased together 540 acres of land, which he improved into a fine farm, now valuable for its oil production. Here his father died in 1817, at a rige [sic] old age. He was interred upon the old VANDERLIN farm, which is now the property of Robert VANDERLIN. John VANDERLIN married Elizabeth KIMES, in Chester county, and their children are as follows: Stephen; Elizabeth, who married Philip STOOPS; Mary, who married James MORTLAND; Margaret, who married Thomas HUTCHISON; Rebecca, who married William SEATON; Nancy, who became the wife of John McCAUSLIN; Hannah, who married John HUTCHISON; [p. 1318] Harriet, who died unmarried, and one that died in infancy. Mr. VANDERLIN was a Democrat in politics, and was a commissioner of Butler county in 1833. He was noted for his strong determination, courage and wit, and died in 1856, aged ninety-six years.

STEPHEN VANDERLIN, only son of John VANDERLIN, was born in Penn's valley, Centre county, Pennsylvania, in 1796, and came with his parents to Butler county in 1799. Here he grew to manhood in the backwoods, and spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits. He married Eliza, daughter of Robert SEATON, and they were the parents of ten children: John; Robert; James; William, deceased; Samuel; Eli; Joseph C.; Eliza J., wife of James KERR; George S., and Margaret M., wife of William KERR. Politically, Mr. VANDERLIN was a life-long Democrat, a good citizen and an honest man. He died in 1886, in his ninetieth year. His wife died in 1883.

JOHN WILSON was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, a son of William and Jane WILSON, the former a native of Scotland, and his wife of Ireland. They were among the pioneers of Adams county, and lived and died there, being life-long members of Brush Creek Presbyterian church, near Gettysburg. John WILSON was reared to manhood in that county, afterwards located in Washington county, where he married Nancy CONN, and then removed to Venango township, Butler county, where his three eldest children were born. He returned to Washington county, remained there for several years, and in 1818 again settled in Butler county, first in Venango township, and afterwards in Washington township. Later in life he took up his residence in Venango township again, and spent his remaining years in that subdivision. He was the father of nine children, as follows: William; Robert; Margaret, wife of Samuel HILLIARD; Jane, who married Robert COCHRAN; Joseph; Mary, who married Joshua GRIFFIN; Miriam, who married Thomas KELLY; Richard, and John, all of whom are dead but Richard, a resident of Clintonville, Venango county. Mr. WILSON was a member of the Presbyterian church.

JOSEPH WILSON, third son of John and Nancy WILSON, was a native of Washington county, and came with his parents to Butler county in 1818. In 1837 he settled on a farm in Venango township, now occupied by his sons Robert C. and Adam C., the larger portion of which he cleared and improved, residing there until his death. He married Eliza CURRY, a daughter of Adam CURRY, one of the pioneers of Venango township. Of this marriage seven children grew to maturity, as follows: Mary J., who married Robert L. BLACK; Robert C.; Margaret A.; Nancy C., wife of James S. MARTIN; Adam C.; John G., and Eliza C. Though not a member of any church, Mr. WILSON was a liberal supporter of religion. He died in 1868.

ADAM C. WILSON, second son of Joseph and Eliza WILSON, was born on the old homestead in Venango township, Butler county, May 5, 1842. He received a common school education, such as the schools of his period afforded. He was reared a farmer, and has always resided upon a portion of the old homestead. Mr. WILSON was married June 10, 1875, to Sarah, a daughter of Gilbert and Jane (DICKSON) CHRISTY, of Cherry township, and has five children, viz.: Mary; Margaret J.; Gilbert C.; Joseph McN., and Rhoda. Mr. WILSON is a [p. 1319] member of the Associate Presbyterian church; in politics, he is a Democrat, and has held the office of justice of the peace for fourteen years.

ROBERT C. WILSON, eldest son of Joseph and Eliza (CURRY) WILSON, was born in Washington township, Butler county, Pennsylvania, December 26, 1836. He was reared in Venango township, and received a limited education in the common schools. With the exception of two years spent in the mercantile business at Farmington, he has followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns and occupies a part of the CURRY and WILSON farms, on which he has made all the improvements. Mr. WILSON was married December 27, 1860, to Eliza BLAIR, a daughter of William and Eliza (EAKIN) BLAIR, of Venango township, and has a family of seven living children, viz.: Eliza J.; James A.; Elma; Louisa; Miriam; Harry, and Blanche. Mr. WILSON and wife, and their three eldest daughters, are members of the Associate Presbyterian church. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat.

LEWIS CHAMBERS, a native of New Jersey, and a son of Daniel CHAMBERS, a native of Scotland, came to Butler county about 1818, and settled in what is now Venango township, on the farm now occupied by his son James L. He cleared and improved this property, and resided upon it until his death, May 22, 1871. He married Elizabeth HILLIARD, a daughter of Guy HILLIARD, a native of Ireland and one of the pioneers of Venango township. Her mother, Margaret HILLIARD, lived to the remarkable age of 102 years. Seven children were born to Lewis and Elizabeth CHAMBERS, as follows: Lydia, who married William TEBAY; Thomas; Daniel; John; James L.; Margaret, wife of D.C. McCANDLESS, and Elizabeth, wife of David CONN. Mr. CHAMBERS was a member of the Methodist church nearly all his life, and a class leader for many years. In politics, he was a Republican.

JAMES L. CHAMBERS, fourth son of Lewis and Elizabeth CHAMBERS, was born in Venango township, Butler county February 23, 1835, and was reared, upon his present homestead, which has always been his residence. He received a common school education and has devoted his attention to farming. In 1870 he married Caroline MARSHALL, a daughter of Joseph MARSHALL, of Marion township, and has five children, viz.: Mandam McC.; Burgess; Lewis; Mary C., and Anna M. Politically, Mr. CHAMBERS is a Republican, and in religious faith, is a supporter of the Methodist Episcopal church.

SAMUEL FLEMING, a native of Ireland, was among the early settlers of Venango township, Butler county, where he purchased seventy-three acres of land, which he continued to clear and improve as long as he lived. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary LINDSAY, to whom were born several children, only one now living, James, a resident of Missouri. His second wife was Matilda BECKET, a native of Ireland, who bore him four children, viz.: William; Mary J., who married Hosea OLIPHANT; Samuel C., and Thomas J. Mr. FLEMING was a member of the Presbyterian church, was a Republican, in politics, and lived to the ripe age of eighty-six years.

SAMUEL C. FLEMING, son of Samuel and Matilda FLEMING, was born in Venango township, Butler county, November 3, 1860, was reared on the old homestead, and with the exception of three years when engaged in teaming in [p. 1320] the Butler oil field, he has resided upon the same place up to the present. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and is an ardent supporter of the Republican party.

JOHN EAKIN, a native of Derry county, Ireland, born in 1776, was a son of John and Margaret (POSTEN) EAKIN. In 1837 he immigrated to Pennsylvania, and after a voyage of ten weeks and four days in the ship "Harmony," landed with his family at Philadelphia, August 5, of that year. He came westward to Venango county, and settled in Irwin township, where he engaged in teaching school and farming, and resided there until his death. He married in Ireland, Margaret McCLELLAND, a daughter of John McCLELLAND, a dry goods merchant of Londonderry. She bore him a family of five children who grew to maturity, viz.: Elizabeth, who married William BLAIR; John; David; Margaret, who married Robert BOVARD, and Thomas. Mr. EAKIN was a life-long member of the Presbyterian church, and died May 10, 1846, in his seventieth year.

THOMAS EAKIN, youngest son of John and Margaret EAKIN, was born in Donegal county, Ireland, November 10, 1818. He was reared and educated in Derry county, and came to Venango county, Pennsylvania, with his parents in 1837. He lived in Irwin township, Venango county, until 1863, and then removed to Venango township, Butler county, where he has since resided, engaged in farming. Mr. EAKIN was married March 27, 1845, to Eliza, a daughter of Robert and Nancy (EAKIN) BLAIR, of Venango township, and has eight living children, viz.: Nancy J., wife of C.P. REYNOLDS; John McC; Robert S.; Thomas; Lavina, wife of William McMILLAN; Emma, wife of Oliver KOHLMEYER; Mary, and Mina E., wife of Joseph MEALS. Mr. EAKIN is one of the substantial farmers of the township, is a member of the Associate Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.

WILLIAM BLAIR was born in Donegal county, Ireland, October 31, 1810, and was a son of John and Margaret (HAWTHORN) BLAIR. He immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1837, and settled in Venango township, Butler county, on the farm now owned and occupied by his son John. He cleared and improved this property and resided thereon down to his death. He married Elizabeth EAKIN, a daughter of John EAKIN, a native of Ireland, who settled in Irwin township, Venango county. Seven children were the fruits of this union, five of whom grew to maturity, as follows: Margaret E., wife of Robert WILSON; John; Rachel, wife of A.M. REYNOLDS; Rebecca J., wife of Oliver LEWIS, and Louisa, wife of John STALKER. Mr. BLAIR died May 5, 1871. He was a member of the Associate Presbyterian church, and in politics, an ardent Democrat.

JOHN BLAIR, only son of William and Elizabeth BLAIR, was born upon the homestead in Venango township, Butler county, May 29, 1843. He was reared upon his present farm, and, with the exception of three years spent in mercantile business at Farmington, has passed his entire life in agricultural pursuits. He married Nannie, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth WILSON, of Venango township, who has borne him the following children: Gertrude; William; Frank P.; Edward; John M.; Thomas A.; Ralph S.; Mamie; Louisa, and Bertha. Mr. BLAIR is a member of the Associate Presbyterian church, in which he is a ruling [p. 1321] elder. In politics, he is a Democrat, has held various township offices, and is one of the progressive and representative farmers of his township.

LEVI WILLIAMS, a son of Benjamin and Tamar K. (WOOD) WILLIAMS, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 19, 1781, and came to Sandy Creek township, Venango county, with his parents about 1803. His father was a native of Wales, and married Tamar K. WOOD, a native of England. They settled first in Lancaster county, whence they removed to Northumberland county, remaining until 1803, when they removed to Venango county and settled in Sandy Creek township. Benjamin WILLIAMS was a tailor, and followed his trade among the pioneers. He was the father of the following children: John; Jessie; Levi; Sarah, who married William CRAWFORD; Mrs. Polly STOFELT; Benjamin, and Eli. In 1812 Levi removed from Clinton township to the extreme southwest part of Scrubrass township, Venango county. He owned 109 acres of land, which is still in possession of his sons, and in 1836 erected the stone house now occupied by Simeon WILLIAMS. He, too, was a tailor, but devoted his principal attention to farming. With the assistance of his sons he cleared and improved the farm upon which he resided at his death, in April, 1867. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 from Venango county. Mr. WILLIAMS married Polly PHIPPS, a daughter of John PHIPPS, of Scrubgrass township. Their children were as follows: John; Tamar, who married John SCOTT; Benjamin; Levi; Jesse; David; Samuel; Simeon; Eli; Thomas; Catherine, who married Thomas CHRISTY, and Mary A., who married A.J. JACK. Mr. WILLIAMS and wife were pioneer members of Scrubgrass Presbyterian church.

JOHN WILLIAMS, eldest son of Levi and Polly WILLIAMS, was born in Scrubgrass township, Venango county, February 13, 1812, and was reared on the old homestead. In 1844 he settled in Venango township, Butler county, where he cleared and improved the farm upon which he has since resided. On November 2, 1837, he married Mary SCOTT, a daughter of James and Elizabeth SCOTT, of Scrubgrass township. Ten children were born to this union, seven of whom grew to maturity, viz.: Levi J.; J.W. MILTON; Lavina, wife of W.J. EAKIN, Sarah, wife of H.B. STALKER; Samuel C.; Margaret, wife of Austin EAKIN, and Selina, wife of Samuel BEYERS. Mr. WILLIAMS is in his eighty-third year, and still hale and hearty for a man of his advanced age. Politically, he has always been a Democrat.

SAMUEL C. WILLIAMS, son of John and Mary WILLIAMS, was born on the homestead farm in Venango township, Butler county, January 25, 1856, and has resided thereon up to the present. In 1880 he married Sarah MOORE, a daughter of James and Clarinda (HOVIS) MOORE, of Clinton township, Venango county. They are the parents of four surviving children, viz.: Mary C.; Charles F.; James A., and William E. Mr. WILLIAMS is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, he is a Democrat.

JOHN McNAMEE, son of Neal and Bridget (McCULLOUGH) McNAMEE, was born in Derry county, Ireland, in 1792, was reared in his native land, and in 1836 immigrated with his family to the United States, settling the same year in Venango township, Butler county, Pennsylvania. He was employed for ten years in the furnaces of that locality, and then purchased a farm in Venango [p. 1322] township, which is still owned by his heirs. He cleared and improved this property, and died thereon, July 15, 1887, at the age of ninety-five years. His wife died on March 30, 1887, aged eighty-seven years. He married Sarah McNALLY, a daughter of Harry McNALLY, of Ireland, of which union five children grew to maturity, viz.: Bridget; Ellen; Patrick; Francis, and Sarah A. Mr. McNAMEE and wife were members of the Catholic church, in which faith they lived and died.

FRANCIS McNAMEE, son of John and Sarah McNAMEE, was born in Derry county, Ireland, in August, 1833, and came to Butler county with his parents. He was reared in Venango township, and on attaining his majority engaged in lumbering for several years, also as a pilot on the Clarion and Allegheny rivers. In 1862 he located on the farm in Venango township where he now resides, cleared and improved it, and has since been engaged in agriculture. On March 3, 1862, he married Ellen C. REID, a daughter of John and Mary (COAKLEY) REID, of Venango township. They are the parents of eight children, as follows: John L.; William P.; Hugh A.; Mary C., wife of Jacob DOWNEY; Francis H.; James P.; Annie C., and Charles J. Mr. McNAMEE and family are members of the Catholic church. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has held the offices of constable, collector, assessor and school director.

HAMILTON MORROW was born in eastern Pennsylvania, in 1800, a son of Thomas MORROW, and settled in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, about 1820. He was a furnaceman and farmer, and cleared and improved a farm of fifty-three acres in that township, upon which he resided until his death. He married Jane DAVIS, a daughter of Lemuel DAVIS, of this county. She bore him a family of seven sons and seven daughters, whose names are as follows: Nancy, who married Daniel WOLFORD; Margaret, who married Williamson CHRISTY; Washington; Elizabeth, who married George BLAKENEY; Andrew J.; Jonathan; Kate A., who became the wife of Hartley BELL; Prudence, who married Samuel BELL; Mary, who married William McCONNELL; Perry, who died while serving in the Union army during the Rebellion; James; David; Annie, and William. Mr. MORROW was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he supported the Democratic party.

ANDREW J. MORROW, son of Hamilton and Jane MORROW, was born in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, in 1834, and resided there until thirty-five years of age. He then removed to Venango county and engaged in mining, which occupation he still continues, having followed agriculture in connection therewith since 1871. In that year he purchased a farm in Venango township, Butler county, and has since added to his original purchase, until his farm now contains over 200 acres, a good share of which, with the assistance of his sons, he has cleared and improved. In 1858 Mr. MORROW married Mary McFADDEN, a daughter of John and Barbara (HOFFMAN) McFADDEN, of Irwin township, Venango county, and has eight children, viz.: John; Barbara; Jacob; Margery; Michael; Lewis; W. Jackson, and Albert. Mr. MORROW is a Democrat, and has held the offices of supervisor and school director in Venango township.

ANDREW ADDLEMAN, son of John and Sarah (GNOW) ADDLEMAN, was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, in 1800, and was of German extraction. [p. 1323] He came to Venango township, Butler county, in 1843, and settled on the farm at that time owned by Andrew and Thomas SLOAN, now the property of Amos SEATON, where he died in 1871. He married Margaret HENRY, a daughter of Alexander HENRY, of Huntingdon county. She was born in 1808, and died in 1894. The following children were the fruits of this union: Angeline, who married James FEELY; Lucinda, who married Samuel ROSENBERRY; R. Miles; Sarah; James A.; Margaret; John W.; Benjamin P.; Lindley H.; Robert A.; Eliza, and Porter. Mr. ADDLEMAN was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he was a Republican.

REUBEN MILES ADDLEMAN, eldest son of Andrew and Margaret ADDLEMAN, was born in Huntingdon county, May 15, 1832, and came to Venango township, Butler county, with his parents when he was about eleven years old. He received a common school education, and assisted his father in clearing and improving the farm upon which he now resides. In 1860 he married Nancy J. ATWELL, a daughter of James and Martha (BOYLE) ATWELL, of Marion township, and has the following children, viz.: Louisa, wife of Leander LEWIS; Margaret, wife of Frank CALVERT; Olive, wife of William GRAHAM; Addison P.; Andrew; Elmeda; Vera, and Fannie. Mr. ADDLEMAN is a Republican, and has held various offices in Venango township.

JOHN PARKER was one of the pioneer surveyors of Butler county. He was a son of General PARKER, was born in 1776, and came here before his marriage, in 1794, in the employ of a Mr. MOORE, to survey the lands in what is now Parker township, adjacent to Parker City. He was from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and took up 600 acres, a portion of which is now within the limits of the town. He subsequently married, brought out his wife and settled in Parker township, Butler county. John PARKER was one of the early associate judges of the county, a man of wide influence in the community, progressive, public-spirited and energetic, and one of the most useful citizens of his day. In 1815 he surveyed a part of his land into town lots and named the place Lawrenceburg, which is now a portion of Parker City. He married Jane WOODS, on December 7, 1797. She was born near Greensburg, Pennsylvania, in 1774, and became the mother of eight sons and one daughter, as follows: James; John; Juliet, who married John GILCHRIST; William M.; Fullerton W.; Washington; George P.; Thomas, and Wilson. Judge PARKER died in 1842.

GEORGE PARKER, son of John and Jane PARKER, was born in Parker township, Butler county, September 8, 1812. He grew to maturity upon the homestead farm, his education being limited to the advantages afforded by the pioneer schools of his neighborhood. He took an active interest in military matters, and served in one of the militia companies of the county. Mr. PARKER was married July 20, 1843, to Jane POLLOCK, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth POLLOCK, and niece of John POLLOCK, one of the early sheriffs of Butler county. She was born near Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson county, Ohio, May 3, 1818, and is at present residing at Parker City. Her husband died December 10, 1887. For many years he filled the office of trustee in the Presbyterian church of that town, and gave liberally of his means towards religious and charitable purposes. He was a stanch Republican, and quite active in public affairs. Mr. PARKER accumulated through [p. 1324] the passing years a large fortune, by successful oil operations and the development of that industry on the lands which he owned.

ARCHIBALD KELLY, a native of Ireland, was a grandson of James KELLY, who died at the siege of Derry, leaving one son, James. The latter married and reared four sons and one daughter. The sons were: Thomas; Archibald; John, and Samuel. Archibald was reared in his native land, there received a good education, and immigrated to Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 1785, where he taught school for several years. In 1796 he came to Butler county and located a claim in what is now Washington township, erected a cabin thereon, and then went back to Westmoreland county for provisions. Returning to Butler county, he found his claim had been taken possession of during his absence, and he selected another one, this time in Parker township, and then returned to Westmoreland for his wife and family. Some years previously he had married Margaret DUNSETH, who had several children prior to their removal to this county. They made the journey on pack-horses through the trackless forest, being compelled to cut a pathway much of the distance. On arriving at his second cabin in Parker township, he found it occupied by John JAMESON's family, who, after some forcible persuasion, vacated the property to the rightful owner. Mr. KELLY began at once the work of clearing and improving his farm, upon which he and wife resided the remainder of their lives. He was one of the first school teachers in this section of the State, and for many years wrote the deeds and articles of agreement for the early settlers. He was an elder in the United Presbyterian church, and died in April, 1839, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. His wife died some years before. They were the parents of the following children: James; Thomas; Hannah, who married John JAMESON; Martha, who married Thomas MARTIN; John; Sarah, who married Daniel CANNON; David; Esther, who married Hugh FLEMING; Margaret, who became the wife of Edward FLEMING; Betsey, who remained unmarried; William, and Andrew, all of whom are dead.

THOMAS KELLY, son of Archibald and Margaret KELLY, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1789, and was nine years of age when his parents settled in Butler county. He was reared in Parker township, and attended the pioneer subscription school of the neighborhood. When eighteen years old he engaged in the distilling business, followed that vocation for thirty-seven years, and then settled on the homestead in Parker township, where he died on November 1, 1868. Mr. KELLY married Elizabeth DONELLY, and reared a family of seven children, viz.: Archibald, deceased; James; Margaret, deceased; Hannah, widow of John THOMPSON; Matilda, widow of John SCOTT; Jane, wife of Robert STOREY, and Thomas. Mr. KELLY was a member of the United Presbyterian church, and an elder in that organization.

JAMES KELLY was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, January 6, 1815, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (DONELLY) KELLY, and grandson of Archibald KELLY. He obtained a good education, and at the age of twenty-six commenced teaching during the winter season, while in the summer he followed farming. This he continued for eight years, and then purchased a farm in Concord township, upon which he resided until 1879, when he traded it for his present home- [p. 1325] stead in Clay township. Mr. KELLY was married December 28, 1848, to Isabel TURNER, to which union have been born eleven children, as follows: Elizabeth M.; Matilda J.; Miriam C., and Thomas W., all of whom are dead; Hannah V., wife of Harvey CUMBERLAND; Nancy A., deceased; James E., who married Sarah CAROTHERS, and has two children, Clarence and Isabel; Emma F., deceased; Sarah M., wife of Charles MERSHIMER; John H., of Butler, and Charles A., a resident of Chartiers, Pennsylvania. The family are connected with the United Presbyterian church, and in politics, Mr. KELLY is a Republican.

DAVID KELLY, seventh child of Archibald and Margaret KELLY, was born in Parker township, Butler county, March 22, 1800, and grew to maturity upon his father's farm. In 1824 he married Jane TWEEDY, a native of Westmoreland county, born March 30, 1805. For some years they kept a hotel at New Alexander, and at Bairdstown, but removed to Butler county in 1833, and located near Bruin. Here David KELLY died, September 21, 1874, and his wife, April 27, 1877. He was quite a prominent citizen of that township, served seventeen years as a justice of the peace and held a colonel's commission in the militia. David and Jane KELLY were the parents of thirteen children, named as follows: John; Archibald, and William, both deceased; Thomas D.; Elizabeth J., wife of David McKELVEY; David PORTER; Margaret A., deceased wife of James WILSON; Isabella, deceased wife of Abraham DAUBENSPECK; Johanna, deceased wife of Samuel C. TURNER; Evaline, deceased wife of James FLEEGER; Alvina, wife of Andrew BULLMAN; Salina, deceased wife of John SUTTON, and Adelia, deceased wife of Myron BRAWLEY. The parents were members of the United Presbyterian church.

DAVID PORTER KELLY, youngest son of David and Jane KELLY, was born upon the farm where he now resides, in Parker township, March 12, 1836, and was reared and educated in that locality. On September 9, 1869, he married Margaret McGARVEY, to which union two children have been born, viz.: Nancy Jane, deceased, and Salina M., wife of Frank BLACK, of Bruin. Mrs. KELLY died October 17, 1872. He was again married May 6, 1878, to Sarah M. GLENN, a daughter of John and Dorcas (McILVAINE) GLENN, born in Clay township, Butler county. She was educated at the Sunbury Academy and for many years was a teacher in the public schools. Four children have been born to this union, viz.: Lucy Hays, deceased; Bessie Woods; Ethel Gray, and Bertha Earnestine. Mr. KELLY and wife are members of the United Presbyterian church, at Fairview, in which he fills the office of elder. In politics, he is a Prohibitionist, and has held various township offices.

THOMAS W. KELLY, son of James and Rachel KELLY, was born in Parker township, Butler county, September 17, 1833, and was reared upon the homestead farm. In 1852 he married Rosanna FORQUER, a daughter of John FORQUER, of Washington township, to which union were born twelve children, viz.: Washington J.; Florence A., who married R.L. GIBSON; Margaret E., who married Samuel CLARK; Sarah L., who married F.F. HOWE; Elmer E.; Nancy J., deceased; Maud B.; Lewis M.; Minnie; Thomas L., deceased, and two that died in infancy. Mrs. KELLY died on August 23, 1894. Mr. KELLY is a member [p. 1326] of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, a Republican. He resides upon the old homestead in Parker township.

CAPT. ROBERT STOREY, one of the pioneers of Parker township, Butler county, was a native of Ireland, born December 25, 1776. He first settled in Westmoreland county, whence he came to Butler county in 1796, and located on a 400-acre tract of land in Parker township. He built his cabin in the midst of the primitive forest, and through the passing years cleared and improved his farm, and resided thereon until his death, July 5, 1850. He married Jane MOORE, a daughter of William MOORE, an early settler of Oakland township. She died in 1833. Their children were as follows: Elizabeth, who married William ADAMS; Alexander; Jane; Ann, who married Eli CAMPBELL; William; Eleanor; Mary D.; Robert, and John. Mr. STOREY was a captain in the War of 1812, serving in a company from this county. He was one of the early members of Bear Creek Presbyterian church, and was widely known and highly respected in the community.

WILLIAM STOREY, son of Robert and Jane (MOORE) STOREY, was born in Parker township, Butler county, February 11, 1820. He spent his boyhood days with his parents, residing with them until his twenty-fifth year, then located on a tract of land in the same township, which he began clearing and improving. He continued to follow agricultural pursuits until August, 1863, when he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and subsequently served in the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth regiment. He participated in the battles of Hatcher's Run, the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Mine Run, etc. At the battle of the Wilderness he received a scalp wound which laid him up in the hospital. He is now disabled from the hardships endured in the service of his country, and draws a pension. After the war Mr. STOREY returned to his home, and has since resided near the village of Martinsburg, where he owns 110 acres of land upon which there are valuable coal deposits. Though formerly a Republican, he is now a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the G.A.R., also of Bruin Presbyterian church.

CYRUS CAMPBELL, a leading farmer of Parker township, was born upon his present homestead, May 18, 1826. His father, Joseph CAMPBELL, was of Scotch descent, and came to Butler county at an early day. He married Mary STOREY, a daughter of William STOREY, and to them were born nine children, as follows: William; John; Alexander; Joseph; James; Andrew; Thomas; Mary A., who married Joseph HENLIN, and Cyrus. The father died in Parker township, January 13, 1875, in his eighty-eighth year, his wife having preceded him to the grave, September 22, 1869, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. Cyrus remained with his parents until their decease, looking after the farm during the latter years of their lives. He now owns 106 acres of the original homestead, upon which he resides. To this he has added 112 acres adjoining, and has made many improvements thereon, his residence being one of the finest in the township. He has been very successful in business and possesses considerable interests in the oil industry. In politics, he is a Republican. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, at Fairview, in which he has served as trustee.

[p. 1327]
JOHN ALLEN, SR., a soldier of the Revolution, was born and reared in eastern Pennsylvania, and came to what is now Parker township, Butler county, about 1796. He subsequently removed to Allegheny township, and settled on a tract of 100 acres. He resided upon this farm until an advanced age, and died at the home of his son William. He was twice married. By his first marriage he was the father of six children. His second wife was Martha VAN DYKE, to which union were born the following children: John; Richard; Robert; Washington; William, and Martha, who married William DAVIDSON.

JOHN ALLEN, eldest child of John and Martha ALLEN, was born in what is now Parker township, Butler county, December 20, 1799, and was reared upon his father's settlement in that township. He afterwards settled upon the farm where his son John R. now resides, in Allegheny township, and died July 4, 1865. Mr. ALLEN married Elizabeth REDIC, a daughter of John REDIC, who died February 22, 1864. Their children were named as follows: Eliza, deceased: Martha, deceased wife of W.T. CRAWFORD; Jane, and Mary A., both deceased; John R., who resides on the homestead, and Richard H. deceased. Politically, Mr. ALLEN was an ardent Whig, and afterwards a Republican, and served in the office of justice of the peace for thirty-five years. He was one of the pioneer members of Parker Presbyterian church, and filled various offices in that society, being elder for many years.

JOHN R. ALLEN, the only living child of John and Elizabeth (REDIC) ALLEN, was born April 4, 1827, upon the farm where he now resides, and received a common school education. He has been a life-long Republican, and has been connected with the Allegheny Presbyterian church since its organization. He was married December 7, 1854, to Mary J. CAMPBELL, a daughter of William CAMPBELL, of Rockland township, Venango county. Their children are as follows: Margaret, deceased wife of James PEARCE; Elizabeth L., wife of John WARNER; Orrill Emma, wife of Josiah PEARCE, and Harvey C., who married Ida J. SHIMMEL. Mr. ALLEN is a progressive farmer, and one of the enterprising citizens of his township.

GEORGE DAUBENSPECK was born in Parker township, Butler county, November 30, 1799, eldest son of Philip and Mary DAUBENSPECK, and grandson of Jacob DAUBENSPECK, who came from Luzerne county with his wife and family in 1796 and settled in Parker township. Here Jacob's wife died, and he removed to Clarion county. His original settlement came into the possession of his sons, George and Philip, both of whom spent their lives in this township. George DAUBENSPECK, Sr., married Ann Margaret MEALS, and reared ten children. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and died in 1858, in his eighty-second year. Philip married Mary FREIZE, and reared seven children, as follows: Mrs. Catherine WARNER; George; John; Mrs. Mary BARNHART; Mrs. Anna H. KAMERER; Mrs. Barbara SHAKELEY, and Lewis. The subject of this sketch attended a subscription school in boyhood, and followed the occupation of a farmer throughout his life. On December 27, 1825, he married Elizabeth BARNHART, a daughter of Daniel BARNHART of Millerstown, and settled in Parker township. Ten children were the fruits of this marriage, viz.: Daniel, who was killed in the late war; Philip; David; Abraham; Lavina, deceased wife of Christopher DAUBENSPECK; [p. 1328] William B., who was killed at Fredericksburg; Susanna, who was twice married, first to James HUTCHISON, and second to Shryock HARPER, who died recently at North Washington; George F.; Mary J., wife of James Gibson, and Jacob D. Mr. DAUBENSPECK and wife were members of the Reformed church, in which he filled the office of elder for many years. Politically, he was a Democrat, and served as supervisor, collector, and school director in Parker township. He died on October 7, 1881, and his wife, October 12, 1892.

CHARLES McCAFFERTY was a native of Donegal county, Ireland, where he was born about 1754. He came to this country at an early date, and settled in the vicinity of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, where he married a Miss WILLIAMS. Towards the close of the Eighteenth century, he removed to Butler county and purchased a tract of 110 acres in what is now Parker township. Here he cleared and improved a farm, and resided thereon until his death, in 1848, at the age of ninety-four years. His wife died some years before. The farm upon which he settled is now the property of his grandson, William J. McCAFFERTY, of Butler. In religious belief, he was a Catholic, and in politics, a stanch adherent of the Democratic party. His children were as follows: Mary; Mrs. Jane KELLY; Nellie; William, who located at Fairview and afterwards near Greenville, Pennsylvania, and there died; John, who died in Butler, and Charles, who lived and died in Clarion county.

JOHN McCAFFERTY, second son of Charles McCAFFERTY, was born on the homestead in Parker township, Butler county, May 31, 1813, and grew to manhood in his native township. He received such an education as the pioneer subscription schools afforded, and all of his life was spent upon the old homestead up to 1890, when he removed to Butler, where he died, November 2, 1892. Mr. McCAFFERTY was quite an active man in his locality, and took a deep interest in the growth and progress of the community. He was one of the leading Democrats of Parker township, and filled the offices of collector and assessor many years, and at his death he was one of the jury commissioners of Butler county. He married Mary A., daughter of Joseph MURRIN, of Murrinsville, Butler county; she died October 16, 1891. Their children were as follows: Austin J., a deceased attorney of Butler; Louisa, wife of Daniel WASSON; Lena, and Lizzie, both of whom died in infancy; Charles A., of Washington county; Mollie M., wife of John BARBARY, of Glade Run; Joseph A., of Glade Run; Matilda, wife of E.D. McKELVY, and William J., of Butler.

JOHN SAY, one of the oldest living citizens of Parker township, was born in this township, January 26, 1811. His father, John SAY, emigrated from Huntingdon county at an early day, and settled on a tract of land in what is now Parker township, Butler county. He married Sarah MARTIN, who bore him a family of four children, viz.: John; James, deceased; Fannie, wife of Samuel JACK; and William. The parents spent the remainder of their lives in this county. John was reared amidst the scenes and incidents of pioneer days. In 1836 he married Sarah FLETCHER, and to this union were born five children, viz.: Hamilton; Eliza Ann, deceased wife of John CANNON; Sallie J., and Ann Eliza, both deceased, and Perry. Mrs. SAY died, and he married for his second wife Hannah FLEMING. To this union were born the following children: Edgar F.; [p. 1329] George M.; Matilda, wife of William BUTLER, and Isabella, wife of John HECKMAN. Mrs. SAY died November 12, 1884. Though well advanced in years Mr. SAY is still strong and active. His memory is clear and he vividly remembers many of the incidents connected with the early history of Parker township. He has been a life-long member of the Presbyterian church, and has filled the office of elder in that society.

GEORGE M. SAY, son of John and Hannah SAY, was born August 24, 1863, upon the homestead farm in Parker township, and received a common school education. He was reared a farmer and has always followed that vocation. In 1883 he married Lena M., a daughter of George and Jane KNOX, of Parker township. They have two children: George K., and Jennie. Mr. SAY owns 115 acres of the original homestead, is one of the leading farmers of the township, and takes an active interest in modern agricultural methods, his farm being a model one. Politically, he is a Republican, and a man of enterprise and public spirit.

OWEN THOMAS was a native of Virginia, born June 26, 1795, and spent his boyhood days in Ohio, whither he had gone with his parents during the pioneer history of that State. He married Martha JOHNSTON, of Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and was employed at Mt. Etna furnace, in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, for several years. He was a moulder and collier, and followed these occupations the greater part of his life. About 1830 he settled on a farm in Parker township, and died on July 18, 1868; his widow survived until July 21, 1870. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are living. Mr. THOMAS was a plain, industrious, honest man, and was highly respected by the community in which so many years of his life were passed.

WILLIAM FINLEY THOMAS was born in Slippery Rock township, Butler county, in 1825, son of Owen and Martha THOMAS. He came with his parents to this township when five years old, and spent his boyhood days upon the farm, his education being obtained in the subscription schools. In 1852 he joined a party of prospectors and went to California, traveling overland on the government trail, via Fort Laramie and Salt Lake City. He remained in California eleven years, and in Idaho two years, prospecting with varying success and enduring the privations of the early gold hunter's life. In 1865 he returned to Pennsylvania and engaged in boating oil on the creek at Oil City. In 1867 he went to Missouri, where for a time he followed agricultural pursuits, and still owns a farm in that State. Returning to Butler county in the spring of 1870, he embarked in the oil industry, which business he has since followed, and is a stockholder in the Producers Oil Company, Limited. Mr. THOMAS is connected with the I.O.O.F., the A.O.U.W., and the E.A.U.; he is a member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics, is a stanch Republican.

OWEN J. THOMAS, producer and farmer, was born where he now resides, in Parker township, July 21, 1839. He is a son of Owen and Martha (JOHNSTON) THOMAS, and spent his boyhood days beneath the parental roof. In 1861 he went to Oil City and engaged in boating oil on the creek, also in hauling oil in wagons prior to the introduction of pipe lines. In 1869 he returned to Parker township, where he has since resided. Mr. THOMAS was married Decem- [p. 1330] ber 16, 1885, to Ida E., a daughter of I.S. and Florence GIBSON, of Oil City, and has two children: Owen GIBSON, and Robert BRYAN. He resides upon a farm of 110 acres of well improved land, containing a splendid production, and devotes his principal attention to the oil industry. Politically, he is a Democrat, and in religious faith, a member of the Presbyterian church. He is connected with the K. of H., the A.O.U.W., and the Royal Arcanum.

HARRY M. CALDWELL, general merchant, is a native of Ireland, born in Ballymonney, Antrim county, March 28, 1842, son of Henry and Margaret (McKAY) CALDWELL. He was educated in the schools of his native land, and learned the linen-maker's trade with his father, who was a manufacturer of linen. When seventeen years of age he decided to come to the New World, and embarked in a sailing vessel at Liverpool. After a voyage of six weeks he landed at Philadelphia, where he found employment in a harness-maker's shop, but afterwards learned the moulder's trade. In 1870 he came to Pittsburg and accepted a position as traveling salesman, later becoming a member of the firm of MORRISON & CALDWELL. In 1878 he located in the village of Bruin, Butler county, and established his present general mercantile business, which under his careful management has proven successful. Mr. CALDWELL has been closely identified with the progress of the village since his coming, and has taken an active interest in public affairs. He is a stanch Republican, and was appointed postmaster of Bruin in 1888; he has filled various other official positions and has served as a delegate to both state and county conventions. In connection with his varied business interests, he also fills the position of station and express agent at that point. In January, 1876, Mr. CALDWELL was married to Mary H. McKALLIP, to whom has been born one son, Henry K. McK. The family are connected with Bruin Presbyterian church, and Mr. CALDWELL is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order.

DANIEL WALKER was born in Tyrone county, Ireland, November 19, 1832, son of Robert and Margaret WALKER, both of whom died in their native land. In 1849 Mr. WALKER came to the United States, and from New York proceeded by canal and wagon to Pittsburg, and finally to Clarion county, where he engaged as a laborer at twelve dollars per month. In 1850 he removed to Parker township, Butler county, where he worked as a farm laborer with one man for six years, receiving as a part payment for his labor eighty acres of land. In March, 1860, he married Ann Eliza GUTHRIE, and settled upon his eighty acres in a little log cabin. His was prosperous from the start, and is to-day the owner of more than 500 acres of land in Butler and Mercer counties. Ten children were born of his marriage to Miss GUTHRIE, whose names are as follows: William G.; George; Samuel; Margaret J.; Lallah; Annie; John; James; Lulie, and Lillie. The family are connected with the United Presbyterian church, at Fairview, in which society Mr. WALKER fills the office of trustee. He is a stanch Republican, and has served on the school board for ten years.

WILLIAM G. WALKER, eldest child of Daniel and Ann Eliza WALKER, was born in Parker township, May 6, 1861, and was educated in the public schools and at Grove City College. On March 15, 1886, he married Lizzie J., a daughter of William and Nancy J. KELLY, of Parker township, and has three children, [p. 1331] viz.: Lillie May; Lena BELL, and Charles ROLAND. In 1891 he located upon his present farm, containing 100 acres, and is one of the progressive young farmers of the community. He is an ardent Republican, is quite active in politics, and has served as inspector of elections.

JAMES GIBSON was born in Parker township, Butler county, on the old GIBSON homestead, June 4, 1813, son of James GIBSON, who settled in that township in 1797. He was reared amidst the scenes of pioneer days, was a farmer and riverman, and had the contract for shipping the Brady's Bend iron to the different river ports along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In 1839 he married Jane, a daughter of Walter SLOAN, of Pine township, Armstrong county, who bore him a family of seven children, viz.: Miles M.; Harvey S.; Rebecca, who married William GIBSON; Eliza J., who married William WILSON; James D., and two that died in infancy. Mr. GIBSON was a member of the Presbyterian church, and always took a very active interest in educational matters. He died in 1856. His widow is living with her son, Miles M., at North Clarendon, Warren county.

ELI L. GIBSON was born upon his present farm in Parker township, Butler county, April 20, 1830. His parents, George and Elizabeth (LeVERE) GIBSON were natives of Butler and Armstrong counties, respectively. George GIBSON, died at his home in Parker township, December 18, 1877, and his wife, September 27, 1886. They were the parents of seven children, as follows: Eli L.; Sarah J., wife of A.L. TURNER; Sidney M., wife of Aaron GRAHAM; Elizabeth; Nancy; Matilda, and Montgomery K. The subject of this sketch was reared upon the homestead farm, and on reaching his majority took charge of the same, remaining with his parents until their death. He received a good education, and for many years was a teacher in the public schools. He is a stanch Republican, and has served two terms as township auditor, one as collector, and was for one term a member of the school board. He is a member of Bruin Presbyterian church, and is recognized as a public-spirited and progressive citizen.

[End of Chapter 75-2 (pgs.1304-1331) - Cherry, Washington, Marion, Venango, Parker and Allegheny Townships
History of Butler County Pennsylvania, R. C. Brown Co., Publishers, 1895]

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